Harvey W.'s name was in the news last night--something about his new magazine (!) and a rumored tussle with another mag ('George', I think) to have Hillary Clinton on the cover. Seems HW is a "major contributor" to the democratic party. Since Hil's running for senate in NY (not formally yet, but if you're breathing you know she's running) I wonder if there's another movie premiere in her future? OK, I doubt it. But I do wonder how much Miramax will promote MLSF. There's been hardly any mention of the movie anywhere thus far.

Marcia, I don't think she is carrying #s 4, 6, 8, 15, 16 or 18. But may I add 21. a safety pin (re: brick) 22. condoms 23. tea bags ? ;-)

Oh dear, I hope I have not offended, but I know Her Magesty has people to carry and take care of these things for her. That she should need a pocketbook at all is what is incredible. My proposed items were meant to be facetious Gi has suggested in Email that Aspirin might be a good addition!

Hi its me again with hot hot news, again by accident and I can't believe it is for real, Bethan Allison, Lizza & Ashling will you please confirm. According to Ceefax page 567 page 5/5 "JacK Dee is to join Stephen Fry, Colin Firth and Mariel Hemingway in Londinium. a comedy about an American actress hoping for UK fame ...etc ....shooting begins this weekend. " Colin and Stephen Fry again , it must be quite a short shoot if he is to de RV as well. I am so glad he has got a mortgage if he is going to work this hard I just hope he leaves time for BJD. Please Allison Or Bethan tell me I am not imagining it and who is Mariel Hemingway Karen or anyone?

Well I guess it must be true, here is confirmation in today's Mirror newspaper http://www.mirror.co.uk./ scroll down to The Wright Stuff and it is the first story.

Mariel Hemingway is Ernest Hemingway's Granddaughter and is sister of the late Margaux Hemingway. Actresses, both. More of the glitterati than the thespain type, but I shall be corrected if opinions differ. How exciting - a comedy!!!

AnnW!! Wonderful that you spotted this information. (have fingers crossed that RV was just a mixup) There are number of a similarities, starting with the fact that both Fry and Colin are mentioned in the cast and that it is about an American actress. Mariel Hemingway is probably best known for Star 80, about Dorothy Stratten, a former Playboy bunny who died, and Personal Best, both of which were made in the early '80s. Isn't Londinium another rather pretentious name for your City (financial district)?

Just checked the IMDb and Stephen Fry is listed as being in a movie, currently in production (May '99) named, "Longitude." Longitude Londinium Too similar. Think some information is being mauled around here. ;-)

Found by accident a Jack Dee link. Who is he? http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Alley/2595/artcrit.html

Well spotted Ann, but I'm not sure how to react. Jack Dee (British comedian, now more of a straight actor, no movies to his name) and Mariel Hemmingway (not particularly in demand, I would think) in the lead roles, Colin in a supporting role? Why not Colin Firth in the lead role? I'm not sure what he's doing at the moment. I thought RV was a fill-in role, until something better comes along, and Londinium sounds the same. There's actually no reason why he can't do Londinium and RV at the same time, if shoo ing schedules are arrranged. But I'd like to see him in a strong lead dramatic role again !!! And one in which he emphasises his masulinity, rather than obscuring it in a supporting character role. He may also of course be choosing relatively undemanding work if his son is joining him for the school holidays! But, on the bright side, he is working almost continuously (paying that mortgage!)and so we'll see more of him (hopefully)and I have to believe that he'll do BJD. There was a news item on CNN Showbiz News about Nic Cage playing the lead in Captain Corelli. BJD was supposed to be be Working Title's first new project, but it still seems shrouded in secrecy!!

BTW is it a supporting role? I've assumed it is, but I don't really kmow.

Londinium...Relative Values...One and the same? Another red herring? And what's this on A&E? Rita, was it mostly about Arsenal or did you hear anything about Fever Pitch being released shortly in this country? I'm sure no pictures or you would have mentioned that.

P. and P. is coming back to Oz. in a couple of weeks. Hopefully new fans etc. from our far distant land.

Let's add this to this mix: Found this news item at a Stephen Fry website about the British Film Institute commissioning him to star in a new large-format (IMAX) film with the working title London!! The link was to the Prince of Wales' website and here's the article from June 11, 1999. LATEST NEWS 11.6.99: The Prince of Wales wearing high technology 3D glasses when he opened the British Film Institute's London IMAX cinema. The Prince toured the purpose-built cinema and saw its projection facilities. The Prince of Wales opened the British Film Institute's London IMAX cinema, featuring the UK's largest cinema screen, and donned a pair of high technology 3D glasses to see for himself how the state-of-the-art system works. The Prince, BFI Patron, tried on the wrap-around glasses as he talked with BFI chairman Alan Parker. His Royal Highness visited the projection room and saw the controls for the 11,600 watt digital surround-sound system and the special projectors for the large-format extra-clear film.. The 482-seat cinema, built on the South Bank with the help of a �15 million grant from the Arts Council of England's Lottery Fund, is claimed to have the most sophisticated motion picture projection system in the world. The Prince saw the screen - more than 20 metres high and 26 metres wide - which is designed to make members of the audience feel literally "in the picture". His Royal Highness said he found the cinema itself "spectacular", and praised the achievement of creating it on a busy traffic roundabout. The cinema will show two dimensional and 3D large-format films appealing to a variety of audiences, including school parties. The BFI has commissioned the making of a brand new large-format film with the working title London, starring the actor and writer Stephen Fry. After the opening ceremony, The Prince of Wales saw a short film in IMAX 3D, and then removed his glasses to watch the world premiere of The Old Man And The Sea. The animated large-format - but 'two-dimensional' - film was based on the short story by Ernest Hemingway, with a live-action prologue depicting events which influenced the author's work. [etcetera etcetera] ******* OK, this article has Fry's name, London, and even Hemingway in it, albeit a different one! ;-) But imagine Colin on an IMAX screen!! Holy moly!! Give me oxygen!! Now, I ask you who are you going to believe? The Mirror or the Prince of Wales? http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/news/news_1.html

Checked online BBC it is mentioned that Jackie Dee will join Stephen Fry, Colin Firth and Merial Hemmingway in Londoninium. Will be shown in cinemas next year it continues.

You're right, Anne. How could I have missed it...followed the article about the sicko Austin Powers dolls or was that the sicko woman from Georgia (I think the Tarzan doll's hand movements are funnier) This is all so confusing!! My head aches. :(

Who is Jackie Dee? It does not look well for our chances of seeing this movie to have Mariel Hemingway as the 'star'...sob...

Can you imagine P&P2 on IMAX?! They would have to have life guards for the Tsunami of Drool that would generate!

Going back to what the Queen carries in her handbag, on good authority I have found out she carries a hook to attach her handbag to the table when dining to avoid it falling off her lap. If they showed P&P2 on IMAX I sense the hospitals would be full of Drool participants suffering from severe heart failure!! That look across to the piano - imagine what they would generate.

I am inclined to think these are two different films, didn't we read somewhere that Julie Andrews had been interviewed and confirmed RV with SF & CF. A lovely thought indeed Colin on an IMAX screen, WOW. BTW it is Jack Dee and he is a popular stand-up comedian in this country. I quite like the idea also that it is a comedy. Hi Rita thanks for the FP news and did you get my email?

I've read that HRH uses the handbag to signal when she wants to go somewhere to refresh her lipstick :-). ------- Looks like ODB enjoys being around London for a while, perhaps settling into the new home, now that the speakers (expr?) are safely up, hopefully. ;-)

I'm sure RV and Londinium are different, and also, re-reading, Colin could have a starring role (not support!) Jack Dee is very droll, deadpan, funny. He did a stint on stage in the West End recently (in "Art") and got good reviews. He comes from Winchester, like Colin. Londinium could be a good project. I agree... looks loke he wants to be in and around London for the summer!

Renate, we are being facetious about the Queen's handbag, but please call her Her Majesty, not Her Royal Highness! You Republicans... ;-)

I did call her H.M. but we are almost republican in Oz. We have a referendum in Nov. to decide whether to stay monarchis or go republican. Its a difficult decision for a 'pom'. It will be interesting to find out exactly what Colin is up to. Perhaps Livia wants to get her home to her way. As you say speakers! apart.

Londinium is the old Roman name for the city. Read all about it in the book "London" (wonderful read). The Albemarle site has a blurb on "Three Days of Rain" with a picture. Looks like we will get a poster this time. http://www.albemarle-london.com/news.html

but please call her Her Majesty, not Her Royal Highness! Excuse my ignorance, but what's the difference? Germany hasn't been a monarchy for a while. :-)

Re: Londinium, if there is a romantic male lead in it, I have to believe it would be Colin rather than Stephen Fry or Jack Dee! Echoing what Moon (I think) once said, why must every project ODB does be shrouded in mystery:-)

A romantic lead for Colin? How shall we bare it? *colapsing in shock* What Joy! What Bliss!

re Londinium, sorry to be a party pooper but it says it is a comedy not a romantic comedy as was Fever Pitch.

Also thanks Chris (Luvvy)for the 3DOR information, I see the top price for an evening performance at the weekend is now �30, matinees �18.90, we were really lucky to get to see Colin so cheaply in March, but don't be put off it is worthy every penny. I wonder hnw the poetry reading went this evening!!!

Well, Evelyn should be in OK by now, but she won't be online until tomorrow. I haven't spoken to her yet, as she hadn't checked into the airport hotel when I called. Will try later. WELCOME HOME EVELYN!! We are dying to hear all about your latest gathering of Droolites! Re: Higher prices at Donmar. Does that mean Colin will get a raise? ;-) He is drawing them in from across the ocean by the planeload!!

Yes, the Donmar prices have soared! "By popular demand"...sounds good! I think that this time 3DOR will attract quite a media buzz. Londinium...thanks again Ann. You're our star CF news spotter....Ceefax seems to be an excellent source! After an initial downbeat reaction because I mis-read the information, I think this could be a good one. Wasn't Mariel Hemingway recently in Deconstructing Harry (Woody Allen)? She seems to have been working consistently, but not at superstar level. She looks like her famous grandpa (same shape of face). And I like both Jack Dee and Stephen Fry. Jack Dee is rather Jack Benny-ish (not that I ever saw th original Jack Benny shows...just some clips!)...always very deadpan and gloomy. Londinium refers to the original Roman London, the area now covered by the City of London (the commercial centre). Anyone care to guess the plot? With an actress and a screenwriter as characters, it could be a humorous take on the film world. Maybe "Londinium" is a movie epic set in Roman times, a movie within a movie. What role for CF though? And yes, the poetry reading..must have just finished! Welcome back Evelyn!

[Her Majesty, not Her Royal Highness] Excuse my ignorance, but what's the difference? HRH is a title for everybody else in the Royal Family except HM. Higher prices at Donmar. Does that mean Colin will get a raise? The cast probably worked for just a standard wage previously (about �250 a week) and this time, owing to the success of the play, they may have negotiated a deal, e.g. a percentage of the takings in addition.

I was wondering going back to new Earl of Wessex etc. whether our man was invited since his wife is so fond of P. and P. does anyone know?

I'll be more than happy to see Colin in two new films next year, whatever they're called. The trouble is, Mariel Hemingway is a terrible actress. And hasn't her voice been compared to Minnie Mouse's? I know some of you are getting nervous as we approach 1999 (and I don't mean the millenium). I'm starting a new Colin Firth topic tomorrow. You can keep posting here, of course, but beware...the last CF topic refused to budge beyond 1,999 posts.

I don't like the sound of that voice. Perhaps it will fit the plot - being a comedy - I hope she won't be C.F.'s love interest if there is one.

A query - is Relative Values a certainty - a friend suggested they were being made at the same time - I wonder if it has fallen through?

A query - is Relative Values a certainty - a friend suggested they were being made at the same time - I wonder if it has fallen through?

Anne, I wish I knew. We seem to be the only ones awake at this hour. I will also be delighted to see CF in two movies next year. I would be happy to see any of his movies on the big screen! Well, perhaps a few exceptions...;)

Found this on Yahoo. Perhaps there's a chance yet that Colin may hit Broadway:-) NEW YORK (Variety) - In a deal that portends further transfers of English theatrical hits to Broadway, producers Anita Waxman and Elizabeth Williams have inked a first-look deal with London's white-hot Donmar Warehouse, starting with it's current production of ``The Real Thing'' by Tom Stoppard. The Warehouse has seen three recent productions move to Broadway as hits, and two transferred courtesy of Waxman and Williams' Four Corners Prods. banner. ...Waxman and Williams will now get the exclusive first shot ``at anything that was performed under the Donmar's roof,'' said Caro Newling, executive producer at the Donmar.

...Waxman and Williams will now get the exclusive first shot ``at anything that was performed under the Donmar's roof,'' Does that mean with or without Livia's approval? ;-) I want that kind of deal!! Excellent news, Susan. Colin potentially in New York...on Broadway. Wonder if this cast wants to do it. That can be a major commitment of time and what if a great script comes his way. OK, I'm daydreaming... Spoke to the travel-worn Evelyn this morning. Poor dear had horrible delays coming and going. She'll pop in later when she gets home.

(SusanMC)Perhaps there's a chance yet that Colin may hit Broadway:-) *Virtually crossing my fingers and toes* but 3DOR, a play about New Yorkers, might ruffle some feathers with a cast of two Brits and an expatriate American. At the start of this past B'way season, I read in the NY Times that there's alot of resentment (by American stage actors) towards this sort of thing. I don't think the audience would care but the actors'union might (controversy = good publicity!). The play already had a NY run--albeit off B'way. It looks promising that we will see Ms. Ehle, thoug ! Sorry to see that no one could make it to the poetry reading :-( (Heide) Mariel Hemingway is a terrible actress Remember that TV series she did? Pew! But I do think she's improved over the years; I give her credit for being the only one in the family with her head on straight (RIP Margeaux). "Eagle eyes" Ann strikes again! Good pickup! (SusanMC) Echoing what Moon (I think) once said, why must every project ODB does be shrouded in mystery:-) I think it's because we've got such excellent slueths who spot CF info in the early stages, before the details can be sorted out. I'm presently scratching my head about the two movies (Londoninium and RV) being made almost simultaneously. ???? (Karen)Does that mean with or without Livia's approval? ;-) I want that kind of deal!! Heehee! Anything that was performed, not anything [one] who performed!! We'd all stand in line for that deal :-D Welcome home, Evelyn. We missed you.

Interesting news about Waxman and Williams, Susan. Thank you. I hope The Real Thing does come over here--I'm dying to see it. But I can't see 3DoR coming over. It's already had a New York production, you know, a couple of years ago. The Donmar's was the first British production of any of Richard Greenberg's plays, but 3D has already been seen in L.A., Chicago, Toronto, Boston and San Diego in addition to N.Y. Greenberg said in a recent interview that the play was "catnip to the regions." The Warehouse has seen three recent productions move to Broadway as hits . . . Actually, I can think of four: Electra, Cabaret, Closer and The Blue Room.

Sorry to see that no one could make it to the poetry reading :-( Someone did. Hopefully there'll be a report at one of the websites soon. (Heide) Mariel Hemingway is a terrible actress Well, as it's a comedy, maybe she has to be a "terrible actress". Jennifer Tilly has an "awful" voice but it suits the parts she plays. I think "Londinium" has a very strong male cast (no complaints!) , but the choice of the female lead seemed rather odd! I'd like more details...writer, director, plot? I'm a bit dubious about 3DOR travelling back to the US. But didn't Colin tell someone at the Donmar(who asked him about his future work) that it was mainly the UK, but could be perhaps New York. Hopefully he'll do more work at the Donmar, maybe in something that could travel. But I also read that the Actors Union in the US is currently very much against the influx of British actors, because of the very high unemployment amongst US stage actors.

Saw the poster for My Life So Far...on a wall...at a movie today!!! I talked to the manager, but he said he didn't know until a week before what movies they are getting. So I asked what happens to the posters afterward? He said he takes some home and sends the rest back to their corporate HQ. He took my name and number and will contact me when this one comes down. Looks like a new printing of the one I have because I don't recall the line with "visit the Miramax cafe at ...." printed on the bottom. Before "An Ideal Husband," there were about 4 trailers for Miramax films but not... argh!! I want to see it on the big screen.

I just saw "An Ideal Husband," and was also hoping to see the preview of MLSF, but no such luck. :-( I hope we see something about the poetry reading soon, I am already packing and would like to leave with some news. Of course, the comfirmation of a couple of films would be ideal. Thank you for all the different tidbits posted above. Welcome back Evelyn, we want to hear all about JE and the play. Too bad you missed the poetry reading!

Any news on Relative Values - I read the other day it was only possible.

Anne, I agree, I'm beginning to wonder too if Relative Values is a sure thing. You'd think you'd hear more about Julie Andrews' return to film if it were. Makes me appreciate Londinium even more even with Mariel. The only reason to go to a movie these dull summer days is to sit on pins an needles hoping against hope that the MLSF trailer will be shown. Then you may as well go home. I've started Topic 119. Any brave souls who wish to continue here may certainly do so. I'll wait a bit to freeze it. EVELYN!! You've been away too long but I wish you had stayed in London just a day longer. ;-) And Moon, we'll miss you.

WELCOME BACK, EVELYN!! I pray that you of the magic connections can get to the bottom of this ongoing mishmash. We want the truth!!! :-b

Is there any way someone can get in touch with Evelyn and ask if it's possible for her to stay an extra day? I'm sure she'd be very upset to miss a golden opportunity to see Colin live. Hey Guys.....I'm sorry to let you down....but if it would have been Wednesday night, I would have gone (Yessss, even would have skipped my 4th time at The Real Thing....[could have sold the ticket for 50 Quid!!])But was leaving on Thursday...impossible to change plane reservations.Ann W, was a dear to inform me.Am so proud of ODB for taking an activist stand!! **** Read all the 320 postings since I left. Glad some people stood up for FF. (I like Joe Prince...like Winter said:"You could be sure he'd be there in the morning". **** Great news about all of Colin's new projects.If only someone would take his great acting skills seriously. ***** Thanks for all the good wishes...I really missed all of you.Good to be back...although I'm already starting to make plans for the January 15th Spring Reunion at the Donmar.Tickets for TRT were 24 UKP...30 UKP is getting up there with the West End.I hope Colin is getting a raise!! **** Welcome to the newbies, and Anne Rosen :-)....you've been away too long. ****

Yes welcome Anne and everyone, the more the merrier. Hope you have recovered from jet-lag Evelyn, thanks for the signed JE programme.

Am posting at 119.

Will post at 119 too.