Ben, your DoF is priceless! I needed a good laugh after the big freeze we are experiencing in the midwest. HenceFirth, you will be referred to as the official lexogapher of the DoF. Move over, OED! Can I design the cover? A big glossy of CF as Darcy in the tub, perhaps? Eileen, back in the 80s I, Iived in NY for several years (around 10th and 57th, which I refer to as the Hell's Foyer section of Manhattan). I had the pleasure of seeing Derek Jacobi (as Cyrano) and Jeremy Irons (in a Stoppard play, no less) on Broadway. There is an electricity about theater which does not exist in films. I can only hope that one day I will get to see the DB act in a play. But then I keep reading that Broadway has been Disney-ized and Times Square sanitized, so to speak. Oy! KJArt, what a lovely rendering of Colin. Really captures that delicate quality about him. This board is really becoming addictive....I am a hopeless case, I am afraid, as I am always in search of Firthfilment!

For Ben's Glossary: Firthile (adj)..as in "firthile imagination" ie, a form of wishful thinking, seeing things which may or may not exist. Usually induced by too much gazing at opaque shower screens. Firthrate...ultimate acting accolade. Alternatively, regular arrival of bambinos. And, (slightly tongue-in-cheek!) Firthchoice....laborious decision-making process,invoving much agonising, soul-searching and initial refusals, before finally saying "yes!". Nerfirth tick....obsessive repetitive act ( for example, rubbing nose) when ill-at-ease (as in interview) For Miss Ehle, well there's "ehlated" and "ehlysium" (as in state of bliss)!! Hardly any SIL coverage in the UK press so far. I've seen more coverage of the Star Wars trailer! When are the Oscar nominations made (not the actual awards ceremony) and the Golden Globes announced? I think that in the UK we only really sit up and take notice if a movie has been recognised, or is commercially successful, in the US. Otherwise, total apathy! I can only hope that one day I will get to see the DB act in a play. Well, he did say that of his next five projects, he wanted one to be in the theatre! And by my reckoning, he's reached five! But he also said was hopeless at Math!

For Ben's Glossary: Ehleite- a fan of Jenn's Firthalite- one who admires Colin Ehlefirthalite (say it fast!)... one who likes both. So far: 13 for Colin 8 for Jennifer

For Ben also, Ehlethralled- to be taken in Ehlectrified- needs no explanation Ehlesome (whatever he wants it to be) Ehlendowed - to be full of Jenn;) 12 now for Ben;)

How about: Firthophile (n), an obsessive lover of all things pertaining to CF. Firthography (n), the life and times of CF.

Does someone here have a degree in Firthguistics? Hardly any SIL coverage in the UK press so far. I've seen more coverage of the Star Wars trailer! This situation should soon be rectified. Compilation tape of SiL and Colin's interview were mailed today to be converted. I would expect it to land in the UK next week. When are the Oscar nominations made (not the actual awards ceremony) and the Golden Globes announced? The Golden Globes I think will be on January 24th. I'm not sure when the cutoff is for AA nominations; however, Oscar hopefuls have begun their parade on the talk shows. Cate Blanchette is on Leno or Letterman I think this week. Since she doesn't have an opening, she needs to get out in front of the public and in front of those making the nominations who have probably forgotten she was in a movie this year.

I think Oscar Nominations are due out January 21st and Academy Awards night March 21. Will SIL not be considered for this year's BAFTAs in April? You mean it has to wait till 2000? The video will be out by then...and we will have discussed it on #98. Amazon still doesn't have the screen play. Hoorah! Karen's firthrate tape is firthcoming to UK and all the firthophiles will be firthfully firthralled. A firthilizing firthfillment. ( See what you started, Ben)

(LisaJH)(around 10th and 57th, which I refer to as the Hell's Foyer section of Manhattan). Get outta town! That's my neighborhood. Though I'm slightly lower...still in the "kitchen".

Glad to see we are back from the future (1999 vs. 2036). Nan wrote: Yep, I lived on the 5th floor of a five floor walk-up on 57th. I hear the neighborhood is changing: a highrise is now oppisite my former tenement, er, I mean, townhouse. Is the "Kitchen" now gentrified?

Oops, I meant to cut and paste Nan's quote in my last post. Obviously, HTML got the better of me.... ::sigh::

At last I have found some good reviews for Colin, one critic says he has a talent for comedy, and at last he has got a mention at the IMDB, a user reviewer at the IMDB had nothing but praise for his performance, she said that whilst we may not like Wessex Colin's portrayal was worth an A+, she freely admitted that she is a CF fan but even so it is good to see him mentioned. The whole ensemble is getting universal praise, I shan't mind him playing the villian if he gets good reviews, he is after all first and foremost an actor and not just a heart-throb. I hope the UK critics will be just as kind. BTW Karen and everyone thankyou very much for all your hard work in compiling the SIL tape for us overseas fans, I have already had queries.

Should I have posted this on topic 115, sorry

(LisaJH) I hear the neighborhood is changing: a highrise is now oppisite my former tenement, er, I mean, townhouse. Is the "Kitchen" now gentrified? Well, not exactly yet...but I see signs of it becoming the new hot neighborhood: pretty stores, new "luxury" buildings, lots of new restaurants. How long has it been since you've been here?

I see signs of it becoming the new hot neighborhood: pretty stores, new "luxury" buildings, lots of new restaurants. No doubt the rents will shoot up next... ;-)

Is the "Kitchen" now gentrified? My criteria for gentrification has come down to whether or not the "Holy Trinity" has made its presence in the neighborhood yet: 1)Blockbuster 2)Starbucks 3)Barnes and Noble ...sadly, my old neighborhood (San Francisco's Mission District) is gentrifying as well.

All right, all right -- I can restrain myself no longer... I simply must unlurk (is that a verb?)! I've been hanging out here for six months now and I must say you ladies (and gentleman -- excuse me, Ben) are having WAY too much fun -- I must beg to join in! And to think that, before I found this place, I thought I was the only one "suffering" from this maddening firthaholism -- what a relief to know there are so many others similarly afflicted! I stand in awestruck wonder at your collective ability to ferret out information about CF. And to think that some of you (CherylE, Ben, Winter) have actually met (talked to! shaken hands with! shared the same breathing space as!) the Man Himself -- unbelievably cool! When Winter said, in her marvelous description of her SiL encounter with Colin and Livia, that she called out his name, and he turned around and starting talking toward her -- oh man, too much! You don't know how much I appreciated the transcript of the A&E interview. I was offline all last week due to the holidays and had no clue Colin was set to appear (especially given his "no-interviews" policy). So it's Sunday morning and I'm standing in the kitchen getting my toddler a glass of juice and I hear this wonderful, oddly familiar voice emanating from the TV in the next room. No, I think, it couldn't be. Then the voice stops and a commercial comes on and my husband sails into the kitchen and say , "Gee, these British actors sure look different in real life." "What do you mean?" I ask. "Well, they just had an interview with Colin Firth." Needless to say, it was MOST vexing... Anyway, my point is... this place ROCKS! My hat is off to you all.

Nan wrote: How long has it been since you've been here? I left in summer of 1986, so it has been a long time. At that point Benneton shops were displacing the old Chock Full of Nuts coffee shops and diners. Most of the old shops couldn't afford the rent hikes. Very sad, indeed. Winter wrote: My criteria for gentrification has come down to whether or not the "Holy Trinity" has made its presence in the neighborhood yet My biggest fear, Winter, is that the area between SF and NY is slowly becoming one big strip mall with the "Holy Trinity" appearing every few miles or so.

Welcome Susan. Isn't it great to delurk? It's much more fun to participate, throw in your two cents and get all that bottled up firthmania out. Firth step in our own 12 Step Program for all Firthaholics (but you're never cured). But sounds like you need to train your husband better. He watched the interview and didn't call you over to the TV. Is this a secret passion for CF or does your husband know? As punishment for him (but not for you), I suggest you drag him to SiL. Who knows, he may wind up iking it!

Bethan wrote: Firthchoice....laborious decision-making process,invoving much agonising, soul-searching and initial refusals, before finally saying "yes!". LOL!! How true. I'm sure this has some bearing on why we haven't heard of his next project. He must get sent a lot of junk. I remember reading that he was offered the lead in a TV remake of "The Shining" for lots of money, but he just couldn't do it. Good decision. Re: Collective sigh of hope of seeing our DB on Broadway (louder sigh from those of us who live 'an easy distance' from NYC and could empty out bank account on outrageously expensive tickets to see play countless times). I saw that "next 5 projects" article as well. I've also read that London theater doesn't pay much, which started me thinking... Good Reasons for Firth to come to Broadway 1) In light of aforementioned pricey tickets, (?)possible to make better salary than London. 2) NYC is a mere 5 hr. flight from LA and young Will. I've read that he jumps on planes like most people jump on buses. Even if he is working almost every night, it's easier to see his son with less distance. 3) Natasha, Judi and Alan were/are all on B'way. Colin could join current British invasion. 4) Livia would love NYC (pure conjecture, since I know nothing about her but admire her taste in men).

(Karen), He watched the interview and didn't call you over to the TV. Is this a secret passion for CF or does your husband know? My husband would not have told me either and he certainly would not have watched it, so Susan maybe your firtholism might be a little easier on your husband than mine. BTW, welcome Susan we could use another mutineer-wife. (heehee) Eileen, I think Colin would prefer to do a play in London, where he is better known for box-office purposes. One can dream though.

Morning all. I am ehlectrified at the enthusiasm; thanks all for taking your DoF duties so seriously, and even adding copiously to the DoE. True scholarship. In due course we must contact the OED, which makes one concession to CF (firth(n) - a river in Scotland, or sum'at) and NONE to mon amour JE. (BTW, Laura, I think ehlendowed belongs in the slang dictionary.) Now, as to my pledge, I sure I have failed, compared to expectations at any rate. Dinner w. Casltes was had and Firth subject was brought up, but not, in terms of the Drool timescale, much dwelt on. The thing is, JC does mainly theatre work, plus some telly; he rarely does films. John has seen him only "a few times" since then, though likes him just as well. He has not met Madama Firth. I again underplayed the strength of passion felt by everyone, saying I had "a friend" who was interested in CF. I'm afr id I spent as much time trying to find out about JE (in whom another "friend" was terribly interested). p.s. lexicographers still dispute "firthfillment" versus "fulfirthment". In fact, the two sides came to blows at the last AGFL (Annual Gathering of Firthian Lexicographers). The sister meeting, the AGEL, is more docile, and includes poetry readings. My offering at the last meeting: "Truth is Ehle, and Ehle truth." Kinda neat, no?

Karen, Moon, thanks for the welcome. I must confess (with shame) that I'm a closet firthaholic as far as my husband is concerned, which is why he didn't alert me to the interview. However, hubby is sort of a quasi-Firth fan (in the acting sense, not the drooling sense!). We watch a lot of British drama and he has seen (and enjoyed) P&P2, Nostromo and Master of the Moor. But I don't wax on about CF's other attributes lest I deflate hubby's, er, ego. Karen, great idea about dragging him to SiL -- now that I have kids I get to go to about 1 movie a year, so let it be that one! Colin's part may be small, but as the saying goes "It's not how big it is, it's how you use it." (Pardon me, I'm usually not this vulgar. Is there a full moon or something?.)

Ben, I am so glad you liked my Ehlectrified and Ehlendowed definitely is slang;) Your Ehlelocution is perfect!

(Susan)Colin's part may be small, but as the saying goes "It's not how big it is, it's how you use it." (Pardon me, I'm usually not this vulgar. Is there a full moon or something?.) LOL! Welcome, Susan, from another newbie! See the movie. Compared to TEP, his part's not that small; he appears throughout the movie. Check out the discussion at 115 to further tempt you. I've seen it once, without my husband, who doesn't know of my complete firthification either.

(Ben)I spent as much time trying to find out about JE Ben...for those of us who are Ehlefirthalites ..please tell us what you found out about the Divine Ms. E. I'll tell you what I know....her next film This Year's Love will be released nationwide in UK on Feb.19th. A different role for her....defintely no bonnets...a single mom..dreadlocks...nose stud!! She'll be gorgeous regardless. ***** Welcome to another firthophile....two today. Great to have you join the party, Susan.We love newbies...but you've been around a while. ******* SLOW UPDATE: Bank still owns SLOW. Handmade Films in London closed its doors . Bank involved in a legal venue with Handmade films. Will check again next month.

(Karen) Does someone here have a degree in Firthguistics? No, but I went to Unifirthity for several years and took courses in Colinguistics and Firtheology. :-) (Arami) No doubt the rents will shoot up next... ;-) ...in which case it's time to think about a roomer. ;-p

(Arami) No doubt the rents will shoot up next... ;-) (Renate)...in which case it's time to think about a roomer. ;-p Well, whomever that is, I sure hope he's cute ;-p

There's apparently a one hour "Shakespeare in Love...and on Film" being shown about now (8.30pm Century Cable Channel 10). Features a lot of CF talking etc. There was quite a long item on SIL on BBC Breakfast news...several clips, three including CF (with GP, with JD, and dancing) Interviews with JF, GP and JD, and mentions of GR and Tom Stoppard and John Madden. But (predictably!!!) absolutely no mention of CF! He is in the movie, right?! I have to say (and this is a compliment to his acting!) that I actually had difficulty in recognising CF, especially as I've just seen him in ATA. He looked very glacial, and I also thought that he had somehow modified his oice, sounded colder, more deliberate. But he can act! SIL coverage seems to be starting here (and the Golden Globes, Oscars (hopefully) will help. Focus is on JF and JD (interviews in Times and Telegraph) rather than GP/BA. SLOW...have to admit, this is the one I really want to see!! Beautiful setting (Grasse), romantic, good cinematography (as in Wilde). And , having spent several years in Nigeria, I would predicte that the script and acting will have a lot of vitality and humour. I phoned Working Title again to ask about Bridget Jones Diary. It is still "in development". I asked when information on the production would be available, and was told "in the summer". Hopefully, this means they will actually start shooting in the summer (May/June?). Always the optimist!

Welcome, Susan - and welcome to all other newbies whom I may have failed to greet. It's so good to see so many of you delurking! Come on - more, more! Let's firth merrily together. My husband is firthiated and firthtrained, albeit reluctantly. He tells me when he spots Firth, but today in a record shop, when I was ordering a video of ATA, he kept making very disparaging remarks... Luckily we can laugh about it, although I think he is a little jealous - which, after ...(mumble-mumble) years of marriage, makes me feel quite warm... We saw ATA together and were a bit disappointed - though not in the same degree, of course - so now we're awaiting SIL with some trepidation. And Ben - firthunately in your absence so much has occurred on the Firth front, that your lack of success as a firthective can firthehle be overlooked on this occasion.

(Nan) whomever that is, I sure hope he's cute ;-p Is that settled then? ;-p (Bethan) There's apparently a one hour "Shakespeare in Love...and on Film" being shown about now (8.30pm Century Cable Channel 10). Features a lot of CF talking etc. Oh, shhhhh..... Who made it? And what about those who don't receive this channel??? I sure hope it will be re-shown on other channels, and that all those who can record it get sufficient warning!

(Arami)We saw ATA together and were a bit disappointed - though not in the same degree, of course - so now we're awaiting SILwith some trepidation. Have no fear....these two films aren't even in the same ballpark. Trust me...he'll enjoy SIL immensely and so will you. Even with DB this would be a winner....with him it's the icing on the cake!!

Correction: without DB this would still be a blockbuster....with him.....

May I add my welcome, Susan. However did you manage your obsession without us? ;-) I'm not normally violent but I give you commendation for not knocking your husband over the head with the orange juice carton when he failed to notify you of CF on TV. I guess your obsession would then have been closeted no longer. Please tell us where and when you saw Master of the Moor? I have searched far and wide on my cable channels but nothing going on as far as I can tell. But somewhere in this country, someone is watching this program. I hope we know her and she's taping it. Ehle with dreadlocks? Ah, that explains that photograph I saw. Any word, Evelyn, on any of her films coming to the US? Bedrooms and Hallways? I could kick myself for not seeing that in Edinburgh but hindsight is wonderful. (Bethan) SLOW...have to admit, this is the one I really want to see!! Beautiful setting (Grasse), romantic, good cinematography.. Oh you said it, Bethan. I am dying to see this film. The story as outlined on the Roles page sounds like just the project we want to see him in. Probably funny, a romantic interest but with definite complications. I want to see him work with kids again (as in FP). Hopefully we'll see that in MLSF eventually.

TV ALERT: OK...here's the scoop.... THE MAKING OF SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE:. It is available in New York on Time Warner Cable tonight at 7:30 EST and 11:30 EST. In California it is Century Cable Company. I understand it is almost an hour long show. TOMORROW AT 8:30pm (Friday, 1/8/99) Century Cable Channel 10 It features a bunch of Colin scenes from the film and an interview. I shall telephone Winter in California right now.

Nan, if you are here, please return for a moment to 113. I am posting this here as I do not think you would go back there very soon otherwise. Thanks.

Unfortunately, I have MediaOne Cable here in L.A.. Checked my local guide, which has no listing for the show tonight, or for the next two weeks. I'm really curious as to what channel it might be on. I was thinking perhaps the E! Entertainment Channel, but there seems to be no listing for it there, either.

Evelyn wrote: THE MAKING OF SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE:. It is available in New York on Time Warner Cable tonight at 7:30 EST and 11:30 EST. After I read the above I logged off in record time, as here in the Midwest, we have Warner cable, too, and I was hoping to catch the program. No such luck; it isn't listed at all. Is there any hope of someone taping this documentary and passing it along? Speaking of which, I have been longing to either view someone else's or obtain a copy of the documentary "The Making of P&P". If someone could help me out I would be very grateful. As a fellow delurking newbie, I also wanted to say hello amd welcome, Susan.

Welcome to all the delurking newbies. And to all the closet CF fans with non-firthilised husbands! Well now, it's official! Colin is the invisible man! Our copy of the Times just plopped through the letterbox, with a long article on JF as Will in the magazine. I thought to myself "I'm NOT going to read it, it will just irritate the hell out of me" But then I thought, I'll just glance at it, and EEEECH!!! All about who's in SIL, okay. GP, A-list beauty, guaranteeing box office, marvellous GR giving a fine performancs, and THEN.. "the wonderful cast includes Tom Wilkinson, Judi Dench, Simon Callow, Antony Sher, Rupert Everett and Martin Clunes." SH*T*! SH*T!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!! And the journalist (male) has seen the damn film. Then, oodles and oodles about JF and how his wonderful good lucks are prompting offers of romantic leads to flood in from Hollywood. I'll shut up before I ruin everyone's breakfast, including my own, but I'm beginning to think that there's a conspiracy against CF. He's NEVER mentioned, not even as a good actor. And don't men know what women find attractive? Obviously not!! Okay, that's my little rant over and done. but I have to give vent to my annoyance. But I'm not reading any more about SIL (seriously!).I hereby retire as self-appointed scrutineer of the British press :-) Must go...my non-firthilised husband wants to know why I'm on the Internet yet AGAIN!!

Freudian slip there ..... "good lucks" should read "good looks". But actually I do think that that "good lucks" matter as well....and that's where CF is lacking! (SHUT UP, BETHAN! GO AND HAVE SOME BREAKFAST!)

Bethan, thankyou for you last post, it has saved me a journey to the shops ,I am so disappointed that he has been overlooked again, I have a good mind to send The Times an email saying how disappointed and disgusted I am that they have overlooked to mention Colin, one of our most versatile and gorgeous actors, in their article on Joseph Feinnes. I am so mad I had hoped he would get more mentions not less when SIL opened here. I don't know about putting me off my breakfast, it has put me off lunch, tea an tomorrow's breakfast. My son has just gone back to UNI. and this has just made things worse, drat.

Oh, I'm still fuming, how dare they mention Martin Clunes and not Colin!!!On another subject but connected to Bethan, if they don't make the Bridget Jones film soon surely that wil lose some of the impetus gained hy the book.

with due respect to Martin Clunes, of course.

Sorry to have ruined your lunch, tea and tomorrow's breakfast, Ann! I sometimes think I should keep my fumings to myself rather than inflicting them on other people! Once I've had my "fume", I tend to cheer up! I sympathise if your son has just gone back to Uni. My elder son starts next year, and I must admit I am semi-dreading it, even though son No 2 will still be at home for a few years. it leaves a big gap. Okay, my positive tthoughts, I'm sure they'll make BJD in the summer and I'm sure he'll do MD! It can't be a long shoot...it's niot a special effects-type movie, and if they pull out the stops they could have it ready for release Spring 1999. Helen Fielding's sequel to BJD comes out in April (definitely) in hardback, and with the p/b version to follow should stay somewhere in the best selling lists for up to a year. No loss of impetus. More positive thoughts..there are three potentially great movies (as yet uncast )out there in the UK alone...Mary Queen of Scots, The Lion in Winter and Robert Harris's "Enigma" (scripted by Tom Stoppard) All with great male leading roles! Here's hoping! Have I made amends for my doom and gloom?

BJD...Spring 2000...otherwise we need a miracle!

(Evelyn),THE MAKING OF SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE:. It is available in New York on Time Warner Cable tonight at 7:30 EST and 11:30 EST. I have a satellite dish and get many channels so I will check too, and since it did not seem to have shown everywhere it may be on again. Also a call to TW Cable might tell us of another viewing. BTW, we have the dish because my husband has to have his RAI International which shows the Italian and European Championship Leagues Football games.

Thanks Bethan, I feel a little better. I just we had some concrete news to look forward to, it is all speculation. BTW is it not possible to have the latest message at the top of the page, this way one has to wait so long for it it load.

(Bethan) All about who's in SIL, okay. GP, A-list beauty, guaranteeing box office, marvellous GR giving a fine performancs, and THEN.. "the wonderful cast includes Tom Wilkinson, Judi Dench, Simon Callow, Antony Sher, Rupert Everett and Martin Clunes." SH*T*! SH*T!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!...but I'm beginning to think that there's a conspiracy against CF. He's NEVER mentioned Mentioning Anthony Sher, Tom Wilkinson, Rupert Everett and Martin Clunes without any mention of Colin--it must be a conspiracy or Colin has offended or snubbed this journalist (I use that term generously) in the past. His way is bigger than all of theirs put together. All Sher does is go "hmmm" and spout a bunch of Freudian dream images for sexual impotency as the Eliabethan psychiatrist cum apothecary. Cheer up, Bethan, that's only one reviewer who obviously has something against CF. Looks like Geoffrey Rush must have also as he is noticeably absent and he is the one being touted for Best Supporting Actor at the AAs. ;-)

Last night I finished reading all of Parts 1 &2 of this topic, and I am humbled by everyone's devotion to CF. I was particularly impressed with the covert operations during the NY premiere of SIL: press kits were procured, flight schedules unearthed, and hotel reservations located. I have no such connections to contribute in the future. I am afraid I only can offer my boundless respect for the DB's acting abilities and lust for his body. Ben, did I read correctly that you are an Econ professor at Columbia? Would you care to comment on the current Ehle-asticity of the economy? Bethan, you have cheered me up immensely regarding the "dearth of Firth." The hope for another juicy leading role works wonders!

Damnation! I just tried to cut and paste Bethan's quote in itallics about potential roles for CF and I failed again. Guess I better hang out at the HTML tutorial a while longer. My apologies.

Bethan, you have cheered me up immensely regarding the "dearth of Firth". The hope for another juicy leading role works wonders! (Lisa) Cheered myself up as well! Well, he must be waiting for something BIG! That's how I look at it. And to quote from "Now" magazine my favourite chuck-in-the-bin rag mag, he's excited at the prospect of what's possible and where it will take him....can't be third fairy on the left, or fifth billing in an action thriller starring Tea Leoni, can it? Unless he's easily excited!

LisaJH Hello Lisa, I have got the book "Making of P&P". I ordered it from the IBS "Internet Bookshop" which is in the UK. If you are interested in the homepage here is the adress www.bookshop.co.uk The book cost about 7.99 GBP. The book is very interesting and you will enjoy the interview with CF.

Lisa: When you cut and paste someone else's comments you lose the italics. You must reinsert via HTML tags: <> with an i in it and then it's very important to close them <> with /i inside.

(Lisa)I have been longing to either view someone else's or obtain a copy of the documentary "The Making of P&P". If someone could help me out I would be very grateful. Lisa, The Jennifer Ehle Lending Library will be happy to lend you a copy of "The Making of P&P" (Actually, the real title is "P&P from Page to Screen). That is if you use NTSC, and live in the US. Please email me: eboake@tanet.net Do not use the spring email;it's wrong and I'm afraid of correcting it and throwing the system off. ****** I too feel that ignoring Colin in the TIMES article seems deliberate...at best shockingly negligent. I think the journalist should be told so.And Rupert Everett wasn't even in the credits....sheeesh! Anyway, Thanks UK Firthfriends for sharing. (Bethan)Re: future roles for C.. .can't be third fairy on the left, or fifth billing in an action thriller starring Tea Leoni, can it? Unless he's easily excited! LOL. This is a winner.No kidding.Oh God...I hope it's not an omen. ***** BRAVO sometimes carry "The Making of...."They did TEP and Paradise Road. Be on the lookout...those who get it on their cable.

re today Times' article, it is even worse, my husband has just brought home the paper and Rupert Everett is mentioned so is GR, only Colin is left out, sorry so is BA., it is too much. I am sure I am biased but personally I do not think JF looks so good as himself and he does as S. unlike Colin who looks equally good in character as himself, hope that makes sense it is getting late.

and as himself

It is exteremely vexing how he is left out. It really makes me mad. Out Entertainment Weekly had a very long article and never mentioned him. Now the print ad for the movie doesn't even say anything. I just find all this hard to believe.

Especially hard to believe concidering before the movie came out, they seemed to be promoting COlin by saying "And Introducing Colin Firth" on some of their trailers.

Especially hard to believe concidering before the movie came out, they seemed to be promoting COlin by saying "And Introducing Colin Firth" on some of their trailers.

Blast! Sorry about that.

Wow! I couldn't log on all week because of life overload and I can't believe all the posts! Such fun to see Drool so busy. Welcome to the newbies - so glad you came out to play. And welcome back Ben. Thanks for your covert sleuthing on our behalf. John Castle didn't have a spare Lost Empires lying around, did he? I saw an ad in the paper for the SIL special on Century Cable. Unfortunately we are served by Time Warner in my part of the woods. I scoured my TV listings just in case but no dice :-(. Winter, I got your message on Friday. Thanks anyway for the heads up.

OK, I know we're all eager to hear about future firth projects. This summer when I was fooling around on the internet I found something most intriguing, but I don't know if it's valid or not. Go to the URL www.keele.ac.uk/socs/ks26/monitor/a-d/an/episodes.htm (sorry, I don't know how to put in web links or I'd do that.) Then scroll down to episode 1.09. What do you think? Is this something real, or some kind of a prank or some graduate student's fantasy project? It certainly piqued my interest!

Oh, and Heide, thanks for the welcome. Master of the Moor was on one of my local PBS stations in October or November (I live in the Boston suburbs, but the station was out of Providence). Unfortunately, I was not able to tape it. Hubby said he liked it best out of everything he's seen CF in and actually commented on CF's versatility on being able to play Darcy and then an unhinged person like Stephen Whalby. Naturally I agreed wholeheartedly.

Hello to all. It is obvious that there is some distress over CF's failure to capture some huge heartthrob Hollywood role. Your anxiety touches me; I feel your pain. At the same time, I understand that any pain felt about CF comes with its fair share of pleasure (the thought of Jennifer Ehle being very cross has just occurred to be, and it is not an altogether unpleasurable one), so I want to tread carefully. But it strikes me that (i) CF is unlikely ever to act in such a role, because I'm not sure he'd want to, and (ii) it would surely be a mixed blessing, at best, for Les Madames Drool. Let me try and explain. The Firth is obviously a retiring and diffident sort of man. This means he is not megastar material. You may give the example of, say, Harrison Ford or Tom Hanks; but, while neither of these two necessarily seeks out publicity, I think they are more comfortable with it than CF. It is not that CF is "afraid" of success: I don't think he'd consider megastardom the measure of success to begin with. In any event, there would surely be big drawbacks to his becoming a star? You would have to share him with everyone else. It may be galling for his supporters to see him ignored in The Times; but, if he weren't, there would be loads more websites like this one, with all sorts of arrivistes Firthettes shrieking about him. Is this what you want?

(heehee), Thanks for your ehlecidation Ben. Those thoughts have crossed my mind. I guess the same goes for you.

LOL, Ben! And all too true! I still want to boil certain journalists in oil, though. :-) Reminds me of my favourite Auden quote: "Private faces in public places are wiser and nicer than public faces in private places"

How true. Yes, let's cherish him for what he really is - a truly rare and precious gem.

Yes, Ben, it's an ongoing debate and your points are perfectly true. There has to be a fine line though between being appreciated (which I feel he's not) and becoming a megastar (which no one here really wants, I don't think.) How would you feel about Miss Ehle shooting to superstardom? It seems the female Brits are having a better time if it in film right now than the males. Perhaps the "effeminate" connotation (as was discussed before) to the British accent is more acceptable coming from the ladies. ;-)

(SusanMC) What do you think? Is this something real, or some kind of a prank or some graduate student's fantasy project? It certainly piqued my interest! It is as you said a student's fantasy project. I believe someone ran across the same thing a while ago and did some inquiries. (Ben) It is not that CF is "afraid" of success: I don't think he'd consider megastardom the measure of success to begin with. CF is on record as not wanting "that" type of success and has an admirable list of actors who he admires. However, we and most of the viewing public are familiar with those names (Anthony Hopkins, Ian Holm, Robert Duvall, etc.). How many people know Colin's name and on the basis of that would go see his films as an indicator of a fine fine and performance? there would be loads more websites like this one, with all sorts of arrivistes Firthettes shrieking about him. Colin probably has more websites than say a Ralph Fiennes, who is better known, although the reason for it escapes me. Is this what you want? All we want is for him to get better parts. Ones that will give him the type of recognition he seeks. From the A&E interview last week, there was a comic though wistful type of comment from him when the interviewer talked about SiL having a lot of actors in it that people may not know their names and he said he was one of those. Sometimes those kind of quips come from something true and hurtful.

I, too, get so frustrated when I start touting the DB's latest classic and am invariably greeted with "Colin ...what...who's he?" At which point I have to start explaining. Not everyone in the US GETS A&E and only a proportion of them watched a "British mini-series". Mention of EP or ATA begets the reaction..."was he? Which one?" He has recognition of his peers, and at least some proportion of the UK population, but until he consciously chooses a majar part in a role targeted to a wide audience and ex osed to same, I'm afraid we must all keep fuming in frustration. I hope he is not confusing name-recognition with super-stardom (and even if he did, he admits himself how easy it is for him to become anonymous in public) He'll only have a limited "oportunity-window...START NOW!!! please!!

I just love Colin and I vote we keep him all to ourselves. How selfish but, true.

Katie Couric on Good Morning America announced this am that SIL is #8 on the charts over the weekend. This is the first weekend that it has been on nationwide screening. #1 A Civil Action with John Travolta...which got lukewarm reviews...but he has been on every talk show all week.And this guy gets $20M./film...yet he's out there promoting his film. Colin...take note...that's how one gets starring roles...not going to live in Rome. (But like Ben, IMO, he does not care for stardom) I know this should be on 115, but no one is there this early.

Very very selfish, I think, Rita. What's wrong with his being recognised and appreciated by people all over the world, and, more to the point, by directors and producers so we see more of him on the screen? We cannot pretend to his personal friendship or affection, and his fame would not prevent us from meeting here and pour our libations of drool and admiration at his feet. Is not love supposed to want the best for the loved one? Do we not really want his professional satisfaction? Can we truly believe that can be obtained with secondary roles in obscure films? Indeed, Ben, I do not subscribe your judgement. Anyway, please forgive the inflamed speech, it's probably because Elisabeth is supposed to open "soon" in Lisbon but no talk of SiL yet :-(

For awhile I thought I was the only frustrated Firthaholic when SIL promos in the US failed to mention him. I thought for sure he would pick up more publicity in the UK and am quite surprised that the trend continues. I hope that as it gets closer to the film's opening things change over there! I'm beginning to wonder if only female reviewers notice him. (Ben)Is this what you want? (Karen) All we want is for him to get better parts. Ones that will give him the type of recognition he seeks. I'm in agreement here. I just want him to keep working in quality projects and get proper credit for his abilities, as he did in P&P. Evelyn, thanks for the updates on SLOW. Agree with all who think this is the role we've been waiting for!

I was wondering... has Colin ever done a foreign accent (other than an American one) in a project? Doing so seems to have become de rigeur among British actors (witness R. Fiennes, A. Rickman, K. Branagh) & may lead to wider choice of film projects, one would think. Also, with that wonderful voice of his, I wonder if Colin has ever been approached to voice an animated character. Hey, if Jeremy Irons, R. Fiennes and Mel Gibson can do it... (Obviously, I've become so desperate to see CF in quality film projects that I'm willing to settle for his voice!)

(Susan MC)Also, with that wonderful voice of his, I wonder if Colin has ever been approached to voice an animated character. Now there's a new one....what kind of an animated character would he do best as? A king?(strong voice), he would have made a great Moses,....A BIG dog, .....whatever it is...we want him in a starring role....right? I assume he plays Edward Pettigrew in MLSF with a Scottish accent.

Hi, I just thought you might be interested to know that Fever Pitch opens in the US on the 26th February, in NY & LA, I think. Having seen this film I highly recommend it, it really shows what a versatile actor our DB is.

(KarenR)You must reinsert via HTML tags: <> with an i in it and then it's very important to close them <> with /i inside. Thank you, Karen. I hope I was successful this time. (Sabine) Hello Lisa, I have got the book "Making of P&P". I ordered it from the IBS "Internet Bookshop" which is in the UK. Thank you, Sabine, for your offer of help, but I did purchase the book last year via Amazon.com UK. I am looking for the tv documentary, which leads me to: (Evelyn) Lisa, The Jennifer Ehle Lending Library will be happy to lend you a copy of "The Making of P&P" (Actually, the real title is "P&P from Page to Screen). I am ehle-ated that the JELL has the documentary available. I will be in touch. (Evelyn): All we want is for him to get better parts. Ones that will give him the type of recognition he seeks. I would also have to agree with Evelyn on this point. Of course, as others have said before me, this does not mean starring opposite special effects or Bruce Willis (or his ex Demi...). Personally, I think he has impeccable taste regarding most of the roles he selects (ok, PM is an obviouis exception); it is just a shame that these parts are not the leads we so want to see him in. (SusanMC) Also, with that wonderful voice of his, I wonder if Colin has ever been approached to voice an animated character. What an interersting idea! I would also love to buy a " book on tape" with CF reciting poetry, Shakespeare, etc. I think that my brain has become colincentric (meaning that all thoughts seem to relate back to the DB). I recently read that the results of a Mayo Clinic study revealed that people who fidget have a tendency to be thinner than those who do not. Of course CF's interview on A&E came to mind immediately (the face touching, etc.). Another sign of hopeless Firthaholism....

Evenin' all. New firthdoms continue to pour in - some real gems. As for ehlectricity....Laura had a question about ehlefication, and whether it "felt the same" as fithification. Not having experienced both, I can't say, of course, but I can tell you that ehlefication is somehow elevated yet, at the same time, base: lustful respect, one might call it. I have just spotted our own Winter as Jennifer of Pemberley! Sorry to have unmasked you, dear Winter, but who would have thought the demure Jen, replete with bashful smile and twirling parasol, would also have been the firthaholic zealot co-ordinating Operation Firth-in-LA? How many others amongst you lead this double life? Perhaps there's some blackmail money to me made by a nasty blackguard like me: "Dear Sir, a matter of grave importance has come to my attention, one that concerns your wife. By day, she is indeed as you know her - the responsible, hard-working... By night, however,...." Let's start the bidding at $100 a month. Each.

(Ben) but I can tell you that ehlefication is somehow elevated yet, at the same time, base: lustful respect, one might call it. Oh dear, I'm afraid I've never been so dignified about my firthification. Of course, I respect dear Colin but outside my fantasies ;-) I think Marcia said it best "Lord, but he gives me the squinges!"

(Gi) Very very selfish, I think, Rita. I'm sure she was kidding. And before I go any further, I will assume that you were too. Or as you said, frustrated from a lack of SiL news. Keep the faith.

(Ben)Laura had a question about ehlefication, and whether it "felt the same" as fithification. Not having experienced both, I can't say, of course, but I can tell you that ehlefication is somehow elevated yet, at the same time, base: lustful respect, one might call it. You answered my question beautifully, Ben!

(Ben)I have just spotted our own Winter as Jennifer of Pemberley! Drats! Foiled again! Where/How was I spotted, Inspector Broadbent? ;-) BTW, I can be referred to (on this board) as either Winter or Jenn(ifer). Doesn't matter. (Ann)Fever Pitch opens in the US on the 26th February, in NY & LA, I think. Thanks Ann! I see another mission in the works, my friends! Moon! Jana! Mark your calendars! The possibility of a US Premiere is not so far-fetched! Jana- you monitor the theatre entrance and Moon, you cover the back entrance! I'll guard the bathrooms! ;-)

I am so excited about Fever Pitch opening in the US. Thanks Ann. You are too good. Yes, I was kidding Heide. I am glad that you noticed. WHo would not want Colin to have great roles.

But I always knew that Winter was Jenn:) I've known that Jenn was Winter. I've had lunch and tea with Winter and Jenn;) Confused?

And don't forget shopping together for CD's and books at the Borders (or was it Barnes and Noble?) at Downtown Crossing! I miss you guys...I miss Boston and Cambridge. I miss Filene's Basement, Boston Common, the chimes at Kendall/MIT station ... :_ ( (Me)Moon,you cover the back entrance! Is 'back exit' a more appropriate term? Could 'back entrance' be argued as an oxymoron? BTW, I haven't welcomed the delurkers. WELCOME! Glad you could join us! We're all one big happy family here. And for those of you who haven't come out yet, go ahead, give it a try! We don't bite...only drool. ;-)

Hi. Moon, our wonderful super sleuth, (flattery gets you everwhere I hope), I was wondering do you happen to know when the UK Premiere of SIL is to be and whether Colin is going to attend, (the film opens here on the 29th Jan). I am trying to decide whether it is worth the 100 mile round trip to London, a not very easy journey from where I live, and I certainly shan't be doing a Dame Winter much too cowardly.

(Ben), How many others amongst you lead this double life? Perhaps there's some blackmail money to me made by a nasty blackguard like me: That is why you will never know my RoP persona (heehee). (Ann), Fever Pitch opens in the US on the 26th February, in NY & LA, I think. I spoke with Colin s Rep. today and they said if there is an opening for FP that he will be there, but since it is to open on the same date in NY and LA I do not know which one he will attend. I will try to find out later on. But if it is LA...well Winter, Jana and I will do our best (do not ask me what I will have to do with my husband, he would be QUITE put out). Ant suggestions are appreciated. Would it not be fun to see him at the Pasadena hotel while we are having our tea? He has been known to stay t ere. (Ann), I was wondering do you happen to know when the UK Premiere of SIL is to be and whether Colin is going to attend, (the film opens here on the 29th Jan). I spoke with them before I read your question, but since Colin does not have many important premieres such as SIL, I say most definitely he will attend! So do go and take pictures and report back to us Ann. Colin does have our questions and everyone expects him to answer, so lets keep our fingers crossed.

Heide keep your eyes on the fax machine.

(Moon)FP that he will be there,but since it is to open on the same date in NY and LA I do not know which one he will attend. Moon...you're a treasure.... Sometimes the premieres are earlier in the week...before the release date. But if you're going to attend I'm sure you'll find out.

Moon, thankyou very much for your comments, however, I do not know the UK SIL Premiere date and it depends on which day it is whether or not I am ble to go. BTw was your contact not able to tell you whether or not Colin is working or is still on his break. I know I must be patient but we have waited nearly a year for some new news, don't mean to nag we are really lucky to have you and your contacts.

(Moon) I spoke with Colin s Rep. today and they said if there is an opening for FP that he will be there, but since it is to open on the same date in NY and LA I do not know which one he will attend. Many, many thanks for this scoop! My guess is he'll be in LA so he can see his son (don't think school is on break that time of the year). I can't wait to see FP. I've looked at the snappys so many times and Colin sure looks yummy!

(Karen) All we want is for him to get better parts. Ones that will give him the type of recognition he seeks I'm in total agreement here. I think KJArt hits the nail on the head when she makes the distinction between "name recognition" and mega-stardom. Name recognition is absolutely crucial - there are only a limited number of good roles out there and it obviously pays to have first choice. Ben asked about "firthification"......repectful lust is a pretty accurate definition! But every now and then I turn I find I'm turning into a sort of tetchy school ma'am, who can't understand why her favourite pupil is underperforming! "Come along now Colin, stop fidgeting. I'm really going to have to move you from the back row. Come and sit in the front row, next to Rafe, Ewan, Robert and young Joe. This instant, Colin! And NO! You can't pop out to Rome. Not when I'm talking to you. Now tell me...are they better looking than you? No! Bigger? No! More talented? No! Better vocal chords? No! So, why aren't you top of the class?? Hmmmm? Seriously, I don't really understand how the process of "name recognition" works, but it must start working for CF soon!! I'm very impressed by your contacts, Moon! Let's hope Heide's fax machine starts working overtime.

Back to italics, I see. I am utterly hopeless in these matters - some other witch will have to rid us of the i-curse. I see this fame issue stirs the passions - but my point was serious, for a change. I really don't think CF is that bothered. It may be a difference between England and America, but being a big movie star is not the be-all and end-all. I am always amused when MacKellen and Dench are mentioned over here, because their names are always accompanied by films in which they've appeared in the last couple of years, as if this were the pinnacle of their achievements. I've even heard one reviewer say that Judi Denc 's acting career had "begun" late with the James Bond film! Now, it's true that Colin has not concentrated on the theatre in the way that these two giants have. And perhaps a part of him wants the big movie star status - maybe there's less difference between England and America these days. But, by my reckoning he's at least torn. You know his suspicion of fame. And his remarks in that recent interview about having an unrecognized name are no more than the usual, self-deprecating sort of charm I'd expect from someone of his background and temperement. Some crave recognition on his behalf; but what any actor craves above all, surely - indeed any body, for that matter - is the recognition of his peers. I think he has that already.

Moon, d�you mean his representative told you that Colin has the questions and expects C to answer them? If so, that�s splendid. I already practically lost hope and felt quite disappointed with him (remembering what Winter told us about his reaction to �his internet fans�.) I�m really excited about the possibility that he might answer because I doubt very much that he ever would if I wrote to him by myself. He MUST realize that the internet is a direct contact to hundreds or thousands of his fans. Colin, if you�re reading this, do answer the questions or I�ll....be very angry with you for at least two or three seconds...:-)) BTW, Heide, do you know how many people this board actually does reach? What�s the number of visitors daily? Yes, it would be so fabulous if someone of us could attend the London premiere and make a report! I�m quite sure he�s going to attend, why wouldn�t he for god�s sake. I�m crazy enough to have discussed the possibility of going to London with my husband because I thought the premiere is on the 29th and we�re going to be in Amsterdam the same day, returning from a trip. The thought was dismissed by him but the discussion made me seriously think: could I forget my cowardness and go? We only live once....to ee Colin, if just once :-) ....right, Ann?!

(Ann), BTW was your contact not able to tell you whether or not Colin is working or is still on his break. To be honest, I did not ask, but I think he is preparing for the UK SIL premiere, not working now. I did ask foe a release date set for MLSF and SLOW and there is none scheduled (bad news), let s see how the British press treat him his month. (keep us informed) (Elena), Moon, d�you mean his representative told you that Colin has the questions and expects C to answer them? YES! Now, I am having fun thinking that he might be in LA when I am there.

Good points, Ben. All in all, I�m positive that he�s going to get better and better roles in the future, he�s possibly negotiating on them this minute. He�s not hungry for fame and glory but for interesting roles, and sometimes those things can meet. Because of his extraordinary actor quality, I believe it�s going to happen for him sooner or later. Btw what comes to the attitude of male critics and journalists, I believe they really could be a personal problem of Colin�s. He�s exactly the sort of a guy who will make other men feel lesser creatures. It�s just a subconscious sexual & biological phenomenon to mention everybody else in a film and forget him or to �fail� recognizing his talent. So: what we need is more female critics, writers and also scriptwriters, film producers and directors EVERYWHERE to make critics and castings better. After all, it was Sue Birtwistle who wanted Colin to be Darcy, wasn�t it? I can only wonder in horror who might have been given the role if it had been a male decision.

Good Point Elena. Oh my , who would have been Darcy is Sue B had not picked him out. I can't imagine anyone else playing Darcy. Although, I would like to see my other "hero" Alan Rickman in some juicy roles also. Ann, Do go to the premiere. We all can be jealous of you then. LOL

Rita, it depends when it is and I probably won't hear till it is too late, any suggestions anyone how we can find out when and where the Premiere is to be. Also if I were to go I would never be able to do as good a job as Dame Winter, I could go and watch and perhaps report back but I would never never have the nerve to talk to him. As I say it depends when it is and whether Colin is going to be there, I'm sorry but I would only make that journey for Colin, not for Joseph, Gwyneth or even Dame Judi Dench!! Wouldn't it be wonderful if it was given a Royal Film Premiere.

just closing the tag...