We now know CF will be tied up with 'RV' in July. If Harvey calls.....Colin will be in the US for the MLSF Premiere...I can't see Harvey goin alone...without the film's star...can you? Anybody goin to the Newport Festival tomorrow night?....how are we gonna get a report?....SOS Murph!!

I�m dying to hear an honest account of what the movie is really like, I probably won�t have a chance to see it in years, if ever?? The trailer looked so good but then trailers always do.....if somebody�s going to see it in Newport, please report as soon as possible.

Susan, have you called AAA yet for driving directions?? If you send me a plane ticket, I'll drive, even if it's as big as a bus!

(Evelyn) Colin will be in the US for the MLSF Premiere Yeah, I can see the Firths making an appearance. It's the other stuff (talk shows, interviews, etc.) that I have a feeling MEM will do. I hope I'm wrong. He *is* the star, after all, and much of it is completed in advance of the opening. (Karen) If you send me a plane ticket, I'll drive, even if it's as big as a bus Mind yourself on that steep, narrow bridge you must cross in order to get there (keep your eyes closed and it's a piece of cake. Driving, you said? Just don't turn the wheel...trust me, you'll do fine...)

Check this out which was found by Kirsten. I'm posting the pic below, but there is a synopsis of the movie and cast/crew info. http://www.tvguide.com/moviedb/ShowMovie.asp?MI=40330

Thanks for that Karen and Kirsten but did you notice the opening date, 13th August, 1999, I thought it was supposed to be 16th July, 1999! I hope they haven't changed it again!

Thank you Karen and Kirsten. I went in to see, and then I poked the "buy" button - hoping against hope they knew something I did not. Alas, that is where you found the release date. Elena, somehow you will get to see this movie if the rest of us do. Even if it has to be a PAL conversion or whatever. It has now daunted us in the past. Those waiting for me to get The Advocate copied for them, it is going to take much longer to do than I first anticipated. If you are anxious, it is available for $16.99 at Reel.com where I got my copy. It is worth it to get an original. It is a movie you will watch many times!!!

That tvguide.com website along with having an August release date...also has the book as "Son of Sam"....!! Good picture of CF though. There is another website with the same pic; http://www.reel.com/Content/moviepage.asp?mmid=45636

But that site completely ignores Colin.

That dear ladies is the ultimate insult - perhaps one of you in the USA could complain. I really do not understand why he is ignored. I suppose I am biased but he is a far better actor than the others and he has the main part.

While all the bigwigs were partying hearty in Cannes, I called Miramax, hoping that one of the minions would give away the store. In speaking to a person in regional publicity, she said MLSF would open July 16 in NY/LA and Chicago is scheduled for one week later. It is very possible that August is a typo or that August 16 is the *very wide* release date, after major markets, hoping of course that it lasts that long on the screen. Sorry Anne H, I can't explain why Colin is so frequently overlooked in reviews and cast listings. Maybe he pays his publicist to keep him out of the news???? ;-0

Oh Karen! I just emerged from an endless world of fragrant flowers to be sure they are fresh for the morning, and what do I find but you voicing the darkest dread I dared not think. Do you really think he might pay to keep his name out of the news? His is not making it one bit easier on his devoted fans! I pray that you and I are mistaken.

Wow... Fever Pitch on July 9th and MLSF on the 16th! Back-to-back Colin...no time to recover, is there ladies? ;-) BTW-- hi everyone. Have finally gotten the computer out of the packing box and am writing this from my new apartment! I've finally moved in! (I got this place a month ago, and it's taken FOREVER to move)

Hi Winter, good to have you back. BTW I think the release date for FP is now sometime in August, but not sure but then we are not sure about MLSF either.

Winter, welcome back, we've missed you! Meet us in 72 for my bridal shower today, it's going to be a riot!

Since Winter is in LA, she can run to see FP on July 16. Expansion to other cities (if it does well in NY/LA) would be early August. This is what Phaedra told me about a week ago. :) BTW, I saw Aidan Quinn yesterday. Was walking out of a theater and heard Irish music. He was being interviewed for a news program. His film (something with Father in the title) was being screened there. Possibly a benefit type thing.

Hi there! Just phoned Working Title again to see if they could give details of the casting...."no, still under development". This really is the world's longest wait! I've just realised that I was wrong in saying that "Notting Hill" flopped in the UK...took nearly �5million at the weekend. Which is why I want to see Colin in BJD...when hopefully they will remember to include his name! Also phoned The Donmar. When is 3DOR actually opening? Does anyone know? Is it Nov 9 or later? And on a roll, I phoned the Arts Council about SLOW. This needs a longer posting, so will do it later, but have nothing positive to report. Colin has been desperately unlucky here.

This is from Benedict Nightingale's article in The Times today, about NY Theater and the Tonys: So to the Off-Broadway theatre, these days the only place where indigenous drama has much chance of finding an audience. The most rewarding play is still Margaret Edson's Wit, whose bravura exploration of matters both literary and oncological I admired last January, but I can report that Richard Greenberg, whose Three Days of Rain briefly hit the Donmar in March, is coming along nicely. The first half of his Hurrah At Last (Gramercy) had me in stitches and even left me wondering if Ne York hadn't given birth to a new Neil Simon with something that has always been missing in that dramatist's work: a touch of good, gloomy Ayckbourn. Peter Frechette's Laurie is a novelist obsessed by the financial success that eludes him. His mother reproachfully tells him he could write as badly as John Grisham if only he tried; his best friend has just triumphed with a play he thinks "more touching than Endgame and nearly as accomplished as Plaza Suite"; and he is getting ill. The point is that he is in love with woe: which is why he cheers up when he returns from hospital having hallucinated that his dull, conventional father is gay, is mother hates him, and everyone else is mad or treacherous, and cheers right down when he learns the banal truth. The wit-level declines in Act II, and some of the acting is cartoonish; but Greenberg has still created a blend of Moli�re's Misanthrope and Milne's eyore to whom Frechette brings hooded eyes, edgy nerves and a rumpled joie de mourir. ********** It would appear that Nightingale is becoming a fan of Greenberg's. Wasn't he the one who initially called 3DOR a "diaper drama"?

Telephoned Miramax today, they still have no release date for MLSF for the UK, I just don't understand it, how do other films that are not nearly as good get released. OT. but very good news, there is an excellent review for The Real Thing and particularly Jennifer and Stephen Dillane, (the fabulous JE) at This is London. 2 stars. No need to slash your wrists Evelyn!!!heehee

Ladies, we are having a Virtual Fun Fest Bridal Shower for Gi today, please join us at 72 for all the merriment, it's performance art as it happens! BTW, thank you for all the info. Happy for JE and Greenberg.

Also from the This is London site, a review of a comedy takeoff of Emma playing in Watford: MacKichan, arguably the funniest woman on television at the moment, plays Emma with a pert, sing-song delivery which suggests a gently ironic distance from the material. The fact that 10 years have elapsed since she and Millar first conceived the show in a pub in Brixton accounts for the (ahem) maturity she brings to the role of the matchmaking 21-year-old. Katharine Rogers doubles a rather mannish Austen with a convincing portrayal of Emma's partner-in-banter, Mr Knightley, while Adam Croasdell's Fran Churchill could supplant Colin Firth's Mr Darcy in the fantasies of women who favour a well-stuffed pair of breeches. ********** Wonder what that's all about? ;-) Obviously this reviewer hasn't studied her P&P tape as closely as we have!! Michael Matus and the four "nieces" fill up the remaining roles with broadly comic cameos. This adaptation is rough and ramshackle, and will doubtless offend some purists. But the regard that MacKichan and Millar have for Austen is just as visible throughout as their sense of fun. Until 19 June. Box office: 01923 225671.

Oops, forgot to delete the rest. Oh well, you might the phone number. ;-)

Well, ladies, barring unforeseen events/acts of God, I do plan on going to the premiere in Newport tonight. Pray for me as I cruise the streets of Newport in search of parking. (I'm not kidding -- I'm totally clueless when it comes to driving in the city;-) Actually, Karen, I did call the Film Festival office and the Newport Visitors Center re: parking. No onsite parking (bummer), but they say there are various municipal lots around. However, there are also lots of one-way streets, and the last time I was in Newport I got dreadfully lost. I may take your advice and just park at the hotel that's sponsoring the festival and pray they don't tow me.

Good luck Susan, I think you are very brave and I look forward very much to hearing what you think of MLSF. Let's hope your review is a good as the ones Jennifer is getting.

Bravo Susan. I know what you mean about the streets, one way and narrow. Good luck, my dear, I can empathize. You will be canonized on your return, safe and sound. We anxiously await a full report.

Bravissima Susan! Will be thinking of you! I checked Hello and Hola Magazines today. They both have coverage of Liz and AmFar, but not one mention of the screening of MLSF, just the party. Colin is not mentioned or seen. :-( I was expecting a bigger coverage of Cannes, it is very disappointing.

(Karen)Nightingale is becoming a fan of Greenberg's. Wasn't he the one who initially called 3DOR a "diaper drama" "All is forgiven, Mr. Nightingale"....he wrote a rave review of The Real Thing in today's Times....And the guy ( who also writes for the NY Times) eats actors for lunch!!This is London.."the fab JE".....I'm here to tell you....there is a God!!

Mission accomplished!! Just got back from the MLSF premiere. Ladies, you are going to love this movie!! Just a few random thoughts before I conk out. Colin wasn't there (but we didn't really expect him to be), but otherwise you couldn't have asked for a better premiere in terms of audience reaction. Full house, mixed crowd of older folks and 20/30-somethings. The person who introduced the movie was very enthusiastic (said she had seen the test screening in NY and begged Miramax to let Newport have it for the festival). People applauded when she was done talking, and the movie started. I listened to see if there would be a buzz when Colin's face first appeared on screen and when his name appeared in the opening credits (wondered if there were other Firthettes like me in the audience), but didn't notice any. Think this was a case of most people seeing the movie more on the strength of the "Chariots of Fire" connection than because they were Firth fans. Colin's performance, needless to say, was excellent. High droolability factor here, ladies. I thought he looked very Darcy-ish -- hair is almost the same (that lock falling on the forehead!) and many similar facial expressions. Best example was when Colin (as Edward) is listening to Irene Jacob (as Heloise) play the cello, and he has a look very similar to the Pemberley piano scene (though not nearly as long or intense), then gives a great dimpled smile. Sigh... My one quibble with Colin's performance was his Scottish accent (what there was of it -- with the exception of a few of the minor players, none of the actors used a strong Scottish accent) wavered a bit -- in a couple of scenes it was pronounced, in most it was bearly noticeable. Audience reacted wonderfully to the film -- laughed where appropriate and gave *two* ovations at the end, the first when the screen faded to black and the second when the closing credits started.

Saint Susan!! Glad to see you made it home safe and sound and with a glowing report from Newport. High droolability factor here, ladies. YIPPEE!!! It's about time. I am counting the days now...until July 23rd for me. Thank you, Your Saintliness. We are waiving the two other miracles and witnesses. This one will do very very nicely. *smooch*

Wonderful, Susan! Thank you very much for reporting so quickly! I�m so happy for the audience�s reactions...is this going to be THE film for Colin? Very Darcy-ish?? Wow

Thankyou very much for your report, I can't wait to see it and I am especially pleased that the audience liked it so much. Did you like it enought to see it againwhen it goes on limited release in July?

Sorry, thankyou very much Susan, of course.

Thankyou very much for your report, I can't wait to see it and I am especially pleased that the audience liked it so much. Did you like it enought to see it againwhen it goes on limited release in July?

OT again, sorry but I thought there would be peopleinterested in JE's play The Real Thing. Another excellent review in The Telegraph, (almost as good as Colin's in3DOR) It says there is electrifying chemistry between Ehle and Dillane.

OK, Susan, now that you've recovered we want MORE, more details. Loved that there's a LOOK again as in P&P's piano scene. How about clothing? He looked pretty lip-smacking good in the trailer when he's wearing the whites and chasing after his son and of course the bathing suit. Does he ever stand around in it or is he just running to the little loch? Any other great outfits? Love scenes (or at least tender, kissy kissy scenes with wife)? Does the boy tend to dominate the movie? I know this is a toughie, but would your average audience tend to focus on the boy? Are you going back on Sunday? hee hee

Great report Susan! Thank you so much for braving the Newport traffic and bringing back news from the frontline. I've always felt that I would really enjoy this movie (assuming that Mr Weinstein allows us CF-starved folks in the UK the chance to see it! Give us a break, Harvey!!!) And what does the Man Himself look like in a kilt? Does he fish, swim, dance, do anything out of the ordinary? Does he kiss Heloise? (Such profound questions! :-)) Right, before I forget, back to my phone call to the Arts Council re SLOW (which, again, I have always felt would be a warm and charming film, hence my continuing annoyance and obsessive interest!) I got through to the Lottery funds division and asked if SLOW was ever going to be seen. Helpful lady said that it hadn't got a distributor yet and she'd check the details for me. She then told me that the project recived funding in November 96, for filming the following year, and a distribution deal was in place, (probably UK only, maybe Polygram who have also subsequently gone bankrupt). She said that the distribution must have fallen through, and asked if I'd Like a contact. My hopes rose, but the cont ct she gave me was Hilary Davis of Handmade Films. I pointed out that Handmade had gone into liquidation some time ago, but she wasn't aware of this. (!!) (Very remiss of them, in my view) I think the Arts Council's involvement stops with the funding. I asked if all Arts Council funded films got released, and she said "yes, this was the only one not to, so far". I have no doubts that if Handmade hadn't gone under, SLOW would have had a limited release (at least) in the UK, and gone to video. But I'm sure the Imperial Bank won't think this option is even remotely worth their while. My question is: What happens to a �3.4 million film, seized as part of bankruptcy proceedings, which "no-one" wants to buy? Is it pulped, discarded, given back to the production team. Can't be destroyed,surely? Any legal whizzes here?

Thank you Susan.... And now I make a motion that we award Susan the title of ..... (drum roll..ta.. rah!).... DAME SUSAN...for bravery beyond the call of duty and exemplary loyalty to ODB and her fellow Firthettes. All those in favor say aye....(any lurkers out there...now is the time to be heard) ***** Feeling v. exhilerated this AM after reading reviews of JE....Telegraph gave it 2 stars...(Hey, Plenty with Cate Blanchette didn't get any!) Can I hope for CF and JE to each get an Olivier????

Bethan, I believe we will have to plan a heist soon and get that reel of SLOW for you. You deserve it!:-) Susan, you have risen to the occasion, and have made me so very happy with the words: Darcyesque! Could we ask for anything more? (Well Karen does have lots more to ask) ;-) Thank you!

(Bethan)... have no doubts that if Handmade hadn't gone under, SLOW would have had a limited release(at least) in the UK, and gone to video. But I'm sure the Imperial Bank won't think this option is even remotely worth their while. Bethan, UK distributors were among those in attendance at the AFM. If they would have thought that SLOW would be a profitable film for them...I am sure they would have purchased it. The bank is not a distributing venue....they only funded it. I am sure they are v. anxious to sell it...but Film Festivals only sell a film after a distributor has it in hand. BTW the Canadian distributors, I heard also backed out.

From Darren's London Theatre Guide today: Donmar Warehouse Earlham Street, WC2H 9LD Tube Covent Garden Telephone 0171 369 1732 THREE DAYS OF RAIN by Richard Greenberg Location West End Genre Drama Previews from 9 Nov 99 Opens 9 Nov 99 Booking to 22 Jan 00 Closes 22 Jan 00 Time (No perfs between 23rd Dec to 4th Jan) B/O Price B/O Tel Fee! Standby Concs Tickets Lashmars Theatre Tickets Performers Colin Firth, Elizabeth McGovern, David Morrissey Director Robin Lefevre Design Lighting Choregraphy Costume Producer Donmar Warehouse Press Synopsis Length n/a Review Seating Plan Seating Plan Map Map Other Info

Have run across a minor listing for an Australian theater chain (Hoyts) that My Life So Far will open there on October 21, 1999. That should make you happy Anne H! So, if it opens in the US on July 16 and makes it to Australia on October 21, it must be opening in the UK somewhere in between!! ;-) Not too much of a lag IMO.

Isn't this cute?

(Karen) Thank you, Your Saintliness. We are waiving the two other miracles and witnesses. This one will do very very nicely. *smooch* (Evelyn) DAME SUSAN...for bravery beyond the call of duty and exemplary loyalty to ODB and her fellow Firthettes. Gosh, I'm blushing. Seriously, I was happy to be able to give something back to my fellow droolers -- usually I don't have any information of importance to add. It's nice to have something of value to contribute for a change;-) Now more on MLSF (may have to do this in bits and pieces, since I'm buried here at work)... (1) Looks -- there are lots of looks here, smoldering and otherwise. The way Edward looked at Heloise before he tried to kiss her broke my heart. The last scene is one long look of love and affection at Fraser -- again, beautifully done. (Oh dear, would these be considered spoilers? I don't want to give anything away, but want to address your questions.) (2) Clothing -- I *loved* the clothes Colin wore in this movie! The white shirt and cream trousers in the scene where he's chasing his son on the roof are very form-fitting -- when the camera shoots him from behind while he's running up the stairs, oh lordy! The outfit I liked him best in was button-down shirt, tie and suspenders (braces) -- I just like that look on him, very GQ. He also wore a kilt, but as I recall you couldn't see much of his legs. Re: the bathing suit, as I recall he's only shown runni g and jumping into the lake/swimming in it, not standing around. However, the suit is, again, form-fitting (didn't look baggy to me) and there was another great shot of him running from behind. (Gracious, is there no end to my depravity;-)

Dame Susan, it is! As SBR would say, *virtual standing ovation commences* :-) Good for you...I'm glad you went. I'm excited to hear about the audience's warm reception of the film. Those early reviews praised CF's performance and now we have 'Darcyesque' to top it off! Yipee! (Evelyn) Can I hope for CF and JE to each get an Olivier???? *Crossing fingers and toes now* (How many months until the awards? My joints are gonna be sore but it'll be worth it). Bethan, it doesn't sound good for SLOW :-( Handmade's bankruptcy was bad enough but lack of a distributor seems to be the final, unmoveable obstacle.

More on MLSF: (3) Love scenes -- nothing overt here. There's the aforementioned attempted kiss of Heloise, and a couple of affectionate smooches of his wife, Moira. But no passionate grappling. There are, however, several references made to what an active sex life Edward and Moira have -- "sneaking upstairs to have a slank," to quote Fraser, and this got a huge laugh from the audience. The passion is all conveyed in the eyes, which Colin does so well. Sweetly befuddled, is the best way to describe Edward -- his nerdy a tempts to impress Heloise are adorable. (4) The boy -- yes, I would say the audience is mainly focused on Fraser. The crowd at the premiere had a large percentage of senior citizens who, I think, really identified with Fraser because they grew up during the same time period and could relate. But I think most people will relate to Edward as well -- he's basically a sympathetic character and people can relate to his struggle against the attraction to Heloise (again, shades of Darcy -- "I shall conquer this!") He does do/say a few nasty things, th ugh. (5) See it again -- yes, I would really like to. Because of the circumstances (having to drive so far, being a bit worried about my kids back at home) my mind wasn't as focused on the film as I would have liked it to be. There was also a hilarious scene involving an outburst from Fraser at the dinner table that I wasn't fully able to hear because the audience was roaring with laughter. More to come...

More on MLSF: (6) Colin in action -- in addition to seeing him swim and run, we also see him fishing (actually, teaching the boys how to cast a line). Don't think he dances in the kilt scene, but I could be wrong. (7) The cast -- I thought all of the performances were uniformly excellent, unlike the review who felt most of them were merely serviceable. Each of the supporting players (MEM, M. McDowall, I. Jacob, R. Harris) got at least one scene in which they were really allowed to shine. The boy was excellent -- very natural acting, and he and Colin worked wonderfully together. If Colin isn't able to do promotion due to filming RV, MEM and McDowall could easily do promo, as could the boy, who would be great on Lett rman or Leno. The one quibble I have with casting: I think McDowall seemed too old to play R. Harris's son -- he looked more like her husband. I think a Jeremy Irons or Alan Rickman type would have worked better. Gotta run, more later. Again, hope I haven't given any spoilers. If I have, just tell me to shut up;-)

Susan, your comments have been fabulous and no real spoilers as I can see. I love the details you're providing us, as we sit here and drool over them and envy you. A kilt?? for real?? How are his knees? "form-fitting trousers" Woweee!!! (who's depraved?) Was just kidding about going back to Newport BTW. You did just great and we're all envious of you. *am crying into my coffee right now*

Thank you Susan! How wonderful to see Colin on a giant screen. It sounds almost too good to be true! Re: the bathing suit, as I recall he's only shown running and jumping into the lake/swimming in it, not standing around. Could you at least catch a glimpse of his naked chest? I'm sure I would faint!

Thankyou very uch Susan, you have certainly whet our appetite. Just one question, I believe Edward has the greatest personality change of all the characters, without giving anything away would you say you liked Edward more or less by the end of the film?

Also thankyou very much Chris (Luvvy) for the confirmation that Colin will defifnitely be in 3DOR, I know a lot of people will be glad to have this confirmed.

Great description, Susan, and you�re spoiling nothing, on the contrary, you�ve made a big bunch of people happy. (Can�t wait to see him running up those stairs.....you know, that�s Colin�s speciality, remember 3DoR! :-) Let�s hope this movie will become a real hit. Ladies, what an incredible team this is! There are firthettes in every continent ready to report first hand and in detail whatever Colinesque happens, like Winter�s unforgettable adventure, Ann reporting from the London premiere and now Susan�s Newport scoop.

I agree with Elena...we're a tight bunch!! Did we ever give AnnW. a title?....I think we should...the criteria being anyone who goes the "Extra Mile"to provide us with information about ODB and/or his projects... And Susan definitely did it.She joins the ranks with Dame Winter and AnnW. ********* I just called Miramax in NY (212-941-3800) and found out that practically every city has a Miramax Rep (that Harvey.....)So I just spoke to the Rep in Okla. City and inquired about the opening of MLSF here....seems it will probably be July 23...we are definitely getting it. I already have a carful...Hmmmm...sounds like a film I'll have to see several times.

Susan, there is no such thing as a *spoiler* when it comes to Colin, at least, not for me, I want to know all! Those smoldering looks, the kilt...I just hope it will still be playing by the time I am back from Italy in Aug. (This is not to be endured!)

Wow! Thank you again, Susan. No spoilers here......you could describe the entire movie to me, and I'd be more than happy. Re. your depravity....I think we're all equally depraved and will certainly be focusing on certain shots more than others! And it sounds as though we'll see it soon in the UK, twixt USA and Australia. September maybe? BTW Susan, is it usual for an audience to applaud a movie in the US. We tend to suppress our enthusiasm in the UK (that's putting it kindly!)and I don't recall any instances of clapping! Re SLOW...Not a bad idea, Moon!! If all else fails, perhaps we can hijack the trailer. I think I've thrown in the towel here (SLOW R.I.P) but if you'd read about the trashy low-life drug abusive sort of "Britflicks" that are hitting our screens at the moment (and TV drama), you'd sympathise with my yearning to see something "nice"! Enough said. Topic closed. Promise! (But we did have to wait seven years for "Valmont" in the UK, so I won't give up hope...yet! :-) ) JE and CF for Oliviers would be great....and not beyond the bounds of probability.

Susan and all: First of all -- Thanks! Can't wait until July 16th! That scene you couldn't catch is this: ************************* All is narrated through the eyes of young Fraser, wonderfully played by Robbie Norman, who studies books from his grandfather's library and stuns a dinner party with his reasoning about how his mother and aunt might go into prostitution. ************************ The comment above is from Roger Ebert's Compuserve site courtesy of Mari. We also heard that Mary Elizabeth sings My Luve Is Like a Red Red Rose, so I got it up on my MLSF pages, along with lots of new stuff from the Miramax press kit that Anne R got the other day. (With her permission). MyLife So Far (Hope the html works!) Murph

Re: Applause for movies At Film Festivals or special screenings, people do applaud very good films. Perhaps because (1) the people who attend are usually film aficionados and (2) there are reps from the distributors in attendance or a combination of both. It may only be a smattering of applause too. However, not all films will get applause even at these venues. There will be more *polite* applause if the audience knows the director or producer is there and will take Q&A afterwards. For the screenings I've seen recently, "Lovers of the Arctic Circle" got it; "Three Seasons," did not or there was just a couple of hands clapping as I recall.

Thanks Murph...for filling us in. Sounds better and better. (Bethan)Susan, is it usual for an audience to applaud a movie in the US The entire audience clapped at the end of Shakespeare in Love when I saw it in a movie theatre. But I havenever seen a reception like Judi Dench got last week on Broadway.She must have taken 5 curtain calls.The audience didn't want to let her go.

AnnW, re: your question about personality change and whether Edward was more likable at the end than the beginning... I think that in the end, it was not so much that he had changed, but that he was "back to normal" -- i.e., over his infatuation with Heloise. At the beginning he was eccentrically charming, happy in his marriage and loving to his wife and family, in the middle he went through a rather nasty period and at the end he was eccentrically charming, happy in his marriage again, etc., as well as w ser. Re: clapping, I haven't gone to the movies much since I had my kids, but it's rare that I've been to a film where people applauded at the end (let alone twice). That's why I thought it was so remarkable, but a more experienced filmgoer may see it happen all the time. But as Karen pointed out, this being a festival showing, it wasn't a typical audience.

That word that got mangled was "wiser." So if he's wiser at the end (and less dogmatic), he has gone through a major change after all, come to think of it. But he's also "back to his old self."

I had to run through all the vowels to figure that one out! Stumped me for a minute. ;-)

We may style these Firthly Distinguished ladies as (name), ODB (Order of the Dear Boy)

Susan, in the Variety Review it said the visuals, the cinematography (sp?), was dull and seemed to be fighting murky weather, do you agree with that.? From what I have seen the scenery looks wonderfu.

Quite by accident I have found another review for MLSF by Harvey Karten, it is very good. I went to Deja Com. typed Colin Firth and found news items, scroll down the page and there it is a Review for MLSF by Harvey Karten. He seemed to like the character of Edward and the young boy whose name escapes me.

What a marvellous review, Ann, and by a man! There are so many commeents I like... "Though his father has his flaws, albeit the sort of blemishes that any red-blooded Scot might be expected to possess, he is the sort of dad we all wish we'd had" "Director Hugh Hudson devotes considerable time to this wonderful man's expressions, each of which tells a story about his feelings at the time" (good...someone has finally noticed that Colin can act!!) "Photographed handsomely in wonderable scenery"...Boy is adorable".."frighteningly competent assortment of acting talent"..."How refreshing to watch a movie which avoids treacle whilst portaying a kid whose family is deliriously happy". Great find Ann! Well done! I do hope that the US wakes up to the fact that Colin can act! If he gets recognition in the US for a lead movie role, it must boost him!

BTW saw Stephen Fry giving an interview on TV...very droll as ever. He'd just finished something for the BBC. No mention of RV, but he's obviously "free" for his next assignment. He said the best thing about work was the people you worked with. I like SF...very witty and intelligent.

Ann, thanks from me too for the wonderful review. I am beginning to feel opimistic for a degree of success for this film. Perhaps Harvey is playing a clever game (when does he not?). A slow burn as far as publicity goes. A film like this can easily be knocked down by critics who go expecting the usual teenage friendly entertainment. By dampening expectations or at least not raising them, he probably hopes to reach his target audience and getting them to promote the film by word of mouth.

I too am also feeling very optimistic about this movie but I do wish Miramax were more positive about releasing it. I would love to see is NOW , it is just the kind of CF movie I like, a definite must to own when the video comes out, when I can fast forward and slow-mo. Unfortunately when I telephoned Miramax they said the release date depended on the competion and how it did in the US and they couldn't give me a definite release date. There is so much rubbish being released I just cannot understand the elay.

delay. BTW Susan if it is not giving too much away can you tell us about the Curling Match, I believe it has some significance?

release date depended on the competition and how it did in the US Why? Did "The Governess" do well in the US? Did "Land Girls"? Did...well, my list could go on for ever! Very few "little" films succeed in the US...but they are still released here. No problem!! Unless they're hoping it will be a great success and then they'll promote it as "the movie that took the US by storm" (How's that for very positive thinking!!)

(How's that for very positive thinking!!) Brilliant thinking, I call it, Bethan. Then they could have a BIG UK premiere. I have a hunch the US premier will be v low key. That would accord with my slow burn theory.

A Royal Premiere with The Queen Mother, she loves Scotland also Princess Anne!

Why? Did "The Governess" do well in the US? Did "Land Girls"? Isn't this the reverse? They opened in the UK first. My question would then be "why did they open in the US at all?" ;-) Thank you, Ann, for finding such a great review. Has anyone attempted to continue that thread at deja.com? Did that man see the movie at Newport? I would think so. I have called Cinema/Chicago and requested that it get MLSF for a prerelease screening. I don't want to wait until July 23. (*Lydia whining*) The guy there appeared fairly optimistic, indicating their good relationship with Miramax (we see a lot from Miramax). I will keep checking back.

(AnnW) Susan, in the Variety Review it said the visuals, the cinematography (sp?), was dull and seemed to be fighting murky weather, do you agree with that? Ann, I thought the cinematography was wonderful, very atmospheric. The castle where the Pettigrews live is breathtaking, and because one of the minor characters is a pilot, there are several arial shots of the scenery, and it looks lovely. As I think you had mentioned, Scotland is in general murky (at least compared with Southern Calif.) so it just seemed to be the natural atmosphere, IMO. (bethan) "Photographed handsomely in wonderable scenery"...Boy is adorable".."frighteningly competent assortment of acting talent"..."How refreshing to watch a movie which avoids treacle whilst portaying a kid whose family is deliriously happy". I entirely agree with this assessment. The whole feeling that pervades this film is warm and ultimately very uplifting, and I think that's why the premiere audience in Newport responded so enthusiastically. Edward really is a great father and despite his quirks, you can tell that his children adore him -- especially Fraser, with whom he has a special bond. He and his wife clearly adore each other, and yes, everyone is deliriously happy. That's why it was hard for me to say that Edward had changed a great eal in the course of the film -- it's not like he starts out cold and domineering and end up warm and tolerant. It's also why I find it hard to understand Denis Foreman's lukewarm comments about the film -- would think he'd be its biggest booster! I do hope that the US wakes up to the fact that Colin can act! I fervently agree, Bethan. As I mentioned, it didn't seem to me that the audience in Newport had come primarily to see Colin, but you could tell that his performance really drew them in. For example, after Edward falls under Heloise's spell, there are several scenes in which he makes small, cruel gestures to his wife in Heloise's presence (i.e. she reaches for his hand and he pushes hers away), and the audience audibly went "Ohhh!" (as in, "Oh, that wasn't very nice!"} And with the way he looks in this fi m, if most of the women weren't Firth fans going in, I'll bet they are now;-) (AnnW) Unfortunately when I telephoned Miramax they said the release date depended on the competion and how it did in the US and they couldn't give me a definite release date. It will be a crime if they delay the U.K. release of this film by tying it to the U.S. reaction. If anything, I think MLSF will be even better received in Europe, where audiences are more familiar with the actors. I just hope the film garners the same reaction in the rest of the U.S. that it got at Newport. Re: the curling match, it is significant and I can't comment too much without several major spoilers. A bet is made, and an accident happens.

Susan, thankyou for all your interesting comments to our questions. One other thing I would like to know and that is how does MLSF compare to other CF films you have seen, out of 10. and how does Colin's acting compare out of 10. If I can't see the film just yet the anticipation of 2 x 10 out of 10's will do for now!! (she says hopefully)

Harvey S. Karten, is he a well known critic and is his opinion well thought of in the US, I believe he gave Colin quite a good write up in his review of SIL. All I can say is good ole Harvey!!

I've never heard of Harvey S. Karten and did a search on Yahoo! His reviews have surfaced at www.rotten-tomatoes.com and at the imdb.com. Looks like he only reviews on the Internet. The source appears to be USENET: rec.arts.movies.reviews (is this Compuserve?) When I click on the link from another site, it shows up as a newsgroup. How do you get these? The rotten-tomatoes site says it culls from among the nation's top critics, but I've never heard of him and there's no mention of a newspaper.

Sorry it wasn't Harvey S Karton who gave Colin a good review for SIL but James Berardinelli who also gave P&P a rave review a couple of years ago.

It was a good review Ann...but I never heard of Harvey Whatshisname either...I think he is just a film-buff who hits all the discussion groups on the Internet. Did "The Governess" do well in the US? Did "Land Girls"? Bombed...both of them. The latter never made it out of a few cities at best.And "Lock, Stock and Laughing Barrels "was not a hit either in the US. Neither was "Dancing at Lughnasa" Pat O'Connor's film (Mr. MEM) despite Meryl Streep and Catherine McCormack.Boring MLSF and Ideal Husband are Miramax's summer films.....Both will get the 50 cities release. They're not Notting Hill...but I think both will do well. NH stand to be the biggest grossing Brit film ever, I read. Took in $27.M last weekend. I saw it...wanna see it again. Missed a lot of funny lines the first time.

Evelyn, and Karen according to the Imdb Harvey S Kirsten is a Newsgroup Reviewer. He did a review for SIL. That review makes me want to see it all the more, the lady at Miramax said to ring back in two weeks I shall definitely do that nOW.

I mean of course, Karten, silly me!

Re: Harvey Karten He is apparently one of many people who post film reviews on the Newsgroups. Have just read his review of Notting Hill. He's a good, interesting writer, but he made lots and lots of mistakes. When world-famous screen star Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) enters the shop, impetuously kissing the befuddled proprietor before leaving Nope, didn't happen that way. as Will and Anna enjoy their first date at the bookseller's sister's home Nope, it was at the bookseller's best friend's home. Will, invited by Anna to her hotel and expecting an evening of private conversation, instead finds himself plunged into a press conference Nope, any self-respecting film critic would have called it a "press junket." There was a press conference at the end of the film. As Will's wheelchair-bound sister Sally Nope, on two counts! Wheelchair-bound woman was best friend's wife and a former girlfriend of William's and her name was Bella. William's sister (non-wheelchair bound) was named Honey and played by Emma Chambers. despite the efforts of such quirky, off-the-wall characters as Will's Welch roommate Spike (Rhys Ifans) He even spelled Welsh that way, not me! Anybody know anymore about this Karten character? There's one at UC-San Diego on the Neurosciences faculty that appears in searches. Same guy???

Dame Susan, ODB (how apt, Moon), what a wonderful report you've brought back to us. Great detail, don't leave a thing out. Will you accept private e-mails for those of us who want to know about the curling scene? ;-) I thought he looked very Darcy-ish -- hair is almost the same (that lock falling on the forehead!) and many similar facial expressions. This will make a great Film Discussion on 98 someday. Can't wait to count those expressions. Best example was when Colin (as Edward) is listening to Irene Jacob (as Heloise) play the cello, and he has a look very similar to the Pemberley piano scene (though not nearly as long or intense), then gives a great dimpled smile. Be still my heart. The outfit I liked him best in was button-down shirt, tie and suspenders (braces) -- I just like that look on him, very GQ From the stills we've seen of this, I knew I'd have a tough time to keep from sighing at his looks but now I know it will be impossible. There are,however, several references made to what an active sex life Edward and Moira have So relieved. This may have to hold us for awhile, ladies. At least until we see him on that bed with Lina at the Donmar. You gave a terrific report. And no bruises on your backside for kicking yourself because you hadn't gone! Congratulations.

--Sounds like MLSF will supply plenty of "Levitas" for us poor starved Firthettes. V.G. If we are so worried about how Harvey W. is pushing MLSF, then where do we go to exprexx our opinions, eh? Any idea, Evelyn?

Both Reviews for MLSF Variety and Harvey Karten's are now listed at the MRQE. apparently Mr. Karten is a film critic at Compuserve. (Posted this by mistake at 72)

(AnnW) One other thing I would like to know and that is how does MLSF compare to other CF films you have seen, out of 10. and how does Colin's acting compare out of 10. Ann, this is definitely one of the best films Colin has done, IMO. Admittedly, a few things are probably coloring my opinion. First was seeing it at the theatre, on a big screen -- I confess with shame that I've seen all of Colin's other films on videotape or when they were shone on TV. The second was seeing it at the premiere, with a full house of people, and observing first-hand how much everyone was enjoying it and how well they were responding to him. The third was seeing Colin play a sympathetic char cter in a lead role for a change -- what ecstacy not to have to wade through long stretches of a film waiting for his 15 or so minutes while lesser actors dominate! Also, whatever re-editing they did seemed to work -- it didn't drag at all and there were no dead spots, IMO. I thought his acting was superb -- don't think he put a foot wrong, outside of that slip of the Scottish accent that I mentioned. I loved seeing him play a father (has he ever played one before?) -- he had such a nice rapport with the boy, totally believable. I definitely would give both him and the film 10's. (Heide) And no bruises on your backside for kicking yourself because you hadn't gone! You got that right! I have Karen to thank for that -- without her nagging...er, encouragement... I would have chickened out;-) (Just kidding, Karen:-D)

It's such a pleasure to read your reports. Susan....I'm really feeling very optimistic now about MLSF. And I do so agree, "seeing Colin play a sympathetic character in a lead role for a change"....it's about time we saw this. No more supporting cuckold roles, please!!! I'm looking forward to DonQ also, which I expect to be another very sympathetic role .......I was very impressed by another drama by the same writer and director on a similar theme...it was both moving and uplifting. BTW, videos of BBC productions come out very quickly now...normally a month or so after transmission. There are,however, several references made to what an active sex life Edward and Moira have There's a lovely bit in Denis Forman's autobiography about this... " My mother and father appeared to be, and were, a devoted couple. Sometimes after lunch my father would say to my mother, "What about a slank". A slank was purported to be a rest, perhaps a snooze in the double bed in the north room. But as time went on I came to believe that a slank meant more than this. For one thing, when slanking my father and mother bolted the door, which was unusual. For another, one could hear noises within the room, no more than vague movements, but certainly not the noise of two people resting. When the door finally opened and my father took in a tray of china tea and butter, both parents were a little red in the face and looked enormously pleased with themselves and each other. I am now sure that my surmise was correct and that an unclouded sexual relationship, sometimes consummated during slanks, was the basis of their devotion to each other and of my mother's tolerance of my father's more tiresome domestic habits" (A fair exchange!! :-))

Susan, thankyou very much, 2x 10, you have made my day, if only I lived nearer to Rhode Island, oh well as long as they don't postpone the US release date again it shouldn't be too long before we get it here.

Susan, a 10!!! Keep those *spoilers* coming. :-D

without her nagging...er, encouragement... I would have chickened out;-) Some people just have a calling in life or maybe it's in my genetic makeup. ;-D

(KJArt)If we are so worried about how Harvey W. is pushing MLSF, then where do we go to exprexx our opinions, eh? Any idea, Evelyn? Miramax LA 323-951-4200 " NY 212-941-3800 (ask for the phone # for the Miramax Rep in your city) or the Marketing Manager for MLSF Harvey Weinstein Miramax Films 375 Greenwich st. New York, 10013 ***** That Karen...when she got through Harvey Karten's review of Notting Hill...the guy was chopped liver....I saw it...and she is right. ***** Susan...your comments should be published...or at least preserved so we can re-read them. Thank you. I too am looking forward to a film where we don't have to wade through half a film to see a few fleeting scenes. ****** (Bethan) No more supporting cuckold roles, please!!! OK...who's gonna tell him that when we see him at the Donmar.... Enough is enough!! *****

re The Karten review I think he kept referring to M. McD's character as Edwards's brother, in actual fact I believe he is his brother-in-=law. Still never mind his overall impression can still be right and agrees with what Susan has said and it is such a good review that it can do no harm.

Susan, thanks so much for braving Newport on your own and bringing back such a great report on MLSF! I am dining on every tidbit. You have truly earned your new title and membership in the ODB :-) I cannot wait to see this movie!

Oh, I agree with you, Ann, about the overall review and points he makes. Was only saying that this guy doesn't get all his facts right, which to me would indicate he's not a professional critic.

Article about MEM in NY's Daily News. A mention of MLSF. http://www.mostnewyork.com:80/1999-05-30/New_York_Now/Movies/a-30239.asp?last6days=1 Also caught a few minutes of another of those E! specials on Cannes. Think it was called "Hot on the Riviera" or something. Anyway toward the end, they showed a Miramax breakfast or press conference thing with Irene Jacob and actually mentioned the name of the movie. IJ was interviewed, but it was just about Cannes, what it's like vs. when she was there before. Emphasis was on party atmosphere, events, etc. No Colin sightings, only Elvis!

Thanks to everyone for your nice comments on my MLSF ramblings. As I said in an email to Karen, I can't wait until everyone else has the chance to see this film because I'm eager to hear what you all think about it. I'm not very good at critiquing films -- I tend to think very literally and miss some of the symbolism. I'm sure you'll all pick up on things that I missed or misinterpreted. I'm not sure I really deserve my ODB membership. I just was very fortunate that this film happened to literally drop into my backyard. All I had to do was figure out how to get to it;-) Karen, you seem to know a lot about premieres -- do you think Miramax would have sent someone to Newport to gauge audience reaction? The woman who introduced the film didn't mention anyone from Miramax being present that evening, and unfortunately I had to leave as soon as the credits started rolling, so I don't know if anyone from Miramax was around to answer questions from the audience after the screening. I really hope they did send someone, because I think they would have been overjoyed by the positiv reaction and perhaps will get this film into theatres sooner.

Check out Murph's new collage and a little Beethoven... http://www.geocities.com/~murphyat65/mlsf.html BTW Susan...what did you think of the soundtrack? Or were you conscious of such....

Shucks, Susan, you are being modest and who cares about symbolism when he looks so damned adorable?! Hopefully, everyone will have the opportunity to enter the ODB, and I'd be more than thrilled to have CF drop in my backyard... better yet my lap!! I've preserved Susan's comments about MLSF and added a few of the trailer pics, where appropriate. I'll link it from the Miramax publicity page that's on firth.com later. Susan on MLSF If there are more comments and/or questions, I can add later.

do you think Miramax would have sent someone to Newport to gauge audience reaction? Given the proximity to NY, they might. I don't know if anyone from Miramax was around to answer questions from the audience after the screening. The festival person would have announced it at the beginning even if the person weren't there but there was an outside chance. What they wouldn't want to happen is for the audience to empty out while they had someone on tap to take questions. Usually the people to take questions are actors, directors/writers and sometimes producers. With some of the festival films I've seen, it's so cute when it's very apparent that this is the person's first trip to the US and they're just so bubbly and excited. I think they would have been overjoyed by the positive reaction and perhaps will get this film into theatres sooner. Could be. Seems like everyday I read about opening dates being shifted around, back and forth; they are in a constant state of flux.

I just love the Drool and have to join in. I hope you will forgive me a very long rave about DB, as I only discovered him this past February and have a lot of catching up to do...also, my various family members are fed up listening to me go on about Colin. Actually, I saw SIL about a week before I finally saw the P&P tape I made 3 years ago (I don't really like long mini-series--by the time I realized P&P wasn't a TV movie I was so hooked that I watched the whole series at one time). When I saw the articl in People, I was incredulous- Darcy and Wessex and the guy in the magazine one in the same--impossible!! He did Wessex quite well, but, face it, for non-Colin devotees, who was attending to Wessex in that film. I later saw SIL twice more and Colin did a terrific job with this character. I have hunted down almost every film Colin has made, except Dutch Girls, but have't seen much of his T.V. work (would really love to see Tumbledown and MOTM). I was in heaven this week as I finally found Hostages and Wings of Fame. The more I see of Colin's work, the more I want to see. His talent goes way beyond Darcy.