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

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

hear hear

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I find his stuttering charming.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Would Bill Murray make a good Darcy?

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

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

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

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

How about John Payne as Bingley?

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

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

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

Bill Murray, Terry?!!! ARGH!

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

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

Just kidding! How about Dan Akroyd?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Or James Woods!

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

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

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

I like Diggstown--a very underrated Woods film.

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

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

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

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

Promise

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

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

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