Ann, there wasn't any interview on E! They covered the London premiere and showed Tom Stoppard, Colin, Joe Fiennes and GP, in that order. When they mentioned the "bigwigs" of the cast who attended, first was Geoffrey Rush (I think, but they didn't show him) then Colin's name. JF came next. Not bad!! Colin's hair was definitely shorter and curlier, but then again that may just be function of curly hair (the Shirley Temple syndrome) ;-o I thought Livia's hair looked about the same as in NY, about chin length. JF looked like he was wearing the same as he did in NY, the darker blue shirt again. Guys and dressing!! Colin's suit was definitely the current style, higher lapels and all buttoned up. I will have to take a closer look at that tie again. But the best part was the smile and how comfortable he looked...despite his lack of notice by the press! Today was pretty good. A double dose of Colin. First the repeat of the E! segment and then the History Channel program on the bayonet, with a snippet from Tumbledown.

No interview, what a disappointment, but how much was there of Colin and did you think he looked thinner and younger.

(Ann)did you think he looked thinner and younger. Yes, I can definitely say he looked younger, but I couldn't tell about the thinner part. The suit was all buttoned-up tight. I will go home and study my tape, but from that angle, he looked stuffed in there! He did not look heavy--at all. OK?

he looked stuffed in - thats the style of the suit but don't you think he looked well compared to when he was in LA, I thought he looked the best he has looked in a long time, not that he isn't always gorgeous, sorry to go on and you needn't answer.

Yes, indeedy, he looked very well - very groomed, for a change. I'm a Fever Pitch kind of gal myself but it's nice to see him so well tended. Don't give up on the interviews, girls! It took a while for any to show up over here too. After all, the film hasn't opened yet. Keep your eyes peeled for us.

Nan or somebody would it be possible to put a photo up of Colin at the Premiere, with you snappy, although I was there I would love to see a full length photo.

As someone with extremely curly hair, the shorter it is the curlier it becomes. The longer it is the wavier it becomes. The weight of the hair pulls the curl out, obviously. I haven't seen the E interview;( But this obsession with whether or not Mrs. Firth is pregnant is a little.... ;-) I thought it was just an ugly top.

Sabine...your Interview Tape of Colin on A&E is en route to Germany..... Courtesy of Drool. Enjoy:-)

UK fans Gwyneth Paltrow is being interviewed on This Morning with Richard & Judy next Monday the 25th, you never know they may mentilon our DB.

Ann, What was on E! News was a 2 blink glimpse of Colin and Livia as opposed to to the 1 blink glimpse of him on the previous E!News segment on SIL premiere. I think his suit was just v. fitted, not that he lost weight. I think the clothes he wears make him look thinner or heavier as with all of us. Thank God those huge sweaters are out of style. A shorter haircut on him looks better since his hair is slightly thinning. I thought he looked really good. I thought Livia's hair was shorter than at the U.S. premieres but it was only a quick glimpse of her-I was fixated on Colin.

I've been lurking here for a while and know that someone here will be able to answer my question. I apologize in advance if it was previously answered, but I couldn't find the precise answer. I've begun reading Nick Hornby's "High Fidelity" and am enjoying it immensely. I alsolearned that his "Fever Pitch" was made into a movie with CF. It appears that the movie was released everywhere but the US and is out in video. Is it available in the US at local video stores, or are special arrangements needed? Thanks for your help!!

Kate: Fever Pitch is available on video in the PAL format (UK and other places). The movie is supposed to open in NY and LA in March per the most recent information from the distributor and then around the country shortly thereafter. One can only hope that it will be released on video in the US after that. In the meantime, it can be ordered from places in the UK and then converted. Hope that helps... Sue, I thought Livia's hair was about the same. Should we do a side by side of the pics? Will need someone more talented than myself.. :)

Hi Kate and welcome. Fever Pitch is to get a limited release in the US next monthh I believe (26th Feb?), in NY & LA, don't know when the video will be released in the US. I am from the UK and have seen the film and thoroughly enjoyed it, Cf was as usual great in it but it is a very differend part fro Mr. D.

This is the picture from the SHE article that Allison sent me. The other two have been posted before.

Here's another of Colin in a REALLY ugly shirt (from the same article):

Sorry, I couldn't deal with the crease in the picture. Will need to play with these graphics packages. Airbrushing didn't seem to do it....

I am getting a bad reputation with my local newsagent! Okay magazine lists Colin as 83rd in the list of top UK entertainment earners. Last year he earned �750,000!!! For a self confessed left winger (okay, I won't get into a political argument on Spring) that is a lotta dosh for little work!! No wonder he doesn't bother to work hard.

A shorter haircut on him looks better since his hair is slightly thinning (Suzanne) Tut! Sacrilege! :-) Heide, you asked about how the SIL promotion was going in the UK...whether we'd seen "everything". The normal promotional surge is usually the weekend before the weekend when a movie opens. I think marketing in the UK is really muted compared with the blanket coverage in the US. For example, Little Voice opened with (I think) just one print interview with Jane Horrocks, although LV seemed to get a lot of attention in the US. I think SIL has done very well, and the Golden Globe/Oscar hype will help it. The attention is mainly on GP, and to a lesser extent on JF, and I really didn't expect much focus on Colin, except to remember he's in it!!!! Hopefully he'll be to the fore for MLSF! Interesting report on the UK radio. SIL is apparently ("allegedly") gaining a groundswell of support and may even beat Private Ryan to Best Picture. The report also mentioned a few "British" movies which will start shooting this year and are currently "in development". They include (I was pleased to note!) my big three : Bridget Jones, Mary Queen of Scots and Enigma, all part funded by the US film industry (no further details given).But it doesn't seem as if the British film industry is exactly flourish ng at the moment....we're not awash with many stimulating or entertaining new projects. Which may part explain CF's "break"! One good point for SIL, my 14 year old son and his friends saw the trailer and are actually planning to go and see it when it opens. If they catch the 14 year old market they are onto a winner! Hello there, Kate!

Daily Mail, She, Now and now Okay (not even Hello!)...it'll be the National Enquirer next, Allison! I think CF has figured in this list a couple of times before, usually earning the same amount! Take with a pinch of salt...where do they get their "facts" from? But if Robert Carlyle OBE (and he's MUCH more leftwing than CF! :-))can earn �2million for playing the baddie in the new James Bond, the rewards at the top must be disproportionately high!

A shorter haircut on him looks better since his hair is slightly thinning (Suzanne) (Bethan) Tut! Sacrilege! :-) LOL! Egads! Eeeeewwwww, a bald Colin? Perish the thought! Many thanks for the She article and pics, Karen. That is a nice one of Colin and Livia. I'm going away next week and can't resist the impulse to stir up discussion while I'm gone...do we really think Colin would play Mark Darcy? Given what he's said in the past (now dredged up again in these recent UK articles) about the rest of career being overlooked in favor of P&P2? Knowing how selective he is about his roles? I'd love to see him in this high profile part but think somehow he'll pass it up to avoid being type cast. Don't shoot! Don't shoot! :-) What do you think? Everyone enjoy the Golden Globes on Sunday! May we be treated to clip after clip of SiL (all including our DB, of course)!

I think the the repeats of P&P all over the world must help fill the pot. BTW Bethan which weekend papers should I get his weekend and Sue I absolutely agree with you that he looked very good.

Not sure which board to post this on but I have just noticed that Mark Williams , the soeap star who is in SIL, whom everybody in the UK but me knows, was also in Tumbledown. I recognised him! (See, I am doing my homework for our film discussions).

Not sure which board to post this on but I have just noticed that Mark Williams, the soap star who is in SIL, whom everybody in the UK but me knows, was also in Tumbledown. I recognised him! (See, I am doing my homework for our film discussions).

I would like to show you the cover of the FP video-tape. But I don t know how to get the picture in here. Could someone explain it to me, PLEASE ! Sabine

self confessed left winger ....earning 750,000UKP. ..that's over $1.M. I would have thought he would have earned more. Of course, he was only in one film!!BTW in this country , we call them.."Limousine Liberals". ***** Thank you Karen...lovely pic of the happy couple. and thank you also for posting the SHE article.Lotta work. We appreciate your efforts. *****Welcome Kate McQ. We love newbies...stick around and let's hear from you. I think FP is scheduled now for a March release ************* NEXT POSTING info on the next BRAVO showing of MAKING OF SIL. PL. TAKE NOTE:

******MAKING OF SIL ON BRAVO***** Public Relations just called...hey, they are scheduling this just for us....Please, everyone who didn't get it last time ...do it this time. This is the tape with Colin in the leather jacket and goatee...short tape , but he is featured a lot. TUESDAY, JANUARY 26,1999 Two showings.... 12:15 PM Eastern Time after the show:.... "Inside the Actors studio" 6:30 PM Eastern Time Before the show... "Inside the Actors Studio" BRAVO is a little loose with their times...as you know...so set your VCRs before these times

Thanks for making me feel so welcomed. I will keep my eyes out for FP in March. Meanwhile - SiL was a great film. Judi Dench was just killing me as Eliz. I. CF's Wessex (Essex?) was terrific. I particularly liked the earring. Too bad he's not getting any of the press around here that his part warrants. He's has a much more major role than Ben Affleck, yet Ben Affleck is featured in all the movie adverts. I guess that just goes to show you that the industry just tries to sell -what it perceives - t be the hot commodity for the moment. Anyway, thanks again for the welcome.

After many months of lurking around in drool, I am finally taking the plunge and admitting to my secret obsession of CF. I have enjoyed reading all your commentaries and escapades. What has finally prompted me to de-lurk at this time is my need to share with someone the link I have recently discovered between myself and CF. I am the first to admit that this is totally ridiculous and juvenile, but I think as fellow Firthoholics, you will understand. . . Have you heard of 7 degrees of separation? Well, I have discovered my own 5 degrees of separation with CF. In the early 90's I had an employee working for me (for discretionary purposes, I will not reveal her name) whose grandson is a child actor named Tommy Tulak. He was on several episodes of Cheers as one of Carla's many children. He was also in the movie, "Hook" starring Robin Williams. I recently discovered that in this movie, Gwynneth Paltrow had a small part as young Wendy. And, of course, you all know GP's connection to CF in SIL. . . I know this is totally lame, but who else could I share this with? I know some of you have seen the man in person and that far surpasses my imagined connection, but, hey, I'll take what I can get.

Hi Kate. Glad to see you here. Guess Ben Affleck appeals to that all important 17-24 age group that everyone is dying to pull into their theatres. God I hate being ignored. Thanks, Karen and Allison. Excellent looking shots. I love that b/w one even though it's an oldie. Don't think the photog caught Colin at his best in the picture with the wife but she looks fabulous. Heide, you asked about how the SIL promotion was going in the UK...whether we'd seen "everything". Did I? Brain drain again. I know I said this: Don't give up on the interviews, girls! It took a while for any to show up over here too. After all, the film hasn't opened yet. Keep your eyes peeled for us. And more pictures like the above would be most welcome. (Allison) I have just noticed that Mark Williams, the soap star who is in SIL, whom everybody in the UK but me knows, was also in Tumbledown. Great catch! Who did he play in Tumbledown? (Eileen) I'm going away next week and can't resist the impulse to stir up discussion while I'm gone...do we really think Colin would play Mark Darcy? Ah, excellent subject, Eileen, but are you going to stay around long enough to watch the sparks fly when I say this? Rather than Mark Darcy, I'd prefer Coliin to play Daniel Cleaver. Cons: he'd be a bad guy again; he wouldn't be the leading man; Pros: he'd be looking good, well dressed, smooth; lots of sexy scenes; but most important, I think it would be a great joke for him to play the anti-Darcy.

So glad you de-lurked Kelly. As Evelyn said to Kate, we love new people. I'll gladly take your five degrees connection to Colin. It's closer than I'll ever get. Hope you stay with us awhile and join in the other topics too.

Welcome Kate and Kelly. I too lurked for a long time. Everyone here is just great and it is alot of fun. I just wish I had the opportunity to meet CF Of course, I think we all have a sense of obession with him. Love those pics. He and his beautiful wife certainly do make a smart couple. SHe is so beautiful and he is SO SO HANDSOME. ANN: I am still jealous of you. You are awesome.

Living in the Outer-Pacific-Ocean, my only boast is that I write on the same board as Kelly who has somethingth-degree of separation from CF. That is as close as I get, unless you count in the beginning of FF (was it?) he mentions that he and his wife went on honeymoon to Hawaii to look at the volcano. That is THIS Island!

VALMONT on Cable in the US next month. Get those VCR ready.

(Marcia)That is as close as I get HELLO! We have someone here who's had DINNER with him! Remember Ben? :-D Knowing him counts, right? Trying to think how close I can get (besides the December premiere which is etched into my memory forever): During my brief stint as a travel agent last year, I did Jennifer Tilly's travel (she went to Spain and London a couple of times). So there you've got her, then Meg Tilly, then CF. Rita: Love those pics. He and his beautiful wife certainly do make a smart couple Smart couple...yes.... but it also leaves a slight pang of jealousy...She really is the nicest person, though. BTW, with that disc. about her possibly being pregnant, is she still in school, etc... I was wondering if she WERE expecting, whether or not it'd be a good thing for her to be flying around from place to place so often. Like, isn't there a risk factor for flying while expecting? If she was expecting, she wasn't showing a bit back when they were in L.A.. Also, I think she met CF just when she started grad studies in Rome. From what a friend of mine told me, finishing undergrad in Italy is longer than in the US. People get out of undegrad at age 26 or so.

Kate, I absolutely agree with yur comments about Ben Affleck , Colin's role was much more important and yet he hardly gets a mention and BA wasn't that good, unfortunately the same thing is happening over here in the UK, in his own country, its just too bad. We shall have to start a campaign to get CF more attention in both countries, our project for 1999. Welcome Kelly.

Ben Affleck got alot of press mainly because he was GP's boyfriend not because he is some brillant actor. Yes, he won an Oscar for writing a screenplay but I was surprised that in an interview he peppered his answers with alot of "you knows". I thought he would be more articulate. This is just a thought-but isn't it funny how BA and GP broke up right after the premiere of SIL. I wonder if Harvey had anything to do with it the timing. It is rather good publicity. :-)) Colin gave a wonderful performance and it is rather vexing that he is overlooked in favor of the good but great performance of BA. I do have to admit I'm not that fond of BA bacause his voice bothers me, so I'm somewhat prejudiced against him.

(Allison) (See, I am doing my homework for our film discussions). Excellent! Welcome, Kelly. Always great to hear from all you former lurkers. Also hope you, Kate, AnnW, Rita, Sabine, Eileen and whoever else I've inadvertently forgotten do join us for the next film discussion. (Topic 98) Sabine, I will be emailing you about your question. Ben Affleck got a lot of press not only because of his dating GP, but he did win an Oscar and has been quite popular an actor (wasn't he in Armaggeddon?). I liked him in "Chasing Amy." Anyway, they must have broken up around New Years because Laura told me that the Boston press reported BA and GP sightings all around Boston during the Christmas holidays. She spent Christmas with him and his family. Actually, I thought BA did a fine job with his part. He had lots of good lines and his character evolve . Remember, the guy who walked in exclaiming, "What is the play and what is my part?" eventually realized how great the play was and *suggested* to Will that he change the name of the play to R&J. Loved his bit as the dance master as he chanted to the beat a la the theater... Enough "in defense of Ben Affleck..."

TV Alert: The show Dateline, before the Golden Globes, will have a segment (or the whole show??) about Gwyneth Paltrow.

It occurred to me that if Colin and Livia *are* expecting, they may face the same dilemma my husband and I faced re: choosing names. I'm Italian and my husband is Irish/English. Perversely, each of us preferred the names associated with the other's ethnic background. So while he was choosing names like Angela, Anthony and Allegra, I was picking ones like Liam, Caitlin and Trevor. Add relatives chiming in with their various choices, and it was pretty hysterical -- like an episode of th t old TV show "Bridget Loves Bernie." For the record, the baby name books advise choosing a name that's either neutral or goes with the ethnicity of the last name -- i.e., avoid things like Sean Rabinovitz, Carlos Chong... or, say, Giovanni Firth. And with subsequent children, you're supposed to follow suit -- i.e., Giovanni's little brother shouldn't be named Liam.

Welcome Kelly....I'm impressed with any degree of separation. We like to hear about those. We must not forget Cheryl (of the ailing wrist) who worked as as assistant to Milos Forman in VALMONT!! *********** Heide, who is Daniel Cleaver...is he Bridget's boss?Not another baddie!! *********** Sorry girls....I thought Ben Affleck was terrific in SIL. I am not an avowed fan either...but the second time you see the film, you'll appreciate him and JF. Also BA &GP must be credited for promoting that film tirelessly before the premiere...on every talk show goin'. Please don" shoot me when I say that without them this film will have been DOA. Now, in UK, I would think they would promote their own heartthrobs . But as Allison said: "Colin is yesterday's news".He needs a publicist.

Thanks for the Bravo info, Evelyn. Despite missing several broadcasts, I happened to be in the right place at the right time last night (Fri.) at 6:30 p.m. (ET) when they ran it. I will capture it on tape next week, though. I agree that Colin got much more focus in this short blurb than in all the PR since! And good or bad (I thought he was good as well, but not half so much as our DB), Ben Affleck sells movie tickets in the US (and apparently the UK also--I'm still astonished that Colin is getting pa sed over there). (Heide) Rather than Mark Darcy, I'd prefer Coliin to play Daniel Cleaver. Yeah, I could see that. I think he'll never go for Mark. If so, he might as well have "Darcy" stamped on his forehead. (KarenR)Also hope you, Kate, AnnW, Rita, Sabine, Eileen and whoever else I've inadvertently forgotten do join us for the next film discussion. (Topic 98) I'd love to pipe up over there, but last I checked the topic was tentatively Camille and that's one I haven't seen. When you get to ATA, I'll be there. Lastly, welcome Kate and Kelly! Now I'm off for my week away.

Now, in UK, I would think they would promote their own heartthrobs. But as Allison said: "Colin is yesterday's news".He needs a publicist. I wouldn't say he's "yesterday's news", or, believe me, Now, She and the Sun wouldn't be remotedly interested in him! He doesn't court publicity, he doesn't want to be a heartthrob, he leads an exemplary private life...in other words, he is, in the nicest possible way, slightly "boring" to our sensational press. He also has fourth billing, and as Judi Dench is receiving a lot of critical acclaim, this may relegate him to fifth place! And I think the fact that SIL has opened before either MLSF or SLOW i rather unfortunate for him because it certainly creates the impression that he's settling for supporting roles. But despite my occasional outbursts, I think he's doing okay! Slowly but surely! By the way, SIL must be making an impression, as my mother has announced, quite independently (I've never mentioned it!)that she wants to see it! There were longish articles in both the Times and Telegraph today...mainly about the script and the literary allusions.

Having finally seen FP, I have serious doubts that it will do well in the US. It took several viewings for my American ear to attune itself to the mixed No. London accents. Once I had, I thought it a wonderful movie!! But most viewers aren't going to have the opportunity or the motivation to go back to see it another time...they'll regard it as incomprehensible and just too much work to get to the heart of it. **sob** (Totally whimsical thought...they would dub the film into German to show it in Germany, wouldn't they?...and into Swedish to release in Sweden? Has it never occurred to you guys across the ocean that maybe you need an "American" dubbed version for a thickly accented movie? You could still give it the flavor of the accent but with sharper diction...No GOOD English movie deserves to lose an audience in the USA because of the difficulty of understanding an accent...that can be modified.) (Listen, I KNOW I can understand Mark Strong perfectly in "Emma"...couldn't pick up 80% of what he was saying in FP...even after several viewings!)(C'mon, Mark I know you can do it!!) Is this a dumb idea or what?!?

Winter: I think that they let you fly around when you are preg. At least, that is what my friends tell me. Well, I do feel a pang of jealously but, I feel jubiliation for anyone who finds happiness as they have. You can see it in the eys. Plus, we wouldn't want him to be living in a log cabin anymore. I am still jealous that you did have that wonderful opportunity in December. I just don't think that I will ever get to meet him. I don't think he is yesterday's news. People never appreciate great talent until it is blown out of the water. Look at Bruce Springsteen. I was seeing him on the coast of Jersey when he was a house band. OOPS!!! Tells my age. I was underage in the bar though and very much a college student.

At last, only as crumb but it is better than nothing Cosmo Landesman review inThe Sunday Times Culture......."But alas, William has a wife back in Stratford and Viola is about tobe married to the dastardly Lord Wessex (COLIN FIRTH ON FINE FORM) hurrah, can't type it all very long review mostly positive.

(KJArt) Having finally seen FP, I have serious doubts that it will do well in the US. I hope you're wrong, but I have worried about this too. I love this movie and will be v. disappointed if it doesn't do some business. I know some say that a UK football film won't do well in the U.S. but I hope people realize it's more about the universal fascination men have with their sports than it is about soccer. I've been living my own little FP scenario with my husband, the die-hard Atlanta Falcons fan, and it is totally cracking me up. He hasn't seen the film and yet he keeps uttering Paul-ism without knowing it. He's suffered through almost 20 years of them doing poorly - he keeps saying things like "This is the best season they've had in 18 years." And now that they're doing well he's too stressed out to watch the games. Last Sunday during the play off, he set the VCR and decided to go to the beach to play VBall to relieve the tension. But he couldn't make himself leave and just stood in the doorway holding the remote. Finally he did leave but he couldn't stop himself from listening to the game on the radio. When he got to the beach he wouldn't get out of the car for over an hour so that he could hear the end of the game. Then he called me on the cell phone so I could watch the sudden death overtime with him. (For shame, i was watching Tumbledown instead of the game!) I don't know how he'll survive SuperBowl Sunday with heart rate intact. I need a Steve to come baby sit him :-). I hope this anecdote wasn't too dull - sorry for the long dissertation! Well Heide, Colin as Daniel Cleaver, eh? I kind of like your idea of him being the Anti-Darcy - he might think that was fun. And at least we'd get to see him being sexy. Welcome to all the newbies! So lovely to see you and hope you will continue to join us.

Welcome, newbies! Kjart, I would assume rather than dubbing a film for the American audience they would adapt the complete film new, as they did with some others, such as Breathless, Somersby, 3 Men and a Baby, Nikita, Der Himmel �ber Berlin (can't recall the English title) etc.. I guess soccer would have to be replaced by an other sport (...your choice), but then FP would make a perfect Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan vehicle, don't you think. ;-p Jana, love your report on your husbands Paulisms. Poor chap! Speaking of which.... did it ever occur to anyone here that we, the Firthaddicts, suffer of Paulism, too? It's not yet 18 years ( =8-O !!!), but the symptoms are there. :-)

KJArt, Just some thoughts on FP. I've two soccer-mad teenage sons (supporting different teams), and they both have read the book and screenplay, and watched the movie on video and really enjoyed it. They obviously can relate to Paul's feelings, and as one of their teams is facing relegation this year I can certainly testify to the tension and angst (and loss of good humour!)suffered on Saturday afternoons!! And I must admit when the team actually won a crucial match with a last minute goal, even I leaped up in the air! So, FP does strike a chord! I'm very pleased FP is opening in the US after all this time, but in some respects I think that this is enough, coupled with (hopefully) some good personal reviews for CF, and easy availability on video. Major commercial success would be the icing on the cake. As to the accents....what about "Trainspotting" (even I couldn't understand what they were saying! And did I really want to?!)But I take your point that if US audiences have to struggle with the dialogue, they'll lose in erest. But I actually didn't think the N.London accents were too strong. CF's accent wasn't too pronounced, and the girls both had quite "posh" accents! I think Daniel Cleaver would be a great in-joke, but a lousy career move......no more supporting roles, Mr Firth please! :-)

Welcome newbies, it is so nice to see our little club enlarged! Karen, thank you for posting the pictures, C&L do look good together. Heide, Colin would have to die his hair blond for the Daniel Cleaver role and I agree with Bethan, no more supporting roles, please! I had no problems understanding FP(may come from years of watching British dramas), and I have three young boys who are mad for soccer and I admit, I too enjoy the game. I do see a v. limited release for FP in the States.

I don't think he is yesterday's news Please...I would not want anything in his personal life to make him material for tabloid news. What I mean't (and I think Allison mean't) is that he needs a **role** that will catapult him into center court again. Darcy and P&P was 3years ago!

KJArt...no! no! I couldn't take Fever Pitch being dubbed even if Colin would do his own voice. Hey, if The Fully Monty made it big here (and those accents were almost incomprehensible to me), Fever Pitch has a fighting chance. Glad you saw and liked the film though. It'll get easier with each viewing. Jana, your story about your husband is hilarious. Paul didn't use a remote but that's the only difference I detect. Now don't have a fight before the Super Bowl unless you want to have a sweet reunion scene while he's celebrating the Falcons victory. no more supporting roles Colin would have to die his hair blond for the Daniel Cleaver role Don't know what the screenplay will be like but I don't think there's that much difference in the amount of time Mark and Daniel are depicted in the book except that Daniel pretty much disappears in the middle but for one drunken scene near the end. And as for hair, I don't remember Daniel being blonde but don't think the hair color is important anyway. I knew I was in the minority (of one) on this but I like the debate.

ROTFLOL over your story, Jana! I've gone through many Paul Ashworth moments with my ex-- a die hard Chicago Bulls (basketball) fan. Unlike Arse, the Bulls win EVERY year practically, but my ex has been a fan since their loser days. next to Paul (Nick Hornby), I have never known a fan this devoted to his team. My ex has EVERY SINGLE game they played on video from the past four years. His entire week revolves around the game, and whether or not they win. He replays his favorite matches on the VCR, or talks bout it, play by play. And it's like colonization, this whole phenomenon--- the signif. others get sucked in and we start remembering names of players, statistics-- all this crap that we don't even want to know anyway. My only concern is how they market this film. I played the climactic scene of FP on my VCR for my ex to see. He hates British films to no end, but he really identified with just that scene, and he admitted that he'd see it in the movie theatres if it came out.

But as Allison said: "Colin is yesterday's news". Harbinger of doom!! Actually, the reason I think he has not played much part in the promotion of SIL cf Martin Clunes, Ben Affleck etc is that Miramax want to make sure it gets seen by a larger audience than that which usually goes to see Arthouse films. They are trying to appeal to a younger, male audience. Our DB, I have to tell you, is not big in that marketplace. CF fans are the sort of peple who would go and see SIL even if he weren't in it.

Winter, you hit it spot on there....it's the marketing that makes an impact and creates an impression with the potential audience. I remember reading somewhere that The Full Monty, the little film that made it big, had a "secret" marketing budget of $20 millon and was very cleverly promoted in a so-called "word of mouth" campaign. Eeech! I think I've had it with BBC costume dramas. Just watched (in a half-hearted sort of way) "The Scarlet Pimpernel" with Richard E Grant, and would I have wanted CF to be in it? No way!!! And a hero called Percy? Daniel Cleaver v. MD....I think that in the screenplay MD will definitely be a lead role. A lot of the book is too internalised to transfer directly to a film screenplay, so I'm sure that HF will have used a back to the drawing board approach .

Renate--Tom Hanks?? Meg Ryan?? Aaghh!!! Jana, your husband shows just how universal this theme is, and I would alter FP not at all if everyone in the audience had the privilege and rewinding a bit and going through "that line" again. I hope Heide is right and the film has a fighting chance. It may get the specialized promotion that Monty got... ..It's just that I remembered missing all the good lines first time around and when I recently watched it with a friend, I was constantly having to "translate". The way the film is made, the sporting bits will be a draw to the male audience, but it's the dialog that draws the ladies...and this is clever dialog that shouldn't be missed. I flinch to think of that first time exposure to the average American movie critic...(Maybe we could have subtitles for the footie-illiterate??);-)) Jana, I vote for Mark Darcy. The whole thing is intended as a satire and self-satirization is the sharpest of all. I would like to think that DB has enough of an ironical sense of humor to be willing to do it...It would MAKE the movie! :-D So, Bethan, I'm with you--Mark Darcy it is!! :-D

Hi, all. Off for a wander, and nice to be back. Last time here I was pompously saying that no-one should wish any more roles for CF. Sorry. Anyway, I'm snowed under with f*****g work. So: (i) congratulations to Ann for getting to the premiere. Seems like the film was generally well-received, though the Sunday Times critic complained that it was formulaic, and that Fiennes was unconvincing. Livia looks a real beauty and seems sensible and nice.I hope you all approve. (If she did but know it, your collective approval would be the highest possible compliment.) (ii) KJ: while I have some sympathy for the subtitles-for-FP view, it should be pointed out that English audiences manage without them in everything American. Surely it can't be THAT much effort to understand a London accent? I used to get puzzled frowns if I said to American friends that, although it was nice to be told one had a cute accent, I didn't think I had an accent at all. They did. Bloody rude, really, so I should be grateful for puzzled frowns rather than a smack in the mouth. (iii) To return briefly to the work issue...if it's true that CF's efforts have been temporarily directed to producing a Anglo-Italian baby, rather than a film, shouldn't this be a cause for rejoicing? It means you will have a mini-Firth to follow for years to come and, furthermore, one who dresses well and is good at football. How about Firth minore, the great operatic tenor? Or, better for some of us, Firth minora, the great soprano and Roman beauty.

Hi Ben....good to have you back posting. ******* I don't know about anyone else...but I am really pissed that Harvey didn't mention Colin when he thanked all the cast of SIL tonight as he was accepting the GG Award.He even had a list in his pocket....did he not even bother to write down Colin's name?? He singled out BA, Rupert Everett and Tom Wilkinson....excuse me...Colin had 4th billing. I plan to have a letter in the mail tomorrow telling him that he neglected to mention an important member of the cast. Anyone care to join me? Harvey Weinstein Miramax 375 Greenwich st. New York, NY 10013 Thank you Gwynnie for acknowledging Colin.

(Evelyn) I don't know about anyone else...but I am really pissed that Harvey didn't mention Colin when he thanked all the cast of SIL tonight as he was accepting the GG Award.He even had a list in his pocket....did he not even bother to write down Colin's name?? I was extremely annoyed by this, and since he was reading you can't even make allowances for an off-the-cuff mistake. This is especially aggravating to me because Harvey is too smart a boy to miss an opportunity for promotion and he supposedly has a CF film opening in just a few months! I hope this isn't a bad omen for the treatment MLSF is going to get. If Miramax doesn't get behind it, it's cooked. Argh!!! (winter) My ex has EVERY SINGLE game they played on video from the past four years. His entire week revolves around the game, and whether or not they win. He replays his favorite matches on the VCR, or talks about it, play by play. I am LMAO at this! Honey, you win the prize for the most Paul-like man. At least my DH doesn't keep the tapes of the games. He just watches once and lets them go.... (Ben) Livia looks a real beauty and seems sensible and nice.I hope you all approve. (If she did but know it, your collective approval would be the highest possible compliment.) Ben, that's a lovely thing to say. From what I've seen and heard of Ms. Firth she definitely sounds worthy of our approval. Not only beautiful, but she seems nice and kind. What more could we ask for our DB?

I will certainly write Evelyn, this is getting beyond a joke and GP has certainly gone up in my estimations. Thankyou Ben for your kind words, it was a wonderful mememorable evening, I agree Jana it would have been a perfect opportunity to promote the star of a forthcomning Mirmax film.

I too was surprised that Harvey did not mention Colin. He is much too clever a man to pass up any opportunity. I guess this means Colin will not attend the Oscars. Another chance to be seen, gone.

My take on the whole promotion strategy of HW is based on the fact that he would choose to promote the stars who have the most populist image. He didn't mention Geoffrey Rush or Judi Dench, did he? He wants to reach those people who would not normally go to see a film about Shakespeare.

(Allison), He didn't mention Geoffrey Rush or Judi Dench, did he? True, but both JD and JR were nominated for GG and had their faces on TV. JD was absent but they flashed her pic. as QE. I'm sure Harvey was aware of this.

Thanks, Evelyn, for the address. There's no excuse for Harvey's omission. He did mention Judi Dench, but I'm not sure about Geoffrey Rush. At first I thought that he was going to single Colin out for special mention, but then he went on to the behind the scenes people (weren't the catering people mentioned?) and my heart fell. Bad, Harvey, bad!! (Time to go picket the offices, Nan) But good for Gwyneth. She really showed herself to be a classy lady (with the nod to BA, sitting right next to her at the table). I was actually quite shocked that she mentioned Colin right at the beginning. Hey, maybe, she fell under his spell? I really doubt Colin would be at the Oscars unless he were nominated (virtually unlikely now). Most stars don't go unless that is the case. They don't like all the hoopla. No one wants to go that trouble (clothes, jewels, transportation, post-party bashes) unless they have to. On the nomination front, I believe there is an article from a London paper that said Colin's part was unnoticeable. Does this ring a bell with anyone? (Sorry to bring out my wet blanket.) BTW, since I've now read the second draft of SiL from 1992 written entirely by Marc Norman, I don't know who he's trying to fool with that acceptance speech!

I thought it v. strange that Marc Norman gave that long acceptance speech like he had a lot to do with the script in present form. I guess even scriptwriters don't miss the opportunity for self-promotion. I would have been embarrassed. Thank you Gwenyth! I haved always liked GP as an actress and as a person but now she moved into second place on my fav list. At least Colin get his name before a worldwide audience. Just to clear this up-I thought BA did a fine job in SIL. He's just not one of my favs. I must admit, I started to like JF alot. Dreamy eyes and he can quote Shakespeare beautifully.

Interestingly, GP's acceptance speach must have made the news programmes in the UK notice that Colin is in this film. None of those I saw actually replayed the part of her speech where she mentions him but certainly the BBC and I think ITN then showed clips which all had Colin in them and concentrated on the Wessex story line. BTW, discovered this morning that Imelda Staunton is married to Jim Carter. Both have been interviewed today!

(Sue) I started to like JF alot. Dreamy eyes and he can quote Shakespeare beautifully. Honey, I could watch/listen to the rehearsal for the balcony scene over and over again.... (Allison) GP's acceptance speach must have made the news programmes in the UK notice that Colin is in this film. GP got all emotional toward the end of her speech, mentioning that her dad had a tough year and especially her grandfather. (I'm going to assume it is medical because she told him to "hang in there.") But I'm glad that her speech has gotten your press to sit up and take notice about Colin because it is obvious that GP thinks very highly of him. Last night and on the Rosie show! ITN then showed clips which all had Colin in them and concentrated on the Wessex story line. I wonder if ITN will have it on its "World News Wrapup" show that is broadcast by one of my PBS stations. Will check tonight!! Sometimes they do light fluff type pieces.

--God Bless Gwyneth Paltrow. What a classy lady! Unfortunately the news things don't replay the "thanks" speeches (does anyone wonder why?) but it went out on live and tape-delayed programs of the award show. Thank you Gwyneth for being so thoughtful!

I would love to see Colin at the Oscars this year but I don't think he will go. He didn't go when TEP was up for best picture so I'd assume he probably won't go for SIL either!

Karen, what paper was that. oh, I must not overeact and must remind myself that only yesterday in Cosmo Landesman's review of SIL in The Sunday Times, Colin was the only one apart from GP & JF who was singled out for praise "to the dastardly Lord Wessex (Colin Firth on fine form)" Good ole Cosmo and good ole Gywnnie. Allison I saw GP's acceptance speech where she mentioned Colin ,on BBC News this morning and I was thrilled as it came quite near the beginning after JF. Sue I agree with what you say about JF but he is still not Colin, there is something about Colin I know not what, that makes him so appealing and after seeing him last week I feel it even more but I can't put my finger on it.

Is that quite the right expression!?

I forgot to mention that Barry Norman loved SIL and said that he would go as far to say that we probably won't see a better British? film all year and he didn't think the supporting cast could have been bettered. Again there was quite a lot of Wessex.

Ben--a followup to your "Surely it can't be THAT much effort to understand a London accent?" ---I watch British programs and movies all the time and in fact I prefer them. The challenge of a good accent is fun if it isn't a large portion of the dialog...(In fact, I admit I NEVER could understand what the kids in AMITC were saying until I read the book)...But that's what upset me...me, who watch British all the time, me who read everything the net had to print on FP and Hornby and read that book...after all that if I was STILL missing the good lines the first time through, then what will the ave age US viewer (or critic) be experiencing? So YES it surely requires that much effort to understand a London accent abd that is why I fear for its success in this country...and I DO SO want it to be a success because its a marvelous, fun movie and a great showcase for the excellence of our DB!

(AnnW), I forgot to mention that Barry Norman loved SIL and said that he would go as far to say that we probably won't see a better British? film all year and he didn't think the supporting cast could have been bettered. Again there was quite a lot of Wessex. That is really good news for DB. I wonder why no one ever asked GP( I'm thinking Rosie), if she had seen CF in P&P? If she liked it, and if she had fallen under Darcy's spell (as so many of us have). If I ever see her, I think I shall ask.

(Ben) used to get puzzled frowns if I said to American friends that, although it was nice to be told one had a cute accent, I didn't think I had an accent at all. They did. Bravo, Ben! Good for you! I'm constantly mortified every time I hear someone 'complimenting' a person for their 'accent.' As if it were some skill like doing card tricks or being able to flip one's eyelids inside-out! FP will do mediocrely (that a word?), IMHO. Art-house films will very likely carry it, and draw in the same types of people who are regular indie filmgoers. Problem is, I haven't seen one trailer at the art-house theatres yet for this film, which worries me. Seeing the same trailer over and over again for months is annoying, but it does the trick. I wouldn't have seen 'Central Station' had it not been for weekly exposures to the trailer. Another thing, FP doesn't need subtitles ('Trainspotting' subtitles annoyed me to no end, BTW). People will follow because the essentials are there, though there are some details which I think might throw people off. Like, will people understand what N5 means (N. London area--like a zip code)? Will they understand why Paul wouldn't take his student to an Arsenal game because of the seating? What's a "row?" etc., etc.. But, if my ex was able to enjoy it, with his love for Jean-Claude Van Damme and National Lampoon movies, people will go out and see it. They just have to know it's out there.

I can't contribute much to the subject of accents since any English or American accent is likewise difficult for me. But part of the difficulties to understand FP is that there are so many in-jokes. Also the script has many (voluntary) omissions which lead you to believe that you perhaps missed something. I wish I had discovered Clare's FP Glossary earlier. I assume most of you know that page, but for those who don't: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Lot/9482/gloss.html

Come to think of it, my mother, in endeavoring to assure my having No trace whatever of a Noo Yawk accent, instructed me to have "no accent whatever!" We were surburbanites, and I think I escaped to Hawaii without the 5-Boroughs Brogue. But, No Accent, Whatever?!" I think that is impossible.

And, Ben, if you'll drop down to 113 for a moment, I will allow you "anything" as a Keepsake on a whole new list of JE's effects in P&P2. I would love to claim you as a whatevereth-removed contact with CF!!!!

I take back anything I may have ever said (or thought) about Gwynnie. She was absolutely darling - gracious, charming and real. She not only has been working damn hard pushing this film, she also had the good sense to give credit to Colin. As for Harvey, I'm screaming at the TV along with the rest of you. I'm sure it was an oversight, otherwise it's a slap in the face. I'm not counting on SiL winning the Best Picture over Private Ryan but if they do, Harvey better make amends in his speech. He defin tely thanked Dame Judi and Geoffrey - then went on to Rupert and Ben. When he talked about Tom Wilkinson I thought for sure Colin would be next. Agh!! As much as I'd have loved to have seen him there, I'm not surprised he wouldn't be if he didn't have to be. And wouldn't you hate to see him have to run through that Joan Rivers gauntlet? Of course she wouldn't know who he was anyway. During the boring moments, and there were many, I amused myself by counting how many people there (besides the SiL bunch) have directly worked with Colin. I only managed Michele Pfeiffer and Annette Bening. Anyone notice others? Since I'm enjoying playing the devil's advocate regarding Bridget Jones...KJArt, don't you think playing Daniel would hold much more irony than playing Mark? Good point, Bethan, about the book being too internalized for it to translate well to the screen without re-working but I'm not convinced that would lead to Mark's enhancement in the film. So many of the Pride & Prejudice references were deleted from the audiocassette that the Mark Darcy/Mr. Darcy association was almost entirely lost. I wouldn't be surprised if the P&P parody would be missing from the film too. Please believe me though that I'd love to see DB play Mark. Maybe he could play both parts!!

Oh I am so mad at H. W. I cannot believe he did not mention CF. I kept waiting and waiting. I thought that was very rude and not an oversight. Thanks to GP he did get noticed. No wonder I am starting to like her more and more. I will be writing HW myself to ask him why? When SIL whens the Oscar he better remember himself.

I have already done it Rita, a letter in the post yesterday, said I hoped the oversight would be corrected in March when SIL wins the Oscar, said many mmany CF fans all over the world were very upset and disappointed at this gross oversight. (eh I bet he will be shaking in his shoes). Also pointed out how popular Colin was on the Internet and how many sites he had, said he was a very talented actor who deserved more recognition and that surely was'nt this a perfect opportunity to have promoted Colin prio to the opening of another Miramax film My Life So Far. Anyway I don't think it will do any harm for Miramax to see that Colin has loads of fans. So come on ladies get writing, it may persuade Miramax to bring forward the release date for MLSF or at the very least make sure they dont postpone it again.

Good news about the Golden Globes! CF has now been in two out of three GG winners in the last three years (and don't forget Jessica Lange got a GG nomination for ATA! So he's kissed three GG nominees!))There was a lot of Colin in SIL on the Breakfast news and in the early evening (5-6pm) news. But no mention of his name....just GP, and perhaps JD. I actually heard him speak three times. Reminded me that he has a marvellous voice and that we very rarely get to hear it. Talk about talents being undermarkete !!!! Time for a return to the theatre? Harvey? Oh dear. :-( Shades of BAFTA 1996 again...couldn't believe it when everyone/thing connected with Jane Austen films won...except CF!)It sounds like a deliberate omission. I wondered if HW just focussed on "names" for the glitzy audience, GP, JF, Geoffrey, Judi, his "friends" (and A-list Hollywood players) Ben and Rupert. Tom? Well, perhaps he was playing the Harvey W. role in SIL! But, it sure don't look good when even your own producer misses you out! Bad manners actually! Especially as CF has att nded all the premieres and did the publicity bash. Allison, I saw Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton on TV. Have seen GP, JF, GR and JD in interviews....and you've also seen Martin Clunes, Tom Wilkinson and thingybob from the Fast Show (lucky you!) What I want to know, did no-one talk to Colin?! This Invisible Man phenomenon is getting beyond a joke......especially when the poor bloke (and lovely wife) is actually turning up to everything! Mark Darcy/Daniel Cleaver...well, no contest for me! One of the reasons I remain so enthusiastic about this damn film is that HF's new book will boost it, and it is also absolutely guaranteed to reach our screens and get an international release, which is more than can be said for virtually any other British film at the moment. Look forward to some news here!

Forgot to add, I'm sure not many people really, really listened to Harvey, but everyone would have listened to Gwynnie (who does, I agree, seem to be a lovely person)! Also, having not seen any clips of SIL, I almost had difficulty in recognising Colin...and this is a compliment to him. He can make himself look SO grim (and older). Not a buffoon though, not with that voice. But I wonder if his chameleon characteristics can sometimes count against him. I read somewhere that someone watched the whole of SIL and then asked "Who did Colin Firth play?" "Stars" tend to always look more or less the same! But (I'll answer this myself), he's an actor!

Saw the ITN piece last night on all the Brits winning in the Golden Globes and yes their clip had three shots of Colin in it, but of course, he wasn't mentioned by name. (If any of you--Allison, Ann, Bethan--ever see anything on Colin on ITN, be sure to post. I don't watch it on a regular basis, although I do like D. Daliwhal! sp??) Re: Accents Don't feel singled out, Ben, some US accents get the same treatment in other parts of the country. For example, a southern accent might be called cute but a northerner (Yank). It happens. When we discussed FP, many people asked "what" so and so said. Yes, some lines were missed, but overall I didn't find it difficult to understand. We Americans don't know all the idiom and slang (remember: get stuck in, you showers!!), but incomprehensible, NO WAY!! The kids in A Month in the Country were heavy Yorkshire and you need the screenplay to decipher what they are saying. Trainspotting was pretty difficult and I found the use of subtitles (only during the club scene) amusing. I think it was a combination of the language and the noise going on that made it necessary. Mark Darcy vs. Daniel Cleaver No contest!! Has to be Mark Darcy. Definitely want to see him cutting in on prepubscent cousin dancing with Bridget at the ruby anniversary party. Also hope that Helen remembers my favorite image from her columns: Mark wearing only a towel striding about the room in barrister mode. She did get a kick out of the that.

I'm "working" at home today, which means I'm not (working). Keep on taking tea breaks/lunch breaks/TV breaks/you name it breaks! Anyway, just watched CNN Showbiz, and another clip of SIL and Colin. I'm getting quite blase about this..."oooh there he is again!". The CNN showbiz pundit was talking Oscars and he said he had been getting the buzz from the post GG parties, and the general opinion is that it's a two horse race btween Private Ryan and SIL, but SIL is gaining support. It's all good publicity and means that SIL will get a lot of mentions throughout Feb and March. I mean, I was absolutely sick of hearing about The Full Mont !! About Harvey, on relection, I feel it was probably just an oversight. Nothing I've read about CF and his working relations (cast members, directors, producers) has ever indicated that he's not highly professional and very easy to get on with . Why should Harvey have a down on him? But it's good to write on Colin's behalf, Ann, and good to let him know that we 're waiting, not so patiently, for MLSF! Karen, Yes! Lots of good scenes, just waiting to come alive on the Big Screen. And some new ones too...mmmm, I'm definitely in favour of the towel!

I am contemplating writing to the BBC to ask them why they did not interview CF during the course of the SIL premier, GG hype etc. After all he was voted most popular actor in 60 years of the BBC. What do you think?

Good idea Allison, if Colin won't promote himself then we will have to, that was one reason why I took the opportunity to write to HW, as I agree with Bethan it must have been an oversight, what reason would he have to ignore Colin. Was annoyed today though, was reading the new TV Times and the review for SIL again mentioned Uncle Tom Cobley and all but not Colin, however, The Radio Times made up for it, he was mentioned three times in different contexts. BTW does anyone else get The RT, only this week there is a special Milleninium Magazine and it Wallchart showing past BBC drama's & documentaries for the last millennium and it doesn't mention P&P or Middlemarch (that was BBC wasn't it), perhaps I have missed the point but I would have thought P&P would have definitely been there. I can just about accept that Colin might be ignored but not P&P for goodness sake.

Taking another well undeserved break.... Allison, I actually think it's a good idea. I've often thought the BBC could have offered CF and JE a special "one-off" Performance together, perhaps a Chekhov play or something similar. After all the hype about P&P, the BBC never seem to have considered any sort of "follow-up" for CF or JE. I read recently that the BBC are commissioning various special "vehicles" for their star talent. No mention of CF or JE though. Warming to the theme of MD, wet, contoured towels and all, perhaps we could wile away the long boring evenings in some sort of Fantasy Island, invent-a-new -scene scenario. Dips in the River Serpentine, dashes accoss muddy fields, "Miss Jones!" "Mr Darcy!" You get the idea! :-) A propos of BJD. I'm sure that Working Title must know what they are doing by now. There's been an onteresting saga in the papers about Rowan Atkinson and some mini-film for the Millenium. Angry denials from his company...no, he's not doing it, no, he's not, no details avaiiable etc. for a few months, and then, guess what folks, he's doing it! It just seems to be a matter of appropriate timing. Right, with great lack of determination, back to my oh so boring report... :-(

(Bethan) back to my oh so boring report... Oh, how I empathise! Actually I am using all my spare grey cells trying to compose an E-mail to the BBC which will capture their imagination and make them take notice. On the bright side, I am going to see SIL on Friday when it opens. I have already booked the tickets, the first time I have ever booked cinema tickets more than a day in advance. And I am excited.

Why should Harvey have a down on him? That is a v. good question. What if Colin and Harvey are having discussions about MLSF? Release date, promo, premiere, or what if Colin wants to star in a new Miramax project and Harvey wants to cast someone else? My message to Colin is: DO THEATRE! Let us see you every night, show them.

I've often thought the BBC could have offered CF and JE a special "one-off" Performance together I fear our DB is now too expensive for the dear old beeb. The licence fee cannot compete with HW!

Go to it, ladies. Blow some fire up the networks' arses. They might tell you when they're planning on showing an interview with him. After all, Ann did see a camera in his face. News and promos should be hot and heavy the next few weeks.

If you wish to E-mail the BBC, their contact page is at bbc.talks.co.uk/talks/

Ooops, try again!Go to bbc.co.uk/talks/

I give up! Go to www.bbc.co.uk and follow your nose.

Allison, I think you need to type the http://, too. Will it work? http://www.bbc.co.uk/talks/

It worked only half... http://www.bbc.co.uk/home/today/

And while I was there I did a search for guess whom? Here's an (oldish) interview with Donald Pleasance with a Colin mention (we need any crumb!) http://www.bbc.co.uk/movies/bbcap/archive/pleasence/interview2.shtml

I am not that mad at HW. I just think that it is an oversight on his part and he must be careful. Our DB has LOTS of fans out there and we do go to the movies and pay those high ticket prices. We rent those movies and purchase them. All money in his pocket. I just want him to take notice and that is why I wrote him. On a lighter note, GP What a Girl!!!!

Hmm! Harvey's words do have an impact! From yesterday's Telegraph (account of GG awards)..."SIL, with a (British) cast that includes Dame Judi Dench, Rupert Everett and Tom Wilkinson." There's an article about the awards and a huge credited photo of GP and JF. Guess who's missing, yet again! The awards ceremony apparently had a global audienceof 250 million. Thank goodness for Gwynnie! The article on the awards suggests that movies which get the most promotion get the most awards and says that SIL has been heavily promoted by Miramax at the expense of some of its other movies (MLSF?) It also says that overall most independents are not doing well at the box office, despite critical acclaim, and that American movies will always beat "British" movies in terms of quality but awards go to well mounted relics like TEP! (typically supportive British film critic...no wonder the British film ind stry is dying!! Without Harvey, bless his cotton socks, it probably would be dead!) Jeez...I am NOT going to read any papers for at least a fortnight!!!

Just read a review form an Irish critic, loved the movie and had kind words for the supporting actors including our DB, "and Firth as the villian is splendid." Perhaps you should only read Irish papers Bethan.