Colin Firth - PART II

Since everyone said Topic 59 was taking too long to load, I've frozen that topic and we will continue the conversation here. I'm posting the juicy Valmont conversation below (don't wanna skip a beat, ya know ;-p)... ****************** Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 920 of 935: Cheryl Eliot (CherylQE) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (04:29) * 12 lines Hello to all! I�m glad (in a way) to see it really was Spring acting up and not me. I am new to this sort of board XX so please forgive and correct any lapses of netiquette. Also, I lost one post already, lengthy, so I will proceed with caution (so much writing lost!! Arrrrgh!) All this is my opinion, of course, but it IS based on knowledge of the primary parties, not gossip. *****In 1988, ..."It felt a bit like walking into a room and telling a joke which everyone had just stopped laughing at," remembers Firth. "Whether you tell it better or not, it's not going to work."* **** "Because my Valmont was not making boo-hiss faces, a lot of people didn't seem to think he was even a bad bloke," he continues. "But Forman didn't want any hint of malevolence. It was a nightmare: 15 tales because he still thought that I was saying the line as if I had some evil plan..."* Well, he�s just told you everything you need to know about the Big Bust. But since I�m talking to the Converted, who might not know how much a director can have to do with a movie or a performance, I�ll expand a little. But not now. I'm having trouble posting, so I'll do it in bits and see if that helps. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 921 of 935: Cheryl Eliot (CherylQE) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (04:31) * 7 lines It�s a tremendous thing to be cast in a Forman film, since he�s very much an actor�s director, having wanted to be an actor himself as teen. But he couldn�t get into the Prague acting/theater school. He did get into the film school by lying. It was such a stupendous lie, tricking his way into the interview committee room, that the head of the Prague school just had to have him. (This guy is also in the States and was one of my teachers and drinks quite a bit, which is where I heard the story.) Althou h there are things about Milos that I do not like (and I did in fact behave more obnoxiously on the set than I wish I had, which didn�t help much), on balance I admire his work more than anybody else�s, and it�s just for this thing Colin is talking about. Milos is beyond first grade in acting. Lesson 1: don�t do the obvious. If you had to have a guideline, the best one in directing is to have your actor play the opposite of what's written, what you'd expect. Deliver a threat in a whisper. Be deadly erious as you do something stupendously ridiculous. Keep your sex appeal under wraps (well, so Milos hasn't mastered that one.) The director has to know this, because if only the actor knows it, most directors will bludgeon them into going for a cartoonish effect , since directors are dolts. Unless you're Gene Hackman or something, you will never win that battle with a director, not matter how young or stupid the director is. I�ve never liked Malkovich, so I was prejudiced from the start, and I think he�s hideous looking on top of being a terrible actor. (No, Cheryl, tell us what you really think!) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 922 of 935: Cheryl E (CherylQE) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (04:35) * 10 lines The Frears film was just thrown together, partly to beat Milos out of the starting gate for various reasons (not relevant here). Since Frears had so much experience in television (British), he was accustomed to doing several setups a day and moving the pace right along. Movies work more slowly, especially for someone at Milos' level. _Quickly_ was the only way it made sense to do the Frears film, either financially or creatively. Malkovich and Close cleared their schedules (I also dislike Close, BTW). There had been publicity a film based on _Dangerous Liaisons_ the book, so when the Frears film rolled into preproduction people got the two glommed together in their heads. Of course industry people knew the difference, but it became like a tandem bicycle�you never notice who�s in the second seat. So the entertainment press covered it that way. Not a line about one without discussing the other. Bad, bad thing. Bad for the film, bad especially for Colin. Colin had signed up for a film with a double Oscar-winning director whose actors generally also got Oscars. Of course, some of them never did as well again, because he casts so well and works with them so well (Tom Hulce, and what�s that guy who played Salieri? I can�t believe I forgot it; I once wrote his phone number in ink on my palm since there wasn't any paper.) And they get noticed (_One Flew Over the Cuckoo�s Nest_ was to me the best performance Nicholson has turned in, maybe tied with _The Shi ing_, and Brad Dourif who played the mama�s boy who killed himself was one of many supporting actors who got nominations when working with Milos. So Colin was going to be showcased. But from out of nowhere came this other production, and he began getting compared to Malkovich, which he was in no shape to do. He didn�t have the US presence or body of work to even begin to make such a comparison, but of course the press has to keep itself in a job. So as a person and as an actor he�s taking hits WHILE HE�S PREPARING HIS ROLE. I can�t imagine anything worse. Feature films are like little start-up companies, little families that get born and are s eaty, bloody, and intense (if they work) for a few months. To be pulled out of that hothouse environment as you�re creating and developing your role and your relationships by reporters and industry people taking aim at your backside, well, few things could be so unnerving to a sensitive person. I�ve directed some people who have had leads in features, who dropped back down to do my shorts, and it takes a few features and a thick shell of cronies to protect yourself from the BB guns as well as the Ouzis. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 923 of 935: Cheryl E (CherylQE) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (04:46) * 11 lines "15 takes" to get any malevolence out of the performance, yeah, that sounds about right. This addresses some of your questions about collaboration. Milos is extraordinarily collaborative, and he has created a crew around him that creates a shell and gives him more elbow-room to work with his actors than anyone else I ever heard or (any big commercial director). I shouldn't say I of all people know what Milos will or won't do. Plus in the heat of the moment, with so many films, he's quite capable of ha ing done anything, but in general he picks people in the first place who he's sympatico with, who approach texts in much the same way he does, etc. He had/has trouble with stars, which is one reason he doesn't work with them very often, since they think they know everything (and he thinks he knows everything). Case in point--Nicholson in Cuckoo's Nest. But that's another story. What this means to me, what Colin�s said and what I definitely saw and felt, was that his core was eroding from the very beginning (forgive me Colin if you read this�who cares about a silly strangers� opinion anyway). Before he even set foot on set, as it were. And the production was difficult (all of them are, but one of my friends who was a PA and translator for this one had a nervous breakdown halfway through). And the Frears film was being edited while the Forman film is still working and its' clou hung over the land. For example, I sat down in a bistro near the set in Bordeaux and managed to order dinner without getting snail brains or some other horrible linguistic mistake. There was a guy at a table near me listening, and he asked if I was American (as he was), and it turned out he had been a location scout on the Frears film and was now scouting locations for a commercial. We talked about how the two films were progressing. The only thing the Frears people were wondering was how Milos had e ded his film, how he "did" it. I didn�t say much, because I didn�t think much of how it was written, I didn�t think it would get deep enough. But we have our loyalties. Back to what Colin�s said. Have you ever been in the middle of a project that cannot stop and you are running it or responsible for it or must perform in it, and you would give anything in the world to make it go away? Friends tell me labor is like that. For me it�s mostly been directing�some mornings I�m the first one up and on the set and I offer God anything, anything, to send a nuclear bomb so I don�t have to direct that day. Martial arts competitions. I hate performing, I�m much better behind the scenes, but I forced myself to compete in aikido and jujitsu tournaments, and to act, because I think it's important. I was in agony before and during�you�d think I was in psychic surgery for all those weeks, without anesthesia. It�s the worst thing in the world, performing if you don't like it. And a film isn�t like the theater�over in two hours, another try tomorrow. It drags on and on and on and on and on and... and then there are post production duties and promotion duties...If you�re not in the m od for that sort of thing, you�d rather be dead. I, for one, take to my sofa and decline to speak or move. Others, I suppose, head for the hills. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 924 of 935: Cheryl E (CherylQE) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (04:50) * 9 lines *****When filming on Valmont was over, Firth disappeared with his co-star Meg Tilly...."I just thought, I'll see what happens when the film comes out," he explains. "And, of course, f*ck all happened. In Hollywood you don't wait to see if it's a flop. I dunno whether I was afraid of the place or was too pompous to go and grovel to them. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I think I was probably a bit self-protective, a bit frightened of the magnitude of the whole thing." * ******The refusal to work the system left Firth back where he'd begun, turning in letter-perfect performances in small British movies..... * Again, plain as day. I would do the same thing. I DO do the same thing, in my own circumstances. Hasn't served me or my career well, but we are who we are. I'm changing a little, but we aren't discussing me. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 925 of 935: Cheryl Eliot (CherylQE) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (05:34) * 18 lines Moon Beams: **I would like to know if Colin had any input on how he should play Valmont or did Milos have such set ideas that there was no room for input? As I said above, I wasn't holding a candle, but Milos is phenomenally collaborative. However, I do know he took this character quite personally, so I imagine that got mixed up in it. Meaning, IMHO, I don't think his vision was quite as clear with Colin's performances as it usually is, because he was matching Colin's look and sound to feelings Milos was less fami iar with than most. **How did CF handle criticism on the set? It was very tough. Professional and warm, of course, but it was a bitch of a time. Really he only got _direction_, and that was from Milos, because usually Milos doesn't let other people talk to the actors very much. Anything could have happened, but that what I saw. **Was he always very prepared and on time? As far as I know. I never heard anything to the contrary, and would be very surprised if he fell short. **Was he very close to Meg from the start or did they fall in love during the filming? No clue. Meg had been cast in Amadeus and had broken her ankle just before shooting began, so the second-runner-up got the part. So Milos trotted her out (I guess he is/was enchanted). I wasn't interested in her, and I felt so much for Colin I stayed the hell away. **Was CF friendly with the crew or did he keep to himself? My guess would be both, since he can be very warm. But he had the job of Atlas, so from what I saw he would have been mostly focused. The time I saw was not carefree. I'm telling you, gals, carrying a movie is an unbelieveable job. Nan: **Obviously, we are most interested in hearing about your impressions of Colin. For how much of the filming were you present? Many of my impressions are above, but I take this as a general guideline and just blab whatever comes into my head. I was in Bordeaux for 10 days, and in Paris for 3. I actually have access to a scanner at work, so when I can I'll fish out some photos and see what might be of interest. Mostly I'm afraid they'll be of extras and sets and Milos and cute French guys. Bethan **I thought ...re-viewing...swept aside by the critics.---Well, I can't think of any parallel situation in the entire universe. There's just no way to duplicate the impact of the first film on the sensibilities of people, and then to have to "speak" into that(tainted)sensibility. It's sort of an overstatement, but it's like the impression your father has on you coloring your impression of another man (if you only knew two men in your whole life). **To the best...although hopefully both have recovered! Milos got stung lately, but Colin could always dominate. The question is, does he want to. And I doubt he answer is yes, but ya'll know more than me on that topic. **Why did your "heart truly bleed for him"? Were the working conditions, atmosphere so difficult? I'd be interested to hear your general impressions of CF and the way he works. ...in Valmont? A lot of these are touched upon above, but when I find out if I've made sense and what you'd like to hear more about I can go further. I just didn't want to run on TOOOOOO much. How Colin works I can't say because I don't know him, and you have to know somebody or have worked with them really to know how they work I know what it looks like, and I can guesses. He was SO capable, SO captivating, SO enigmatic, SO memorable--as much as Milos' other leads have been in their roles (Nicholson in Cuckoo's Nest, Hulce as Mozart). But he really had the shit kicked out of him by the sitation. I don't know that he got the chance to make the role his own (well, that's a stupid thing to say. That's ALL I've said, in different ways. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 926 of 935: Cheryl E (CherylQE) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (06:01) * 29 lines Renate: **How was your first day on the set? Quite exciting. One of the high points of my little life. See, I had seen _Amadeus_ when it opened in France on my honeymoon, in Bordeaux, as it happened. So here I am, years later, having actually studied with Milos and being a certified visitor on his next movie, which happens to be not only in France but these scenes were in Bordeaux. If you put it in a book... **Did the "keep out of way" policy exclude any kind of personal contact to the actors, or did you have the opportunity to speak to some, in particular to you know whom? I talked to everyone, and I was considered a very privileged person, since it was known that I was a studen of Milos and Milos' teacher, AND nobody was allowed on the set. Jefferey Jones (the King in _Amadeus_), other character actors Milos uses in every film, etc. But the big question--no. I stayed out of his way, even more than Annette Bening's. His was the burden, and Oh I felt his pain. **How did you meet him first? The producer, whom I knew and OKed my presence, introduced us briefly. **Have you been officially introduced, or was it more informally? Above. To him I'm sure I was just some girl, although it was unusual to have a visitor on the set, especially one connected to Milos and the producer, etc. It just wasn't done. **Did you shake hands? Yes. **What did he say? Good afternoon (or something to that effect) **What was your communication with the actors in general, and with CF in particular? Above. How long have you been there on the set? Above. Have you known CF's films before that? No. Been a fan of him before Valmont? No. Poor ....Spanish Inquisition look pale. There is NOTHING that is *not* interesting for us. Hope your memory is good enough! I'm taking you at your word, and since it was such a big experience for me I'm thrilled to talk to someone(s) who actually CARE, even at this late date. Karen: *...if Colin is shown in the "American Masters" program on Milos Forman? Yes, most definitely, since it was more or less about Valmont. There's also tons of tape, since it was originally a much longer piece. (Had Valmont been a hit, a longer documentary would have been in order.)(There would have been the demand.) Heide: **...no question is too trivial for our inquiring minds.--Thank you for indulging me! **My heart truly bled for him--my strong point is working with actors. I was there for a couple of weeks, in Paris and in Bordeaux. The scene that in my opinion was the most difficult was when he was in this terrrrribly realistic tavern, drunk, getting ready for his duel. This paragraph intrigues me. Tell us why this and other scenes were so difficult. Considering that Colin could still be considered a novice in feature film making, how did he take direction from Forman? Was he the diligent student? Did he contribute? A lot of this is discussed above. Most of Milos' actors are new to film (I can elaborate or enumerate if you wish), so he really knows how to work with them and make them feel comfortable, and like they are contributing. I don't know how much he picked up. I mean of course he learned tons, we all learn tons from things, but there was so much going on I expect it was hard to do anything ut just keep moving, and as we know it was painful to reflect. Perhaps I'm projecting here, but I expect a lot of the experience "unpacked" itself in his future projects, and made itself useful, assimilatable (I love to make up words.) Now for the sentence that will get me cyberstoned: I have yet to see P&P2. (I'm bruised already, pelted from every side!!! Enough!!! Let the defense speak!) I'm only recently an Austen fan and sort of scholar, which led to the Austen list, which led to RoP, which led ere. And to tell you the truth I didn't know such things existed. Women who perceive men as sexual objects??? Men I know (sort of)??? I haven't been this gleeful since David Cassidy and Bobby Sherman (now I've dated myself). And I have you all to thank. **I hope you will indulge us.... But I'm salivating here.---Anything I can do, really. I'm just sorry I wasn't clairvoyant enough to know that years later I'd wish I'd used the long lens on Colin. I would never have thunk. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 927 of 935: Cheryl E (CherylQE) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (06:16) * 14 lines Megan: ... a scene in Valmont too. Maybe Cheryl can help solve that dispute (I don't remember what it was exactly but...)---Something about knees? I felt/though Bening was too distant, too plastic to pay much attention, which is what I think Milos' point was. Was it the scene where she tells Valmont he can collect his bet? That's a knee scene, the only one I remember off the top of my head. But I haven't seen it in years. Now I have to buy it. Renate: I don't even have ...wet shirt that covers/uncovers her left/right knees from shot to shot. Bad continuity. Irritated me a lot. Cheryl, any comment? Is it the collection scene? In closing, I would like to say that I thank you all very much for inviting me to your party. See, these are things I am passionate about--film, etc.--and I never really thought about Colin outside of that context. And I had an very bad time soon after (sort of similar, being set up for failure by circumstances beyond control) and it's taken me a long time to get over it. Now I'm moving one, and this board and your questions remind me of what I've been really, well, passionate about. (In addition to se .) (Can we say that word here?) Anyway, enough heaviness. Bless you Nan for your invite, and for your funny picture above, and to all of you for your pictures and your joie d' vivre. I'll go about my day with a spring in my step and also happy I finally got to send a first tiday wave of answers back to my new sorority sister:-) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 928 of 935: Renate (Renata) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (12:26) * 9 lines Cheryl, I'm speechless. Well, almost. That was sooooo wonderful, such a heap of juicy information! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will give you some hours to rest (what a lot of work that must have been to type!!!), and then we can go on to the next set of questions :-)). BTW, as to your text getting lost, I suggest to write long texts in an other program, f.e. the editor, where you can save it, and then copy and paste it into Spring. It's much safer and less frustrating. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 929 of 935: Gi (patas) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (13:52) * 6 lines After reading Cheryl on Valmont, I don't know whether to cry or scream in anger and frustration that it is not on tv this week despite what the paper said. They will apparently give CoF on the 21st, but that one I've already seen. Oh well, I guess I'll tape it anyway, any Colin movie is welcome. (cheryl)what�s that guy who played Salieri? I can�t believe I forgot it; I once wrote his phone number in ink on my palm since there wasn't any paper. Salieri, Ghandi and the nazi in that other fim with Sigourney Weaver... Ben Kingston, or something similar :-)isn't it? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 930 of 935: Gi (patas) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (14:00) * 3 lines Actually, no: Ben Kinsley didn't play Salieri, it was Murray Abraham. And the Sigourney film was "Death and the Maiden". My chips are all mixed up, is it Summer, Alzheimer's or the Ghost? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 931 of 935: bethan (lizbeth54) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (14:06) * 15 lines Wow! Terrific stuff, Cheryl! Many thanks for putting in so much time and effort. There's so much I'd like to comment on that I don't know where to start. I'll just pick out three of your comments that interested me....(there are many more than three, I hasten to add!). Was CF friendly with the crew or did he keep to himself? My guess would be both, since he can be very warm. But he had the job of Atlas, so from what I saw he would have been mostly focused. The time I saw was not carefree. I'm telling you, gals,carrying a movie is an unbelieveable job. Perhaps the failure of Valmont explains his reluctance to take on the leading role of Darcy. He talked about being afraid of "letting everyone down" if he accepted Darcy, as he didn't think he was capable of it. He also commented that he was ready to run if P&P was a flop. I think the experience of Valmont must have marked him. He was SO capable, SO captivating, SO enigmatic, SO memorable--as much as Milos' other leads have been in their roles (Nicholson in Cuckoo's Nest, Hulce as Mozart). But he really had the shit kicked out of him by the sitation. It's significant that Milos' other films all did so well in the Oscars...Best film/director/actor for One Flew over the cuckoo's nest, Best film/actor Amadeus, and nominations for best film/actor for The People v. Larry Flynt. Makes you wonder about CF's career path if Valmont hadn't been scuppered by DL. Hopefully both have recovered! Milos got stung lately, but Colin could always dominate. The question is, does he want to. And I doubt he answer is yes, but ya'll know more than me on that topic. Good point! I think we'd all like to see him dominate a little more! He's certainly very capable. But whether he actually wants to, who knows? :-) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 932 of 935: Helena (lena) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (15:21) * 3 lines Oh, dear. I am speechless. Thanks a lot for sharing that experience with us Cheryl. I was reading it so eagerly that I'm afraid I just ignored everyone else in here. My boyfriend claims he's been calling me from the kitchen for about twenty minutes :-)) (Gi): After reading Cheryl on Valmont, I don't know whether to cry or scream in anger and frustration that it is not on tv this week despite what the paper said. I know what you mean. I was sooo disappointed. Well eventually tv will show it, I'm sure. Either that or I'll find a way to get it, even if it means getting back to crawling and begging at the videostore until they are so angry at me that they'll just kick me out of the place. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 933 of 935: Evelyn (lafn) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (15:54) * 10 lines carrying a movie is an unbelieveable job. Perhaps the failure of Valmont explains his reluctance to take on the leading role of Darcy. Or any leading role in a production for that matter. Do you know of Milos Forman blames CF for the failure of Valmont? Probably, he seems like a v. vain and arrogant man. Thanks Cheryl, you have given us a lot to think about . -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 934 of 935: Heide (heide) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (16:52) * 20 lines (Cheryl) He didn't have the US presence or body of work to even begin to make such a comparison (to Malkovich)... So as a person and as an actor he's taking hits WHILE HE'S PREPARING HIS ROLE. But he had the job of Atlas, so from what I saw he would have been mostly focused. The time I saw was not carefree. He was SO capable, SO captivating, SO engimatic, SO memorable--as much as Milos' other leads have been in their roles. But he really had the shit kicked out of him by the situation. We all have our opinions on this board about CF's career. Some differ greatly with others but you've given us some insight here so we can at least guess the reasons why he's made his choices since Valmont. I tend to feel somewhat frustrated but recognize he's capable and he knows what he wants to do for reasons I can't presume to know. But you've provided a little window here for us to see how those cogs and wheels might be turning in his brain. (Cheryl) I wasn't interested in her (Meg), and I felt so much for Colin I stayed the hell away. What did you feel for our boy? Were you sorry for him, pitied him or was it that pure, unadulterated lust? As for viewing men as sexual objects... isn't this fun? You're not the only one who hasn't been like this since they were teens. And as for dating yourself, those teenage objects of affection you mention place you right smack in the middle of us, I believe, age-wise. But nobody has to know that. ;-) Have fun here. Learn about us and drop us a few tidbits about yourself so we can learn about you, if you like. I always love to read posts from people who like to talk. Bethan, go to it, girl. You're a woman of action. Even if the movie is coming out later, at least there's some activity. I hang onto every morsel you feed us. So glad we're back. It's good to see the names of a bunch of people who haven't posted recently. I love this action on the board. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Topic 59 of 96 [drool]: Colin Firth Response 935 of 935: Karen (KarenR) * Thu, Jul 2, 1998 (17:27) * 7 lines (Cheryl) I haven't been this gleeful since David Cassidy and Bobby Sherman (now I've dated myself). Not to worry!! I preferred Peter Tork and Christopher Jones myself (the latter being pretty obscure but on TV about the same time). Some of us here are your contemporaries, and some (who shall remain nameless) have admitted to liking David Cassidy's younger brother!! Imagine that. ;-) Loved your writeup on Valmont. Your views were from a perspective we don't usually see and press's involvement while the two films were being made was fascinating. Had no idea that was going on as well and how that could affect Colin and his performance. I'm pretty sure that everyone here agrees with you that Colin's performance was by far the better of the two. Give me subtle over boo hiss malevolence anyday.

Thanks Cheryl, it was great. ;-)

Would someone in UK please check "Women's Realm", a UK publication. I understand there is an interview with CF in it. That's all I know. Honestly.. I'm not holding back.

OOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!

Coincidently, I saw "Womens Realm" with COLIN FIRTH on the cover when I was waiting in the queue at Tesco's, and popped a copy in my trolley! If I'd looked at it first I don't think I would have parted with 60p! It's NOT an interview, just old quotes cobbled together. Nothing new. The photo is the one taken when he was filming P&P, in that round necked black knitted-type sweater (just like the one he wears in Playmaker....in fact, it probably is the same sweater!)He's wearing "colour co-ordinated", gray jeans, plain gray socks and back shoes! He obviously does not shop til he drops....more like a five minute annual visit to Marks and Spencers! :-)

Oooh Renate...it's the jellyfish!! ;-D

I beg to disagree :-p. I believe he left the jellyfish in the pond (or handed it over to his manservant) and emerged wet but undistorted (expr?). (Bethan) The photo is the one taken when he was filming P&P, in that round necked black knitted-type sweater (just like the one he wears in Playmaker....in fact, it probably is the same sweater!)He's wearing "colour co-ordinated", Bethan, have you seen this pic somewhere on the web, can you point it out? Otherwise, I hope you know what you have to do with it .... I will reimburse the 60p to you, and the postage fee, too. :-))

Lovely lips!! :-)~~~ ~~~ ~~~

Just in case The Spring goes down again,........ Nan had the foresight to set up" Drool in Exile" a few months ago: http://www.ntr.net/~nan/drool.html Bookmark it. She communicates with us from there. (Just thought I'd mention this since we have several new" droolers".)

Cheryl, dear...that was a wonderful report. Don't go away...there will surely be many more questions to come. I'm very glad you came over (I was afraid we scared you away with our enthusiasm) :-)

(Evelyn) Drool in Exile" a few months ago...(Just thought I'd mention this since we have several new" droolers".) You are an excellent creature! Always thinking ahead :-)

In case anyone is wondering what I am doing here: I just practice posting pics :-), a training I badly need. These are all, by the way, from Sharon's Snappy page, who is the most generous person in Firthland.....

Didn't I tell you I need more practice....

Please ask anything!! It's fun to remember and to think about these things. And ya'll give me a whole new perspective on things. Perhaps someone can tell me how to quote in italics? (I can install computer networks but I can't get italics, and I can never get HELP to work.) ****Perhaps the failure of Valmont explains his reluctance to take on the leading role of Darcy....must have marked him. ****How could it not? One of the most spectacularly horrible PUBLIC things that could happen to a fabulous actor. It marked ME, for heaven�s sake! ****play Salieri, it was Murray Abraham. *****Yes, F. Murray Abraham. Of course. And it�s Ben Kingsley if anyone cares. ****Or any leading role in a production for that matter. Do you know of Milos Forman blames CF for the failure of Valmont? Probably, he seems like a v. vain and arrogant man. ****No, I don�t think so. Vain and arrogant he is, but the failure lies with circumstance and with him. Maybe the problem was with the producers (half French, half American). Since we started talking about all this, I�ve been wondering why they didn�t halt the production before shooting began. I�m sure tons of money had already been committed, and they didn�t want it to be a total loss, figuring overseas rights, cable rights, etc. would at least help them recoup their money. But it seems an impossible situation. I�m sure everyone thought Milos� film would be head and shoulders abover Frears�, but it would have to have been sent by God to make the entire world forget any movie, good or bad, which had recently come out based on the same material. Especially a middlebrow film. I think everyone�s just embarrassed by it, which ma e me think about the question somebody asked me about Meg. I was thinking that when I�ve been overwhelmingly defeated in my life, I often retreat into a relationship. You feel bad, you want to feel good, right? And also when I�ve been through a big or especially a traumatic experience _with_ people, I feel close to them (the combat troop syndrome). People I would barely keep as acquaintances in the "real world", outside the bubble of our shared experience, I bond with.

Cheryl, Many thanks again for your contribution.....you've given us a very perceptive account which makes absolutely fascinating reading. I found an interesting review of Valmont, from the time it was shown at the London Film Festival in November 1991. As far as I know it didn't get a theatrical release in the UK, nor was it released on video. (I may be wrong about this). Fortunately the BBC showed it for the first time last Christmas...six years late! From the review... "The film looks stunningly beautiful throughout and the performances are excellent. The cast is all very young and the 15 year old virgin who is being married really does come across as a sweet innocent...... Colin Firth and Annette Benning's performances are excellent. Colin Firth who was at the screening said how interesting it was to play, as Milos Forman insisted that the character be naturalistic and not give any impression of his nature through his behaviour or speech". Valmont did get some partial recognition in the UK. In the 1991/2 London Film Critics Awards, Annette Benning got the Best Actress Award. (Gerard Depardieu got Best Actor, Juliet Stevenson got Best British Actress, Alan Rickman got Best British Actor.) CF, predictably, was overlooked (again!) Cheryl, for italics open with and close with

Italics....second attempt! Open with brackets with an i enclosed, close with brackets with /i enclosed

For italics and other techniques used to alter text appearance, take a quick look through: Lots of people around here have used it to learn how to do HTML. And they claim it's easy to use.

Thank you Cheryl...for answering my Question on taking the blame for V. failure.It reputedly cost $34M. ten years ago...Would that be $68M in '98 $$? I read somplace that Milos' in his bio said Colin was the best actor he could get for the part for the money....do you know if that is true? If it's any comfort....Valmont is shown a lot more on cable than Dangerous Liaision! .I was particularly interested in your comment : Re: (the combat troop syndrome) Opens up a Great Big Vista on his personal life .

Ann, thanks for the HTML tutorial and tip. Bethan, V is on video. Did you mean on video abroad? Many thanks to all of you for your photos and reviews and interviews.

Cheryl, the easiest reply first: to italicize you have to put the text in pointy brackets, just as follows: (i)text text text(/i) if you want to print fat/bold use a "b" in the place of the "i": (b) ............. (/b) I have to use round brackets now, because those pointy brackets would not show up here, but would italicize resp. print bold. You have to replace the round brackets by the pointy brackets on the lower left corner of your keyboard. And don't forget to use the "/" in the closing tag. Ann, I cannot find the link for your excellent "Tag Tutorial", can you please post it? (Or am I wrong as to the identity of the Ann posting here?)

Well, this must be the Valmont feeling .... a message, however useful, is not going to be of any use because it was told before ... just :-)) Cheryl, which scenes did you witness? Indoor? Outdoor?

I got a major jolt from him when I first saw him... When you feel _that_ smack up against a powerful psyche in a state, it�s...memorable. Cheryl, you poor thing... Are you saying you fell hopelessly under his spell all those years ago - years before most of us here? If so, you are the living proof that it's impossible to know him - or about him - and not to admire him. And that the affliction is long lasting. Dear girl, I'm so relieved to hear your confession. It makes my own confinement in the little padded cell of my soul a little more bearable... :)

Renate: I'd have to see the movie again to tell you exactly, which now of course I will have to buy pronto. As you may know, these things are are shot in, well, shots, not scenes. A shot is a little tiny piece, like a jigsaw puzzle piece, which you hope fits together with the others months later when you're editing. And you hope you have enough and the right shots. There were night shots, of the carriage in which Annette Benning is delivering the young innocent to her "room of love"---or was it a serva t hurrying Cecile into her house when the mother decides to come home from the opera early? Yes, I'm afraid I really have to see the film again. As an aside, we also shot an interview with the co-screenwriter, who lives in Proust's Parisian house. Totally great. But I promise to get back to you with specific things I personally have witnessed.

(Renate) Ann, I cannot find the link for your excellent "Tag Tutorial", can you please post it? (Or am I wrong as to the identity of the Ann posting here?) I posted it along with the image above. Just click on the Tutorial Graphic. Or: http://www.spring.net/~anneh/toota.html Cheryl, you seem to be talking of Valmont as a failure. I think it was only so in the marketing and profit sense. I really like the film, and I think it is much better than DL. (Malkovich was awful!)

Thank you, Ann, for the link. Can recommend the instructions to everyone, and in particular every newbie, they are easy to follow. (Cheryl) ....... on balance I admire his (Milos Formans) work more than anybody else�s, and it�s just for this thing Colin is talking about. Milos is beyond first grade in acting. Lesson 1: don�t do the obvious. If you had to have a guideline, the best one in directing is to have your actor play the opposite of what's written, what you'd expect. Deliver a threat in a whisper. Be deadly serious as you do something stupendously ridiculous. ....such as proposing to Lizzy in this fashion... Very interesting, Cheryl. I remember CF mentioning something to that effect, in context with theater work. "You can't enter the stage and act your socks off..." or something. Does anyone remember the full quote, or where it was? My brain hurts... :-) Keep your sex appeal under wraps (well, so Milos hasn't mastered that one.) But CF did put this rule to best use as Darcy .... well, it was this effect that brought us here, I guess. The director has to know this, because if only the actor knows it, most directors will bludgeon them into going for a cartoonish effect , since directors are dolts. Unless you're Gene Hackman or something, you will never win that battle with a director, not matter how young or stupid the director is. I did not realise that the director has soooo much power, or the actor so few - somehow I have the romantic idea of director and actors working together in equal shares, to get the best of results. But I know that's naive.... it hardly ever happens anywhere where money is involved. I read somewhere (on Spring?) that the actor has no control whatsoever over the final product when working on film, as opposed to the theater, where he has the absolute control over it. Why do not all actors line up in front of the theatre casting bureaus? Ok, I know the answer :-$.

Ok, so much for pictures.... grrrr.

As you may know, these things are are shot in, well, shots, not scenes. A shot is a little tiny piece, like a jigsaw puzzle piece, which you hope fits together with the others months later when you're editing. And you hope you have enough and the right shots. Are you from the filmmaking background, did you say? Correct me if I'm wrong - but methinks shots are stills. And movies are not shot in shots, but takes... You know: Scene 1, Take 1... Scene 1 Take 2... Scene 1 Take 109... :-)

I don't mind how it is called, scenes, shots, takes, or grapefruits, as long as CF is in it... :-))

I don't mind how it is called, scenes, shots, takes, or grapefruits, as long as CF is in it... :-)) Ditto. And a Big Thanks again to Cheryl for sharing her V. experiences.

Arami: methinks shots are stills. And movies are not shot in shots, but takes... You know: Scene 1, Take 1... It could, depending on who's talking. To still photographers (who are on a feature set), they are taking still photographs. Movies work like this. The scenes are numbered by the production manager, who runs all the logistics of the set for the length of the production. They are not numbered according to what we think of as scenes (dramatic scenes), but are determined by technical considerati ns. For example, if a character goes from inside of the house to the outside, that's a new scene, because the camera has to move outside to begin to capture the new action outside. If characters are outside and get into a car, inside the car is a new scene. Within scenes there are shots, which are each time the camera is moved (also called a setup). So within a scene there could be many shots, and for each shot there could be many takes. A take is each time you do the same thing again. So when Coli says in the above interview that Milos had him do 15 takes to get rid of any hint of ill will, he�s saying the camera sat in the same place, people and furniture and props were probably pretty much the same (although they could change�often they do. The important thing is that the camera didn�t move.) So the take is one version of a shot, and a shot of the smallest building block of a scene, and scenes build dramatic scenes, and dramatic scenes build acts and movies. And to Renate, thanks for the stunning shots (since we are referring to still photos!). I have been telling my friends about you all, and to my surprise some of my straight male friends agreed that Colin was quite something in PP2 and V. They are in show business, so it's a professional assessment rather than what the average male might think, but I was surprised that they remembered him and the performances! And I haven't even seen PP2 yet. Maybe if I work a little overtime...

Now I get all italics. I guess I didn't double check that they were turned off.

(renate)I read somewhere (on Spring?) that the actor has no control whatsoever over the final product when working on film, as opposed to the theater, where he has the absolute control over it. I can't believe that that's the absolute truth. It must depend on who the actor is, and who the director, and who the producer. We hear a lot about directors not being quite happy with the end results, anything from having to fit their 4 hour story into the standard 2, to just leaving out a few seconds here and a couple of minutes there. On the other hand, an actor like, say, Tom Cruise or Mel Gibson carry weight enough that they must have a say in the matter - although you can probably argue, then why do these actors feel they have to move to the director's chair? Anyway, on stage they aren't on their own either, and they have a director to contend with as well.

I have been telling my friends about you all, and to my surprise some of my straight male friends agreed that Colin was quite something in PP2 and V. They are in show business, so it's a professional assessment rather than what the average male might think, but I was surprised that they remembered him and the performances! And I haven't even seen PP2 yet. Maybe if I work a little overtime... Cheryl, you must see P&P2! I am sure that we all quite envy you for being in a position to see it for the first time. Is everyone else getting italics all the time, or is it just me? Marked Man I've just seen Ellen's latest FAQ, and must say that I am v.v. pleased to see the proposed cast list for Marked Man......CF in the lead, with Gabriel Byrne, Jeremy Irons, Elizabeth Shue and Marisa Tomei. This is the sort of league I've wanted to see him in!!!! No more supporting roles! I'm looking forward to SIL but my initial reaction was of severe disappointment that he would again only be fourth (at least) in the billing, whilst all the attention focused on GP and the rather insipid J.Fiennes. I feel ore positive about SIL now as hopefully the Earl of Wessex is a strong role. But "Marked Man" looks very promising. What do you think? On SIL again. Ellen's FAQ says that Rupert Everett is in SIL. I wonder if he'll play the Earl of Southampton, the gay friend of (W)essex. it would be interesting to see CF and RE together again in the same movie, so many years on from AC!

In my euphoria of seeing Spring back up and then Cheryl's account of V., I forgot to report that I called Handmade Films last week. SLOW: So far, no distributor for US or UK. But they do have one for Israel and Scandanavia (Bethan says..."shows they have good taste") . They plan to premiere SLOW this summer at Venice Film Festival (which I see is on Sept. 3) or at the Toronto Film Festival. Juliette said it would be released in 1999. Asked me to call back mid-August.

Just closing that pesky italics tag. ;-)

Cheryl, don't take me too seriously. I'm a known troublemaker here... ;-) BTW, what do you call a take in which the camera HAS to move (e.g.on a dolly, track or crane)?

(Bethan) I've just seen Ellen's latest FAQ, and must say that I am v.v. pleased to see the proposed cast list for Marked Man......CF in the lead, with Gabriel Byrne, Jeremy Irons, Elizabeth Shue and Marisa Tomei. This is the sort of league I've wanted to see him in!!!! I second that. The plot synopsis sounds intriguing too. Colin in a suspense thriller, hopefully an intelligent one. Are we being too optimistic? Nothing's been finalized and even if it pans out I'd be surprised to see Marked Man before 2000. But at least to know there are plans to use him well...

Hi gang, I've missed you! Cheryl, welcome and thanks for all the great information and insights about Valmont. And I second Bethan, you must see P&P2! It is delightful, and CF's acting is superb. While we're on the subject of P&P2 (and since no one's been posting at 68 lately), did anyone catch Joanna David (Mrs. Gardiner) on the A&E mystery movies yesterday? It was also fun to see Lucy Briers (Mary) in an old PD James series on Mystery last week. She looked quite pretty and not at all Mary-ish. Keeping my fingers crossed about Marked Man. It sounds like a great project for the DB. And what's the deal with the italics? Even the instructions on the screen are in italics now.... Nan, help?

OK, now I'm embarrassed. After I submitted my post all the stuff that was showing up as italics converted to the correct type. Oh no... could it have been operator error??

Thanks for posting the information about SLOW, Evelyn. I actually take this as quite positive news! :-) An incredible 70% of British independently made films NEVER get shown anywhere. The only way most can get picked up for distribution is to be shown at one of the Film Markets where someone like Miramax or Fox Searchlight may show interest. Otherwise they may just get a very limited theatre release in the UK. Or nothing. (At least, if worst comes to worst, we can see SLOW on video with Swedish or Yiddish subtitles! ) Is SLOW actually being shown as a Festival entry or weren't Handmade specific about this? And I was wondering where the info about BVI (on Ellen's FAQ) came from? There was someting in one of the papers about the global movie industry now being totally driven by blockbuster movies or "celebrity" star movies...ie the latest Tom Cruise/Harrison Ford/John Travoltla/Bruce Willis etc. Smaller independent movies are being swept aside ( apart from in Sweden or Israel :-)).

(Bethan) Is SLOW actually being shown as a Festival entry or weren't Handmade specific about this? And I was wondering where the info about BVI (on Ellen's FAQ) came from? SLOW has not been accepted yet as an official entry in any festival. Although I assume it has been submitted. I did not ask abut BVI or about having been taken over by Rubicon. I shall do that in August. Pl add any other questions that I shoud ask. Also TV ALERT for US: HOSTAGES will be shown on the History Channel on Thursday from 10AM to 12 noon ET. Just in time as I have been reading "Some Other Rainbow" by John McCarthy and Jill Morrell. Thanks to everyone who recommended that book. Really, a fastastic read. .

(renate)I read somewhere (on Spring?) that the actor has no control whatsoever over the final product when working on film, as opposed to the theater, where he has the absolute control over it. (Gi)I can't believe that that's the absolute truth. It must depend on who the actor is, and who the director, and who the producer. ........... Anyway, on stage they aren't on their own either, and they have a director to contend with as well. I agree that a lot depends on the personalities of the director and actors. But my above statement goes more for the "technical" side of filmmaking, and how the film is put together in the editing room. Whatever an actor thought he was doing in front of the camera can get a different meaning when put into another context. Same may happen to the director, though, and his product is not at all what he/she intended when edited by somebody else. Opposed to that on the theater the course of scenes totally depe ds on the actors while performing.

Renate, seen in that perspective, I agree with you.

Hm.

Sorry. Grrrhm. �bung macht den Meister.

That, I'm afraid, is my least favourite of His photographs. But I know that to many of you this is not so :-)

Interesting, Gi. Which one is your favourite? If you don't know the location, can you describe it? I think it's funny how MANY Colins there are - perhaps as many as fans? Hey, everyone: what are your 3 favourite CF pics? It may turn out that we like completely different Colins. :-)).

It may turn out that we like completely different Colins. :-)). New Woman magazine Pic Beer bottle pic (even with that sweater!) Opening shot in MOTM (sexy geography teacher look!) Recommended reading..I've just read a novel called Rogues and Players, by Pauline Bentley, published by Knight Press (ISBN 1 86019 611 X) It's set in Elizabethan England and is a romantic drama about a playwright/actor and his daughter Gabriellen who acts with the band of players. It's set against the background of the court of Elizabeth I and characters include the dashing Earl of Essex and a very romantic curly headed hero called Mark! Well written, well researched, with a very good sense of period, and (be warned!) something of a bodice ripper! I'm afraid it may well be out of print, but it's worth trying to get hold of.

3 favorite CF pics? the other one of Darcy with that smirk on his face (his hair's too pouffy inthe one above-though he's very cute) the big grin Fever Pitch one whichever picture is the latest

3 favorite CF pics? the other one of Darcy with that smirk on his face (his hair's too pouffy inthe one above-though he's very cute) the big grin Fever Pitch one (grey t-shirt and leather jacket) whichever picture is the latest

Thanks Cheryl for all the info! Great to have you here. I have another question... (fellow droolers please do not despise me for asking this question) Is Colin a little clumsy? Some shots in Valmont gave me the impression that he might be.. For example... when he's diving off the boat, and climbing the stairs...etc..

YES! I've also noticed that. He seems to be slipping, stumbling, bumping his head etc all the time. Sweet, really - so natural.

This is my favorite pic:

There is a cute new website where you can send Jane Austen postcards. Great selection of Darcy photos. http://home.earthlink.net/~kruse8/card.htm My favorite CF photos: 1. "The Look" directed at Lizzie at Pemberley 2.In the Wedding Carriage: Big Toothy smile. Precious little hand on gorgeous thigh. 3. At the postcard website. What Haley calls: "IBM Darcy" (Ideal Breeding Material)

Sorry if the next message(s) takes some time to load ...

Here are (some of) my favourite pics: Bethan, the ugly sweater pic is my favourite, too. And perhaps when he sits in the pub with the reporter, against the light, but can't find it right now. But this comes next.... And this one, from Empire (?)

This is not so bad either. Are these the right ones? Sorry, my lunch break is over, will try to find the other ones later...

Well I've never done this before but I think I'll give it a try anyway.

Yeah! It worked! I cannot believe it! As you may guess this is one of my favourite pictures. Since I'm on my lunch break I don't have much time to look for other of my favourite Colin pictures. But I look forward to see which ones you'll pull out of your sleeve, Renate. By the way, I finally got to see Fever Pitch. Yes, yes, yes! I could see some of my male friends' behaviour in Paul, that's for sure. Gotta run, because I'm alredy late. Lena

I LOVE THE BACKGROUND! WET! WET! WET!!!! :-.) I don't think I can limit myself to three, but if I really force myself to choose I'd pick the New Woman magazine Pic (I'm not sure if this is the one... but we're talking cover of a magazine in the 80's, a younger Colin staring right at you... Is this the one?) The red sweater picture Ann put up All the Darcy pictures :-) Bethan : Opening shot in MOTM (sexy geography teacher look!) GASP! I've never seen this one. Where shall I go look for it?

Sexy geography teacher look! Actually, I think this is a contradiction in terms (by me) as I've never met a sexy geography teacher! It's the anorak and the windswept walking over the moors look! Clever Renate has almost caught it......see the snappy just above Darcy and Fever Pitch. I say "almost" because I think the expression that captivates me is perhaps just fractionally before this. But I'm NOT complaining! My New Woman magazine pic is different...I'll see if I can find the URL somewhere. YES! I've also noticed that. He seems to be slipping, stumbling, bumping his head etc all the time. Sweet, really - so natural.(Arami) I've always wondered how he managed to bump and damage his nose against a girder when swimming in the tank (ie Pemberley pool!)!! He often seems to stumble (although in Valmont wasn't he supposed to be slightly drunk?). Perhaps it's that long loping stride of his, he may trip over his own feet. On the other hand he seems very athletic...riding, fencing etc! Take your pick.:-)

SLOW They plan to premiere SLOW this summer at Venice Film Festival (which I see is on Sept. 3) or at the Toronto Film Festival. Juliette said it would be released in 1999. Asked me to call back mid-August. Surfing in my lunch break, I found two sites, one for the Toronto 1998 Film Festival (Sep 10-17) and one for Venice 1998 (Sep 3-13). Over 300 films will be shown at Toronto (it's more of a film market) while at Venice there are several categories for festival entries. Both sites look good and the official film screening schedules will go online late August, early Sept, plus details, news and reviews of films. Something to keep our eye on! Sites are: Toronto http://www.bell.ca/toronto/filmfest/98/xplore/xplore.htm Venice http://www.mclink.it/cinema.venezia/ Hope I've got them right!

SUCCESS!!! YE-E-SS!! The Toronto URL takes you straight into the film database (not up and running yet) but if you click on Home you get back to the main info and home page.

. Perhaps it's that long loping stride of his, he may trip over his own feet. He does have v. big feet. Remember that pic from Movieline mag...with the crewneck sweater and wide smile.? Thanks for the Darcy 'look" pic.

Hey - who's pulled the plug from the bottom of the sea? ;-) (Bethan)He often seems to stumble (although in Valmont wasn't he supposed to be slightly drunk?). Surely not in the scene where he's talking to Mme T. standing in the boat? At the end he jumps in the lake (of course) and you can just see how his foot catches the side of the boat. The rest of the scene is edited out, but he must have really crashed into that water! He can also be seen bumping his head in Lost Empires, slipping twice in Master of the Moor and once in Fever Pitch (and he fell off a horse whilst filming Nostromo)... I don't think he is especially clumsy - even the most graceful people do stumble sometimes - but what really happens is that, while most actors in that situation would probably insist on re-takes, he probably doesn't mind being seen behaving naturally. It adds an endearing kind of authenticity to his film portrayals.

LOL - the water is back again. There's something funny going on - does anyone else have that kind of ebb-tide experience?

LOL - the water is back again. Splish! Splash! It's soooo refreshing! :-.D

Thank you, Nan, for not putting in a pond background.... :-)) (PS: the more I look at the more I like the new clear and pure background)

Made it a little lighter for you last night...is the type any more legible?

Ah! Lovely, Renate... But with all this water around, why is he still dry? ;-)

Made it a little lighter for you last night...is the type any more legible? Ah, that's why..... Mille Grazie, ragazza! Ah! Lovely, Renate... But with all this water around, why is he still dry? ;-) If you can't answer this question, Your Wetness, nobody else can. (-???)

I like most the natural looks, such as Master of the Moor, or Fever Pitch:

Here's my first attempt at putting in a picture: My favorite: Hope this works!

Ok, let's try it again!

Ok, now I'm on a role, but I can't do more than one at a time, so here's #2!

And finally, #3--I love his hair in this one! The End!

I'm SO impressed! Photo no 2 BTW is similar to the one used in the recent Woman's Realm article , except it's a full length version. Jeans and big feet. I should have added the SLOW pic with Nia Long to my list. Just one unrelated question. I've just read Lost Empires for the first time, but have never seen the mini-series. Does anyone know if the series is true to the novel. Richard appears to have a fondness for women (and vice versa!). I counted five, at least. (Lost Empires is out of print but there are lots of second hand copies available from www.bibliofind.com )

Trina: Love all your pics esp Darcy. "What's there not to like". No. 3 shirt looks like the same as p. 95 in Making of P&P .At the picnic with JE and Crispin Bonham-Carter. The guy is obviously not a clothes horse. Or that was before Livia. In recent pics he looks v. continental .

Here is the Women's Realm pic - on the left as it was printed, and on the right mirrored. What do you say, which one is correct? Left or Right?

Pretty pictures! Excellent choices, Trina. I don't even mind the sideburns on photo #2 ;-) Just so you know, before posting any Colin photos you might want to ask permission of the person who "owns" them (though no one really "owns" photos on the net, I suppose). What I mean is the person who created the page from where you got the photo. Most will probably say it's okay, but I know that there are some who prefer that you ask permission first. Better to be safe than sorry...but I do love that BIG D rcy :-)~~~ (Bethan) Jeans and big feet. Ooooh, big feet! You know what that means!!!! Big shoes!! ;-p)

BIG... D....D....D.... deal...

hmmmm

Just so you know, before posting any Colin photos you might want to ask permission of the person who "owns" them } Then there is the fact that scanned photos belong to the original publishers, and are in themselves a violation of the 'owner's' rights. ;-)

Oh, poooooh! Those people should be grateful for any extra free publicity at all. The net is a grey area, but as long as the images in question are not used for direct monetary gain, then no one should object.

(Ann) Then there is the fact that scanned photos belong to the original publishers, and are in themselves a violation of the 'owner's' rights. ;-) (Arami) Oh, poooooh! Those people should be grateful for any extra free publicity at all. The net is a grey area, but as long as the images in question are not used for direct monetary gain, then no one should object. I absolutely agree with you both, but you know how proprietary some people are about the photos they've scanned. New people post those photos in complete innocence, just wanting to share a good thing, then caca hits fan. I agree, it's ridiculous and not in keeping with the spirit of shared information, but it does happen. Just trying to help the new people avoid the buckets we stepped in all those months ago ;-)

"...It's my scanner and I'll scan what I want to...!" ;-)

"...It's my scanner and I'll scan what I want to...!" ;-) Oh my! It's Leslie Gore! ;-p

The guy is obviously not a clothes horse. Or that was before Livia. There was a discussion in one of the papers about unfashionable items of clothing,which included a reference to "corduroy trousers as always worn by Colin Firth before he got married". Definitely a "before and after"! Didn't Nick Hornby say that most of the clothes CF wore in FP were his own?

most of the clothes CF wore in FP were his own I still can't believe they told him to bring his wardrobe to the shoot and that was it. Costumes for a film are subject to careful planning and care - it is not a matter of haphazard choice (unless your name is Gloria Swanson, perhaps). On the other hand, actors are often offered the costumes they wore in a film. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding of sorts. I.e. if Colin accepted some of the clothes he wore in FP (e.g. a leather jacket - not too bad), it could mean they were to his own personal taste.

P.S. Apologies to any Gloria Swanson fans out there :-)

"corduroy trousers as always worn by Colin Firth before he got married". I liked that casual British ..".Hampshire-man"..look. His clothes now look definitely more structured ......"outfits" from Via Veneta?

Huh! I thought I'd spotted an ideal role for CF! Headline in paper...."Hollywood remake of Pygmalion/My Fair Lady". I've always fancied the idea of CF as the very English Professor Higgins. But, alas, alack, 'tis not to be. The Hollywood version, set in London, is a 90's role reversal interpretation with (you've guessed it) Gwyneth Paltrow in the Prof role and Winona Ryder as Colonel Pickering. "Eliza Doolittle" is a nerdish 30-something (male) trainspotter who lives with his mum. Hollywood have paid nea ly $2 million dollars for this bright idea! What next, GP and Winona as Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson? Or how about CF, Ralph Fiennes & D Day Lewis in a remake of Little Women? :-)

( Bethan) What next, GP and Winona as Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson? Or how about CF, Ralph Fiennes & D Day Lewis in a remake of Little Women? :-) LOL! I am particularly intrigued by your Little Women cast...... While playfully considering other classics for role reversal a terrible thought struck my mind: P&P has not yet been remade for the screen in the really big fashion .....! Eeeeeek! I am terrified at the mere thought what they can do to it (again!), wheras role reversal may be the best we can hope for ..... shudder!

Sorry, an administrative matter that I wanted to post where all would see it ;-) Just a reminder that if you want to "keep" your name in Pemberley, you need to toddle on over to the Newbies page, click on "List of names already in use", and if you can find your name in black, click the button next to it, scroll down the page and tell us you're still here. If your name ISN'T on the list, and you do post there, you might want to post on the newbie board to let us know... but be patient, it's all manual, so adding new names takes a little while. I noticed that several drool regulars had not confirmed their names, so I wanted to let you know about this in case it had escaped your notice.

I pulled these off of the AP Wire. They are the relative sales position for BJD: WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST SELLING BOOKS FICTION 4. ``Bridget Jones's Diary'' by Helen Fielding (Viking) PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BEST SELLING BOOKS HARDCOVER FICTION 3. ``Bridget Jones's Diary'' by Helen Fielding (Viking) USA TODAY BEST SELLING BOOKS 20. ``Bridget Jones's Diary'' by Helen Fielding (Viking) (F-H) Key: F-Fiction; NF-Nonfiction; H-Hardcover; P-Paperback USA Today's list is based on a computer analysis of retail book sales nationwide last week. Included are more than 1 million volumes from approximately 3,000 large-inventory, diverse-content bookstores.

Whoops, I meant to post that at the other topic.

a terrible thought struck my mind: P&P has not yet been remade for the screen in the really big fashion .....! Eeeeeek! I am terrified at the mere thought what they can do to it Eons ago, I vaguely recall an even vaguer reference to the vaguest of possibilities of a big screen version of P&P, with..... (wait for it!)...Rob Lowe as Mr Darcy! Just thought I'd ruin your weekend. Or your life! :-) Well done HF! We'll await the big screen version of BJD, but no tampering with Mark Darcy!

I have just finished viewing a tape of BAFTA Awards '98 and in the intoduction honoring the 50th Anniversary of BAFTA, they showed scenes of films. I noted two flashes (blink and they 're gone ) of FP, The kiss after setting down the coffee cup and the Big Cheer in slo mo when Arsenal scores. Not much, but at least CF's screen skills were acknowledged.

Renate I'm having problems with netaddress and emailing (temporary I hope!) Have sent info and contact address.

Actually, shouldn't this be Colin Firth - Part III

I know I'm a ten bob short of a pound:)))

Actually, shouldn't this be Colin Firth - Part III Why Part III? When I count the CF boards it would be Part VII - it's 8 boards we have flooded so far: #42, #51, #52, #59, #67, #68, #97, #98. :-)) Did I forget one?

I'm surprised the man doesn't have an ego problem with all these boards on him alone;) Lucky guy:)

(renate)it's 8 boards we have flooded so far: #42, #51, #52, #59, #67, #68, #97, #98. :-)) Did I forget one? How about 53? (lauraMM)I'm surprised the man doesn't have an ego problem with all these boards on him alone;) LOL! I tried to post my own three favourite photos but can't :-( One question: does the current trend in these discussions at this time warrant the existence of two different boards?

Damn! Did I forget to close the italics tag?

Guess I did :-)

Go to give your votes: http://www.celebritystars.com/ Then go down the page to "Fans Top 100 Favourite Actors". I am usually not very fond of this kind of contests, because it's ALWAYS George Clooney or Brad Pitt. But unless the GC fan club starts an attack we can to it :-)). Last week's result show Colin on #37 right after George Clooney with #38. :-). You can vote only once per week, but every week again! Go to it!

(Gi) One question: does the current trend in these discussions at this time warrant the existence of two different boards? I am personally in favor of keeping the film discussions separate from "anything pertaining to Colin " which is 97. And 68, Colin Drool seems to have its own life. But I leave it up to our Reverend Leader.

EVERYBODY VOTE. I just did and Colin is # 2. Right behind and only 1 vote away from George Clooney. HURRY!

But I leave it up to our Reverend Leader. LOL! I don't think Reverends are allowed to drool ;-p As we've seen from past board overloads, it is terribly difficult to follow a conversation when there is only one Colin board. The dear fellow is so popular that it became necessary to break up the conversation four ways. Yes, it's a bit of a pain having to move between boards, but it is still easier than digging (and seeing the board collapse). I think we'll keep it as is, now that we're all used to it :-)

EVERYBODY VOTE I just did, I think. CF was no2 with 37 votes before I voted and still no 2 with 37 votes after!!! I followed the instructions and filled out the form correctly. Has it been nobbled by George Clooney fans?

Re: Voting I think they might only update the votes once a week. So it might take until this weekend or perhaps Monday to see the results of our efforts to move him up out of perpetual second place. That is, unless that site is rigged!! :-)

I voted!!! for George Clooney;) hee hee NOT. our DB Mr. Ego himself, with about 9 boards to his name... (RIMSHOT, PLEASE) Mr. Colin Firth. Any idea if he has a middle name, initial, etc...

I voted... and did you see that CF is the most popular actor voted on this week?? They must be totally bewildered... CF outranking Leo? who is this Colin Firth??

who is this Colin Firth?? ] Oh, some guys with 9 boards to his credit:) hee hee.

#42, #51, #52, #59, #67, #68, #97, #98. :-)) Did I forget one? How about 53? Ooops, my fault. Meant #53. Guess #52 must be dedicated to someone else. (Allison hey, where-have-you-been?:)CF was no2 with 37 votes before I voted and still no 2 with 37 votes after!!! They say somewhere on the page that they update weekly, each Monday, I believe. And then you can / *must* go back and vote again! (Kate) They must be totally bewildered... CF outranking Leo? who is this Colin Firth?? I imagine them to do a search for CF and finding the meanderings of the Firth pages, and they go on and go on and no end ..8-o.... Can't help but giggle. I have left a message offering my help if they are looking for another picture.... That Santa picture surely does not explain anything - I love it, but I guess it's rather for the die-hard fans. Let them figure it out .... :-))

Who is this Colin Firth? Not really news ( but in a time of famine, even crumbs count!).......there's a lot about David Puttnam (producer of MLSF) in the British press this week, mainly because he wasn't appointed Deputy Governor of the BBC (despite popular support from BBC staff) but has been appointed to head something called NESTA, to promote creative arts (and sciences) into the millenium. There was a brief mention of MLSF, but no dates. Anyway the whole point of this, is that when MLSF does open, I think it will attract a lot of respectful attention in the UK at least. Puttnam seems to be highly regarded for his dedication to creativity and to promoting good values (as opposed to just chasing huge profits). Another point......most Miramax films are premiered at film festivals (not in competition), well before the official general release date. For example, Wings of a Dove was shown at the Venice Film Festival, then had a Charity premiere in London, and opened a couple of months later. Same goes for Emma and Sliding Doors. It might be worthwhile keeping an eye on the festivals for MLSF. There, told you it wasn't NEWS, not really!! :-)

Bethan, anything of interest in a magazine called Woman's Journal? Apparently their review of ATA was good.

(Bethan)Not really news ( but in a time of famine, even crumbs count!). More in that vein. Our local freebie magazine has an article by the editor of International Who's Who. He reveals that this year's new entries include Jacques Villeneuve, Honor Fraser, Prince William and.... Colin Firth!

(Bethan)Not really news ( but in a time of famine, even crumbs count!). Bethan keep an eye on the Edinburgh Festival which I think is immenint. I seem to recall that MLSF was made with Scottish Government Funds. They might want to feature the film and secure their investment. Just a shot in the dark!

Woman's Journal Arami, I didn't see the Women's Journal review, but I did actually see a few favourable reviews of ATA....they weren't all bad. I just got incensed by some unecessarily disparaging comments about CF! What surprised me, though, was the total absence of any promotion (interviews etc) by the two stars. ATA had got star power, an award winning novel, King Lear etc.....it could have been marketed. Harrison Ford's latest got absolutely lousy reviews but was well promoted and topped the box office charts. (Ditto no doubt, Godzilla!) I still want to see ATA. Let me know please, anyone, when it comes out on video in Europe! International Who's Who 98/99 Aha! There's our chance to find out his middle name (if he has one!) and hobbies! Provided that he has submitted full details, that is! Does anyone have access to a public/reference library with a decent budget (ie new books!)? Middle name.....I still think there could be a Scottish connection...Andrew, Gordon, Hamish? Edinburgh Film Festival Evelyn, you're quite right, Edinburgh would be a very appropriate venue, although I think it's regarded as one of the smaller festivals.

Forgot to mention, Shakespeare in Love has its own (unofficial, I think) website. The URL link doesn't seem to work, but you can find it by searching on www.webcrawler.com Shakespeare in Love

Bethan, the link is interesting enough, even if there are no real news, we know there is a crew ..... and the Shakespeare links are very interesting, btw. I'll try to post the link. Shakespeare in Love (plus a lot of links)

International Who's Who 98/99 I'll bet any amount that he will not disclose his middle name, even if he has one, and that he will say he has no hobbies (due to no time), only interests: acting, reading (especially when studying/researching for acting), maybe some light music and almost certainly family. It used to be principally his son, but now that he's married, he will call it something like family life.

International Who's Who 98/99 He has an entry in "People of Today", another Debrett publocation. He gives no second name and lists no recreations. Interestingly, no mention of Will but Debrett presumably only accepts those born the right side of the blanket. How that musy irk him!

'scuse typos. It's too early in the morning for me.

Friday July 17 PEOPLE MAGAZINE On-Line HOTTEST MEN, UK-STYLE The Top-10 Sexiest Men in the World (as voted by female readers of Britain's Sun tabloid And CF wasn't even mentioned. Shocking!!

And he seems to have been completely dropped by the site we voted on earlier this week - can't even cast a vote for him any more.

I am not at all surprised that Sun readers did not vote for him. He would not have been flattered if they had.

Re MOM I would say that it was shot without makeup, sometimes in less than flattering light and often in the fullest close up possible. And it's still my favourite, for "looks"! And I agree about the "heavy" look....he was often wearing a shirt, jumper, corduroy jacket and a bulky unfashionable anorak. I'm surprised he managed to stride across those moors with such alacrity!

Sorry, the above should be on #98!

Re; MOTM he was often wearing a shirt, jumper, corduroy jacket and a bulky unfashionable anorak. That's a v. popular look in the US. At one time FOF had a pic of him in this gear entitled: "The Eddie Bauer Poster Boy" (For non-US...Eddie Bauer is a store/catalog that specializes in outdoor clothing.)

SLOW and Handmade Films Evelyn, Not really news time again! But I noticed that one of Handmade's current batch of films (Lock Stock and 2 smoking barrels) is opening in the UK in a couple of weeks and a few weeks ago The James Gang, also Handmade also opened. Another (Man with rain) is due to open. So at least their products are getting distributed (in the UK at least) There's a site at wysiwig://4/http://www.filmfestivals.com/cannes98/best/best124.htm which gives an update on Handmade Films. SLOW obviously wasn't completed then.

Re: SLOW at Cannes: Bethan....SLOW obviously wasn't completed then. That's what Juliette told me when I called. That film was shot almost a year ago...if those guys in post -production work by the hour, they're wealthy.!! BTW I see at the Handmade website that Juliette is the marketing and sales exec. I shall call again in mid-August to see if they hooked a festival yet. Encouraging to see Handmade Films being released...maybe it's Rubicon money. .

That film was shot almost a year ago...if those guys in post -production work by the hour, they're wealthy. What do you expect from a company named "Handmade".....?

So much for italics. When I have my own computer...

This is a test, thank you all for bearing with me. I should have read the tutorial.

Ok, I revisited the celebrity site last night, and this time I emailed them to ask them why they had changed the system so that you could only vote for the options they provided, and why it was such a limited and obviously idiosyncratic list. This was the response: We had problems with visitors not even visiting the site and just banging on the vote form and this we know for sure because the form had an attatched envelope report. Identifying origination.... We gave viewers an opportunity to act civil and appreciate the time and effort we were willing to put in so they could voice their opinions. Unfortunately there were some who would rather play games, which created entirely too much extra work for us and therefore we have decided to automate the vote and limit it to the actors we cover........ We have a very small staff and we recently doubled our celebrity listings and have 40+ big sites to begin writing on as soon as we finish with work at the main site..... Most of the actors you mentioned are fine actors. We especially like Denzel Washington it it very likely that he or Morgan freeman will occupy the 20th spot on the actors list.. Also alot of what we do is contingant upon what information is or will be made available to us upon request. All agents and publicists are not cooperative and others are. This my friend is how we determine who to write for. This is not a commercial site it is a privately owned site that we fund. We also have the right, just like anyone else, to write for whomever we choose.... We would like to be able to write for everyone but it's impossible, without a staff of 100 or more...... The actress list when finished will encompass 40 actresses........... In effect we will be covering 60 celebrities which is way more than most privately owned and written sites. Plus we have other obligations and commitments and we are also not obligated to take the time to explain everthing we do to everybody.... And just for your information George Clooney, Jane Seymour, & Christian Slater were added because of the poll.... Legitimacy is also not having the same person using 8 different and some bogus e-mail address to vote for the same actor in 2 minutes and think we're not gonna know...and forcing us to canvass 100's of votes daily because of it. I hope I have answered some of your questions... cordially alladin@celebritystars.com So, I think it is not worth persuing this one. ;-)

Kate, I find alladin's "explanation" one of the most "uncivil" answers I've ever imagined, don't you? And none of it comes out as a good reason to drop the #2 actor off their list. Just a very good reason not to visit any of their sites anytime. IMHO, anyway.

Cheryl EI have a (short)list of people I plan to work with and he's on it Can I be your first assistant? :-) I know the business and am thoroughly professional. Oh, and I'm cheap. No, wait - if he's there, I'll pay you.

Thanks Kate, for taking the time to write to Celebrity Stars and relating the answer to us. V. uncivil indeed.(Moreover, poorly written) However, we had one moment in "Camelot" when we saw CF as #2, only one vote away from George Clooney!! They can't take that away from us. :-)

Well, Kate...you tried. He's got a rather large bug up his ass, wouldn't you say? "Plus we have other obligations and commitments and we are also not obligated to take the time to explain everthing we do to everybody..." Geez, sorry to bother you, buddy. Then he had the audacity to sign the email "Cordially" LOL! Last time I visit that site. They can bite me ;-D

They can bite me ;-D well, they can bite me first. I'm sure there would be other bitees as well....

Gi, you have said it in a nutshell. Forget celebr... what was their name?

Oh, this place is entirely too quiet. I've discovered the "storyboard" feature of my Snappy... This is too cool!

Love his hands :-}~~~

Woah! WOAH! 8-O Nan, woman, nearly had a heart attack! All this without warning! Wondered all the time what you were up to, so quiet ..... now I understand your "snapping like a lunatic" :-)).

2. Re Renate's questions--a little background. I was with the documentary crew that was doing a "The Making of ..." documentary, that got turned into a piece on Milos when V. tanked. Therefore, the principle actors and Milos and Mike (line and exec producer)considered us the enemy camp. Of course we were on the same side, and everyone had arranged this and agreed to it. It's just that when you are working as they all work (not like a special effects film or anything where the acting is secondary, whic is 90% of the time), it's offputting to have a second (or third) camera stuck in your face. You're used to down time, between takes, and now you're being shot when you're not aware and ready for it. People are in your sightlines when you're getting ready for a take (I owe Meg an apology for that one). (A courtesy to actors is to clear some space in front of them so they can collect their thoughts and emotions before a medium or close shot.) Who knows what casual comment might get picked up while the ound tape is rolling? You can't adjust your tight pants quite as brazenly as you might after you're sick to death and no longer conscious of the crew, because it might come back to haunt you. Now Vojtech (director of that film, one of Milos' teachers), being a stand-up guy, would never let anything through editing that would embarrass anyone, but the cast doesn't know that because they don't know him. And Milos and Mike for the moment don't either--we, the documentary crew, are a potential liability t keeping the ship on course and moving forward, and therefore they hate us. If the actors got uptight, we got thrown off the set. Not that there was always a correlation, but I'm sure it was because sometimes it made the actors FEEL better, like someone was watching over them and would do anything humanly possible to help them. Of course it pissed me off, but I was juvenile then :-)

(Renate)Keep your sex appeal under wraps (well, so Milos hasn't mastered that one.) But CF did put this rule to best use as Darcy .... well, it was this effect that brought us here, I guess. Mais oui! I think that's why Milos cast him, THAT was already in his bones. Milos doesn't get it about women with less blantant, um, characteristics. (arami) Sure, you can work for me if I don't work for you first! Send me an email if you want and tell me about your film experience, you sly dog. I didn't know until reading the ancient history that you must work or have worked in the business. What, are you Stephen Frears' wife? A famous actress? Perhaps a director in your own right? Maybe it's difference in dialect. What do you call a take when the camera moves? Well, a take. Or are you being sly again? ;-) (Megan)(Arami)(bethan) re natual grace: well, we all know white boys can't jump. However, from what I saw, Bethan's comment seems a propos (Jeez, I didn't realize I used so much French till I learned html:)) Some people, actors included, have a certain consistency about them--they're almost lways analytical, almost always aggressive, generally dishonest, etc. Others pop back and forth between...almost...personas, if you will. When I'm playing basketball or taking a knife away from someo e in aikido, I'm not an Olympic athlete or anything, but I'd never be the last one picked for anyone's team. On the other hand, when I'm working on my book, I have been known to run into walls and/or people at work. I don't think Colin should quit his day job like Michael Jordan did and try baseball, but he could certanly give you a good spin around the dance floor. I agree with Arami, there's so much pressure and so many things to think about, one will make mistakes one wouldn't normally make. Howeve , either he considers it part of his performance, doesn't know till after editing that he wasn't "taken care of", or the budget wouldn't allow too many takes. I haven't seen all those instances you mention so I dunno. Re actors requesting another take: One of my favorite stories is about Milos working with Jack Nicholson...did I mention this before? I think I cut it out because it wasn't that relevant at the time...anyway there's a scene where Nicholson is trying to get the Big Indian to pick up a marble sink and use it to break out of the asylum. After maybe 12 takes, Milos say which takes to print and the crew starts to move things around for the next setup. Nicholson says, one more take. Milos says, we got it. Nicholson says no we didn't. Milos says yes, we did. Jack says one more take, I didn't get it. Milos says no. At this time in history, Milos is a barely known Czech director who has done 1 (maybe 2) films in the US, and Nicholson is, you know. So this was unbelievable (this also touches on the discussion of how much clout directors vs. actors have). Hugh standoff, shooting was stopped for the day because neither guy would budge. Correction, Milos walked off the set, and then Jack walked off the the other direction. Terrible problem, money lost, etc., etc. Michael Douglas produced this one, so he's freaking out as well. Eventually, the next morning, after major diplomatic missions, Nicholson took his spot at the next setup. So stars CAN and often do bulldoze even the biggest directors, but this wasn't one of those times. Now if Colin had asked for another take on any shot I saw, he would have gotten it, whether it served the production or his ego or whatever. Everything is relative.

I think that covers the loose ends. When I grow up I want to be able to use Photoshop, snappy, etc. like Nan. Of course you have to have good material to make it all worthwhile :-)

So i guess i didn't learn html :-( Not even one thing.

I don't think Colin should quit his day job like Michael Jordan did and try baseball, but he could certanly give you a good spin around the dance floor. I wish! Thanks for all that Cheryl....I'll have to re-read it a few times to take it all in. As usual you make some very astute obsevations. Nan, you're becoming a real whizz with the snappy! Mmmmmmm!!

I think it was Jody Foster who said that an interview tells you more about the interviewer than the interviewee.

I don't mean to be a loser, but who is Colin Firth??? I mean there are soooo many pages for this guy. I have never even heard of him.... I mean, Bruce Willis, Mel Gibson, David Dochovny, Sam Neill, I can understand, they're all yum-yums, but I have never heard of Colin Firth. Help me out someone.

Someone more qualified should answer MaryBeth's question--I have one foot in the Drool world and one in the outside, so I would be unintelligible. Help! I just bought about everything you can buy with CF in it! I can call it a professional expense but...I've never done this before. I guess I just have to trust those of you with more experience. This was not on my list of things to do six months ago. Oh my.

Nan,who is she? As you know, I haven't seen all His films, and I'm afraid I'm not likely to go Cheryl's way and buy the whole lot. Anyway, his hands are indeed lovely... (Renate)Wondered all the time what you were up to, so quiet Well, do pay a visit to topic 68 and see for yourself ;-) (MaryBeth)who is Colin Firth??? Allow me... a British actor, who played in a number of films you may not have seen and some you may have, and was the star of the BBC/A&E production of "Pride and Prejudice". You probably saw him as Geoffrey Clifton, the wronged husband, in The English Patient. For more information, I suggest you visit some other sites, like: http://www.teleport.com/~kenellen/firthfaq.htm http://www.members.aol.com/DJohn10589/index1.html and others. Also, stick with us and you'll learn a lot more about him! What d'you all say, ladies? Am I right?

(Cheryl) Re: Buying all available CF's videos This was not on my list of things to do six months ago. Oh my. Caution: This is addictive.....happens to the best of us! (Gi) Re: the chick with CF in the latest snappies Nan,who is she Yeah, I don't recognize her either.....

I did so close the italics.

must open and close them...I think??? ;-)

(evelyn) read somplace that Milos' in his bio said Colin was the best actor he could get for the part for the money....do you know if that is true? Without a doubt. Milos wouldn't hold up a film even if another gang decided to do something based on the SAME BOOK AT THE SAME TIME, but he would never go forward without what he considered to be perfect casting. He also had to be diplomatic, I'm sure. You can't just say, he's the best actor and leave it at that. That would offend and burn bridges. Best actor for the part, I'm quite sure he meant. For the money--maybe, but then again one way for people to stay friends while considering each other as potential business partners is to either demand too much money or to offer too little. Milos and his gang like to see the "money on the screen", which means you get a lot of production value for your money and i 's not "wasted" on things people don't see: crew overtime, sweetheart deal and kickbacks, but also anything they can get away with not paying for ;-). However, it would be easy for him to stay friends with people by saying, sorry, I just can't pay that, and go with the non-star that he was leaning toward in the first place.

Italics are happening independent of us. When I posted last part of Karen's and the answer part of mine was just fine. Then I came back and we have droopy letters.

And on the little screen you get with your post and the one you're answering, it looks ok. So it's the main board (for the software wizards).

I'm not sure what's going on with the tags here. Are you getting any messages saying that you have a "missing tag" when you try to post. The software is supposed to alert you before posting so that you can change it. I wonder if there is something wrong with that feature. Hmmmm....

Welcome, Mary Beth :-) As some ladies here have mentioned, most of us found Colin when he starred as Mr. Darcy in the wonderful A&E/BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Here's a little example of why we lost our minds: The above is from Renate's archives. If you haven't seen P&P, you really must. Go, run...then come back and tell us if you agree :-) Arami, dear...I tried to snap the photos you requested from the first proposal, but it appears that he is moving too fast for the Snappy to capture a clear photo (during the really "disgusted" moments, anyway)...hope you'll like this instead:

that is probably the one scene in the movie that I think he doesn't look that good:( Too angry for my taste. We like a Happy Darcy!!!

( Laura ) We like a Happy Darcy!!! And lustful.

Oh, but of course, a lustful Darcy. And a witty Darcy, a shy Darcy, A wet Darcy:) Darcy Darcy~!!!!

Nan, love your snappymania! When I saw these pics I thought: "He really looks %&"*3^#!" No wonder, considering what happened 5 minutes ago. Poor Darcy. Wonderful Colin.

Nan, love your snappymania! Me too, babe :-)

(Cheryl) I don�t think it really matters what he has done or hasn�t done. Absolutely! Of course I wish him success and meteoric rise, but I will always like him primarily for who or what he is - not for what he might be. Vojtech That's a Central European name; what's his surname? Sure, you can work for me if I don't work for you first! ...tell me about your film experience, you sly dog... you must work or have worked in the business. LOL! I'll take it as a compliment. Much as I regret it, my experience is not significant, but I've been close... and I pride myself on reasonably good knowledge of the business. At this time in history, Milos is a barely known Czech director who has done 1 (maybe 2) films in the US, and Nicholson is, you know. So this was unbelievable (this also touches on the discussion of how much clout directors vs. actors have). From Milos's experience of the Central European theatre and cinema tradition, the director is God. (MaryBeth)I don't mean to be a loser, but who is Colin Firth??? We're constantly asking the same question here... ;-) Stay with us, MaryBeth and watch us celebrate a wonderful actor and a decent man. Not a bad looker, either. (Cheryl) Help! I just bought about everything you can buy with CF in it! I'm forever buying everything with or about Colin - and what a nice way to spend one's hubby's hard-earned cash on one's fantasy... (Gi) Nan,who is she? Can't remember her name, but isn't the sequence from Wings of fame? (Evelyn) read somplace that Milos' in his bio said Colin was the best actor he could get for the part for the money....do you know if that is true? (Cheryl) Without a doubt... perfect casting... diplomatic... Best actor for the part, I'm quite sure... maybe, but then again... potential business partners... production value... crew overtime... [etc., etc.] Cheryl, baby, and I mean it in the friendliest way: if you went on and on like that when making a film, your actors and crew would fall asleep... :-) Why don't you just grab the said volume and quote from it verbatim to answer Evelyn's simple question? (Nan) it appears that he is moving too fast for the Snappy to capture a clear photo Yes, I know. It's that blasted steadicam again: great for quick, natural, documentary style scenes, but not good for artistic purposes... (Cheryl, my friend, make a note, please: we shan't be using any such fancy cheapo machinery or crap cameramen in our films :-)!) Nan, the first pic comes quite close to what I expected to see. He looks like he's sucking on a lemon, poor dear, and I don't mind that he's not really pretty with it. In fact I'm sure it's intentional: here's Darcy absolutely fuming and seepe in revulsion, giving vent to his frustration by grimacing in private, but no one will ever see his face screwed up like that because he's too polite and well bred to throw tantrums publicly. That famous old English stiff upper lip, you know... Wonderful! Nan, could you try his flashes of anger and disgust as he rises from the pew in the church at Lydia and Wickham's wedding? (Yes, I also like a happy Darcy, but I positively melt when he's thunderous! :-))

(Gi) Nan,who is she? (Arami) Can't remember her name, but isn't the sequence from Wings of fame? Yes, WOF. Her name is Marie Trintignant--quite pretty, I think. (Arami) He looks like he's sucking on a lemon, poor dear, and I don't mind that he's not really pretty with it. Really? Some of you think he's not really pretty when he's angry. Mercy! I think he's too hot for words when he's pissed...makes my teeth sweat :-D (Arami) could you try his flashes of anger and disgust as he rises from the pew in the church *sigh* I'm having the same problem as before...he's moving too fast to catch the real flash, but I got these... Personally, I don't care if he's smiling or frowning or bouncing off the walls--when he's in Darcy mode, he gives me the "squinges" (as Marcia used to say) ;-)

The BIG WET COLD BORING BLANKET speaking: Dear ladies, let me remind you that it is much easier to lose one's temper than to repair the damage when it is done. Ready wit is a great thing, but diplomacy is the better virtue. I can't always keep to this rule myself, but I try. :-) If you cannot swallow what someone serves you, write down your reply but don't post it before 24, or 48 hours later. You will see it in another light. Perhaps you don't need to reply at all because it is not important anymore. This is the essence of my experience of a year and a half on boards and lists.

(Cheryl) .I didn�t have said volume, Evelyn did. SHE asked ME for additional information about something that was IN said volume. I tried to satisfy the woman as much as possible. And Evelyn is very grateful. I will say I learned a great deal from Cheryl's response. Thank you. Hey, kids....this wasn't my weekend.... I offended Ann on #80 (have since apologized via email) And then I opened up a can of worms on this board...... I'm the one to be shot!!

Well, all I can say is that I have really enjoyed Cheryl's very thoughtful contributions and very much appreciate the time and effort taken. I have infact been trying to print off a copy of all Cheryl's postings to read at my leisure, but all I get are blank pages. Any advice, please? I'm not acting as mediator here, but I think that Arami would be the first to admit that she rather enjoys stirring things up occasionally (makes for a lively board :-) )But I also think that Cheryl defended herself very creditably! Baptism by fire! :-)

I have in fact been trying to print off a copy...but all I get are blank pages. Any advice, please? See, Nan!! I'm not the only one. Apparently you and Myretta have *magic* print buttons. Bethan: I've had to resort to copying to a word processing document in order to print anything from Spring since nearly Day 1. :-(

I think it's the browser. Since I use Netscape Communicator I cannot print it out anymore; haven't tried MSIE 3 lately, but it used to work. If it's not the browser it must be some options - would be very interested to find out what the reason is.

(Bethan) Well, all I can say is that I have really enjoyed Cheryl's very thoughtful contributions and very much appreciate the time and effort taken Here, here!!,. And we don't want anyone running her off!

Karen: See, Nan!! I'm not the only one. Apparently you and Myretta have *magic* print buttons. Renate: I think it's the browser. Renate is right, Karen. It's not a magic print button. It's a magic browser. MSIE works. Netscape doesn't.

Marie Trintignant Oh, yes, of course - Jean Louis's daughter, I think, right? How could I forget. he's moving too fast to catch the real flash, but I got these... Nan, it's brilliant (for what it is... ;-P). I love the way he shoots troubled glances from under his frowning brows - left, right... he's in Darcy mode, he gives me the "squinges" Ditto here! (Cheryl) Why don�t you pick on somebody your own size ;-p Ah, so you also think size matters, then :-D ? I request a moratorium on mockery for a month or so I'll consider it... since you're asking so nicely... coffee keeps one perky, if that�s a problem for you. No, dear, I'm not proud - I'd even sweep the studio afterwards ;-) I might have dissolved in tears Oh, no - no waterworks, please. Can't stand it! Anyway, I can see that you are made of sterner stuff and withstood my trials well... ;-) there�s something fishy there Yes, we all seem to be angling for something... The only time anyone ever fell asleep on me was after a long night of � You're expecting applause? ;-) Take this to board 34, I would. ;-D SHE asked ME for additional information about something that was IN said volume. Well, whatever it was, I was also interested in the details. And perhaps other people here, too. However, on checking IN the said volume, I find that more or less half of what she said she had heard was in it, wasn't in it after all... :-( So I was wondering what was that you actually commented upon, if you get my drift... I'm still none the wiser :-) You can always use your pretty little mouse or keyboard to skip unsightly verbiage. But when you put your verbiage on a public board, other people will want to read and comment. If you don't want it, you can always use your pretty little private email system. :-) Perhaps you could try to like me primarily for who and what I am, rather than who I might be�or is that only for DB? (tee hee). Oh, it's never the question of not liking you - I'm not really that nasty! But when facts and sources are quoted, I tend to get very exacting. Why don't you? :-) I didn�t have said volume, Evelyn did. Exactly! But why has it taken you all this time to admit it? And Evelyn can't have it either, her quotation was incorrect, so you both ended discussing a fallacy. OK - I accept your apology in good faith and offer you mine. Not for speaking the truth - but for the way I go about it. (Thanks, Renate and Bethan, for your noble efforts to diffuse the situation. I don't really deserve all the friends who rally round when I get carried away...) Seriously, I know I'm sometimes annoying, but it's all done in an effort to be stimulating and amusing. Well, at least I had some fun... tee-hee... :) P.S.By the way, I would advise you to ignore the gossip concerning my person... It is of no consequence, I assure you. DB is still the appropriate subject here.

(Arami) Well, at least I had some fun... tee-hee... But, at whose expense?

(Myretta) Renate is right, Karen. It's not a magic print button. It's a magic browser. MSIE works. Netscape doesn't. Aha! Mystery solved. All you've gotta do is get rid of that pesky Netscape ;-p (Nan) Marie Trintignant (Arami) Oh, yes, of course - Jean Louis's daughter, I think, right? How could I forget. Yep, that's her. (Arami) I love the way he shoots troubled glances from under his frowning brows - left, right... I just love him when he's dark and brooding. I'm a little annoyed that I can't capture a few of the moments, but I suppose I'll have to live with it. *Sigh* (Arami) Ah, so you also think size matters, then :-D ? Damned straight, it does ;-p ;-p Yes, we all seem to be angling for something... Indeed, baby! (Arami) Seriously, I know I'm sometimes annoying, but it's all done in an effort to be stimulating and amusing...(snip)...By the way, I would advise you to ignore the gossip concerning my person... It is of no consequence, I assure you It's true...Arami is perfectly amiable (and I speak from experience) ;-) Maybe I'm just used to her style, after more than a year of her being an almost daily part of my life, but I've enjoyed every moment of it (good and bad). Slap me if you want, but she makes me LMAO...always has, even when we weren't getting along. I think part of the fun of the Colin boards is that they are frequented by a group of sly, witty, intelligent women. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't trade this for any of the other places I visit where everyone gushes over everyone else. This is far more interesting to me. So, Cheryl dear...settle in, you've been initiated ;-) Give as well as you get and you'll grow to love this place. But I warn you...no Colin information gets past us. If you mention something, prepare to get peppered with questions. And, as Arami mentioned, she is our resident stickler so don't be surprised when she calls you on something ;-)

(Myretta) MSIE works. Netscape doesn't. Aha! Mystery solved. All you've gotta do is get rid of that pesky Netscape ;-p ... only to get that still more pesky MSIE....;-)) For the benefit of newbies: you can have both on your pc, and use them simultaneously. Very useful, and very interesting, because the same page may look very different when watched with one or the other.

(Arami) Well, at least I had some fun... tee-hee... (Evelyn) But, at whose expense? You're obviously craving an apology from me personally, too. Oh, all right, then. It's like giving autographs (ask Colin!) - one tries one's best in the interest of world peace... ;-P ;-D So, have you found out yet what Milos Forman really wrote about casting Colin in Valmont? :)

(Arami ) (Evelyn) But, at whose expense? You're obviously craving an apology from me personally, too. "Frankly, m'dear, I don't give a damn":-) I just felt sorry that I had put Cheryl in that predicament. You see, I don't get my kicks from injuring other people.And I don't think you're so cute,as Nan does. But I am willing to co-exist with you. I don't think we have to gush over one another....but one should maintain some form of civility. So, have you found out yet what Milos Forman really wrote about casting Colin in Valmont? :) BTW that information was at onetime posted on FAQ. AT this point I shall take Cheryl's word .

Okay, as we're all amicable once more, I'm going to stimulate some discussion! I've been reading about Spielberg's "Private Ryan" opening on the US to a major promotion campaign and hugely favourable audience reaction.....and I presume that one of the reasons, if not the only reason, the opening of MLSF was postponed by Miramax would have been the justifiable fear that it would sink without trace before such opposition. And so they looked for another date. Which begs the question...when can a small budget coming of age movie about a landed gentry family in Scotland in the early 1930's ever be a box office success in the US? Everyone always quotes the example of the Full Monty, but that had a "secret" marketing budget of $20million. Miramax would have to promote MLSF heavily, and CF would have to take centre stage on the celebrity circuit..talk shows etc. I was reading about how Kenneth Branagh promoted The Gingerbread Man in the US (BTW this movie has just opened here to dreadful reviews..made the reviews for ATA seem positively glowing) and "surfing" cable TV I caught a glimpse of Madonna partying with Rupert Everett and talking about their latest movie. The problem is I just can't see Colin taking this celebrity path, although he may have to. With reasonable marketing MLSF could probably open now in the UK with modest to good box office success, as it could in perhaps somewhere like Scandinavia where Colin is quite popular. But the big box office returns are undoubtably to be made in the US and in the meantime Miramax delay the release of MLSF which doesn't do Colin's career in the UK any good....we're having a long wait to see him in a starring role, especially if SIL comes out first. Basically, my question is, just how difficult is it to be successful on both sides of the pond? Especially for an essentially private unassuming man?

Oh my! Now we're bolded and italiced (italicked?! I only bolded the first word, very, and I have proof in Microsoft Word.

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Bethan... I keep tellin ya'...Miramax knows what they're doin' with MLSF They are the most successful indie company (not v. indie..owned by Disney) I wish SLOW was in their hands!!

(Evelyn)I had put Cheryl in that predicament Evelyn, my dear, I wouldn't change a thing:-)

Not only do I get double posts, I get a ghost writer! (This happened on 98 as well).

Cheryl: I only bolded the first word, very, and I have proof in Microsoft Word. Check your document. You losed your tag with b/ instead of /b I use both Netscape and Explorer, and Netscape works just fine. If you are able to print from Netscape, perhaps you will share your set up options so that everyone else can do it too.

Cheryl: Don't feel like you *have* to cite chapter and verse about everything. As far as I know, "trial by fire" is not a prerequisite for participating here. You have a unique vantage point and your comments are welcome and interesting. MLSF Bethan, you asked *when* a movie like that could be released. All depends on what they promote it as. A kid growing up in Scotland with quirky relations could be released anytime, but probably the summer would least desirable. FYI, there was considerable controversary about releasing Pvt, Ryan now as this part of the summer through end of August is considered dead. I had heard Spielberg didn't want it to go up against Armageddon. Have heard from people who have seen it and they say it's his best yet. When it was over, no one got up for quite a while. As the old sergeant used to say on Hill Street Blues: Let's be careful with our tags out there! My eyes have barely refocused. ;-D

I am gone but a short while and I find you have left me far behind, and somewhat Squinge-less. The pix I flashed through on my way to posting did remarkable things for my Monday, and for that I thank all of you more talented-than-I posters. While I was away some vile person came into my sanctom and removed all TVs, VCR's,(Leaving me Firthless entirely) COMPUTERS!!!!, and short wave receivers. I am now on a Laptop pressed on me by a very foresighted StefanieB before I left her company in California. As I struggle to fill out insurance forms and replace some of the missing items, I will be back here to keep my sanity intact. It seems forever since I have even contemplated serious button snipping!!!

(Bethan) I've been reading about Spielberg's "Private Ryan" ....and I presume that one of the reasons, if not the only reason, the opening of MLSF was postponed by Miramax would have been the justifiable fear that it would sink without trace before such opposition. My assumption too and I'm actually glad now that they did not open up the same time. "Private Ryan" is HUGE here right now. Actually, I am hoping that perhaps Miramax might be waiting to open MLSF after SIL simply because the big names in the latter movie may awaken more interest in Colin, thus generating more interest in MLSF. Think that's a plausible tactic? Cheryl, I appreciate your good humor and am glad to see you won't be scared off easily. You were really put to the test for some reason and, as far as I'm concerned, have come through with flying colors. Marcia!!! So wonderful to see you. So sorry about your hardware woes! Your unbridled enthusiasm for our sweetie is very welcome.

Well... I don't want to be TOO cheeky, but all these hundreds and hundreds of hours in the illustrious company of Valmont makers have clearly taken their toll... ;-P Oh, and by the way, Cheryl: In fact, based on several clues, I KNOW you�re... I am really intrigued now: what clues, Cheryl, dear?... Do tell, so I may learn to conceal them in future :)

(Marcia) I am gone but a short while and I find you have left me far behind, and somewhat Squinge-less. Marcia! Soo good to see your name again :-) Leave you behind? Never, dear. Think about it this way--you have lots of entertaining reading (and a few photos) to catch up on. Sorry to hear about your trouble, dear :-( (But very glad you haven't forgotten how to snip some buttons) ;-D

Actually, I am hoping that perhaps Miramax might be waiting to open MLSF after SIL simply because the big names in the latter movie may awaken more interest in Colin, thus generating more interest in MLSF. Think that's a plausible tactic? (Heide) Exactly! I think the point I was trying to make in my earlier posting is that MLSF could open in the UK on the strength of Puttnam & Hudson, Scotland and CF, but in the US, even with all Miramax's promotional power, it might need something more. In Hollywood terms Colin is the guy who appeared in TEP. If SIL does well/gets Oscar type notice (courtesy of Paltrow and Affleck), then by association CF will be better known, especially if (ple-e-ase, ple-ease!) Wessex is a strong role. I still think he'll have o bite the bullet and do chat shows, though! Isn't there sometimes a contractual obligation to promote ? Thinking about SIL, I just caught the end (on TV) of Elizabeth and Essex, with Bette Davis and Errol Flynn. (Forget Shakespeare.....this is the story I want to see, gallows and all!)The Essex costume was rather fetching.......mid thigh length boots, glimpse of stockinged thigh, very short slightly puckered pants (must be a name for them) and open necked white frilly blouse type shirt. Very nice, especially for men with legs!

Desire under the Elms The Bookpages website is turning me into a compulsive bookbuyer! Just read O'Neill's play for the first time. There's a mention of CF in the introduction, as starring in the "very powerful" 1987 stage production in London. "Desire" is certainly a whole world away from Regency England. Very passionate! If he did it now, he'd probably cause a riot. :-) I quote from the stage directions. "Eben (CF) is sitting on the side of his bed...On account of the heat he has taken off everything but his undershirt and pants. His feet are bare. He afces front, brooding moodily, his chin propped on his hands, a desperate expression on his face." Abbie stands for a second staring at him, her eyes burning with desire. Then with a little cry she runs over and throws her arms about his neck, she pulls his head back and covers his mouth with kisses. At first he submits dumbly, then he puts his arms about her neck and returns her kisses, but finally, subddenly aware of his hatred, he hurls her away from him, springinhing to his feet. They stand speechless and breathless, panting like animals" WOW!!! There's more... ...mixture of lust and mother love....wild passion overcomes her. She kisses him lustfully, again and again and he flings his arms about her and returns her kisses.......Their lips meet in a fierce, bruising kiss. Mmmmmm!! Wish I'd seen it! A performance to remember......:-)

The dialogue is pretty raunchy at times.....or perhaps it's just my mind, too attuned to innuendo! (Blame Drool!) Again I quote, Abbie (to Eben) She laughs a low humid laugh without taking her eyes from his. A pause - her body squirms desirously - she murmurs languourously Hain't the sun strong and hot? Ye kin feel it burning into the earth - Nature - making things grow - bigger 'n bigger - burning inside ye - making ye want to grow - into something else - till ye're jined with it and it's your'n -but it owns ye too - and makes ye grow bigger - like a tree, like them elms... Is it my mind? Perhaps it's all about Nature.:-) O'Neill can certainly write! Is he still rated as America's no 1?

(Bethan) Desire under the Elms - Just read O'Neill's play for the first time. There's a mention of CF in the introduction, as starring in the "very powerful" 1987 stage production in London. Bethan could you let us know the edition, publisher, year, please? Also who wrote the introduction? (I'm a stickler for details, sources, dates... ;-)! Thanks...)

(Bethan) Is it my mind? Perhaps it's all about Nature.:-) Can't say I didn't join you there, Bethan, wherever your mind was. Ooh, I've got to read this play. Our horizons are ever expanding thanks to Colin. Thanks for the images. Marlon Brando-type undershirt, you think? Or the kind my grandpa used to wear. ;-P

(Myretta)Check your document. You losed your tag with b/ instead of /b. Right you are. So much to learn, so little time. I'll look into the settings. I'm on a network, so I need to extrapolate what they would be on a stand-alone computer. I determined to watch everything before P&P2, so as to be objective, but I didn't. AZ, AMITC, CoF again, and then I was late to work so I could finish P&P2 in one sitting. A joy to read what's been said about them all and what will be said in the future. So much to learn.

Watch out, everybody, it's back to the future again...!

(Cheryl) I'm on a network, so I need to extrapolate what they would be on a stand-alone computer. Okay. When you figure it out, please do share the information as there are several ladies here who are having a problem printing. (Arami) Watch out, everybody, it's back to the future again...! OH CACA! All my settings get screwed up everytime we jump into the future. Now I can't tell what boards have new messages so I have to go into them one at a time. Grrrrr.....

(Arami) Watch out, everybody, it's back to the future again...! Perhaps not, your own post is back to the present. I guess the Count went back to sleep...:-) (Nan)OH CACA! Nan, why the latin? Have you been reading Collen McCullough?

(Nan)OH CACA! (Gi) Nan, why the latin? Very elegant and ladylike, that's why. We're working towards a real refinement here and some are more refined than others ;-P

Lots of screenplays in this place, including SIL ..... The Scriptshop Who would consider to order SIL (or anything else)? Just curious...

Very elegant and ladylike, that's why. We're working towards a real refinement here and some are more refined than others ;-P May I call you Caroline? signed: Louisa

(Arami)Very elegant and ladylike, that's why. We're working towards a real refinement here and some are more refined than others ;-P (Renate)May I call you Caroline? signed: Louisa ROTFLOL!

Who would consider to order SIL (or anything else)? Just curious.. Thanks for the great site, Renate. Did a quick cruise through there and it's pretty light in the Colin department (had SIL, TEP and ATA). Can't imagine why a classic like Playmaker isn't in demand. I'm sending an e-mail to them because their FAQ said they only deal in scripts for films that have been released. SiL is a long way from being released. What gives? But I might order it anyway to get an idea of what kind of part this Wessex is?

So sorry to go off tanget, but there's a slightly interesting debate going on in the E!Online gossip column, The Awful Truth. It's about Meg Tilly (CF's ex sig. other) and the columnist's description of her as a 'dishrag". Poor Meg! Anyway, the picture they've got of her looks so much like Livia... scary! http://www.eonline.com/Gossip/Awful/index5.html

(Winter) Anyway, the picture they've got of her looks so much like Livia... scary! I think Livia does look like a young Meg Tilly...from The Big Chill days. There was a picture on her website that was a deadringer for Livia.

I'm trying to put together the pieces of the BJ/CF interview to send to people and something's missing. I seem to recall the end where she gets sacked. But now I can't find it...the last piece I can find ends with "CF: Is that it then"--about EB's exercise and CF's stage instructions from Davies. Help me, I'm blind.

Arami, Desire under the Elms is published by NicK Hern Books with the Royal National Theatre. Introduction by Christine Dymkowski. ISBN 1 84549 136 3. Price �7.99. I also ordered Anthony Minghella's "Two planks and a passion" in which CF plays Richard II. From bookpages.com His stage/radio drama career is very interesting .....shows his considerable versatility. But I might order it anyway to get an idea of what kind of part this Wessex is? Aargh!! Brave soul Karen! I live in dread that it's another TEP. But hopefully, NOT!! BTW as semi-official scanner of newspapers, I think it's definitely time for an announcement re casting of Bridget Jones. Does anyone know where the news of the casting of "Marked Man" originated? Is that definite? The Times had a snippet about RF taking a paycut (�800,000 instead of his usual �4million) to do "The End of the Affair" (Love story in London WW2 Blitz). Cornering the Romantic Englishman market! Meg Tilly/Livia........don't men always go for the same physical type, even if they don't see it?

(Cheryl) I'm trying to put together the pieces of the BJ/CF interview to send to people and something's missing. No need to piece together anything. It's all in one piece at the click of your mouse. :-) http://hem.passagen.se/lmw/nnnnews.html Help me, I'm blind. All evidence to the contrary. ;-) (Bethan) I live in dread that it's another TEP. But hopefully, NOT!! Another TEP in the sense that it will be a supporting role? V. likely, he'll be way down in the credits after all those Oscar winner/nominee types and the *hot* properties. I think I'm more interested in the character. I too had done some reading about Essex when the project was announced and the impression I got was of very handsome dashing young courtier who manipulated QE to get his way. He would go storming off and she would cave. I'm not expecting any romance here. It was flattery to an older woman. He knew what amused her and he did it to get favors. BTW, the Script place has taken SiL off the list, saying it was in error.

W/Essex......the impression I got was of very handsome dashing young courtier who manipulated QE to get his way. Very true, except I'm not sure if this is what we'll see in SIL. From the snippets I've read (mainly on Internet sites) it seems that Wessex is engaged or about to be engaged to one of the Queen's ladies in waiting (GP). Presumably she doesn't want the match and runs off to join Shakespeare's players. Shakespeare falls for her and writes Romeo and Juliet. The film is supposed to mirror Hollywood politics...in Elizabethan England most players would depend on noblemen like Essex and Souhampton for patrona e and access to the court and the Queen's preferment. In the original script by Marc Norman the GP character finally marries the Earl of Southampton. In "real life" Southampton, who was homosexual, was persuaded by Essex to marry one of the Queen's ladies in waiting, who was pregnant by Essex,in order to ward off the Queen's displeasure. I'm not sure what representation SIL will give us.....I just hope we don't get 2 hours of Junior Fiennes batting his long eyelashes at GP and quoting chunks of Romeo and Juliet. If so, I'm off home!!

Bethan .I just hope we don't get 2 hours of Junior Fiennes batting his long eyelashes at GP and quoting chunks of Romeo and Juliet. If so, I'm off home!! Ask for your money back.!! Re: RF in the "The End of the Affair"....can't fault ole Rafe for really going after the parts....he did TEP for less $$$ than usual too.

(Bethan) Wessex is engaged or about to be engaged to one of the Queen's ladies in waiting (GP). Presumably she doesn't want the match and runs off So obviously fiction! Be more believable if were the other way around. ;-) You're right. Sounds like a Geoffrey Clifton role again, unless they concentrate on his relationship with QE and the way he had her wrapped around his little pinkie ring. I just hope we don't get 2 hours of Junior Fiennes batting his long eyelashes at GP and quoting chunks of Romeo and Juliet. If so, I'm off home!! LOL!! So what's Affleck doing while Junior is batting his long eyelashes?

(Bethan) Meg Tilly/Livia........don't men always go for the same physical type, even if they don't see it? Flashback! More than a year ago, at the old Pond, we had a similar discussion about the very obvious physical similarities between Meg and Livia. You were there Bethan, remember? I think we decided that Colin had a thing for little brunettes. When someone mentioned Jennifer (who is a blond in the real world), we decided that the only characterisic these three women shared was a mole. This prompted the very clever Megan of the WET SHIRT to create this emoticon... :-.) LOL! I remember hootin' and hollerin' over it. We used to use it quite frequently. I must get back into the habit ;-.)

he did TEP for less $$$ than usual too. I think that Rafe's "less $$$" is about 50 times the average impoverished UK actor's annual earnings. The Times diarist was rather ironical about RF's "trivial" salary of �800,000. ( The total budget for FP was �1,500,000). Oh dear, I guess I'm just not generous spirited when it comes to RF (or Junior Fiennes either!):-{ sounds like a Geoffrey Clifton role again No, this is a very ambitious and hot-tempered man, recognised as physically attractive, and doted on by the Queen of England........I see Wessex as more of a "baddie" role, rather than a "cuckold"! (Where did that word originate?) Colin had a thing for little brunettes Oh yes, I remember this discussion. I also remember quoting something CF was supposed to have said (bet he never did!) to a "friend" about liking Jennifer as a brunette and preferring dark haired women as they were more "mysterious". The source was a tabloid paper, so take with a pinch of salt!

something CF was supposed to have said (bet he never did!) to a "friend" about liking Jennifer as a brunette and preferring dark haired women as they were more "mysterious". The source was a tabloid paper, so take with a pinch of salt! I think he was quoted as saying so in other sources as well - maybe in The Making Of P&P? He also allegedly said - long before he met Livia - that he preferred foreign (i.e. non- British) women... a "cuckold"! (Where did that word originate?) Mediaeval English.

BTW, Renate, you may call me Milady ;-P

(bethan)she doesn't want the match and runs off to join Shakespeare's players. Shakespeare falls for her and writes Romeo and Juliet. As far as I know, in Elizabethan times there were no women players, so she'd have no cause to join them... Is this right? (arami)BTW, Renate, you may call me Milady ;-P Arami (Maria?) I see you're very much into the Musketeers thing... I wonder who Athos and Porthos are supposed to be, and guess every newbie feels a little like young D'Artagnan... :-)

My dear Gi, you misunderstand me. Milady is a common English word, not a proper name. The association with the Musketeers is purely coincidental, even though I feel a lot like a mature d'Artagnan. But you may still call me Arami :-)

(Bethan)she runs off to join Shakespeare's players. (Gi) As far as I know, in Elizabethan times there were no women players, so she'd have no cause to join them... Is this right? Who said she joined them as a player? She was their tea lady...

(Arami)The association with the Musketeers is purely coincidental Well, maybe we could paraphrase their motto... All for Colin and Colin for all :-)

Colin for all??? Dear girl, dream on... :-)

(Arami or whatever your name is:-.))before he met Livia - that he preferred foreign (i.e. non- British) women... { I recall reading an interview where CF stated that during his acting class days, he was mad about Joanne Whalley. However, she wanted nothing to do with him. As I recall, she is very British;)

I also recall an interview: "The Daily Express had three days on my tangled love life, says Firth, still incredulous. They didn't talk to me. Instead, they took quotes my parents had given to the local village gazette and ran them. They invented a smoldering crush -- that was how they put it -- on an actress I'd met only once, Joanne Whalley. You can't sue, because none of the things they write are actually defamatory,and you don't want to insult Joanne Whalley, but I felt as if I were reading about someone else, who was using my na e and my picture." (CF) Full text available publicly for everybody who cares to verify: Harpers Bazaar, May 1996, "Colin Firth's Sexy Sensibility", by Laurie Winer

(karen) Thanks for the link. Friends on Broadway, in Off-Broadway (producers and managers), owners of theaters, people at Miramax, old school chums, ...slowly everybody's getting a note from me "just wondered how you're doing" in which I manage to work in shameful (shameless?) queries about C. It's working pretty well, since I've been under everybody's radar working on this book and freelancing for money. Mostly it's the women, of course, who are ROTFLMAO.

Arami or whatever your name is I wish people stopped making an issue of me. For one thing it makes me feel frightfully important, which is, I'm sure, quite contrary to everybody else's wishes...

(Gi) As far as I know, in Elizabethan times there were no women players, so she'd have no cause to join them... Is this right? Yes, Gi, you are right. Although in this case, I believe Gwynnie disguises herself as a man to join the troupe. Funny how we're managing to get through this dearth of Firth and now all of a sudden, December doesn't seem so far away.

Arami or whatever your name is I wish people stopped making an issue of me. For one thing it makes me feel frightfully important, which is, I'm sure, quite contrary to everybody else's wishes...

She wanted nothing to do with him.. They invented a smoldering crushon an actress I'd met only once, Joanne Whalley. You can't sue, because none of the things they write are actually defamatory,and you don't want to insult Joanne Whalley "And you don't want to insult Joanne Whalley"...the mark of a gentleman, to be more concerned about how someone else would feel, rather than your own ego. They didn't talk to me. Instead, they took quotes my parents had given to the local village gazette and ran them. Was this the series of articles in the Express? Interesting...I remember thinking that I didn't think his parents would be the type to give an exclusive to a tabloid. Obviously they aren't....chatting to a cub reporter from the local Grayshott Echo or Lower Puddleton Chonicle is quite a different matter! Wish I'd taken a printout of the series though. Was this the one where CF's mother said he was very loyal to his girlfriends and his dad (when asked about signs of acting talent) said Colin used to like pretending to be Batman when he was a little boy. Note to Colin's dad........my son used to love zooming around shouting "Dinna...dinna...Bat-m-a-an!" but his acting talent is nil (so far, one line (totally inaudible) is a school production of Treasure Island) :-) December doesn't seem so far away Very true. I also think that it's possible to have more appreciation for things which are hard to come by, rather than those which are readily available. By the way, when are you planning to take your Jane Austen trip, Heide? You must give us a full report of your impressions!

Testing

Hello droolers.

Bear with me. I am having a hard time here.

Hello, Passionata... I think you're doing well... Now all you need to do is gather your thoughts together and plunge in!

For one thing it makes me feel frightfully important Somehow important is not the right word I would have used ridiculous is more to my liking. Renata, Mr Firth seems to say different things to different interviewers. I really would not believe one jot of what he says. A friend mentioned that he says different things on the either side of the pond. I don't find him to be very reliable. One way to refute this is his love/hate of LA; one interviewer he states how much he HATED LA; then not a couple years later he states how much he misses it when he is gone. I find him to be quite disingenious at times. I would suspect he did have a crush on Joanne Whalley, but would not admit to it.

And the earth is a plate.

And the earth is a plate. ] If you think so, it must be. But the last time I checked, the earth was still round. When you get to the edge, please don't fall off.

Most people wouldn't have to check.

Oh, c'mon, are you two having PMS? I only knew closely one person in the entertainment business, an actor, and sat through one of his interviews, which was quite bland. I questioned him on a number of things, afterwards, and he said he had to watch out and say nothing that could be misconstrued into a scandalous headline. This, I suppose, is Laura's point. Anyway, I for one had no intention of making Arami feel anything unpleasant. Just had fun playing sleuth...

But Renate with your need to verify everything I had to check that the world was indeed round and not a plate. I only did it to satisfy you. Obviously nothing does.

Somehow important is not the right word I would have used ridiculous is more to my liking. And I feel a little more kind and generous today, therefore I am not going to say what word I would have used to describe people who insist on using this board for hurling personal abuse. If you find wit and wisdom incomprehensible, please kindly refrain from addressing me or my comments directly.

If you find wit and wisdom incomprehensible ] I would never find those two incomprehensible:) Sorry, you think so:)

Oh dear! I normally enjoy visting this board and find it relaxing. But not today. Laura, I really like Colin (and enjoy liking him) whereas your loyalties seem to have fluctuated. Why can't he have a love/hate relationship with LA? His son lives there, but maybe he's not comfortable with the working environment. Why can't he change his mind about things? And let's avoid personal abuse, please! The Spring is normally a pleasant haven...let's keep it so! :-)

Why can't he change his mind about things? Perhaps also about Ms. Whalley. BTW Hey,........ Three against one...no fair. In my country, this is known as bullying.

I think if I were a famous person, I would intentianally lie to reporters about my private life and I would change my story right and left, until no one could believe a word I said...then maybe they would stop pestering me.

I do believe there was a point Laura was making and the LA thing is strictly an example that Colin has said different things to different interviewers. Yes, he may have changed his mind. Yes, he may have been a little disingenous here. Why is it so difficult to accept that a person or actor would say contradictory things. The information about Joanne Whalley may have come out in another interview and he may have decided to put it to rest because it was nobody's business who he may or may not have had crush on. Why is this so difficult to accept? Perhaps, it's years of listening to spin doctors in politics, entertainment, business, you name it. The truth is more than difficult to pin down. I'm sure everyone has seen the interviews where Colin says contradictory things about LA. Getting back to *types* of women. I have always found that men consistently go for the same physical type, whereas women are attracted more so to the same personality type. We all may have our dream guys, but when push comes to shove (not literally, ladies) it's the personality and how well you get along, not the hair color, amount of hair, etc. No offense to you, Gi, but could we not attribute comments to PMS. I find that so demeaning to women in general (even though it may be true). ;-)

CF may have said different things at different times to different reporters. Equally, different reporters may have misconstrued his various moods and opinions.

Thanks for asking, Bethan. My trip starts August 13. I recently got the film listing for the Film Festival in Edinburgh and while I wasn't really expecting it, was still disappointed to see MLSF not being shown (though a JE film, Bedrooms and Hallways is). We are spending 3 days in Edinburgh so I guess I'll have to give up hopes of a Colin fix while there. I know there is a bank holiday in August. Can you tell me what day?

CF may have said different things at different times to different reporters. Equally, different reporters may have misconstrued his various moods and opinions. I knew I should have included poor reporting in the list of possibilities, but could we at least acknowledge that they are all possibilities. No one here can say definitively what is in his mind, what he *meant* to say, or anything (although it is common practice in journalism to run feature articles past the subject prior to release), and just because it is in print one way or the other doesn't make it true.

Heide We are spending 3 days in Edinburgh so I guess I'll have to give up hopes of a Colin fix while there. Not necessarily, Heide. The list you got are the films in competition. However, there are also many British films that will be screened. The British Film Market will again take place this year Aug 25-30. And they feature only British films (Variety 7/21/98) I'll call Handmade before you leave and see if they tell me about SLOW. MLSF already has a distrib. Though that wouldn't preclude them from the Festival. Saving Pvt. Ryan is opening the Venice FF withTom Hanks and Steven Speilberg attending. Bedrooms and Hallways of JE's was screened at Cannes. And is in competion at EdinburghFF. It's a jungle out there . RF" Eugene Onegin" still has no distrib and he and Liv Tyler were all over the place at Cannes.

I live in LA, and I say contradictory things about it all the time. A lot of those things similar to what Colin has mentioned. I do believe he has a love/hate relationship with this city as do a lot of people, and I also think his opinions about it are situational-- depending on whether he's had a good visit or bad visit. Thanks for posting the interview, Renate. I hadn't seen that one in a while. He seems to do a lot of his interviews in Santa Monica, which is a haven for ex-patriate Brits. (Was hanging about there this past weekend, on full Colin lookout. No sign of him.. yet!)

Excuse me for stepping in in the middle of a war.

Hi everybody! I'm new. I've been posting on 98 but I just love a good brawl.In my neck o'the woods we blame it on the dog days. Probably just too little info about CF which is frustrating to say the least. I certainly don't want to throw cold water on you guys...so go to it.

It's a jungle out there . RF" Eugene Onegin" still has no distrib and he and Liv Tyler were all over the place at Cannes. } Ralph and Liv? Age difference = 13.5 years. Since the age gap is over 10 years, I won't see it. (Though according to the IMDB, the story is about an older man meeting a younger woman, which if they actually address the age difference instead of just playing into male fantasies, might redeem it.)

(Passionata) Excuse me for stepping in in the middle of a war. Welcome Passionata. What a great name! :-) Poor newbie, you are the last one to apologize for stepping on this battlefield. It's me who has to apologize to all droolies here that I did not stick to my own rule to wait at least 24 hours before I reply. You know, I am like a lioness when it comes to ODB :-)). I promise to behave like the grown up woman I am, and bite my tongue at future occasions (it's already numb anyway :-) ), but I also promise to continue to contribute quotes, sources, and links when I think it necessary. Laura: this is the last time I address you personally. It's no secret we don't get along very well, so we better stay away from each other. In the interest of all droolies I ask you politely to refrain from addressing me personally in the future, I'll do likewise.

(karen)Yes, he may have changed his mind. Yes, he may have been a little disingenous here... Why is it so difficult to accept? It's not what is said but the way that it is said. No offense to you, Gi... None taken! I'm a woman, and very vulnerable emotionally in my PM days myself. So I didn't mean to demean (? what a strange sentence) my own sex. Nevah! (heide)I know there is a bank holiday in August. Can you tell me what day? Monday August 31st. (Passionata) Excuse me for stepping in in the middle of a war. (sofie)Hi everybody! I'm new... Hallo to you both! And welcome. Please feel free to bypass the war and start drooling!

(winter) He seems to do a lot of his interviews in Santa Monica, which is a haven for ex-patriate Brits. As I recall there was that restaurant right there (The Ivy??) that was a major celeb hangout. Naw!! Colin probably wouldn't go there. ;-)

(Bethan)Why can't he have a love/hate { I guess the same goes for me too. But as was pointed out, I was trying to prove a point. I find myself to be a realist, whereas, some are fundamentalists. I will end this diatribe because there can be no winner. I have always said that I had a love/hate relationship w/him. But I do adore his acting.

Winter (Was hanging about there this past weekend, on full Colin lookout. No sign of him.. yet!) Take a drive through Brentwood and see if you see a little boy on a bicycle with a dad along. Laura It was your idea to discuss A Month in the Country . Get thee to #98....Now.....outta here! :-)

stepping in in the middle of a war Passionata! Sofie! This isn't a war, gals, this is just an everyday discussion resulting in one of our usual clashes of theoreticians, rationalists and crapists ;-D

(Armani) this is just an everyday discussion resulting in one of our usual clashes of theoreticoans, rationalists and crapists. Oh..O.K....cool.

Sophie....you can go over to #34 .....there's a plagiarism "food fight" goin' on over there. ............you know, a change of pace :-) (joke)

(Sofie) Armani LOL! I wish I had his money...

Karen: As I recall there was that restaurant right there (The Ivy??) that was a major celeb hangout. The Ivy's in Beverly Hills. But lots of celebs. hang out at King Gerorge's, which is a pub/restaurant also attracting celebs.. Evelyn: Take a drive through Brentwood and see if you see a little boy on a bicycle with a dad along. LOL! Don't think I haven't already tried! My university is just south of Brentwood, so sometimes I take a 'shortcut" through the neighborhood to see. I feel so... terrible doing that. It was just once though. (BTW: Please don't think I mention these LA-related type things to show off. I hope I don't come out that way. It's just frustrating as hell to know he may just be around the corner, and I haven't sighted him once! And if his son is on summer vacation, that may have given him an excuse to be here in LA. Unless they've all gone elsewhere, which is more likely to have happened. )

(lafn)joke I checked out #34 and it's no joke. Cyber slap fight is more like it.

(sofie) I checked out #34 and it's no joke. Cyber slap fight is more like it. Eh (shrug), it happens. Next! ;-p

To the drooler who lives in LA (sorry forgot your name) Is Brentwood a part of Santa Monica or is it a separate community? How do you know the Calleys live in Brentwood? I have read interviews which said they lived in Santa Monica. Am I wrong?

Hi Passionata and welcome :-) The drooler you are referring to is Winter, but since I also live in LA I'll tackle your question. I hope you don't mind Winter! I have read that the Calley's live in Malibu, which is a separate community from both Brentwood and Santa Monica. However, all three communities are more or less adjacent to each other and are home to many affluent people who can afford beach front property. (Karen) As I recall there was that restaurant right there (The Ivy??) that was a major celeb hangout. (Winter) The Ivy's in Beverly Hills Isn't there also the 'Ivy at the Shore' which is on Ocean Blvd. near the pier? And you're right Karen, I've heard it's a Hollywood deal making hang out. Probably explains why I've never been there. (Winter) sometimes I take a 'shortcut" through the neighborhood to see [cf]. I feel so... terrible doing that. It was just once though. LOL! It's hard not to keep your eyes peeled just a little, isn't it? I keep thinking he must be around here somewhere! Although, since my life mostly consists of my office, my house and errands in the 'burbs where I live, I would say odds are not high for a sighting over the fresh broccoli at Von's market :-(

Thanks for clarifying the info, Jana. (I forgot about Ivy at the Shore!) I've been thinking abut this for a while...Realistically, now, how would you react if you bumped into him at, let's say, a restaurant? Would any of you interrupt his meal to say something? Me: I'd probably write a note, and have a waiter/waitress pass it along to him.

(winter)how would you react if you bumped into him at, let's say, a restaurant? Would any of you interrupt his meal to say something? I think I would. Though I'd feel terrified of his reaction, but I'm sure I'd find enough courage for: "Sorry to disturb you, but you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love... your work." :-))

Sofie I checked out #34 and it's no joke. Cyber slap fight is more like it. It's all over... .Nan diffused the situation ..."...how many ways can you write about Regency humping". LOL . I keep telling ya' ...she's one in a million.!! Meg Tilly used to live in Brentwood.I met someone on a plane that lived down the street from her.But that was before my P&P daze, and I did not ask the street. I suppose she moved when she became Mrs. John Cally.

Thank you for the infos to all. There was an interview two years ago he gave in a Santa Monica hotel which (I heard) was a very classy but not pretentious place. Does anyone remember the interview? LA droolers, you could go and have a drink there from time to time, coudn't you? . l

Hey Nan.....how's about givin' us a pic of Tom Birkin on #98!! Thanks!

Just a thought (playing at Sherlock Holmes)... I just saw an excerpt, for the first time, from an interview CF gave to American Vogue, when filming MLSF, "Firth is very friendly but a bit on edge. The movie is behind schedule, a nuisance since he had arranged to go on a trip in two days, which he has decided to make anyway. "I've been a bit distracted sorting things and packing up" he explained." I remember reading that Hugh Hudson hurt his back while filming and the movie scedule was extended by 2 weeks. So, Dr Watson, what trip would the leading man have to make away from a film set when the movie was over-running time and budget. And what things needed to be sorted and why is he on edge? (You've probably all worked this out months ago, but it's all new to me!!) He must have flown to Rome and got married, and then returned with Livia to complete the filming. A working honeymoon? Scotland is very romantic though! Look out for bags under the eyes! :-)

Speaking of bags.... I've never posted this one before because I think it's a bit unflattering. But then, don't we all have a bag day now and then? :3-)

A bit unflatterning? You mean those painted eyebrows again ;-)? Come, come... I've seen worse... Why don't you give it your Paintshop Pro treatment and lighten his face up a bit? It will instantly look better... :-P

Why don't you give it your Paintshop Pro treatment and lighten his face up a bit? I tried it, and it does not help. It's mainly the shadow around the right eye, but I have not yet mastered the tools for detail corrections. :-))

Right or left?

LOL! Is there only one thing you have in mind, Keeper of the Fob and Watch? I say: both, depending from where you look. I hoped I could save myself the whole sermon explaining that I am talking about the eye we see on the right, but that actually is *his* left... ok?

Is this any better (I love digital airbrushing)?

(renate) But then, don't we all have a bag day now and then? Real is good. Thank you, Renate.

(ann) ...airbrushing... That's good, too. I never understood what everyone was going on about with the eyebrows, but over time, now I see. Surely there are more than four or five makeup people who have a clue (sometimes his makeup is perfect). I guess he should do like Elizabeth Taylor, etc. and learn to do his own, in a pinch. It's not any sillier that anything else one has to do.

I had a friend who landed a job right out of art school touching up photos for a magazine. I visited him there and watched him adding as well as subtracting details from the photos. You really can't tell from the finished product what the original even looked like. That should only be a bad day for most of the men I come across. Mm...mm...mm. (Heavy frustrated sigh).

(Ann) Is this any better (I love digital airbrushing)? Hmmm...I don't think it even matters whether or not he has bags. It's just not a very flattering photo. he has "hangover" written all over his face ;-p

Hangover? Indeed he does!

You aren't normally allowed to do your own make-up when fashion or film shooting, surely we experts do know that... In addition, his formal photos often look retouched. There are at least two interviews in which he half-jokingly admits to being a bit funny about his pale eyebrows... (Silly boy... :-)) Ann, too much airbrushing I'm sorry to say. Try lightening the shadow: removing it completely gives an unnatural result. Hangover? How about tiredness after a busy night...?

(Arami) Hangover? How about tiredness after a busy night...? Whatever it was, I hope he had a good time ;-D

Perhaps he was working in a theatre. Or at a late night shoot ;-P

(Arami) Perhaps he was working in a theatre. Or at a late night shoot ;-P Or maybe he just got lucky ;-p

SLOW Called Handmade Films in London. Marketing Director (Juliette) says SLOW will not be screened at the Edinburgh Film Festival. Sorry, Heide :-( Asked me to call back in a few weeks for report on Venice or Toronto. They sounded optimistic; like they're anticipating a positive response. Maybe that's just my reading. ( I'm an eternal optimist, you understand.) Hey, with this guy...you gotta be :-)

I'm all for optimism, Evelyn! Keep up the good work! On make-up....I like him as natural as possible , but post-Darcy, he always seems to be dark. According to the synopsis of SIL in the CF Projects, it looks as though he's going to be dark again in SIL ("dark and cruel") . Wessex is definitely the "baddie" role, but it sounds a strong role (not a cameo!) which moves the plot forward, and there are sword fights. And he does seem to get GP in the end, courtesy of Queen Elizabeth. Doesn't sound much like history though....Belinda and Edgar?! Anyway, something to look forward to....and it is guaranteed to reach the screen!

("dark and cruel") Can't help but must think of Alan Rickman's Sheriff of Nottingham - delightful baddie, and he stole the film. :-)

(Nan) Or maybe he just got lucky ;-p Lucky?!?!?!? You think he needs to get lucky?!?!?! ;-P (Bethan post-Darcy, he always seems to be dark. Not always. He was natural in Nostromo, at his own wedding, at the FP prremiere in London. (Renate) Alan Rickman's Sheriff of Nottingham Or Alan Rickman's stage Valmont... A slightly different slant, agreed, but still dark and cruel...

Can't help but must think of Alan Rickman's Sheriff of Nottingham - delightful baddie, and he stole the film. :-) Ditto! (Although Nan may not agree!) Goodies can be, well,er, slightly boring. Particularly the case in Rob Roy.....I was less than riveted by Liam Neeson and Jessica Lange, but thought that John Hurt and Tim Roth (although Not A Nice Person) stole the show. I have to admit that in the closing supposed to be deeply moving scenes when Rob is lumbering through the heather towards the embrace of his long suffering wife, I felt bored and switched over to another channel. I rather like a baddie, especially if e suffers! And I think that it's in CF's interests to be as versatile as possible. If audiences didn't recognise him in TEP, what will they make of Wessex?

(Bethan) If audiences didn't recognise him in TEP, what will they make of Wessex? Take heart, he will be wearing tights. We would recognize those legs anywhere! ;-D

When I see a man in tights, the last thing I look at are his legs!

LOL! That's the spirit!

Renate, are you into Art? FOR ALL OF YOU: would you like to come to Art? We have a gallery for our own art, and that of our kids there, one for your best photos, and it's all turning into great fun. And the background is . . . well. . . a little bright.

(Riette)When I see a man in tights, the last thing I look at are his legs! Wish it were the case. *sigh* Unfortunately, in this role, he'll likely be wearing those pouffy pants (which must have a name). Anyway, we have devoted many a scholarly hour discussing unsaid area. Excellent Snappy over at 34. ;-)

Aren't thouse pouffy pants called 'Bloomers'? Anyway, I won't let them distract me from the issues IN hand.

Not bloomers: perhaps canions (breeches worn underneath trunk hose), or Venetians (baggy breeches fastened below the knee), with more "pouffy" varietes called galligaskins, gascoynes or slops... Anyway, where's that Art, Riette?

Go to your conference list, and just scroll down until you find 'Art'. I know it used to be pretty boring - I never went either - but Terry and Wer have helped me turn it quite colourful, and we already have some pictures there with lots more to come. Do come, will you?

Re Men in Tights. Elizabethan costume is reputed to be one of the most difficult costumes (for men ) to wear, without looking rather ridiculous. Height, a good leg, and a certain masculine swagger are essential. I don't think CF will have a problem! Re My comment on CF appearing in blockbusters (transported from board 98 so as not to disrupt the AMITC discussion). I think someone made the point that there certainly are some good blockbusters (although most are less than inspiring). I suppose I don't EVER want to see him in Lost in Space, but the occasional fullblooded virile role in something like Mask of Zorro woudn't go amiss! I'd actually be quite keen to see him playing a youngish Sherlock Holmes. In the early novels Holmes is very much the actio man - swordsman and pugilist - and he even has a sense of humour (and an unrequited love)! Someone should write a decent screenplay!

There was a rumour of Hollywood wanting him precisely for that role about two years ago, wasn't there? Perhaps the screenplay was crap.

Bethan, my Michelin Guide of Britain mentions that Winchester was once the capital of Wessex and of England in medieval times. I am not an English history scholar, by any means.;( though an anglophile.) I just thought the connection of CF portraying the Earl of Wessex in SIL is interesting since he originally comes from the Winchester area. AmI correct in both premises?

Evelyn, you're quite right. Winchester was the capital of Wessex and England...so there is a connection. Sherlock Holmes....I rather hope Hollywood revives the idea. I think it could be a good role (and I'd like to see him again in a top hat!), but a lot would depend on the screenplay. You never know........it's been a long time since Basil Rathbone! (I'm discounting TV versions)

As Sherlock Holmes goes - I rather enjoyed the Miss Marple series.

Colin Firth has a tremendous range, but I think I don't want to see him as Miss Marple. :-p

Why not? You know . .. . Miss Marple working under cover, disguised as Sherlock Holmes . . .

Entirely too quiet ladies!! ;-p Colin at the 96 Baftas: Thanks, Evelyn :-)

Thanks, Nan! Work is always so much better when I see your snappies first!

FYI gentle readers, in the interest of posterity I asked Nan to pull some of my past posts. I'd be happy to tell more stories of Valmont, making of movies, etc. if you want, and especially the scenes I saw being shot via email or here or 98, whatever seems appropriate. The old posts live on anyway because they were quoted in responses, but I needn't be nasty about the Frears production and and its stars _forever_. I just wanted you all to know how directly it killed a far more sensitive movie and I was very sad about that.

Marvellous, Nan! I really love the second shot (just before he didn't win the Best Actor award!)

(Bethan) I really love the second shot (just before he didn't win the Best Actor award!) He was robbed! Grrrr...

That pretty little face on his left, the one you cut across so savagely in the second pic... that's the then Miss G., now Mrs F...

I'd be happy to tell more stories of Valmont, making of movies, etc. if you want, and especially the scenes I saw being shot via email or here or 98, whatever seems appropriate. Whatever you decide, please let us all know in advance, so we can make appropriate arrangements. I wouldn't want to miss one word :-)

(Nan) Colin at the 96 Baftas: First picture... the gentleman on Livia's left is John Ehle, JE's father and next to him was Jennifer.( A bizarre seating arrangement!!) Did the camera cut Jennifer out on that shot , Nan? Actually,I think the pic is backwards, because Jennifer was on the aisle.

(CherylE) FYI gentle readers, in the interest of posterity I asked Nan to pull some of my past posts. *sigh* yes, she did. I still think removing 12 interesting posts is excessive, but I will do whatever you ask...they're your posts. I'd be happy to tell more stories of Valmont, making of movies, etc. if you want, and especially the scenes I saw being shot via email or here or 98, whatever seems appropriate. Cheryl, honey...I'm confused. You want me to remove all your posts which contain information about Valmont and then you're going to continue the conversation on the boards? This doesn't make sense to me. Am I misunderstanding you? (Arami) That pretty little face on his left, the one you cut across so savagely in the second pic... that's the then Miss G., now Mrs F... Hey, it wasn't me! Got nothing against Livia (well, except being enormously jealous of her being in the right place at the right time ;-p). Blame the cameraman..he cut her off. (Evelyn) Did the camera cut Jennifer out on that shot , Nan? Actually,I think the pic is backwards, because Jennifer was on the aisle. No, the picture isn't backwards--again, it was the cameraman's fault your honor, I swear! ;-D Got some good ones of Jennifer for you, babe ;-)

Bizarre seating arrangement I'm not sure how else they could have sat...Jennifer next to Livia might have looked odd, and if CF had sat to Livia's right and JE had sat to the right of her dad, then CF would have been sitting between Livia and Jennifer! Difficult to get the placement right! Although arguably if they are all on friendly terms, it doesn't matter! Some non news. Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, made by Handmade Films about 6 months before SLOW, is opening in the UK only in a couple of weeks after being premiered at the Edinburgh Festival. So Handmade Films are making it to the Big Screen! And on blockbusters....I must admit that when I first read a couple of years ago that RF had landed the high profile role of John Steed in The Avengers, I thought "Huh!" as I would have quite liked to see CF do it (whether CF would have wanted to take the part is another matter!) But having read the reviews...OUCH!!!! OUCH!!!! Obviously not one of the "good" blockbusters! Basically, it's been panned in the UK as one of the worst movies ever made, if not the worst, with acting to match. I saw a clip and t just looked embarrassingly silly and wooden. So perhaps CF is wise to go for the smaller budget productions, even if we do have to wait ages to see them!

On the same BAFTA tape, do you have a snappy of Colin watching Jeremy Irons and resting his chin on his hand? I love that shot! Thanks, Nan!

(Passionata) do you have a snappy of Colin watching Jeremy Irons and resting his chin on his hand? Not yet, but I will :-)

Bizarre seating arrangement at BAFTA 98 (Bethan) I'm not sure how else they could have sat.. Hey Bethan,...that was a big theatre....the four of them didn't have to sit in the same row in such close proximity.....! I did read that CF leaned over to congratulate Jennifer when she won, but it's not on this tape. Yes, they are friends :-.) Re: The Avengers. Poor Rafe is getting plummeted here too....NY Times said "...re: RF and Uma Thurman ......" I've seen more chemistry between a couple of soggy tea bags....."Later, re: RF..."he has the savior faire of a waiter grinding pepper in your salad..." Poor choice, Rafe.

BAFTA 96 is an offering of the Jennifer Ehle Lending Library. It is in NTSC only. It has the complete show. (Also JE on the Rosie O'Donnell show (6 minutes). That was the year that P&P was also nominated for Best TV series and shockingly lost to some dull number about a politician and his wife. BTW if you wish to borrow it, pl. email me at: eboake@tanet.net. The Spring email by my name does not work.And I won't change it for fear of throwing the whole system off like in July!

(Evelyn)that was a big theatre....the four of them didn't have to sit in the same row in such close proximity.....! People attending awards ceremonies like Baftas are usually seated together in accordance with their connection to a relevant project - so Mr Firth and guest, and Miss Ehle and guest, had to sit together as representing P&P.

Re: seating at BAFTA 96 - Mr Firth and guest, and Miss Ehle and guest, had to sit together as representing P&P. Later, in the film it shows Simon Langton, Andrew Davies and others obviously representing P&P in another part of the theatre.

(Evelyn) Later, in the film it shows Simon Langton, Andrew Davies and others obviously representing P&P in another part of the theatre. Maybe the separate the actors from the crew?

(nan)... information about Valmont and then you're going to continue the conversation on the boards? ... Info isn't the problem, it's posterity. As I said in my email, my opinions have been shared with this particular group and I think that's sufficient. Facts will still be bandied about, I'm sure, and I'm willing to continue to provide all I can. But information about me personally, and about the Frears production, doesn't need to hang around. BTW I appreciate you're doing this :-)

Simon Langton and Andrew Davies would be in the production section. Don't ask me why separate from the actors, but that was the obvious aim.

Simon Langton and Andrew Davies would be in the production section. Don't ask me why separate from the actors, but that was the obvious aim (Nan) Maybe the separate the actors from the crew? Alright,...... alright ......already. So the seating wasn't bizarre......it was * brilliant*......... Happy ? :-) ( I'm in a mea- culpa- mood .....it's quite fashionable these days.....) :-)

So the seating wasn't bizarre......it was * brilliant*......... Happy ? :-) Oh, no...I still think the seating must have been uncomfortable for all parties (regardless of the friendship). I was just suggesting that it might be common practice to separate the actors from the production people.

I would very much like to hear Cheryle's comments on the Film Industry...in general and specifically......on any board in which it would be suitable. I find the subject fascinating. I apprecitate her willingness to put out the effort....we'll be richer for it. ;-)

RE MLSF Just an update. I rang Enigma Films again today, on the remote possibility that MLSF would be shown at the Edinburgh Festival (well, it is set in Scotland (and part funded by the Scottish Arts Council)). I spoke to David Puttnam's secretary and she said that MLSF would not be shown. I asked if there were any plans to show it anywhere else, and she said "no" and added that it had already had a couple of previews.(Where, when, I wonder) I asked about release dates and she asked me to ring EnigmaMoss (Hugh H dson's office). I rang the number and got an answerphone. EnigmaMoss is now EnigmaAfrica (HH is making a movie in Africa with Kim Basinger) and so presumably MLSF is completely done and dusted. The answerphone message asked me to ring another number which I didn't hear properly. At this point, dear readers, I gave up! Then I found another number which I'd scribbled down from the last time I phoned Enigma. I phoned this nummber and to my great embarassment got back to David Puttnam's secretary AGAIN! Boy, I must have seemed persistent!! I'm giving up on this and will just wait until MLSF opens in the UK sometime in the distant future!! Am slightly disappointed from the promotion point of view because I do think that exposure at festivals helps to build up a "buzz" of expectation. And I've yet to read a single snippet about MLSF. All in good time from Miramax, I hope!!

Just another slow news day From the Fall Movie Preview issue of Entertainment Weekly: Coming in December (Dec. 25): Shakespeare in Love Starring J Finnes, G Paltrow, B Affleck, G Rush, Colin Firth, J Dench, S Callow, T Wilkinson "It was back in 1990 that Universal first fell for the story of a young, frustrated Shakespeare and the lovely woman who helps free Willy of writer's block. "It has all of the anguish of being young and doubting yourself and your career, and it just happens to be Shakespeare," says Rush, who plays the manager of the Rose Theatre. Trouble was, dream pairings like Julia Roberts and Daniel Day-Lewis, or Winona Ryder and Kenneth Branagh, failed to materialized. But as fast as you can say turnaround, Miramax s apped it up. Fiennes and Paltrow won the leads. Mrs. Brown's Madden took the helm, but not too much of a high road. "There's nothing remotely academic about this film," he days. "it's about first love." So ladies, do we all know what we're doing on Christmas day? Another odd thing, just saw the trailer for "Elizabeth" and J Finnes and G Rush are both in it. Talk about type casting. Another far fetched connection Just saw Parent Trap with N Richardson, "There She Goes" by the La's was the first song on the soundtrack, the same as Fever Pitch...

Fiennes and Paltrow won the leads Dream pairings I'm developing into a nasty sour grapes person here, but if ever there was a candidate for a romantic lead it's CF! Joe F has got three romantic leads this year in major movies, from absolutely nowhere. And CF? He's taller, broader, more masculine, much better looking, and he was Mr Darcy, but still.........I'll see SIL, but I hope that first love proves to be soppy and I'll root for the baddy! But if it's all JF/GP I cast my eyes to the heavens and leave in sheer frustration! Fifth billing?

And continuing in sour grapes vein (it's that blasted "fifth billing" AGAIN!), I'm becoming rather dubious about the "dream pairing" casting for the "Hollywood version" of Bridget Jones. If BJ is a British actress (and she should be), I wouldn't be surprised if an American actor was cast for MD. (Who is Colin Firth?) "Dream pairings" in Hollywood terms aren't both Brits. Can someone sweeten my grapes for me?

(Bethan) If BJ is a British actress (and she should be), I wouldn't be surprised if an American actor was cast for MD. That's why I have maintained that CF has a better chance of MD if BJ is an American actress. (Don't shoot me....I'm saying this for a "cause") However, after SIL and MLSF and possibly SLOW he might not get a "Who is Colin Firth" reaction. Dream pairings sometimes are Brits: Anthony Hopkins & Emma Thompson, RF and Kristin Scott-Thomas, Helena Bonham-Carter and Linus Roche, the recent Dangerous Beauty duo...Rufus Sewell and Catherine McCormack. Feeling better...Bethan? We all have those kind of low days!

I'm changing my life's philosophy and trying to learn to accept what I can't change!! And, (deep breath!) I'm thinking positively. And I'm going to WAIT PATIENTLY for MLSF. And I will sit through the entire length of SIL and not throw popcorn at JFiennes. And CF will play Mark Darcy. There Y'are. Can be done! My Bad Mood was induced by my total failure to get any positive information. I also phoned Handmade Films (on a bit of a roll!), but I think Evelyn manages this much better than I do. Basically, I just asked if SLOW is showing at Edinburgh. Answer "no". Then I asked if it would be showing anywhere (meaning festivals) but the girl explained that it would get a distributor and be released. I said (the voice of doom and gloom!)"Ah, but a lot of British films just disappear and we never see them". Reply "This one won't (disappear). You'll definitely see it". Polite thanks from me. End of report (unsatisfactory!)

I hope someone taped" Entertainment Tonight". By the time they said " and now some previews from GP's new movie" and I bolted for the tape and VCR... There He was.....sporting a mustache and goatee....looking gorgeous in costume. Of course, they featured William Shakespeare played by JF and Ben Affleck who apparently plays an actor at the Globe. Several scenes were shown , but the one that featured Colin , had the narrator explaining that...." GP, married to the Earl of Wessex, played by Colin Firth (I would have known that voice anywhere), falls in love with Wm Shakespeare." The scene also featured GP and Judi Dench. They announced that SIL would be in theatres in December.... Good News....they are starting publicity on it Now!! :-) Looks like a Winner!

There He was.....sporting a mustache and goatee....looking gorgeous in costume. Would that be the Earl of Wessex? Oh, why must they cover that lovely chin? Well, we'll just have to concentrate on the legs.

Unfortunately, we were down here in Gary's flat checking this damn page when DB was on ET *GRRRRRRRRRRR* Karen and I are going to cry in our beer now:( Evelyn you taped it??????? Perchance? We do love you btw:)!!!!

ET is rerun at 3:00am in my area (Delaware Valley). Thanks for the info! Will set timer and keep my fingers crossed.

Hot damn, how I love a man with a goatee! ;-D

A rare sighting of the elusive Mr F. Well done Evelyn! Long/short hair? Dark/blonde? Short bloomers and tights? Breeches and boots? Moustache and goatee.......is he recognisable? or has he again changed into someone completely different!

Just seen the snappies of Wessex. Why on earth does Gwyneth leave him for young Master Will?

Bless Meluchie ....she has posted at the Circle of Friends website the Snappies from SIL from last night's ET. Go to: http://www.grin.net/~meluchie/index1.html (Bethan) Why on earth does Gwyneth leave him for young Master Will? It does seem unrealistic to leave the handsome Earl of Wessex for young scrawny Will.....once again Colin has a wife cheating on him.!!

(bethan)Moustache and goatee.......is he recognisable? Indeed, although I, unlike Nan, would gladly pass the goatee :-( Anyway, bless Meluchie for posting those snappies, and Evelyn for letting us know about it!

Think he looks just mahhhhvalous!! (and I don't usually like him with facial hair). Did you catch the drop pearl earring he is wearing? What a stud! ;-D Wish there had been a long shot so we could ogle those long thin legs of his. Next time. We're going to have to keep a close eye on ET. They've likely filmed quite a bit on the set and will broadcast it in small snippets until the full press promotional activities start up in November. Can hardly wait.

He will never be anything but devastatingly handsome to me, whatever the image, but I do wish he had some other look on his face. One of my least favorites is that wingeful one he gets whenever he seems not to get his way. Perhaps that is why his mustache appeared out of proportion. I also objected to its obscuring his most delicious mouth. How could they??? But, I am being picky as only a devotee can be, and I am most thankful to Evelyn (via Stephanie) for letting me know he was to be on ET early enough for me to catch it on the early showing, and to Meluchie for putting the Snappies on the Net from which I have saved my very own copies. Thank you all!

(Karen) Wish there had been a long shot so we could ogle those long thin legs of his. Thighs, Karen....thighs!!! And as to his goatee.....boo hiss....it hides his dimples. But then, perhaps they were trying to make him less handsome than Will Shakespeare.....(Joe Fiennes.....gag...gag...)

I don't know he looks itchy with that garb on. I think I need to scratch him to ease the itchiness:) hee hee. I, too, can come up with good ones. Flight was fine Karen. Although, I almost missed it:)

(Evelyn) And as to his goatee.....boo hiss....it hides his dimples. Funny, I hadn't even considered that :-/ What a choice to make...dimples or goatee, dimples or goatee...hmmm... I'll have to go with the goatee. Aside from the naughty, pirate-y look it gives a fellow, there's nothing like some good beard-burn to make me feel like I've had a successful night ;-p (I'm in a wicked mood today ;-D)

(Nan)Dimples or goatee) Look at the picture again...I don't think it covers his dimples! I hope the part allows for some smiling. He looks kinda grumpy...but cute. Beard burn from him would be a trivial price to pay! My only hope is that he acts JF under the table and steals the show! (fingers crossed)

Hmmmm.... Beard burn, sounds quite scandalous:) hee hee. But yeah, I too, could deal w/ it:)

I hope the part allows for some smiling. He looks kinda grumpy.. .but cute. I don't think the Earl of Wessex was a smiley kind of guy....and perhaps the goatee suits the role....sinister...after all, he did attempt a coup and was executed. My only hope is that he acts JF under the table and steals the show! (fingers crossed) CF is known for not hogging the scenes and upstaging other actors. However, if JF does not play his role adequately..... :-) Did you get ETon tape , Sofie? Wasn't Will sort of a jerk in it? This is billed as a comedy, however.

No Evelyn I didn't. Damn TIMERS! HATE THEM! AAAHHHHH! I should have had my 11 year old son set it. Live and burn. I have a thing for cute jerks though. Why would they cast someone as good looking as CF in the role unless they wanted Wessex to have some appeal?

(Sofie) I have a thing for cute jerks though. Why would they cast someone as good looking as CF in the role unless they wanted Wessex to have some appeal? Reference to jerk was JF as Will Shakespeare in the ET tape. I agree as to casting CF for appeal.....No one could fathom why Katherine left Geoffrey for The Count.... :-( BTW... Big Relief: Have viewed SIL pics again....dimples will not be hidden by goatee....Happy, Nan? :-)

Big Relief: Have viewed SIL pics again....dimples will not be hidden by goatee....Happy, Nan? :-) We can all breathe a big *sigh* of relief! ;-D

Having looked at the SIL snappies I want to see this before Dec. Why so long. I hope that he gets enough notice for this in the U. S. that we will get to see more of his films. Such as MLSF and TSLOW. I love Fever Pitch and am still hoping it will be released here,but not much chance. He looks gorgeous in SIL Snappies

I just received the Sept. issue of US "Premiere" and there is a small write-up on SIL. Since we're low on CF news, I'll give you a gist. Warning: they do not mentions CF (grrrrr) If you get Premiere Mag skip this thread. If you read it at a newstand it is on p. 61. Here goes: Shakespeare in Love The Pitch: Struggling with writer's block, William Shakespeare (JF) is pressured by a debt-ridden theater owner (GR) to produce a hit. During auditions for his work in progress, "Romeo and Ethel, the Pirate's Daughter, the bard falls for an actress (GP) who becomes the inspiration for his most famous love story. The Big Picture: Written by playwright Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman the screenplay inspired Miramax's notoriously parsimonious brothers Weinstein to shell out a reported $4.5 M. Even so, SIL's path from script to screen was never smooth. Daniel Day-Lewis rejected the lead in 1992; Julia Roberts followed him and the project came screeching to a halt, even while sets were being consstructed. Fiennes signed on and GP filled Robert's shoes as the inspiration for Juliet. Continued.....

"Gwyneth brings a lot of class to a cast of basically English character-actor rat bags," jokes Rush (with notable exception of GP's real-life beau, Ben Affleck who appears in a supporting role) Director John Madden was keen to ensure that this romantic comedy not descend into stodgy costume drama. "Art house is what you would think with the word Shakespeare flying around, " he says. "It's actually very modern and funny." In that spirit, cast members brainstormed such alternative titles as "Good Will Humpi g" and "The Full Monologue. "We think of Shakespeare in reverential tones, but this is set before he hits it big" says Rush. "He 's looking for a muse, for inspiration. Shakespeare can't get it up, basically." (Miramax, December) I did not add anything to the article. The story sounds a little different....where does Earl of Essex come in if Viola is an actress? Also sounds like they had a lot of fun filming this :-) Who knows? It might even be a "rumpy-pumpy"!! :-)

Evelyn, if you look at Murph's site she has a complete synopsis of what happens to Colin's character and how he fits in based on the screen play. Although we're not sure if they will follow the screen play closely--because in the original screen play Viola was named Belinda.

Sorry Evelyn I meant movie script (the exact words used by the individual who wrote it) not screen play.

"Gwyneth brings a lot of class to a cast of basically English character-actor rat bags" Gee thanks Geoffrey!:-) I just can't make out what the storyline of SIL is going to be, or what role the Earl of Wessex plays. All the summaries/descriptions seem so different! And if GP is married to him, how can he be a baddie....more an injured husband whose wife runs off to go on the stage. And why does Viola fall for Will, who sounds like a nerd.(Impotent?)Maybe she likes a challenge! I give up!! Positive thoughts...it sounds as though it's a comedy, it will get a lot of promotion and media coverage, and (perhaps because of the timing of the release) maybe some Oscar attention...Best Costumes?) And then maybe MLSF, in which CF is the bona fide lead, will get released, on the back of recognition for SIL. Here's hoping!!

Re: SIL (Bethan) perhaps it will get some Oscar attention...Best Costumes?) Good possibility. Sandy Powell costume designer received an '98 Oscar nomination for "Wings of the Dove". Did not win, but went on to win a BAFTA 98 for the same film. :-) MLSF, in which CF is the bona fide lead, will get released, on the back of recognition for SIL Both are produced by Miramax, so it makes sense to capitalize on the strength of the more bankable film. :-) ( Jana) because in the original screen play Viola was named Belinda. Was SIL originally a play? Tom Stoppard is a prominent play writer.

Outta here, italics.

(Evelyn) Was SIL originally a play? Tom Stoppard is a prominent play writer. I think the original screenplay referred to is the one by Marc Norman. Stoppard appears to have a done a complete overhaul, yet Norman will continue to receive a co-billing. (Bethan) And then maybe MLSF, in which CF is the bona fide lead, will get released, on the back of recognition for SIL. Quite right. I think I read the PR for SiL and after Colin's name it said "of TEP and the soon-to-be released MLSF." So they are already using it.

Losing the plot I thought I'd got the hang of Wessex's role in SIL until I saw the snappies. I could see how a dashing baddie out to win Viola by foul means or fair would fit in, but a humiliated husband.....I'm puzzled? Does Viola dress up as a boy and run off to join the players. It's public knowledge that she's obsessed with the theatre. Surely the first thing rich powerful hubbie would do is find her and drag her back (to spend the rest of her days locked up in a nunnery! Anne Boleyn was beheaded for less!) And if sh and Will were having a fling, then hubbie would run him through with a sword. I know it's a romantic comedy but it's difficult to see how a dishonoured husband fits in. If it's all about first love, presumably we're not even supposed to feel sympathy for the Earl. But how can he be the villain of the piece, and how can Viola (in a time when women had no freedom) flaunt her husband so. Very puzzling. Has anyone got any ideas? ATA Positively my last word! (Still not seen it) I saw (at Dolores' website)extracts from Laura Jones' original screenplay. It would seem that what CF signed up for and what made the final cut are completely different. All the scenes/dialogue that would have made Jess a fuller, more sympathetic character have been dropped/edited out. Presumably in the interests of the all powerful sisterhood, although the balance of the movie must have been destroyed by the weakness of the male roles. Can't the poor man sue.. for undeservedly bad critical reviews at least! How could he make any impact when he wasn't allowed the opportunity? Surely, he drew the short straw here!

Re: Plot of the Film SIL: Bethan, read the plot as presented on Murph's website. .(An awesome project, BTW) Apparently, Viola's daillance with Will occurs prior to her marriage to Robert Devereux....at least in the screenplay. The storyline seems to be loosely connected to the authentic facts. (Of course the whole event has never been documented) Anyway, we are all going to "Love It'!

Re: Plot of Film Keep in mind the synopsis posted at Murph's website is from the Marc Norman screenplay. It's been completely redone by Tom Stoppard. Too bad that screenplay service that Renate posted withdrew SiL. Maybe they had an old version as well. Some of the press releases coming out of Miramax are providing decent bits of info. (Bethan) then hubbie would run him through with a sword. We do know there is a swordfight, although we don't know who the participants are. As Evelyn says, regardless, we are going to *love* it.

A beautiful new intro to our area, Nan. Thanks!

I just signed the birthday card for C. Did anybody else?

Where is it, Cheryl, that I may sign it too?

Evelyn, Give Handmade Films a huge rocket from me! I just checked the Toronto Film Festival site which list all the 300 films showing.......and guess what, SLOW isn't there! The other two movies still on Handmade's books, The Man with Rain in His Shoes and Sweety Barratt, are both showing. If they can get two, why not the third? I could do better, for goodness sake. I give up on this. I can understand it not making the smaller Venice festival, but surely when there are THREE HUNDRED films, many of which ar quite obscure, it should be possible...!! How can it get a distributor if they can't even get a screening! GRINDING OF TEETH!

(gi)Where is it, Cheryl, that I may sign it too? http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/4144/birthday.html I think the cutoff is Sept. 8. It looks like one of the major sites, so I'm sure ya'll have seen it. (I've just caught up to them.) Probably even know the name of it's owner (Delores? Murph? Menuchie? Such a club.) It's also interesting to me that a great many of the things I read correspond with my impressions of C years ago. Example: TEP got away from him as an actor, and "I won't let it happen again." Although to a certain extent the script required his character to be pushed aside, there are many ways to arrive at the same place.

I meant to say, such a club :-)!!! (got interrupted and accidently posted before I was ready) Re reading all of your comments and the comments on the other sites, I'm glad my perceptions weren't out of left field vis-a-vis those of you who have been following much more closely, is what I meant.

(gi)Where is it, Cheryl, that I may sign it too? http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/4144/birthday.html I think the cutoff is Sept. 8. It looks like one of the major sites, so I'm sure ya'll have seen it. (I've just caught up to them.) Probably even know the name of it's owner (Delores? Murph? Menuchie? Such a club.) It's also interesting to me that a great many of the things I read correspond with my impressions of C years ago. Example: TEP got away from him as an actor, and "I won't let it happen again." Although to a certain extent the script required his character to be pushed aside, there are many ways to arrive at the same place.

I meant to say, such a club :-)!!! (got interrupted and accidently posted before I was ready) Re reading all of your comments and the comments on the other sites, I'm glad my perceptions weren't out of left field vis-a-vis those of you who have been following much more closely, is what I meant.

Cheryle, thank you for all your insights. I've been away all summer and was not able to do so before. Ladies what great sights greet my return--you are too good! I did not see SLOW listed in the list of films to be included in the Venice Film Festival when I read the "Corriere della Sera" last week in Italy. The Toronto Film Festival is very important though( my friends in the industry never miss it. I would guess that Colin may make an appearance himself (get your plane tickets now!!!). Great news about his next starring role: a thriller!

Moon Dreams, What thriller are you talking about?

Colin is back on the ballot! Poll for favorite male actors ( http://www.celebrity1000.com/actors.html ) They took him off a month or so ago, but just put him back on. (Though when I just went to vote, the page was broken and not working. I'm sure they'll fix it soon). They also took Reese Witherspoon off the list, for which I'm sure she is grateful!

Is that the same charming site that accused us of "stuffing the ballot box" the last time? You'll have to tell me because, after their obnoxiously juvenile and sarcastic answer to Kate, I swore I wouldn't visit that site again. However, if it is a different place, please do tell...so I can vote ;-)

Is that the same charming site that accused us of "stuffing the ballot box" the last time? } Yes, I think it is, but I'm not sure. That's why I am surprised they put Colin back on. But I also visit a Highlander site, and they've been doing lots of ballot stuffing for Adrian Paul and Peter Wingfield, too. What does a web site expect from an on-line poll! I remember "People" had one a while back where Mitch Peleggi (Assistant Director Skinner) outscored David Duchovny (Mulder.) Yeah, right. That was a natural result!

(Passionata) What thriller are you talking about? The Marked Man, I read about it in Spring but I can not remember where, can anyone help? Checked on-line Yahoo Italia for the list of films at the Venice Fim Festival and SLOW is not listed.

Poll for favorite male actors ( http://www.celebrity1000.com/actors.html ) (Nan) Is that the same charming site that accused us of "stuffing the ballot box" the last time? You'll have to tell me because, after their obnoxiously juvenile and sarcastic answer to Kate, I swore I wouldn't visit that site again. However, if it is a different place, please do tell...so I can vote ;-) Nan, you can go there. :-) It IS a different place, and apparently they appreciate "a well organised fanclub" - in this case Scott Bakulas. Well :-). But the page for the votes is not yet up - looks like they just have their monthly change.

For all German lurkers: Sunday, August 30: ARD - 22.30 MESMER with Alan Rickman To my knowledge "Mesmer" never made it to the screen and took years to get out on video. same day, same time (alas) ZDF - 22.30 CARRINGTON AND ....... (drumrolls) ........................ Thursday, September 3, ZDF - 0.05 PESTHAUCH DES B�SEN (Hour of the Pig/Advocate)

Bits and pieces from my scanning of this week's daily papers and some monthly mags..... Handmade Film's "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" has been extremely well promoted and opened this weekend in 260 theatres (more than, for example, FP). Good reviews (better than "The Horse Whisperer") and should be a British success. If Handmade do half as much for SLOW, it should make an impact. CF lives in Bow (a district of Hackney). Hollywood are looking for a new lead to play the lead (double?) role of aristocratic Englishman Charles Darnay and the lookalike heroic lawyer Sidney Carton in Dicken's "A Tale of Two Cities", after Liam Neeson (Irish), Antonio Banderas (Spanish) and finally Mel Gibson (Australian) have all backed out. Unlikely to be an English actor though as after the "critical drubbing" received by Fiennes and Branagh for their latest efforts, Hollywood is wary of English leads.!!!! :-(

critical drubbing" received by Fiennes and Branagh for their latest efforts "The Avengers" is not a hit....but Branagh got a bad rap in UK for The Gingerbread Man". I saw it and think it is good entertainment. IMO UK critics object when any of * their*actors makes a Hollywood movie. They feel it's a betrayal. Anyway, what I started to say is that the September A&E Magazine has a blurb on Ben Affleck " who has recently finished filming" Shakespeare in Love" in London with girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow".....the guy has sixth or seventh billing and already they feature him as the co-star.....sheeesh! On a happier side: HOSTAGES will be shown on A&E on September 18th at 4 AM Eastern Time. (Not exactly prime time, but better than no CF at all).

(Evelyn) Ben Affleck...the guy has sixth or seventh billing and already they feature him as the co-star.....sheeesh! What can you do? The guy is a HOT property right now. Last night, Mallrats was on TV and the announcer said "starring Ben Affleck." He had a bit part in that one, not like in Chasing Amy. Love Kevin Smith's stuff. The Butch Cassidy spoof was a riot. :-)

Saw in today's Book Section that a new audiotape of Romeo and Juliet has been released and it is read by Joseph Fiennes.

Ladies, Colin turns 38 on September 10th! Let's plan a birthday party! What will you bring? And...what gift will you give him?

Great idea, Moon. And...what gift will you give him? Hmmm - my precious self, perhaps? :-)) Oh, well I guess that is not an option, or the game would be over before it began since everybody here would do the same. Ok, let me sleep over it - no, wait - I know! I would give him a cushion to rest his head on.

Should we officially open the website on the 10th?

Which one is THE website? Surely you don't mean the 10th of this month? Are you saying it can be designed and executed in eight days? What sort of joke is it? What really IS going on for Firth's sake, Terry?

(moon dreams)Let's plan a birthday party!...what gift will you give him? I'm glad there's plenty of time to think about it.

We are to hold the party in Topic 110 : http://www.colinfirth.com Terry started it yesterday, we shall expect you ladies! See you there!

(Terry) Should we officially open the website on the 10th? Terry,please confer with Nan. If she is going to be the editor, I think it is only fair that she be consulted and make such decisions. We are all very grateful to Nan . She runs a great board and deserves recognition. We can have the b'day party on #97. Shall we send invitations? All lurkers most welcomed.

SLOW NEWS I have been told by Handmade Films that they are in receivership (read; "up for sale") . A bank owns the film and there are no plans at this time for its release :-( The positive side is that SLOW was never submitted to any of the festivals; Cannes, Venice, or Toronto. And, therefore, was also not rejected :-) I will keep in touch with the bank, and let you know what transpires.

(Evelyn) She runs a great board and deserves recognition. Honey, I've told you before I appreciate your affection, but please...this is really not necessary. And I find it embarrassing. Especially in view of the fact that I've resigned as host of Drool. I sent Terry an email but haven't heard from him yet. I'm not really surprised as he's always busy. Perhaps he hasn't even seen the email, in which case this post might be a shock to him :-o As you can see, I've removed all the links to me as well as the photos. Whoever takes over will be able to put up the pretty things and do whatever needs to be done. School starts next week and, after hearing about everything required of me (at the orientation meeting), I simply don't think I'll be able to devote so much of my time to Drool. Besides, Drool is popular now. You don't need my prodding anymore ;-)

(Nan) Especially in view of the fact that I've resigned as host of Drool... in which case this post might be a shock to him :-o Too him??? To all of us!! Nan, oh Nan, say it ain't so. ...but if it must be, then my thanks for the great job you've always done here and we'll miss your well-placed comments and interventions when things get out of control around here. (This doesn't mean you won't visit here as they rest of the us--the great unwashed--do. Does it?) Good luck in school. I'm sure you'll knock'm dead. You could try pushing this as a little independent study effort??? ;-)

Many thanks, Nan.......and the best of luck, not that you'll need it, in your studies!! Hope you'll find time to lurk, or better still, throw in the odd comment. :-) Handmade Films ( :-((( ).....ironically, Handmade are going out with a bang. "Lock,stock etc" seems set to be the first (only)genuinely British success of the year, beating the heavily promoted "The Horse Whisperer" at the UK box office.

Yes, Nan, THANKS! I will also look for your comments. I miss your humour and pictures already. You will come to the birthday party, won t you?

(Nan) Especially in view of the fact that I've resigned as host of Drool. The end of an era ....I am not happy :-(((

Oh Nan... Please say you won't just leave. Does "resigning as the host" mean you won't come down here to chat with us any more? And why take the pictures away? I don't understand. Tell us what it means.

And thank you all right back ;-) It's been fun (well, mostly) ;-p (Karen) we'll miss your well-placed comments and interventions when things get out of control around here The one part of the job I've never really enjoyed. I just hate being the party pooper. Think about it this way, now I'll be able to say all the things I couldn't as host ;-p (evelyn) ....I am not happy :-((( I know, honey but I thank you for understanding all the same. (Gi) And why take the pictures away? I don't understand. Tell us what it means. It means that my photos are stored in a public_html file at Spring. I assume the use of that file will go to the next host so I have to clean my stuff out. And I will be coming around from time to time, but my classes (and working) will take the vast majority of my time, I'm afraid. I registered today and I have 2 labs...lots of work. Thank heavens it's in front of a computer ;-) Moon, I will try to make the party, but that's the night of my first Multimedia Workshop, so I won't be around until later in the evening.

(Nan) I'm glad you were here, and it's a bonus that you're leaving bits of wisdom behind. If you _can_ stop by from time to time, it'll be nice to have you as a regular person. Her department doesn't know yet: The future has arrived, and it is Nan!

Cheryle)Her department doesn't know yet: The future has arrived, and it is Nan! Yes! And we look forward to Nan taking over in the future (the world that is!) Nan, I am sure Colin does not object to your arriving a little late to the party. Just remember his gift. See you at Topic 110

Oh, well Nan. Have fun in school:) don't study too hard.

You've done such a wonderful job here I hate to see you go, Nan. I hope to see your comments often though. Where do you go to school?

Nan, oh Nan - how I will miss your your wit, your charm, your snappies! But real life must intervene. I wish you all the best in your new studies. Thanks for helping to make Drool a fun place that kept me coming back for more. I hope you'll still find time to drop by and chat.

I think you can vote for Colin at http://welcometo/Harlequinaid/ by sending and e-mail to the address there, at least thats what I understand.

Sorry I missed a dot the address should be http://welcome.to/Harlequinaid/ This is a site to vote for favorite classical British actors and 50 votes are needed to make the list, so get out and cast your votes.

(Lucie) Where do you go to school? NYU, m'dear. And Jana, honey...I will be around, just not as often as I used to be. This is my last weekend of freedom before classes start so I'm trying to get my drool fix in ;-)

Can't imagine, Nan, what was involved in running these topics. I can only hope there's someone else out there willing to fill your big boots. (No slur on your shoe size, my dear.) I keep forgetting to ask this. I was in London on August 22 but couldn't get back to my hotel room in time for the Channel 4 radio interview with Malcolm McDowell. Though the blurb I read in the paper said he was going to talk about his upcoming Fantasy Island role, I thought perhaps he might have mentioned something about MLSF. Anyone else hear it? Could it have been a replay when, as is typical, absolutely nothing said of Colin?

Who's going to step into her big shoes?

Excellent question.

(Terry) Who's going to step into her big shoes? Ah, so you did notice I was leaving. I thought there was a possibility of your having missed it. Since you appear to have seen it, I can only suppose that you are mad at me *sigh* I'm sorry. (Heide) Can't imagine, Nan, what was involved in running these topics. Are you interested, honey? You'd be a very good host. You get along with everyone, you are always fair, willing to listen, and you appreciate a good-lookin' man ;-). It's a thought. The boards don't require as much work as you'd think. With the exception of an occassional technical problem, the boards run themselves. The host is not expected to be a computer geek--though it helps, as Terry is often really busy and may not have the time to help you through a glitch. All the work is in finding people to play here and then keeping them from ripping each other's faces off (;-p). Oh and, of course, having to defend drool. There are many people out there who simply don't get it (or don't like it). I found this the most difficult part of the job as I'm not a diplomat by nature. But for someone who is, the job would be a snap. In the real world I'm much more likely to say "bite me", rather than waste my time trying to justify what we do here. However, you appear to me to be more naturally diplomatic than I nd, as I said, it would be an easy job for someone like that. I'm always reachable if something blows up. Think about it ;-) (Heide) (No slur on your shoe size, my dear.) LOL! If it were a slur, it would at least be an accurate one ;-p

(Nan) ...and you appreciate a good-lookin' man ;-). Is that Terry you're talking about? ;-D

I'm not mad at you, dear. I'm extremely grateful for your contributions. And everyone will feel the loss. I'm not going to step in to any fray's here because I love your all having such autonomy and freedom to go in whatever direction you choose. You've just done such a terrific job, how could I help but feeling a sense of loss. And I wish you the best in your studies and hope you stay connected!

Hear, hear. Spoken like a gentleman. And hopefully Nan will keep her finger in the colinfirth.com pie as well. We had to grab her and drag her back screaming and kicking, but she'll be around... ;-)

(Terry) I'm not mad at you, dear. Phew! That's a relief ;-) You're very sweet for saying such nice things about me--I appreciate it. But I'll still be around, just not daily--and being a host is a daily kind of job. When I feel like I've got a handle on things and I've taken the UNIX class, maybe then I'll be prepared to come back and make pretty things ;-) In the meantime, I'll be back from time to time. Guess I shuld stick that photo back at the main page until the next hostess pops up, huh? ;-) (Arami) And hopefully Nan will keep her finger in the colinfirth.com pie as well. Baby, I've got my whole damned hand stuck in there ;-p

HI-DE HI-DE HI-DE but only if you want to. ;-D

I know you're going to kill me

(Heide) I know you're going to kill me She probably will ;-) It was just a suggestion. One I hope she considers, but I don't want to make her feel obligated either. I just thought she was a really good candidate, you know?

HI-DE HI-DE HI-DE -- but only if you want to. I know we're suggesting, and not nominating, but if were were nominating, I'd think that was a great idea. If she thought so too.

Yes, Yes, Yes, HEIDE...New Queen of Drool.... (BTW....don't flame me...but does anyone out there feel that we should change our name....I mean....some people think it isn't v. dignified....might make it easier for new Queen. Whaddaya think?) Personally, I don't care.

I think Heide would make a great drool hostess. She is very diplomatic.

Come on, Drool is droll... ;-) The moment people here start taking this place too seriously, the whole concept will be lost.

HI-DE HI-DE HI-DE May we have the honour? Do consider it.

You're kidding, right? Nan, your computer skills are so superior, you can't imagine there is such a total illiterate as I am out there and semi-functioning! plus my hardware is totally inadequate. I'd love the honor but there are at least 3 people who have posted above who would be terrific hosts. Can I nominate them? Jeez, this is what you get for taking a day off from the computer. And I'm not mad at anyone. I'm flattered to death and love you all. Kiss kiss smooch smooch. And the next nomination is....

And the next nomination is.... HI-DE HI-DE HI-DE Heide, do you always nominate yourself.:)

(Heide) Nan, your computer skills are so superior, While they are better than they were when I started, i assure you that I'm not nearly the geek I hope to be one day. plus my hardware is totally inadequate Well, I did it with a 486 until last April when I got Babette ;-p I'd love the honor but there are at least 3 people who have posted above who would be terrific hosts. Honey, you can do whatever you want. You can nominate anyone you'd like. But personally, (and this is no offense to anyone else) I think Heide is the perfect choice (no pressure you understand ;-p)

(Evelyn)change our name Any suggestions? I didn't like the name in the beginning, but since I'm new I will say that and no more.

(Evelyn)change our name Any suggestions? I didn't like the name in the beginning, but since I'm new I will say that and no more. (Heide) there is such a total illiterate as I am out there and semi-functioning! plus my hardware is totally inadequate. What a fun way to learn! Are you sure your harware isn't sufficient?

I like "drool". What suggestions otherwise?

(Cheryle) (Evelyn)change our name Any suggestions? I didn't like the name in the beginning, but since I'm new I will say that and no more. And either will I :-) I only said that thinking that it would be easier on the new website manager. Fergeddaboutit.

If anyone is interested, Colin made the Classic British Actors list in less than two days with votes to spare

What diligent fans we are. I feel guilty though, I haven't even gone to that site yet. With whom does Colin share this list? I see that SIL is mentioned in the upcoming film releases in the NY Times for Sunday. His name is actually in print. Any other cheap thrills awaiting us in tomorrow's papers? I'd like to know if it will be mentioned in other papers around the country (the world).

If anyone is interested, Colin made the Classic British Actors list in less than two days with votes to spare And we're grateful to you Lucie....I saw your postings of Rambles :-)

(Heide) Any other cheap thrills awaiting us in tomorrow's papers? The LA Times publishes their fall movie sneaks tomorrow (actually it's out tonight but I'm too lazy to go to the news stand. Will wait for the nice gent to drop it on my door step in the a.m.) I'm keeping my fingers crossed hard for FP as well as SIL.

Arami has been urging us to be diligent researchers. So here goes....!! Although SIL is a romantic comedy it seems pretty much rooted in reality. Philip Henslowe was the manager of The Rose theatre, Ned Alleyn was his son-in-law, Shakespeare did work for Henslowe. And the young Shakespeare (although married with children) did, at around the time he was writing Romeo and Juliet, fall in love with the so-called Dark Lady. His affair with the Dark lady is chronicled in his Sonnets which are said to be autobiographical. The interesting part is the identity of the Dark lady. She is thought to have been either married to , or a mistress of, one of Shakespeare's friends and patrons, probably the Earl of Pembroke. The affair was an unsuccessful and unhappy one on Shakespeare's part, with the lady returning to her husband/lover. The clues to the affair can all be found in the sonnets.... "The statute of thy beauty thou will take, Thou userer, that puttest forth all to use, And sue a friend came debtor for my sake. So him I lose through my unkind abuse. Him I have lost: thou hast both him and me: He pays the whole, and yet I am not free" Him=Shakespeare's patron. My source for all this, Arami, is my copy of"A Shakespeare Companion" ,which I must admit I hadn't opened since my Eng. Lit. student days! Sounds like a love triangle! I can't help wonder what the ending of SIL will be. I know it's a romantic comedy, and rather light-hearted ("Romeo and Ethel"), but can Viola and Will waltz away happily into the sunset, or does she have to return to the arms of her husband? It has to have a happy ending though, doesn't it?

Bravo, Bethan! Some sources have attempted to imply that the Dark Lady of the sonnets was a man... It would seem that theory has lost its popularity now. my Eng. Lit. student days Ave, fellow academic... :-)

(Bethan) The interesting part is the identity of the Dark lady. She is thought to have been either married to, or a mistress of, one of Shakespeare's friends and patrons, probably the Earl of Pembroke. So they are trying to throw us off the scent by casting a blonde in that role. How very clever of them! Very interesting, Bethan. Your information is always so welcome. The affair was an unsuccessful and unhappy one on Shakespeare's part, with the lady returning to her husband/lover. So that tells us, she returns to Colin. Hoorah! (tart that she is, of course)

she returns to Colin. Hoorah! Excuse me - I don't see a reason to be happy at all. OK, so we don't want Colin to be lonely, but I just can't cheer at the thought of him being with someone else...

Out, damned italics...

Hello everyone, I am Kirsten and this my first post. Till now I've been hanging around on all the CF-web-sites -great work - I always enjoy the time I spent there but it's also always a bit one-sided, I'm only at the 'consumers' side there, so I am really glad I found this conference too where I may be part of the discussion. I first intended to read all your comments before jumping in myself but I fear it will take years before I got through all of them (unfortunately I sometimes do have to do the things I'm paid for). So I decided to stumble in today with a first 'humble' try, just to say 'hello' and that I love your discussion(s). I must confess, I was (honestly still am) a bit hesitant to join. As I've not read all your comments yet it may be difficult for me to catch up and I don't want to repeat what anybody else might have mentioned before, and you all have written sooooo many comments, that I wonder whether I will be able to contribute anything interesting or new to the discussion and last but not least I'm not sure whether my English will suffice (I'm from Germany BTW) .... but anyway ... I'll try my best. BTW, I have a question: You all use these little 'emoticons', but I only know a few of them (only one or two, honestly) but for the rest I haven't got a clue. Can anyone give me a hint, where I can find a list with some 'definitions' or something like that? And to say at least something about our beloved actor: He's GREAT!!!! (nothing new of course) and I admire his work. That'll do for now. Next time more, if you don't mind ... but I think I have to do some homework before to be able to catch up. So long ...

Kirsten, ein herzliches Willkommen! Du brauchst keine Bedenken zu haben, bereits Gesagtes zu wiederholen. Jump in and participate!

Just noticed in the Business section that Seagram are selling Polygram who own Working Title who are producing "Bridget Jones'Diary". Bids of up to �1 billion are expected from mainly European companies, but MGM are interested. But if bids fall below too much below this, Seagram will keep Polygram and cancel future film productions. Keep an eye open for this deal (to be finalised end of the month!) May explain current lack of info on BJD The Movie!

Willkommen, Kirsten! I can vouch for whatever Renate is saying - I'm sure it's right! We feel there never can be enough praise for our hero... :-) And if you have any questions about anything at all - just ask!

Hi Kirsten....Welcome I don't know German or all those obscure "emoticons"..... So jump in and give us your comments. Doesn't matter if they have been said before...we love to hear them from new people. :-) (happy)

Welcome, Kirsten! So glad you dove in to the pond. It's always lovely to welcome a new CF devotee.

Hi, Kirsten! Your English seems good to me. I'm new too and s l o w l y skimmed the old boards. I keep finding out I'm saying things that have been said before, but no two people are the same, so we can't possibly say too much that's been said before ;-)(happy wink) I like to find out what others, including you, think.

Welcome Kirsten!

Hello everyone � thanks for the warm welcome. I'm still muddling through all your comments and when I saw that you have all shown your favourite CF pics I thought, well, that's a good idea why not trying that for the beginning. But then I read that I'm supposed to ask the 'owner' of the pics for permission. So I skip this idea for the moment, I have to look up, where I first saw them. But what about telling you how I became a CF fan? First time I saw him was some years ago ... yes, in P&P and ..... Idid'ntpayanyattentiontoit (blame me!) It was the German version and it only was the last part my sister taped, and as I didn't knew the plot I wasn't interested but read a book meanwhile. The second time was last summer (1997) and ... yes, P&P again, but this time it was the original English version during some holidays in England and for the second time I started somewhere in the middle of the plot and didn't pay any attention to it but preferred reading. Can you believe this????? I hardly can believe it myself! I must have been doomed with blindness. How could I be so ignorant??? But never loose hope .... Sometime at the beginning of this year , during one of my frequent visits to my favourite book shop my eye fell on 'The Making of P&P', and as I saw Emma (with GP) and S&S (with ET) and as I liked them and as I'm interested in 'The Making of ...' stories in general, I thought this might be an interesting book and bought it. But as for CF ... I hardly have the courage to confess the truth ... The cover of the German version of the book shows a big pic of CF and JE int he carriage after the wedding, you know, the one with the huge grin, and ... arrgh ... you may burn me on the stake for what I say now ... Idislikedhim ... ouhh, hard canfession. I thought 'Oh no, that Mr. Darcy never can compete with Mr. Knightley ... with all his 'false' teeth (as my sister said and I thought)' in my defence for all that I can only say, that I never read P&P before (what I certainly have done now for several times) nor had I ever seen any other P&P version � and of course now I can easily say 'Who the hell is Mr. Knightley??'. Now, do I have your permission to continue or do feel to skip me out of the board in the dark of 'CF loneliness' and to fall into oblivion asap? .... No objection? ... So I'll tell the rest. I read the book (Making of P&P) and I was hooked (at least for P&P and this version of it). So I ordered the video ... and that it was ... As far as I'm able to remember � because I watched most parts of it a certain state of 'delirium') it was at the latest as he said 'On foot?!' when he met Lizzy at Netherfield that I was fallen not only for Mr. Darcy but even more for Colin. Oh, this look � slightly mocking, unbelieving � when he turns to let her pass by and then strides along in this long, creased, grey linen coat .... hmmm, still love after the xx time... The evening I received my P&P video, I watched the whole thing in one, 5 hrs., I couldn't stop, even if it was in the middle of the week and I had to work the other day. I really was intrigued, first of all by Mr. Darcy/Colin but also for the complete cast and everything else � even if I have to confess, that P&P is not really my favourite now that I have seen some other work of him. I remember crouching just in front of the screen, starring at it like a hypnotised, grinning like a half-wit and 'suffering' one shudder of delight after the other. How glad I am, that nobody saw me like that. So, you see, it wasn't quite a love at first sight, but it is now a so more deeper one. Now, that's how I started my 'career' as a CF fan. And shortly after that I started ma CF research in the internet and I found all these wonderful web sites about him with all those pics and information. And I'm now trying to find all his movies an video with a 'slight' regret that I will probably never see those which are not available on video(sniffle) . Oh Lord, I think I'll better stop now. I don't want to bore you stiff with my tiny little stories right in the beginning, but, you know, it's the first time for me, I ever told someone about my CF passion, so I'm quite a bit garrulous now that I've found this place ... but otherwise I think, concerning CF, we are all suffering from the same (delightful!) illness ...

Glad you joined the club Kirsten. Which films have you seen?. On #98 we discuss his films (among other things). Right now we are on PLAYMAKER. Next,I hope,VALMONT. C'mon over and join us. We would love to have your comments.

Kirsten, I'll add my welcome to you .......and say that your English is marvellous! About 10,000 times better than my German! I love your account of how you fell for CF/Darcy. And even his big grin grows on you! The first time I saw him grin (on screen, of course!) I remember thinking "now stop that, Colin.....get back to looking serious and soulful". But now I like it, and I'm sure even Mr Darcy must have grinned from time to time! And Kirsten, you're not boring anyone stiff with your stories......pray continue! :-)

Hi Kirsten and a very WELCOME!!! I'd like to second what Bethan said: "you're not boring anyone stiff with your stories..." Also, don't worry about what has been said in the past. Most of us wouldn't remember or care for that matter. Another thing, the little emoticons are not so important. You will pick them up, probably as well as you have mastered English. (Anyone know if the emoticons are still at Pemberley in FAQ or in Ann's HTML stuff???) We're looking forward to hearing your views of Colin and how much you adore that wonderful actor. We're all in the same hospital ward! ;-D (winking with a big grin)

Mine wasn't love at "firth sight", either - Kirstin, your story sounds so familiar! As for rare films with Colin, sooner or later you'll find a way of getting hold of some more, I'm sure... :-) So just stick around and enjoy!

I'm a little late but let me add my welcome too, Kirstin. You've definitely found the right place. There's nothing you can say about our dear boy that won't be worth hearing. With people coming and going here, there's always something new for someone. We hope you'll stay.

Welcome to our madness, Kirstin:)

Your English is very good, Kirsten so just keep coming. I know what you mean I can't decide which role I like him best in. I love Valmont and Fever Pitch. He is very good in Hostages too and I thought he was gorgeous in TEP. I am waiting on pins and needles for SIL, especially after seeing the snappies.

Can't stay away .... (Evelyn) Which films have you seen? P&P (of course), COF, TEP, AMITC, AC, FP, ATA, HOTP, FF, PM, Hostages, Nostromo, AZ, WOF. Not so bad for barely 9 month of Firth mania, what do you think? Apropos AMITC: AMITC was the first video I bought after seeing P&P. After ploughing the Internet several months for more information, I made a long wish list of tapes and books (pointless to mention that they were all related to CF), tied up my bundle and, end of April, started out for London � officially seeing a friend of mine, but , uhm, you know ... My results there weren't too bad, although I was a bit disappointed about the small number of tapes I was only able to find at that point. But among them was AMITC which stood quite at the top of my list due to all the information I got from FOF and other web sites and I was quite excited that I finally got it. And due to that excitement, in the evening I told my friend (quite casuallly , for not revealing my state of Firth mania) hat I bought this video and to my great surprise she knew it. She saw it fo a film discussion during an English conversation course and she thought it was ... quite booooring � shocking! ... stubborn disbelief on my part. First thing the next morning, when I was alone at the flat, I started the VCR � just to watch the beginning and to catch a view of CF I told myself since I had quite a big agenda for the rest of that day, but same procedure as with P&P (and as I know now with all CF movies I watch for the first time), I couldn't abandon it till the end. I sat there in quite th same manner as I described in my last post � completely lost, wishing to be able to creep into the screen � IOW drooling. And, Lucy, asked for my favourite CF movie, I'm always inclined to say it's AMITC, although it's always hard to decide, because I really love them all so much (although I think for PM one needs quite a bit habituation) But in AMITC he is so ... hmmmm ... failing words ... On the one hand Tom Birkin seems to be so vulnerable and one is (I am, to be precise) always tempted to comfort him (is comfort the right word? I think not quite, but anyway ...) and to say 'Look, life can be so beautiful, if only you wo ld look at it' � but, thinking with my head, I'd rather suppose, he doesn't really needn't to be comforted, as he has such an inner strength, as he well shows at the end in resisting the temptation of Mrs. Keach. But I don't want to enter too deep into this subject, I think it's something for #98 � and yes, Evelyn, I think I'll come over the next days but I'd like to read some of the latest comments first to be able to catch up in a useful manner. But I hope I'll not miss the PM discussion, because if yo really will go on with V, I fear I have nothing more to contribute than my longing to see it, I couldn't get it till now. I tried to order it six weeks ago but ... still waiting in despair. BTW has anybody around here experience in shopping at 'videoshoppers.com'? I ordered some tapes there a couple of weeks ago and they debited my account, but still no tapes. I tried to contact them to enquire after my tapes but all the mails were returned and I can't see why - despite the information that the server or whatever could not be found. So, therefore I'm getting a bit nervous, but a delay of six weeks and more might be regular (after all, from USA to Germany ...) and they might be only too lazy o answer all these irritating enquiries of a panicking CF drooler. Ah yes, Bethan, his grin really has grown on me, no question, my favourite pics of him are those where he is laughing � I'm still trying to find them (lacking time for a long research till now, but hoping for the weekend) to post them here, if I got the permission.) But I think my all time favourite is 'Our Man in Black', I'm sure you all know it (isn't it a Movieline one? Didn't I find it on Murph's site? I'm not sure but I'll be on the look out) Oh, how I love him smiling, sigh, .... Good point to stop here, I suppose;-D (I'm learning quick, you see ... sometimes ...) CUL ... hmmm, tomorrow??? I think so, it's going to be a drug this drooling stuff .... o dear! ... (Tried some tags here, hope they'll work.)

(Tried some tags here, hope they'll work.) no, not quite ... not all of them. But as far as I see, I'll have lots of opportunities to try again here ...

Kirsten, you have quite the collection for a mere 9 months! Too bad you were not with us for our discussion of AMITC which ended not too long ago. But PM is still going on (amazing, isn't it) and we'd love to hear your views. Regarding Videoshoppers.com, I seem to recall that that might be a disreputable company. Officially notify your credit card company. Videoflicks.com, Critics Choice, and Reel.com are all fine reputable companies that most of us have used in the U.S. I'm sure there are others as well.

(Kirsten) although I was a bit disappointed about the small number of tapes I was only able to find at that point. The same happened to me when I went to London last year. I expected to see the video stores dripping with CF tapes,since he is so well known there I was only able to find one or two I already owned. My little local video store in rural Oklahoma has more. Pl. by all means, come over to #98 and give us your views on PM. But I think my all time favourite is 'Our Man in Black', I'm sure you all know it (isn't it a Movieline one? One of my all time favorites too.Personal Photos, that is. Film photos....any Darcy!

Personal Photos There are very few Colin's really "personal" photos in circulation. The Movieline pic is a professional fashion photo: he was hired to model clothes and footwear, was groomed and made up. One of the legitimate ways of earning a living for celebrities.

few"personal" photos in circulation. The Movieline pic is a professional fashion photo: That's what I mean't. Personal....meaning a Colin as Colin photo versus a photo of him in a role.i.e. Darcy, Tim Birkin, Valmont ..... Should have explained this in more literal English. Whether or not he was paid for this photo, I wouldn't know .

FYI This was posted on the RoP Pride & Prejudice Board by a fan in England. "The large portrait of Darcy now hangs in Sue Birtwistle's home in London."

No need to explain, Evelyn. I knew what you meant and love those person-al photos too. Kirstin, it looks like you've got it bad. In only 9 months, you not only have videos but have a list of related books to read. This man's not only good to look at but he's educational too! Watch out for videoshoppers.com though. As Karen says, there have been bad stories about them. I ordered Dutch Girls through them, was told it was coming. Waited and waited, finally called them and was told they didn't know when they would have it to ship. I asked them to take it off my charge and they promptly did. I've heard of no problems with the other sites Karen mentioned

Damn videoshoppers:-( I wish my English were well enough to spell a curse on them (Or perhaps I should try a 'nursery rhyme', following Samira's example, hee hee). But anyway, thanks for your information, Karen and Heide. I'll now try to contact them by phone or fax to get an answer. Yesterday I managed to go through all your recent comments you posted before I joined you and it was really great fun and made me LOL several times. But to my mild alarm I noticed your discussion about Nan giving up the host job. I've not the slightest idea how this discussion stuff works and why there has to be a host, but I really hope there is someone to take the job. I'm a bit 'panicking' that you'll give up this board just in the moment I found it. Pleeeeeeeeeeaaase do continue! Apropos photos, newbie question: As a good girl, I tried to find the sources of my favourite CF pics to ask for the permission to post them here. And I found them, but ... I found them on several sites. Now how do I know, who is the 'owner'? I do not have to ask them all, do I? And after all, they are no snappys but magazine pics, so I even could have scanned them myself (if I had the magazines and a decent scanner and and and) so what am I to? I don't want to offend anybody or to hurt the etiquette, but ouldn't it be enough to name the source in that case? (Heide) ... he's educational too! Quite right! That's my all time pretext when I'm seriously thinking about what I'm doing here - I do not mean literally here, or at least not only, but with all this movie watching, book reading and other CF stuff - it's solely to brush up my English (but frankly, who'll believe that?) And as for the books, Heide, reading is another passion of mine, can't get enough of it. B4N

Hurray! I happen to find that SIL will start in Germany on march 11:-)) (oops! my PC in the office (I prepared this message there, but psst!) is a clever one, when I type :-) to show I'm happy, he shows me a smiley instead, how charming) But as for SIL I hope it's true and they won't change it. And I hope they'll show the original English version. Because sometimes it's really hard to see or more to hear what they do to the original with the synchronisation, especially if you know the original voice. An xperience most of you will be save of, living in an English speaking country. COF and TEP were awful as far as I remember. HOTP was OK, but as for P&P ... no comment ... well all right ,I can't restrain myself ... as for the voice you can say, OK, they have to do it and it's of course impossible to find the same but one could at least try to find a similar one and I think one can get used to the German Mr. Darcy voice (if one has no choice ...) but what they did with the rest .... simply unbelievable -at least for any decent P&P2 fan (Renate, did you see it?) I'll only tell you one example: they dared to cut out a great part of the dancing scene, they only started their little battle of words with Mr. Darcy's question whether Lizzy goes often into Meryton, now can you believe that? How insensitive and unfeeling! All in all I think they cut out more than half an hour. I was in such a rage, grrr, I almost was tempted to lodge a complaint about such an offend to all P&P2 connaisseur(e)s. But I didn't ... wat hed my English version again instead and was put at ease. What a blessing to know enough English to be able to follow the English version of CF movies. Are there other 'foreigners' around here who share my experience with weird foreign movie adaptations?

Apropos photos, newbie question: As a good girl, I tried to find the sources of my favourite CF pics to ask for the permission to post them here. And I found them, but ... I found them on several sites. Now how do I know, who is the 'owner'? I do not have to ask them all, do I? No, just ask one, and you will be directed to the right person. But you will find out that some webmistresses are more accessible than others... :-)). And after all, they are no snappys but magazine pics, so I even could have scanned them myself (if I had the magazines and a decent scanner and and and) so what am I to? I don't want to offend anybody or to hurt the etiquette, but couldn't it be enough to name the source in that case? For political reasons you better ask in any case - in the past there have been nasty flame wars about such things, we try not to give any reason to let it happen again. But describe which pics you mean and where you found them - if they are on my Calendar f.e., don't hesitate to post them here.

(Kirsten) ....... why there has to be a host, but I really hope there is someone to take the job. I'm a bit 'panicking' that you'll give up this board just in the moment I found it. Pleeeeeeeeeeaaase do continue! Don't panic, there will be a host in the v. near future, we hope. We miss Nan. But it is v. important for a board to have the direction of a host in order to function properly.

describe which pics you mean and where you found them Our website colinfith.com will eventually have its own archive - we have access to quite a large number of published photos and are in the (slow...) process of scanning them.

I said I�d post some pictures for comparison of Dale Midkiff at the end of his Star Trax series and Colin in the ATA role. I also want to see if I can post a photo, just a test for the future. Thanks for your indulgence. If it doesn�t work, I�ll practice somewhere else :-) Dale fan club photos

Jess

Dale fan club photos

"Darien"closeup

"Darien" and his computer named Selma

"Darien closeup"

OK Cheryle... You did it........great pics. Thanks. Dale is heavier set than Colin...but the stance in the second one is similar to several scenes in ATA. Esp. in the kitchen. Wonder why the long sideburns on CF....certainly doesn't look like an Iowan...but then he had just arrived from Vancouver, at the picnic...hadn't he? BTWdid you ever received AMITC from Waterstones?

EEEEEEEK! Help!!! Terry!!!! Could some host delete this clone? I kept getting a broken picture icon, but the icon seems to have healed itself (I thought that only happened in Russia. ;-)) My apologies. I'll practice in a dark corner. Anyway, you can't even see what I noticed, how Colin's American character was a dead ringer for this guy. Nobody makes Snappies like Nan makes Snappies, it's clear from the rest of the Net :-) And I couldn't find the ATA pictures, which make it a little clearer, but oh who cares. Forgive me.

Where is Sofie? We have missed your film comments on #98.

How can you even compare this guy to Colin????? Nice looking but that's it. No magic!

Oh, please don't hate me :-) The history is: I've said he's a terrible actor and bigger. Colin's Jess in ATA is a great deal like this guy's last few performances in a tv series. I've mailed SOSs to get the clones deleted. I promise future pix will be more germaine. Evelyn--I was looking for her too, but she voted against PM (only liked the shower scene, school began) so maybe she's waiting for a more worthy topic.

Cheryl, do you just want everything with a "broken photo" deleted or the doubles as well? Everyone knows you were testing so I wouldn't worry about practicing in a dark corner ;-)

Nan, my savior! Everything extraneous, broken photos and doubles.

Hey those didn't look so bad. You're doing better than I did. Sofie didn't exactly vote against PM. She only wanted to discuss the shower scenes and some of her *fantasies* So the question still stands. Where is she? ;-D

I've seen Valmont :-))) Thanks to Renate, who recommended me a local video library (luckily she's happened to discover only from my e-mail address, that we're living in the same town, clever girl:-) ) Valmont is one of the movies I was always the most interested in, but now I hardly know what to think about it. Oh, I like it, that's not the question, but I haven't made up my mind yet, whether I think it's a good film or rather not. But I think it's a harm, if one saw 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' first. So y u're always tempted to compare. Perhaps I should read the book now, to decide which one is more true to it's roots. At that I may not have been in the right mood to see that film, oh, I certainly wasn't, because it made me burst out laughing plusieurs times (oh shit, what I'm doing here, several times, of course, sorry). No one ever told me that it has a 'comedic touch' ... uhm ....I'm better gonna watch it again this night. That'll do for now, I just wanted to tell my Firth Impressions (and to share my happiness about finding the tape), don't want to anticipate the V discussion which may follow on #98;-D

(Kirsten)Re: Valmont........... but I haven't made up my mind yet, whether I think it's a good film or rather not .... I've seen it about four times and I can't decide either...... I always change my mind though after we discuss the films on #98...... Except for the current one.....ug! ,

Re: Possible location fot MLSF Just seen a programme on TV about a Scottish mansion set on the shores of Loch Fyne, where MLSF was shot. Stunningly beautiful.Idyllic views. I wondered if the house could have been used as the Big House in the film. The interior was completely preserved in 1930s decor and the architect was known to have been very eccentric and had installed his own electricity and plumbing systems which are still used. Ties in with the book! And there was a jetty! Loch Fyne is itself very beautiful....masses of bluebell along the shore's edge and hills in the background. MLSF will be good to look at!

(Bethan) MLSF will be good to look at! Yes indeedy - those curls, those eyes, that cleft, that wet bathing suit. Okay, seriously...Bethan, can you identify for me where Loch Fyne is? I'm sure I was nowhere near it when I was in Scotland but would like to add it to my growing list of other places to visit next time. Kirsten, I hope you and Renate can meet and go to Colin films together. It's so much fun to share the experience than go it alone. You're lucky. I believe in Milos Forman's book he says his Valmont is more true to the book than Dangerous Liaisons. If we discuss the film next on 98, I'd like to hear more about the book from those who have read it.

Heide I'd like to hear more about the book from those who have read it. It's out of print :-(

(Evelyn)It's out of print :-( The *real* book, Dangerous Liaisons, or just the edition we talked about?

Twinges of remorse are haunting me. I owe you the description of my favourite CF pics, I know. And I really tried, honestly, but it seems that I'll be unable to fulfil my duties. I'll tell you why: because that's what happened at every single attempt: I take one of the pictures, look at it ( astonishing, eh?!), try to concentrate on what I am supposed to do ... my look is falling on his hand, tearing his hair, propping up his head -- hmm, I love his hands, those long, supple fingers -- and that's where my imagination already starts to ramble and I'm going to imagine how it would be to ... uhm, well, rrmmh, let's say to shake hands with him (just in case that there are any youngsters around) ... then my look turns to his eyes - vivid, dark, worth to drown yourself in and never to return - in one word fascinating, and that's where my knees are beginning to shake -- oddly enough for me, because I could never understand people saying "the eyes are the mirror of one's soul" or "you can see *all* in one's eyes" tc. pp. I could never see that, I always thought a mouth is much more expressive. But Colin's eyes really intrigued me - don't no why, but his looks are pretty well 'telling' something (but, oh please, don't ask me what!) Though, shaking knees, spreading faint, my look turns down to his m o u t h ... and that's where my knees always give way,and I'm falling over backwards - knocked off - every time ... by his charmingly, devastating, breathtaking smile. And regarding that turning my eyes from his hand to his pretty attractive mouth takes barely half a second you surely see, that in half a second you can't write a decent comment on a picture. So I gave up that intention, but snuggled down in my sofa and re-watched AMITC. And now -- filled with the sound of his velvety voice, drunk by the look of his expressive eyes, captivated by the smile of his alluring mouth -- I'm falling asleep ... hoping for sweet dreams - *sigh* ... Though, I'm sorry, guys, but no drool-worthy pic description from my part -- but perhaps one day I'll be able to stand the look at him - hm, not sure, whether that's something I'd really wish for ...

Oh my, Kirsten, I understand perfectly. That mouth. A sonnet should be written about that mouth, eh? ;-) That delicate curl at the end. And what a fitting film to choose to savor those expressive lips. If you can get beyond the mustache, that is. His mouth just aches to be kissed in that film.

My goodness . . . go away for a few weeks and I return to Nan's resignation (we understand) and a newbie who has it as bad as we did/do. Kirsten I must have watched my edited "drool" tape 1000 times. I have worn out 2 tapes and made new ones. I eliminate Mrs B (who was the reason I didn't watch it the first time), Mr. Collins, and other annoyances. Marcia came to California and we went to see her son, then on to Denver for the National Conference of Emergency Nurses. Marcia attended classes with me, and we partied and learned lots of new stuff. Then we drove back thru Colorado Springs, Pike's Peak, Zion National Park and home. Then she returned to Hawaii. It is nice that you are all still here . . .who is our new fearless leader . .?? Glad to be back amongst friends and droolers. Nan, we miss you and loved you . . even tho we didn't say it often enough. Keep in touch!!

The "scarecrow", one more time:

I,ve often wondered......where was this photo taken? His flat? Nick Hornby's flat? Someone else's flat! Nice taste in porcelain though!

(bethan) I,ve often wondered......where was this photo taken? His flat? Nick Hornby's flat? Someone else's flat! Nice taste in porcelain though! As I, but, his hair L. his shirt! I mean, "Back to the Fifties" or what?

(Heide)I believe in Milos Forman's book he says his Valmont is more true to the book than Dangerous Liaisons... I'd like to hear more about the book from those who have read it. (Evelyn) It's out of print :-( But surely some of us here have read it, nevertheless :-) Forman doesn't talk much about Colin in it, and as for his opinion about his own work, well, what can you expect... ;-) (bethan) I,ve often wondered......where was this photo taken? (Moon Dreams) but, his hair L. his shirt! We know that Colin would be unhappy to let his private world be exposed to public scrutiny... Small print suggests another of those fashion shots which we have briefly discussed before. In this particular photo Colin is modelling "Cardigan by Matsuda". Colin's pics in that edition of Vogue are credited to Lance Staedler who apparently is an American photographer (can anyone confirm?). On the preceding page, the credits for the stylist and the grooming man are for a L.A. firm. Adding two and two, the pics seem to have been taken on locations - most likely chosen by Staedler - in or near L.A. Staedler would have been commissioned by Vogue probably around the time when Colin was still working on ATA (studio and post-production). The text (interview by Hornby) would be a subsequent addition. The general idea of these shoots is that whoever sees the (alluring?... :-)) pics is supposed to be moved to buying the rags for husbands, sons and lovers. No personality in his/her right mind would accede to having their name openly linked with the names of (expensive!) clothes makers, hairdressers, etc. just for the love of it, without it constituting some sort of a professional contract. In other words, Colin can legitimately expect some sort of reward for this kind of photos as part of his professiona activities: a little bit of jam on his daily bread, if you like. The actual level of fees is still another matter. Some celebrities may agree to expenses only, in anticipation of the advantage which world wide publication in a well known fashion magazine may bring in terms of publicity. Does that sound plausible, Bethan? :-)

(Kirsten) then my look turns to his eyes -vivid, dark, worth to drown yourself in and never to return - in one word fascinating, and that's where my knees are beginning to shake -- oddly enough for me, because I could never understand people saying "the eyes are the mirror of one's soul" or "you can see *all* in one's eyes" Yes, those eyes and the face are the most expressive I've seen and there's a unique subtlety about the way he uses them. One of our archivists can probably find the quote much faster than I, but there's the one by Minghella about the transparency. It really says so much about why Colin is so effective. Kirsten, you are not alone. We all go weak-kneed watching that man. *sigh*

A link to a quote It's from the HP article by Laurie Winer. Full article when you click on the first star below the pic.

Thanks, Renate. I brought it with me to copy in today, but I see you beat me to it. Can you go a *global search* on *eyes*? There appear to be lots of quotes that mention the expressiveness of his eyes.

H eide)I believe in Milos Forman's book he says his Valmont is more true to the book than Dangerous Liaisons... I'd like to hear more about the book from those who have read it. (Evelyn) It's out of print :-( But surely some of us here have read it, nevertheless :-) Forman doesn't talk much about Colin in it, and as for his opinion about his own work, well, what can you expect.. The book that I referred to as being "out of print" is not the Milos Forman Memoirs. The book is a special edition of "Dangerous Liaison" by Pierre C. Delaclos(ISBN # 014-013-115-9) published by Viking/Penguin in November 1989 titled VALMONT featuring the film's star, Colin Firth on the cover. Karen (lucky girl!) owns it.I tried to get same, but found it was out of print:-( In the Forman book, he comments that the DL film was centered on the play. V. was focused on the book.The MF Memoirs(TURNAROUND0 is a v. interesting book.

Karen, can you get the cover scanned and posted here or at cf.com?

I will see what I can do about the cover.

Just popping in for a last short message ... after rambling around a while at spring I decided that it's not the right place for a decent girl like me ... [ha ha ....who was it? ... laughing at the idea about me as a decent girl ... pah] but seriously, I'm off for London very soon (yippi di yippi di du), celebrating 'wild' birthday parties - as I missed yours for Colin, I now have to compensate - so I won't be able to post for the next two weeks *sniff* I'm looking forward to all your comments abou V. posted on #98 till I'm back. ;-D;-D;-D

This board seems to have died! Just a question on career paths. I've seen a couple of things recently on television which madde me realise how important it is for actors to choose wisely. I was the TV version of "The Shining" which CF turned down It wasn't bad, but would have led nowhere. And I saw Hugh Grant's first starring Hollywood role.."Nine months". Y-euchh!! The supporting actors were actually ok, but HG was awful. What worked with an English cast in "Four weddings" just didn't transfer. The point of my ramble is that whereas I'm keen to see more of CF, I can see how difficult it is to develop an international movie career. A lot of British actors just disappear in the US. I actually think that some (but not all) of the best drama is on British television, and I hope he continues to combine TV and film work. There seems to be some stigma about "returning" to TV roles. I watched "Hornblower" on TV and thought it was a very high quality (and, at �3 million, expensive) production and I would 't mind seeing CF in something similar. The board is alive! Over to you!

Oops.Typo! "I was the TV version of The Shining"!!! Delusions of grandeur!!

(Karen) There seems to be some stigma about "returning" to TV roles. That might be true of British television...but in the US it is becoming more prevalent for the film stars to cross over between movies and television. Especially since cable channels are themselves producing some of the best films and winning awards. Of course, the film stars earn more money in movies...that could be a factor. I find it difficult to believe that CF has not been offered a television role by BBC. The man who was voted the most popular actor in the History of BBC?? Or some such award. And the awarding company just lets him slip by?? Is this clever marketing? Any comments out there??

Sorry...the comment should have been attributed to Bethan...not Karen. Apologies all around.... Now ...for comments...

I dunno. I still think there is a stigma with TV. Actors often do TV roles in the beginning of their careers (serial work or small supporting roles), then take off in films, then they return to TV only after their career appears to be on a downward scale. Not all, I know, but generally. I'm using Meryl Streep as an example in my mind. Holocaust on TV, Oscar winner in films, now she's returned to TV. Though she seems to still be doing films but she's not the bankable star anymore. If this is true in B itain, it may be why Colin is not accepting TV roles. I'd be surprised if they weren't being offered.

Of course I meant to say "downward slide", not "scale". We're all flubbing tonight...if anyone is noticing.

Apart from movies on cable, I never watch TV in the US. But, whenever I'm in the UK I do. Why? I find the dialog so much better written and the plots usually engaging, and, the actors are top rate. Colin should consider more BBC roles, but are they offering? In the US many want to be TV actors for the money. It has become another money inspired career such as sports. In sports, though, you must eventually show some talent, in TV, well...

I still believe Colin would accept a TV role if it sufficiently appealed to his imagination. He has said he would be interested in another role of Tumbledown calibre. I think it's the quality of the scripts, not the medium, that he finds unacceptable.

Let's see if I can post the PAL-NTSC article I scanned and uploaded, partly for practice and partly to share with the class. http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal1.gif?nocache=907917494 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal2.gif?nocache=907917494 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal3.gif?nocache=907917617 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal4.gif?nocache=907917717 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal5.gif?nocache=907917800 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal6.gif?nocache=907917881 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal7.gif?nocache=907917800 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal8.gif?nocache=907917800

Oops, was it on another board? Oh well. Scanning it as text was a disaster for some reason, and I got myself a homepage just to upload this. I had to chop it up to get their server to accept it, but I hope to become more proficient soon :-)

News of a sort... Channel Four TV have set up a subscription channel, Four Films, which will be available from next month (1 November) in the UK on digital TV. It will only show independent movies and will provide the opportunity for all independent British movies (which usually only open in London or fail to find a distributor and vanish) to be available for mass audiences. US independents will also be shown. Film Four plan to show about 500 movies a year. The report (in today's Times)said that Fever Pitch would be premiered on this channel. I actually think this could be a major breakthrough for independent film makers. Distribution continues to be a major hurdle in the UK....basically all we get to see in the UK are the Hollywood blockbusters. A new multiplex has just opened near us..and what do we get..Dr Doolittle, Something about Mary, X-Files and TWO Bruce Willis movies (the guy has had FOUR movies open in the UK in the last 6 months! Someone must like him!)...ie exactly the same movies as showing at the other multiplexes. Most of the films I want to see are never shown, so the new subscription channel could ensure hat indies reach an audience without a major theatrical release. Could help CF's career! Is there a similar channel in the US?

Are you actually able to view Digital TV? I was told by a client that for the first week absolutely nobody could watch the programming because they didn't perfect it for transmission!

Thanks, Bethan, for keeping us so very well informed on Colin-related material. I wish there were more actual Colin material out there. Anyway, I'm not aware of any digital stations in the US but there are stations that show independent films - as long as your cable carrier has it available and you subscribe to it. Sundance Channel is one I can think of but I don't have accessibility to it. Don't have a dish either. I may dig up that Times article just to see the words Fever Pitch. ;-) Will any luck Brit ladies out there have access to the Film Four channel?

Heide, there's digital cable, spreading out all over the place. My sister just got it a while ago, and you get menus to select your shows. I think those cable providers are also the ones who have internet access.

Heide, I'm glad you like my snippets of news. I wish I could spot some real news..."Colin Firth has a starring role in..."!! I'd turn somersaults! Twice over! Some near news in today's papers. Although Film Four will be showing independent films, it looks as though there won't be much British independent cinema to showcase. The Arts Council are apparently withholding �100 million earmarked for a newly set up Film council and propose using it for theatre and dance instead. That means the potential loss of maybe 50 new movies. So, head for Hollywood, Colin! Or do some television! On the upside, there was a report in the Independent that Working Title productions will be coming under the umbrella of Universal Films. This means that the film version of Bridget Jones Diary will ultimately be distributed by Universal, which I think is good news. (I am continuing to assume that CF is MD!!!)There's a new BJ novel coming out in April "BJ:I will survive". I am enthusiastic about CF playing MD because, for once in his career, there may be a chance of a sequel! If Mel Gison can do four Leth l Weapons......

Check out the P&P board at ROP. A gentleman has newly posted there about a dinner he attended with Colin Firth about ten years ago. He's been encouraged to come here with the details. Oh, Ben? Are you out there? We'll be very gentle with you.

Heide, thanks for the heads up about the info at ROP! I had overlooked it, and it was well worth the visit. Ben's comments were extremely amusing, and of course it's always nice to hear something pleasant about the DB. Thanks, Ben - just in case you're lurking :-).

Oh, Ben? Are you out there? We'll be very gentle with you. LOL!! Gentle Ben!! Will head on off to RoP to read about this fortuitous bit of news And... Bethan, keep posting those snippets. When you're in the desert, you will drink sand. ;-D

Heide, thanks for that! A side of CF that I hadn't quite imagined...I always thought he was such a serious fellow! Wish I'd been a fly on the wall!! :-) I actually think a lot of people consider him to be rather reserved. Perhaps it's the roles he plays... Do you think he'll ever break his cover and do a chat show? I rather doubt it! Pity.

Seems that Gentle Ben has got spooked by our "wanton admiration" for Colin. He says he looked in here but fled. Anyway, his reminiscences were posted on Friday, 9th October, starts with a message called, you've guessed, "Firth". He probably doesn't remember much else, poor chap and can't bear the thought of being grilled by us...

I actually think a lot of people consider him to be rather reserved. Think Darcy! Colin is shy and uncomfortable when facing strangers, but naturally relaxed and funny in private. His great sense of humour was also hinted at by Crispin Bonham-Carter in an interview.

] Seems that Gentle Ben has got spooked by our "wanton admiration" for Colin. He says he looked in here but fled. __ Maybe he'll check back in and would like some questions to start him off. I think he's a good sort and have a feeling that if he sticks around Pemberley will not turn out to be like some of the other men there who seem to want to make us sweeter or otherwise change or improve us. Maybe something simple to begin: - Did he have a date? - As the evening wore on, did his RP accent slip? - What did your mother say about his effect on her?

Great idea Amy! I would like to ask Ben: -Was the dinner in NY or LA? -Did he speak about his next role which I imagine to be Valmont(going back 10 years). If so was Milos Forman also there? -Did he seem shy at all or was he just a great raconteur? Ben be a dear won't you and indulge us a little. We would like the pleasure of your company.

I have finally gained access! Hello, Heide, if you are there. I was very dim and it took me an age to get in. It's now so late that everyone has presumably gone. (How do I know if they haven't, by the way?) Anyway, while I am here, I've noticed a few questions about this dinner. I should say that this was years ago - around 1989 - so I wasn't making copious notes, and we all got quite drunk in any case. The dinner was in London (I am English and have lived in NY only for a year), with an actor friends of my parents, called John Castle. John, CF and a few others were in some play together and it was mostly an actor-y evening. (My excuse was that I'd acted in a few things as a child, one of them with John.) Anyway, all I can really say was that it was a vastly entertaining evening, and much more fun than I'd imagined it would be. CF is a v. good mimic - unsurprisingly - and a good joke teller, but he avoided hogging the limelight and he listened to others. A few specifics - no, he was not with a woman and yes, his pronunciation was received, as far as I can remember. I do remember that my mother fancied him, though these things are never serious. She also fancies my father. (She and her sister always quote s me line about "Mrs Stone" when struck by the beauty of a younger man - some literary reference I forget.) No he was not shy. There must have been around 10 people there and it was v. v. riotous and crude towards the end. That's about all I can remember, except thinking on the way home what fun it would be if you could make a living from acting. And being ill the following morning. My parents have met him a couple of times since, but shortly after that I came over here and have not seen CF since. Then, finding a site where Austen was discussed, and gauging carefully that a long-since passed, and thoroughly tenuous connection wit CF might gain me acceptance, I revealed it to the world. Little did I know what was lurking round the corner...

thanks so much, Ben. Mrs Stone: character in Roman Spring, early 60s movie with Vivien Leigh and Warren Beatty.

Thank you so much, Ben. Please stay, at least for our film discussions, if you can.

Very pleased to meet you Ben. You said CF is a v. good mimic, could you be more specific? What did he do that impressed you so? I know you were quite drunk but do try.

Welcome gentle Ben! John Castle is a wonderful actor, played Uncle Nick in "Lost Empires"!!! Sounds like a riotous evening indeed! And deer, tenuous wit is well received here. See I just did it;-)

Hallo, Ben, so nice of you to have popped in, after all! Are you related to Jim Broadbent by any chance? By the way, we never know who is or isn't here at any given time: this chat is sort of "on-going": people post any time they feel like it when they want to share their views, or make a comment, or ask something, or make a reply. Please try to remember as much of that evening with Colin as possible. We are all very diligent students of Firthology and it is - sadly! - such a very rare occasion that we can listen to someone who has breathed the same air, let alone imbibed the same spirit... :-) What did he drink, by the way? Did he smoke a lot? (Yes, we know he did...) Did he use "inappropriate" words often? (Don't worry - some of us know enough of the acting fraternity to realize that flowery language comes easy to them!) Moon Drea s seems to think that you were "quite intoxicated" - were you telling her stories behind our backs? ;-) Then you must also tell us if Colin was also rolling on the floor with the rest of you? ;-D ? And one more thing - if the party comprised people like John Castle, Colin Firth and others who were in "something" together around that time, then it had to be Lost Empires: in which case it must have been earlier than 1989. Is it possible? Think hard, Ben, think hard, man! Sorry if the grill seems a bit hot... ;-) ;-D

Oh, and another thing - where was the party held - in a restaurant or someone's private place? We absolutely *must* know every possible detail... :-)

Thank you, Ben, for persevering to get into Drool. As others have mentioned, you never know who will be here at any point in time. Also, as a co-host, I'd like to second Cheryl's recommendation that you join our film discussion group. It is as Topic 98. Right now there are some problems in accessing it from the main Drool menu, but just replace 97 with 98 in the url and you will get there. We are doing Valmont right now. So, your mother fancied him, did she? Shows she has excellent taste. ;-) But sounds like this was based on looks alone, with the "Springtime and Mrs. Stone" reference. Were you all familiar with his work at the time? From film? Or television? BTW loved John Castle in Lost Empires (but until the credits roled thought it was Ian Holm!!)

Thank you, Ben. You've made me quite giddy. As you know by now, there is no detail too small to discuss so I hope you'll brave the vagaries of Drool and join us again. See? I told you we were nice ladies.

(Ben),and we all got quite drunk in any case. ( Arami), Moon Dreams seems to think that you were "quite intoxicated" - were you telling her stories behind our backs? Arami, Ben and I just met, it's too soon for us to be sharing secrets. We absolutely *must* know every possible detail... This is the truth and nothing but the truth! Do entertain us a little more Ben.

Oh, why are you silent, Ben? Don't do a Darcy on us now, that we need your good will and generosity... Just a few more words, a further brief statement, and we shall be eternally grateful and deliriously happy... Please? :-)

... back from London, with a question: Browsing the video stores in London I've seen many tapes out of the Ruth Rendell Mysteries's. Does anybody around here know why MOTM isn't available on video??? ... and how entertaining to find Ben's story on my return. Thanks, Ben.

Does anybody around here know why MOTM isn't available on video??? Good question, Kirsten. I emailed ITV, the production company of MOTM, and they wrote me back that there are no plans for a video release - without giving any reason. Do you recall which videos were out? Inspector Wexford only, or others, too?

Ben, thanks for braving the hen party to share your close encounter with CF. As you can see, any tidbit will do and have us going for days so thanks for taking the time :-).

hey Jana-- I've got a tidbit for you: I was browsing through some old CF articles, where an article last year mentioned that he had been relaxing in the gardens of the Pasadena Ritz-Carlton without being noticed! Thanks for the juicy exploits, Ben. Can you remember what exactly he was doing his mimics of? Or what jokes he told? Hey Arami-- I saw a post of yours in RofP. Did anyone ever find out about this Livia-as-a-model thing? I'm curious.

(Renate) Do you recall which videos were out? Inspector Wexford only, or others, too? I'm sorry, but I didn't pay any attentions to the titles, only realised that there was no MOTM:-). Do you know the others? BTW, has anybody around has read "Some other Rainbow" by John McCarthy and Jill Morrell (you know, Hostages)? I just bought it during my stay in London. I actually wanted to read �An Evil Cradling" by Brian Keenan but since I forgot it at home ... It's a great story, very moving, you don't want to put it down. Reading John McCarthy's depiction, I think that the makers of Hostages have portrayed the main characters very well, their characteristics, the feelings and the emotianal and physical stress of the ituation are striking to my mind, although I can understand the objections of the former hostages against the film. Don't no whether any of you has discovered yet that in the latest issue of "Film Review" there are two pictures of CF, one (about 9 x 10 cm) from Hour of the Pig and another, smaller one from TEP (paper wedding). A reader asked for news about CF's latest work, but they told nothing new, only that he has worked on MLSF and SLOW and joined the cast of SIL.

Again, in the "not really news" department, there was an item in one of the papers about Polygram/Working Title who seem to be forging ahead with projects. They gave details of one movie and said that shooting would start next month. It would seem that they sometimes don't release details until the filming is about to start. Will keep eyes open for BJD! BTW John McCarthy is getting married sometime soon, to a book editor.

BTW John McCarthy is getting married sometime soon, to a book editor. ] Ah, so happiness does not elude him. Very good!

Yes,apparently they are very happy! More *not really news". Handmade Films "Lock stock and barrel" (made for just �1 million) has now taken �10million in 3 weeks at the UK Box Office (huge in UK terms) and opens in the US soon. I don't know much about company finance, but surely this success should help rescue them from receivership and enable them to start promoting SLOW, which seems to be held temporarily in limbo. Any accountants out there? Colin's brother and Rupert Graves (and the actress who played Anne Elliot in "Persuasion") are doing a radio series at the moment, reading from letters of the "lost generation" in the first world war.

(Bethan) Handmade Films "Lock stock and barrel" (made for just �1 million) has now taken �10million...I don't know much about company finance, but surely this success should help rescue them from receivership. Haven't heard how much Handmade is in debt; however, it's probably a lot more. Film accounting is a lot of smoke and mirrors and voodoo chanting. Films rarely make a profit, which would be after everybody gets his/her cut, that would be ploughed back into the company. Should we start a SiL countdown? As I walk through the main shopping areas, I'm reminded that the Christmas window decorations will probably be unveiled shortly after Halloween (Oct 31). Any word on when SiL will be released in England and other countries in Europe. I know it's rare for a film to be released simultaneously in both the U.S. and Europe. Need to check out what trailers are being shown in the theaters. Usually the Christmas releases have already started by now.

I've heard nothing further on the matter of Livia having been a model, but I think it must have been a mistake. BTW, are you, ladies, seriously equating marriage with happiness? Isn't it merely coincidental? Haven't I seen the date 4th December mentioned somewhere as the planned SiL premiere?

Yes, I've seen December 4 listed as the premiere date (NY or LA) but wide release in the US is slated for Christmas Day. Now, everyone keep in mind that the stars will be paraded around the talk shows the week of Dec 4 and that ET and Access Hollywood will show bits from the premiere. I now have E! on my cable, so should that about cover it? How many more days????

Ah, this is spooky indeed. Count All Mushy has posted my message again, completely without my participation. What a silly joke, and not for the first time, as we know. Can't someone bring this blasted thing to its senses, please? (Or at least delete duplications.)

No dates for SIL in the UK as yet, although I have seen a reference to opening this year...but that could mean in the US. I think that if Miramax are pushing SIL for Oscar nominations, they'll delay its international release until Spring 99. I'm looking forward to SIL, but am bearing in mind that CF is fourth in the billing and may not be used in the promotion. I see SIL more as an "awareness heightening" vehicle for CF (particularly in the US), so that when MLSF, SLOW etc open, people will say "oh yes, olin Firth"!! I want to know more about the GP's "raunchy" scene on a Norfolk beach, as reported in the UK press. I can't imagine Will Shakespeare on the beach (paddling?)...he was strictly a city man, and in those days there were no day trips to the coast! So, who is this scene with?! Handmade Films..I doubt if they would be hugely in debt. They're a small company making maybe three movies a year on budgets of �1 - �3 million. A �10million windfall would mean a lot. But as you say, Karen, film accounting is a strange business!

Why shouldn't one equate happiness with marriage? Maybe it is an old-fashioned way to look at things. But aren't we supposed to be romantics? Don't we read Jane Austen for the romance?

It is not fear that drove me away this time - my ****** hard drive collapsed, and I lost EVERYTHING having backed up NOTHING. This is an unparalleled disasater. I am now on a new computer. All sympathy is welcome. I cannot, by the way, remember what brand of cigarettes CF was smoking or which particular filthy words he spoke. There were a few wonderfully disgusting jokes. The dinner was in John's house. I am an admirer though not a relative of Jim Broadbent. Ummmm......that's it. On a related point, I agree that JC is a wonderful actor. When my parents first met him, he was part of a new crop of talented actors that had joined the National in the mid-1960s. (The group included John Woodvine and Ian McKellen, for example.) The story goes that he was offered, around the same time, a role in a Hollywood film and a big part in a National production of Hamlet....he chose the movie, which bombed, and missed out on the vital theatrical opportunity. I don't know the details. Now, I'm not ure that a stint in films or on TV would be so frowned on by the thesps. Anyway, he's a good laugh.

(Kirsten),Don't no whether any of you has discovered yet that in the latest issue of "Film Review" there are two pictures of CF, Thanks for the info, Kirsten. Ben, I do hope you plan to join our in our many future discussions. Maybe you can drop by our Film Disc. group, Topic 98. You must let us know if your mother meets up with Colin again. (Winter),mentioned that he had been relaxing in the gardens of the Pasadena Ritz-Carlton without being noticed! Winter, maybe Meg lives in Pasadena and that's why he stayed there? Does anyone know where she lives? My friend in NY taped MOTM for me and it's in the mail, I'm so excited, never seen it! I've yet to see any previews of SiL in the theatres and I go to the movies everyweek.

Ben - a new computer! And forgot/neglected to do backups! This deserves no sympathy whatsoever ;-) I cannot remember what brand of cigarettes CF was smoking or which particular filthy words he spoke Oh, this is a great misfortune indeed! Thanks to some diligent interviewers, we happen to know quite a lot about some of Colin Firth's filthy habits in mid-nineties - but it would have been greatly illuminating for our historical and comparative studies to know details of his earlier tastes... There were a few wonderfully disgusting jokes. Great! We shall happily settle for that instead ;-D! Fire away...! What? Too indelicate for ladies...;-)? But, with all due respect, what about your mother - you didn't report any fainting fits; on the contrary, according to your own words, she was absolutely under the spell... Well, then? Come on, don't let us beg you for too long... (Girls, I need some support here!) And yes, Ben, do join us for film discussions, too. In fact any discussions at all. It's so refreshing to listen to a male point of view for a change... :-)

Arami begging is quite a site, I must needs take a picture and keep for ever! Well, then? Come on, don't let us beg you for too long... (Girls, I need some support here!) Her own words! Arami, will will crawl on your knees and beg too;-p

I might have to consult my mother for the details of the jokes - I don't want to get them wrong. (My parents are fairly worldly and unfazed by these things.) My memory, suffused in alohol as it was, is of having a great evening and being surprised by it. As for begging, it's not that I object to it - quite the opposite. It's just a mixed pleasure, surely you understand, to be begged to talk about the charms of another man, charming though he is. (You can start by being (or at least seeming to be) a great deal more sympathetic about my computing disaster.) Some degree of pride should sooner or later prevent one from wielding the power to introduce women to an irresistably attractive friend, of which this is the virtual equivalent. That said, beg away.

Having had my own computer pass recently, I too am in a mourning period. Bitwise and I shared so much for so long, and now I am alone. I do see a Compaq at work quite often, but we both know it's just for now ... You got out there and replaced your old model right away, Ben; it seems to be easier for men. I'm still all in black and can't imagine being involved again. (Of course, everyone in New York is all in black.)(And the last part is hogwash. I'd have an entire harem of powerful, supercharged, sle k computers if I could afford it.) I commend your kindness and generosity. Probably all of the men I know and like (which means they are special indeed) would make a face and ignore women who wanted to know about charming acquaintances. I hope that when you are the irresistably attractive friend women inquire after, another man of quality is as forthcoming and good-natured.

And there you are, Ben. Cheryl has said it ever so well for all of us! I couldn't put it better myself... As to your computing disaster, I stand suitably chastised - but then I should have introduced myself as the joker (or a clown, perhaps? definitely wild...) of the pack... To be honest, much as I try, I'm not terribly good at begging, either... but I'd buy you a pint or two and we'd come to some "gentlemanly" agreement, I'm sure. Furthermore, whilst your virtual friend continues to be irresistibly attractive, he is at the same time completely beyond anyone's reach here - and you stand a very good chance of filling that void... does that tickle you sufficiently for the time being? ;-)

Of course. When I said "pride should..", or something equally pompous, I didn't mean that I had sufficient pride NOT to enjoy the situation. Now I have to work out how to broach the joke subject with my poor Mama. How can I possibly explain that the amusement of dozens of Firth devotees - none of whom I've met - depends on her memory of a crude joke a decade ago? Or maybe she'll understand better than I think. In the meantime, I can fill in a couple of less exciting details, and I will ask a couple of questions of my own. Someone asked whether I knew of him at the time, and I certainly did, because I'd seen A Month in the Country by then. In fact, I didn't see CF again, apart from in the flesh (as it were), until the English Patient. Also, there was no female companion, on that evening at least. Now my questions: why is his accent of particular interest? And is there the same frenzy about his brother? Finally, I should say that although I was surprised to come across all the virtual ogling going on here, I can't be too superior about it, because my thoughts about Jennifer Ehle while watching P&P were not, I confess, entirely pure.

Ben worldly parents always turn out to have the BEST memory, believe me, I know. Do please insist with your mum. She might surprise you.

Ben - you are an angel. Those snippets are most welcome. And do ask your Mama, please. Believe me - she will understand. You see - she's a woman... I'm also very glad to hear about your reaction to JE. All this means that you must understand us better than you admit... ;-) I guess the only difference might be that females of the species are perhaps better at relieving their virtual frustration through collective purging of various thoughts, which you are here privy to. So watch and learn - it's so refreshing... There's a board for guys who wish to drool, too - have you seen it yet?

BTW, CF's accent is of interest because he has once mentioned in an interview that he apparently used to speak with a broad Hampshire accent until he learned RP in the drama school. Everyone is now curious if he still lapses into his youthful speaking habit when talking privately. Knowing such details would let us imagine that we know him better. There is some interest in his siblings, Jonathan in particular, but the fact is that Colin is considered a superior actor by far and that clinches it. The measure of superiority being the range and psychological depth of characters he has so convincingly portrayed so far. These are my own views and I do not speak on behalf of others here. You may receive other explanations in due course. :-)

Since you are being so kind as to answer some of our questions, I can try at least to answer some of yours, Ben: (Ben) Now my questions: why is his accent of particular interest? For me, it's not the accent (though we US girls often fall for that "cultured" posh Brit-speak), but the deep, resonant voice. I guess we want to know if his accent is more Mr. Darcy-ish or more Paul Ashworth-ish. (Guess you didn't see the Nick Hornby-scripted flick Fever Pitch in England last year?) And is there the same frenzy about his brother? Absolutely not, no way, nada. But we'll take Jon in a pinch. Do you know him too? I can't be too superior about it, because my thoughts about Jennifer Ehle while watching P&P were not, I confess, entirely pure. Aha! Then you did see Colin in P&P, also. Or were your eyes just drawn to , um, Miss Ehle's eyes and you didn't recognize your dinner partner from a few years back. By the way, you haven't told us yet what you were drinking to get everyone so soused. We actually even want to know this minute detail. Thanks for being such a great sport.

(Heide)And is there the same frenzy about his brother? Absolutely not, no way, nada. But we'll take Jon in a pinch. Do you know him too? Now, Heide, Jonathan is closer to my age, and we practically share the same birthday! And I happend to think JF is adorable!!!

Ah, this is spooky indeed. Count All Mushy has posted my message again, completely without my participation. What a silly joke, and not for the first time, as we know. Can't someone bring this blasted thing to its senses, please? (Or at least delete duplications.) Done...well, just the elimination of duplicates thing. Must be that Spring is under water. ;-)

(Laura) Now, Heide, Jonathan is closer to my age, and we practically share the same birthday! And I happend to think JF is adorable!!! Sorry, my dear, but for me it's the difference between a boy and a man. ;-)

Still haven't plucked up the courage to call my mother. She occasionally uses email, but communication takes place only every two or three weeks (they're in London, I'm in NYC) and while I know your need is urgent, all of you, I hope you can wait until a natural opportunity presents itself. I had noticed the JE site, but if truth be told, I'd feel like a bit of a sad perverted git if I hung around there much. This is not meant to reflect on you lot at all - somehow it's less guilt-ridden and more fun her (certainly for me). So I'll take the opportunity to say here that, quite apart from the fact that she is gorgeously pretty and has the most TREMENDOUS figure, JE has the advantage of portraying Elizabeth Bennett. To play someone as wise and as amusing as anyone in literature must help, and one can't but dream that in order to portray the qualities she must have them herself, however unlikely that is. (Surely the same goes on with CF?) Anyway, that said, I'd be quite happy to find out at breakfast how clo ely JE resembled EB in reality. And that is the last word about her, I promise. Dreg of Info: drunk on wine, wine and more wine. Never met JF. Haven't seen Fever Pitch but have read it (am mad soccer fan). p.s. Hampshire accent good deal more appealing than North London whine. But, I bet that he wouldn't have kept it (Hampshire) long anyway, and that his parents spoke RP. Just a guess.

(Ben) Anyway, that said, I'd be quite happy to find out at breakfast how closely JE resembled EB in reality. And that is the last word about her, I promise. One of our Drool ladies, Evelyn, will be happy to oblige when she returns any day now from England. Evelyn is in charge of the Jennifer Ehle website and has met her--actually had a conversation or two with her. Who knows what excellent tidbits of information she can pass on to you!! A little QPQ for being such a sweetie and sharing with us.

Yes, Ben, we will wait patiently (more or less). :-) I'd feel like a bit of a sad perverted git... This is not meant to reflect on you lot at all - somehow it's less guilt-ridden and more fun LOL! It's as I said before - women generally seem to feel much more relaxed about daydreaming. Men call it fantasizing, and they almost invariably feel guilty... Another silly question: what type of wine? Red, white?

Sorry, my dear, but for me it's the difference between a boy and a man. ;-) } No, my dear, you are comparing apples to oranges. JF is actually more successful at 31, than CF was. CF was residing w/MT when aged 31. Remember in the backwood of BC. Also, JF is a more open sort of person, making him more accessible than older brother C. They are not similar types of personalities. JF is just a man, like his older brother.

(winter) hey Jana-- I've got a tidbit for you: I was browsing through some old CF articles, where an article last year mentioned that he had been relaxing in the gardens of the Pasadena Ritz-Carlton without being noticed! winter, thanks for sharing. Goodness, do you think we perhaps trod on the same dirt? My heart's all aflutter :-). (Ben)To play someone as wise and as amusing as anyone in literature must help, and one can't but dream that in order to portray the qualities she must have them herself, however unlikely that is. (Surely the same goes on with CF?) I think you must be right, since the majority of us found our way here after watching CF play Darcy. For myself anyway, my already warm feelings towards Darcy definitely helped me notice CF.

Sorry, Laura. I knew I'd rile you up a bit. JF's a sweetie but for me, there's no contest.

(Laura) No, my dear, you are comparing apples to oranges. JF is actually more successful at 31, than CF was. CF was residing w/MT when aged 31. Remember in the backwood of BC. Just riding big brother's long coat tails.... ;-) Can't get the image of JF in that leper episode of Cadfael out of my mind. Actually, the guy who played the second Hugh Beringer looked more like Colin that his real brother. ;-)

(Karen)Just riding big brother's long coat tails.... ;-) He doesn't need to at all. He's successful in his own right. Puh!;-p

Ladies, as you are well aware JF has his own Topic here, and it is v. lonely there, no one stops by. You may wish to continue this there (let's not upset big brother here).

Perhaps not even so much the big bro as his true and devoted fans who may be upset. Me, for one. Why should we tolerate Jonathan's fan's (yes, fan's) incessant teasing? Out, damned nuisance, out, I say. Go and praise your small idol somewhere else. This is no place for testing brotherly love.

Now wait one minute!! I am NOT a damned nuisance, I was just trying to prove a point to Heide, who brought it up. I DO NOT drool over JF at all. All I was saying that he is a fine actor in HIS OWN RIGHT!!! I have drooled incessantly over CF for years now. I am entitled to be drooled out, but give me a couple of months for the drool to replenish, and replenish, it will. And to think, this is coming from someone who lives by the words of a TEENAGER who had dinner with CF over TEN YEARS AGO and wants to know exactly what dirty joke was said. That is pathetic!

When did this become the official site for the WWF? Time to calm down and sit on those fingers, itching to retaliate. There's room here for all opinions and good-natured ribbing of JF and CF alike. The amount of one's drool should never be a factor and I think scares away those who don't froth at the mouth as much as others. Admiration comes in many forms, as should tolerance.

Goodness. I shall be more careful with my questions in future. Laura; I was an earnest 22-yr-old at the time and I haven't been a teenager for...well, an awfully long time. Puerile, yes, but puer no longer, alas.

Sorry, Ben, I thought you were younger when you had dinner w/ the droolmeister:) It's just that Arami can be sooooooo irritating!

Hey, no problem :) I've been called worse things than a teenager in my time....particularly when I was a teenager.

Ben, thank you for your anecdotes....I must admit I had wondered how old you were at the time, especially with the wine flowing freely! A propos of nothing, there's an interesting discussion on fame in one of the popular science magazines. It seems that when CF says that you must "be mad to want fame", he's right! A "scientific" study shows that the more well-balanced you are, the more stable your upbringing, and the more parental love you receive, the less you need or desire fame. Fame junkies and self promoting "stars" tend to have had traumatic childhoods. (Actually, this all just sounds like commonsense to me!) Fame is also addicti e and can destroy people. And (the study concludes!) the best way to deal with fame is to avoid it altogether. So now we know!

I've also been called worse things than pathetic and irritating, but it's infinitely preferable to the misfortune of appearing humourless... Now then, Ben, where were we? Oh, yes - the wine. Red, white - or parsley? ;-)

Yes. That's comforting. I can now claim to my utter anonymity to be a choice, if an unwitting one ;). In fact, I have made a careful study of how NOT to be famous - ever vigilant, I've had to fight incessantly to avoid becoming famous. I'm pretty pleased with the results. To be serious for an instant, though, it makes perfect sense that people starved of affection and love should later seek a substitute in fame. The tragedy is that it's a woefully inadequate one. Sadly, my admiration of Jennifer Ehle from a distance helps her not one jot, and the same goes for the legions of CF's supporters. By the way, I must confess that I was a well-practiced wine drinker by the time of that dinner.

Sorry, Arami. Didn't see your note. Red.

Oh, actually I have a wonderful sense of humor, but one must be funny in order to excite it. And darling, you are no Dame Edna!

Ben, after an aggravating day at the office your humor is greatly appreciated. So glad that non-fame thing is working for you :-) Bethan, thanks for the interesting thoughts about fame. I remember an occasion about 10 years ago when I saw Valerie Bertinelli at the supermarket. (OK, OK, I know she's an extremely minor celebrity but at the time she was v. popular on U.S. TV). She was clearly trying to be inconspicuous wearing sweat pants, with her hair up in a pony tail and a baseball hat, but the checker made a big fuss over her anyway. After she left I heard the checkers commenting on what she purchased (how she looked fat and d dn't need the ice cream, etc.). I remember feeling a huge wave a pity at the horror of not being able to buy milk and mallomars in peace. Which brings us back to Bethan's point and our boy's quote that "you'd have to be mad to want fame." Also, I'm going to take Renate's advice from awhile ago and pointedly ignore that which is not pleasing in the hopes it goes away. 'Nuff said? Jana, signing off from the land of Rodney King

Yes, Ben, your humor is much appreciated. A delightful surprise. I'm glad it was red. Can't imagine anyone having fun with white, so for the birthday party we gave CF I gave him two bottles of red. Ah, fame. Mainly it seems pretty dangerous to me. I don't think I'll need any tips on warding it off--one thing less to do, thank goodness.

Is there not a difference between celebrities *seeking* fame and those who, because of their phenomenal talent, would receive it naturally? To me the difference is between celebrities and great actors. Fame sought and fame acquired. Truly great actors need not seek fame, it is thrust upon them. Isn't that what we have been expecting for our DB? Recognition for his talents. Not that he should be the cover boy for the Inquirer, Daily Mail or what have you. BTW Jana, saw Angela Lansbury at the grocery store. Didn't think to look into her cart. ;-p How awful though about what the checkers said. Question to our amiable friend Ben, have we covered what CF was wearing?

Question to our amiable friend Ben, have we covered what CF was wearing? ] I can answer that one: He was wearing black. Black trousers, black jacket, white miami vice style shirt, opened at the neck. He was sporting a Don Johnson wannabe five o'clock shadow and drank way too much white wine. The reason being for the dirty jokes. Had he been drinking red wine, he would have had some dirty limericks!;-p

Argh!! What a horrible pictures!! Whatever he was wearing, it was probably loose, comfy, non-designerwear.

Nah, he was in Armani:)

You tax my memory excessively. Beyond its resources in fact. I'm afraid I am unobservant about clothes at the best of times, so to ask me to conjure up what a fellow dinner guest was wearing ten years ago is too much. (I wouldn't be able to tell you a thing about his clothes if the dinner had been yesterday and I'd been stone-cold sober all the way trough it. Fat chance as it is.) What I can say is that, remembering him (and t'others) as I do as remarkably straightforward, I doubt he'd have been wearing a ything too extravagant. Ben

Alert to you West Coasters who might happen to check in yet tonight. Film clip from SIL is on Entertainment Tonight! I just happened to catch it while visiting my mom tonight - unfortunately, no tape to ram into that VCR but it's supposed to be rerun in the wee hours. Colin in at least 2 clips (that I can remember in my shock) and they say his name! He says but one word - "Shakespeare!" - and then unsheathes his sword. Now, ladies, no jokes. More later.

Sadly, my admiration of Jennifer Ehle from a distance helps her not one jot, and the same goes for the legions of CF's supporters. Ben, this is debatable. In reality legions of admirers are very desirable, as long as they remain at a reasonable distance... (Red wine! Great stuff! How was your head the following morning?)

Hi y'all. Had a great time in UK...catching up on Drool. You guys have really been busy. Nice to meet you, Ben. I'm Evelyn and co-editor of the JE website. Glad you admire her talents....and she has many. I attended the premiere of WILDE last year in London and got to converse with her..mostly about the website. She is a real charmer...let me tell you. Extremely polite...enthusiastic....quite posh, but not snobbish. I got the idea that she has many of Lizzie's personality qualities. You can read her interviews under the articles segment of the website, and get an insight into her wit and intelligence.As far as we know she is unattached. Currently filming in Budapest with Ralph Fiennes in "A Taste of Sunshine". BTW have enjoyed all the details of the CF party. This crowd can really interrogate you...Thanks for being such a good sport. Hope you stick around.

Evelyn, so glad you're back! Hope you had a lovely trip. We missed you :-)

A warm welcome back, Evelyn dear!

Yes, welcome back, Evelyn! Ben, don't forget you've promised to ask your mum, she might remember. Keep in touch.

Thanks to Heide's alert, I've got Colin's appearance on ET on tape. Watched it a couple of times, but I'd say he was shown about 4 times--all different scens from the first ET clip a month or so ago--in the 1-1/2 minute elapsed time of the clip. They gave Ben Affleck a ridiculous amount of time (and buildup) for the size of his role, but did show Rupert Everett and, of course, Joe Fiennes...lots of Joe Fiennes (what can I say, he's the title character). Shades of Geoffrey Clinton, though, as Colin's head is bowed to QE when she remarks that Viola looks as though she's been plucked, but not by him!! Eeowww!! Although technically, Wessex can't be called a cuckhold here as they are not married yet. Let's just say he's been "Gercourted!!" ;-) Colin's wears really pouffy pantaloons. Will have to go back to check, but I don't think JF or BA wore those. I'll have to slo-mo through it tonight to check out the legs. And he's definitely wearing an earring in several shots. Great that you're back, Evelyn!! P.S. Ben, when you ask your mom about the joke, ask her about the clothes. She might remember....... ;-) You've been a wonderful sport about all this.

To me the difference is between celebrities and great actors. Fame sought and fame acquired. Truly great actors need not seek fame, it is thrust upon them. Isn't that what we have been expecting for our DB? Recognition for his talents. Not that he should be the cover boy for the Inquirer, Daily Mail or what have you. Good point, Karen! Although unfortunately I think that nowadays a modicum of "celebrity" is needed to support the "recognition" factor. Ben Affleck (in the US) and Gwyneth Paltrow have celebrity status, which means that movies in which they appear are hyped and promoted, photos are taken of them at premieres, and they are regarded as bankable and continue to be offered starring roles. I'm sure that SIL will be mainly promoted using the names of GP and BA, and, of course, JF, as he isShakespeare. In the UK certainly, JF will get the press coverage and interviews, and I will have to grit my teeth and accept this!!! I've always assumed (hope I'm right on this!) that the only reason MLSF has been delayed is that Miramax expect CF to be more familiar to cinema audiences after SIL( and TEP), and therefore to be more of a "name". Recognition of talent opens doors, but does not necessarily lead to starring roles. Nor is success in another medium (TV, theatre) always credited. pouffy pantaloons I'm not sure if I like the sound of these! Although this may be the extravagant court dress, which wouldn't be worn by mere common actors! He can't wear pouffy pantaloons on a horse, can he? Or fight a duel? Wot, no legs! Welcome back, Evelyn! I hope you enjoyed your trip and weren't caught up in the gale force weather.

Ooh...sorry! Those cursed italics, instead of proliferating, have actually done a bunk! The first comment in the above was originally made by Karen!

Fame sought and fame acquired Vulgar notoriety versus well deserved merit.

Hello, Evelyn. I am pathetic - I cannot help a little tingle of excitement running through my system at the news that JE is single. AS IF. It reminds me of the first time the National Lottery was drawn in England. My flatmate and I had each bought a one pound ticket, which gave us a chance of one in the billions (or something) of getting anything back. We got increasingly feverish during the day, to the point where, when asked whether I was going to cook some supper, I said I'd delay it till later because we'd already agreed to go the Savoy if either of us won. Terrifyingly idiotic. That said, I don't suppose you have her telephone number? ("Hello, Jennifer. I'm a sad git who's never met you but fancies you in a Regency dress and is convinced that because you played Lizzie Bennett you must also be just like her. How about a drink?")

(Bethan), pouffy pantaloons I'm not sure if I like the sound of these! Although this may be the extravagant court dress, which wouldn't be worn by mere common actors! You're so right , my dear. He can't wear pouffy pantaloons on a horse, can he? Or fight a duel? Wot, no legs! He does ride so v. well. I wonder if he will come on the junket to promote SiL in the US? One never knows with him. You may be right about MLSF, but it is a sad state of affairs, isn't it?

So glad to have you back, Evelyn. We've truly missed you. When you get all caught up, settle in for a nice chat. Yes, our boy is all fancied up as a nobleman would be - ruffles, lace, gilt. I think I saw that earring too, Karen. Oh my. And I'd be willing to bet that horseman was Wessex too. No boot sighting, but we can only hope. I too am glad Colin does not have the "notoriety" of a Paltrow or Affleck but can only be glad that their fame will make people sit up and take notice of this film. All I really want is for CF to be appreciated and offered exciting, challenging roles. A film like this is one way to assure it.

Thank you all for the warm welcome and kind words...(blush,blush). And yes, Bethan, I was caught up in that storm last Saturday in Wiltshire. On Sunday I was being taken to Lacock (Meryton) and I was bound to see it on a clear day and it was :-)). I kept looking for Lizzie!! Chawton and Winchester ...magic...even under misty rain. Would like to return in sunny weather , though. (Ben)Re: JE:That said, I don't suppose you have her telephone number? Sorry to disappoint you. but I don't. But I do administer the JE Lending Library, if you want to see her early tv projects. Will that help a little?? Let me assure you all the CF fans commiserate with you.

Winchester indeed magic! Went to school there. Whereabouts in Wiltshire were you? (p.s. telephone number request not serious in the least. Wouldn't know what to say anyway. p.p.s. why am I writing in italics?)

(Ben) Winchester indeed magic! Went to school there. Whereabouts in Wiltshire were you? I hope the italics quit...(I did so put the ending tag on)...let's complain to the management... I was visiting friends in Chippenham, 14 miles from Lacock. Chawton, as you know is the home of Jane Austen. And she is buried at Winchester Cathedral. They don't mention P&P on her grave stone..or that she was even a writer!!Heide went in August and recommended the tour. A...n...d...Ben, I bet you don't know this....Colin Firth was born in a village nr. Winchester!!No, the tour did not include Grayshot....but someday...maybe it will!!

away, italics!

I am feeling rather guilty at having been lurking here for so long without joining in all your wonderful conversations. I have been enjoying them though. I have been very busy and v v preoccupied so have not had much time to collect my Colin thoughts! BUT just as I was deciding that I really would have to stop taking the Daily Mail, some SIL news (though not much about CF apart from a mention). SIL will open in UK in January. Harvey Weinstein was at Shepperton Studios yesterday suoervising details of the films release. Baz Bamigboye, DM showbiz writer, says that December opening in US timed with Oscars in mind. I do think it quite possible that it will be chosen for the Royal Fim Premiere which will mean lots of coverage. CF could not fail to turn up. Could he? Winchester indeed magic! Went to school there. Welcome Ben! Do we have a Wykehamist in our midst? I though your contributions were rather erudite. I am glad they taught you how to appreciate wine and dirty jokes as well!

Welcome Back, Allison....we have missed you ...inquired about you and there you were lurking all the time!! Naughty girl:-)) But all is forgiven...for the great news you bring us of SIL. Oscar talk indeed....CF Best Supporting actor?? Dare we dream?? Now pl. join us on #98 Film Discussion.We're winding down on Valmont. But we'd like to hear from you. (Can you believe, 70 postings in the time I was gone; still wading through.)

(Bethan) I've always assumed (hope I'm right on this!) that the only reason MLSF has been delayed is that Miramax expect CF to be more familiar to cinema audiences after SIL That seems v. reasonable. Timing is everything. This discussion of *hot* stars and bankable types reminds me. Don't anybody waste their money on "The Governess" (your Arts Council already did). I wanted to walk out at least three times during the first 30 minutes, but felt guilty dragging someone else to see it that I stayed. It was so incredibly bad to merit a "Year's Worst" designation. So much for being Minnie Driver!! (Heide) Yes, our boy is all fancied up as a nobleman would be - ruffles, lace, gilt. Yes, the dress is befitting his rank and JF and BA wouldn't own such finery. I am hoping for a few more casual scenes for CF. When ET showed a preview of the piece there was a little love scene going on between GP and the side of head. My pulse raced and thought we were going to be treated. But alas and alack, nope. Gwynnie was fooling around with JF. (Allison) Baz Bamigboye, DM showbiz writer, says that December opening in US timed with Oscars in mind. I do think it quite possible that it will be chosen for the Royal Fim Premiere which will mean lots of coverage. CF could not fail to turn up. Could he? Great to see you back, Allison, with such fabulous news. We clutch at every last morsel. How exciting!! This is just the beginning of the promotion for this film. There's no way--in my mind--that CF won't be at the premieres. He was at TEP's, so there's no reason to believe he wouldn't be at this one, unless he were filming elsewhere, which doesn't seem to be the case. Whether he gets trotted out to be on the talk shows, who knows???? I'm hoping Oprah devotes a whole show to this one, with most of the cast, like she did with Good Will Hunting, Primary Colors, etc. Will have to start calling Harpo Productions to find out re getting tickets!! (Evelyn) Oscar talk indeed....CF Best Supporting actor?? Dare we dream?? No law against it!

Snappies from the October 28 Entertainment Tonight preview of SiL: http://members.xoom.com/michaelr/sil102898.html

Can someone expand all these acronyms for me? I am quite lost. (p.s. Allison - yes, but a frighteningly long time ago. I also almost married a girl whose brother was a Wykehamist and whose father was a Don there, so the connection continued for many years, but that's another story. Mixed feelings about the town now, though it's undeniably v. pretty and historically important. Not JUST CF's local town, but once the capital of England too! My parents are now in Dorset - bang in the middle of Hardy country - which is why I was asking about Wiltshire.)

Can someone expand all these acronyms for me? I am quite lost. Ben, the acronyms usually refer to CF's films. SIL = Shakespeare in Love, MLSF = My life So Far, TEP = The English Patient, ATA = A Thousand Acres etc I do think it quite possible that it will be chosen for the Royal Film Premiere which will mean lots of coverage. CF could not fail to turn up. Could he? Well he could....but, OFF WITH HIS HEAD! Welcome back Allison! And at last the Daily Mail has delivered! Good to have some "real" dates.....and I would think that a Royal Premiere is very possible from the timing. What was it last year? The Man in the Iron Mask? Titanic? Definitely a Leo! Don't anybody waste their money on "The Governess" (your Arts Council already did). Interesting to get conflicting viewpoints, Karen! You're in agreement with the UK critics who disliked it, but I remember reading a few US reviews on the Net and they were most enthusiastic!! But over here , it just seemed to be regarded as a "big yawn" Talking of conflicting viewpoints, I'll finally get the opportunity to judge (thumbs down?) ATA, which is apparently available for rental on 7 December. Evelyn, have you caught up with Valmont yet? And please do share some of your impressions of Chawton, Laycock etc....even in the rain!

Winchester is a very pretty village. I have two cousins that went to Winchester College. Excuse my ignorance, but, what is a Wykehamist?

Someone at Winchester College! (The founder was a bloke called William Wykeham.)

(Bethan) Talking of conflicting viewpoints, I'll finally get the opportunity to judge (thumbs down?) ATA, which is apparently available for rental on 7 December. After all the bad things you've already read about it here and elsewhere, you'll probably think it's not so bad. ;-) The Governess was 100x worse. Arami, you would have a field day trying to find anything in that movie that was true to the times. A tediously boring, poorly acted and scripted exercise in the waste of public funding. You've been more than warned. (Ben) Can someone expand all these acronyms for me? I am quite lost. If you think these are confusing, try reading the Valmont discussion. We are drowning in a sea of initials: MM, MT, MF, C, CD, MV, MdeV, AB, JM, GC, UT, HT.......XYZ!! ;-)

Blimey. Sounds like the Civil Service. (I used to be a Mandarin in London, where acronyms abound. They're exclusive - not knowing always makes one feel terribly left out - and I thought I'd managed to escape them, but no. I will make sure to learn the list given me here.)

After all the bad things you've already read about it here and elsewhere, you'll probably think it's not so bad. ;-) (Karen) I'm all in favour of low expectations! Often leads to pleasant surprises! I will make sure to learn the list given me here. We're hoping to add BJD to the list. Any guesses, Ben? Tests are mandatory! By the way, the good times may finally be rolling....I caught a snippet on the radio the other day, in which David Puttnam (I presume) was being interviewed. He was asked about his continuing involvement in film making and he said he had a "delightful" film starring CF and Irene Jacob, coming out next year.

Belgian Jazz Delegation? British Journal of Dentistry? Blueberry Jam for Dinner? By Jove, it's Darcy! I give up.

By Jove, it's Darcy!......close! THF (Think Helen Fielding)

Search many friend..........

( Moon) Winchester is a very pretty village. Winchester is a city...has a cathedral. (I made the same error, Moon, and was corrected) (Ben) I used to be a Mandarin in London, where acronyms abound. They're exclusive - not knowing always one feel terribly left out What's a Mandarin, Ben.And perhaps we should use full terms for a while till Ben catches on. Doesn't CF's (Colin Firth) parents currently teach at Winchester College? Dad, American Studies ?(whatever that is). Mom , Comparative Religions? Pl. someone correct me, if I'm wrong. ( Ha, as if you wouldn't!) Re: The Governess...even with good reviews, I was going to skip it...don't like Minnie Driver.Though she was good in CoF (Circle of Friends).Maybe I like her fat.... Bethan, I shall give my impressions of Chawton and Lacock when I'm lucid. Thank you for inquiring. OK, Ben...have you guessed BJD yet?

Hee, Hee. poor Ben and acronyms. By jove it's darcy was very funny thought:)

(Evelyn)Doesn't CF's (Colin Firth) parents currently teach at Winchester College? Nope. It's confusing but Winchester College is a public school (think private high school). The oldest in the world to have been in continuous use. It was founded in the 14th century. CF's dad taught (he is retired now according to JF) at King Alfred's College in Winchester which was a teacher training college but now may be a more widely based institution. Don't know much about it. Mrs or should it be Dr F was a lecturer at the Open University. Aren't we all such a mine of information!

King Alfred's College King Alfred's College has been affiliated to the University of Southampton for ten years or so. Offers undergraduate/postgraduate degree courses in a wide range of subjects, including education and drama. I actually attended a conference there a couple of years ago....a very pleasant setting and an attractive mix of old and new buildings.

Belgian Jazz Delegation? British Journal of Dentistry? Blueberry Jam for Dinner? By Jove, it's Darcy! ROTFLMAO!!!! And THF!! Mandarin?? Haven't seen that one for quite a while. Just a fancy word for bureaucrat, but should be lower case. ;-)

By Jove, I've think I've got it Holmes! Is it......Bridget Jones' Diary? It only took me 24 hours to notice it on this very web page. Mandarin indeed bureacrat - forgive the self-importance of the cap. M. I worked at HMT for five years, by the way, passing through PSF, EA1 and MPG. I commuted on LRT, listened to the BBC, drank IPA, supported QPR and lived in SW13. So there. Put that in your pipes and smoke it.

By Jove, I've think I've got it Holmes! Is it......Bridget Jones' Diary? It only took me 24 hours to notice it on this very web page. Mandarin indeed bureacrat - forgive the self-importance of the cap. M. I worked at HMT for five years, by the way, passing through PSF, EA1 and MPG. I commuted on LRT, listened to the BBC, drank IPA, supported QPR and lived in SW13. So there. Put that in your pipes and smoke it. I don't like smoking, Ben. However, I do love a laugh and you have made me laugh over and over again!!! You are too funny!!! So what's this I hear you have a thing for Jennifer Ehle???

(Ben) Put that in your pipes and smoke it. Honey, we don't need anything else to make us more spacey. But I love the banter. Allison too! By Jove (it's Darcy), it's like old home week here. All we need is Nan. And such good news that Shakespeare in Love will be released in January. Looks like many of us will be seeing it around the same time. Kirsten, Renate? Any word in Germany? How about Gi?

Ahh, Jennifer Ehle, my brown-eyed girl. A wonderfully keen wit, a kind and knowing smile, and lips made for kissing. Or was that Elizabeth Bennett?

(Evelyn),Winchester is a city...has a cathedral. (I made the same error, Moon, and was corrected) Thanks Evelyn, but you know, I am used to Italy, where every small village has its cathedral. I have been to Winchester Cathedral ( for JA), also on my tour of Chawton etc. Ben, add me to the list of people you make LOL! Another one! By Jove, it's Darcy! Now that's a title! Nan would be v. proud of you!

Mandarin indeed bureacrat - forgive the self-importance of the cap. M. Easily forgiven. Was a quasi-mandarin myself in former life, although could never grow my nails as long as should. I have driven all those acronyms out of my brain to be replaced by much more important ones, such as HOTPig.

(Ben) Jennifer Ehle, my brown-eyed girl They're sparkling brown eyes too. In person her eyes really glitter. Like Nan says..."with her looks and her body, I could have ruled the world" (We miss you Nan). Nice to have you around, Ben...makes two..."Friends of Fine Eyes" Thanks Allison and Bethan for the CV info on the Firth Folks...a talented family. BTW pl. tell us what you think of Vanity Fair Andrew Davis' new project which starts tomorrow on BBC1. (I so wanted JE to play Becky Sharp)

Hotpig? Absolutely no idea on this one. Please enlighten. And what is a quasi-mandarin? Actually, I suppose I was only a quasi-mandarin, though moving in a mandarin's world. That's why I left, in the end. Like I said, too many acronyms. I will put the Treasury's recruitment department onto this website....fertile ground. I think JE would have made an excellent Becky, too. Who's doing it? I seem to remember a BBC adaptation of Vanity Fair only around 10 years ago - is there room for another. (Actually, I don't remember its being that good. Becky was, sadly, too plain.) There was a wonderful radio version some years earlier. Evelyn, please tell me how you have seen the eyes up close, you lucky thing. And why didn't you ask them for their telephone number?

It's probably poor form to post twice consecutively, but I'm a bit drunk and I couldn't resits it. (Been to a party. Hic) Also, I've rigged up my lap top and I'm calling form home! I'm impressed, anyway. I'm due to speak to dear parents maniana, so will broach joke subject. I already asked, a couple of weeks ago, about the likelihood of owning Pemberley and not having a title (for my friends at Pemberley.com), so I have already invented a real person who wants to know about these things. (It's a white lie - M. understands dirty jokes but not computers. Besides, y'all are real people.) Night all.

Re; Vanity Fair (Ben) I think JE would have made an excellent Becky, too. Who's doing it? Natasha Little ( she played Fanny in FFTMC (Far From the Maddening Crowd) ....is there room for another? (VF) This one is adapted by Andrew Davis, (Middlemarch, P&P, Emma). The current "poster-boy" for classic novels adaptations. (Ben)Re; JE Evelyn, please tell me how you have seen the eyes up close, you lucky thing. Told you....attended the premiere of WILDE in October '97 in London. Got to talk to her during reception and dinner. Hey, Ben....hope you've recovered from the Halloween Hangover :-)

Correction: Andrew Davies and Far From the Madding Crowd (And I didn't even go to a party..!!)

I have just watched VF pt.I and I think it's well scripted and brilliantly produced. The period, sets, and costumes are all reminiscent of P&P. The actors are brilliant - what a wealth of strong satirical characters! There are hardly any very beautiful people in it, especially men (so, sadly, no one to drool over, so far ;-)), but it only adds to the realism. It should be a hit. As for the heroine, Natasha Little is very good but underplaying somewhat, IMO (that's in my opinion, Ben). I would have preferred someone a bit more feisty - and JE would fit the bill admirably. But I must admit that it might have been a bit too soon after starring in a visually very similar piece, and it could have gone against her.

Is it......Bridget Jones' Diary? Well done Ben, although I'll deduct two points for prompts, or three as you're an ex-mandarin (lower case!) By the way, if you've read the book and/or HF's columns in the Daily Telegraph, we'd welcome an additional male perspective on the Bridget Jones/Mark Darcy relationship, over at #80. Is Mark Darcy a male paragon, a normal bloke with excusable failings, or an absolute rotter? Answers on a postcard please! Look forward to your parents' reminiscences! Arami, I'm not sure about Vanity Fair. My initial impression was that I would have preferred it to have stayed on the written page, although I'm sure the critics will approve. I enjoyed reading the novel (quite some time ago) but find the characters so unappealing that I don't particularly enjoy watching them on screen! My appreciation of satire must be muted...I have the same problem with Dickens! But I agree that Becky Sharp is a prime part, and that JE would have played the part to perfection (more ani ated than Natasha Little). Do JE and CF still get offered television roles, do you think? I rather doubt it.

I would have preferred someone a bit more feisty - and JE would fit the bill admirably. But I must admit that it might have been a bit too soon after starring in a visually very similar piece, and it could have gone against her. Thank you Arami and Bethan for your impressions of Vanity Fair. I must admit after P&P, it is a fav with me. I wondered if JE auditioned for it. And agree that it would really type-cast her forever for costume dramas...even though she says she loves them :"Bring on the Bonnets", she said.I read that Tara Fitzgerald auditioned...she would have been good.But they wanted a "new face". (Bethan)Do JE and CF still get offered television roles, do you think? I rather doubt it. What a pity...it's a medium they both excel in. And now,since this is a Colin Firth board, I shall not bring up Jennifer comments again. I was only answering Ben.

(Evelyn)I wondered if JE auditioned for it. The Daily Mail to the rescue again. What would we do with out it (have a clearer view of world events, I know, but that is another story!). Emelia Fox, Samantha Morton, Justine Waddell and Tara Fitzgerald were auditioned for the part.

(Bethan) Do JE and CF still get offered television roles, do you think? I rather doubt it. Why doubt? I mean: why shouldn't they get offered something? Has the BBC an "Avoid Success at any Price" policy? :-p Would like to see CF play the psycho in another one of those crime mini series as 'Prime Suspect' or 'Cracker' which the British do so well. But perhaps, after 'Master of the Moor' he would avoid another such role. And I would like to join the chorus re abbreviations. Since most people here are not at all shy of writing/reading long texts the additional extra effort to spell out the names a bit more can't hurt, and not only help the lurkers to keep up. Pleeease.

(Renate) But perhaps, after 'Master of the Moor' he would avoid another such role. Why? He did Master of the Moor after Apartment Zero....that was a psycho number. I think Master of the Moor is way up there with Tumbledown and A Month in the Country. (Hey, typing all these titles is a royal pain....how many lurkers out there anyway? Don't they catch on after a while? Perhaps we should have an FAQ like Republic of Pemberley)

(Evelyn) Perhaps we should have an FAQ like Republic of Pemberley) I was just thinking about it myself ....... send me a list, and I'll load it up to cf.com, unless you Karen and Heide, want to place it somewhere else. Until then, what about a compromise: Apt Zero or Apt0 MotMoor Tdown A Month... JEhle MdMerteuil etc. etc. Though I think it is not so much his films (easy to guess, and list by far too short, anyway!) but other mentions, such as non-Colin films (i.e. VF) or less obvious names of actors/actessess, or characters, where someone who cannot join/follow the discussion permanently is lost after a while.

( Renate) Re: Glossary of abbreviations and acronyms used on this board;....."send me a list, and I'll load it up to cf.com, unless you Karen and Heide, want to place it somewhere else." Very kind of you to offer to do this.I think our co-hosts (if they consent) could create a list and send it to you. Perhaps it could be linked at the top where the other websites are listed. I dunno...does anybody ever read those things? Non-Colin films should be spelled out...I only used VF after I had said "Vanity fair". And I notice even the academics do that. (What do I know??) Anyway...it's a thought worth bouncing around. Thanks :-)

I really didn't mean to be such a bother. Acronyms are fine - I'm just lazy. Well, I consulted Mama..... I had it pretty wrong - not really a dirty joke at all - though it comes back to me now. (This is of some concern; tipsy I may have been, but for my aged mother to have a memory 10 times keener than mine...What the hell will I be like when I'm eighty?) Well, not that wrong. CF was describing a game that they had been playing during some production at the Royal Court (dunno what), designed to make the other actor laugh during the most crucial and serious scenes of what was, apparently, a very serious play. There had been some joke about a doctor who, when confronted with a man with a very painful boil up his arse, had realised that the only way he could treat it was by sticking his head up there and biting it. This, in the original graphic telling, had involved much contortion - CF very expert at imitating the doctor's face on entry and exit. Anyway, each night on stage, the idea was to try and make the other actor laugh by showing the merest hint of the imitation - just a tweak of the face, or a hand passe across the face in the right way. Ian McKellen was the opposite number. He succumbed badly at least once, consummate professional though he is. There. Now my purpose is fulfilled. Am I to be discarded, thrown away like a toy that has lost its novelty? Or will I pathetically eke out a little more from this tired story, only to remain a semi-welcome guest for a few more, precious days? I await the verdict.

Ben, you wonderful creature, we need you here! You're charming and make us laugh, and, I'm sure there is more you will eventually tell us of your soiree. As I had predicted, your mum did remember! Worldly types always do. Merci beaucoup et reste avec nous.

Bethan, Dickens is not one of my greatest favourites either: I find him just a touch too heavy, even in his lightest moments... Do JE and CF still get offered television roles, do you think? I rather doubt it. There's absolutely no reason to doubt that many a director would love to work with actors of Colin and Jennifer's calibre. The point is that, as is very well known, Colin won't do anything which doesn't appeal to his imagination, and will not necessarily accept any offer that happens to come his way. (And before someone screams again - yes, he's done one or two crappy things which he regrets, but that was at the time of an unusual depression in his career). (Evelyn) I wondered if JE auditioned for it. I believe that both Colin and Jennifer have now reached that happy level of an actor's career when their quality is so appreciated in the business (at least in their own home country) that they are usually sought for roles, rather than have to audition. By the way, what Ben describes, and Colin revelled in telling apparently so vividly, is termed "corpsing". Often it is unintentional, but actors sometimes play tricks on one another, and that was one instance. Colin himself was not working in that play - but obviously repeating some hilarious gossip... Ben, thanks for that delightful glimpse! And please, don't go away.

Nah, Ben, ya can stay. But I really wanted a dirty joke:) hee hee. Only kidding, natch!

Dear Arami, was he not in the play? How knowest thou? Dost thou have the Firth biography at thy fingertips? I remembered it as something he'd told about himself....but as you know my memory is flawed. I cannot go back to my parent for a clarification. You must verify. Dear Laura, I am sorry to disappoint you. I know a large number of quite filthy jokes myself, but I admit they wouldn't have the thrill of having passed The Firth's delicate lips. But I'm sure he would repeat them if told....This may be stretching your imagination a bit far, of course. Or, you could look elsewhere on this website, which, on closer inspection, seems has any number of extraordinary subjects under disccusion. This is much the most tame. What's "natch"?

I'm all for making it easy for people to follow us here but I don't think it's for lack of understanding that they don't post. However, if enough people think an acronym FAQ will bring more people in, let us know. Karen and I have an e-mail address for just this very thing - nomdedrool@yahoo.com Ben, that story earns you a big group hug but we're not the huggy type so instead we'll make you our honorary boy toy and hope you'll stick around.

(Arami) I believe that both Colin and Jennifer have now reached that happy level of an actor's career when their quality is so appreciated in the business (at least in their own home country) that they are usually sought for roles, rather than have to audition. I wish... in the last interview JE gave (9/97 to The Times) she said: "I really enjoy auditions; yes, you're being judged, but it's usually by strangers. And I think I have competition blindness. Although I still don't get jobs I want, I don't take it personally. You're either right for a part or you're not."

(Ben) Am I to be discarded, thrown away like a toy that has lost its novelty? Or will I pathetically eke out a little more from this tired story, only to remain a semi-welcome guest for a few more, precious days? I await the verdict. LMAO! Ben, you little muffin, please stay. I've laughed more in the last few weeks then in recent memory. You are much appreciated, with or without CF connections!

(Arami) I believe that both Colin and Jennifer have now reached that happy level of an actor's career when their quality is so appreciated in the business (at least in their own home country) that they are usually sought for roles, rather than have to audition. Sue Birtwhistle mentioned that in "the Making of P & P" CF was not auditioned. I recall something to the effect that the script was sent to him and once he had decided to do it, that was that. I think she actually said that you do not audition someone of his stature.

Sadly, I imagine the above would only apply to television!

Natch--Naturally:) Eh, I'm not a dirty joke kinda gal, actually. I was just tweaking you. Your story was lovely and a group hug is indeed needed. I think everyone needs a hug to brighten the day!

Our Dear Honorary Boy Toy (?), Dost thou have the Firth biography at thy fingertips? Indeed, and methinks so does everyone else around here... I remembered it as something he'd told about himself...I cannot go back to my parent for a clarification. You must verify. The signs of an urgent, unbridled interest in the minutiae of your distant encounter of a Firth kind might alarm your excellent and hitherto remarkably patient parent, I fear... ;-) All right, then: according to my sources CF has never worked with Ian McKellen, and has not trodden the boards at the Royal Court. However, he was on stage in Old Vic with Anthony Hopkins in 1985, roughly around the time when Lost Empires - in which he worked with John Castle - was still in production... His next theatre appearance was in 1987, some months after the British TV premiere of Lost Empires. I would venture that either some (ultimately unimportant) details might have become slightly blurred ove the years, or that it was one of those practical jokes which are often circulating around the London (or indeed, any!) theatreland, passing from one troupe to another. Could someone, please, dip into IMcK's webpage (I can't remember the URL) and find out if he was at the Royal Court about 11-12 years ago? Soon we'll be able to pinpoint the exact year of Ben's Firth adventure. :-)

Ben's Joke: Regardless of the year...place...who with.... This is one funny joke and Ben's vivid narrative makes it more so. Thank you for a jolly laugh, Ben :-))

Bless you all. Of course, you've all fallen for my master plan. I get my foot in the door with a long-distant story about The Firth, and now I've squeezed my way into the room. Hooray! I will check out the Ian McKellen story. I can always ask John Castle. He too is massively entertaining. These people have such fun, at least when they're working, and I do remember leaving that dinner resentful that God had not seen fit to endow me with a huge acting talent. It simply isn't fair. The cost may be an insecurity about work, and where it's coming from, and the remarks of Jennifer Ehle above (and here, though you can't see it, I bow my head at the mention of her name) reveal that one has to b philosophical even at her level. My little brother has a school friend who is now doing v. well as an actor, working at the National. But, if there is no work a month ahead, he is all angst and nerves. Artistic temperament'n'all that.

(I've come out of "lurking mode" now that it takes me only a minute to load all the messages rathern than 7 minutes) did anyone see "Entertainment Tonight" tonight? Meg Tilly was at the premier of the "Big Chill" re-release. She cut her hair exactly to the style and length as as she had it in the film. I kept my eyes open for any signs of little Will, but alas, no; I doubt she'd take the kids to a film like this. Ben: Hi! Thanks for the joke. Whether or not it was true, it was entertaining all the same. (I'll relive it in my mind as if it HAD actually happened). By the way, have you seen Jennifer Ehle in "The Camomile Lawn". I assure you, any fan of Jennifer Ehle's will not be disappointed by this. I can loan you my copy of you like. Also, on a side note, what are you doing in Columbia?

Photo and couple of paragraphs on SIL in New York Magazine last week. Photo: Gwenyth and maid. Paragraphs: everyone mentioned except CF.

Ben, glad you managed to squeeze in :-).

Renate, there should be a picture when Lizzy is at the piano at Rosings that Ben would appreciate even more. Do you have it? ;-)

(Ben).... Jennifer Ehle (and here, though you can't see it, I bow my head at the mention of her name) Oh Ben....borrow...steal.. a VCR....You've got to have a" Jennifer-fix." The Camomile Lawn is good but, Pleasure is brilliant. What we need is a picture as a natural blonde from the website...(not the one with the dreadlocks,pl.)I give permission...but I can't figure out how to do it.

Hey, hey, what is it - why are some of you doubting Ben's truthfulness? I quite believe his story is absolutely true! I only said that some details may be slightly blurred after all these years. Colin may have been talking about other actors and not necessarily himself... or maybe he was talking about himself as well as, but not necessarily together with, some other actors... if you see what I mean... oh, never mind! Boil in the bum to you all! ;-D Ben, you are so right about actors having fun at work and play. I myself have some intimate knowledge of the business and I know exactly what you mean. When actors have fun, it's really gigantic... and by the same token, their troubles can also be enormous... Everything is larger than life, even though some actors (like Colin, bless him) make a calculated effort to retain an objective take on the matters around them. If at all possible.

Why doesn't some enterprising director/producer cast CF and JE together in a new project? Suggestions (for as yet officially uncast but happening projects).....Bridget and Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones Diary (look mum, no acronyms!), Eliza Doolittle and 'enery Higgins in My Fair Lady (they can always talk-sing), or Mary and Bothwell in Mary Queen of Scots. The latter would be unremittingly tragic.. two passionate but fallible/misguided lovers meeting their separate and terrible fates - Mary executed, Bothw ll imprisoned in a windowless Danish gaol for seven years, dying insane. On second thoughts I prefer BJD! The sequel to BJD by the way ( as listed by Amazon) now seems to be Bridget Jones and the Seven Men. Seven?!! And I caught a glimpse of Fever Pitch on the new Film Four channel. We subscribe to some cable channels and seem to have been given Film Four as a "taster" for one day only. Does anyone know if the preceding film "It's only a game" (which I didn't see) was about FP?

What we need is a picture as a natural blonde from the website...(not the one with the dreadlocks,pl.)I give permission...but I can't figure out how to do it. How about this one, Evelyn?

Okay, very pretty. We can see that Colin enjoyed her for her mind as well as... well, we have the picture. Now that Ben has had his drool, where is ours? Bwaah! No mention of Colin in New York magazine? Well I never liked that rag. ;-)

Well hello, Ms.Ehle. *&%$&$(% V(U****!!!. BLOODY HELL. I am dumbstruck. It is almost too much not to grab and kiss the screen. However, if it were real life....sadly I can see myself meeting her at a party and asking her something incredibly stupid, like "So tell me: what d'you do?", or "Gosh. It's very crowded, isn't it? Would you like some apple juice? I've got an extra sausage roll here if you want one. I live in America.". Still - since on this webpage she's frozen in anticipation of my next word, I h ve time to work out something worthy. I hope that rather delicate strap on her dress lasts long enough. Looks as though it would snap with the gentlest bite. :-)

why are some of you doubting Ben's truthfulness? I didn't hear anyone doubting Ben.....everyone enjoyed the joke tremendously. and moreover thanked him profusely. Thank you Myretta for Jennifer's picture. Empire Magazine(UK) November 97 And Ben....in person she would put you at ease...v. easy to talk to. Intensely interested in what you are saying. (know the type?) Watch that strap!!:-)

Ben, wow.... now, that's what I call drooling! And, you know, the art used to be practised here at the slightest mention of Colin's name...

Cowabunga. Thank you, Myretta. Ms Ehle is now the background on my computer screen, and her luscious eyes will greet me every morning. Talk about limpid pools. And I thank you, Arami, for your compliments about my drooling. However, I must not forget that this is really a site about CF, and that I'm sure I have a lot to learn in the art. So, no more about the divine JE, at least not until I've spent mamy more hours at the feet of the expert droolers.:-). Can someone tell me what theatrical work CF has done? Has he ever acted with the National or the RSC? Has this Ian McK question been resolved?

Can someone tell me what theatrical work CF has done? Ben, could it be you haven't yet explored our very own tribute to the man at http://www.colinfirth.com ??? Admittedly it is still in (alas, slow) development, but do make haste thither: among the links there you will see Chris's Firth On Stage page, 6th link down in the left hand column. Other pages are also warmly recommended. Here and there Colin may be seen accompanied by Ms Ehle... so it may be worth it! ;-)

Can someone tell me what theatrical work CF has done? Ben, could it be you haven't yet explored our very own tribute to the man at http://www.colinfirth.com ??? Admittedly it is still in (alas, slow) development, but do make haste thither: among the links there you will see Chris's Firth On Stage page, 6th link down in the right hand column. Other pages are also warmly recommended. Here and there Colin may be seen accompanied by Ms Ehle... so it may be worth it! ;-)

Sorry - it's that computer again! I was convinced the first transmission was halted in time - but there you are. Anyway, the second message is the correct one (I think...)

Here's a link to Ellen's Firth FAQ about the theatre work with links to further info

Oooops. Well, great minds think alike... :-)

No ooops at all, Renate - the more the merrier, and I'm sure Ben will enjoy studying the life and times of our favourite actor (who used to be his favourite actress's favourite... ahem, actor, too). Ben, we shall test your knowledge later... (or is it patience...? Hmmm ;-))

More news from the Daily Mail. Judy Dench is about to Concorde to US for promotion of SIL. Harvey Weinstein is telling all and sundry that he thinks she will get a nominatian as best supporting actress even though she is in only three scenes. What about our DB???

I have been wiling away some time perusing these Firth sites. Amazing devotion. There's a quote from The Firth about how he couldn't understand the Darcy effect - "I've never tried so hard not to be sexy", or something (a remark he later said he regretted). Yes. Sure. I understand, Colin. Try as I might, I cannot help being irresistable. I was also reminded that I saw CF in a film earlier this year. In NY cinemas, one is quite often offered tickets for previews - showings to test audience reaction - and I saw this Hugh Hudson film set in Scotland with CF as an eccentric father who lusts after someone other than his wife. On the website it says the film was called Field of Moss, but I'm sure it was NOT called that when I went to see it. Instead, the title had something to do with curling, like "The Grand ...something-or-other (can't rememb r what, needless to say). The Great Game? The Grand Game? Something like that. I wasn't over-impressed by it, I have to say. Slightly contrived. (No doubt the film would be redeemed for you gels by the sight of CF in a kilt.)

HEE HEE YOU SAW THE MOVIE THAT EVERYONE HERE IS DYING TO SEE! Lucky you! So he's in a kilt, eh? Wonder what he had on under it. Not that it matters at all;-)

I didn't think it was THAT great, frankly. It just didn't flow. Some nice moments, but for me it didn't work. It ends up with a curling match that's meant to be of great significance, but.... It was nowhere near finished - no titles, basically unedited, so maybe it's improved in its final cut. And I did have a nice time looking at beautiful shots of the Highlands. No doubt there will be other things in the landscape that attract your admiration. :-)

Gasp! Dear me! Just think! Spasms and flutters all over me! Ben, you dropped this little bomb so casually. You saw - *just so* - a film battalions of women would shave their eyebrows for to get a glimpse! Was the title of that film "The Roaring Game"? Originally it was "World of Moss", and now it is "My Life So Far", but I've heard about the above title, too. What a pity you cannot give a more enthusiastic report - but perhaps that may explain why we still have to wait for it to start, though shooting was finished September - last year, that is! And in a kilt? No kidding? :-p.....

Yes! That's it - the Roaring Game. It referred to some curling competition. I saw it in February, or some time around then. It's episodic - which is fine if there is a strong and plausible enough story at the centre to carry the other bits along. But the main story just didn't grab me. Malcom McDowell is good, and Mary Mastro-thingumajig does a surprisingly good Scots accent. But beyond that...I can't even tell you CF is kilted in every scene, because he's not.

Oh, dear... here we go... And David Puttnam has referred to it as a "delightful" film... so sad to think it obviously hasn't got the capacity to delight everyone... OR ARE YOU EXCEPTIONALLY FUSSY, BEN???

OR ARE YOU EXCEPTIONALLY FUSSY, BEN??? ] I think it might have something to do with his being a MALE and probably doesn't give to hoots about Colin Firth, now had Jennifer Ehle been in it wearing only Victoria Secrets, then we'd get more information:)

Yes! That's it - the Roaring Game. It referred to some curling competition. I saw it in February, or some time around then. It's episodic - which is fine if there is a strong and plausible enough story at the centre to carry the other bits along. But the main story just didn't grab me. Malcom McDowell is good, and Mary Mastro-thingumajig does a surprisingly good Scots accent. But beyond that...I can't even tell you CF is kilted in every scene, because he's not.

Weird. My message appeared twice, even though I wasn't here the second time round. Well, call me fussy, but I'm afraid I demand a little more than a fleeting glimpse of a side of beef with a skirt on. I care about dialogue, characterisation, cinematography. Stuff like that. (Somehow all these things tend miraculously to fall into place when Ms.Ehle is on screen. Something to do with the way she affects everyone else on the project, I suppose.)

Ben, if you saw it in February, it must have been the "rough cut". I think it had a second preview in June/July, with presumably some major editing/re-editing in between. It didn't have a further preview so must have passed muster. The movie is based on an autobiography by Denis Forman and is supposed to be a rites of passage movie, about a young boy growing up in an eccentric family, which means that it is intrinsically episodic. The curling game (I think!) was supposed to represent the one time when "th usual authorities disappeared and the gentleman's writ no longer ran"...the sort of society which the young boy preferred. Well, call me fussy, but I'm afraid I demand a little more than a fleeting glimpse of a side of beef with a skirt on. I care about dialogue, characterisation, cinematography. Stuff like that. So do we all! So do, presumably, CF, David Puttnam and Hugh Hudson, Miramax, Harvey Weinstein and the UK Arts Council!! Ben, you give favourable mention to Malcolm McDowell and Mary Mastro...(?), but nothing specific about CF, other than the skirt! His performance didn't exactly grab you then? And what about the beautiful Irene Jacob? And Jennifer's mum? Scottish accents throughout? I realise that February is fairly dim and distant now for total recall!

Sorry Bethan. I wasn't being TOO serious about my film standards - as usual, it was a knee-jerk facetious response. However, I do say that I didn't ADORE the film, at the stage at which I saw it, at least. I've nothing against episodic films in principle. Two of my favourite films - La gloire de mon pere and Le chateau de ma mere - meander like anything, but they have sufficient charm and naturalness to pull it off. The same goes for the John Boorman film about his wartime childhood (what was it called? w nderful film). This didn't, at least not its rough cut. CF was fine, but he plays someone to whom one's reaction is necessarily mixed. I'll leave it at that, but I think it's a hard part to play. (Irene Jacob plays a frenchwoman, BTW - M.McD's wife.)

(Ben) I didn't think it was THAT great, frankly. It just didn't flow. Some nice moments, but for me it didn't work. Not surprising, given the material the movie was based on. One of the books, Son of Adam was a real snooze. Makes one wonder why Forman could get that book and his follow-up published. Friends in the right places, no doubt. It ends up with a curling match that's meant to be of great significance, but... The description of the curling in the book takes up about half a page. Although it might stand for his entire family, Forman (the kid in the movie) was more shaped by the family's emphasis on music. No doubt there will be other things in the landscape that attract your admiration. :-) We are counting on that!! Still can't forgive them for not incorporating the skinny dip in the pond that is described in the book. :( (Renate) You saw - *just so* - a film battalions of women would shave their eyebrows for to get a glimpse! LOL!! Do you know how difficult it is to grow back eyebrows? And in a kilt? No kidding? :-p..... Which do you suppose is better? A kilt or tights? (Ben) Well, call me fussy, but I'm afraid I demand a little more than a fleeting glimpse of a side of beef with a skirt on. Do your same standards apply to a side of beefette? ;-) (Somehow all these things tend miraculously to fall into place when Ms.Ehle is on screen. Something to do with the way she affects everyone else on the project, I suppose.) Smitten, definitely!! (Bethan) The curling game (I think!) was supposed to represent the one time when "the usual authorities disappeared and the gentleman's writ no longer ran"...the sort of society which the young boy preferred. Not familiar with that term, "the gentleman's writ." Can you explain, Bethan? Are you saying that Forman longed for the old, genteel country gentleman lifestyle of his parents/grandparents? In the book, he rejected their religious foundations and outlook. (Ben) CF was fine, but he plays someone to whom one's reaction is necessarily mixed. Why? Because he is contemplating an affair with Irene Jacobs or because of how he raises his children? Or something else? Because he's an eccentric? Although I have no problem with characters who are in that gray area.

Ben, you have certainly earned your keep here!! My God, you all are discussing this so casually! I'm sitting here palms asweat because someone has seen this movie! We have been holding our fingers tightly together for so long hoping it will be shown ever that I need a crowbar to pry them apart and you have seen this #@*$# movie! You can't leave it at this. I'm afraid we're going to have to open your memory cells again. Ladies, will we offend too many people if we ask for the spoilers now? Keeping in mind it has been reworked since Ben saw it.

Flippin' 'eck. I'm perpetually surprised by the heat of desire on this website. (I can feel my fingers burning.) Therefore, I always under-estimate the value of little Firth vignettes (call them Firthettes - or maybe that's you lot?). I'm v. sorry. I really would have paid greater attention to the movie if I'd known. I feel like someone who's walked away from something of great value, without realising its worth. ("You mean they're worth something? All those blocks of shiny yellow metal I threw away? Oh. hoops.") I went to the film on a date. So there is, in this case too, someone else to consult. However, this time it's EVEN STRANGER than asking mother, because I haven't seen her (la date) since. So it can't be pushed, I'm afraid.

Two of my favourite films - La gloire de mon pere and Le chateau de ma mere - meander like anything... (Ben) Two of my favourites too, and I must admit I was hoping for something like this! But there can be quite a difference between the rough cut and the final edit, especially if (and I presome this is the point of previews in the US) critical comments are taken on board. One of the books, Son of Adam was a real snooze. (Karen) Again, beg to differ! I liked it! Are you saying that Forman longed for the old, genteel country gentleman lifestyle of his parents/grandparents? (Karen) No, sorry I wasn't clear. Quite the opposite. The curling match, where the gentlemen were outnumbered and outclassed in terms of natural skills, was much more to the boy's liking than the stratified privileged society in which he moved. I presume the curling match (in the film) is symbolic of the world as he wants it to be (and as it will be). Which do you suppose is better? A kilt or tights? (Karen) Hmmmm!!!! "Better" in which sense?

Flippin' 'eck. I'm perpetually surprised by the heat of desire on this website. (I can feel my fingers burning.) Therefore, I always under-estimate the value of little Firth vignettes (call them Firthettes - or maybe that's you lot?). I'm v. sorry. I really would have paid greater attention to the movie if I'd known. I feel like someone who's walked away from something of great value, without realising its worth. ("You mean they're worth something? All those blocks of shiny yellow metal I threw away? Oh. hoops.") I went to the film on a date. So there is, in this case too, someone else to consult. However, this time it's EVEN STRANGER than asking mother, because I haven't seen her (la date) since. So it can't be pushed, I'm afraid.

I went to the film on a date. Ah, it's all clear now. You were not concentrating... ;-)

Kilt v tights I've reflected on this weighty matter. Bearing in mind what they say about Scotsmen, and, of course, the blustery climate in the highlands, I'm opting for kilts! "Men in skirts"...now there's a good title!

(Ben) Somehow all these things tend miraculously to fall into place when Ms.Ehle is on screen. Something to do with the way she affects everyone else on the project, I suppose. Interesting you should say that. One critic commented that Ms. Ehle brought out the best in her leading men. I will go to see My Life so Far to see CF and the cinematography....the story is a snoozer, for sure. Sorry Bethan. And I even read "To Reason Why"...worse!The only humorous part I remember is that Denis Forman was known at Cambridge as "Forskin".But maybe they went through rewrites after Ben saw it. And changed the story.

OK. The December Permiere Magazine (US) arrived today. The barrage of publicity for Shakespeare in Love (SIL) has started. At the beginning there is a two-page spread advert. CF has fourth billing after Geo. Rush.Go to the Miramax website: www.miramax.com. They are promoting a SIL sweepstake for a trip to Shakespeare's England. Mail a postcard with your name,address and tel to SIL Sweepstakes PO 6047, Sherman Oaks, Ca. 91413 or enter at the website. If you are a Premiere subscriber and live in some selected cities you may receive tickets for an exclusive screening of SIL. Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, LA, NY, Miami, Wash.DC, SF (Didn't hit Okla. City:-( ) Read the Miramax Book. And Soundtrack available. In the Holiday Movie Mania segment of the issue there is a page write-up . Not one mention of CF. They quote Gwyneth "I've never worked so hard", says Paltrow of the demanding period piece. "I thought I was going to go into a coma". Harvey Weinstein wanted an American actor to play Shakespeare,but GP said; "And we were like, 'Come on Harvey, . You can't have an American guy play Shakespeare '".Lots about Joe Fiennes and even a line about Rupert Everett whom I can't even find in the advert credits.!!

I saw the SIL preview last night!!! We get three small glimpses of our DB. My husband was v. quick to point out that he has grown fat and he is a cockhold once again (he is not over my CF devotion). Now, I must admit he does look like he has put on some weight, it may be due to the enormous amount of clothes he wears, three glimpses were not enough to judge! BTW, I went to my local Cinemateque to see La Vita e Bella which I highly recommend. SIL will be starting there for Christmas. The cinemateque is v. small and now I'm wondering what kind of release Miramar is planning. Colin does get fourth billing even in the preview.

(Evelyn) The barrage of publicity for Shakespeare in Love (SIL) has started. At the beginning there is a two-page spread advert. No pictures? bummer (Moon) My husband was v. quick to point out that he has grown fat and he is a cockhold once again IMO must be the clothing. Lots of it. Moon, please correct your husband on this cuckhold thing. They weren't married. She was just playing around. ;-) Must nip these comments in the bud. Need to go check the Miramax Cafe... (he is not over my CF devotion). Now, I must admit he does look like he has put on some weight, it may be due to the enormous amount of clothes he wears, three glimpses were not enough to judge!

CF isn't exactly what I would call buffed. He does as someone in chat pointed out hysterically last night, have bit of a belly:) changing topics, just saw the VH1 special on the BIG CHILL. They interviewed Meg Tilly (MT) and can I honestly say that I don't think she has a clue? even the interviewer had no clue what she was saying. She did mention that she enjoys prose and probably will not go back to acting, because she likes being with her children.

Fat.... beer belly Oh dear, give the poor man a break! No wonder he says he doesn't want to be a sex symbol and completely shuns the limelight or indeed any form of publicity. I can recall some unkind references to him in TEP as the "fat husband"...which he wasn't! His problem (if problem it is!)is that unlike many actors he is rather broadshouldered (witness the dinner jacketed scene in TEP when he looks almost twice as wide as RF et al). Put those shoulders in a flying suit or the lipped shouldered thick-materialed waistc ats of the Elizabethan era (plus cape, and those wide bloomers) and the result could be "unflattering" (and there's that villainous goatee beard!). I also get the feeling that we are not supposed to sympathise with Wessex, and CF will play the part accordingly, to give credibility to the young lovers. He's an actor not a matinee idol! And it's often the jobbing actors who have the longest careers.

Laura: just saw the VH1 special on the BIG CHILL. They interviewed Meg Tilly (MT) and can I honestly say that I don't think she has a clue? even the interviewer had no clue what she was saying. I saw that too! I had never seen her interviewed before, but it's so strange how much she resembles her sister (Jennifer Tilly) in terms of speech. Not as high pitched of a voice, but getting there... I also had a feeling MT did not have a clue. I never noticed it before, either, but Meg had a mole! As soon as I spotted it, i was instantly ROTFLOL! Fat.... beer belly I noticed it too. But Marlon Brando he is not... So I don't mind. He appears "comfortably husky."

Moon, did you say you saw the SIL preview in the theatre? Prior to La Vita e Bella? I'd agree he looks heavier at least on the preview I saw on ET. But I know what I'd look like with a high ruffley collar that stands out like a platter - my face would be Charlie Brown size. I wish I could see this beer belly. I've never seen him look anything but skinny when he is not wearing a lot of clothes. Not that it matters. ;-) Okay, Ben. Do you remember a scene in The Roaring Game (MLSF) where Colin jumps into a loch? Does he ever actually bed Irene Jacob? (I doubt it but I'd like to know how far it goes.) I understand you were distracted and it was a long time ago and the movie didn't exactly impress you, but please try, dear boy.

(Heide), Moon, did you say you saw the SIL preview in the theatre? Prior to La Vita e Bella? Yes, at a v. small cinemateque and SIL will be there for Xmas. La Vita e Bella will probably win best foreign film at the Oscars and has had a v. limited release from Miramar, I wonder why? I agree with everyone's comments about the amount of clothing he wears, but, his face was a lot fuller too. But do not fear, my devotion is unchanged, no matter how hard my husband tries. Robert De Niro once gained 40 lbs for a Scorsese film and they came off quickly enough!

Hi. Heide, I think there was a scene with people skinny-dipping in the Loch, but...my memory is that only the boys were swimming. I may be mistaken. (Perhpas they only wanted to have thin people in the nude....;~)). And I think he does get off with Irene Jacob. In the woodshed. One of the reasons I didn't buy the story, as I remember, was that she didn't seem much to like him in the film (he had become obsessed with her), and yet they got off with each other. I would just like to add, on a completely unrelated note, that in ferreting around the Miramax website someone referred us to, I discovered that another fave of mine is now taken. The woman in Ballykissangel (Dervla Kirwen, or something - simply ravishing) has gone and married the bloke who played the priest (Stephen Whatsisname). Would you believe it.

A new old addition to the archives

I downloaded a movie trailer from the Miramax cafe and it had quite a bit of CF in it. But he was definitely being tormented or ridiculed by Queen Elizabeth. He laughs, sways, and is mortified that his "Wife" is at the center of a wager. He looks somewhat evil.

(Ben) And I think he does get off with Irene Jacob. In the woodshed. Now that would jazz-up the story (MLSF). In the book this liaison does not occur. And Bethan, CF is a great actor, but he definitely IMO is also a great"matinee idol". Why else the Darcymania after P&P? Didn't happen after David Rintoul in P&P 1. And who cares about the weight...beer belly, pasta pouch...the guy has the best looking thighs on earth!

Renate, thanks so much for sharing this with us. He could pass for 16. The article is interesting too though I have to make judgments about what he actually said and what the writer said for him. "I find the thought of journalists quizzing me quite frightening,"� says the burly six-footer... Burly? Oh no, not this again. He may go up and down now but he was a beanpole 12 years ago. He doesn't want to be rich and famous. "It's vulgar to be rich, don't you think?" he says over dinner at a splendacious Buckinghamshire riverside retreat (admittedly not his choice of venue)... "..I always think it's a shame if something I really admired gets the Oscar treatment. You suddenly see all these actors who have given wonderful performances dressed up in horrible clothes, behaving like idiots." I cringe at stuff I said 12 years ago too. The poor chap - normally a jeans and T-shirt man - is decked out in borrowed clothes to fit the restaurant's jacket and tie regulations. This is kind of cute. All in all, delightful. (Moon) But do not fear, my devotion is unchanged, no matter how hard my husband tries. Don't worry, I never doubted you. I'm sure your husband is a sweetheart but jealousy can be an ugly thing to even the best. ;-) (Ben) my memory is that only the boys were swimming. I may be mistaken. (Perhpas they only wanted to have thin people in the nude....;~)). Ah, that explains why they put Colin in a bathing suit. Just kidding, just kidding, since we're all in such good humor about this subject. (Evelyn) And who cares about the weight...beer belly, pasta pouch...the guy has the best looking thighs on earth! Bar none, baby. (Laura) (SIL) He looks somewhat evil. Oh dear, he cheats on his wife in My Life So Far, we know he's a villain in Shakespeare in Love. He was a charmer but a cad in 1000 Acres and he pretty much ends up killing Almasy and Katherine in The English Patient. He wasn't too great in Nostromo either! Oh no, where is this going? The next Bond villain? The life of Pinochet? The Marquis de Sade? Before I scrap everything I've just written, let me just say I'm kidding. But I do hope his character isn't written as a cartoon villain in SIL. He's never been to a premiere and hopes he never will. "I find those occasions silly. People indulging in congratulating each other is so phoney and embarrassing. I always think it's a shame if something I really admired gets the Oscar treatment. You suddenly see all these actors who have given wonderful performances dressed up in horrible clothes, behaving like idiots."�

Moon. Your poor husband. Give me his email address, and I will redress things by sending him a photograph of La Deesse Ehle. :-).

My husband is really the best man I have ever known, and, if you could meet him, you would all be charmed. An Italian aristocrat and an intellectual, he would not think twice to challenge CF to a duel. He is very much like the Jean Giono character Angelo in the Horseman on the Roof (always the cavaliere). But my CF admiration can�t be helped and I thank you all for being here and understanding. A big smooch to you all!

One of the reasons I didn't buy the story, as I remember, was that she didn't seem much to like him in the film (he had become obsessed with her), and yet they got off with each other. (Ben) Remember Beatrice and Benedick? Sexual attraction is often masked by hostility, especially if there are moral reasons for suppressing the attraction! So. if a woman slaps you, she may like you, but if she's all chummy and treats you like her long-lost brother, well...!!! And I think he does get off with Irene Jacob. In the woodshed. In a kilt? He looks somewhat evil. Wot, no dimples! But Viola cheats on him, and Will is a married adulterer, so maybe he's a really nice guy who's just having a bad day. :-) I discovered that another fave of mine is now taken. The woman in Ballykissangel.. (Ben) And there's me thinking you're a one gal guy! Tut! This is kind of cute. All in all, delightful. (Heide) Agreed. And he seems quite genuinely to have no interest in fame (or love scenes and wimpy lovers - "Who wants to watch sex anyway?)!

(Heide)But I do hope his character isn't written as a cartoon villain in SIL. I have the same fear, Heide. The more trailers I see, and write-ups I read. Thank you Renate, for the article. I doubt he's that cynical now. He was 25 then....now 38.

The woman in Ballykissangel (Dervla Kirwen, or something - simply ravishing) has gone and married the bloke who played the priest (Stephen Whatsisname). Stephen Tompkinson. Would you believe he once was in a play with Colin, too (Rattigan's The Deep Blue Sea, adapted for BBC TV). All roads lead to Rome...? ;-)

But he looks good, in the movie Trailer. You should download it. It's called Wager!

Renata, I enjoyed reading that old interview too and since consistency is for small minds, Colin has probably changed some of his opinions. It is a shame that he does not like to give interviews because we are all so anxious for them! Laura, I downloaded the Wager clip. None of the clips available for downloading from Miramax are used in the SIL preview I saw at the theatre. Colin seems to be always picked on and quite vexed as well, I miss his smile. Why can�t he be offered a role where he gets to be the hero?

but he laughs albeit, fraudulently:)

(Heide)But I do hope his character isn't written as a cartoon villain in SIL. I have the same fear, Heide. The more trailers I see, and write-ups I read. I hope there are some subtleties (why is Wessex just quietly watching the performance of Romeo and Juliet at the end instead of storming the stage and claiming his wife) but I'm not holding my breath. There's a US daily press review site on the Net and I've seen a couple of references to SIL, both favourable, but zilch comments about CF. SIL (rough quote)"combines hot young stars GP, BA and JF with the acting talent of Judi Dench. Rupert Everett and Geoffrey Rush".."steamy sex scenes (GP/JF) and comedy". SNIFF!!! I guess CF isn't sufficiently wellknown in the US to warrant comment (although he is high in the billing, correct?). Shades of TEP! OH well, I hope it's like "Rob Roy" where the evil Tim Roth and John Hurt were the beat things in it, and I fast forwarded thru the love scenes (ditto Robin Hood Prince of Thieves!) Moon, I'd really like to see him play a hero, but, regretfully these kind of roles rarely go to Englishmen! I had hopes for the anguished and very English Sydney Carton, but the part went to Mel Gibson. The closest to a hero may be MarK Darcy (well he does take time off work to save Bridget's mum!) and of course, my favourite, the Earl of Bothwell (casting directors, are you listening, NOT Mel G.!)

When did Mel Gibson, of all people, get to play Sidney Carton? I've always thought this would be a fantastic role and, I must say, I think CF would do it wonderfully. We already know he can play a complicated man, whose heart, though buried deeply, is good beyond measure. What a wonderful part Carton could be. What was the film? What was the script like? BTW, I never know how to react to the laughable stereotypes of the English in Hollywood films. They are usually gay, usually evil, and often both. (And the former trait is often portrayed homophobically, as though it's part of their evil.) On the other hand, they are redeemed by being clever. On the whole, I think, I am flattered and surprised that people from a wet little island in Northern Europe are worth stereotyping at all - the worst reaction would be indifference. Payment for stepping outside subject area: I hope the Roaring Game sticks with its wonderful opening shot, which mirrors that, funnily enough, in TEP (see - I'm learning). A biplane wings its way across a grand landscape - only this time the beautiful Western Highlands. (It bears a French aviator, who makes a couple of fleeting appearances. Their significance escaped me completely, but the arial shots are spectacular.)

Aack!! Mel Gibson as Carton! No, no! I love Mel but enough is enough. tkae a vacation. Since we're sort of fantasizing here about what we'd like to see Colin do next, I'd really like another contemporary role. I have hopes for this Marked Man project (which may already be dead) because it's a thriller, with hopefully intelligent intrigue. Something a little out of the ordinary for our boy. Oh, thank you Ben for some more little nuggets. If you keep spacing them out like this, we'll keep you around forever. ;-)

Sydney Carton Tale of Two Cities.....casting was announced a couple of months ago. Perhaps shooting has just started. Oh well... :-( Appparently there are plans afoot to film the life of Shackleton, the Polar explorer, and also Guy Gibson, in a re-make of "The Dam Busters". BUT, according to my reliable magazine article, English actors are unlikely to be cast in these roles, as they are considered to be "too effete"!! Don't know about the Scots and the Irish (and what about the Welsh?). And it's not just Hollywood...the British film industry rarely (never?) portrays the Englishman as Hero. Although perhaps that's just plain economics ..it must be hard to capture Antarctica or World War II on a budget of �1.5 million! However there do seem to be some feisty roles for English actresses/female actors...but is "feisty" the same as "heroic?" My hopes of a Royal Charity Premiere for SIL have receded , infact, gone. Last night the Queen attended a showing of (wait for it) "The Parent Trap". No further comment

Ben...Bethan.. pl. enlighten me....who is Sidney Carton? And hey,...how's about Daniel Day Lewis...Ralph Fiennes...Kenneth Branagh..(with a pretty good American accent in The Gingerbread Man), Jeremy Northam,and Ewan MacGregor. Not all the English actors are portrayed as being non-mainstream. Rupert Everett is gay and Austin Powers and Mr. Bean are comedians. Hugh Grant always plays Hugh Grant.The competition is fierce for starring roles in good films.But IMO British actors are not discriminated against. Maybe we can talk about how little the British public supports their own films and stars. When I was in England, "Elizabeth" was the only British film around. The big hit was "There's Something About Mary"...it was cleaning up.Big queues at the neighborhood Odeon on Kennsington High Street. The Full Monty was the last big audience draw.

BTW Ben...your presence is requested on #80 (Bridget Jones' Diary). Since you are an ex-mandarin we hope you'll explain to us the meaning of a government "Green Paper" and "White Paper" . Very crucial ;-)

Dear Evelyn, I'll wander over to #80 shortly. I read BJD in February, but as you know my memory is like a sieve and I've already forgotten most of it. I do remember liking it, but as for Green and White papers - where the hell do they come in?? Also, re English (and more generally British actors): I think there are fewer roles for them but this is no great surprise, since most of the audience is American, and prefers to see aliens killed by Bruce Willis, not some Limey. Fair enough, I think. (The exception, Sean Connery, is Scottish. They're allowed to be heroes.) You cite some actors, but none of these plays heroic roles Fiennes: fraudulent upper-class game show participant - classic part for an Englishman - psychopathic Nazi concentration camp commander, and over-cooked Hungarian traitor. Hardly Die Hard. Branagh: hero in Shakespeare but otherwise a flop. Day Lewis: Last of the Mohicans an exception! Ewan McGregor: Scottish. Finally, you're quite right that British films tend not to cater for the mass market. Pretty hopeless, a lot of them. Besides, the English themselves are loathe to revel in winning anyway. The flawed hero is the best thing. That's why I would have thought Sidney Carton would be meat and drink to an English actor. Carton is also effete! (p.s. Sidney Carton is the hero (anti-hero?) of A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens). "It is a far, far better that I do now than I have ever done...."etc. Great stuff. I urge you to read it before any film comes out!)

What did the zero say to the eight? Nice belt.

Do you think?

I was there with her when she took those pictures!!! btw!!!

I can't make out the script, what does it say?

Maybe we can talk about how little the British public supports their own films and stars (Evelyn) You have a point here, Evelyn. There is a major problem with distribution - films finding screens - but even when British films are released they rarely attract a huge audience. The odd one is highly successful, yes, but overall, most films die. Ben is correct when he says that British films don't cater for the mass market, and even critically acclaimed films tend to be rather downbeat and worthy, rather than entertaining. And unlike, let's say, France where local actors like Depardieu, Auteuil, Binoche h ve a loyal following, we really don't support our own "stars". Sydney Carton is more of an anti-hero, but one who makes the ultimate sacrifice of willingly going to the scaffold to save the husband of the woman he loves. Truly noble unrequited passion! He's physically languid, slightly unkempt, tall with dark eyes...not an action man leaping over the barricades! It will be interesting to see the Mel Gibson version, but I don't think it will invoke the spirit of the book. "Colin of London"... well, you may have struck lucky! Giving himself hairs and graces, is he?

Ben Sidney Carton is the hero (anti-hero?) of A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens). Oh you mean that Sidney Carton....You guys have to tell me when you're jumping around centuries. We were talking about MLSF and Denis Forman and I thought Sidney was a contemporary. LOL. Yes, I read it...long time ago. Ben, Bridget Jones' Diary installments are published every Saturday in The Electronic Telegraph.Last week she had several comments re: a Green Paper encouraging British citizens to get married. You should read it. Really, we would appreciate your comments .It stays up all week... under " Excetera." You are harsh on poor Ralph Fiennes. Who is having difficulties lately eaking out a hit. In "Sunshine" he plays three generations of the same character.Let's hope this role pleases you. (Jennifer is his wife.) BTW, I liked "Quiz Show"....hey, he was a Columbia professor (or was that only his dad).

( Bethan),not an action man leaping over the barricades! Definitely not a hero, more a monkey! Sidney Carton would have been perfect for him, I agree. There are plenty of other literary heroes for Colin out there, I wish he would develop his own projects soon.

What? No-one liked my joke? Just because The Firth's thighs don't get a mention. "What did the Firthettes say to Colin? Nice thighs." How about that? Your homework: chat up lines for CF. I'll be the judge. (p.s. Yes. Fiennes' father was a Columbia prof. in the film...but he was the honest one...;-) Great film, don't you think? Also, I haven't heard about this Green paper on marriage. As if the bloody Government has anything to do with it. Anyone - meaning anyone - can comment on prospective legislation, but it helps if you represent others, so lobby groups most often do so. MPs get their chance in the Commons. Check out, for an electrifying evening, www.open.gov.uk for some sample Green and White papers and published responses to them.)

(Ben),Your homework: chat up lines for CF. I'll be the judge. Colin, why don't you convert religion? As a muslin, you can have up to four wives!

How's this, You know you look like how I pictured Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice. Okay, it's weak:)

Hallo ladies and gentleman, I've not contributed anything lately because of problems with my computer/modem/software/whatever. Anyway, I've managed to read your posts and have been very entertained by them ... as usual. Ben has been a wonderful addition to the group, pleased to meet you! ;-) I love the homework you suggested...must think of something. I am convinced that I'd never sum up the courage to say a word to any favourite celebrity, so maybe I get one or two ideas from this? Laura, I don't think h would like your line very much, would he? Considering his (at the very least)mixed feelings about Darcy... So, ladies, let's *think*! :-)

Teacher is far from impressed so far. Is this how you chat people up at home? What would your parents say? So eloquent away from the man, and yet I only have to put his virtual image before you and you are all mumbles and bashfulness. All I can say, as his representative on this website, is that The Virtual Firth is already looking over your shoulder and preparing to tell you he that he's run out of wine. Tick tock.

Terry, colinfirth.com seems to be down!!! Help!!!

All right, Ben - how's that: Your thighs or mine? (Well, that's a start...)

(Ben),Teacher is far from impressed so far. Colin, allow me to introduce to you our most severest critic: Ben!

Well I don't chat people up, they chat me UP! hahahahahahha!

Okay, then. The thighs of the Virtual Firth are striding across the room to chat up Laura. What are the rest of you gonna do?

Good game, Ben! But I think you've called our bluffs! I've conjured up the Virtual Firth and I couldn't even ask him for directions to the Colisseum or St Peter's Square, let alone say something challenging, witty and seductive. I thought perhaps that marriage was the impediment and removed it - it's wonderful what you can do in a Virtual World - but even a footloose and fancy-free Firth still renders me dumb. C-minus. Failed. Or are we allowed to use an Italian phrasebook? "Possiamo vederci di nuovo? Vuol darmi il Suo numero di telefono?" Okay, teacher, how about tackling your own assignment? If you met the Virtual Miss Ehle (or even the real thing!) what would you say to her?

I have always said that if I ever meet "The Man" I would inform him that he has the nicest fans on Drool. ( Moon ) Laura, I don't think he would like your line very much, would he? Considering his (at the very least)mixed feelings about Darcy..." And I don't care if he likes it or not I gonna thank him for taking the role of Mr. Darcy. (It put you in a better neighborhood, friend") Alright, so he's gonna chat up Laura...I'm going over to tell him that brother Jonathan is missing out by not contacting her...they have the same birthdays...born under the same sign....mean't for each other, for sure After that, I'll look down at his thighs. OK Ben? Do I pass? '

(Bethan)If you met the Virtual Miss Ehle (or even the real thing!) what would you say to her? Yeah, Ben...let's hear it. Witty, intelligent....What would you say to the Divine Ms. Ehle........I'm listening ....

Ben, I would say: "Please, may I use your handy / phone card / gettoni [applying to situation]- I have an emergency call to make! Just think, firth.com is down!!" "Wot?" TERRY, looks like firth.com is down, have you noticed? (I'll leave this message in several places, since I don't know where to find you)

Thank you, Terry!

I'll look at it and get it running!

Ben, how about these: "Beg pardon, but I've been writing a story and I need some help with British slang ...so which would be more correct? A wanker or a tosser?" ;-) Or then again a nonverbal chatup: I'd dangle my *Arsenal keychain* before his lovely eyes...

Hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee hee. ;-p

Terry, and again no access to cf.com, neither with browser nor ftp.

Have you voted for Colin in the Celebrity 1000 poll at http://www.celebrity1000.com.actors.html

Sorry, I screwed that up it should be http://www.celebrity1000.com/actors.html

Lucie, we should name you Colin Firth's faithful cheerleader!

Yes I voted in the Celebrity 1000 poll. Last time Colin got 187 votes.Beat K. Branagh 104, DDLewis 97 and RF 87. And the results of the Favorite Actress Poll : (Drum Roll) Jennifer Ehle 87...Kristin SThomas 44. Hoorah for our team. When you vote for Colin pl. give Jennifer a vote (you can vote for 5) This from today's "E- Online Newsletter" Jerry Seinfeld, with that new faux married type he hangs with, at an advance screening of Shakespeare in Love. (Oh, what a tangled web these two are weaving.) Upper East Side. NYC. Think Colin attended?

Evelyn, I think you have the right idea, sidetrack Colin with Jon, Laura would not object (or so she has made us believe). Also I do not believe Colin attended the preview, there will be lots of previews set up in LA as well. Will he attend the US opening, that's the question? Karen, I do like your line, sure to get a reaction! I would love to use my favorite Mae West line Ben, but, I'm too shy: "Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just glad to me?" Which brings to mind that old English hit: "I'm feeling glad all over, yeah, baby, I'm glad all over, so glad you're mine..." Lucie, when will Colin do something for us in return, like an interview? Renate, we no longer use gettoni in Italy, phone cards are the big thing: scheda del telefono, otherwise cambio will do. But EVERYONE in Italy has a telefonino. So Ben, got your courage up to ask Ms. Ehle...?

That should be: Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?

Chat up line - nonchalant? in-your-face? Frankly, I wouldn't speak to him at all. But if it were the virtual Firth, I'd probably see if I could bum a cigarette off him (I don't smoke) and then thank him for privileging this female's gaze. And that's the best I can come up with after 2 days. :-p Ben? Oh, Ben? Since you're making us embarrass ourselves here (just kidding, we're all grownups here), care to do us a favor? Wink, wink. If we find anything out about a certain someone attending the Shakespeare in Love premiere in NYC on November 30, you wouldn't want to, um, perhaps take a little walk that evening? That sharp pain you're suddenly feeling is my elbow in your ribs. I don't know anyone with better luck than you.

Frankly, I wouldn't speak to him at all. (Heide) Nor me, I'm afraid! Not unless it was ABSOLUTELY unavoidable (like two people stuck in the lift scenario!) Reminds me of that rather mournful comment he made in the (book) "The making of Pride and Prejudice" about the read-through. Something like "not a soul came up to me....out of a cast of over fifty very few seemed willing to talk to me (not even JE?)...I had to work quite hard to convince people I was friendly". Oh dear, rather like the most popular boy in the school (only he doesn't know he is) tryin to woo the attention of the other kids in the playground". :-) Jerry Seinfeld, with that new faux married type he hangs with, at an advance screening of Shakespeare in Love (Evelyn) SIL seems to have a "buzz" about it, which is good. One thing that strikes me (in the UK at least) is how few films make any kind of impact at all. Six or seven releases every week and only one, if at all, may register on the public consciousness. Primary Colours, for example, didn't even get a selected release. BTW when are the Golden Globes? Is SIL released in time for (potential) nominations? Point to note, CF's last two leading ladies, Kristin Scott Thomas and Jessica Lange, both got Golden Globe Best Actress nominations, so maybe he'll bring good luck to GP and JD (provided he kisses them, of course....unlikely in the case of JD!)

BTW when are the Golden Globes? Is SIL released in time for (potential) nominations? According to variety and my memory, nominations have to be in by the beginning of December, so that would preclude SIL, I imagine unless the previews count!

I voted for Jennifer too and KST. Judith Dench too, I love her, she wonderfulin the 1/2 hour comedy As We Were.

(Bethan)One thing that strikes me (in the UK at least) is how few films make any kind of impact at all. UK doesn't publicize enough. SIL is supposedly getting a preview on November 30th in NYC (according to Karen's posting yesterday). This is Miramax's most expensive film yet ($42 M). The day before, Sunday Nov. 29, A&E will show all six hours of P&P continuously. Now, Miramax and A&E are owned by Disney.... Coincidence? Primary Colours, for example, didn't even get a selected release Deservedly so. I saw it. IMO it was dreadful.Lost wads of money in the US.

From "The New York Times" Sunday November 15, 1998 Arts & Leisure Section "A Blizzard of Holiday Movies" article "...Miramax has been especially successful opening films late in the year -- "The English Patient," "The Piano" and "Good Will Hunting" -- and turning them into Oscar contenders. This year the company has hopes for "Shakespeare in Love," a comedy-drama with Gwyneth Paltrow, and "Little Voice," a poignant comedy with Jane Horrocks and Michael Caine. "

I too disliked Primary Colors...I never got past the first few scenes. I enjoyed the book, and I liked Travolta in Pulp Fiction, but this horribly fake Clinton pretender! :-(( Here's my chat-up line for CF (first attempt): "Excuse me, didn't you play Mr. Bingley in Pride and Prejudice? I thought you were splendid!"

Gi-- My chat up line is along the same lines: 'Oh Mr. Firth! I'm a big fan of your work! I especially loved your performance in Far From the Madding Crowd!'

Gi, Winter, considering his attitude towards fame I suppose he would just *love* you for these lines. LOL!

Got up at 2:00 in the morning to watch the weekend edition of Entertainment Tonight because they were doing Holiday Releases. Yes, they showed about 15 seconds of SiL but NO Colin!! Just that ridiculous emphasis on GP and Ben Affleck, with a good measure of Joe Fiennes thrown in. Boo Hiss!!

Gi) Here's my chat-up line for CF (first attempt): "Excuse me, didn't you play Mr. Bingley in Pride and Prejudice? I thought you were splendid!" Winter) Oh Mr. Firth! I'm a big fan of your work! I especially loved your performance in Far From the Madding Crowd!' Winter...Gi ...you are the winners so far. LOL. And I bet Colin would LOL too.

Laura you are right about my being a cheerleader for Colin, I guess. I would say that I am for Derek Jakobi too. Incidently, Derek could use a few votes too. I have been an avid fan of his longer than Colin.

Went away for the week-end. Flirter's block on chat up line. Have been acting the strong silent type. Well, silent anyway. Virtual Jennifer about to run off with better flirter/man/-looking man. Pressure building....... I will check out premiere of SiL, and take my thigh detector. (The range is from flaccid and mishapen - 0 Firth Units - to firm and rippling - 1 Firth Unit.) I'll get back to you if it bleeps.

I agree - I think Winter and Gi are nose to nose headed for the finish line. But let's not forget to throw Nick Hornby in there too though it would take someone stunningly near-sighted to mistake him for DB. You can keep your thigh detector wrapped up for now, Ben. (Can this used on women too? God forbid.) Premiere dates appear to be changing. I'll track you down later.

WAIT! I've got another one! "*Ahem* excuse me.... but I just have to ask...didn't I once see you in a production of Jack Frost?!"

Now there's a guide that suggests what to say when you bump into a celebrity.(Ben, this one's for you and anyone else who was tongue-tied as to what to say to Colin as an opener). Check out: The Sunday Times : Style Section The Art of Schmoozing

Ben, I have two possible chat up lines for you to Ms. Ehle: Ben: Have been acting the strong silent type. Well, silent anyway. 1)If that's the case, I suggest you stalk about the room a bit and then say, "you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." OR 2)"Umm... excuse me, but I couldn't help but notice your accent. It's North Carolinan isn't it?"

Is JE from North Carolina? (not really a fan)

They showed about 15 seconds of SiL but NO Colin!! Just that ridiculous emphasis on GP and Ben Affleck,with a good measure of Joe Fiennes thrown in. Boo Hiss!! (Karen) It's all about bankability and marketing and image. Selling the product. Presumably GP/BA are a "hot" couple in the US. And JF is Shakespeare (and Rafe's younger bro)! I was reading a tongue- in- cheek article about "celebrities" and gaining an "image" which sells. CF's got it all wrong! Gets married (wrong), very privately (very wrong)to a non-celebrity girlfriend (wrong again) and although now has beautiful clever photogenic wife ( almost right) then completely disappears with aforesaid wife and is never seen in public (wrong) and seems very happily married (wrong, wrong). It also helps to have a dysfunctional background, the odd public row with partner/spat with the aw, and an ex-drink/drugs problem! I tell you, he hasn't got a clue! Chat up lines....I think Winter and Gi have hit the mark! Appeal to his sense of humour! I remember reading (I'm a great reader!!) an interview in which CF talked quite appreciatively about people coming up to him and making comments like "you're much better looking on the telly", "what have you you done to your hair?", "I don't want it (his autograph),it's only for a friend". Obviously he's not accustomed to adulation!! All I can think of is.. "Gee, I LOVE Ralph Fiennes/Joe Fiennes (delete as applicable). Weren't you in one of his movies?"

thanks all for your appreciation of my chat-up line... I can only wish to one day meet the man, use the line, have him fall for it, then burst out laughing and tell him there's a dozen women who'd be ready to use it too if they were the ones to meet him first... Then I'd bring him over to Drool and we'd all have a Mega-Party :-)) Anyway, Bethan, your line is even more wicked! Good for you! LOL!

Okay, I've come up with a great chat up line for either Firth bros. "Hold me, Thrill me, kiss me... You show me your knickers, I'll show you mine" said very huskily! (with flu and pnuemonia, voice is very husky now!) Ha! Putty in my hands;)

(Bethan) It also helps to have a dysfunctional background, the odd public row with partner/spat with the aw, and an ex-drink/drugs problem! I tell you, he hasn't got a clue! So right, Bethan. And it would probably help if he'd be photographed in public with another woman, preferably a model/actress but I'm sure one of us would do in a pinch which brings us back to the chat up lines again... ...I shall definitely remember "You're much better looking on the telly." Evelyn, what are some of those lines to say to a celebrity? I'm too lazy to look it up. Cheryl, JE spent a great deal of her childhood in North Carolina (is that right, Evelyn?). Her father is a Carolinian writer and I've even read one of his boosk though I can't remember which one...hillbillies, strong woman, unforgiving patriarch. Sorry you're still sick, Laura.

Winter) Re: Chat up line for JE: Umm... excuse me, but I couldn't help but notice your accent. It's North Carolinan isn't it?" Don't think I would try that one, Ben. Although she doesn't hide the fact that she was born in Winston-Salem NC.Educated on both sides of the pond. Went to Central School for Speech and Drama (alum: Judi Dench).Has lived in England for the past 11 years.Dad, John Ehle, regional writer of NC.Wrote the book and screen play "Journey of Austust Moon" (Miramax and a lovely movie)His prose is v. lyrical remind me of Michael Ondadje. No critic has ever detected a NC accent and I did not either when speaking to her. She has never made an American mov e.Her mother , Rosemary Harris , who is British, is a great stage actress both in the Westend and on Broadway. She has played the lead in" Streetcar...."with a southern accent.

(Heide) Evelyn, what are some of those lines to say to a celebrity? I'm too lazy to look it up. Actually, it's a cute article. The authors say that celebrities want to be treated like normal people. Don't just comment on how much you liked their last film.(Old chestnut) One comes to mind: "My mother is going to LA next week, she likes sushi, do you have any restaurant that you would recommend? Don't try to make a splash. If you know their hobby capitalize on it. John Travolta likes flying, Kevin Costner likes billiards. When I spoke to JE, I told her about the website. She had not seen it, but gave me the impression she was going to rush out and buy a computer and log on. (Although deep inside she might have been thinking "Get outta mylife!)

No critic has ever detected a NC accent and I did not either when speaking to her The chat up line was not meant to be serious. It's just a hilarious scenario. She'd immediately think Ben was a master linguist, fall for him on the spot, and they could run away and have a torrid love affair before she realizes that we gave him all the info. on her life story. But really- as a native English speaker, people have been able to pick up major subtleties of my speech, and say, "Are you by any chance of Southeast Asian descent?" (and I am, but by 2 generations) BTW -- which of CF's movies portray his real accent? Anyone know? Is it FP?

which of CF's movies portray his real accent? Anyone know? Is it FP? FP is definitely not his accent. In FP he was portraying a Nick Hornby character who assumes a sub cockney twang to hide his middle class roots and to empathise with other Arsenal supporters. CF says that at school he spoke with his native Hampshire accent. I don't think he has ever been asked to reproduce this publicly! I always assumed that, Nornby like, the Hampshire accent was assumed. CF has told us that his Dad went to public (ie private) school and Cambridge, so we can assume the family accent is RP. The few times we have heard CF speak with his own voice eg at the BBC awards ceremony, he sounded just like Mr Darcy .......sighhhhhhhhh!

For Nornby read Hornby!!

(Heide) JE spent a great deal of her childhood in North Carolina Thanks for the lesson. I'm from NC too, and I'll check out Mr. Ehle's work. And about those accents. I'm also from Atlanta. I haven't lived either place for 20 years, but I can still tell which state (of the entire South) someone's from, and often which part. It takes longer if someone's gone away to school, as I did. But eventually, the truth will out. Hmmm. If I met CF, I'd tell him he was much calmer than the first time we met. No matter what is going on (unless our airplane is crashing) it would be true. So we'd talk about Bordeaux and Valmont more or less, taking my cues from him. Then I could go on to link whatever he said to various other performances I'd seen. I could handle that brilliantly, thanks to you all, and he'd think I was either a nutcase or an informed young woman of remarkably good taste and breeding. Mostly I'd ask him questions about whatever he said. "Getting older and wiser, for better and worse" is always a good topic, as long as the person hasn't become a failure. I never hold people involuntarily. In fact, the opposite; people generally think I'm stand-offish. Athogether, not "traditionally" sexy. But it would make both of us happy. And somehow, that seems to make an impression ;-)

(Allison), CF has told us that his Dad went to public (ie private) school and Cambridge, so we can assume the family accent is RP. RP? Might that be rather posh? With Colin my best chances would be if my husband and I were to meet him with Livia. My Guido and his Livia would break into Italian and I would seize the day and maybe hint at the many times I have saved his life by talking my husband out of challenging him to a duel! (heehee) (Hopefully Guido would take pity on Livia and not seize the moment!)

RP? Might that be rather posh? Received Pronunciation, I think. That is Standard English. I would not describe that as "posh". It is just english as spoken by educated english people who do not have a regional accent.

Okay, re: chat up lines. shouldn't we feign indifference that way, he would be more taken in by us? When one brings up the celebrity, they back away. Right? So I say, play on their one weakness, love for women! and then when one snags them, and brings them home, hide all the videos of them quickly! RE: accent and pronounciation: I think the accent of him in Dutch Girls is probably more closely his accent.

The few times we have heard CF speak with his own voice eg at the BBC awards ceremony, he sounded just like Mr Darcy .......sighhhhhhhhh! (Allison) I think the accent of him in Dutch Girls is probably more closely his accent. (Laura) I would say his natural accent is definitely Mr Darcy but not quite as assertive, with a very slight tendency to drawl! But definitely RP. He said somewhere that both his parents had a private education, so he would have an RP background....although not all offspring speak like ma and pa! It's interesting though how some actors have very different private/public accents. Does this apply in the US? Do actors change their accents to fit different roles? And what is the equivalent of RP.....Boston? Talking about accents, I am reliably informed that the ATA video (oops, no acronyms....A Thousand Acres) will be in UK Blockbusters from Dec 7th, so we will have the chance to hear a Mid-West accent! I m actually looking forward to seeing ATA...the last time I saw contemporary CF (as opposed to CF in old movies) was well over 18 months ago! It's like war-time rations (and definitely a case for more TV work!!)

Well, I live in Boston and the whole country makes fun of our accent. You know Pahk the cah in Hahvahd Yahd. and of course my favorite Rebeccer:)

It's actually quite a relief to escape an accent-sensitive environment. I don't know much about the accents in the U.S., and that is refreshing too. (I can tell broad areas apart, and having lived in Boston for three years, I know that one pretty well. BTW, someone told me that Virginians thought they spoke the best English in the U.S.) In England, I reveal my origins as soon as I open my mouth. As for The Firth, I remember his accent as RP too. No great surprise. Equally, as a impressionable teenager who wants to fit in, it's completely natural that he would have had a Hampshire burr while in school. As a London football fan, one developed the same bilingual ability.

( Bethan) And what is the equivalent of RP.....Boston? I am not a linguist, but I believe there is an East Coast accent which the British actors call "trans Atlantic" that comes closest to RP in UK. It dos not have a regional accent...Ivy League, but not Boston. Ralph Fiennes did a masterful job with that accent in "Quiz Show" when he played Charles Van Doren.In fact it was later I learned he was British. Re: CF's accent in ATA...it's rather mid-west subtle. Some people objected, I thought it was pretty good...but then I live in the Southwest. Glad you are finally getting to see ATA, Bethan. Good, now we can discuss it sometime soon on #98.Thanks to Karen, some of us now own it!!

The RP equivalent in the US is called SAE-- Standard American English. (I have a degree in linguistics) It's distributed over a wide array of regions. The West Coast and Mountain areas speak it, and some parts of the East Coast as well. Broadcasters on the news are the best example (NOT Dan Rather--He's a Texan I think). But, let's say someone like Bernie Shaw from CNN.

Thank you Winter....didn't realize you were so educated on accents. Please tell us more. I have a question: Why do British actors capture American accents so easily (Jeremy Northam in Mimic) and American actors can't grasp the British accent. Did anyone see William Hurt in "Jane Eyre"? (gag, gag).BTW don't they call accents "dialects" in UK? On a different vein:(Drum Roll) We have just heard that 'Bedrooms and Hallways" Jennifer's new film won The New British Cinema Award from The Guardian and Channel Four at the London Film Festival tonight:-)

So much for my Virginian story. (I suppose I was influenced by James Stewart. Not a bad voice to have, if one was to choose.) The Van Doren accent is what an American friend of mine here in New York calls "Locust Valley lock-jaw". (Talk through gritted teeth and it begins magically to appear!) It's more an upper-class American than RP, I would say. Wander into the Knickerbocker club and you will be surrounded by it. How say you, Winter? p.s. I have failed not only to chat up La Sorceresse Ehle, who is even now slinking away with the wretched show-off who managed to pick her up, but I have not yet adjudicated the Firth chat-up competition. I will do so v. shortly. p.p.s. Learning the JE is also a Southern Belle only adds to her charm. I can see her in the garden of some colonial mansion. She is lying in a hammock, her bare shoulders caressed by the Spanish moss. She sighs whistfully. Suddenly, she starts....in the distance, is that the approaching sound of horses' hooves? Excitedly, and picking up her beautiful silk (low cut) dress, she walks towards the stables. "Whoooa, Xanthus!" I say, pulling back the stallion. "Steady!". My shirt dripping with sweat, I dismount,and....etc.,etc.

hi Evelyn. Didn't notice your message. I think British actors may be better at American accents than the converse because they're more exposed to it. We get so much American telly when young, and so many American films, that it's easier for us. What's "Bedrooms and Hallways", by the way?

(Ben) What's "Bedrooms and Hallways", by the way? It's Ms. Ehle's new film .A small indie directed by Rose Troche, an American, (from NYC!). Was screened at Cannes, and at Edinburgh Film Festival. She co-stars with Kevin McKidd. Her website features the plot under Articles segment.Did you manage to catch "Wilde"?Like it? Liked your fan fiction of "Lizzie on the Plantation"....must have that wet shirt too!! One of the reasons British actors aren't popular in the US is because people have a problem understanding them.Our real exposure to the British accent is through Masterpiece Theatre on PBS and now on A&E.Of course, now that they are doing crossovers with American accents......I am eager to hear how CF fans in UK like his accent in A Thousand Acres. I felt his sonorous voice went flat in the process; much prefer Mr. Darcy . (Sigh)

Evelyn: Why do British actors capture American accents so easily (Jeremy Northam in Mimic) and American actors can't grasp the British accent. As much as I love Jeremy, I have to say the accent made me cringe. His 'R's were a bit more stressed than necessary. But Ben's right. The UK sees a lot more US telly than vice-versa. Maybe the new BBC America channel can change things! Ben: The Van Doren accent is what an American friend of mine here in New York calls "Locust Valley lock-jaw". Is that anything close to the Mr. Howell character's accent on 'Gilligan's Island'? (Familiar with the show?) How say you, Winter? winter is fine. has determined that new man in life is Mr. Thesis. To be proceeded by Mr. lit review, and Sir Oral Exam. ;-) Ben!! ROTFLOL!!! I see we have a closet romance novelist in our midst! Shall we open up a fanfic board for the continuing saga of "Ben Broadbent: Master horseman, scholar, ladies' man"? Evelyn: Our real exposure to the British accent is through Masterpiece Theatre on PBS and now on A&E. Yeah-- and that's why most Americans associate the British accent with high culture, and thus, we never get the daily, mundane exposure to that accent as the Brits do with ours. The only ones who can imitate that accent are usually either a)naturally skilled at doing accents and/or b)exposed to British media in households that watched Masterpiece or A&E.

Sorry

AGH!! Can someone please help unitalicize?!! Thanks much.

"Un" I say!! BTW, Mr. Powell on Gilligan's Island! Perfect example of lockjaw!

Also, Boston's too general. Depends on what part of Boston you're talking about. (A Southie's accent would not be very posh.) Regarding Colin's midwestern accent in ATA (sorry) but it was just OK. I've found that Branagh is excellent with his accents. He was perfection in Dead Again and I've seen clips of his newest (Celebrity) and his Woody Allen is incredible (not just the voice but the mannerisms and the way he moves, stands, etc.)

Actually, South Boston is given a bad rap, but Revere or the North shore accents are much worse. I don't think my Boston accent (Although I don't think I have an accent!), is terrible. But I can go right into that Good Will Hunting fiasco of an accent when need be! I think I sound quite posh;) Coming from posh section of Boston and all!

it begins magically to appear! Ben, you brilliant thing! I thought there was no one left in the whole English speaking world who wouldn't split their infinitives. Thanks, pal. Most refreshing. Winter: To be proceeded by Mr. lit review However, according to my linguistic information (which may be inadequate), verb "proceed" appears to be intransitive: as a non-native speaker I am thus at a loss to grasp your meaning. If it is an idiom, please explain! I'm always keen to expand my horizons. Thanks!

Arami, you're almost as much as a grammar Nazi as I am. ;-) Winter presumably meant either "prEceeded by" or "followed by". (I'm sure you can look after yourself, Winter, but you're not around so I felt bound to defend you.) BTW, to return to another topic, I hadn't noticed that there was an English actor in Mimic, so his accent can't have been too bad. (Or my ear is.) Anyway, I checked out the movie's website, and low and behold this bloke HAS played an Englishman before, in "The Net", where he was.........A BADDIE! You see! It's a law of nature. All Englishmen in Hollywood films are baddies and almost all baddies are Englishmen. It's because of this that I have decided NOT to have a stellar Hollywood career - I feel I would be typecast, you see. (:-)). Any news on the SiL premiere here? I need to know if I'm to fulfill my assignment.

Arami, you're almost as much as a grammar Nazi as I am. ;-) Oooooooooooooh, I just love a man who can pay a grand complement to a lady! ;-) (Altogether now: Wot? Arami, you - a l..... ? ;-P) You didn't use to be a teacher by any chance, Ben, did you? Or still are? Or something equally as venerable?

Oooops! It should be: all together... Yes, I know: it can happen to the best of us...

Hmmm... Ben, I guess the credentials as Professor of Economics is completely lost on Arami;p And at Columbia U, yet! split infinitives are horrible, but sometimes one must do it:)

To complement Ben's story, or is that "compliment"? ;-)... Alighting from his faithful Xanthes, steam rising from his overheated flanks, the stranger approached the breathless lady. As hard as she tried to hide her trembling as the white shirt loomed closer and closer, her quivering only intensified as his manly gaze dropped lower and lower to her heaving.... Oops, better save this for fan fic. All this talk about dialects and accents, I only know I love the sonorous timbre of his voice. American, British, makes no difference. A striking example for me - "Tis no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am sure." Quick, quick - what scene?

(Ben) I checked out the movie's website, and low and behold this bloke HAS played an Englishman before, in "The Net", where he was.........A BADDIE! That" bloke"( Jeremy Northam)was also Mr. Knightly(sigh) in" Emma"A good guy.

Thanks for defending, Ben. It was just a slip of the wrist and the fact that in my particular US regional English, 'proceed' and 'preceed' or homonyms (i.e, 'Marry' and 'Mary' or homonyms too)-- but now I know why I don't use my degree... Jeremy Northam was alright. Still a bit much on the R's.. I'm standing by that. But one of the best contemporary Brits I've seen do a perfect American accent was Olivia D'Abo (Karen on the TV show 'Wonder Years'). Anyone know how I can find out the SiL premeire date/site in LA? I'd be willing to take pictures and send to 'em someone with a scanner. I'm sure he'd at least show up here, since it would be close to Christmas and he'd most likely want to see his son.

Ok, ok, I've been waiting for the obvious line, but no one has claimed it. "Playmaker is my favorite film in the world! I give copies of it as gifts."

"It's the perfect gift--no one has ever seen it!"

"Playmaker is my favorite film in the world! I give copies of it as gifts." "It's the perfect gift--no one has ever seen it!" Give this woman a cigar!! (people here are wondering what I'm laughing about)

Hey, perhaps Heide and Ben could collaborate on a story for fan fic. One can't leave a heaving.... just sitting there!

Has anyone noticed that in this group when someone starts a thread of thought the posts get better 'n better as we go along. The first chat -up lines were luke-warm (mine included), then we got to Moon and Winter's (notice Grammarians that I am only using the last proper noun as possessive:-). Now, Cheryle with Playmaker, LOL. (Cheryle, I think you better stick to talking about France and burgundy wines.) Safer.

A slip of the wrist, yes, mine too. Two slip-ups in one post, oh, my, oh, my! The only excuse I have is that I'm working all hours on something important, eyes glued to my pc, and am exceptionally tired. Am taking brief breaks looking up you lot here for fun and relaxation, so don't tease me for I have no strength to retaliate. Not nice to kick a foreigner when she's flat on her face, besides it's probably against the government rules of discrimination :-P notice Grammarians that I am only using the last proper noun as possessive:-). Ah, but is it Moon and Winter's line (one line shared by the two)? Or Moon's and Winter's lines (each has a line)? Or Moon and Winter's lines (both share more than one line?) Seriously, I'd welcome a clarification from native speakers, please! Thanks muchly in advance. Btw, sorry if I missed Professor Ben's credentials somehow... split infinitives are horrible, but sometimes one must do it:) There is no compulsion as far as I'm aware. (And now despise me if you dare!:)) Quick, quick - what scene? What a question - Netherfield ball - The Dance, of course. I'm not that unconscious... ;-P

(evelyn) then we got to Moon and Winter's (notice Grammarians that I am only using the last proper noun as possessive:-). "Moon and Winter's (lines, understood...[spoken English only]) I should hope each one has her own line :-). On these boards, I (and others, I notice) post the way I speak...which is different from standard written English.( Sentences are not always complete...sometimes just a phrase will do.)And with some of us the manner we express ourselves can be regional. Confusing, I know...but there it is. God forbid, I should write a business letter or essay in the manner I post. I would be considerate illiterate

A slip of the wrist, yes, mine too. Two slip-ups in one post, oh, my, oh, my! The only excuse I have is that I'm working all hours on something important, eyes glued to my pc, and am exceptionally tired. Am taking brief breaks looking up you lot here for fun and relaxation, so don't tease me for I have no strength to retaliate. Not nice to kick a foreigner when she's flat on her face, besides it's probably against the government rules of discrimination :-P notice Grammarians that I am only using the last proper noun as possessive:-). Ah, but is it Moon and Winter's line (one line shared by the two)? Or Moon's and Winter's lines (each has a line)? Or Moon and Winter's lines (both share more than one line?) Seriously, I'd welcome a clarification from native speakers, please! Thanks muchly in advance. Btw, sorry if I missed Professor Ben's credentials somehow... split infinitives are horrible, but sometimes one must do it:) There is no compulsion as far as I'm aware. (And now despise me if you dare!:)) Quick, quick - what scene? What a question - Netherfield ball - The Dance, of course. I'm not that unconscious... ;-P

Bloody hell. An experience I'd rather not go through again. My aging mother, who, madly, is doing another degree, this one in psychology, has to write an essay about the effectiveness (or otherwise) of "pop" self-help books. They (my parents) are coming to New York in the New Year, and since the books are cheaper here, I said I'd get them for her. So I've just been to Barnes and Noble and given the girl behind the desk a massive pile of books with earnest, imploring titles like "Women who love to much..", "Facing love addiction...", "Nasty people". I don't mean to criticise these books and I should probably read some of them myself. It was just a bit much having to put up with the smile on the face of the saleswoman, especially when she turned over "How to satisfy a woman every time and have her beg for more." "It's for a friend," I said, rather weakly. "Right." The smile didn't go away. A quite different subject: I'm an occasional collector of mixed metaphors, and someone on the RoP site has recently coined a beautiful example - she said that she ought not to be "branded with the same brush" as someone else. This must rank with my top two, (i) "I wouldn't trust him with a bargepole", (a friend), and (ii) "sailing a bit close to the bone" (heard on the radio). Any others? Best chat-up line to be announced v.v. shortly - promise. Tried hard to follow up "Plantation Romance" with JE ('ripping the thin silk of her nightgown...', or 'feeling his hot breath on her shoulder..' were a couple of openings that occurred to me). But not really cut out for it. Everythings much more vivd in my mind's eye than on the page, somehow. :-).

Hey, it's All Mushy at work again!

Can I start campaigning for mine?????

TV ALERT Just posted on the P&P Board. Tonight at 10:pm PBS Channel 36 (don't know where) will air MOTM Monday Nov.23 at Midnight PST Channel 24 (SHOW) will air AZ If these channels sound familiar...go to it...crank up the VCR. We hope to discuss both films in the near future on #98.

That's in Providence, it started last week! I do get it because I live about 8 miles from Providence!

Ben, LOL! I'd say that the effectiveness of those mass produced self-help books and other suchlike items of similar appeal is best felt in the bank balances of their authors and sellers...

(Ben) I'm an occasional collector of mixed metaphors, One of my faves used in rural Oklahoma which I have never heard before is: (Pulling the wool over my eyes) "I just didn't fall off the turnip truck"

Self help books are the Devil's own work. I confess to reading them in my early 20s, so I speak from experience. I'm sure no one else here can. Generally I read them in the bookstore because a)you can skim, b)I'm a speedy reader and c)once is enough. I'm quite interested in your mother's findings. I've thought a great deal about them and their effect on American culture through their audience: historically white middle-class women, now including women of color. Thousands of ways to articulate dissatisfaction and to hold someone else responsible are displayed like a cheap buffet. It's fascinating how unhappiness and desperation have been expressed since the 16th century (ok, it's tangential to my current novel, is how I know.) The other tack is to convince readers th y're responsible for things they can't do anything about. Either way, they're vampiric. (Here I hop off my soapbox, pick it up, and sally forth, a little encumbered by the soapbox.)

(Pulling the wool over my eyes) "I just didn't fall off the turnip truck" Sorry, I must be more tired (or dim) than I realized - I'm not quite sure I get it. But if we're expanding into wit and wisdom of the nations of the world, here's one from my youth in yet another country: "I didn't fall from under a magpie's tail." How's that? ;-)

Oh, shhhhhh.........t, look at that date again. I told you something's afoot!

Feb 7 2036? What is this? The Millenium Bug? Dr Who? Just to warn you lot - this morning (Feb 7 2036), whizzing down the Kings' Road in my fusion-powered motor, I noticed a bent figure making his way slowly towards Sloane Square. Barely able to place one foot in front of the other, he shuffled along only with the help of a Zimmer frame, which he gripped with gnarled, arthritic hands. Whisps of white hair lay untidily across his scabeous old head. Eventually, he drew level with the "Bill Gates Cinema of The People". Straining, he looked up and noticed the ti les: "Festival of Late Elizabethan Cinema. This week: 'Price and Prejudice'." He caught the eye of the doorman. "Them were the days, eh Mr Firth?", said the doorman, "them were the days."

Doncha just love our getting a jump on the twenty-first century? OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH, I finally saw the Shakespeare in Love trailer in the theater last night (before Elizabeth--a double dose of Joe Fiennes and Geoffrey Rush). Was carefully studying costumes in both and the general *build* of the respective actors. Regarding the Girth of Firth, he's wearing ever so much more than most of the others in both films, but he does have a rather filled out jowly face in this one. As Moon said, Colin's name is mentioned third, right behind JF and before the long list of Academy Award winners/nominees. It even gives the implication that Affleck's was for acting by sandwiching him in between Rush and Dench. There's a little scene (not shown on ET) where Colin asks if "she is Fertile?" and then the other guy comments that she (Viola-GP) can be returned if she isn't. "More, more, I'm still not satisfied."

Aha - females as chattels sort of thing. Ben, your vision of the old Firth shuffling along King's Road is too painful... surely he'll be able to afford a motorized Zimmer frame? But most likely he'll be warming his old bones in sunny Italy surrounded by scores of his children, grandchildren, and their own bambinos.

(Karen) Regarding the Girth of Firth, he's wearing ever so much more than most of the others in both films, but he does have a rather filled out jowly face in this one. I suppose we'd rather have the Girth of Firth than the Dearth of Firth. Still, I insist it's that round ruffly collar that makes his face filled out. Not that there's anything wrong with a little extra flesh. ;-) Thanks for the heads up on Elizabeth. Guess this will be one film I shan't wait for the video.

Grammar Infinitives To boldly split....at our last editorial meeting we were told that it is now acceptable, though not preferable, to split infinitives. Mixed metaphors There's a lot of moving of goal posts on level playing fields going on at the moment! And I always remember asking a colleague (from Greece) how he was (after a bout of 'flu) and he replied "as fit as a button!" Although,it's not as silly as it sounds. I mean, are fiddles fit, or fleas? Are buttons bright? Final example .... many years ago I worked in Nigeria and saw a lovely sign outside the local barber shop.. "London-trained head cutter." Ouch! I will check out the SIL premiere (Ben) An opportunity for a real-life chat up line! As a fellow Englishman in New York, you can presume on your previous acquaintance..."I say, didn't we meet at....in....", ask him out for a drink, and then, as (according to wot the tabloids say) he and JE are still "good friends", you can bring up the subject of Miss Ehle. Easy peasy! Rather filled out jowly (Karen) Maybe he takes character acting seriously! :-) Puts on weight when he's the loser, so as not to outshine the romantic lead (and JF, like Big Bro, is slight in build) and loses it when he gets the gal!! (He looked pretty skinny in the still shots I saw from ATA).But, with some regret, I don't think Wessex is going to be a nice guy!! Self help books.... (Ben) Good for your mum, Ben, and an extra brownie point for being a Good Son. Your mum should check out Bridget Jones' Diary in the Telegraph ....BJ is hooked on self-help books...would be an excellent case study! Brief mention of BJD on a radio programme about books becoming movies. But, unlike the Alex Garland book, and "Cold Mountain" which Anthony Minghella is directing, no details of cast or director were given. BJD is to start shooting "soon".

Girth of Firth Elizabethan fashion (nobility) can be rather unflattering. Padded shoulders, waistcoats, heavy capes, bloomers, tights, and ruffly collars which obscure the neck and jawline, plus goatee beards! No open necked white frilly shirts and britches, unfortunately!

Girth of Firth (Bethan) No open necked white frilly shirts and britches, unfortunately! Well then somebody really blew it doing their costume research for Elizabeth because that's Joe Fiennes principal wardrobe!! However, when he is more formally attired, it is very unflattering. The key thing is the face. JF's face is rather long and lean and Colin's is rather round, so that will give the impression that he is round all over. I do agree he is probably a de Niro-ish actor who puts on the pounds and sheds them for each role. Christopher Eccleston looks Positively Portly as Norwich. FYI, the audience seemed to enjoy the SiL trailer (laughed at all the right things). It's going to be interesting which movie (E or SiL wins for best costume design--a real tossup.)

Bethan and Heide asked me to post my impressions of Lacock. Lacock , situated in Wiltshire nr. Chippenham was the town of Meryton, Hertfordshire in P&P. I was there about a month ago on a crisp autumn day...leaves turning..similar to the day of the second proposal. Lacock , and CastleCombe (5 miles away) vie for the most picturesque village in England. Having been to both, I vote for Lacock with its cottages that date from the 13th C..The whole town is a conservation area owned by the Nat�l Trust.. P&P only used High Street which is a wide street and runs down the center of the village. (Moll Flanders was also filmed there, but on East Street.)Lacock bustles with life...not �touristy� like Williamsburg.The shops are working commercial establishments...a green grocer, a bakery, a butcher. Several stores have bowed windows. I went into the general store which must have been the millinery shop for the Bennett girls. The Red Lion Inn whose outside was used for the Assembly Ball is on High Street. A short walk out of town is Lacock Abbey (f. 1232). I assume the town originally was the home of the workers at the Abbey. Today, the Abbey has been converted into a private house despite its surviving monastic buildings. It is opened for tourists. I was amused to see tricycles and toys around . Fascinating place. And oh yes, coming out of town there is a bridge over a brook which was probably the one Mr. Collins and the girls walked over. Longborn is in Luckington which is north of Lacock. It is not opened for tourists. However, my hosts told me the owner opens the garden once a year for a charity event and since P&P, she gets overflow crowds. It would be fun to see the garden where Mr. Bennett read the letter from Mrs. Gardiner . I have an article from �Homes & Antiques� UK Autumn �95 that goes into more detail about Lacock. I�ll be glad to send anyone a copy (lurkers included) Email me at eboake@tanet.net. You definitely get the feeling that you are stepping back in time when you visit Lacock. I recommend it. I'll do Chawton/ Winchester later. Only if Heide and Ben chime in.

There's a little scene (not shown on ET) where Colin asks if "she is Fertile?" and then the other guy comments that she (Viola-GP) can be returned if she isn't. Karen, my preview did not include this clip!!! What's going on? Miramax getting reactions to different clips? Last month, the people who put together the Oxford Dictionary, have broken down and made public in a statement that it is now acceptable to SPLIT INFINITIVES! Ahh! I'm quite put out! Ben, dear, you always make me LOL!

The key thing is the face. JF's face is rather long and lean and Colin's is rather round, so that will give the impression that he is round all over. I do agree he is probably a de Niro-ish actor who puts on the pounds and sheds them for each role. Christopher Eccleston looks Positively Portly as Norwich. (Karen) I'm nit-picking here, but it's all a matter of contrast. JF does have a very long, lean face, and a rather thin head. I saw him in a clip of a movie with Rufus Sewell, and RS's face, quite literally, looks twice the size of JF's. The effect is to make RS seem "fat", which he isn't. BTW,Christopher Eccleston is a dedicated runner who competes in the London Marathon, so if he looks portly it must be the costumes! As to open-necked shirts, well, JF is the romantic hero, and CF ain't. Unfortunately! But Englishmen do make good baddies!

I re-watched much of P&P last night, Evelyn, and I always look closely at the shops in Meryton. I believe some of them are actually private homes. With the windows right up against the sidewalk, can you tell which homes are private? I can make out the mailbox that was converted into the town's water pump. I assume it's back to being the mailbox. The article you have says that Lacock is in 4 scenes and was surprised that count is correct. By the way, you said it was a crisp autumn day. From the picture you sent, I'd say it was quite blustery too. One wonders how SIL will deal with the adultery angle. Shakespeare was certainly married in 1593 (which Miramax says is the year). Will Anne be mentioned at all or are we to assume she's a shrewish harridan who's driven her husband into the arms of other women. (Trying to make Wessex a little more sympathetic.)

(Heide) ....Meryton. I believe some of them are actually private homes. With can you tell which homes are private? I can make out the mailbox that was converted into the town's water pump. The article said that the National Trust owns all except four houses and the school. I could not tell which houses were privately owned...they all looked the same.BTW in the lousy picture with me in front of the general store...do you see the mailbox is back on the right. It was windy but not cold. Hey, it was the only sunny day that week, you don't think I was going to complain about a little wind, do you!!

Thank you Evelyn for your writeup on Lacock. Very interesting and the article you mentioned (which you've sent me) was as well. Moon, the trailer you saw didn't have that scene. How odd. Although it is likely that more than one was made. Colin is talking to another man. Bethan, regarding girth and portliness. It must be a requirement for baddies as Eccleston/Norwich does have his moments. More than split infinitives, I absolutely hate ending a sentence with a preposition. That's the worse thing I can think of. ;-)

Hi Ben.... On #113 Keepsakes and other Amusements...we can now claim some of Lizzie's items. I claimed the long white gloves that she used at the Netherfield Ball...But if you want them (you can't have the low-cut night gown she wears at the end), I'll spring for the rust-color gloves that matches her bonnet which she wore at Pemberley when Mr. Darcy helps her into the carriage. LOL at your scenario of 2036. But for us, Mr. Darcy is ageless.

During my stay in London, I took a day�s tour to Winchester & Chawton with Backroads Tours (recommended by Heide who went in August). Winchester is about 1 1/4 hrs from London. It is an ancient cathedral city , capital of England from the early 9 C. The River Itchen which flows through the city has the clearest water I have ever seen. (Due to the chalk in the soil which acts as a filter, we were told). The cathedral with its long nave (one of the longest in Europe) is v. impressive . Near the 12 C. font (north aisle) is the simple tomb of Jane Austen with no mention of her literary achievements. There is a window and brass dedicated to her memory in 1900.Winchester has a charming High Street, a pedestrian street and a 15 C.Butter Cross, around which markets were held .Unlike Bath, it is not overrun with tourists. A castle, b. in 1222 by Wm I, was destroyed during the Civil war. But the Castle Great Hall survived...a spendid medieval hall replete with a huge Round table mentioned in 14 C. records. It is painted with a Tudor Rose in the center, King Arthur and a list of his knights on the edge. Colin must have gone to school in Winchester, since this is his hometown, but I don�t know where. Winchester College was founded in 1382 by Bishop Wm. of Wykeham ( the pupils are still known as �Wykehamists� . Ben, our resident �Wykehamist �, can add to this. As can Heide . On to Chawton.....later.

(Ben) I'm an occasional collector of mixed metaphors Thanks for sharing these Ben. They were very amusing indeed. I like malapropisms myself. There was quite a charming one in a recent fan fiction. Since I have no intention to be unkind I will not quote exactly, but the gist of it was something like this. "He could tell by her continence that she was still angry." Hmm, the mental picture of that one made me grin :-) winter, I read your note at Ramble and am thinking good thoughts for you. I just got back yesterday from a longish stint in Manila, Singapore, Tokyo so am behind in my email. Will try and respond to yours (about "Elizabeth") in a day or two. I have missed you all!

(Bethan)BTW,Christopher Eccleston is a dedicated runner who competes in the London Marathon, so if he looks portly it must be the costumes! Really? Interesting... For a while there I thought he was either seriously ill or doing smack. But now that makes sense. Runners have incredibly high metabolisms (marathoners), and it's difficult to tell whether they're ill or in good shape. As to open-necked shirts, well, JF is the romantic hero, and CF ain't. My impression of JF is still undecided. I saw Elizabeth last night and I was unimpressed (one of the few out there, I think). BTW, how can we discern the two JF's in further discussion (Joseph Fiennes and Jonathan Firth)? JANA!!!! You're back! How was the stint? I bet Manila was flooded (as always). We have to catch up on find out when SiL is premiering in town!

One wonders how SIL will deal with the adultery angle. Shakespeare was certainly married in 1593 (which Miramax says is the year). Will Anne be mentioned at all or are we to assume she's a shrewish harridan who's driven her husband into the arms of other women. (Trying to make Wessex a little more sympathetic.) (Heide) You have a valid point, Heide. On moral grounds, we actually should feel a lot of sympathy for Wessex. Okay, he's marrying for money, but that was standard practice for the nobility. A belted earl would expect a handsome marriage settlement and the prospect of male heirs. And Wessex must find Viola attractive. And then what does she do? She makes him a laughing stock at court by having an affair with a man who turns out to be married, and so Wessex tries to end the affair (what's wrong with that?). But he still marries her. Is he really a baddie? He certainly has every good reason to be scowling...more sinned against, than sinner, I would think! BUT, this is all about romantic lurve, and it's a comedy, so,.... Happy Thanksgiving!

Winter: Today's London Theatre Newsletter announced that Jeremy Northam will appear on stage in the Westend in "Some Good Men" this winter. Rufus Sewell will star in "MacBeth" in March. Where the hell is Colin??

Where the hell is Colin?? I feel a quiz coming up, any guesses?

(Bethan) I was reading a tongue- in- cheek article about "celebrities" and gaining an "image" which sells. CF's got it all wrong! Gets married (wrong), very privately (very wrong)to a non-celebrity girlfriend (wrong again) and although now has beautiful clever photogenic wife ( almost right) then completely disappears with aforesaid wife and is never seen in public (wrong) and seems very happily married (wrong, wrong). It also helps to have a dysfunctional background, the odd public row with partner/spat with the aw, and an ex-drink/drugs problem! I tell you, he hasn't got a clue! Add to that....goes to live in a foreign country.Aaaaaagggg. Career hari-kari, for sure.

(winter) I saw Elizabeth last night and I was unimpressed (one of the few out there, I think). I'm with you. All the acting (except Queen Mary) was top notch and CB will most certainly be nominated, but it did not have a *best picture* feel to it. A few of the technical things bugged me throughout the film (shooting from above and going and in and out of focus a number of times). ****SPOILER****DO NOT READ**** Re the ending: The director is no Francis Ford Coppola. ALERT!! Gwyneth Paltrow is scheduled to be on David Letterman this week (Wednesday???) and Judi Dench is supposed to be on Conan O'Brien on Friday night.

Colin is in NYC today doing press! He leaves tomorrow for the UK!!! It does not look like he will be at the SIL premiere. More later...

Ladies, please write down the questions you would like to ask Colin, ASAP! I believe we might get an answer.

Just spoke to Moon and we'll probably have to get the questions to the rep tonight to have any chance Colin might answer them by tomorrow before he leaves. Agh!!! The obvious, of course: What's your next project? Will the project "Marked Man" go forward? Do you know if we'll ever get to see "Secret Laughter of Women"? Have you done any "Shakespeare in Love" promotional interviews, either TV or print? How do you like being described as a "cuckold" in two of your recent films? (should we ask such a thing?) Rewording of questions? What else? I hate asking him for release dates since that's something the studio would answer. I have to go back to work tonight for a late-night meeting. I could fax any questions from work to his rep that are posted here tonight. Don't tell.

Does he have a favorite role from his films? Has he been considering playing Mark Darcy? What's his favorite Italian city? Is he open to doing more period drama? Does he have a role he would love to play? Does he plan to develop his own projects in the future?

And also the little questions: Fav. color, car, season. And invite him to check out the site WWWCF.com. How old was he when he started horseback riding? Does he enjoy it? Does he enjoy dancing? Will he ever want to do a musical? (agh!)

Fav. books All time fav. film Fav. rock band

-Favorite curse word? -When will he be in L.A. next? Is it to promote SiL? -Funniest on-stage blunder? -One thing from his own childhood that he'd like his children to experience? One thing that he would not want them to experience? -Favorite article of clothing? Oh, I hope these questions get to him....

And one more: Is he learning Italian?

Is he going to do any theatre in the near future? Is he going to play Mark Darcy? What is his next project...when does he start? Any more projects lined up/ When will we see SLOW? Has Will got a baby brother/sister yet? (Too cheeky, really!)

More...Does he know that the BBC are making a movie "Mary Queen of Scots" and would he be interested in playing Bothwell? Any plans for more TV work? Would he like to play a major classical dramatic role....Shakespeare, Ibsen? Has he ever given a poetry reading? Fave poet/author? Does he still live in London? Would he like to write a screenplay? Or direct? Does he have a middle name?!!!!!!!!

Would he like to play a major classical dramatic role....Shakespeare, Ibsen? He did say Hamlet in one of the interviews not so long ago. Has he ever given a poetry reading? He recited verse rather beautifully in a BBC radio play "The one Before The Last" in which he played Rupert Brooke.

Okay ladies, I am faxing the above. Wish us all luck!!

Hoorah for you Moon! We're proud of you. All the questions (except the personal life stuff) sound terrific. Remember we're only supposed to be interested in his professional projects. (Oh yeah???) I have just spoken to Karen and she adds: How much weight did you have to put on for SIL. Of the recent movies, what role would you have liked to play. What Blues Club did you go to in Chicago. Just talked to Nan and she doesn't have any questions to add. They all sound good. (But I would select the popular ones...let's not send the man into exile again.) Thanks Moon. Don't forget to tell him we celebrated his birthday on line. It was a good party too.

(Evelyn):Winter: Today's London Theatre Newsletter announced that Jeremy Northam will appear on stage in the Westend in "Some Good Men" this winter. Wish I were there. how long's the winter season for theatre, anyway? Maybe I can get a weekend ticket to London. ;-) Good job with the questions, everyone! Let's hope we get an answer soon!

FYI: CF@Four Seasons Hotel in NY until 5p.m. EST. I have spies too!

Can you get a video interview with CF that we could run on our Spring main page?

Excellent work, Moon and Heide!! I think I need to get a cordless telephone headset for home. All the questions were wonderful. (Laura) CF@Four Seasons Hotel in NY until 5p.m. EST. I have spies too! If I get on a plane now, I could make it.... Just kidding...wouldn't do that to DB. However, I wonder if the seat next to him on the plane is taken. Could you get your spies working on that one, Laura.

And three way calling, Karen so I don't get stuck holding for all those calls that come through when I'm paying for the call:) Ah, yes the seat beside him is taken by a woman who goes by the name of Livia Firth;)

Ladies, I have v. good news! The rep. received the fax with all the questions and told me that we should have them answered in about two weeks time!!! Hooray! I will ring him again with a reminder in the future. Now we can all have a wonderful Thanksgiving (big grin). Terry, I think we should take it one step at a time. After all the DB has agreed to answer our questions--THAT IS A BIG STEP! I'm sure once Colin gets to know us well...he might agree to one.

I'm sure once Colin gets to know us well...he might agree to one. We are harmless little kittens with purrfect manners!

One more thing, I would like to thank Evelyn who posed the question: Where the hell is Colin? I took it v. seriously! Thanks also to Heide who had the good fortune of working late last night.

moon et alt.: you are brilliant! :-))

Moon....ole dear...you are brilliant (as well as a great party-giver). I am glad my harmless question precipitated you to ACT!! Frustrating to read about all his contemporaries' projects! You have enhanced the reputation of Drool. Hopefully, others will join us. And thanks to our leaders...Heide and Karen...who have taken their responsibility seriouly but with good humor...it all adds up to great fun. Laura...you sly fox. We discussed last night that Miramax always puts their stars up at The Four Seasons.....Then YOU went into action! Winter, I shall get dates for you on Jeremy Northam's play . And the Theatre. Check TWA , Continental and Northwest Airlines for weekend rates. Cheap in winter.Call the theatre direct for tickets...they charge your card and you pick -up at box office. That's what I did for Judi Dench play.You don't have to pay commission that way. (Didn't like JD play...sorry)

I hear tell you can't post in this topic. Rumors. Rumors!

Decided to move it: Topic 112 of 113 [drool]: Colin Firth - Darcy Drool (cont. from 68) Response 34 of 34: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Nov 25, 1998 (16:07) * 10 lines Since this one appears to be working thought I'd post here (better here than no where). Was wondering why Colin left town so quickly. Only reasons I came up with were: 1) Stores were already too crowded to do Christmas shopping. 2) Checked the TV Guide and noticed that for the next week everything is either a rerun or football (not his kind). 3) Wanted to avoid one of the busiest days at the airports. 4) Transit pass expired. 5) Nothing good left in minibar. I'm sure you all can do better!!

Sorry, I'm being rather slow on the uptake here, although I did post some questions, not really understanding why! But has CF been in NY/USA (promoting SIL)? How did you know, and was it a brief stay? Moon, do you have a contact at the Miramax office (hence the questions)? Heide, has Colin agreed to actually answer the questions? Within a fortnight? Sorry to sound so dim, but I'm just so accustomed at the moment to never expecting any news of CF, that I've got a brickwall mentality! FP is being shown on terrestial TV. Saw a re-cycled "interview" with CF in one of the TV mags (Didn't buy it). Just old stuff. Although he is quoted as saying that he "never loses sight of the fact that it was Darcy everyone fell for , not him"...or something like that!

FP is being shown on terrestial TV. When, Bethan? And where?

FP is being shown on terrestrial TV. When, Bethan? And where?

FP is being shown on terrestial TV. When, Bethan? And where?

First I couldn't post at all and now too many times!

Bethan, Colin has been in the US briefly, the SIL gang was in NY doing press on Monday. I have contacted his rep. and he agreed to pass the questions on to Colin for him to answer. He said it should take about two weeks, let us hope! Since he was to leave, we had to get the questions out to the rep. ASAP, that is why Heide had to fax them, luckily, she was working late and did it all from her office. Heide should receive a fax with the answers. I will contact them again to make sure it is done. Colin is not expected for the SIL premiere here. I do not know how long he'd been in the States for and I did not ask.

Moon, Heide - Who is Colin's rep? Where? How did you locate him/her?

We're a small group (at least those of us who post) so it's continually amazing to me how much stuff we can find out. Mostly it's from those of you with contacts like Moon and Bethan but the perserverance of this group is amazing. I have to admit I'm not going to set myself up for a fall so I won't be surprised and just a little disappointed if we don't get our answers. But Moon's optimism is contagious. This is really a strong lead. By the way, I did send in all the questions but explained that we didn't have a lot of time for forethought. We also understood if he didn't answer the personal questions. Just trying not to sound like a looney - not everyone get's our collective sense of humor.

Arami, these are Moon's contacts. I'm just the conduit.

Just to let you know that CF left NYC on British Airways at 7pm EST First class arriving in London at 6.30a.m. GMT. He stayed at the Midtown (?) Four Seasons. Apparently this source's information was very good:) Miramax puts all the stars at FS. I had NO clue that NYC has TWO Four Seasons, but then again I didn't know that Chicago did too;) Karen will understand that one! People who actually went to the Four Season looking for him, didn't know how to go about and ask. And I'm not about to tell how it was done to get the information. Earlier this morning I had this wonderful witty response, but because I couldn't post to this blasted topic, it has since died away:( Oh, well maybe eventually, he will come to Boston. We are just as uptight as your normal Londoner! hee hee. PS: luckily my friend who got the info knew of their being two Four Seasons:)

I had NO clue that NYC has TWO Four Seasons, but then again I didn't know that Chicago did too;) Karen will understand that one! } Hee hee hee. Not just Karen :-)

I would have loved to just catch a glimpse of this man. He is such a wonderful actor. Wonder why he was travelling alone???

Allison, FP is being shown on Channel 4 this Sunday evening. Colin is not expected for the SIL premiere here. Officially not?

The Pierre is the other Four Seasons Hotel in New York.

I think the mid-town Four Seasons is on 57th St. and IMO they should leave him alone. (Or them, if L. was along). This guy will never come out of hibernation if he's hounded everywhere he goes. You know how much he abhors all the entrapments of fame. BTW saw GP on The Tonight Show with David Letterman. She was v. nervous. They mentioned the film a few times...spoke about how Harvey Weinstein, "the coercer", made her come on the show. (Giggle, giggle).Showed a clip which I have seen several times of a love scene with Joe F.She mostly talked about Ts'giving with her family.Not a great interview. I wonder if A&E will show any clips of SIL during the Sunday Day-Long P&P Marathon.A&E is also owned by Disney. Has everyone entered the SIL Sweepstakes for the free trip for two to England. Includes hotel. Somebody has to win.

I also had news and witty remarks which I forgot now, couldn't post. News: Friends saw SIL at screening. Um, do you really want to know? The good news is, it's supposed to be beautiful. I believe this because the publicity photo are. Witty remarks: Completely gone. Next time: I can email my phone number if an agent is needed in NY. It's amazing the amount you all got done in such a short time! And such intlligence operations!

I also had news Cheryl, that link to the news about SIL did not work- "internal server error" Was it bad news?

In this morning's Daily Mail a story about Miramax pushing Liitle Voice for Oscars. Michael Caine, Best Actor; Jane Horrocks, Best Actress; Brenda Blethyn, Supporting Actress; And possibly Ewan Mcgregor, supporting actor! Also, I notice that a film called "If Only" has just opened in the UK - produced by Handmade Films. So what happened to SLOW I wonder?

Eech! I wouldn't rely on the Daily Mail! I've read a few reviews of Little Voice...Ewan McGregor is barely in it (plays a pigeon fancier) Brenda Blethyn apparently screeches irritatingly throughout. It's set in a northern seaside town in the fifties. Promotion of SIL seems to have started in the UK. Preview of article in the next issue of "Sunday Times" describes SIL as Oscar bound. Front cover pic of JF in white frilly shirt open to the waist, looking suitably moody and passionate.SIL has a galaxy of supporting actors, all "dressed for their parts".....Judi Dench has rotten teeth, Geoffrey Rush is unrecognisable, all padded out, with lank greasy hair. My one (major!)reservation about SIL is that it sounds TEP-ish...high profile, but all the emphasis on the passionate leading couple, with CF again as a cuckold! Could we PLEASE, PLEASE see MLSF and SLOW!! Allison, who stars in "If only"? How come Handmade are allowed to release it?

Allison, who stars in "If only"? How come Handmade are allowed to release it? I saw a trailer of it last week. The only person I recognised was Mark Strong! I assume that Handmade have not actually gone bankrupt. I am not an expert in these matters but if they have gone into voluntary liquidation they can call in the receivers and the receivers then run the company with a view to recouping losses. They would only stop trading immediately if that was the only way to repay creditors. No doubt one of our drooling group will have these facts at their finger tips! Though if that were the case then I would have thought the success of Lock Stock etc would have ore than filled their coffers.

I think "If only" must be a re-titled "Man with rain in his shoes" which was made a few months before SLOW, but was, I think, because of the timing, actually shown at film markets before the receivership. It's interesting (and encouraging) to see that it's got a nationwide release.

Hope this doesn't ruin anyone's weekend...they felt it was ok. Summary: "I didn't know how to take it. It was pseudo-biographical, but then it wasn't. Lots of anachronisms--weren't sure if some were supposed to be funny. But there were so many [anach.], it didn't make sense. You just never knew how to react. Acting fine. Film's intentions seemed to be all over the place. Beautiful, though." This from artsy gay guys but not film buffs. In the past, their opinions on many other plays, concerts, etc. have been in synch with the major reviewers here in NY. I think they were saying there were story problems and directing problems.

Oh, and it wasn't a news link. I just wrote "news" with a colon after it and it got converted to a link. HTML shorthand? A quirk?

Thanks for the news on SIL. I won't be disappointed if this movie is not great and I don't really expect any Oscars out of it, mainly because "Elizabeth" is out there and while they are two different films, I can't see two Elizabethan-era films duking it out at the Oscars. If your friends weren'st sure if the anachronisms were supposed to be funny, I think that's a fair assessment of what others' reactions will be. All I hope for is that Colin blows them away and I would expect the minor acting roles to be flawless as well. (Evelyn) IMO they should leave him alone. Absolutely agree. But don't think I wouldn't be interested in what they mighth find out. ;-) Saw David Letterman too. Yeah, GP was very nervous and giggly. I was getting furious at Dave yelling at him to let her talk but I suppose he was doing her a favor. So even though she didn't mention Colin, she mentioned absolutely no one else either. Hope for better luck with Judi Dench on Conan O'Brian tonight.

I wonder how popular Tom Stoppard is in the States? Have his plays been played on or off Broadway? He has a very particular verbal style. I wonder how that would go down with American audiences. My favourites of his are "Travesties", "Arcadia" and "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead". Magic plays IMHO. But not sure how Americans would react. Were they popular in the States? Did they ever make the stage? Sorry to be so ignorant I'm just wondering whether The US and UK are on the same wavelength on this. On a similar theme, I felt that public reaction in the UK to TEP was more muted. Interestingly I noted at the time that the BAFTA nominations (which mirrored the Oscars re TEP)came out BEFORE TEP had been generally released. Don't ask me how that happened. I just felt that BAFTA were reacting to American adulation. The UK critics were uniformally in praise but a lot of other articles by non film buffs echoed my husband's comments about 15 minutes into TEP "this is a load of c**p". Some others (none of t em CF fanatics)echoed my feeling that the basic plot was unmoving. It was about lust not love. Not very drooly. Perhaps I should have posted this on #98.

Tom Stoppard is fairly popular amongst the Broadway crowd, he does reel them in. Not quite Andrew Lloyd Webber, but what the heck, right?

Cheryl, if your friends saw the screening on Tuesday, could they tell us if any of the cast were around? Suppose that's not common at a screening but we do know a certain someone was in NYC at least during the day.

What happens on the stage in New York has very little impact on the rest of the country so while Tom Stoppard productions may be praised by critics, it's the musicals that Ma and Pa Kettle go to see when they come to the Big City. I'm generalizing, of course but I don't think Stoppard is very well known outside of certain small circles.

(Allison)Re: Tom Stoppard He has a very particular verbal style. I wonder how that would go down with American audiences. My favourites of his are "Travesties", "Arcadia" and "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead". they popular in the States? Did they ever make the stage? Agree with Laura...Tom Stoppard popular with the theatre crowd which is v. small in the US.Movies are far more popular. Probably because they are marketed more and tickets are not as expensive.Saw "Rosencrantz and G." and also "Travesties"at the Kenndey Center years ago. I enjoyed them...but my husband"s reply was similar to yours re: TEP " a load of c***". I don't know how Stoppard's verbal style" will play in Peoria," as we say (mid-America). But Harvey Weinstein is no dummy...he would not let a edantic script slide through. I agree Heide..fun to find out about Colin's doings...prefer interviews or word from someone who has spoken to him at a social function...I have a problem with paparazzi-type of behavior,though.

I did not do the omission.......that was"pedantic script"

One significant point about SIL is that it will attract some attention and be a "cv-type" movie. It seems to me that an incredible number of films open every week in the UK (and probably more in the US) and perhaps only one film a month will really register. It doesn't always mean that it's the best film, but perhaps it has more media attention. In Hollywood terms, CF will probably be associated with TEP and now SIL. BTW Tom Stoppard has just become the first English playwright to have his work performed (in translation) by the Comedie Francaise.

(Bethan) Preview of article in the next issue of "Sunday Times" describes SIL as Oscar bound. Would have to be for things like costume design, etc. One thing to remmeber, it is a comedy and they are *rarely* major Oscar contenders. If they are in the running, then they have to be great comedies. (Heide) I don't really expect any Oscars out of it, mainly because Elizabeth" is out there..." But Elizabeth didn't feel like a *Best Picture of the Year* to me. Of course the voters could forget about "Saving Private Ryan," I mean it was released months ago (i.e., a lifetime to Academy voters), but then again there's Pleasantville--brilliant film!! (Allison) this is a load of c**p" If the missing letters are rap, I think we can post *crap* on the boards...some do everyday (I don't exclude myself) !! ;-) Judi Dench on Conan O'Brien Well at least she mentioned Geoffrey Rush. One positive thing, though, evidently they went for authenticity in some of the makeup. I believe you mentioned before, Bethan, about the rotten teeth. Dench said that only herself and Rush had the crummy teeth. So they didn't touch Colin's. Thank goodness for small favors. Am hoping for a special on E! about the making of SiL or the premiere. These stars are pathetic on the talk shows and am tired after having stayed up to watch it last night.

better close that tag, now

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Checked out the CF Roles site for the first time in ages, and there are two very nice new pics of CF....the poster for MLSF, showing Colin & Mary Mastrantonio (I've got that wrong again!), and a pic of Colin as Wessex. Karen, I don't think he's filled out at all.....I can see cheekbones! But the costume is certainly multi-layered and heavy looking.....how can he fight a duel in that cloak?! I can't see Elizabeth getting a Best Picture nomination, although I'm sure Cate Blachett will be nominated. And aren't there about a hundred more movies opening in the next few weeks!

(Bethan) two very nice new pics of...Colin as Wessex. I don't think he's filled out at all. I can see cheekbones! But the costume is certainly multi-layered and heavy looking Saw the pictures, Bethan, and agree. He looks just fine in those. I did read about all the heavy padding for the men's costumes. Must have been his most heavily padded that showed up in the clip used on ET and the trailer in the theaters. I'm sure Cate Blachett will be nominated. And she deserves it.

Roles I Wish CF would have gotten: ( a hobby of mine) "Les Miserables" He would have played a brilliant Jean Valjean. Liam Neeson ain't it!!Little or no emotion in his face...CF would have excelled in that. Geoffrey Rush as Inspector Javert steals the show.As a whole the film is slooooow.

MEDIA ALERT Sunday TIMES under the Culture Section do not miss the article entitled: November 29 1998 CULTURE Film - Will Shakespeare, star-crossed lover Tom Stoppard's romantic fantasy could dance away with the Oscars, reports Garth Pearce *Glowing * review. A special screening was held for journalists in New York this past week.(Now we know what CF was doing in town)

Here's the link (I think) for that London Times review: Sunday Times Quote from Colin in there somewhere but I don't know what he's talking about.

I think this part bodes well for Colin's performance. It had Geoffrey Rush's friend in stitches or was laughing hard enough to fall off his seat:"But I watched the film with a friend who almost fell off his seat when Wessex grabs Shakespeare and says, 'I am going to spill your blood, but not now. What is your name?' And he says, 'Christopher Marlowe.'"

Hello, all. Goodness, you have been active. If necessity is the mother of invention, then her father is surely desire. Since last time I was here, there have been hundreds of messages, co-ordinating Operation Track Firth with military precision. You should have alerted me: I could have sat inconspicuously in the hotel lobby, hidden behind dark glasses and an FT. I wasn't aware that Stoppard is the author of SIL. Should be a reasonable script, then. Hope you all had a nice break.

If you want to thank A&E for re-showing P&P here is their URL for the Feedback Page. ( I also requested that they show it yearly) http://www.aetv.com/cgi-bin/aetv-user.cgi?a=056

Thanks for the link Heide. It sounds like SIL is quite witty and well written: a dream come true for actors. Colin seemed to have fun too. I loved the Marlowe line. We'll see what happens when it opens in the US, if people actually get it. I find myself laughing at a film and no one else getting the jokes more times than not. I wish we could all see it together, *sigh*! Nice to have you back Ben.

Ummm, yearly??? I could barely sit through it today:( I have no attention span of late!

Thanks, Moon. As the chief planner of OTF, you have my congratulations. I hope it bears fruit. As for a group view of SIL, the most sensible meeting place would have to be a big city, obviously...within easy reach of other cities, whether in Europe or the U.S....somewhere with nice movie theatres, obviously, and good places to eat. It could only be a bonus if The Firth were himself to have visited this city recently, so that to its other attractions one could add the hotel at which He stayed, or the cab in which He sat...... Now let me see...why! Eureka! Blow me down, I live in just such a place! New York City seems to be the only choice. QED. By the way, I watched P&P again. Ms Ehle has lost none of her allure. In fact, she seems to have found some more. I was cooing at the screen. It struck me, incidentally, that if modern woman needed an argument against the extraordinary charge (sometimes voiced by aged English judges) that victims of violent assualt invite attacks by the clothes they wear, she might wonder aloud why regency gels got away with it. Perhaps the blokes were more decent.

Goodness, I agree with Ben. I stepped away for a week and you ladies have been busy. Hope we don't scare the D.B. away. I mean Colin, not you Ben. We know you're made of sterner stuff than that :-). I watched P&P today also and found myself being drawn in again by Mr. Darcy's considerable charms. Too bad I'm a west-coaster because my sighing would have made nice stereo accompaniment to Ben's cooing.

I cancelled most, if not all, of my regular Sunday activities to watch a six-hour miniseries that I have taped twice from television and have in a lovely boxed set. What is the matter with me?? Ben, you are going to have check this site on a more regular basis or give us the number to your pager/cell phone so that you can execute Operation Firth Tracking with the military efficiency such a strategy requires. ;-) Are you working on the *limo* he rode in or the restaurants, bars, he went to (oh those nasty prepositions)?

(Laura) Re: A dose of P&P Yearly Ummm, yearly??? I could barely sit through it today:( Laura, baby, just think...you'll have a whole year for your "tusch" to recover:-)) (Ben) I watched P&P again. Ms Ehle has lost none of her allure. Agree. But did you hear the announcer: (Not the place to post this) "Pride and Prejudice, starring Colin Firth". Period. Not a word about about his co-star who was practically in every scene. Grrrrr. (I think even CF would agree that she deserved a mention) Am I the only one who has not noticed "Murph's Corner" in cf.com. Great new pictures from the SIL press kit and the poster from the Toronto Premiere on Wednesday night. These are heady days indeed.

Having "lurked" so long and derived so much pleasure from your CF discussions and consistent drooling over recent weeks, what better time to join in. Both sides of the Atlantic seem to be reluctantly recovering from our recent "Firth Fest"! P&P2 and FP here last night on C4. Can we keep this going until Jan 29th when SIL is released? I admire all your dedication in tracking CF down last week by the way. Any news on that limo yet Ben?

Lizza, welcome with open arms. You lucky, lucky girl to have seen Fever Pitch on TV. Though you probably saw it in the cinema and have the tape, just like us on the other side of the pond watching P&P, you watched it anyway as if you never saw it before. Any prologue to the film before showing it? Once a year for A&E's showing of P&P sounds very reasonable, Evelyn. I would have asked for twice. Ben, dear, you are lucky we didn't track you down. We would have gotten you on that plane (and first class too!) back to London with a very agreeable seat mate. (Yeah, right.)

Hi Lizza, Welcome to Drool. Always a treat to have a new fan on board. Once a year for A&E's showing of P&P sounds very reasonable, Evelyn. I would have asked for twice. Let's not get greedy.I don't think they showed it in "97...did they?

They showed it THREE times in 97! February, June and October, I remember October because it was the day I came home from Europe and couldn't watch because I was so jet-lagged!

(Evelyn)*Glowing * review. Now that's what I call a review! The director of _Mrs. Brown_(I had no idea.) It sounds like it did so hold together.

To have six whole hours of P&P2!!!! We should be so lucky! We did get a whole page colour advert of CF this weekend to promote FP. No other film has had this, so CF is still high on the publicity ratings-- despite the FP hair style ( o.k. just a very minor bad hair day!!)

(Heide) Ben, dear, you are lucky we didn't track you down. We would have gotten you on that plane (and first class too!) back to London with a very agreeable seat mate. (Yeah, right.) First class seating is in twos. Since I've already reserved the seat next to DB, I'm afraid Ben would have to take the seat across the aisle, in front or behind him or...there's my lap! ;-) ***Warning****(that's for you, Ben...you have a camera, don't you?) SiL premiere is this Thursday in NY. Welcome, Lizza. Glad you joined in and like the others am envious that you got to see FP on television. Am still hoping it will be shown in the theaters here eventually as was mentioned a while back. Did the full-page adverts have any good pictures of Colin?

Welcome! His hair, Lizza, his hair?

TV Alert in Germany: Nick Hornby news. His new book "About a Boy" was recommended by "B�cher, B�cher" (HR3), and will be reviewed in "Literarisches Quartett" this week (Friday, I think, in ZDF). So now we know it is "really" literature. :-) To become the target of this exclusive circle means something! Even if they don't like it, it will get countrywide attention. For the minority ;-) of those who don't know this show: this treatment is the best that can happen if you want to promote a book. I wish NH every success.

His hair, Lizza, his hair Through a bush, backwards! SIL Sunday Times review SIL is definitely being "talked up" in the UK, which I'm all in favour of! And if publicity starts well ahead of the opening (Jan 29), that's all to the good. I think promotion is very important and films go a long way on raised expectations. Roles that CF could have played....Les Miserables (Evelyn) I agree, but it's a bit of a Catch 22 really. Established "star names" get the good roles, which means that they then continue to get offers of plum parts. English actors, by and large, get baddies and butlers. I still regret the casting of Sydney Carton! Mel G is not a sad-eyed, tall and lanky loser! But I'm sure he'll go to the scaffold very gallantly. The only slightly "heroic" role I can see in the offing for CF is the modern Mr Darcy!

Renate, thanks for such a swift view of the CF "bush." I recently read the new NH "About a boy" and enjoyed it. It's being turned into a screenplay along with another of his books (High Fidelity I think).Do you think CF will be offered the lead in either? He did invite NH to his Tuscan wedding afterall!! Maybe too much like another Paul Ashworth for CF?? Thanks for the continued welcomes, it's great to be among so many fellow droolers.

His hair, Lizza, his hair Through a bush, backwards! I like his hair style in FP; goes with the era. It's the cheap dye-job I object to.

Welcome, Lizza - nice to see another fellow European here. We're so underrepresented, we'll have to drool twice as hard. Through a bush, backwards! A spiky one, too. A yummy scruff of a dedicated teacher. I'd love to see him in a film reprising this role in a different situation - e.g. with a classroom Lolita setting a trap for him and all the anguish arising from his fighting wrong accusations and suspicions.

Nick Hornby / German TV "Literarisches Quartett" this week (Friday, I think, in ZDF). Correction: It is next week. Friday 11, Dec., 22.20h, ZDF

For the American ladies~ SIL alert on Access Hollywood tomorrow (12/2). Since they're interviewing Gwynneth Paltrow I don't hold out much hope but I believe they will show clips.

Bonsoir a toutes. Can't do this premiere thing - I'm out of town on Thursday. Lizza, how the hell do you know the identity of The Firth's wedding guests? More efficient spies than here? I would have tried, at least, though to what end I don't know. Perhaps I could have rifled through his waste-paper basket [ALERT: Firth uses a Gilette Sensor!], or his underwear drawer [HEAR YE: The Firth wears boxers]. I will order the new Hornby book. I v. much enjoyed the first two, in particular Fever Pitch. (I am a fairly rabid football fan, though not in his league.) Weirdly, one of his flings, referred to v. cursorily in the book, is my cousin, who used to teach at the same school as him, years ago. She's rather odd.

Ben: I will order the new Hornby book Please do! I read it this summer, and was truly entertained. Hornby is really keen on pop culture, and though he denies it, seems to be really in-tuned to this whole "New-Ladism" movement. I heard this story is partially based on a real life experience he had with a young boy he befriended (probably during his teaching years).

(bethan) Mel is not a sad-eyed, tall and lanky loser! But I'm sure he'll go to the scaffold very gallantly. He's had practice, in Braveheart. What a dopey film, but it did revise my, um, assessment of MG. I liked him in Tim and his early movies. Then, as always happens with these guys (Costner et al) they think they're God and it shows in all their work. V. v. v. unattractive. In Braveheart, however, he was quite a fella. However dopey the film, I must confess I own a copy ;-) Why don't I visit the MG board? His oeuvre doesn't lend itself to discussion. Unless anybody knows his equivalent of Playmaker nd Femme Fatale.

Ben , I know about the wedding coming as I do from generations of Tuscan olive growers!! No, but there was an interview with NH in the paper ( Sydney Herald?) in which he talked of said event etc . But I am sure all avid droolers knew this as they have visited the FP sites countless times and already knew about the "gunners" boxer shorts. How many MG sites/boards are there , surely less than CF? Hope I haven't offended any MG diehards!

(Lizza) "About a boy" and enjoyed it. It's being turned into a screenplay along with another of his books (High Fidelity I think).Do you think CF will be offered the lead in either? Sorry, dear, but John Cusack is doing (starring in, writing, and producing) High Fidelity. Both books are being Americanized. Haven't heard much about the casting of AAB. When Hornby was on his promotional tour, he did say quite often that it would likely go to an American as well. (Ben) Weirdly, one of his flings, referred to v. cursorily in the book, is my cousin, who used to teach at the same school as him, years ago. She's rather odd. And which one might she be? Chapter and verse. ;-) Dream Roles for Colin: Here's a description of a famous literary character: About 40, a miner's son who has misanthropically withdrawn from the world. He is tallish, with blue eyes (but that's not important), and rather frail. He speaks in a broad Derbyshire dialect and the king's English when he wishes. He is ironical and mildly derisive toward the female protagonist. Now a little quote from the book of a scene we'd all like to see: In the little yard two paces beyond her, the man was washing himself, utterly unaware. He was naked to the hips, his velveteen breeches slipping down over his slender loins. And his white slim back was curved over a big bowl of soapy water, in which he ducked his head, shaking his head with a queer, quick little motion, lifting his slender white arms, and pressing the soapy water from his ears, quick, subtle as a weasel playing with water, and utterly alone...In spite of herself, she had had a shock. After all, merely a man washing himself; commonplace enough, Heavens knows! [...] The man was looking at her with those blue [brown pools would work just as well], all-seeing eyes of his, which made her turn her face aside a little. He thought her comely, almost beautiful, in her shyness, and he took command of the situation himself at once. So we have the *requisite* bathing scene and then there's a famous, running naked in the woods during the rain scene. Two wet scenes!! Who could ask for more?? Is this not tailormade for Colin? ;-)

(Cheryle), Why don't I visit the MG board? His oeuvre doesn't lend itself to discussion. Unless anybody knows his equivalent of Playmaker and Femme Fatale. LOL! Ben, what team do you root for? I'm for AC Milan, Real Madrid and thanks to Nick Hornsby Arsenal. My British cousins root Chealsea. BTW, when NH mentioned the Firengines (Scottish band), in High Fidelity, he won me over...I thought I was the only one! Karen, thanks for reminding us of what could be. Maybe in the future. *sigh*

Karen, who should play the "comely " lady? Don't even think of posting your answer Ben, we know your choice!! I think that dream role should include some riding as well as bathing. Both show his firm thighs off to full advantage. Moon, good to drool with a fan of "The Gunners".

Hello Lizza! The film rights to Nick Hornby's "About a Boy" were purchased by Robert de Niro's production company, and the setting will be relocated to a US city, presumably with a US cast. FP....Evelyn, I agree with you about the cheap hair dye!! The make-up person should have been defrocked or whatever, for penny-pinching....what's wrong with brown anyway?

Access Hollywood report: yes, it was all Gwynnie which is fine. No mention of any of her co-stars that I can remember except for Ben (Affleck, Ben dear). However, several clips with Colin in and a couple of on-set glimpses too - all in costume. Showed a kiss-and-slap scene where the earring is very noticeable - a big pearl one. A few more clips where you'd miss him if you blinked. Still, I'm getting very excited. Just a few more weeks.

From "Murph's Corner" of colinfirth.com website Colin appeared with the other stars of SIL at a gala premiere on December 3 at the Ziegfeld Theater in NYC. Hillary Clinton introduced the film. So....He's Baaaaaack!! This is to happen, apparently,tonight.Wow!!

I just saw a few SiL clips on "Acccess Hollywood" (an entertainment news program) tonight. OOOhhh, he's such a baddie! Forced poor Gwynnie into a most unwelcome kiss, and she proceeded to give him such a slap! What I would've done to be in her shoes! So Colin's in town? Ben--- still in town? Laura, are your spies busy?

Ladies, I am confirming, Colin is in NY today, he will attend the premiere! Hopefully, one of you might go and take pictures. Ben, you must change your plans!

Re: Access Hollywood Wasn't that great? They showed him five times (six if you think it was him riding on horseback shown from the rear). Loved that kiss and slap. Have been slo-mo-ing it for the reaction on his face. Does look like he is being showcased. Didn't someone post that some of the early PR said "introducing Colin Firth"? Another bit of info amidst the long-awaited SiL deluge--on another subject. The Secret Laughter of Women had its world premiere on August 20th at the Martha's Vineyard film festival. This information has been confirmed; however, it does not mean that anyone has bought the film or that it has a distributor. Actually, it was shown without the approval of the Handmade's creditors despite efforts to get it off the program. According to one of the festival organizers, it was well-liked. There was no mention of Colin in the newspaper articles promoting the festival, only Nia Long's name, and since it was a festival (i.e., the film wouldn't be shown again), there weren't any print reviews.

Can you believe that here I live in MA and it was shown on Martha's Vineyard, hello?????

Scour the entertainment news programs, ladies, for clips of the premiere. With Mrs. Clinton there, it's bound to get decent press. I'm kicking myself for thinking it would have been impossible to go to NYC. The weather here is so balmy right now. It's going to be a beautiful night. Yes, it does look like he's being showcased and his role is larger than I had feared. But oh dear, "introducing Colin Firth"? I hope that's a mistake. We certainly know it's a huge mistake. Any idea how we could have missed the SLOW premiere, Karen? We read the wrong trades?

So we have the *requisite* bathing scene and then there's a famous, running naked in the woods during the rain scene. Two wet scenes!! Who could ask for more?? Is this not tailormade for Colin? ;-)(Karen) Ah, but don't forget, there's also Sir Clifford, Lady C's cuckolded husband! :-) OOOhhh, he's such a baddie! Forced poor Gwynnie into a most unwelcome kiss, and she proceeded to give him such a slap! What I would've done to be in her shoes! (Winter) More baddie than cuckold, then? Good!!! And he certainly seems to be interested in more than her money. Colin appeared with the other stars of SIL at a gala premiere on December 3 at the Ziegfeld Theater in NYC. Hillary Clinton introduced the film. (Evelyn) I'm VERY VERY impressed!! Does Hillary attend many premieres? SLOW... According to one of the festival organizers, it was well-liked. (Karen) It's good to hear of a positive reaction to SLOW. Fancy missing something in your own back yard, Laura! :-)

ET will show scenes from the SIL premiere tomorrow (Friday) they just announced. Let's hope Hillary likes British actors with curly hair and gorgeous dimples and holds on to his hand just a little too long so we can get that extra camera shot.

ALERT! ALERT ALERT! Was watching an interview with Jeremy Piven on MTV Live this afternoon. He's a good friend and writing colleague of John Cusack's. JP mentioned that "High Fidelity" is currently in the screenwriting process (John and the writing team from "Grosse Point Blank" and Stephen Frears are in London with Nick Hornby, doing the final touches, I believe). The filming begins this coming Spring, or Summer-- and get this-- the story's to take place in .... CHICAGO?! Also, if any of you US viewers can tune in, 'Charlie Rose' on PBS tonight is supposed to do an interview with Tom Stoppard. That should be interesting...

Colin appeared with the other stars of SIL at a gala premiere on December 3 at the Ziegfeld Theater in NYC. Hillary Clinton introduced the film. (Evelyn) I'm VERY VERY impressed!! Does Hillary attend many premieres? Not many. But I'm betting that Harvey and Bob made a big donation to the Bill Clinton Legal Defense Fund. "Entertainment Tonight" did announce that they are covering the SIL premiere and will show it tomorrow night. Do you think they will have a similar premiere in LA next week? UK fans stay alert...we expect you to give us a running account of the January Premiere in London!!

Moon (or anyone else): Can you check with your sources to see if Colin will be attending any LA premieres? I live here in LA, and would be very willing to stand in the rain for pictures, autographs, hugs, pinching bottoms, etc. ;-)!

Please see if there will be any promotion in Dallas. I would be willing to stand in the rain too. I doubt there will be though. Rita

winter, honey I'll meet you there! I'll gladly hold an umbrella over you if you promise to let me share a pinch ;-). Seriously, I have seen no mention of a premiere in L.A. but then again, there wasn't much mention of the NY premiere until right before it happened. Hope springs eternal.

Oh to be in NYC !!!! The Brit Premiere will have a lot to live up to after this . Go for it Girls.

Hooray! I'm the 1000th posting! Winter, if you have not done so already...(W. is v. efficient...:-) Why don't you call Miramax in Hollywood? They would know. Or his agent at UTA. The Firth Frenzy continues.....

(Bethan) Ah, but don't forget, there's also Sir Clifford, Lady C's cuckolded husband! :-) I would cast Ralph Fiennes as Sir Clifford. Turnabout is fair play! ;-) (Heide) ET will show scenes from the SIL premiere tomorrow (Friday) they just announced. All the entertainment news shows are on at the same time here. Argh!! Will be switching channels wildly with my VCR in a constant ready mode. (winter) Jeremy Piven...a good friend and writing colleague of John Cusack's...mentioned that...[High Fidelity] filming begins this coming pring, or Summer-- and get this-- the story's to take place in ....CHICAGO?! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!! JP and JC are both from here and still live here. (winter) 'Charlie Rose' on PBS tonight is supposed to do an interview with Tom Stoppard. That should be interesting... It was interesting, at least the parts I could keep my eyes open for (those nasty prepositions again). They showed the same (long) trailer that is shown in the theaters and another short one. He only mentioned Joe Fiennes in the context that he ran into him in a bookstore and was rather surprised that he was playing William Shakespeare. He took JF back to his flat and gave him some books on Will. He was aware that brother Ralph was under consideration. Saw another clip of SiL on E! Daily News show yesterday about the costumes. They showed Colin at that court gathering again, but the clip was different. He was applauding in a strange way. Palm to top of hand. Very bizarre movement. Wonder who came up with that one? ;-) I would think there would be an LA premiere, not quite on the scale of the NY one, but one nonetheless. Get your cameras and camcorders out of moth balls ladies!!

out I say

away, away! I bring news!

Don't worry your pretty little heads about being in NY--the film can't be seen here yet. However............guess who has the press packet? And a tipster from Miramax? Alas, I shouldn't be on the computer even now to spread the news--I've been under doctor's orders not to look at a keyboard or a mouse for 2-6 weeks, depending on how physical therapy and other drastic measures go. Needless to say, this really f**** up my work life. However. I wanted to say: now I can't put these things up on our si e myself (or anywhere else, for that matter.) Who can? And where should they go? I have color slides (10), black and white photos (11), and production notes (40+ pages). Colin is in 2 of the 1/2 page B&Ws--1 by himself, 1 in profile leaning over to talk to Judi Dench. I'll post this and send emails to some people with my phone number. My problem is, I'm not going to my freelance job right now, and that's where I'd get to scan the photos and put them up. I could get it done somewhere else; if that's the verdict of the Drool board, I'll pay for it and accept contributions. Or I could overnight it to somebody who can oversee the whole project. What do you want and how quickly? Maybe if everyone's seeing the clips, this isn't that important.

Good girl, Cheryle.!! There are enough people with scanners available that you/we shouldn't have to pay to have it done. I'll call Karen and see what she says. Will get back to you. Don't let the kit out of your sight, heah? (I lived in Atlanta too!)

Oh my, I feel foolish. I never look at other sites anymore except ours. Today I looked at ours (my congrats to the team! I'm so proud!) Then I looked around to see what else anybody else has on SIL, and I see mine is old news. That's what happens when you are out of the loop for a few days. I wish I could have gotten it to you sooner. (I read all our boards, but didn't see any references to the new stuff on Murph's Corner. Oh well.) Then I couldn't get back into Spring for 2 hours to post my apologies, or to re-email the pillars of the community with said apologies. I suppose now we'll have them for ourselves and not need permission to use them, but I did so want to have a scoop. I'm clearly not a journalist! At least you you all know I'd risk my mouse arm for the cause ;-) I tried to get stills from the set photographer, but we'd need to be a much larger circulation to get them to take the time to do so. Like Entertainment Weekly. Evelyn There are enough people with scanners available that you/we shouldn't have to pay to have it done For the color slides I think it's a special scanner. But once again, I'm probably the only one who's behind the curve on this topic.

Quick bulletin: I saw SIL this morning. Oooh, really good movie ladies! It's one that Colin can be proud to have his name attached to. Of course, his part is small (but no smaller than in ATA) and what we see of him isn't exactly pleasant. His character is completely unsympathethic and frankly, is the butt of an occasional joke. However, it's still Colin and therefore worth seeing. Love the earring, too ;-p BTW, the film itself is terrific--tight, intelligent, witty script, visually beautiful and, though I hate to admit it, Joe Fiennes is really good (but he ain't Colin ;-p)

Cheryle: You are OUR Journalist and we're proud of you to have secured a presss kit for Drool. I just talked to Karen. Yes, she will oversee the project... Will email you this afternoon. Thanks. We are v. grateful .

Karen, did you change the background???

(Cheryl) I tried to get stills from the set photographer, but we'd need to be a much larger circulation to get them to take the time to do so. Like Entertainment Weekly. Our circulation is huge!! This place gets tons of hits a day. Make up some number. It can't possibly be proven wrong. ;-) Or say we have a large, exclusive subscriber base, but can't divulge much because there are many famous people, royalty, captains of industry, movers and shakers, etc., on it. Very hush-hush. For the color slides I think it's a special scanner. The place I go to has a several different scanners, I'll check. One I know says something about photographic something.... Just saw the little tidbit of the premiere on CNN's Showbiz Report. Highlighted the First Lady and then had little snippets with Bennie and Gwennie (separately) about what it was like to have the FL at the premiere. Nada nothing nil. A background change? Huh?

For one brief moment, Spring went NUTS!!!!

Here are some Snappies from the first showing of SiL on ET. Heide taped and Nan snappied. These really reflect our team spirit!! Rah Rah!! Thank you both.

For one brief moment, Spring went NUTS!!!! And the date went to Feb 2036

Well, I've sifted and scoured in the hope of at least touching on some of the things I missed since I've been in school, but I might as well forget it. There is simply too much. So, I've marked everything as read and am starting over *sigh*. I'm particularly sorry I missed Ben's arrival. Fortunately, Arami asked all the nosey questions I would have asked, so I don't feel completely unfulfilled ;-) And now for something completely different... I had a little project to do for school. Now I didn't wish to do something entirely boring, so we now have a nifty little thing over at cf.com. Come take a look... http://www.colinfirth.com/chat/talk.cgi I can't remember the last time I was able to have a good drool in real time ;-)

Nan, just tried Chat...first time ever for me! I never realised it was so simple! But you've done all the hard work....clever girl! I suppose we all operate in different time zones, although at weekends I burn the midnight oil! Glad that you really enjoyed SIL! Sometimes there's just a lot of hype. I guess I was hoping for a slightly more sympathetic role (baddie with redeeming feature) for CF, but I recognise the advantages of his being associated with a critically successful film in the US....and he is an actor, not Colin Firth playing Colin Firth (which, actually, I wouldn't mind!)

(Nan) His character is completely unsympathethic and frankly, is the butt of an occasional joke. However, it's still Colin and therefore worth seeing. Lucky, lucky girl. Did you get advance tickets? Might you have a clue why Colin is getting absolutely no notice in the reviews I've read? Since he's fourth billed I would have hoped his role was large enough and since his character is the villain, it would be unlike the other roles in the film but still no mention. Judi Dench is already being touted for an Oscar nomination for chrissakes. Not that I expected the same for our DB but this is the role I was hoping would springboard My Life So Far into the theaters. I don't mean to sound down because I really am quite excited. After all, as you say, it's still Colin. Cheryl, you done good. Pictures of Colin are never too late. I'm glad to see there's a reason why you've been scarce here. I'm sorry though that it's so serious. Please visit when you can. Well, at least we got a glimpse of Livia at the premiere on ET. Too bad Geoffrey's head was blocking Colin's. Think the cameramen didn't recognize Colin sans beard and menacing expression? Sigh. Back to the future. Oh Terry?

I'm so F****** pissed off... ET was not shown in L.A. tonight because of some special bloody program spotlighting community service in the city! ACK! It's nice that people get their 15 minutes of fame for rescuing puppies or helping illiterate senior citizens... but I wanted to see at least 15 SECONDS of Colin Firth! And now I hear Livia was on camera too!?! I checked the local listings... they aren't even showing ET later in the evening to make up for this. Can someone PLEASE post the snappies soon? Sorry gals... it's that time of the month... I'm more touchy than usual I think...

(Bethan) Nan, just tried Chat...first time ever for me! I never realised it was so simple! I'm glad you found it easy, honey. And I can't take all the credit. I had help from a couple of my favoritest geekly peoples ;-p (Bethan) I suppose we all operate in different time zones, although at weekends I burn the midnight oil! Yes, we should probably pick a time when a bunch of us can be in there and have ourselves a little virtual Colinfest. (Bethan) I guess I was hoping for a slightly more sympathetic role (baddie with redeeming feature) for CF Me too. Unfortunately, it's not with this film. (Heide)Did you get advance tickets? I have a friend with the National Board of Review. He's promised to take me to any Firth screenings. It's a bee-yew-tee-ful thing ;-) Might you have a clue why Colin is getting absolutely no notice in the reviews I've read? Truth? I think it's because his part isn't really large enough (or important enough) to justify much notice...and it pains me to say it. I was much more annoyed after having seen ATA because I felt the part of Jess was critical to the plot. It was sinful to ignore Colin's role in that film. However, in this case, I can say that his part was really not a focal point, so I'm not very upset about it. He looks great, though...does that help? ;-p (Heide) Judi Dench is already being touted for an Oscar nomination for chrissakes. OY! For what? No offense to the great Judi, but really... (Heide) Sigh. Back to the future. Oh Terry? I don't think there's a cure for the back to the future bug. It's been part of Spring for so long that I became rather fond of it over time ;-) (winter) I'm so F****** pissed off... ET was not shown in L.A. tonight because of some special bloody program spotlighting community service in the city! Oh, don't be upset, winter--you didn't really miss anything. There was really only a piece of Colin's head--but we did get a nice shot of Livia :-/

winter, thanks for making me LOL and relieving my crabbiness. I actually remembered to set my VCR for ET, raced home from hideously crowded Christmas shopping, manged to scream in the driveway at about 7:10 only to flip on the TV and see Hollywood Squares and then puppy saving. I was yelling at the TV "where is ET?" as if that would make Colin magically appear. Sigh, at least we know we only missed the side of his head. Nan, oh Nan how lovely to see you back with us!

Wow girls the drooling is just electric !! Hello Nan, thanks for giving us your views of SIL, who needs the critics? You are soooooo lucky, we are counting the days until 29.1.99 over here. Cheryl, just to let you know that your efforts are MORE than appreciated on this side of the water too!! Thank you and I hope you will be able to manage to keep in touch.

What a great team, we have here! Nan, v.v. lucky girl to have seen SIL! I like the idea of setting a chat time. I hope you had a great birthday. Cheryle, the slide can be made into a color print, then scanned. Hope to see you more often. Karen, thanks for the snappies. I taped the ET segment and was v. disappointed, no Colin, now, I'll check for Livia. Lizza it's so nice to have another drooler amoungts us. Good news is that Colin does have our questions, lets keep our fingers crossed!

Take heart, ladies, about the lack of Colin on the entertainment news shows. We know that all of them spent time on the set and filmed quite a bit. Then there were the press junkets. Colin must have been interviewed and, if the interviewer had a brain in his/her head, filmed it. I'm sure that at the premiere (NY one) everybody, but everybody from cast was interviewed. You can bet that more filmed interviews will occur at the LA opening. (Fingers crossed that Colin & Livia stay for that, as NY openin was apparently mandatory.) These little snippets will be doled out to us frame by frame until the Christmas Day opening and then even afterwards. Hillary Clinton was the big deal on Thursday. As you noticed, nothing really was said about the film. We barely saw Joe Fiennes, except on show and he's the STAR of the film with whatshername. Don't stop watching, especially next week. GP and Ben Affleck will be on the Tonight Show and from that we'll find out if there's a second premiere (is that an oxymoron??) in LA.

Good news is that Colin does have our questions, lets keep our fingers crossed! Isn't the two weeks nearly up? Timely reminder?! Might you have a clue why Colin is getting absolutely no notice in the reviews I've read? I think it's also something to do with name recognition..he's not Gwynnie, Ben, Geoffrey, Rafe's bro, Rupert, Judi or even Tom (the Full Monty)! Am I right in assuming that the majority of moviegoers in the US won't really have heard of Colin? I think that SIL will be a springboard for MLSF in so far as Miramax can connect Colin with both TEP and SIL, which hopefully may get a few Oscar nominations (screenplay? director?)I noticed on the MLSF poster (which at least has a great shot of CF) that the cast credits are small and alphabetical...no names at the head of the poster. This suggests to me that when the poster was designed Miramax didn't see Colin as a starring "name", but they do seem to be promoting him in SIL. As to his part not being large (Nan), I mentally sighed then reconciled! SIL sounds as though it will be very successful critically in the US and around the world. There was an article in one of the UK papers about the abysmal state of the British film industry. I've said this before, but basically very, very few British made films ever reach the screen anywhere. Also British films are never marketed (no budget) whereas Hollywood really sells its movies. Add to this the fact that British actors are rarely offered lead roles in Hollywood backed movies, you can see how tough it is. BTW how many actors can convincingly play a charming sexy Regency gentleman, a "cuckold", a football-mad teacher and a villainous Earl? And BTW why is Wessex seen as so evil and villainous...there was absolutely nothing wrong in impoverished aristos marrying for money...and his plans to go tobacco farming in Virginia show some initiative and ambition, surely!!!

And BTW why is Wessex seen as so evil There is a comment somewhere from Colin saying just that. That this was a perfectly normal way for an impoverished aristocrat of the time to behave! And Let us not forget that Shakespeare was married at the time (I believe). What about poor Mrs S? Once again a Feinnes gets away with behaving disreputably and poor Colin gets the title of bad guy.

Nan, thanks for the Chat Room. My first time too Bethan. Only I'm still not very good at it. Will practice.Good idea to set up a time.When? -but we did get a nice shot of Livia :-/ I didn't see her...hope someone posts a snappy.Saw Harvey, though with Hilary and Gwynnie in a "see-through" dress, by Armani. BTW Nan thanks for the SIL stills.We have our own archives now and Karen doesn't have to beg permission from other websites to scan them on :-) I know SIL is a high-profile film for Colin...but I can't bear having him be the butt of jokes.I might punch someone in the face if I hear them laughing at him. As for MLSF only *he* can promote that film.

Thank you all for sharing your Colin sighting etc., how exciting! I'm just thrilled to have him on the big screen...even if he is the baddie. Entertainment Weekly magazine gave the movie a glowing review: "the dialogue just about percolates with bubbly finesse; SIL is that rare thing, a literate crowd-pleaser. Yet it's also the richest and most satisfying romantic movie of the year." Here's their description of DB: "Unfortunately, their love is doomed. Viola, you see, is set to marry Lord Wessex (Colin firth), a crusty lout who promises to take her to some dreadful place called Virginia." At least they mentioned his name.

Bethan, the two are nearly up but the DB has been busy, I am willing to him more time aren't you? I still don't see Miramax really promoting Colin with SIL. He is rarely mentioned on TV. Evelyn, I'm afraid my husband will have quite a bit to say about Colin...I will bare it, the best I can. Now let's see what happens at the LA premiere.

crusty lout?!?! Is this worse than a cuckold? (Evelyn) I can't bear having him be the butt of jokes.I might punch someone in the face if I hear them laughing at him. Me too, Evelyn. We should go together to see this film. I plan on loudly exclaiming as I walk out of the theatre how wonderful that Colin Firth fellow was. (Bethan) Am I right in assuming that the majority of moviegoers in the US won't really have heard of Colin? Dead right, unfortunately. But I like to think that the reviewers are more in the know. They have certainly heard of him. And even if they hadn't, they would still pick out a shining performance from an "unknown". But still, it's early. Plus the most important reviewers (we experts) have yet to see this film. Except for Nan who has given it a glowing recommendation. Thumbs up Colin! Karen, keep lifting my spirits. There's no reason for me to get down. Snippets of information will still be doled out for quite awhile. And yes, perhaps an LA "premiere". Winter, you'll be there right (if there is one)? Too bad Jana's going to be in the Philippines for 2 weeks! We'll miss you, dear. Bethan, Allison, you are so right. Colin is behaving perfectly reasonably. And I shall loudly mention that too as I leave the theatre. "Imagine, wanting to leave Lord Wessex for that scrawny Shakespeare", I shall snort. Moon, do you think Colin is carrying that fax around with him from country to country? Carefully weighing his answers. He wants to give them all the attention they deserve. ;-) No, I don't care if it take two months for a response.

Heide, it would be great if he responded just in time for Christmas, the perfect present. But if not it's something to savour for 1999. Well my tiny crumb of CF excitement is that ATA is finally released over here on video tomorrow!! It was previously mis-announced as 7th October and after beating a frenzied path to several shops I was turned away empty handed. Let's hope tomorrow is THE day!

Flippin' 'eck. Every time I go away, this board springs into verdant life. I suppose I should infer something. In addition, I always seem to be away just when The Firth is around, and I'm needed on some cloak-and-dagger operation to find out the brand of his toothpaste. (Hey...have you ever seen Colin and me AT THE SAME TIME? Perhaps I'm the Bruce Wayne to his Batman...) I think I'll go and see SIL tonight. This is the great advantage in living in the best city in the world. I understand the huddled masses have to wait until the new year... Speaking of which, hail Nan. I was in Cambridge, Mass. this week-end and had the great pleasure of having lunch w. two Pemberlians, Myretta and Jane. V. good to meet them both. Anyway, your name came up.

Lizza, I'm now REALLY looking forward to seeing ATA....I saw one brief clip (on good ol' Barry Norman) and he looked very dishy! I shall just turn the sound down and fast forward! Crusty lout, villain etc As Allison mentioned, I think CF has been quoted somewhere as saying that Wessex is not really a villain, that his behaviour is normal for the period, and that Wessex is quite right to resent the "snivelling playwright"! Actually, historically, Colin is quite correct. If we look at the example of the real life Earl of Essex.......He was a good looking man, a favourite with the Queen , but much disliked by most other courtiers for his arrogance and quick, ferocious temper. He was notoriously in debt (owing the equivalent of �1/2million in his mid twenties, and married for money (he married the widow of Sir Phillip Sidney, who was wealthy in her own right,...and then dumped her at his country estate and never brought her to court.) He was a famous "resenter", always challenging people to duels. The Queen favoured him for his good looks but there are several recorded examples of her making fun of him in public...once he drew his sword on the Queen. He was very interested in making money (had a wine monopoly) and was ruthless if anyone crossed him. In one instance, he arranged for an enemy to be falsely charged with treason, tortured and executed! But all this behaviour was regarded as normal for a man of his class and ambitio . Maybe the critics should have a history lesson! I actually wonder if Stoppard part based Wessex on Essex...there are parallels.

Ben: I am so jealous that you live in the world's greatest city. How I would long to live there. I hope that you enjoy SIL. Nan did. I can't wait to eee it. Rita

(Ben) I think I'll go and see SIL tonight. It's going to take living in the *world's greatest city* (cough, cough) to accomplish this, my dear. The film doesn't open until Dec. 11. ;-) I'd say Wessex's having a plantation in Virginia should suit our Colin. Tobacco, you know!

(Bethan) If we look at the example of the real life Earl of Essex.......He was a good looking man That's all I need to know... Seriously, my only info on the Earl of Essex is from an old Bette Davis film. Was he not eventually executed himself? Ladies, when you watch ATA soon, I'm sure you'll concentrate on just the most important parts and my, oh, my those parts are very nice indeed. Have fun and come back and tell us your thoughts. And Ben, please tell us your thoughts on Shakespeare in Love too. I'm a member of the huddled masses, I'm afraid. (Ben) (Hey...have you ever seen Colin and me AT THE SAME TIME? Perhaps I'm the Bruce Wayne to his Batman...) Nan, you'll have to meet up with Ben someday and tell us if he has some conspicuously placed dimples. One of these days I'm going to get into the chat room and someone else will be there! It's a lovely idea, though.

Karen, I'm in the chatroom. Are you coming?

Hello room !

(Ben)This is the great advantage in living in the best city in the world. I'm a NYer, but IMO London is.I guess we're both turncoats :-) (Heide)Imagine, wanting to leave Lord Wessex for that scrawny Shakespeare", Or Geoffrey Clifton for Count Almasy.!

(Heide) And yes, perhaps an LA "premiere". Winter, you'll be there right (if there is one)? Darn right, I'll be there! Have a fairly good idea where it might be held too. I'll give his agent a ring tomorrow, and see if I can scrounge up any info.. I have nothing better to do these days anyway... our teaching assistants' union is on strike at the moment. Must draw plan of action should the Man Himself show up at an L.A. premiere!

I saw "Elizabeth" and was disappointed. The one noticeable thing is how v. photogenic JF is. He was even handsome but, not handsome enough to tempt me! He does not look as well in the SIL clips.

Ben, you where in the Boston area and did not meet Laura? Laura, what happened?

More dream roles for Colin how about: Dante in "Dante and Beatrice" or Petrarca in "Petrarca and Laura" I think I'll start writing the scripts. We will have plenty of white shirts and a few wet ones as well. A wonderful love story and, there will be no prevarication on either Dante or Petrarca. Our hero all the way!

(Heide) crusty lout?!?! Is this worse than a cuckold? He can't seem to escape derogatory words, the poor dear. (Ben) Speaking of which, hail Nan. I was in Cambridge, Mass. this week-end and had the great pleasure of having lunch w. two Pemberlians, Myretta and Jane. V. good to meet them both. Anyway, your name came up. Indeed? Fortunately, I completely trust the two ladies you mentioned or I would be tempted to say they were lying ;-) Myretta and Jane are great company, aren't they? (Heide) Nan, you'll have to meet up with Ben someday and tell us if he has some conspicuously placed dimples. Well, we'll have to see what we can do about that. When the semester is over, perhaps. Ben, you're uptown, yes? (Bethan) If we look at the example of the real life Earl of Essex... You description of the Earl is very similar to the character in SIL. At least they didn't tamper too much. Did I mention that Colin looks great with that glorious dark hair and goatee. I think all men should be required to wear a goatee. It should be a law ;-p

Nan: I had a really good time chatting about our favorite person Friday night. I would love to do it again. We should all set up a time to be in there. Then we can all fix our addictions at the same time. Rita

To all: GP will be on the talk show circuit this week again. Rosie and Jay I believe. I wonder if she will mention our CF. Rita

To all: GP will be on the talk show circuit this week again. Rosie and Jay I believe. I wonder if she will mention our CF. Rita

Well gang, I finally saw a print ad for SIL in our illustrious rag, the LA Times. The film is opening Friday in a very limited release, only four theatres. As mentioned before, CF has fourth billing behind Gwynnie, Joe, and Geoffery Rush, but ahead of Ben Affleck and Judi Dench. For entirely selfish reasons I kind of hope there is no LA premiere of SIL, because I think I would cry if he was here when I was out of the country. I know our dear winter would give me the play by play, but it wouldn't be q ite the same as being there, ya know? I would like to get CF to sign my Fever Pitch screenplay though. Right next to where Nick Hornby signed it. Now wouldn't that be a souvenir to hang on to?

Do you know what day GP will appear on Rosie?

Friday

UTA...What a bunch of losers! I called Colin's agent here in L.A., and they have no info. regarding Colin's schedules or appearances re: SiL. I was flabbergasted...."You don't have your own client's schedule in town?" The agent's assistant said I have to call his ICM agent in London, as they haven't got a clue. No wonder Colin hasn't been able to get better PR. Any Londoners out there willing to make a local call for me? (please) I'd really appreciate it.

Think I'm going to have to learn how to *fix* these images... ;-)

Winter call Miramax in LA for the SIL info. They are the ones who would know not the agents. I believe there is a v. good chance of his being in LA (to visit his son), but his agents don't have to know that.

Diverting from SIL (sorry!), but I have finally managed to get a copy of the ATA video. I've not been able to view it properly yet because of lack of time, a sort of fast-forward preview! But I actually think I'm pleasantly surprised. I approached it with very low expectations...but it really doesn't seem too bad. CF looks very handsome!! Will post more impressions when have time!

(Nan) Did I mention that Colin looks great with that glorious dark hair and goatee. I think all men should be required to wear a goatee. It should be a law ;-p Yum, I do look forward to that. And the earring too. Ladies, what think ye of creating a topic (temporary) for Shakespeare in Love? Those of us who have seen it and want to talk about it without creating "spoilers" for the rest who have yet to see and don't want to know the whole story. Once it opens to general release in Europe (March?) we can transfer the comments back to one of the regular topics. I, for one, don't know if I could resist visiting this topic even if I hadn't seen the film but there are those who are stronger than I. Another note, we will be continuing our dear Colin Drool on a new topic number soon. These 1000+ messages get me nervous. How wonderful though that there is so much to discuss. So watch for the new topic.

Great idea, Heide ,for a SIL topic. I'll go on day after Christmas!! Winter, depending on what you hear from LA Miramax re: LA Premiere of SIL this week (and it could be imminent) I would go anyway...those agents aren't always infallible.But if you want me to ring ICM in London, I will be glad to call.

Thanks for the advice, Moon and Evelyn. I've just called Miramax, and apparently there's a 'special screening' (not 'premiere') that MAY be happening this week. The guy on the other line sounded almost as clueless at UTA... however, he did say that I should leave a message with the promotions department (I did) so that I could possibly be contacted about getting tickets!!!! I will keep you all posted...

(Winter)I should leave a message with the promotions department (I did) so that I could possibly be contacted about getting tickets!! If you don't hear in 24 hrs., call back. GP is to be on Jay's on Wednesday night. Karen says sometimes the guests go right to a screening aft.So maybe Wed. Good luck, Winter. Go for it!We're proud of you :-))

Thanks you to everyone with all of this information. You are so wonderful. It is so informative. Lord only knows we couldn't get it anywhere else. Rita

Ladies, I am confirming that Colin is in LA! There is no guarantee that he will be at the special screening, but it is worth a shot Winter so go to it. We will want to know all about it. Heide, an SIL topic sounds like a good idea.

Mornin' all. Another coup - Colin tracked to LA. I only hope your agents there will be more dedicated than me. (Winter looks as though she's primed and ready.) Actually, I rather regret I wasn't here - it might have been fun. (Karen - you are quite right - it doesn't open till Friday; forgive my exaggeration. NYC still a cool place, though. Nan, I am on the Upper West side - where are you? Finally, I didn't meet Laura, which I regret, because she couldn't come to lunch, I suppose. There was some Pemberley tea on Sunday, but I had to leave before then. Next time...) I have a question. Well, two. Wasn't there a post a while back (two weeks or so) saying that someone had seen SIL and thought it awful? And now the previews seem to be good? I will make up my own mind on Friday, but it seems to me that, for whatever reason, people come to these sorts of films with strong preconceptions. There are lots of people, I reckon, who are predisposed EITHER to love it (or, without naming names, to love someone's Elizabethan britches and what's inside them) OR to hate it. I've not ced that quite a few people here react pretty negatively simply to the accent - the voice of the typical English stage actor seems immediately comes across to them as affected and conceited, regardless of what he is saying (it's less of a problem for the women.) It comes back to what I was saying about Hollywood films and baddies, I suppose. Is this fair, or is it paranoid gibberish?

Ladies, I am confirming that Colin is in LA! Why does the thought that the DB is in LA send shivers up my spine? For a large part of the year he lives just a handful of miles from me! It must be the confirmation that he actually exists and is not just a hologram or a trick of the light. BTW someone has just posted a message over at Pemberley saying that they have just seen a poster advertising FP under "coming soon" at their local cinema. I got the impression that this person was in the US. Maybe CF is doing some FP interviews whilst he is in LA.

COLIN FIRTH IS GOING TO BE AT THE L.A. SCREENING OF S.I.L. TONIGHT!!! I just confirmed it with Miramax L.A.... unfortunately, I couldn't get a ticket (surprise surprise), but I will be outside the theatre (Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences) tonight, with my camera ready! Jana, if you're in town, the screening begins at 8:00 p.m., but I will be there by 6:00. It's on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills (don't remember the exact address), but it's the one between LaPeer and Doheny, I believe. (on the left hand side if you're going East on Wilshire). Wish me luck! My camera is not of the best quality, but I'm crossing my fingers and hoping I'll get a long enough glimpse of him to snap a few shots, and maybe even yell a word or two at him. I'm so excited!!!! AGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!

Winter, buy a disposable camera if need be! Panoramic; that way you CAN'T miss him;)

Go to it Winter, best of luck! Ben, I believe the women in the US are quite taken with a proper british accent, not slang or cockney. CF not only has it, but a wonderful voice to match. It baffles me why he is not cast as a romantic hero.

One more thing Winter, I have been to many screenings there when I lived in LA, the place is huge, so if by chance you do get in by asking someone to take you in with them, hang out in the lobby, only the v. famous stars go to their seats straight away. You may find Colin hanging out with some friends there. Once again, buena suerte!

Excellent sleuthing!! Winter you carry our collective envy and longing with you to L.A. GOOD LUCK. we shall be hanging on your EVERY word (and snappy) when you return.

BTW there was a lovely pic of Darcy inone of the papers today - something about a Fay Weldon script/screenplay casting the Bennett Girls as men. I was too busy taking in CF's luxuriant locks to remember any more detail. Ben, could this be the very role you have been waiting for? Playing Lizzie could change your life and of course bring you so much closer to Jennifer!! How about it?

Oh you lucky dog! Hope you get lots of pictures and can post them for us to see. (You can always send them to me for scanning, btw, *hint, hint*) From USA Today, today (Dec 8) by Jeannie Williams: "Firth was on hand with lovely brunnette wife Olivia. Fans of Firth as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice will be happy to know that though he looks less trim in this movie, in person he's still boyishly handsome." Always good to hear a little reassurance from a *disinterested third party*!!

One more thing, since the special screening is tonight, we're going to have to watch ET and the others tomorrow for film clips.

Winter...take an extra disposable camera in your purse, in case yours malfunctions. Don't forget to take FP screenplay and two pens. Walmart develops pictures in an hour. If you send them to Karen (I'll send address in email) I'll pay for the overnight espress mail. Once again....You're Our Girl in LA!!

Almost forgot....TIME Magazine gives SIL a **glowing** review.... by Richard Corliss who is v. hard to please. If Movies be the Food of Love.... Let them be as romantic and ravishing as this one... But the true, rare glamour of the piece is the ...flourishing of words for their majesty and fun, and--in the love play between JF and his enchantress--the kindling of a playfully adult eroticism . Also talks about the cast...alas not a mention of Colin, but it looks like it's gonna be a winnah!!

Grabbed my Time Magazine, Evelyn, which just came today and rushed to the page before I finished reading your post. Can you believe absolutely no mention of even his character? Grrr. But the USA Today notice sounds great. Poor (O)Livia. Winter - you go girl! I e-mailed Jana at work to tell her but I know she's leaving for Manila in a day or two (might even be there by now). Wish you tons of luck.

Just got off the phone with Evelyn... what a sweetie! Yes, I will Fed Ex the pictures to Karen once they're ready (hopefully tomorrow). On my way home from school today, I stopped by the Academy, to make sure the screening was in fact going to happen. Sure enough, guys rolling out red carpets, setting up bright lights, and.. unfortunately, barriers to separate journalists from the stars as they walk in. But no matter, I will try to get as close up as possible. I also checked on the parking situation, as the theatre is in a residential district that requires permits. So, I spotted a side street where I can park my car for a few hours. Also I may come back to the theatre when people are leaving, so hopefully get a glimpse of Colin after the film's over. On another fanatical whim, I drove up the street to the Four Seasons Hotel, where Miramax usually puts their people up. No sign of Colin, but plenty of limos parked in front. Perhaps? I can't tell you how excited I am. I'm just so nervous that something may go wrong... but I will take all necessary precautions to ensure nothing doesn't... extra pen, back-up disposable camera, etc... I didn't count on anything happening this week-- so I'm so excited about this. Now I'm just going to take a deep breath, rehearse my questions, make sure my hair and makeup are in order (darn I wish I had plucked my eyebrows this past weekend!), and get my things together.. unfortunately, I do not have the ever Pitch screenplay (where do you all get yours?).

There's a review at imdb.com by James Beradinelli which actually mentions Colin "the British heart-throb who played the male lead in the superlative P&P (thank you!!)..plays the cold, loveless Lord Wessex." He says of JF/GP "not one of the great pairings of the year" but there's a lot of praise for the overall film. Perhaps reviewers who know CF notice him, otherwise not. I've noticed that quite a few people here react pretty negatively simply to the accent - the voice of the typical English stage actor seems immediately comes across to them as affected and conceited, regardless of what he is saying (it's less of a problem for the women.) It comes back to what I was saying about Hollywood films and baddies, I suppose. (Ben) There was a recent newspaper article about Hollywood's attitude to a "good" British accent. It really works for women....British actresses are much sought after at the moment, and their accent denotes class, spirit and intelligence. But the male actor with the equivalent accent is seen as (quote) "an effeminate twit!" Why does the thought that the DB is in LA send shivers up my spine? For a large part of the year he lives just a handful of miles from me! It must be the confirmation that he actually exists and is not just a hologram or a trick of the light. (Allison) Well, this is the man who I have yet to see give an interview, who often refers to the need to withdraw, and who once gave up acting completely and disappeared to Canada! He's very elusive!!! Winter, as Lizza said, "Excellent sleuthing!" Go for it!

I've said it before and I'll say it again...if the Marines had hired you lot the Gulf War would have lasted one hour, not a hundred. You are BRILLIANT! As for me, it appears I'm an effeminate twit. Mind you, it appears CF is too. I blame Hugh Grant. Why the extra pen, by the way? To poke competing fans in the eye? BTW, I am going back to Blighty for Xmas, and......I'm going to be having dinner with John and Maggie Castle! I've seen them plenty of times since the fated (and now feted) evening, but now I'll know the right questions to ask.

(Ben) .I'm going to be having dinner with John and Maggie Castle! I've seen them plenty of times since the fated (and now feted) evening, but now I'll know the right questions to ask Grrrreat. Hey, we've got Winter in LA and Ben in London...what more can one ask for!! Perhaps....just perhaps...you might come across The Man Himself. And Ben,...talked to Jenn's agent this week. She's back in London"reading scripts". Take a walk around Sloane Square :-)) .

...and since your going to see John Castle, could you ask the guy if he has a decent copy of Lost Empires. Based on the commercials I've seen on mine, I believe it walked across the US from New Zealand!! Yes, blame Hugh Grant for the bad rep. ;-)

Just think Winter is outside the theater now. I am all a-quiver!! Can't wait to see the pix and I promise to get them up on the board within 24 hrs. of receipt. That would be barring any acts of God, etc., written into the small print. :)

(Karen)Think I'm going to have to learn how to *fix* these images... ;-) If you want to schedule a time for a little phone meeting (after December 17, please) I think I can help you, babe. (Ben) Nan, I am on the Upper West side - where are you? Midtown, west side. (Ben) (or, without naming names, to love someone's Elizabethan britches and what's inside them) And lovely, frilly breeches they are ;-p (Moon) I believe the women in the US are quite taken with a proper british accent, not slang or cockney. CF not only has it, but a wonderful voice to match. I'm with you, honey...it does me just fine ;-) (Winter) (darn I wish I had plucked my eyebrows this past weekend!) LOL!

WInter: I am so jealous that you get to be there. Talke a long look for me. Hope you get lots of pictures and send them our way. You are so terrific. I wish that I could be there also. Congratulations again! Rita

So I'm posting this here, but emailing this to friends who also know how much I love Colin� I drive to Beverly Hills around 5:00. The traffic was of course, a nightmare, and I thought "will I ever get a spot to see him?" Well, after getting to the neighborhood, I park my car on Clifton Drive. That, my friends, is a good omen. I show up, and only one photographer is there. He and I chit chat about the business, until he points me in the direction of this tiny cage, where autograph seekers have to wait behind, and politely ask for signatures. Papprazzi get the privileged spot along the red carpet. The good paparazzo told me to claim my spot QUICK, before the professional autograph hunters take my spot. So there I am, at 5:15 p.m., standing alone in this make-shift police barricade square. But, sure enough, by 6, I was surrounded by people with 8 x10 glossies, talking trade and swapping stories about what premieres are going on that night too. "HA!" I think, "I'm the only civilian here!" It's f***ing cold, and I'm waiting till about 7:40 p.m.. A black Lincoln town car shows up, and I yell "IT'S COLIN!" Nobody out there (at least 20 autograph seekers and 60 camera people) don't flash their cameras or yell out the actor's name, as they had done with the stars who had arrived just minutes before (they all went wild for Diane Cannon, for some unknown reason). So I yell again, "Colin, can you please come here and sign an autograph?" He turns around, and with Livia, walk toward our barricade. I've got my camera ready and shooting, I hold up my "Making of Pride and Prejudice" book to be signed, as I wait for Colin to sign the autograph hounds' paraphanelia, I see Livia standing politely behind. She was toward me so I nudge to her, "So they had your name spelled 'Olivia' in the papers today." She smiled very nicely, and said something to the effect of, "It's Livia"� but really in the nicest way. She was gorgeous� I felt like such a toad Colin was still signing things so I turned to Livia again and said, 'You must be tired of this movie. You've seen it more than once now haven't you?" And she said yes, but she didn't mind because it's such a great film and it's funny and seems funnier every time they see it again. Then, Colin takes my book, and as he signs it I say "I hope you sign on to play Mark Darcy! I've talked to Helen Fielding about this!" To which he replied "Oh really?!" and then walked off. (note-I did talk to H.F. about this, but not in such the intimate manner in which I probably projected this scenario. It was at the BJD booksigning). part II to come...

part II: So.. with the autograph and pictures taken (I took about 8 with the disposable, and about 4 with the real camera), I wade out of the barricade, and stand there along with people who want to get inside and watch the film. I was on such an adrenaline high that I kept talking to myself going "I came here for one person, and I finally got his picture and autograph." Behind me I hear something to the effect of "Is it for Colin Firth?" Sure enough� a person from the listersev showed up! Her name is Elizabeth, nd she had her camera ready, but didn't get in on time to see him (she had taken the bus there from work). THEN� I hear Jeff, one of the bodyguards (whom I had befriended while waiting out in the cold) tell me that if I wanted to see them movie, I could stay in that line, and maybe there's room for "laughters". A laughter, in this case, is a civilian (non-film- industry) person who can sit in on a screening, and laugh at all the right parts because all these stuffy coats and ties have probably already rea the script or seen the film. Sure enough, Elizabeth and I get in!!!! HOLY F****!!!! This was more than I could ever ask for. Geofrrey Rush was there, and so was GP and BA. No Judi Dench nor Joe Fiennes to be seen. But, Elizabeth and I make our way inside, scan for Colin, find seats up toward the front (7th row-lucky number) and sit down. Harvey Weinstein (Miramax) gives an opening speech, introduces the cast who are in attendance, and lo and behold, Colin is toward the back, center row. The movie was so hilarious, so witty� it was a great ensemble cast. GP was alright-but I was much more entertained by Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Colin (so funny-the butt of jokes, but not too bad), and surprisingly, Ben Affleck (he was quite good).

part III (finale): After the movie, Elizabeth and I wait outside the screening room, which is on the 2nd floor. The 1st floor had a reception, with lots of people dispersing downstairs. I had just gotten out of the bathroom when I spotted Livia! I (politely) stopped her, and said, "Your husband was brilliant! I was so entertained!" I told her how witty the film was, and how it was just a great showcase for excellent writing. She thanked me (for Colin), got a tissue from the bathroom, and walked back to Colin, who was surrou ded by lots of unknown people (Geoffrey Rush was part of the crowd too). Livia, I have to say, is one of the nicest persons I've met in a long time. So genuine� I didn't feel an inch of jealousy as I used to back in the day. She's just the nicest person, very friendly and approachable� Elizabeth, in the meantime, is waiting to get a picture. She really needed to get one, as well as an autograph before going home. I myself was debating about staying around because Colin was surrounded by EVERYONE and we were told spefically by Jeff the Bodyguard that we would be ousted if we asked for pix or sigs. inside. So, as I mull this over, I turn around and who is standing right next to me? Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow! GP was talking to lts of people,as Ben stood politely behind. I nudged BA i the arm and said "I think you did a great job!" To which he replied, "Well thank you!" Nothing more I could say, and nothing more he could say, so he turned back to GP and the rest of the crowd. I didn't care, however, because all I kept thinking of was Colin, Colin, Colin. I'm standing next to an Oscar winner, and all I could think of was how I could talk to Colin and tell him more about us on the Internet! So Elizabeth spots them all walking down toward the stairs, to the reception� Oh my gosh! We fly down the stairs, and sure enough, Elizabeth catches Colin first. She exchanges some words with him (I'm in a daze at the moment, staring at him), and then I turn to him and tell him how we wanted to say hello to him, on behalf of all his fans on the Internet. He smiled very warmly to me and said thank you very much, and that he appreciated us (!!!!!). I then told him how big a fan I was, that I had already acc sted his poor wife twice tonight, to which he laughed and said "That's OK." We make our way down the stairs as this exchange is going on, and I notice that it's just us (me, Elizabeth, Colin and Livia) standing on the stairs, with HUNDREDS of people waiting below for the reception. (ROBERTO BEGNINI WAS THERE!!!! I was the 1st person to yell it out when he stepped out of the limo outside!) I felt like it was a scene from "Cinderella". We're being presented in court, with Colin standing next to us! Well, not really, but the thrill of it was priceless. I extended my hand, and he, after a second, got the hint and shook it back, and then others began talking to Colin, so I decided this was the end of the exchange. MIRACLE!!! By the way, he has much lighter hair than I thought, and is surprisingly pasty. He is in need of a tan, but he still looked so handsome. Very tall too. So that's the end, I may fill in with other details if people ask. I just wanted to share this with you all, and get this out of my system. The film will be developed in the AM and FedEx'd ASAP.

Winter, You are a wonder! More questions, of course. How good was Livia's english? Does she have a strong accent? Does he have a firm handshake? What was he wearing? What was she wearing? Do you still like him?? Thank you so much from us all. What an evening, you must be in shock.

(Allison)How good was Livia's english? Does she have a strong accent? Her English was excellent. I have a friend from the same area in Italy as Livia(Tuscany) who is a PhD student in the US, and Livia's English is better. The accent is there, but not strong to the point where she's unintelligible. She's not sing-songy either with her English, which is what I've observed with Italians who speak to me in English. Does he have a firm handshake? Can't remember. I kept staring at him thinking, "God he's pasty!" I know, it's awful, but that's really what I thought. What was he wearing? What was she wearing? Go to the 'English Patient' L.A. premiere pictures. It's the same outfit I believe! (I shake my head at this fashion faux pas). Light colored sports jacket, black top. Livia was wearing a flowy velvety pants-suit type thing (dark color-- either black, or wine, or both). She had the most wonderful black beaded choker around her neck. She's really beautiful... but so skinny! Do you still like him?? YES! I don't know what to do right now... I can't sleep... I kick myself for all the things I did not mention like: -How much I loved him in FeverPitch and thought it was his best performance. -Asking when MLSF or SLOW was coming out -To say "hello" to Jonathan, or Nick -To ask what's his next project -I had also wanted to tell him that now that I had met him in person, I was only one celebrity shy from my British icon Holy Trinity: Nick Hornby, Helen Fielding and him!

(Winter)I don't know what to do right now... You'll just have to come over for the London premiere! She's really beautiful... but so skinny! How skinny? Anorexic? You make them sound an unhealthy pair. Pasty and skinny! Now I think you should get some sleep. It's 4am there isn't it! Sweet Dreams.

He appreciates his Internet fans? But he has no way of knowing the difference between us at Drool and the FOF listserv, does he? I guess he appreciates all.

He appreciates his Internet fans? But he has no way of knowing the difference Difference? What difference?

Bravissima Winter! We have all stated before that if we ever met him we would probably do nothing at all, and look at YOU! We are so proud of you! Happy to hear he appreciates his internet fans and hopefully, he will answer our questions as soon as he returns home. Allison, had v. good questions. Just a few more: Is Livia v. tall? Where his eyebrows noticeable? Is his hair short now? Is his english closer to Darcy? Again, complimenti!

Winter, you lucky girl, you must be sooooo happy. Thanks for charing all this with us.

More questions Winter: Did Livia speak with a british accent? Most of the Italians I know do, including my husband's family. Was there other media interest in Colin? Did he smile a lot? OK, OK, I'll stop now!

It's 7 am right now, and I've gotten about 3 hours of sleep. I woke up this morning quite groggy, but after realizing that I had been at the screening, and recalling all the events that took place, my pulse went up about threefold, and then I couldn't ge back to sleep. (Allison)How skinny? Anorexic? You make them sound an unhealthy pair. Pasty and skinny! No, not anorexic skinny. I'm sorry to have portrayed them as so unhealthy. Livia was tall(er)-- I'm 5 feet exactly, and I estimate her to be about 5'7" in her heels. She was very slim, long neck.. sort of Audrey Hepburnish...but I know a girl who had anorexia/bullimia, and believe me, Livia was not in that category. She had a healthy complexion, nice cheekbones, the nicest smile. Believe me girls, I felt so bad about myself for being so jealous when they married. She's the nicest person, really. As for Co in, he was just paler, I think because his hair is really light (straw colored), and I'm so used to darker features. And I may be very subjective about the word pasty, since I naturally have a dark complexion. (Moon) Where his eyebrows noticeable? Is his hair short now? Is his english closer to Darcy? I didn't notice anything peculiar about the eyebrows. As for his hair, it's sort of moppish, and the curls are definitely growing out. Oh yeah-- you'll be happy to know he's not as jowly or heavy-set as I thought he'd be. Either the costuming in SIL was fantastic, or he's lost lots of weight since after the filming. His English is what I would consider Standard... From what little exchange there was, I couldn't detect anything in particular. Maybe because he was in the States, or whatever, but now that I hink of it, Darcy's English was a bit more "accented" than what Colin was speaking last night. Oh god, oh god, oh god... the most awful thing I've just noticed. My disposable camera had no flash! We were in front of plenty of floodlights/camera lights. Any film experts out there?! I will see in a few hours. At least my back-up camera had a flash! (Moon)Winter: Did Livia speak with a british accent? Was there other media interest in Colin? Did he smile a lot? No.. she didn't acquire a British accent, from what I could remember. It's funny, a few times as we were waiting outside the theatre, I would yell out stars' names as they arrived way before the papparazzi did (Thank you, People magazine subscription! I know my celebs!). That happened with Colin, Begnini (I yelled it out in a sin-songy Italian accent), and Jennifer Tilly (oh yeah, she was there with another sister, not Meg). The media seemed to know who he was, because they all called out hi name to get his picture. Also, as I chatted with the autograph hounds, they all knew who he was, and even had his glossies there to sign. (Note-- when seeking autogrpahs, the best pen to use is a Vis-a-Vis marker...no smearing! When the star approaches, everyone has a Vis-a-Vis ready, but it's used for doing ALL the autographs, so it's easier on the star). Livia is accustomed now to all this... She and Colin knew to smile in front of the papparazzi, walk a few feet, smile again, walk of few feet, etc... And YES! He did smile a lot! One of the things I noticed about him. It made him seem so.... contemporary. He has a nice broad smile, and he it made him seem so much more easy-going and friendly than the dark, brooding type I'm so used to imagining. Even now, I've noticed, it's hard for me to even visualize him if I read fanfic now... he's so much more lighter and more....real (for lack of a better word) than I had previously imagined.

Hello, everybody! I�ve been lurking here for ages and admiring your beautiful conversation in silence because I�m shy for my bad English. Now that Winter has done something so marvellous, I just have to speak. Winter, you�re wonderful, thank you very much for sharing your adventure with us. It�s like fantasies had become reality, I mean, He really EXISTS??!! I wonder how courageous you really are, I�m afraid I would�ve fainted out of excitement in your place.

I think we must all applaud Our Girl Winter for the great composure she showed under extraordinary circumstance. You did us proud.Just like last spring when you represented us at the Helen Fielding booksigning.We look forward to the pics. I hope there are listserve people lurking so we can share this account with them. Would someone on the listserve pl. copy this and post it on the list serve. We want to share Colin with them. And, at times, I wish they would share things with us.We are all Internet fans together.....ALL of us are Friends of Firth. Welcome Elena...your English is fine and we love hearing from you. and we encourage all lurkers to join in the fun with us.

Oh, Winter, you had the experience of a lifetime. Your write-up was great and I can well imagine that you'd be on such a high that you couldn't get to sleep (another Audrey Hepburn, "I could've danced all night" moment!) Could it be that he looked so pasty because you're in California. In non-sunny climes, we get used to *pasty*!! ;-) And then to have gotten in to see the film...before the great unwashed masses...sitting within popcorn-throwing distance of Colin, Gwennie and Bennie, and Harvey...hobnobbing in the ladies room with Livia...making small talk with Ben Affleck...dropping names like you did (HF). So proud of you. Is there an award we can give this woman? A statue we can erect? Bravo! Bravo! Question: Do you think you were caught on film by any of the entertainment shows? Did you see the ET, Access Hollywood, or E! people there interviewing? You will have to carefully scrutinize the shows today and let us know if you're in the shot (and what you're wearing). I'm going to reread what you've written and savor every word. Thank you so much and I eagerly await the package.

Got it!! Dame Winter. What say you all? A knighthood? I then told him how big a fan I was, that I had already accosted his poor wife twice tonight, to which he laughed and said "That's OK." What a guy! I loved this part. A very human response when the comment wasn't about him.

I have just gotten off the phone with Winter..... Disappointing news....pictures did not come out. The disposable camera did not have a flash and the other camera had crowd shots of people's heads. Of course, she feels terrible...I told it that it did not matter...her account was so fabulous; (I have downloaded it) . And the important thing is that She told him that she was representing all his fans on the Internet. Hopefully , Elizabeth , from the listserve , took a successful pic and she'll share it with us. Karen, I think, "Dame Winter" is definitely in order.I second the motion.

Dame Winter it is! Maybe Nan can air-brush Colin's pix and give him straw color hair!!! I can't imagine. I can see why you would have a hard time with the FF stories, the dark hair looks so good on him. So Dame Winter, would you say Livia is 5'5 without heels? If she speaks english with an American accent? She must have studied here at one point. Did you notice if she spoke with Benigni? This is so great, to be able to ask all these questions about the man himself!

It is a shame about the pictures, but as Evelyn said maybe Elizabeth has some to share, could you call her?

Yes, it�s a disappointment about the pics but I think what happened is very understandable. Don�t be sad, Dame Winter, you�re still my hero. In a situation like that one is more than likely to do something wrong with a camera and to tell you the truth, I didn�t expect wonders; needs a LOTof nerves to be able to take cool shots when you�re far from calm yourself.

Winter, terrific stuff!! You've really made the evening come alive...and don't worry about the photos...your words supply the pictures! What pleases me is that you've met the "real" Colin and that you LIKE him (and almost become a bosom pal of his wife! :-) ) Is he still "Mr Darcy" to you, or will you now have a different sort of image. BTW most Englishmen are pale...we just don't have that LA sunshine over here! Lest I forget (in all this excitement)..!! Ben, you mentioned that you would be meeting up with John Castle again over Christmas. If you feel that it's appropriate to the occasion, could you please perhaps ask him if "Lost Empires", in which he starred with Colin, is ever likely to be shown again on one of the satellite channels or released on video. It's a major Granada production, like "Brideshead Revisited" and "Jewel in the Crown", both of which have been recently released on video. But no "good" copy of LE seems to exist! Thanks! I really admired John Castle's performance in LE by the way!

Gosh Dame Winter . . . .sounds like a wonderful experience! Great job!!!!!

WOW!!!!! What a night!! Winter you are our very own Dame of Drool. Thanks for sharing everything with us. Who needs snappies when your prose just conjured up the experience for us all so vividly. Now you'll give us all sleepless nights too!! I was interested to see you recognised his outfit ( from the snappy with Alan Cummings?). I read somewhere that he isn't interested in clothes but I'll bet the lovely Livia's outfit was getting it's first airing. Congratulations, you were just brilliant-- calm, cool and collected.

Dame Winter, Might you have your retinas scanned? I am sure He is imprinted on them - permanently! Thanks for providing us such a thrillingly vicarious close encounter. And, to have actually *touched* him!!! Never wash that hand again!!! Or let anyone use your Vis-a-Vis, either.

Karen e-mailed me the comments above to me at work so I could catch all this excitement. Your ladyship, I could barely work for the rest of the afternoon. Your evening was fantastic. I am so proud of you and glad you represented us. You did a terrific job. Don't be disappointed for us about the photos. As Bethan said, your words made the evening come alive. I know you're disappointed for yourself but just remember - he touched your hand!! If Elizabeth's photos came out, I'm sure they'll be public on omeone's website soon so we can all share in them (and print them!) Are your feet touching earth yet? Can you believe you got in to see the movie? And then shared the landing with him? Shook his hand? Got some words out of him? My dear, I'm still shaking my head in amazement. I have a question for you - did Livia pronounce her name with the accent on the first or middle syllable? Can you even remember? Thank you so much for going and then so quickly reporting back to us. Another exciting day.

Everyone... I'm so sorry about the pictures. I called Evelyn collect from the photoshop (thanks for accepting the charges!) and told her what had happened. Apparently, the disposable camera I used was for outdoor shots, and thus, no flash was attached to it. Typical me... I know nothing about cameras. I called Elizabeth at work (we're both at UCLA!) and asked her what had happened. Apparently, she waited over half and hour, Colin and Livia came out, and she got his autograph and his picture, and herself and Colin in a picture!! Oh! How I wished I had braved the cold to see him again. But I felt so obtrusive already, having stopped Livia in the bathroom, talking to her outside, and then talking to him on the stairs...I didn't want to come off as a stalker. Liz will make me an extra copy of the photos. Liz and I reminisced over the phone a bit about last night. You know what? We both noticed that when I mentioned his "Internet fans" -- his face lit up after a second, and he immediately recognized the connection! That's probably why he felt so appreciative and told us so. I guess that's a moment that couldn't be put into a picture anyway... I'm so upset over this whole thing, I taught class today in the worst mood. My students usually like me, but I think they were taken aback by my irritable behavior. And.. it was the last week of classes, so I couldn't even make it up to them! I cancelled my office hours, since I didn't want to sit there for 2 hours and brood over this in silence. So I went home early from school, and logged on to here. At least, on the Internet, I have a cyber-shoulder to cry on. Watch the entertainment shows tonight. I walked behind Jennifer Tilly as she was giving a TV interview (I'm not sure which show). Look for the short Asian girl with the pony-tail, wearing a black pea-coat and beige top-- that's me! I talked to a friend today about last night's experience. He told me that Livia was probably very friendly to me because I always come off as someone so young. She probably thought I was about 16-- when we're actually almost the same age, I think. Ben Affleck probably blew me o f because he might of mistook me for a teeny-bopper fan. And Colin might've thought I was a polite teeny-bopper fan:-). More details... Livia is probably 5'5.5 at least. I didn't take a look at her shoes to see how tall her heels were. (But I really liked her choker!)She pronounced her name, I believe, with accent on the first vowel. (Just rhyme her name with that hand lotion "Nivea". ) I keep talking about her, but that's probably because I was amazed at how nice she was. She hugged a couple of other women after the screening... I think wives of some studio exec's or actor's wives... The movie is great... Ben Affleck has a great little role. He plays a very pompous actor who is duped by Shakespeare to take on the role of Mercutio.

Just created Topic 15 for Shakespeare in Love spoilers. We know two people now who have seen this film. They can entertain each other there until the rest of us see this movie. ;-) Ben, dear, I don't think you're an effeminate twit though perhaps Hollywood movers and shakers do so you can forget your film career. However, most of the women in the US (and I am the official spokeswoman) love an RP Brit accent (short of the royal family's). Sounds dashing and heroic but also intelligent and sensitive - every woman's dream. A whopping stereotype, but what can I say. Glad you're going back to the bosom of your family for the holidays. We expect a full report when you return. By the way, many of us think John Castle was pretty nifty looking in Lost Empires too - you can tell him that. Maybe a little older than I like and of course 10 years later he's even older yet, but still a nice looking gent. Bethan, looks like the wheels of publicity are starting to turn in the UK! Bet DB will be coming home soon. Ladies, keep your eyes peeled for us. Elena! Welcome. Tell us where you're from, if you like. We hope Shakespeare in Love will open for you soon too. Your English is lovely and I hope you'll continue to post with us.

And of course that's Topic 115 for SiL.

Anyone want to chat tonight?

I'm so upset over this whole thing Winter, the photos really, really DON'T matter!!! The eye-witness account you've given us is marvellous, and I think you should be going around with a huge Cheshire cat grin on your face. Well done!

TV ALERT " E!CHANNEL" The E! NEWS DAILY

Congrats. to Winter. A flawlessly executed operation. I shouldn't worry about the photographs. They rarely capture the mood of the moment, in my experience, and your memories will be all the more vivid without them. Sounds like Colin has snared himself a wonderful wife, but none of you would expect anything less, I suppose. I have a v. good Italian friend who's just had a daughter called Livia, coincidentally. My memory is that Claudius' mother, Tiberius' wife, was Livia, and not a terribly nice one. (Pl ase correct me, classical scholars.) These two sound better. I'm glad you liked the film, Winter. (Serves me right for the idle boast about New York that half this board will have seen it before me!) As for the pastiness, it's an occupational hazard of living in England. (Or New York, for that matter.) You should make sure the next meeting is in September, after a few months of Tuscan sun. Now you know him, I'm sure you could drop by the Villa Firth for a glass of Chianti next summer... Heide, many thanks for the reassurances. I wonder how long the effect of the accent normally lasts before the horrible truth comes out....

TV ALERT " E!CHANNEL" (cable) The E! NEWS DAILY SHOW features Colin FULL SCREEN being interviewed at last night's LA Premiere. It will be shown again tomorrow at: 6AM CT and 12 noon CT Karen called me on this. She just saw it. I do not get E! channel. Look for Her Ladyship. Dame Winter...Your Ladyship...when you get the pics from Elizabeth our original mailing plan (Overnite to Karen) goes into effect...ok?

Winter: Congrats to you. You lucky girl. I am so jealous. I am glad that you liked the wife. I have always been jealous too. Rita

Okay, I've got the note pasted on my door again for the Fed Ex guy to just leave the package...whenever it shows up. I know you must be sad, Winter, but like everyone here says, we have experienced it vicariously through your words. Don't feel like you've let us down. We don't think so at all. You came through for us and we are so glad you made it and had the presence of mind to speak to both Colin and Livia. I know I'd be just tongue-tied like I was with Nick Hornby and he's no where near the same as Colin. ;-) **************** I've just received a message from Firth High Command for our *Batbuddy* You have been selected from thousands of able-bodied (just guessing, mind you) men to execute OPERATION FIND LOST EMPIRES!! The details of this strategically important operation will be made known to you when our military attache arrives with the sealed documents. Suffice to say, we'd like a copy of this miniseries (NTSC and/or PAL)...no questions asked. By the way, M has sanctioned your use of your double-o classification, if necessary. ;-)

Another thing: Siskel and Ebert will review SiL next week. Since it is syndicated, the dates will vary. Mine is on Saturday. Anyway, the new Star Trek is also on the bill, so who knows which will lead off. I am getting so sick and tired of Ben Affleck and his mugging for the camera. I liked him after Good Will Hunting, but now if I see him one more time being interviewed about this movie, I'm going to get seriously ill. On one of the shows, he actually said there wasn't any Shakespeare in SiL. Did this guy go to school or is he just another ignorant dropout? Who does he think Mercutio is? E! Update - My cable was acting weird yesterday so I am going to retape this snippet today. The 6:00 a.m. was not the same; hopefully the noon rebroadcast will be the same as yesterday's. Anyway, it showed Colin being interviewed by someone, although you couldn't really make out what he was saying. But as Evelyn posted, he was the only one on screen!!! You didn't have to use a magnifying glass to see him. Looked positively adorable. Not at all jowly or anything. Wish I had a Snappy.

Now that our very own Dame of Drool has experienced that gorgeous and expressive face light up at the mention of his internet fans maybe THIS should henceforward be known as "THE LOOK."

WOW! What excitement on this board. I usually lurk, but this event has driven me out of my lazy mode to actually post. Winter, You have my full admiration on your meeting with Le Firth. I would have been struck dumb, but you kept your composure and even got to talk to his wife. The pictures don't matter at all because in this case a picture would not have been worth your "1000" words. Anyway, E Entainment so kindly supplied us with the visual. His hair was a lot lighter and perhaps a bit more receding, but he still looked gorgeous. Now we know Livia is not pregnant. Thanks again for your account of your evening. BTW, for what does DB stand?

DB=Dear Boy You'll get the hang of our shorthand. :) Nice to see you posting here as well, Sue.

What do you mean, Winter? This is a great picture! No, actually this is from the Miramax site. Only one they have with Colin...at least so far...

Oh my god, I keep thinking over and over again about your magnificent experience, Winter. It�s so miraculous that you actually managed to meet him, stood close to him, could observe his features and hear his voice in real life, talked to him and even touched him....!!! I can�t get enough of the idea. On the other hand, isn�t it funny to say things like this, as if Colin was a deity of some kind and not just a good-looking bloke who�s exactly as human as we are. That�s actually what your adventure made so wonderfully clear to me, Winter, Colin�s lovely humanity I mean. There was such a long while without any news from him that he started to seem to me as something from a fairytale. I�m laughing at myself and the text I�ve written here but I have a hunch that I share these mixed feelings with some of you. By the way, I used to be jealous for Livia, now I�m deeply jealous for all of you who have been able to see Colin and his new look in tv. You lucky people. Thank-you, Heide and Evelyn, for welcoming me. I live in Finland and I guess it�ll take some time before SIL can be seen over here. Haven�t read one word of it anywhere.

I am somewhat mystified by the advertising for SIL. Miramax have, what would appear to be a coup, with the attendance of HC at the premier but we have seen almost no publicity for that event. Is that because it has just not appeared on the Net or has there been very little coverage in the press outside of specialist entertainment programs? Not being in the US, in particular in NY and LA, it is hard to judge. It opens there tomorrow, doesn't it? CF and Livia must have had their photographs taken sooo many times by the press, but nothing have we seen. Sob, sob!! (BTW that was meant to indicate sorrow not US swear word!)

(Allison) Sob, sob!! (BTW that was meant to indicate sorrow not US swear word!) The latter would never have occurred to me, but now that I think about it... Where are those !@##ed pictures and interviews? Who is hogging that film?

I've been particularly quiet about Winter's tete a tete w/ CF himself. I can't believe that my lunch buddy met him:) Oh, Winter, you definitely HAVE to come BACK to Boston, (this time my life isn't a mess as it was in August when you were here last!) You handled yourself better than I could've. I probably would've passed out:) Why do I all of sudden feel like Amazon woman amongst you little women:) and I'm only 5'6"!!!! I am completely and utterly;) enthralled by your narrative. Great Job!!! (PS. my favorite was telling CF that you accosted his wife not once, twice! I was chuckling it up. And his "That's okay." Quite the gentleman! (Ha! He did behave in a gentlemanly behavior!) to paraphase!

Hello, i�ve just seen the J. Leno Tonight show with BA. But I am so depressed. The film scene they showed didn�t bring CF up. His name wasn�t even mentioned while the talking (bla,bla). They only talked about BA (what a shame). I don�t know if this was a show from today, because I live in Germany and I don�t know if they just showed the Tonight show of today !? So some of you might have seen this show ? Does anyone know of a comming show with CF himself ??? Sorry for my bad english ! :-)

Hallo ladies, one cannot take a few days vacation but things happen around here. Words can't express my delight at Winter's adventure. Dame Winter, thou art the Indiana Jones of Drool, boldly going where we all would love to go - but would we dare? (actually, this is a very mixed comparison) When I read that you were going to the screening I felt a twinge of envy, but when I read your account I was just thrilled. A thousand thanks. How did you manage to keep your head?! And talk to both of them not once but several times! And get in a word about his Net fans! Much, much better than photographs. We all love you for your exploit, and sharing it with us. In Portugal, unfortunately, we can't be sure we will ever see SiL. We haven't seen a number of the other CF films (a few were given on television). But historical fiction appears to be in now, so maybe we will. Historical correction: Ben, Livia was not Tiberius's wife but his mother, the wife of emperor Augustus (who was not Tiberius's father). And Tiberius wasn't Claudius's father either, but his uncle.

Hey gang....remember a few weeks ago Ben initiated the contest of the opening "Chat up line that we would use when we met The Man Himself" And Winter was the winner with... "Didn't I see you in Far From the Madding Crowd?" We all had a good laugh over that one.....Little did she know.... that on December the 8th.....What did you say first Winter? Anyway, Your Ladyship...this was just a practice mission for MLSF in June. He'll remember you then....can you top December the 8th?!! And between now and then ...a photography crash-course, Winter??? :-))

(Evelyn)And Winter was the winner with... "Didn't I see you in Far From the Madding Crowd?" Was there a winner? I can't recall.

God. What a pig's mistake I made of Claudius' lineage. Thanks, Gi. (You can tell how much attention I paid in my Latin classes and how long ago they were.) So, if I've understood, Livia was Claudius' great aunt. Do you know if she was nice or nasty (in Robert Graves' mind)? I've a vague memory that she was horrid. Re: chat-up lines; I congratulate Winter on being able to say anything at all, let alone a coherent sentence, let alone one which signals her admiration. Extreme coolness under fire. Strangely I've already been to TWO Anglo-Italian weddings this year, both involving an English man and an Italian woman. So it's all the rage. How did they meet? Perhaps I should spend more time in Rome, or at least Little Italy.

Ben, Livia was actually Claudius'grand-mother, through her son Drusus. And Graves presented her under a very bad light, a manipulative and even murderous woman.

(Evelyn)And Winter was the winner with... "Didn't I see you in Far From the Madding Crowd?" (Gi)Was there a winner? I can't recall. You're right, Gi....we did nominate Winter and Cheryle whose line was: "I saw you in Playmaker...loved it...give it for gifts...." (Because no one has seen it...). OK, Ben...You're ON. It was your contest and you promised to judge it. There were several other good ones too. These two I remember well.

I am getting so sick and tired of Ben Affleck and his mugging for the camera. (Karen) Ah, but Ben and Gwynnie SELL the movie, Karen! It's all good marketing! An "interesting" snippet on SIL in the Daily Telegraph ...(quote) The delightful actress GP has been reduced to a flustered bundle of maroon embarassment in the hands of a bunch of English actors....SIL..for which she was required to dress as a boy. Once dressed as a chap, she found herself attracting unseemly amounts of attention from the male members of the cast. "When I was dressed up like a boy, the men's energy was so different with me than when I was a woman" she tells American reporters. "It was palpable to me, and there were a few men who were really, really fascinated by me dressed as a boy. This epecially happens in England, where they're very into that kind of thing and freely admit that they are." I think we can safely exclude CF (Gwynnie is always very womanly in the Wessex scenes!), Geoffrey (Austray-lian) and of course Ben (American) from this unseemly fascination!! I lead a very sheltered life( :-) )...so...what does "especially happen in England"?!!!

Didn't you know? We English only fancy girls if they're dressed up as boys. Public school, nannies, dormitaries, matron, chapel choir, fagging'n'all that. WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP. What is GP on about? Or maybe she's right, and Jennifer Ehle, God bless'er, would only need to slip into a pair of grey shorts, an airtex shirt and a prep-school blazer to send me into paroxysms of desire. Come to think of it, though, I wouldn't say no even if she asked me in a dress. I will print out all chat up lines and retire to my chamber to judge them tonight. Promise.

(Karen and her photo from SiL) What do you mean, Winter? This is a great picture! ROTFLMOL!! This cracked me up. Must be the wine I'm drinking. (Gwynnie's quote) "It was palpable to me, and there were a few men who were really, really fascinated by me dressed as a boy. This epecially happens in England, where they're very into that kind of thing and freely admit that they are." (Bethan) I lead a very sheltered life( :-) )...so...what does "especially happen in England"?! ROTFLMOL again!! I've heard of the other way around but this is news to me. Do you think she really said it? Just when I was beginning to think she wasn't a twit. (Sabine) Hello, i�ve just seen the J. Leno Tonight show with BA. We just saw the same one too last night. Like Karen, I was really annoyed with Mr. Affleck. He was trying really hard to be funny but I couldn't crack a smile. Guess I'm only amused by my Drool buddies or else I'M ANNOYED NO ONE MENTIONS COLIN!! Believe me, Sabine, if anyone knows of an upcoming show with Mr. Firth on, you'll read it here. But you might want to check Jay Leno tomorrow (for you, tonight for the US). Ms. Paltrow is on. (And your English is fine. You should see my German.) (Elena) isn�t it funny to say things like this, as if Colin was a deity of some kind and not just a good-looking bloke who�s exactly as human as we are....I�m laughing at myself and the text I�ve written here but I have a hunch that I share these mixed feelings with some of you. Exactly so. I don't dare speak for the rest but I know I'm laughing at myself as I type some of the things you see here. We're grown up women living our lives and then something about this guy just reached out, grabbed hold and stuck. I know I'm ridiculous half the time but I'm having a ball.

The 1998 Firth Chat-up Championship, Official Results. Due to the wonderfully high standard this year, we are awarding three prizes. In second= place, we have Gi, for #798, the "Bingley" line, and Karen, for #783, the Arsenal key-chain. And, with her nose out in first place, Winter, for #799, the inventive "Madding Crowd" line. Congratulations to all. See you next year.

CONGRATULATIONS WINTER....GI......KAREN..... May you all have the opportunity to deliver the chat-up lineto The Man Himself Up Close and Personal..... Thanks Ben. Happy Holidays!!We'll miss ya'.

(Heide)We're grown up women living our lives and then something about this guy justreached out, grabbed hold and stuck. I know I'm ridiculous half the time but I'm having a ball. Ditto, Heide. I wish, though, I would have chosen a better name...not my own. Now, let's see....what's evelyn backwards....nyleve...sounds Middle Eastern or Welsh!

Should I say that Karen really used that line!!! I was right there beside her in Irish Pub in Chicago last October!!! His name was Paddington! (yes, as in the bear!)

Whoa! I leave for about a day and there are so many posts already! Thanks so much everyone, for your comments. That night was truly a collective experience, and you were all in my mind as everything happened. How did I keep my composure? I still wonder at that myself. The only thing I can equate this to is those life or death experiences, in which you've performed beyond your own expectations, and your weaknesses fly out the window (temporarily). Ever have to rush a loved one to the hospital, even though you usually cringe at the sight of blood? It's that feeling... (Elena) isn�t it funny to say things like this, as if Colin was a deity of some kind and not just a good-looking bloke who�s exactly as human as we are. I know what you mean...It's so weird now reading the P&P fanfic, because I actually feel guilty picturing CF's face in the narratives, as I used to do. I almost feel like I'm imposing on him by doing that, because he was just so real...like, fantasizing your local butcher as Mr. Darcy! But I'm sure I will bounce back from this. Karen-- Since the pictures were not spectacular, I sent them to you regular mail. It will be about 3 business days, I think. The shot from the premiere was really bad... rather than playing "Where's Waldo?", it's more like, "Where's Colin?" (Ben) Jennifer Ehle, God bless'er, would only need to slip into a pair of grey shorts, an airtex shirt and a prep-school blazer to send me into paroxysms of desire. LOL, Ben! But what would you do, if she were to furthermore appear to you wearing the above, and ask you, "Prof. Broadbent... I'm in need of extra tutoring..." BTW, What's an airtex shirt? I'm assuming those white, button down, starched things some of us had to wear in Catholic School? Actually, a (British)friend of mine, who is v. beautiful, said she got more passes from the men as a young schoolgirl in a uniform, as opposed to now, in her mid 20's in provacative clothes. (Ben)And, with her nose out in first place, Winter, for #799, the inventive "Madding Crowd" line. Thank you, thank you. Though, obviously, that line didn't materialize. I wonder what the reaction would've been, had I used it... hmmm....

I almost feel like I'm imposing on him by doing that, because he was just so real...like, fantasizing your local butcher as Mr. Darcy! (Winter) My local butcher is about 5 foot small, fat and bald! Seriously, on the psychology of fan-dom, how do you now see Colin... as a nice, approachable bloke, and a good actor, rather than an elusive fantasy figure....or is there still a touch of the "fantasy heartthrob" figure? Are you still going to swoon when you see him on the Big Screen, or is that no longer possible when he's so nice and NORMAL...and you've chatted with his charming wife in the ladies rest room! If he had swept past you, unsmiling, clad in shades and a tightly fitting sharp suit (not last ear's oufit from the TEP premiere!), with tinted black hair and an artificial perma-tan, plus sulky, sultry partner, would your fantasy have remained intact....or are you much happier with "reality"? (I think I would be!) My only experience of meeting the "object of my affections" was as a teenager, when I queued to see a "famous" actor emerging from the stage door. I still remember thinking "Oh God, what a prat!" (He was SO churlish, and much smaller than I imagined). I lost interest INSTANTLY, and still dislike him to this day (the destroyer of adolescent illusions!). Will mention no names!

Winter, I hope you�re not saying that he reminded you of your local butcher...?! Seriously, I think it was very interesting what you said about feeling guilty about the fanfic. I really do wish that our feelings about Colin won�t be shattered by realizing that he�s real. Why should they? Can�t he be loved as he is, flesh and blood? My answer is: YESSS. The truth is that I haven�t fantasized about Mr. Darcy, not once. For me the role was only the reason why I got interested in the actor behind it. I want to confess to you that I�ve always daydreamt about meeting the real CF etc.... Looking back, it was Colin�s wonderful acting ability, his intelligence and ways of thinking that really made me fall for him. I loved him in P&P of course but it was only when I read his interviews that I got permanently stuck. My obsession would never have started without his lovable frankness and wit...(and those eyes....) By the way, what�s LOL, and ROTFLMOL???Sounds so funny I can almost figure it out but not quite.

(Bethan), Seriously, on the psychology of fan-dom, how do you now see Colin... as a nice, approachable bloke, and a good actor, rather than an elusive fantasy figure.... We'll see how quickly he answers our questions, and if he truly appreciates his internet fans as he says, he will! Dame Winter you are on a roll, first Colin now first start up line. Next you'll run into him at a restaurant, and if you do, we expect a full report as only you can do. Have a Happy Christmas Ben, on your return we will look forward to some news as well as your witty anecdotes.

Happy Xmas Ben. Please let us know how your Sloane Square vigil goes!!

After getting a courtesy phone call this morning (7:30) from Evelyn alerting me to the fact that GP was on one of those morning shows, I blew it!! They showed a different clip (GP dancing with JF) and Colin walks up to the couple and takes JP away, I think. But I didn't capture it on tape. Bwaaaa!!! Geoffrey Rush was on another show this morning. His clip didn't have Colin in it, but I didn't expect it would. Again neither star mentioned one single name of anyone else in the film. What is this????? Are they that egotistical? Gwynnie is on Rosie later. Will have the VCR humming.... :) BTW, sorry, Moon, I just can't take Roberto Begnini (and I've seen the movie)

Gwynnie will also be on Good Morning America next week. One has to hand it to GP she sure goes at this marketing. This am interview was taped and she was not nervous. And absolutely charming...talked about the bean bag in her tights to have her walk like a man...giggled and blushed. She has crossed this country several times since T'sgiving. (Wish I had her frequent flyer miles). Let's see how she does on Rosie this aft. Miramax is lucky to have her.

Now that I think it over, perhaps the butcher analogy is ill-fitted. What I really felt was more a discomfort for fantasizing about him, now that I've seen him in the context of a present-day situation, in which he was a real person, with a family, and friends and basically...just a person with a job. But like I said before, this is probably a post-event syndrome, and I'll go back to my usual drooling ways soon afterward. The very realness of him was the reason why I didn't wait for him outside the theatre, as Liz had done, to get his autograph and more pictures. He clearly wasn't the type of guy who was used to this fawning and attention, and I would've felt like I was imposing on his space had I stayed...Liz hadn't gotten anything yet, so I understood her position. But you know me... bathrooms weren't even off-limits that night!

But had you walked into the men's room, Winter, then we would worry;)

(Karen), BTW, sorry, Moon, I just can't take Roberto Begnini (and I've seen the movie) Don't apologize Karen, I don't understand why he choses to shout instead of talk always. I think he must be v. insecure about his english, and, he is short and tries with all his gestures to be larger than life. In italian he is v.v. funny, so do excuse him. Did you like the movie? I hear there's talk of an Oscar best picture nomination instead of best foreign film?

Just to let everyone know, there's a review of SiL in USA Today where it only lists CF's name twice as being in the movie. There's absolutely nothing else said about him which is kinda upsetting and what is more upsetting is that one time his name is listed as Colin Friel! FRIEL??? Also, GP will be on The View on Monday! I'll try to tape it, but I just wanted to let all of you know if anyone else is interested!!

I've got the Rosie tape. Unbelievably, the chose a clip of GP and Colin instead of JF. I am all astonishment. Snapping as we speak... Get back to you later.

I am beginning to feel sorry for J Fiennes (I never thought I would say that!) From what you are all saying, he has had little mention. He is Shakespeare, after all. I know CF hasn't been interviewed, but has there been any word from JF. He is on stage in London at the moment, so he is otherwise occupied But GP and BA are everywhere.

Stacy beat to posting about the USA Today name error. The only goods news is that they gave the movie 3 1/2 stars. Mr.Showbiz gave it 91 out of 100. The reviews are looking good on this movie even if CF is rarely mentioned. Our DB continues to be undervalued and unappreciated by the Hollywood film community, but not by us. Also in USA Today (I made a special trip to buy this paper so I could cut out the review and now the name is wrong)they had an article on how the Oscar race is stacking up. GP was mentioned as Best Actress with Cate Blanchett being the front runner. JD was mentioned as front runner for Supporting Actress. GR was mentioned as front runner for Supporting Actor. NO COLIN! If anyone wants to write in for the film you are rooting for th catch Academy Award recogintion email them at backtalk@usatoday.com On Friday, they include some of the e-mails in the paper. I think we should write in and bombarde them with SIL and be sure to spell Firth correctly. :-)) USA Today SIL Review

From the review that I was reading today it sounded like JF really didn't do a fantastic job in the movie. Supposedly GP and BA were just terrific but of course they both are very popular here in the US so there's going to be a lot of promoting with the two of them!!!

Sorry for typo- should be to catch. Thanks Nan for the Rosie update. I'll set my vcr since I pick up my kids from school when Rosie is on at 3:00. By the time the movie comes out, we might have seen all the scenes with CF already. Allison, Don't feel to sorry for JF,he got pretty decent notice in the Mr. Showbiz review and at least he gets his name spelled correctly.

I am having the same sort of luck with SIL and no Colin FIRTH!!! Time Mag (December 14th issue) reviewed the movie, liked it very much, mentioned all sorts of actors in it, but not one mention of DB. Cannot believe it. Watched both CBS and NBC morning shows today with their requesite SIL "famous actors", none of which mentioned HIM. I am all disgustment! (Is there such a word?!)

TV ALERT FOR GERMANY / REMINDER Set your videorecorder! About A Boy by Nick Hornby will be reviewed tonight at 22.20h, ZDF, im Literarischen Quartett.

I was just thinking, we all would love to see more of Colin but maybe he's not really into all of the fame. I would hate to see the photographers and reporters chasing him around all of the time. He would have absolutely no peace. Just look at it this way, he gets to do what he loves(acting) without being mobbed by every crazy person out there. He gets to have a real life and we should be happy that he has that opportunity because most actors don't. His true fans know how wonderful he is and we know wh re to look when we want to find out what he is up to! Just think of him like he was a private secret that you didn't have to worry about sharing with everyone else!!!!

Colin finally got some press from GP on Rosie! She said that he played Wessex brillantly and that he was hilarious, but nothing other than that! They also showed a pretty long scene with him and GP kissing. She wasn't enjoying it much, but I know I would if I were in her place!!!

I am so mad!!! How dare they interrupt the Rosie Show for the four thousandth apology from the President and then they cut away again for those useless people we've elected to vote on an article of impeachment. And GP had just mentioned Colin's name!! Isn't that what CSPAN was created for??? History-making vote, my !@# Anyway, fortunately, they Rosie at a *safe* hour in NY, so I'll post her Snappies. One more thing, I finally got through to the Oprah Show (took a whole week at least) and they haven't taped a show on SiL and they are not in production again until Jan 11th.

More from our DEER nan:

I agree with Stacey. If we profess to love him so much we should honor his wishes in this regard. Our NEEDING to know is for our own pleasure, not his. I wish him a HAPPY (and therefore, undisturbed) Holiday with his family!

Oooooh! Thank you! He is indeed gorgeous. Thanks for reminding me, as if I needed reminding. Sahll we all look for keepsakes?!

Reviews of SIL/CF.... net surfing, I've seen a couple of reviews praising CF, and didn't he get a decent mention in the New York Times? But I sometimes think he's the invisible man as far as critics are concerned!! Our Cable TV mag called him "a fine, but consistently under-rated actor." TOO true! Great pix, Nan! So he's not scowling ALL the time! Way, way back Ben (I think) asked how CF and Livia met. Not in Rome but in South America, on the set of "Nostromo". Livia was working as Producer's assistant, taking time off from her PhD studies (Eng. Lit) at Rome University. BTW, has Geoffrey Rush given any interviews on talk shows, or is the main focus GP and BA? But all credit to GP for promoting the movie. I think Colin must lack the "name recognition" needed for marketing. Perhaps after FP and MLSF, he'll be better known in the US....not Colin Friels (Australian actor)or Colin Frith!!!

(Bethan) BTW, has Geoffrey Rush given any interviews on talk shows, or is the main focus GP and BA? Geoffrey Rush was on one of the morning news shows today as well. He did not mention any of his co-stars either and his clip was naturally of himself. Yes, the emphasis is on GP and BA. Wait until the public sees what a small part BA has! :-) The one I also feel sorry for is JF...he's no where to be found. Could he be even more shy than Colin or is he just a poor interviewee? Sorry about the interruption in posting the Snappies from Nan. The computer was not cooperating. The remainder:

Let me try this again...

Oh Karen!!! If I just unfocus my eyes a little I can pretend it is me with my back to the camera. I wonder if his whiskers tickled?! Many thanks again.

Karen, are you able to get snappies from the E! channel's brief shot of Colin?I taped it, so if you can scan him on the computer, email me and let me know, and I can mail it to you. The pictures are on their way. They include a picture of his signature on my 'Making of P&P' book, the ticket stub from the screening, and that one and only shot of his hair amidst a crowd of journalists and photographers :-(

I can't do any Snappying. Nan has been doing the magic on those, but I'm pretty sure that shot of Colin (and it's good ladies) can be caught. If you don't mind parting with the videotape, I can email Nan's address to you. But first you need to email me: rosie45@hotmail.com We'll get this show on the road one way or another. (Marcia) I can pretend it is me with my back to the camera. I wonder if his whiskers tickled?! Excellent idea, Marcia. Would it matter, though, if his whiskers tickled!! (winter) that one and only shot of his hair amidst a crowd of journalists and photographers :-( Actually, I can't wait to see that one!

Winter: I am in awe still today. I can't believe that you actually got to meet Colin. I am so jealous. Of course, if I would have had the opportunity I am sure I would have really messed it up. You were too cool and collected. It is very disappointing that in Dallas SIL is no where to be found. I love all the pictures that have been posted. You guys are great. I watched Jay Leno last night and I was upset that Colin didn't get mentioned but, that is okay. We all know he is great. Rita

Elena-- Almost forgot... LOL means 'Laughing out Loud" ROTFLOL means "Rolling on the floor laughing out loud" ROTFLMAO = 'Rolling on the floor laughing my ass off" (my personal fav.) Check you papers and magazines and tv entertainment shows, sisters. Isn't this about the time all of those press junket interviews from SiL come out? I know that whenever a movie premieres, the stars are usually put up at a posh hotel for days, doing intervew after interview. You'd think Colin was part of that.

Winter, thanks for LOL etc. By the way, I loved your definition of our beautiful DB as �just a person with a job�. Right....just the most droolable person with a job I know. While waiting for him to answer your list of questions, I�d like to ask if any of you have ever written to Colin and if so, did you get an answer of any sort? I haven�t done it simply because I suspect he doesn�t read his fanmail. I guess somebody opens his mail at the agency by his permission and throws them away; it�s unlikely that he would open any his fanmail personally. Haven�t seen him commenting on this in any of his interviews (oh yes, he did say once that he was disappointed because no-one sent him their knickers or naughty pictures. Maybe that would do the trick...!)

(Elena) I�d like to ask if any of you have ever written to Colin and if so, did you get an answer of any sort? Actually, YES! I wrote him (for the first time) this week, after my pictures didn't come out. I wrote him a hilarious account of my night, waiting in the cold to see him, stopping Livia in the bathroom, etc. and then asked if he could send me an autographed photo. I doubt he'll get to see it-- You're right Elena. his agent, or even his agent's assistant will read the letter, and then send me back a stock photo with the typical 'Best wishes' or whatever. I jokingly told him to personalize the autograph, so that I could see how he signs the letter "J" (My real name's Jennifer).

(Winter) Isn't this about the time all of those press junket interviews from SiL come out? I know that whenever a movie premieres, the stars are usually put up at a posh hotel for days, doing intervew after interview. You'd think Colin was part of that. Colin was part of it; that was when he was in the US the week before. Some of the interviews (mainly of GP) have already been used. You can tell, she is wearing the same thing (a black outfit) and there are draperies and a movie poster in the background. It might be a little early for the rest of the country since the movie doesn't open until Xmas Day, although we've been barraged for weeks with Stepmom ads. For me, Siskel and Ebert will be reviewing SiL tonight. Check your listings!!

I didn't want to disturb the flow of Winter's narrative of her thrilling experience by doing this sooner. However, before this topic reaches 1200 posts (and this is Part 2!), I'll be opening up a new Colin topic (Part 3) so we can put this to rest before it blows up the Spring. Look for it soon.

(Karen) Marcia. Would it matter, though, if his whiskers tickled!! Since my huband is going to be Santa tonight and next Saturday night, and he uses no pillows or fake whiskers, YES, I know they do tickle! And, NO, it does not matter. It is the guy growing them which matters!

Thanks for the snappies of the Rosie Show Nan....they are great. Rita...only LA and NY are getting SIL this week. The rest of the country gets it Christmas Day; Dallas and Okla. City to be included, I hope.

(Winter) His agent�s assistant will read the letter, and then send me back a stock photo with the typical 'Best wishes' or whatever. Ouch, such pessimism. That�s not necessarily the fact, though. We just do not know the truth about this. If I were him I would read my fanmail regularly out of sheer curiosity and because it must be fun to get love letters from strangers. So, it�s possible that he won�t read your letter but it�s also very possible that he WILL (and remember you thinking, �Oh, what a lovely girl she was�)!!! So, if it happens that you get an answer, please please please tell us about it, at least about receiving one (we don�t want to be nosy about the contents.....do we...;-)

Re: Colin's fan mail: It is usually opened by someone he employs as his personal assistant, but if Colin is around, he has been known to grab a handful of letters and take them away with him to read. If Colin can't reply in person, the assistant will usually make it clear. The most usual reply is typed, signed by hand - often just his first name only - and contains words of thanks for taking the trouble to write to him. It would appear that the assistant types replies to Colin's specifications and sometim s the reply is more personal, but handwritten ones - known in the past - are now extremely rare. And he has referred to fanmail in some of his interviews: he has indicated that the volume and contents often baffle him.

Girls, it was me posting response 1180, not arra. That�s my husband�s pseudonym! He created it a minute ago while showing me how to copy and paste plus italicize!! I just forgot to change it when I posted. BUT I assure you, he didn�do it here in the Drool, I wouldn�t dream of letting him see all of this.

Elena, that makes two of us, Drool is my little secret too.

Sorry for my names mix-up. Arami, how do you know all this about Colin�s varying answering habits? Have you been corresponding with him? Sounds like you WERE the assistant in the agency....:-)

Re: Colin's fan mail: It is usually opened by someone he employs as his personal assistant, but if Colin is around, he has been known to grab a handful of letters and take them away with him to read. If Colin can't reply in person, the assistant will usually make it clear. The most usual reply is typed, signed by hand - often just his first name only - and contains words of thanks for taking the trouble to write to him. It would appear that the assistant types replies to Colin's specifications and sometim s the reply is more personal, but handwritten ones - known in the past - are now extremely rare. And he has referred to fanmail in some of his interviews: he has indicated that the volume and contents often baffle him.

Hey, I haven't posted this twice, I assure you! This silly program plays tricks sometimes. Now, how do I know... it's called research and deduction. Or an informed guess based on general observation and experience.

Arami-- it's a good deduction. I have friends here who work as agents' assistants and that's precisely what they do. I DO HOPE, however, that as he grabs a handful of letters to read himself, that mine gets somehow lodged into the pile! So, if it happens that you get an answer, please please please tell us about it, Are you kidding me?! You are all the first people I go to to share all this stuff. As Moon says, this place is my little secret too. None of my IRL (in real life) friends would get it... they already thought I was insane after this week's outing. BTW-- Renate: How was the Literarischen Quartett show (re; About a Boy)? I would love to hear what they had to say. Do we have a Nick Hornby board? Some people may not feel so "Drooly" about him in the same Colin Firth or Antonio Banderas way... but I love his work, and it would be great to talk about him in another forum. Esp. hear the accounts of people who got to meet him during his book tour.

Hey, I haven't posted this twice, I assure you! This silly program plays tricks sometimes. Now, how do I know... it's called research and deduction. Or an informed guess based on general observation and experience.

Oh, yes, das Literarische Quartett. To understand the following you have to know this circle is a very exclusive one, and that usually only the best of literature is their target. The head of the quartett is Marcel Reich-Ranicky, is nicknamed "Literatur-Pabst" (Pope of Literature), and his word - and to some extend the word of his 3 colleages - can decide over the future and the sales of a book, and perhaps about an author's career. The review was between mixed and good. They stated it may not be real good literature , but it came across that it is very entertaining. The strongest point of critic was that NH always writes about the same kind of man (himself?), the boy-man who never wants to grow up. They have a point here, IMO. I think they did the book and the author a big favour by a) putting it on their list at all, as one of 4 or 5 books b) not tearing it apart because it is not "high literature" c) Marcel Reich-Ranicky said he liked the book. I don't think NH needs their recommendation - but it cannot hurt to have this extra push. Don't know how much money someone can make with such a book (not too much I'm afraid), but I think NH shouldn't worry anymore how to pay the rent opposite the Arsenal Stadium. :-) Winter, good idea about a Nick Hornby (and Fever Pitch!) board. He surely deserves one! What about reading a book together and discuss it ... About a Boy?

Oy, oy, oy, time to freeze this board! Count Almushy is playing tricks again: now he has specialized in repeating Arami's messages.

Hey, I haven't posted this twice, I assure you! This silly program plays tricks sometimes. Now, how do I know... it's called research and deduction. Or an informed guess based on general observation and experience.

Yes, but how did Renate know about it BEFORE it happened again, huh? Spooks!!!

So now your message was posted 3 times, Arami! Count Almushy loves you! :-)**

I spoke about this with Kaylene some months ago and she assured me that any Conference can safely have 2,000 topics and 6,000 responses per topic--theoretically, anyway. I used to freeze the topics not because of the high numbers but because new people complained they would have to load 1,000 replies before they could respond. But I have to admit, between the time warp and the double posts, it looks like Yapp is choking :-/

Whatever... Anyway, I have created Part 3 at Topic 116 now. Just to be safe. ;-)

Winter, it sounds like you had a great time. Thank you for the colorful account. It sounds like your experience was like every interviewer I've read. They all say how nice he is. I wish I could find the one that said she was so surprised to find an actor who wasn't concieted at all but very down to earth and a great sense of humor, with the ability to laugh at himself. Lucie