Just skimmed the papers at work (although we don't get all of them). Three mentions of the MLSF premiere and a photo (that's the good news!) The bad news is that the photo is always of Jerry Hall "attending the premiere of Hugh Hudson's "My Life so Far", and there's absolutely no mention of Colin....I would have thought they could have added "starring Colin Firth". But no!! Minnie Driver and Ben Affleck got mentions. The Daily Telegraph gave the event huge front page coverage, and it would have been good ublicity for CF...if only they'd mentioned his name! GRRRRR!!!! The invisible man syndrome....yet again! And he does have a very beautiful wife! Great snappies! Thanks, Nan and Murph!

The Daily Mail does mention CF. It has the picture of Jerry Hall and says that she chatted to the stars of the film MM and CF!

Quality is much better with the newest release of Real Player G2. Did zoom to double size (too chicken for full screen) and a little grainy but NICE...hmmmm I expect there to be a big spread in PEOPLE mag next week and those other celebrity magazines.

From the Financial Times, as spotted by AnneR (thanks): Puttnam says goodbye The annual AmFar screening and exclusive dinner on Thursday evening to benefit Aids charities, attracted the big name stars to the early evening screening of Hugh Hudson's new film My Life So Far. The producer of the film, Lord David Puttnam introduced it saying it would be his last and that this would be his last Cannes. He said that when he started in the film business he had ambitions to become the next Irving Thalberg, but joked that he did not have the business sense for that. He went on to praise fellow host Harvey Weinstein, chief executive of Miramax, applauding his continued vision and daring without which he said "the film industry today would not be what it is". The film was dedicated to Ian Chaleson, the star of Hudson's Oscar winning film Chariots of Fire, who died of Aids related illness. The screening was attended by many of the biggest Hollywood names, including the stars of the film, including Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Malcolm McDowell, Colin Firth and Salma Hayek. It was followed by a benefit dinner at the exclusive Moulin de Mougins restaurant hosted by Miramax to be attended by Aids campaigner Elizabeth Taylor. ******** See what happens when you don't properly punctuate? Salma Hayek is now considered to be part of the cast! Or maybe the author thought Irene Jacob was Salma? ;-)

Yummy Murph and Nan, thank you.

(Karen) See what happens when you don't properly punctuate? Salma Hayek is now considered to be part of the cast! And ODB is listed after MEM and MMcD. Here we go again. Grrrr... Salma's got some publicist. She pops up everywhere. I read an article about her in some magazine (it could have been Mirabella) which focused on the entourage of 20 people she requires--no exaggeration! OK, the number did include her mother and brother, but there are 18 other people who work on/with/for this chick. That's probably 15 or so more than Colin (well, he doesn't wear make up on a daily basis). Harvey tangoing with Ben? Be still, my heart :-P Have got the VCR revved up to catch ET and AH again tonight. Besides Liz, Jerry, Salma and Ben, ET did show split second glimpses of MEM and MMcD entering the gala last night. There was not a Firth in sight :-( I have a feeling Mary and Malcolm will get the air time instead of ODB because they are more recognizable by US audiences (although I don't recall seeing much of MEM in the news until just lately). Regardless, it will all be dealt with in mere seconds. Perhaps I'll be pleasantly surprised. They're running commercials for EWS already. Thanks for those pics, Nan!

Thanks Nan for the pixs and Karen for the info. I have an important announcement on 72. I invite you to stop by.

Thanks from me too, Nan & Murph, wonderful of you to put the stills up so quickly. Watching the trailer seems impossible for me so the stills comfort me very much! And I see from the pics that MSLF is a dangerous movie, it�ll make me fall for him all over again.

Well, I booted my Real G2 player and it offered me an upgrade, so I sat for 15 minutes while it did just that. Then I downloaded the trailer. Now, I ave all 3 versions. The QT is the smallest, the Real is the blurriest, and my AVI is the sharpest. On this 266 mhz PC.

Blurriest? Did you do a major enlargement? I only downloaded the .avi clip and that's what my Real Player plays. Didn't see anything this afternoon on CNN Showbiz, but missed the first half. More likely to see something on those Showbiz minutes at the end of many of its shows. The half hour Showbiz report is probably put together days ago and is magazine like. Hey, the movie set was having a BBQ for lunch today. Drove by twice. Didn't see David Duchovney (hey, if anyone saw him being interviewed on AH last night, that was here!!) and didn't expect to see Minnie Driver. Will really get to see them all when they start shooting next door. Hmmm, maybe I can cozy up to Minnie and ask about Colin. Yeah, sure, uh huh... ;-)

(Elena)And I see from the pics that MSLF is a dangerous movie, it�ll make me fall for him all over again. LOL. Oh, how right you are Elena. ***** (Karen)hey, if anyone saw him being interviewed on AH last night I saw him on ET and looked for you as an "extra"!! *** With Salma doing a Hot Salsa, and Ben and Harvey tangoing...you expect those tv cameras to focus on staid Colin???

Doesn't CNN have an hour-long Entertainment Show tonight? **** Anyone notice how similar Rosemary Harris and JE sound. Same velvety voice. (One rude critic once referred to it as "froggy"!!)

E! does an hour-long show (the weekend edition) but it is being preempted tonight because of the Daytime Emmy Awards pre-game show. Another nonevent-event usurping coverage of ODB!

CNN had the hour show last night, but nothing, it was all about TV shows. My husband watched RAI News(Italian) and they did have a big thing on Cannes, I was out with my boys. Does he care about Cannes, NO! Did he tape it, NO! If he only knew that all I wanted was to catch a glimps of Colin, but that, I shall keep to myself.;-))

ET On-Line has a good spread on Cannes...Couldn't find anything on Colin..but gives lots of pics of the Grand Palais, map of Cannes, those rooms that go for $1000./night!! http://www.eonline.com/Hot/Features/Cannes99/index.html

Karen, I do not know how you got your AVI file to run on Real Player, but shall ask my son-the-geek about it tonight. My AVI has a similar player without all the bells and whistles and options. I usually listen to music on Real, and I watch the Berlin interview from time to time =)) Yes, Evelyn, I was going to ask the same thing about Mum's voice and JE's being so similar. I read somewhere it was "smoky" When JE was interviewed for the part of Lizzie, I recall someone noting "has her Mother's voice..." BTW, when one is asleep, does it really matter that the room cost more than a year's salary for half the world? That is obscene!

Thanks for the pics, Nan. Love the spectacles .

Glad to hear he got a mention in the good ol' Daily Mail! I think Colin should "borrow" Salma Hayek's publicist for five minutes (although I must admit I'd never heard of her!) Am going to try and download the MLSF clip today...I really like the snappies -it looks like my type of movie! On a more boring note, had no reply (typically) from the Arts Council about SLOW. Thanks for posting the article about lottery funded films, Karen...I thought it contained some very inaccurate biased reporting (where's that publicist?) I have infact seen "Peggy Su", the other film labeled (unfairly) as a turkey. It was shown on the BBC, as it was a co-production with them, and was all about Chinese immigrants in the early 60's in the UK, trying for success. I thought it was a warm, charming little film. I was scripted by a Chineses writer, and all the cast were Chinese. There was absolutely nothing "wrong" with it...it just wasn't the sort of commercial material that gets picked up for the multiplexes. SLOW may well be in the same category..scripted by a Nigerian, focusing on African culture...but i'm sure there's nothing wrong with it, apart from not being obviously commercial. There was a recent report by the Commission for Racial Equality in the UK stating that ethnic minorities should have more opportunities in film production/screenplays etc. When I've got a moment. I'll e-mail them about SLOW (and Peggy Su)...someone need to come to the defence of these films!!!

Entertainment Weekly senior writer Rebecca Ascher-Walsh is reporting daily from Cannes.... Last night was the AMFAR dinner, which really was quite disappointing. Let's just include these little details: Dinner began at 8:30, but we weren't served our first course of asparagus until 11:50, which meant that everyone was exhausted and had consumed FAR too much champagne. The delay was due to La Liz, who couldn't be found to start the auction. When she finally got up to give her speech, the fuse in the tent blew, and we were all plunged into darkness. By the time everything was back up and running, it became clear that the usual big spenders weren't there; the people who are always draped in diamonds and busy outbidding each other must have stayed on their yachts. Minnie Driver, who was supposed to help run the auction, was a no-show, and the biggest star-wattage was at the table beside us, which seated Harvey Weinstein and the ''Dogma'' crew: Ben Affleck, Salma Hayek looking cute in diamonds and a fluffy blue angora, Kevin Smith, and his eight-month pregnant wife, who said she's crossing her legs not to deliver here. (You see, Kevin wants their baby to be born in the same hospital in New Jersey that he was born in.) At our table, we had Anouk Aimee, who is still G RGEOUS, and Ron Silver, and quite a few diamonds, as well. Anyway, it was all a dreadful bore, if you ask me, and I wouldn't have gotten home if I hadn't thrown myself at the mercy of ''Ideal Husband'' director Oliver Parker, who was kind enough to let us squeeze into his Mercedes with his driver at the end of the night. Much madness for nothing, much like the whole festival, although they did give out very fine Tommy Hilfiger jackets as party favors. Now I'm off to my last lunch (I repeat: LAST LAST LAST LAST) for another Miramax party, then a party tonight at which Tom Jones is performing, and I am OUT OF HERE. ************** Another Miramax party today? Maybe Colin will stay? Maybe he's struck up a friendship with Salma?

(Bethan)... I think Colin should "borrow" Salma Hayek's publicist for five minutes (although I must admit I'd never heard of her!) (Karen) ...Another Miramax party today? Maybe Colin will stay? Maybe he's struck up a friendship with Salma? SALMA HAYEK; On the cover of Premiere Mag (US) and interview: B. in Mexico of Middle Eastern father and Mexican mother. Will starr with Will smith in this summer's $100.Million Plus film: Wild , Wild West. Played with Antonio Banderas in Desperado. About to turn 3-0. ...petite.. 5'2" size D cup!! Boyfriend British actor Edward Atterton ( they met on the set of Hunchback" in "97). Is currently at Cannes to plug the film "Dogma" with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. A controversial religious satire...which is in competition.Has her own production company which produced the screen adaptation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez "No one Writes to the Colonel". In September will star in "Frida"the biopic of artist Frida Kahlo. Which she is co-producing with Miramax. I don't think we have heard the last of Salma.....that gal is here to stay!!

Yippeeee....I�ve seen it! My ingenious husband made some installments and we watched the trailer a minute ago. He admired the quality of it while I admired....well, you know. And the movie looks pretty good, sort of fresh. But doesn�t it look weird that Colin�s character falls in love with Irene Jacob�s character who looks so very much like Colin�s wife?! Reminds me of something I recently read in Sunday Times ;-)

I have been checking Entertainment Weekly but can't find anything about MLSF. Has anyone else had any success. I have no access to the Daily Mail. E.W. has many, many movies listed but no MLSF and nothing about the Firth's

From the Sunday Times: David Puttnam has promised that My Life So Far will be his last movie. Adapted from the memoirs of Sir Denis Forman, the former Granada Television boss, the film follows the young Denis and his relationship with his elders amid the Scottish Highlands. Puttnam might have wanted his swansong production to be shown in competition at Cannes. But it was not, though it was selected for an Aids charity screening. It could, however, be seen earlier last week in a cinema in a Cannes backstreet for market buyers. I tried to get in. I was banned. Even pleading on the phone with the head of press at mighty Miramax, which has financed the �4m film, failed. "You need a letter from Hugh Hudson." Tricky, since My Life So Far was just about to begin and Hudson, the mov e's director, was in Britain. Why has this 1997 movie taken so long to be shown? Forman himself did not sound encouraging. "I took the money for the rights and ran," he told me. "I really have no curiosity about it. Forman did, though, see a rough cut some time ago. "I thought Colin Firth was very good," was his only comment. Firth plays Forman's father. I gather too that the people in this film have been fictionalised. The Rev Adam Forman becomes the non-Rev Edward Pettigrew, while young Denis is James. Eventually Hudson phones. "Denis himself thought it best to change the names. To protect family and friends still living." Or to protect himself?

Hmmmm...very hostile reporting that will do the film no ggod. It implies that it wasn't good enough for the competition ( although it isn't the type of film which would be selected anyway), stresses that it was made in 1997 (Miramax should have released it earlier...the critics always pick up on the fact that films are delayed), and quotes Denis Forman's very unhelpful remarks (if he doesn't care about the film, why should we?) Also I don't thik the press are ever allowed into market screenings, but by us ng the word "banned" it looks as though Miramax are protecting this film ( although it can be seen by the public in a few days in Newport). But that's a real downer of a press story, and won't help MLSF.

It is a nasty little piece. For example: "Puttnam might have wanted his swansong production to be shown in competition at Cannes." Well, did he? Did this reporter ask him that? If so, why isn't it a direct quote from Puttnam? Then I imagine the reporter called Forman up who was totally disinterested ("I really have no curiosity about it.") and had only seen a "rough cut" some time ago. This article gives all appearance of a hatchet job. Putting thoughts into people's heads and drawing conclusions from suppositions. You're right, Bethan, this is not a Cannes-type film.

Looking through my rose colored glasses, I don't see the article as that negative. Rarely does the book's author find the finished product satisfactory. Evelyn, you've been telling me the book is a snooze. It's still sitting on my bedside table collecting dust. Is this the London Times? The article will be forgotten by the time the film is released in England.

Out of lurkdom this rainy Sunday Morning in New Jersey to remark that the book, "Son of Adam," is quite interesting, IMO, at least in the first part. His telling of the family's history and the insights into his mother, "Gamma," and father are fascinating. Adam Forman was indeed a figure larger than life, and completely eccentric. The impression I DID get from the book is that Forman did not like his father much at all. The latter part of the book, when he breaks with the family's religious views and when he leaves home are, as Evelyn says, a bit of a bore. Still, if you have a copy, I recommend reading the beginning, especially now that we can picture Colin whenever Adam is described. (No bathing suit at all in that morning swim, BTW). Murph

Thanks Murph for posting your views. I tend to agree with Evelyn's assessment and have read the book. However, there are others here who did enjoy it too. To me the book was nothing out of the ordinary insofar as they were recollections of a childhood, a child's fascination with a variety bodily functions, etc. Cannot help but wonder though if this had been about anybody else (not Dennis Forman of Granada television and author of many books about music) would his memoirs have been published and then optioned for a movie?? Am way too cynical for my own good. Also, why did they change the story? Why did they create a little lusting after the Irene Jacob c aracter? Adam Forman was happily married and apparently had a decent sex life (something about taking naps in the afternoon, as I recall!)

(Evelyn)One rude critic once referred to it as "froggy"!! I thought the froggy style referred to the fact that she was filming in France, not her voice. I haven't been able to download that trailer yet. I haven't got QT, just REAL.

You should be able to download it and view it with Real Player. Try the .avi option on the right. It can also be viewed with Windows Media Player.

I did try the .avi option. All I get is a new window with a black background and a white rectangle.

That is all you will get. However, it is loading and will take 20 minutes. Using the QT option on the left, you will get an immediate picture of the house, but it will also take about that long to fully load. Nothing is wrong. Check the little script running at the bottom of your screen. Every once in a while it will say something about contacting miramax.com or percent loaded. Don't give up.

Evelyn, you've been telling me the book is a snooze" IMO anything they do to that book will only improve it. And the second one "To Reason Why" wasn't any better. I think the new storyline sounds good....that little boy is cute...though if he steals the movie from Colin, I'll cheerfully strangle him!! **** I thought the froggy style referred to the fact that she was filming in France, not her voice. "Does it froggy -style" was a term a tabloid headlined JE's role in "Pleasure" She got a lot of flack after her nude scene in The Camomile Lawn. But earlier, her voice was also referred as "froggy". **** This week's Parade Magazine supplement in the Sunday papers has an interview with ME Mastrantonio...mentions MLSF. But in reference to filming in Alaska for her new film at Cannes "Limbo"... "..Is it true the insects eat you alive? (in Alaska).....they're nothing compared to the midges on a loch in Scotland"(where she filmed MLSF due out in July)! I hear they are lethal if they get in your crotch!!

I hear they are lethal if they get in your crotch!! It looks like he survived. (She says quite cheerfully!) I am still crossing my fingers for the July release date of MLSF, it has been changed before. But, will it be showing for my return in late Aug.? (She says sadly) Thanks for all the info. Karen.

Hi everyone back from my hols. I can't believe what I have just read at www1.teletext.co.uk/bigscreen/ (hope this works) but according to Teletext Julie Andrews is to join Stephen Fry and Colin Firth in Noel Cowards screen version of Private Lives!! where does that leave BJD.!!Must go back and check I haven't made a mistake.

http:www1/teletext.co.uk/bigscreen/ search Colin Firth and it can be found under "Round Up" scroll halfway down.

Grr...I've been waiting for an hour an half for that trailer to load and still nothing. (well, the rectangle is no longer white, but dark grey) And I thought I had a relatively fast connection! (I've got a cable modem. I get internet via the TV cable)

That's what it says alright...good girl Ann.. Julie Andrews seems to be ailing, though. Colin would be perfect in a Noel Coward screen play. What part would he play?....,movie buffs. (Now let's hope it's not another false rumor like the radio play.)

Okay, finally saw that trailer!! Just figured out I need to click my right mouse button. Gee, do I feel stupid now!! Now, I'm off to check Teletext.

Evelyn, I believe it was announced at Cannes so I wouldn't be at all surprised if Baz mentions it in his column next week, he has been in Cannes. Not sure how I feel about the news it is hardly going to be seen as Box Office material, still he is certaibnly working his butt off, first stage, then TV, then film and back to the stage.

(Ann)Not sure how I feel about the news it is hardly going to be seen as Box Office material, still he is certaibnly working his butt off He's in with big company...it's bound to be quality stuff...which we like him to do...and he does too. Something he can be proud of. Let's see how "An Ideal Husband" does. Who is producing PL. Is it Miramax?

I agree Evelyn with the above, what also worries me is that JA is so much older than CF and hasn't made a film for ages, what is the story of PL, I vaguely remember there are two couples, I wonder who else is in it?

Welcome back from your vacation Ann and you went straight on the job!! ;-) Private Lives?? with Stephen Fry and Julie Andrews? Very bizarre casting. Am checking to see if one of the two couples' mother shows up. Here's a blurb about plot from the 1931 film with Robert Montgomery and Norma Shearer: Noel Coward's very witty and often revived play is a mixed bag. On the one hand you have one of the master wits of the century, on par, say, with George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde, and on the other you have characters which I place near the top of my list of people I don't want to meet. Amanda and Elyot are those people. In a very clever premise, they play an ex-married couple, each newly married to another the very same day, each accidentally spending their honeymoon in the same French city, in the sam hotel, on the same floor, and in fact in adjoining rooms. They meet on the adjoining terraces, reminisce over old times and decide it was a mistake to divorce. Leaving notes to their spouses (Reginald Denny and Una Merkel) they run off to a St. Moritz, Switzerland chalet, with their mystified spouses swiftly following to find them. My problem with the film is their persistent and maddening bickering - verbal violence - which they recognize they're guily of, and which each try to stem by using the express on "Solomon Isaacs" to remind the other to stop. It doesn't always work, and it sometimes results in physical violence too. The script of the film was changed somewhat, introducing the character of Oscar (Jean Hersholt, in a small role).. ********** I would hope that Colin gets to play Elyot (the Robert Montgomery character) as opposed to the *other* spouse of Amanda (shades of Geoffrey Clifton). Maybe Julie Andrews will play this other nonoriginal play character who has now been turned into a woman??? Your guess is as good as mine.

Couldn't find the news item, but the casting does sound very weird. The main parts are Amanda and Elyot, and there's supposed to be a fair amount of passion, if not lust, between them. The other couple are the rejected spouses. Colin would have to be Elyot...to see him play the rejected spouse to Stephen Fry would be a travesty. And, with all due respect, I can't see SF in a straight role. And where does Julie Andrews fit in? But has the item disappeared? And, as Ann says, what of BJD? Was there any date given for Private Lives?

Colin as a pompous pipe-smoking - oh no, and I couldn't bear it to see him lose out to SF, with the greatest respect but neither can I see SF playing the rejected spouse, as you say weird casting. BTW Bethan the item is still there, I have just checked, did you search for CF and then come up with two stories click on to Round Up and scroll down the page and there it is.

BTW you are so lucky to be getting to see MLSF in JUly, it looks wonderful and is just the kind of CF film I love, I believe we won't get it here until the Autumn, too long to wait. I am really looking forward to hearing what Laura and Susan think of it . When is it being shown at Newport, was it the 3rd June? Too bad we have had our holiday, a trip to Newport would have been perfect. Change of subject - Please tell me that Colin hasn't accepted another Geoffrey Clinton role, he should be the romantic h ro not the cuckold, Oh go to bed Ann!!

Colin would have to be Elyot. Wonder who will play Amanda and Elyot's second wife? If Julie Andrew is indeed in this film, she couldn't be one of the wives. Maybe she's in a cameo type role???? I can see Stephen Fry as Amanda's new husband. He did play a straight character (or at least one that wasn't blatently gay) in that John Travolta movie, A Civil Action. He was an environmental engineer type and was just fine.

Apparently this is the centenary year for Noel Coward... this film must be in celebration.Like Wilde was two years ago.It is a "comedy of manners". A new production just opened at the Lyttleton , National theatre.. My London Theatre Newsletter reviewed it this week and gave a synopsis of the story: "This 'Intimate Comedy' is set in France in the late 20's and is in three acts. The first act finds divorcees Amanda and Elyot staying in the same hotel while honeymooning with their new spouses! Not only are they in the same hotel but they are also in adjacent rooms. What will they do when they meet opposite each other on the terrace? Although their divorce ended bitterly it seems they still love each other in a warped kind of way, plus they find that their new partners are not as stimulating as they would have liked. This sets up a slapstick series of events with some delightful repartee between Amanda and Elyot as their love-hate relationship once again begins to take hold. ****** perhaps I'll go to see it. I can see Colin in this... a Mr. Darcy -type definitely.We'll love it. I hope his co-star isn't Minnie Driver (gag, gag)

From The Scotsman (22 May) Cannes reprieve for unreleased Scots film RICHARD MOWE In Cannes THE film company behind the international hits Mrs Brown and Life is Beautiful are to put their muscle behind a Scottish film that has remained unseen since filming was completed two years ago. Miramax hope to release My Life So Far in the United States in July and in the autumn in the UK, it was revealed at the Cannes Film Festival, yesterday. The film is based on theautobiographical memoirs of Sir Denis Forman, television executive and now chairman of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. His alter ego in the film, Fraser Pettigrew, is a ten-year-old boy growing up on a Scottish estate in the Thirties with his eccentric inventor father, beautiful mother, a domineering grandmother, and a foreign governess whose presence causes emotional ripples. The story is related through the boy�s eyes as he comes of age in an atmosphere where adults indulge their childlike desires. The film, which was made with money from the Scottish Arts Council�s lottery fund, reunited director Hugh Hudson with producer David Puttnam for the first time since Chariots of Fire in 1981. Miramax chose the film for a special private screening earlier this week before a VIP audience who included stars Colin Firth, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Irene Jacob and Malcolm McDowell as well as Jerry Hall, Minnie Driver, Kate Moss, and Angie Everhart. Lord Puttnam, chairman of the National AIDS Trust, said at the screening that he felt his career had now come full circle. His first film Chariots of Fire was premiered at Cannes 26 years ago � and My Life So Far was his last film as a producer before receiving his peerage. He has dedicated the film to the Edinburgh actor Ian Charleson who starred in Chariots of Fire and who died of AIDS in 1990. Hudson said the main appeal of the story, written by the playwright Simon Donald, was that "it had some edgy twists on the usual period drama". He said: "First and foremost though it is a happy film about an adventurous childhood, something you rarely see any more at a time when so much innocence has been shattered." The child lead is played by an Edinburgh schoolboy Robbie Norman, who was 11 at the time of shooting two years ago. He had never acted professionally before. Filming took place at Ardkinglass House on the banks of Loch Fyne where for onedramatic scene a huge ice rink was constructed for a curling contest. Hudson said: "The thing I love about shooting in Scotland is that you are completely removed from the world. We really had that feeling of being a family, isolated from all the turmoil." The American actress Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio who plays the boy�s mother was also in Cannes to promote John Sayles�s new film Limbo in the official competition. She said she was delighted to be able to catch up with My Life So Far after such a long time from the end of shooting. She said: "It�s strange to think it�s been over two years � I just had a baby at that time and that baby now speaks and runs around. But now with Miramax behind it we hope it will be in the cinema soon." Miramax is run by the brothers Bob and Harvey Weinstein and one reason for the delay in the film�s release is believed to be Harvey Weinstein�s insistence on nursing it through certain stages of post-production. He took a particular interest in the soundtrack and a new score was ordered from the composer Howard Blake to replace the original music. Miramax�s track record in picking up and promoting relatively low budget films has become legendary in the film business. Mrs Brown was a modest part-BBC financed production until it received the treatment, scoring both at the box office, critically, and in awards ceremonies. Weinstein hopes to repeat the trick with My Life So Far. He said: "It�s a totally charming movie." ************ Almost seems like it was intended to counter The Times article (written by someone who had an axe to grind), but this preceded it. So Harvey was responsible for the new music. Yeah, Harvey!!! :-)

My thanks to you, Karen for providing the two articles about MLSF. I tend to agree with Heide about the first one, though. Here's how I read it: blah blah blah, blah blah blah, blah blah blah, "I thought Colin Firth was very good," blah blah blah....but I'm really quite biased! The other one confuses me, frankly. Wasn't Miramax behind the film all along? The purpose for this is clearly pro-Miramax (read: pro-Harvey)--"here I come, to save the day..." Miramax rescues another one from the scrap heap, etc. At least the film got some press since it didn't get any air time on the 'T&A' entertainment shows I taped. See Salma shimmy. See Ben shake. See Harvey dip Ben. See Eileen gag. That's interesting news about 'Private Lives;' thanks, Ann. Even if this is a rumor, as Evelyn says, like the radio play (BTW--was that just a mistake or did CF pull out? Does anyone know?) we should be hearing something concrete about his next project soon, shouldn't we?

like the radio play (BTW--was that just a mistake or did CF pull out? I believe I read somewhere (?) that CF pulled out. MLSF articles: First one: Reporter was miffed he didn't get into the screening. Made a couple of phone calls; couldn't find out anything from anybody in the know; decided to do a hatchet job. Second one: Miramax had some do some serious 'splaining why this "little gem of a film" was sitting on a shelf for so long. Does this sound like Andrew Davies or what? Miramax, Granada and London Weekend Television are doing Northanger Abbey and Davies is doing the script (his previous credits are listed as Circle of Friends and A Rather English Marriage). Here's the plot synopsis: The gothic love story centers on the romantic trials and tribulations of Morland�s "sexual awakening." LOL!!

Just found an interesting interview with JE at www.thisislondon.co.uk. Had to laugh at the following: 'No, no, don't tell me,' she laughs, when I attempt to show her some pages I downloaded from websites devoted to her, demonstrating the 29-year-old's global impact. Not that this cuts any ice with Jennifer. 'No, keep them away from me. It boggles me. I think it's a very strange concept. I wouldn't look at them because I think it's very unlikely that I would find out anything I don't know already.'

I am not surprised at Jennifer's comments...she says,she has never gone to see her films except at a private screening( hey, Jenn,When I saw the premiere of WILDE you were in the audience!!)never reads reviews or interviews...hates to see anything pertaining to herself in print. But her agent's PA tells us she really likes the website. But for those interested in reading about actors and websites this appeared this weekend at a British Theatre website. HOW VERY SILLY! A fan site for a British actor has just been taken down because he felt it invaded his privacy. Frankly, I think the actor concerned is being incredibly stupid, but it set me thinking about the relationship between actors and the Web sites dedicated to them. That's the theme of this week's feature at http://britishtheatre.about.com/library/weekly/aa052399.htm ***** Just called Footlights re: MLSF soundtrack....they expect it in July...possibly in June....thank you Harvey!!

Forgot to add that the Olivier website that the article mentions is so excellent belongs to Murph!! Congrats!!

(Evelyn)Forgot to add that the Olivier website that the article mentions is so excellent belongs to Murph!! Congrats!! Hear! Hear! I found her site some weeks ago and sent her an email and posted in the comments area. I had no way of knowing if this was "our" Murph. I am so happy with that site, I cannot tell you...my first love was Olivier, and I am most protective of him. Her site is not only visually gratifying, it is also full of things I had never seen - and that takes some doing. I have 8 books about him including his own! I would really like to see what Richard Olivier looks like - probably like him Mum, as Ol vier resembled His Mum. Going to check. Thanks for reminding us of this most worthy site, Evelyn =)

I went to UCLA with Dickie Olivier and he did look more like his mum. He was always making me laugh and his voice was just like his dad's. Thanks for the PL info. I think Elizabeth Taylor did the play in NY.

ET did PL with Richard Burton

"Dickie" Olivier's debut as a director took place in my local (provincial - safely away from the metropolis) theatre. His great, ailing dad attended the premiere. It was a well execured spectacle, but ultimately rather unmemorable.

Hi, the mystery is explained, the film is not Private Lives but Relative Values, go to a Julie Andrews site for all the information http://pluto.beseen.com/boardroom/h/19907/View?n=00224. JA plays Colin's Aunt, that makes more sense and Eric Sykes directs, is that the comedian ES? do you think Bethan, or Lizza or Allison? SF plays the butler!

Thanks Ann for your continuing investigation. I kind of liked the other movie better for Colin, bigger role! But size doesn't always matter... ;-)

The film is directed by Eric Style not Eric Sykes and apparently filming has started, still time for BJD!!!

the film is not Private Lives but Relative Values, Ann, you really have hit the ground running, after your holiday! I agree there is still time for BJD. MD is, after all, a small part in terms of air time (cf FD in P&P2) and it is not due to start filming until late summer according to reports. No wonder ODB took a long rest last year! He really is churning them out now. BTW, on the subject of BJD, I have seen Cate Blanchett in THREE things in the last week, Elizabeth, Ideal Husband and Plenty, so am now an expert;-) IMHO she is definitely not a great actress but I still think she would make a good BJD; I think she may be better in a more modern role and on film (definitely not on stage! ODB could definitely show her how that should be done). ***** One last cautionary thought - does Relative Values have a distributor?

Well done Ann! Great sleuthing! I thought that DonQ still had another week in production, so CF must be literally working back to back (he has a house in Islington to support now!) I agree with Karen that Elyot/Private Lives would probably have been better, but I was concerned incase he wouldn't be available for BJD. And he has to do BJD, if only because it will be high profile and hit screens all round the world. I don't know anything about "Relative Values".....sounds rather PG Wodehouse to me (maybe it's Stephen Fry as the butler). I should think it's an ensemble piece, rather than a showcase for one or two talents. I was worried about the prospect of Eric Sykes directing, only because he's rather elderly now. According to the IMDB, Eric Styles has just directed a film with Rupert Graves and Holly Aird, so he must be a young British director. The locations sound promising...I should imagine it will be English st tely homes and the French Riviera. Does RV have a distributor? Good question, Allison. It's Noel Coward's centenary this year and I literally can't remember when a film of his work was last made for the Big Screen...20/30 years. More? And I would think that Julie Andrews' return to the screen would attract attention. The downside is that this would certainly not have "youth appeal" in the multiplexes!

The only thing about Relative Values I could find was this http://www.paulb.com/relativevalues.htm No mention of her nephew....

(Bethan)The downside is that this would certainly not have "youth appeal" in the multiplexes! Youth appeal? Yhe Mummy, Star Wars, ecc... Thank god if it hasn't!

But without youth appeal, films really struggle to find a distributor, especially in the UK. I think it's about time us over-twenties struck back and said "hey, we like to see movies too!" But Relative Values has a very good cast and it is Noel Coward's centenary year...I think it will make it! Alison, I tried to borrow "Elizabeth" from our local Blockbusters, but they only had 4 copies (all out). I felt like a geriatric...everyone else was about sixteen. My son was with me and chose "Sliding Doors"...the most banal, unfunny film I've ever seen (only managed to watch about a third). We definitely need to counter the teen influence!!

I tried twice to watch Elizabeth. Once on a plane . My husband, in the seat next to me, was giggling at Pleasantville and so I gave up and switched channels. Glad I did. Pleasantville was a clever, funny and watchable picture. Tried again when my son got out the video of Eliz. It was no good. I could not watch it. So dark and over dramatic. History as "Goodies and Baddies". I couldn't take it. Try an Ideal Husband, Bethan. I had not expected to like it. I have seen the play at least twice and found it rather contrived and slow. The film is much better. RE and JN are wonderful and Minnie Driver was good, especially when my eldest son told me he thought she was an upper class Barbara Windsor! If you see the film, you will see that he has a point. All this is very Off Topic - for which apologies!

Another link that mentions the film, but no details. Apparently, a number of Coward's plays may be in development for filming. Go to "Events" at this site. http://www.noelcoward.net/

Interesting coincidence..."Relative Values" was also the name of the article in The Times from 1994 about Colin and Kate Firth! Check it out: http://members.aol.com/tipper77/firths.html

Just wondering....in the one or two references to old productions of "Relative Values" there seems to be no mention of Colin's character (nephew Peter). Do you think there's been a major re-write and the film is just based on the play (it's not well-known, and so this wouldn't upset the purists). The action is supposed to take place entirely in the country house library, but the film is being shot partly in the South of France. So could the role of "son Nigel" who falls for the American actress have becom "nephew Peter"? Otherwise, why mention CF prominently in the cast list?

exactly and no other actor has been mentioned other than SF and he is the butler, so even if Nigel the son is there it is a very small part, very interesting. I wonder if this is why Colin "withdrew" from the Radio play?

If they are working on it already, why have they not announced the rest of the cast? Why must everything surrounding Colin always be such a mystery?

Stephen Fry is evidently playing a character NAMED Butler Cresswell, not "the butler". :-) Evelyn--went to your "Website" article that you cited: http://britishtheatre.about.com/library/weekly/aa052399.htm and found it very interesting...the author was conducting a survey on reader's favorite actor or actress' website through a link in the last paragraph. Why am I the only one posting to praise Colin's sites?? Why isn't he being snowed with CF-site-praising responses?? Why??

Was *relatively* near the main library today so picked up Relative Values and a couple of other books on Noel Coward. Here's the original cast (28 November 1951) at the Savoy Theatre: Crestwell, the buter: Richard Leech Alice, the housemaid: Renee Hill Mrs Dora Moxton (Moxie): Angela Badderley Felicity, Countess of Marshwood: Gladys Cooper Lady Cynthia Hayling: Dorothy Batley The Honourable Peter Ingleton, Felicity's nephew: Simon Lack Admiral Sir John Hayling: Charles Cullum Nigel, Earl of Marshwood: Ralph Michael Miranda Frayle: Judy Campbell Don Lucas: Hugh McDermott Noel Coward directed Play is in three acts, all taking place in the library of the Marshwood House, East Kent, during early July 1951. Act one begins on a Saturday afternoon and Act Three is the following morning. ************ Very likely if they are going to shoot in the south of France, perhaps it will be flashbacks of how he met the starlet...aren't they all bounding around the beaches there or lazying away on yachts?? ;-) Will start reading soon. I'm sure they've changed things.

No nephew Peter!!

#6 on the list. Calm down!! The Honourable Peter Ingleton, Felicity's nephew: Simon Lack

I'm quite calm, don't know how I missed that. I just thought that perhaps the screenplay might have differed from the play.

Can't have had my glasses on.

The play is actually very long and wordy as these plays go. Saw many references that Gladys Cooper had trouble remembering her lines and complained about how quickly she was expected to learn it. There was a book of Noel Coward's diary (journal) entries and even he kept mentioning GC's problems with the dialogue. Although this would hardly be a problem in film. Sorry, Ann, looked like you were excited.

If they are working on it already, why have they not announced the rest of the cast? Why must everything surrounding Colin always be such a mystery? Another mystery..hopefully soon to be resolved! According to the Tatler, Working Title will start shooting BJD in September, with an intended release date of Spring 2000 (quick turnaround). They must know the casting for the major players by now....and if Colin has committed himself to a theatre run from late November, he must know exactly what he is doing! Good reading Karen, although I would expect the screenplay to be radically different, and perhaps a different emphasis given to the characters. The screenplay for An Ideal Husband was, I believe, (Allison, you're the expert) a much trimmed version of the play. So CF could be more in evidence... Mind you, we should be grateful he's squeezing in another film...he's practically working back-to-back!

Mind you, we should be grateful he's squeezing in another film...he's practically working back-to-back! Yes, i am always confused as to how long actors are involved in the filming process. When they talk of a six week shoot, does that involve eveything, rehearsals et al? I assume there is some involvement, post-production- voice overs etc but if basically it is just 6 weeks then they can cram a lot in can't they?

So far this play looks like typical drawing room comedy fare. Here's the description of Peter: "Peter might be anywhere between thirty-five and fifty. He is impeccably dressed and has a quizzical gleam in his eye." Haven't run across any stellar dialogue for him yet.(really wish this were Private Lives)

From Liz Smith's column today. Harvey threw a party on the last night of Cannes after the screening of "An Ideal Husband," which closed the fest. Colin is not mentioned, but Harvey never lets an opportunity to get by without giving his pet films a plug! BTW, he is quoted in this column as saying to everyone at the party that Rupert should be nominated for an AA for this role. "Harvey Weinstein says this movie, and his studio's other lush period piece, 'My Life So Far,' are 'films about forgiveness, which in light of our current mood, seems significant to me.'"

The more I think about Colin in Relative Values, the more odd it seems. I cannot understand why he would want to play second fiddle to Julie Andrews of all people. She is hardly a great actress, IMHO. Also Stephen Fry. He is actually quite good and he was a wonderful Jeeves but still not, somehow, the usual CF calibre. And in an indifferent Noel Coward play. My only explanation is that he is looking for something to fill in before BJD. He has always said that he is prepared to lower his standards i he has a house to buy. Perhaps that was why he was contemplating doing the radio play and then this came along. I must say, it does not excite me.

Still, Noel Coward is seen as quality. And, if the script has changed slightly, which we all seem to feel, there must be something to his character. Plus, he does have that house to pay. Will he have time for an Umbrian vacation in July?

(Karen) Harvey Weinstein says this movie, and his studio's other lush period piece, 'My Life So Far,' I'm glad Harvey didn't forget to mention MLSF. Sometimes I wonder if that's really one of his pet films. 'Dogma' sure stole the spotlight at Cannes (Salma and Ben, Ben and Salma, Ben, Ben, Salma, Salma, Austin Powers, Felicity Shagwell...*Aargh*). From this week's 'Newsweek:' "How dull is this year's Cannes film festival? After the first week, the only movies getting any buzz weren't even in the official competition. Kevin Smith's 'Dogma,' which Disney found too sacrilegious to distribute, was the comic sensation. It stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as fallen angels..." [blah blah blah] The blurb also mentions "Titus Andronicus," starring Alan Cumming, Jessica Lange and Anthony Hopkins as being so gory a distributor has not been found. There w s no mention of MLSF despite the promising beginning. :-( Given the other movies out this summer, this film needs all the direct or indirect promo it can get. Hey, do you think Harvey will do the press junket with Colin? Hahaha :-D (Bethan) and if Colin has committed himself to a theatre run from late November, he must know exactly what he is doing! Excellent point, Bethan. Since the 3DOR cast is unchanged, I imagine they wouldn't need extensive rehersal time prior to opening.

(Allison) My only explanation is that he is looking for something to fill in It sure looks that way. It's way too early to make conclusions about 'RV,' IMO. We've hardly seen anything concrete about it yet.

No mention of CF at the Ideal Husband party...but any mention of Jeremy Northam? ;-)

No mention of CF at the Ideal Husband party...but any mention of Jeremy Northam? ;-) Posted it at #43 :-) ********** DQ Update: Colin would be freed up to begin work on something new very shortly. This is the last week of filming for DQ per the BBC. It is still intended for television at this point, with transmission to be early next year...possibly late this year. I asked if there was any concern about other Don Quixote projects on the horizon (one from Terry Gilliam has been in the news) and she said, no, there would be no rush to get this one done as it is not a dramatization of the Cervantes novel but about a character who i influenced by reading him. Mea culpa...I forgot to ask several important questions. Next time

and she said Please, Miss, who is "she"? :-)

Oh, I see - Auntie Beeb, of course... :-D

She didn't sound much like an auntie. Let's just call her Beebette. :-D

What do you mean "...didn't sound like an auntie"? How is an auntie supposed to sound?

As usual, Karen, you made me smile. Thanks for all the info on DQ and Relative Values. For RV, I keep imagining Geoffrey Clifton in his dinner jacket. Wonder if our boy has metamorphosed yet?

Hey Marcia, I got in. At least I think so. Hello everybody another C.F. fan. I'll leave it there for a moment. And try again.

Welcom Anne! Anne Hale! Ommin! (which do you prefer?) ;-)

Anne H. if thats okay. Ommin is the name of my late German Shepherd backwards!! i.e. Nimmo. Its my remembrance of him. As to my antecedants I have like C.F. as an actor way back to a Month in the Country although I did not realise who he was until P.andP. as happened to many of us I suspect. Looking forward to contact although my part of the world West Oz is many hours away from you all. But I will log on most days. Our news here on Colin Firth comes mostly from you all and various web sites although we did have a wonderful pic of him in one of our food mags recently. Thanks winter for your welcome and Hi everybody.

Anne, congratulations and a big bottle of bubbly is in order. It has been a marathon job, but here you are, and I am beside myself with delight. Don't be a stranger. Go to 113 and claim something or look at the pictures on 72 or just hang around and drool. That is what we do the best =)