Quick Notes: Spoke with the BBC Scotland PR person today and she will be faxing me a production release shortly (after she finds out what the country code is!!) It will say who is in the cast. She met with Colin yesterday for the first time (lucky girl), but said she would be setting up a longer meeting with him shortly. Here is a BBC news item from January 28 that I don't think has been posted. However, please be aware there are some SPOILERS contained herein. Firth on the buses, but off the rails Actor Colin Firth will star as a madman in a comtemporary version of Don Quixote for a new British film. The Pride and Prejudice star - who also appears in Shakespeare in Love - will take the title role in Donovan Quick, which will be made for television later this year. Director David Blair said the film is superficially about "a Don Quixote character," but is set against the unlikely background of transport privatisation. Firth's character is in charge of axing bus services - but he gives the profits away to the needy, mirroring the hero of Cervantes' book. "He's been sectioned in a mental hospital and what unfolds is that he is tortured by what he appears to have been doing in the past. "He's arrested at the end and put back in a mental hospital," said Blair, who has also directed The Lakes and Takin' Over the Asylum for the BBC.

Nope...haven't phoned yet as have been at work. But, will do! But as a late night net surfee, I've just spotted a news item. NY Post - Liz Smith (who's she?) 26/4 Liz Taylor is travelling to Cannes to the Annual Cinema against AIDS Gala, to co-host with Sharon Stone. This year the movie Miramax is screening at the May 20 AmFAR (what's that?) fundraiser is "My Life So Far" starring Colin Firth, (yes!) MEM and MMcD. MLSF is directed by HH, produced by DP. Charity auction Of Princess Diana's dresses etc.

Check it out: Liz Smith

So does this mean Colin is going to Cannes? I think Livia might give him a push. She enjoyed the Oscars. :-)

I don't know if the Ameriacan film industry is stupid or just bury their heads in the sand. If you look at the awards the last few years, so many of the best are British. I would hate to see the British film Industry go the way the Americans have. The tv shows we get from them are so far superior to the ones made here it is pitiful. The Mysteries and comedies are so much better it makes me sick. The Brits go with talent in their stars whereas the Americans seem to look for pretty boys no matter how lacking they are in talent.

The film industry here (the States) is unbelieveably pathetic-- it makes me weep for the future of the arts. Seriously. I posted something about this in VirtViews over at RofP... From my observations, the way in which films get funded and how scripts are treated is a complete joke. Studio execs operate purely on trends...these past few years it's been period pieces, literary adaptations, etc... And the problem is-- the people giving the green light don't read anything BUT scripts, and have no idea what ma es for a good story, how complex plots can actually be, how complex a character can be, what good dialogue means, etc. because they're only attuned to reading things in the context of being adapted to the screen. You think anyone who funded SiL has ever read Shakespeare? 'Course not...but they have fat wallets and just enough businesss savvy to know that people will plop down $7.50 to see a period piece about William Shakespeare. My hope is that Brit filmmakers will feel comfortable enough to stay home an build an industry there, and develop film genres/styles that are unique to their situations-- without feeling the need to integrate themselves into the US market. Unfortunately, it doesn't work out that way, does it? There are some TV shows from the US that I actually think are quite good, and at the same calibre as international shows-- ER is a good example, I think. "Seinfeld" was always good-- but the humor doesn't always translate (didn't warm up to Germans the same way, from what I've heard). "Fraiser" is an excellent show, which I believe does relatively well abroad.

"Fraiser" is an excellent show, which I believe does relatively well abroad. It is brilliant and puts all UK sitcoms to shame.

Well, this may have something to do with MLSF being shown at the AIDS charity benefit in Cannes... (from Variety today): Morrison senior vp PR for Miramax NEW YORK -- Sally Morrison, a 14-year veteran of the American Foundation for AIDS Research, has joined Miramax as senior vp publicity. In her new New York-based post, Morrison will handle premieres and special events for Miramax and for Tina Brown's Talk Media venture. She will report to executive vp marketing and publicity Marcy Granata. At AmFAR, most recently as vp external affairs, Morrison coordinated fund-raising and public affairs activities for the charity.

(Karen), Spoke with the BBC Scotland PR person today and she will be faxing me a production release shortly (after she finds out what the country code is!!) It will say who is in the cast. She met with Colin yesterday for the first time (lucky girl), but said she would be setting up a longer meeting with him shortly. Karen, why would Colin be meeting with the PR person while he should be in pre-production rehearsals? PR is usually planned as a project wraps. Next time you speak with her please ask. Winter, I agree with you, it is a very sad state of affairs and as I said before it is because the auteurs are missing. Filmakers wrote and directed quality once and wehn they didn't they had people such as Harold Pinter writing. I do not watch any TV shows so I can't judge them but I'll take your word for it.

(Moon) why would Colin be meeting with the PR person while he should be in pre-production rehearsals? PR is usually planned as a project wraps. Last week, the word was *six more weeks of filming* Seems to me they are in production now. :) Sounded to me like she had just started on the job. Who knows, maybe she just wanted to meet him? Do you blame her? ;-D

I hope the fact that MLSF is being shown at Cannes means that all the problems if there be problems have now been ironed out and that there will be no further delay in its release either here or in the US.Bethan I can't remember if I asked you this but if Miramax give you a UK release date would you please ask if there is going to be a Premiere, when it is and if Colin is going to attend. Also I agree with Moon, it seems perculiar doing publicity before production has hardly started, I would have thought that would have come at the end. I would love to know who his co-stars are, haven't seen anything in the press but will keep my eyes open Karen.

(Ann), Who knows, maybe she just wanted to meet him? Do you blame her? Moi, never! :-D

Hi all: I never get a chance to visit due to this busy life I lead! I thought grandmothers and retirees were supposed to hang out in malls and play cards! Not that I would even if I DID have the time... Renate pointed out Karen's news to me, and I have it on the Appreciation pages, along with that gorgeous new Aussie Pic. I also did a labor of love on A Month in the Country. I recently bought a beautiful paperback edition from A Common Reader, a great company, BTW. The URL for AMITC - the book is: http://www.geocities.com/~murphyat65/amitc/home.html There is a link to A Common Reader in there if you want to order the book. Bye for now and be of good faith. Colin is more and more in the popular press these days. Murph

Good to have you on Spring, Murph. Your website is a gem...always a treat . We appreciate all that you do for Colin and us!! Come back often:-)

Yes, good to hear from you Murph, welcome, btw, your guestbook is still not working or is it me.

Murph, what a pleasure to have you in our company.

Girls, I'm surprised at you. Have you ever actually watched TV shows when traveling in other countries? Most of it is crap! Just like much of ours! We get the best from other countries...as well as their best films, etc. I don't mind trashing U.S. TV shows, films, ad nauseum 'cause most of it deserves to be trashed. But despite the games, polls and politics excellent entertainment and art in this country continue to be created. Don't throw it all in the same garbage heap. Karen, I am waiting with bated breath for news from the Beeb. Great work. Moon, better get the TV dusted off for ET. They always feature Cannes.

(Bethan) I noticed that a new film (a love story) funded by the Arts Council, and starring Ioan Gryffyd, who was in "Hornblower", is opening next week Bethan, do you know the name of this movie?

From the Entertainment Weekly summer movie preview edition (4/26/99): Also in June (movies were listed in alphabetical order) My Life So Far In this 1920s Miramax drama, a wealthy Scottish clan, including Colin Firth and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, is thrown into turmoil when big bro Malcolm McDowell brings home his young fiancee (Irene Jacob). "It's like the apple in paradise," says Mastrantonio. "It upsets the balance of the ecosystem." Bottom line: Oscar nominated director Hugh Hudson and producer David Puttnam (the team behind 1981's "Chariots of Fire") shoot for the summer's older, neglected art-film audience. (Moved to July) It doesn't say much (we know all this) but at least the target audience was defined and the movie wasn't trashed (many others were). They were not so hot on 'Notting Hill'--said Julia played herself and Hugh played the same character as he did in '4 Weddings.' Thanks for the info on the Miramax-MLSF-AmFar link, Karen (not to mention forthcoming DQ news). ET features Cannes as Heide pointed out. They also feature Sharon Stone and AmFar all the time (as well as Pamela Anderson Lee's former breasts--whoops, that was Access Hollywood!).

COLIN FIRTH STARS IN DONOVAN QUICK Colin Firth (Shakespeare in Love, Pride and Prejudice), Katy Murphy (Tutti Frutti, A Mug's Game), David O'Hara (Braveheart, The Match), Liz Smith (The Royale Family, A Private Function), and David Westhead (The Lakes, Mrs Brown) are to star in Donovan Quick - a few film for BBC ONE from the BAFTA award-winning team of writer, Donna Franceschild, and director, David Blair. Film will begin on locations around Glasgow from A ril 25. Colin Firth said today" "This is a unique script and I am looking forward to working with David Blair on the film." BBC Scotland's Head of Drama, Barbara McKissack, added: "I am delighted that we are attracting major talents both on and off the screen to work with us in Scotland." When the mysterious and well-spoken Donovan Quick takes up residence with the Pannick family things will never be the same again. The Pannicks are like any other dysfunctional family: Lucy Pannick drinks, her son Jim steals cars, her grandmother forgets to put on her clothes and her learning disabled brother, Sandy, runs model trains in his room all night. When multi-national bus company, Windmill Transport takes over the local trains and leaves Sandy no way to get to his day centre, Donovan starts up one-bus company with Sandy to replace the lost service. Against all the odds, the fledgling Quick and Pannick buses becomes so successful that the voracious Windmill Transport decides to poach the route for itself. However, like his inspiration Don Quixote, Donovan Quick manages to thwart Windmill at their own game, galvanising the community and transforming forever the lives of Lucy, Sandy, Gran and Jim in the process. Donovan Quick is an independent production from Making Waves Film and Television Limited, a company set up by writer Donna Franceschild and director David Blair who previously collaborated on two BBC Scotland series, Takin' Over the Asylum and A Mug's Game. The producer is Sue Austen and the executive producers are Barbara McKissack and Jane Tranter. April 22, 1999

I am delighted that we are attracting major talents... I am delighted BBC Scotland recognizes CF as a major talent. And now we know they just started filming this week. BTW, Bethan, Liz Smith is a gossip columnist based in NY but syndicated throughout the US. AMFAR is a charity dedicated to AIDS fund raising. I forget what the letters stand for but I believe it is sponsored by the actors union. Sharon Stone is the current chairperson. She is far better at fund raising and stating her political opinions than she is at acting (IMHO ;-))!

Thanks for the info., Karen. By the looks of it, there is no love interest at all. But is so good to know that he is the star. I wonder when it will be shown in the States. The way it looks, he may be done with it and then head off to Italy for a vacation. :-D

Thank you Karen for being our point-person with BBC Scotland. I wonder if the Scottish Arts Council is co-funding this. CF's role sounds somewhat like a "Michael Collins " ....this is a first for him in this category, isn't it? I hope it's a TV film...otherwise we're back to sweating out distributors for yet another big screen indie film.

Thanks Karen for the info. on DQ. Liz Smith is one of my favourite actresses, she will be a wonderful dotty grandmother and she has of corse worked with Colin before in Apartment Zero as one of the dotty ladies who lived in the same block of appartments as Adrian. BTW Evelyn I am sure it is for TV as it says it is a film for BBC1 and not just for the BBC which is very good as it gets a much bigger audience than BBC2 where Nostromo was shown. Also if he is filming for 6 weeks that takes him to June 6th,d you think that would prevent him appearing at Cannes on the 20th May?

Sorry about the typing errors. "wonderfully dotty"

she has of course worked with Colin before in Apartment Zero as one of the dotty ladies who lived in the same block of appartments as Adrian. I loved that crowd...they were a hoot. Also if he is filming for 6weeks that takes him to June 6th,do you think that would prevent him appearing at Cannes on the 20th May? Aw, he can fly over there one aft and be back the next day. He can't be in every scene. Hope he does....Cannes gets global publicity.To BBCs benefit, I would think.

Thanks for the info, Karen! This sounds very, very promising indeed! As I had hoped, the screenplay is by Donna Franceschild who wrote the brilliant "Taking over the Asylum", easily the best contemporary drama I've seen recently on TV. It was warm, funny, and very compassionate....and DQ seems to have similar themes. I haven't had time to check out all the actors (probably all good character actors) but Liz Smith is one of my favourites... "mice move in mysterious ways" (AZ)...she plays batty grandmothers to perfection!

PS I'm sure you'll see it in the US...the BBC sells most of its films for TV, and some do get a cinema release.

I just want to take a little time to thank everyone who sent me e-mails after my husbands surgery. Believe me they were a world of help. I can't remember if I answered all of them, I have been so tired, but I hope you see this.

Eileen: In that same issue of Ent. Wkly.,"Fever Pitch" is mentioned in the July section--"Colin Firth plays a teacher whose soccer obsession doesn't do much for his love life,..." AmFAR = American Foundation for AIDS Research. Gee, I love all this uplifting news!!

Thanks, KJArt. I missed the FP entry all together. Was there a "bottom line" for FP?

(Moon) By the looks of it, there is no love interest at all. Rats! (are we a bunch of complainers or what?) But is so good to know that he is the star. Yes, his name will be first, not third, not fourth, and not even said in the same breath as Tom Wilkinson or Martin Clunes. I wonder when it will be shown in the States. If BBC has targeted it for early next year (assuming it does not sell for theatrical release, which is still a possibility), then how much later are we usually? Six months? Longer?

(Bethan) "Taking over the Asylum", easily the best contemporary drama I've seen recently on TV. Oh dear, then why didn't we get it over here? I did ask the Beeb gal if any of the American networks (PBS or A&E) was participating and she said "not yet." If and when it gets definite that DQ is going to be on television, we may need to let the small programming minds that be that we want to see it (on something other than a converted PAL tape)!!

"Taking over the Asylum" was a six part series, produced by BBC Scotland, whereas DonQ is a film produced by an independent film company for BBC Scotland (as was "Mrs Brown"). I would think you've got a very good chance of seeing it (and not just as a converted PAL tape!)

Well...just to be on the safe side....If it plays on TV, I want a converted PAL tape...anyway, who can wait 6 months to see it here. By then we will have discussed the "pants off" ole Donovan Q.

Overnight air shipment too.

(Evelyn), By then we will have discussed the "pants off" ole Donovan Q. Yes, indeed! Please include me on that list, I can take the Pal tape after you're done converting.

Well, I finally managed to keep my word and phoned both Miramax and Working Title! Bridget Jones Diary......I asked when details of BJD would be available "Oh, not yet". I then specifically asked when we would know about the casting, and the reply was " oh,in about a month". Which is the most positive reply I've had! And on the assumption that they announce casting just prior to shooting, perhaps the shoot is imminent and CF will just have finished DonQ, which is very convenient! Right, MLSF. Spoke to young man, very smooth. Asked about date of release for MLSF in the UK. He checked, reported that there was "a blank against MLSF". Me "It's being released in the US, though" "Yes, July 16th". Me "I hope that a blank doesn't mean that it isn't going to br released here" "No, it just means that there's no release date set." Me "How long an interval is there normally between the US and UK." "Well, it varies with each film". Me "oh well, I'll ring back in two months". "Yes, I'm sure thi gs will have changed by then". So, no real info. I don't know why I suggested 2 months...I meant to ask when I should ring back. I'll try again in about 4 weeks. But it doesn't look as though it will open here first. Ann, perhaps you would like to try as well in about a month's time, or perhaps just after MLSF screens in Cannes! The more the merrier!

Re: MLSF release in UK Yes, Ann do call...the more people who inquire...the better. I'll call from the US as well. **** Off Topic: We have just been informed from Entertainment Films in UK (distrib)that.... "Good Machine (the sales agent for the film) will be taking This Year's Love to the Cannes Film Festival " (TYL is JE's new film). Good news at Cannes for the stars of P&P.!! ***** (Moon)Re; DQ.. I can take the Pal tape after you're done converting. Sorry, it goes back to UK if it has been taped for us from television.

(Evelyn) By then we will have discussed the "pants off" ole Donovan Q. Freudian slip, Evelyn? ;-) Thanks for making those calls, Bethan. Miramax played around with the US release date for so long that I'm not surprised they're doing the same in the UK. A month for BJD cast announcements? Do a hear a drum roll starting?

Yes, thanks Bethan, for making the phone calls, you are so brave, I seem to lose the use of speech when I make this sort of phone call, I guess I feel a bit intimidated but I will give it a go, as you say after Cannes would seem a good time. Did you ask for anyone in particular at Miramax?

Thanks Bethan. It makes perfect sense to ring back after Cannes. Those people are so insecure, they're probably looking for the feedback there before they make any decisions. Very curious about BJD, will he do it? The bets are on. ( Evelyn), Sorry, it goes back to UK if it has been taped for us from television. Then by all means include me in the taping.

This is germane to our Hollywood-bashing (and otherwise) discussion from a few days ago--I remembered reading it but couldn't find it until today. From Newsweek, 3/22/99, 'Buzz' section: Brush Up Your Shakespeare Memo to H'wood: while some 54 percent of Americans went to the movies in the past six months, the fastest-growing audience is upscale boomers with little tolerance for teen sex or blood. Translation: stick with the Bard. Perhaps findings such as these are adding to Miramax's rumored plans for a SiL sequel (I still think that's a bad idea since it would likely be Wessex-less and I don't care for sequels in general). But...mature audiences go for character-based dramas, which can only be good for talented character actors (know any good ones? Hee hee!).

(Eileen) Was there a "bottom line" for FP? Sorry, it was part of the "Plus" column (read: "also-rans") right at the end of July's listings--and was lucky to get that much coverage.

So am I to understand that now both MLSF and FP are being released in July, within a week of each other? Happy Days are Here Again:-)

(Eileen) Was there a "bottom line" for FP? (KJArt) Sorry, it was part of the "Plus" column (read: "also-rans") right at the end of July's listings--and was lucky to get that much coverage. That's what I thought. I suppose a few lines is better than nothing and at least the movie wasn't trashed. Frankly, I'm still surprised it's being released in the US. Thanks for the follow up!

So am I to understand that now both MLSF and FP are being released in July, within a week of each other? Happy Days are Here Again:-) Yippee!!! You said it Susan! :)

Q: What two novels are being adapted for a modern-day high school setting? A: Cyrano and Crime and Punishment (I think the latter will star the Little Rascals or music by the Rascals. This is getting out of hand. (ugh)

Karen, tell us you are kidding about high school settings for those...Please!! SB, another boring day at the grindstone?! =P

Murph has posted the interview with Colin from the Australian Mag "Good Taste" (how a propos) ...the one that accompanied that dishy new pic.

Sorry...hit the wrong button..... Go to: http://www.geocities.com/~murphyat65/goodtste.html

Thank you for that, Evelyn. Heaven Help Me!!! I had never seen that picture of him before. I am a damp crumple of helpless drool. How can he be so adorable and so wonderful and so talented?! I am all devotedness...=)

Marcia, I'm with you and everyone else too, I'm sure. That is one gorgeous man in that photograph! My, my, my (or mine, mine, mine). I love him when he's brooding but oh that smile. And how accommodating of him to wear an open necked shirt to allow us to admire that neck. Notice how the eye of the viewer is drawn down...wot! I so appreciate the news on the upcoming flix. At this point though, I can't get excited or disappointed about any set dates. I'm not going to believe anything (except DQ - the BBC won't let us down)until I'm sitting in the theatre watching the opening credits.

Whew! This man is gorgeous! Somebody please give me a glass of water! He looks sooo good in that picture...I agree with you about his neck, Heide; it looks truly delicious! Thank you!

What a smile. I wish I could get a copy of the magazine.

Wot! Indeed, that neck makes one want to bare one's fangs and get *really* close to him. Ummmm! nibble...nibble... ummmmm....=) I did not believe I was seeing SiL until I saw the beginning credits. We got to the theater about 15 minutes before anyone else showed up. A guy kept coming in and asking if we were waiting for SiL. We chorused, "yes!" each time. I will do the same for my next Firthly Fete, but I will not hold my breath.

Good Taste. What an apt name for the magazine which would publish this picture. Good article too.

A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY In the Times Metro section (Film listings)...London independent cinemas... National Film Theatre (0171-928-3232) is showing "A month in the Country" (PG 1987) Wed and Fri 8-30pm this coming week.

Just popping along to tell you (Evelyn, AnnW, Lizza and whoever else) that I've ordered my tickets for TRT today and given I'll get a flight ticket too next week I'll see you at the Donmar the 12th of June (if you'd like to). Back to deep lurkdom.

Great, Kirsten, I look forward to meeting you. Are your seats in the Stalls?

(Kirsten) I'll see you at the Donmar the 12th of June (if you'd like to). Are you kiddin? Of course we want you....whoopee! Party Time at the Donmar. Who else? C'mon Tineke...we want you too!! (There's a JE fan flying in from LA just for the play on the evening of the 12th!!)So far: Five of us and Ann's husband.

Evelyn, thanks for the link to that Australian article. Lord have mercy!! That's the CF pic I'd have on my bedroom wall if I were still single;-) BTW, JE's movie "Bedrooms and Hallways" was featured in the Boston International Women's Film Festival last week (on account of the director, Rose Troche). Is it going to be released in the states, or did I miss my one opportunity to see it?

(SusanMC) Re: "Bedrooms & Hallways.... Is it going to be released in the states, or did I miss my one opportunity to see it? As far as we know no distributor in the US yet. Also being featured at the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival on June 3 in NYC. I miss it by 4 days!!! Probably will be released in "selected cities".Rose Troche is a v. well-respected director in the indie crowd.

Hi. I am so glad to be able to log on. I am not even going to try to read everything I have missed since my great friends have kept me up to date. What pic are you guys talking about.??? I want to see. Ann and Evelyn: You know I wish I was well enough to come to London. Maybe soon.

Welcome back Rita. Point your mouse at the link below for a simply scrumptious picture of Colin from an Australian cooking mag. There's an article too, once you collect yourself and are able to read again. http://www.geocities.com/~murphyat65/index.html

(AnnW)Are your seats in the Stalls? No, got tickets in the circle, row B on the side. (Evelyn) Five of us and Ann's husband. I'm bringing two friends, though neither of them is a CF or JE fan, but may be we're able to infect them.

(Kirsten)(Evelyn) Five of us and Ann's husband. I'm bringing two friends, though neither of them is a CF or JE fan, but may be we're able to infect them. Super..... Kirsten, we'll convert them. Show them the picture from "Good Taste " Magazine....that'll do it. What a picture... and they talk about Brad Pitt's smile!! **** Good to have you back, Rita. We have missed you. Take care of yourself.

Evelyn:the picture from "Good Taste ". What a picture... and they talk about Brad Pitt's smile!! **** I would love to see that picture every time I visit Drool. It would look wonderful in the opening page.

It's nice to see you posting again, Rita. Hope you're feeling better.

Yes, its good to have you back Rita, take care.

Ladies, I am setting up Gi's Bridal Shower at Odds & Ends Topic #72. Remember to bookmark it. Please join me in the preparations. There's lots to be done, food, gifts, etc. Rita, I hope you can join us too. So come on Firthettes, join in the fun and let's show Gi how happy we are for her.

I LOVE that pic!! Someone sent me that pic last week. *sigh* He's gorgeous! EvelynC'mon Tineke...we want you too!! I wished I could, but June 12th is impossible for two reasons: 1: Exams, exams, exams,...argh! 2: Elections June 13th. We've got compulsory voting so I have to be in my hometown on Sunday morning. I might see it another day, sometime in July. I'm thinking of taking a two week architectural English language course in London. I think it'll be extremely interesting. I could easily combine this with an evening at the theatre.

I'm finally able to dip my toe in drooldom after an incredibly frustrating several days. Is anyone else having trouble getting into Spring? I have had to resort to surreptiously logging on from work. AOL suddenly seems to hate Spring and I haven't been able to get any of the boards to load :-(. Oh well, on to more important matters... The LA Times put out their summer sneak issue yesterday and I was quite relieved to see both FP and MLSF listed with a short blurb and ODB listed as starring (of course MLSF was listed last summer too, but that's another story.) On the down side, there was a somewhat sarcastic article in which the author had used his own bizarre system to categorize some of the summer films. MLSF was listed under "Un-catchy Titles" with another film whose name escapes me at the moment. Oh well, at least it got mentioned and not a lot of other indies did.

(Tineke)I wished I could, but June 12th is impossible we'll miss you. But glad you have tentative plans :-) (Jana)...MLSF was listed under "Un-catchy Titles" Thaat's because he didn't know about "The Roaring Game"... or "Son of Adam(which sounds biblical)...Makes MLSF sound brilliant.

(Jana) Is anyone else having trouble getting into Spring? I have had to resort to surreptiously logging on from work. AOL suddenly seems to hate Spring and I haven't been able to get any of the boards to load :-(. I've been having problems with AOL myself lately :( I've resorted to loading a Netscape browser and and opening Drool through that once i've logged onto AOL.

Aha, the pattern emerges. Did you hear that all your AOLers?

Listen to Mother Karen. She speaks the truth. If you are stuck with AOL (as I am on occasion when my ISP is "upgrading" their system, I use it only for dialup. I shrink it then boot Netscape =)) I am *most* unhappy that AOL bought them out, but I hope they will not deteriorate as a result. Anyway, Do Not use AOffLine's browser. Bookmarks stink and they are so lovely in Netscape. I think the USA should have complusory voting, too. imo!

I have been reading some of the reviews of MLSO written by some of the people who sat in on a preview in New York. Nothing but praise for C.F. One of them states that they think that he is the most underrated English actor of all especially here in the US. Like we don't know that!!!!!!!!!!!

Lucie, what reviews and where do I find them I would love to read them. Evelyn, are you okay, we have just head about the terrible Tornadoes in Oklahoma.

Oh and did you mean reviews for my Life So Far?

Just had a most marvellous Bank Holiday Monday...in terms of weather. Great filming weather for Colin up in Scotland! He'll have a chance to acquire a tan so that he doesn't look too pale and interesting in Cannes. BTW there was an article in one of the Sundays about gifted young Nigerian writers, and how they deserve to make a major breakthrough. There was much praise for a new play by a Nigerian dramatist at the National Theatre (much better than the reviews for David Hare's "Plenty") and there was an overall comment that it's time we see their work in the cinema because of the "magical" and "uplifting" qualities they bring to writing! So, SLOW may be ahead of the trend!

Another BTW, Caroline Goodall, Colin's "wife" in SLOW, is the star of a major drama series on TV tonight. I've only seen her as Michael Douglas's wife in something or other. Also, having read Cate Blanchett's reviews for "Plenty" (v.good but not outstanding) I think that of all the recent "screen stars on stage" CF has had the best reviews...along with Kevin Spacey. My son is planning a major tour of Italy for the summer (Youth hostels and rail travel)...I'm really quite envious.....he's leaving no stone unturned.(Except Umbria!) Welcome back Rita! I remember that ages ago you asked me about "The Judas Kiss" with Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson. As far as I know it has never been released in the cinema...only on Sky Box Office TV. I don't really understand this....except that distribution in the UK cinema is completely dominated by youth culture. In a recent survey in "Empire" and "Total Film" readers voted for the best films ever, ever made in the history of the cinema....and they were: Trainspotting and The Fully Monty! I give u ! :-)

Evelyn, are you okay,we have just head about the terrible Tornadoes in Oklahoma. Yes thank you...all is well...Spent a lot of time last evening and this morning in the basement...when the sirens go off, folks...I take cover!! **** Where are those reviews of MLSF, Lucie.? Again, I** plead**...firthettes...when you comment on a review or website pl.give us the URL so we can enjoy it too :-)

Ditto, Lucie! Were those reviews on-line or in print? We just can't read enough good things about ODB. I leafed through some movie mags today at B&N (had to fight my way through all the Star Wars crap--it was on every shelf, suspended from the ceiling, 'how tall is Jar-Jar' cardboard cutouts rising from the floor, etc. Absolute sensory overload) because they featured summer movie previews. Nothing about MLSF (or FP). More Star Wars, Notting Hill, Austen Powers and Eyes Wide Shut (which received an R rating, BTW--can't bode well for MLSF insofar as available screens as Karen pointed out). Glad to see LA Times didn't miss the boat (don't forget the original title: World of Moss!). Sunday's NY Times had a tiny blurb (smaller than last year's) for MLSF. Glad to read all is well, Evelyn. A tornado for you, an earthquake for Marcia--what else does mother nature have in store for Spring? (Bethan) He'll have a chance to acquire a tan so that he doesn't look too pale and interesting in Cannes. LOL!

(Evelyn) Yes thank you...all is well. Oh, well that's good news. I came to drool specifically today to see if someone heard from you. Now I can go back to stressing over my Physical Comp project...see you in a week (when school's over) chickies. :-)

Wonderful balm for the stresses of life, catching up on your posts I mean!!!

Thanks to everyone for all the snippets they have garnered re films etc How are you Rita, good to have you back. Evelyn, so glad you are safe and sound. The Aussie pic is just fabulous isn't it, do we know when it was taken? Would love to linger longer!!!!

(Eileen) Eyes Wide Shut (which received an R rating, BTW...) Boggles the mind, does it not?!! Payoffs to the MPAA would make the Salt Lake City Olympic bribery seem like pocket change... And they had to cut snippets from The Advocate?! Spoke to Evelyn earlier. Tornado's path was a mere 2 miles away. No damage at her house, but it was scary.

Jana and other AOL users. I had a hard time last week too. I've never had a problem with Explorer before so it might just be temporary but I loaded Netscape Navigator for free anyway and now use that to log in. Just search for Netscape and you'll find all your options. Remember to go back into Windows to start Netscape once you load it. It doesn't work well for me in Chat though so I go back to Explorer for that. Other than that, I have no problem with AOL. What is Caroline Goodall's filmography? Too lazy to go into IMDB, sorry. I have no idea what she looks like and since we're unlikely to ever see this film, I'll have to let my imagination play instead. Evelyn, I haven't picked up a newspaper or turned on the TV in two days. Wha' happened? (Karen) Payoffs to the MPAA would make the Salt Lake City Olympic bribery seem like pocket change... Good one, dear. Think they snipped or Tom Cruise really does have that much pull?

Murph must have a lot of friends and I know why. She's heard from someone who has told her about a new BBC radioplay Colin will be performing in in June and she, of course, wants everyone to know about it. Thanks, Murph, for sharing. Here's the info: Rupa Lucian Who gets BBC Radio?

Anyone who has downloaded RealAudio and RealVideo can get all the foreign short wave services. BBC, included.

http://www.AudioNet.com/bbc/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/schedules http://www.real.com/ to download the software to listen It is free.

Heide, I believe Caroline Goodall was in "Schindler's List" -- played the Jewish girl Ralph Fiennes' character was enamoured with. Thanks for the info re: Rupa Lucian. Is one to conclude, since Colin has first billing, that he "plays" the Rumanian soldier rather than the English husband?

http://www.real.com/realguide/index.html Another possible source of information and the place which has RealAudio.

Caroline Goodall played Mrs. Schindler. Embeth Davidtz (sp?) played the prisoner who worked in Amon's house. She was just in The Gingerbread Man. Ooh Marcia, I just checked out the BBC World Service sites. Neat. Is there a way to put it directly on tape?

The MLSF reviews are in Murph's site . In MLSF 4-27-99 The comment about him being the most under rated English star is under viewers comments.

I'll most certainly record the drama and make tapes for anyone who wants! Instant replay. But you can all get BBC World Service and the reception will be excellent....when we lived abroad we listened to it all the time. Just check out the wavelengths...details must be at the BBC website. The quality of radio drama can be outstanding...you really listen and "see" in your mind's eye. And you get the opportunity to concentrate on the voices.

(SusanMC),Is one to conclude, since Colin has first billing, that he "plays" the Rumanian soldier rather than the English husband? He does seem into doing accents. Once again we'll miss that voice. It does tend to change with accents. If this happens end of June, I shall be in Italy, and would appreciate a tape once I'm back in Aug. A loaner will do. :-) I hope Colin will be ready for a vacation in July. Bethan, tell your son that in Menaggio on Lake Como they have the best youth hostel in Italy. The owners love to cook and even the locals eat there. Of course, Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places in Italy. Lucky me who always get to spend a month there.

(Moon) Lake Como is one of the most beautiful places in Italy Ooh, I was through that area last summer (Lake Maggiore, too). It certainly is beautiful! Yes, lucky you! Wonderful news about the radio play. Thanks for the links, Marcia. Depending on when it's aired, I may take you up on your generous tape offer, Bethan. I'm very encouraged that ODB's projects are lining up! (Karen) Payoffs to the MPAA would make the Salt Lake City Olympic bribery seem like pocket change... (Heide) Good one, dear. Think they snipped or Tom Cruise really does have that much pull? Hee hee! I think it's a combination of both. Or else those shots we're seeing (and seeing and seeing and seeing) is the film's most risque...naahh. It's Tom.

I just popped over to Murph's site to check out those reviews (per Lucie). They're not really reviews--it's that piece from 'Ain't it Cool News' we all saw back in Feb. (the one we debated was old vs. recent). A few "viewers" responded to the review. They did *not* see the film. They sound like us--CF fans, with only good things to say, of course!