Evelyn, YOU are hardly the Cruella type, but you certainly know how to get devastatingly handsome (3 handed) men to do what you want!!! Heide, I am all for 98, well I would be if it wasn't bedtime!! Thanks for setting it up for us.

There's a limit to what Harvey can ask of a man. Agreed. But there may be a post-Oscar celebratory bash, and maybe, just maybe CF will attend {Sore throat permitting!) It's a chance to see young Master Will (not Shakespeare) and after all that socialising during the 3DOR run, well, life in Islington could seem rather dull! Just watched an hour long preview of the Oscars on CNN. For someone whose name is rarely mentioned, there seemed to be a lot of CF...both with GP and JD...they always seemed to show his scenes. It's at times like this that I quite like Harvey! Bethan..Re: SLOW. I shall call next week. Oh, many, many thanks Evelyn! We're relying on you...although I do appreciate that you can't call too often. I guess I'm almost resigned to the fact that a theatrical release may never happen, but I'd like to think we could buy the video...eventually...I'd pay tops! The new Film Four channel in the UK shows films like SLOW, and there's also an independent distributor Artificial Eye who pick up foreign/arthouse type movies. But there's not much profit to be made in either option, and I'm sure the Bank kno s all the right moves. Anyway, thanks again for pursuing this!

Ooh-er, a plague on all those italics. What have I done?

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I do not think Colin will attend the Oscars. He does not seem to be the type that would go just for the parties. He will probably go to LA during Easter break when Will has a week off. Besides, he may wish to pick up a hammer and hang a few things at his new flat, put up the speakers etc, etc. ;-) Of course, I will still keep an eye out for DB at the Oscars, Livia just might talk him into it (perfect opportunity to wear her new Armani gown). He does look good in black tie, remember TEP?

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I don't think he'll be at the Oscars either but don't think I'm not going to watch just in case. I watched GP on A&E's Biography last night. Wasn't worth the bother - they kept cutting from the SIL scenes right before Wessex was to appear. Ladies, anyone interested in Arsenal (sorry, Ben), check out this site: Arsenal and if you go to the Shopping section, you can get your Christmas purchases now!! Surely someone you know would love that Arsenal musical alarm clock or bean bag chair. How about the double duvet? It's still marked at half price. For people who still use snail mail, the Arsenal stationary is just the thing. Don't forget to get the Arsenal wrapping paper to finish it off. Unfortunately, the boxer shorts only come in white, no red to be found but I might get that Arsenal mouse pad. By the way, Karen and I knew our trip to London was off to a good start when the panhandling musician got on the Osterley tube stop going into London and proceeded to entertain us with Van Morrison's "Bright Side of the Road" (you know, the celebration tune near the end of the Fever Pitch). Needless to say, he earned a few coins.

I think Karen should give us a picture of herself modeling the red Arsenal stocking cap that she bought at the Portobello Road flea market. !!

I don't think he'll be there (not unless Livia is a big fan of Roberto Bernigni!). But I'd check out the acceptance speeches if GP and JD make it to the podium...hopefully they won't do a Harvey! Evelyn, is this good news for SLOW? Front page headline in Sunday Telegraph Business scection "New direction for Handmade Films". Goes on to say that Handmade Films, previously owned by Paragon Entertainmment which went into receivership, has now been bought (for �1.7million) by Parallel Pictures production company. No information about Parallel, except that it's quoted on the Aim (what's that?). But it seems as though Handmade is back in business.

It's suspiciously quiet here, and I get several delivery failures in mail. Does anyone know if a transatlantic line is disturbed or something? Or do I have to have a word with ISP ? To all of you who shared the wonderful Donmar event: what about a review, from your point of view, for the firth.com page? Not a long one, if you don't want, and not too drooly (alas), but we shouldn't leave the field to the professional critics only. And Karen, from you I would like to have the double NY/London review ;-).

At the Independant Spirit Awards last night Miramax was honored with the Stash Award: for buying the most films and keeping them stashed away. What does this say for MLSF? Renate, I have tried to e-mail you to no avail. If you have sent your thoughts electronically, I would like to be included. I shall try you again.

Renate, it was returned once more. :-(

Miramax was honored with the Stash Award: for buying the most films and keeping them stashed away. What does this say for MLSF? I wonder if anybody ever tried to find out the reason for this? Renate, I have tried to e-mail you to no avail. Oy. I just put my doubts re my email account to rest, and now this. Here's the address again: renate@twinwave.net However: maybe somebody else can help you, Gi perhaps? Meanwhile everybody here should have a copy. ;-)

(Heide)I watched GP on A&E's Biography last night. Wasn't worth the bother True, if your motive for watching was Wessex-spotting. There was only a glimpse of his back. (Bethan) For someone whose name is rarely mentioned, there seemed to be a lot of CF...both with GP and JD...they always seemed to show his scenes. There was an Oscar special with Joel Siegel last night (was this shown nationwide in US or only in NY area?). Many SiL clips and all but one featured Wessex...and I mean featured! Speaking, dancing, threatening, bowing, scraping, etc. (sorry, no singing). It was an ABC presentation so I hope the Oscar broadcast will use the same clips. (Bethan) But I'd check out the acceptance speeches if GP and JD make it to the podium... Absolutely, particularly GP. She thanked him at both GG and SAG awards. It will be my main reason for watching (but I confess, I'm a sucker for these things--I watch every year). Like you, I'll keep my eyes peeled for CF but agree it's a longshot that he'll be there. (Moon) Miramax was honored with the Stash Award: for buying the most films and keeping them stashed away. What does this say for MLSF? (Renate) I wonder if anybody ever tried to find out the reason for this? I brought this up a while ago after reading snippet in Newsweek. Winter responded with a v. funny anecdote about Harvey! It's posted back at 116. Go, SiL! Go, Gwynnie!

Re. Parallel Pictures...it appears to be LA based. Is the Aim something to do with the US stock market? There was a similar news item in the Observer...there seems to be some interest in the survival of Handmade Films. They have a good track record and it was unfortunate (to say the least!) that the parent company went bankrupt. How is "Lock stock and barrel" doing in the US? Not my cup of tea, but it was very successful at the UK box office. I don't know how all this impacts on SLOW and finding a distrib tor. GP is apparently going to play Sylvia Plath in a Miramax backed film of the love affair between Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, starting with their meeting at Cambridge and covering the ten years until her suicide. Does anyone know who has been cast as Ted Hughes (if at all). Another potential role for CF (add to the Earl of Bothwell, Henry II, and Mark Darcy)!!

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! Moon, I'm from the center of Israel (near Tel Aviv). SIL got good reviews here but not beyond. Actually it was always compared with Elizabeth which was released a week before. while the critics really disliked Kate Blanshet's acting and the script in Elizabeth they praised the script of SIL and GP - not because of her acting but because of her sweetens and beauty (one critic said she'll probably win the Oscar just because of the beautiful way she faltered her eye lashes...) It's gone very quite here...

(Bethan)... Goes on to say that Handmade Films, previously owned by Paragon Entertainmment which went into receivership, has now been bought (for �1.7million) by Parallel Pictures production company. If Parallel paid 1.7Mil UKP for Handmade and got SLOW they got a bargain....the latter cost 3.-4.Mil UKP to produce!!However,any movement re: this film would be progress.I shall inquire when I call the bank . **** Re; Miramax Stash Awards: It will be two years next month that MLSF was filmed!! *** Go Gwynnie, SIL , Tom Stoppard, and Stephen Warbeck( Soundtrack)!!

(Bethan)GP is apparently going to play Sylvia Plath in a Miramax backed film of the love affair between Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, Goodie....I like Sylvia Path and the role of Ted would be a natural for CF!! *** (Bethan) Re. Parallel Pictures...it appears to be LA based. Is the Aim something to do with the US stock market? News gets better n' better, Bethan. LA based Parallel sounds promising. Aim is not part of the stock market, but could be an acronym for an organization of "American Independent Market". I dunno...sure it wasn't capitalized?

Good news, I think, about Secret Laughter of Women. Maybe Evelyn will be able to find out more but perhaps the film now has someone to look after its interest. But I won't hold my breath. Grasping at straws I know but I agree w/Bethan and Evelyn that Ted Hughes would be a plum role for Colin. I think the TH got a bad rap and he was rather good looking in his younger days. They surely will give it to someone else though. It has been quiet here this weekend, Adi. I expect we'll have a little more action after the Oscars. After all I've read this weekend, I'll be very surprised if Gwynie doesn't win Best Actress. (..and my greatest thanks go to Colin Firth. I'd never have made it without you!...) (yes, I'm kidding.) Just caught a glimpse of her in the pre-award show. Very Grace Kelly-ish look tonight.

For those of you who want Oscar results as they happen rather than tape delay, check in and boot the real video or real audio at http://www.film.com/reviews/features/awards/98oscars/live/

Colin Firth: Seen in film clips at the Oscars 5 times Mentioned by producer 1 time. Well done Dear Boy!

Well done SIL and well done Rita, Evelyn and anyone else who wrote to HW,thankyou Miramax for mentioning our DB who did so much to promote SIL.

Moon, I tried twice before to e-mail you but always got an error message. Could you e-mail me instead, so I get it right?

Hooray for SiL! Congrats to Gwynnie and Judi (they were very gracious even though CF was not individually mentioned) and the rest of the winners. I was ready to tear my hair out by the end of this marathon 4 hour broadcast but something told me to wait. When best pic was announced, I was astonished--buzz was unanimous for Pvt. Ryan. (Ann) Mentioned by producer 1 time. It was worth the wait (despite Val Kilmer and the horse)! I thought the SiL clips were OK (did you notice the split-second shot of Colin getting his makeup worked on?). The clips I saw on a pre-Oscar show (Saturday) were better, much more Wessex-y. Already today I've seen several clips with Wessex. Goody! I hope this good fortune bodes well for CF and John Madden.

Chris (Luvvy), do we have you to thank for the "Firth on Stage" page? Do tell!!! C'est moi. One day I'll update it with 3DoR.

Great going SIL. I was so glad to see Judi Dench win, and all the rest too. I was afraid she was going to be left out again though. The thanked Colin too, thanks honey. I was really p--- at the Golden Globes when Madden mentioned everyone but him. I was happy to see Speilberg win too. Not as happy as Roberto Felihini though with his two, although I did come out of my chair when J.D was announced and when SIL won for best picture. I was afraid it was going to be SPR.

I�m glad you enjoyed my little London report. (though I can�t remember having anything said here about his clothing , Karen ;-) ) The warm welcome as a (supposed) newbie of some of you shows me that I�ve been in lurkdom for a too long time, but I really have trouble to keep up with you all. One day off and there is such a load of messages that I hardly am able to catch up again. Perhaps I should ask my boss to let me go home earlier the day so that I can spent more time at Spring ;or I sould browse my daily schedule for other unnecessary things I can skip ;-) You see, I'm still refering to may London report "from the old days" and when I logg in again it's all about the Oscars. Back to semi lurkdom.

Was it just me, or did anyone else think Harrison Ford seemed almost comically shocked when he announced SiL as best pic? I believe it was Ford who announced best pic the year Schindler's List won and someone probably was counting on the same sort of symmetry this year, Ford and old pal Spielberg... Heard this bit of gossip on one of this a.m.'s chat shows. Seems at the post-oscar Governor's Ball Harvey W. went up to Spielberg's table. Kate Capshaw (Mrs. Spielberg) was apparently very gracious to him, but when Harvey congratulated Spielberg on his best director win, apparently Spielberg just said "Thanks" and turned away. Ouch!

You're right, Susan, Harrison seemed to stare at the paper before he announced SiL. And I was jumping around the room too, Lucie (BTW, it was Harvey Weinstein, not John Madden who left Colin out at the GG's). but when Harvey congratulated Spielberg on his best director win, apparently Spielberg just said "Thanks" and turned away. I can believe this. As nice as Spielberg seems, he must have been devastated at the loss. I didn't read of a single prediction other than SPR. I stayed up a bit after the show (middle of the night here). While Gwyneth was being interviewed in the press room, a reporter's mobile phone rang just as she asked a question. Gwyneth said "want me to get that?" and answered the phone. She asked "who's this?" and said to the reporter "are you available for Nick?" It was v. funny.

when Harvey congratulated Spielberg on his best director win, apparently Spielberg just said "Thanks" and turned away. Ouch! } There's been a bit of a controversy brewing over how Miramax campaigns for Oscars. They put a lot of money and effort directly into marketing for the awards--more than other studios. I heard one entertainment reporter say that some people feel that this is "cheating". So maybe Spielberg thinks he was cheated out of the Pic Oscar.

Ann - love your DB sightings and mention count at the Oscars. Colin in two out of the last three Best Oscar pictures. Think anyone notices besides us? That show went on so damn long (Whoopi wanted to make sure everyone got her jokes before she'd continue and what was with that stupid cowboy movie tribute?). I was ready to turn the TV off as soon as I heard SPR's name called for Best Picture. What a great surprise to hear Shakespeare... And thank you, Ms. Gigliotti for mentioning DB. It was only fitting. Saw the quick glimpse of Colin in the makeup chair too, Eileen. Do you think they were gluing on that mustache and goatee? ;-) Dreamworks was griping at Miramax because they then felt forced to shell out more millions in their advertisements. Their backing of a WWII monument in DC may sound like taking the high road but the cynic in me says the timing certainly didn't hurt SPR getting votes. I rarely agree with the Academy but this year I'll take it no matter how many votes Harvey "bought". Kirsten, we aren't done with 3DOR yet. And Arami has posted her Donmar story at 115.

I agree that the Oscars were far too long. Too many spots that had nothing to do with the subject. What were John Glenn and Gen. C. Powell supposed to be doing anyhow. And the Val Kilmar part with the horse, stupid. The preshow was so bad I turned the basketball game on until it was over. Emelia Fox is supposed to be at Donmar Warehouse in April.

Ann, I didn't watch the Oscars - Who was it who mentioned ODB? Was it Harvey? Or the makeup woman? I am cofused. Emelia Fox is supposed to be at Donmar Warehouse in April. Opens tonight, with Charles Dance in Good. Real enthusiasts should go to the Donmar. There is a strong chance ODB will turn up to watch.

Heide), Colin in two out of the last three Best Oscar pictures. Think anyone notices besides us? Yes! Colin of course. Wonder what prized picture he has in mind for this year. :-) Allison, the producer Ms. Gigliotti included Colin in her thanks. I hope she will have something to offer him in the future.

Emilia Fox at the Donmar..Opens tonight, with Charles Dance in Good. Real enthusiasts should go to the Donmar. There is a strong chance ODB will turn up to watch. Charles Dance attended 3DOR the night we attended and a Spring guest overheard Colin telling CD that they planned to attend Good. Also Aunt Gardiner should be there. A big P&P event (perhaps)

(Heide) Saw the quick glimpse of Colin in the makeup chair too, Eileen. Do you think they were gluing on that mustache and goatee? ;-) Yep! Dreamworks was griping at Miramax because they then felt forced to shell out more millions in their advertisements. Poor Dreamworks (read that with sarcasm). SPR has made over $200M while SiL hasn't cracked the $100M mark (but is expected to do so since winning best pic Oscar). (Ann) There's been a bit of a controversy brewing over how Miramax campaigns for Oscars. Harvey's been taking heat over here for months, Ann. He chalks it up to big studio resentment of the "little guy" (although just how little Miramax is could be debated, I suppose). I read somewhere that actors loved SiL because of its jokes about Hollywood. Perhaps their votes put SiL ahead of the popular favorite, SPR. I saw both and thought SiL was entertainment whereas SPR was a traumatic experience.

I saw both and thought SiL was entertainment whereas SPR was a traumatic experience. But SPR is a powerful film...and Steven Speilberg a gifted director . IMO it was a tie, and the members of the Academy viewed it as such. Karen and I discussed this at 11;30 PM the night of the Oscars.!! She has an interesting theory and I'll let her tell you.

Evelyn, how about a conspiracy theory for the Oscars? (A warning firth: I have nothing against jews or other ethnic origins) Did anyone notice that the best director award went to a jewish director, the best film to a jewish producer, the best foreign film and best actor to an italian jew?

Gi, Benigni is a catholic. During WW2 as the Germans were abandoning Italy, they arrested and sent to camps all the men they found. They wanted revenge against Italy which had betrayed them and taken sides with the Allied forces. My husband�s in Florence was one and so was Benigni�s father. Benigni grew up listening to his father�s tales. The entertainment industry in Hollywood is a very old established Jewish community.

That should be my husband's uncle in Florence.

Did anyone notice that the best director award went to a jewish director, the best film to a jewish producer, the best foreign film and best actor to an italian jew? } Gee, you mean there are lots of people of Jewish origins in Hollywood? That's not exactly news, but more a historic fact ;-) I agree with the Colin Powell/John Glenn/Horse bits being really really stupid and a waste of time, as was the interpretive dance portion of the evening. I love film montages though. They're one of my favorite parts of the show.

Actually, so many American intelectuals seem to be of jewish origin...I suppose they are just more visibly active :-)

Moon, did Ms Giglotti actually mention Colin by name and how many of the cast did she thank, was it only the credited cast, was Martin Clunes or Tom Wilkinson mentioned, I hope it wasn't too many of the cast otherwise it takes away some of the kudos. BTW I have just read that the UK Government is to invest �150m. in British Film, must be good for the British Film Industry and good for Colin. have you heard anything about this Bethan?

Yes, Ann, she did mention Colin and Rupert specifically, some others too but not the whole cast.

Though only recently.... One of the great economists of the twentieth century, Paul Samuelson, was denied tenure at Harvard because he is jewish. This was no paranoid interpretation - the reasons were clear. It was also in 1948, AFTER the war. His reaction was to set up the department at MIT, which became the pre-eminent department of economics for the next twenty years. Hello all, BTW. Back from relaxing 10-day Californian jaunt. Like, totally awesome, dude.

I've just read that the UK Government is to invest �150m. in British Film, must be good for the British Film Industry (Ann) I hope so , but there's already a stockpile of British films that have no distributor. Unless the distribution problem is tackled and we are guaranteed the opportunity to actually see the films, further investment could be a waste of money. I was listening to a showbiz journalist and he said that he always went to New York to watch British films ( o lucky man!) because American audiences were much more enthusiastic. He added that British films faced two major problems...apathy from distributors, and apath from the great British public! I'd like to see the industry producing a few big budget movies (like Elizabeth or SIL) and really promoting them, rather than producing another 50 "could be the new Full Monty" little films with miniscule advertising budgets. The Oscars...I bet Colin's in-laws were celebrating....victory for SIL and Ro-berrt-o! :-) Welcome back Ben!

I've really enjoyed reading about everyone's night and their encounters with CF. I usually don't post - but, I'm getting rather curious about when Fever Pitch is coming out in the States. Does anyone know when we can expect it? Last I heard it was coming in March - but I haven't heard a thing!

Welcome Kate! Hope you post more often... Fever Pitch is supposedly going to be released on May 28th, I think. The only reason why I remember the date is because it's a week after the release of "Phantom Menace" which everyone and their cousin is planning to see. That's either bad or good scheduling; depending if people had gotten Star Wars out of their systems the week before. I suspect it's going to be released in the smaller theatres (i.e. arthouse). Also, don't be surprised if it's going to be in limited release (NYC, LA, Chicago, etc.). Bad news is that I haven't seen a trailer for it yet. Oh yeah, welcome back Ben! It was great to see you! Today's weather is blue skies, cumulus (or nimbus) clouds, average temp: 68 degrees and getting warmer. Jealous? ;-)

Does anyone know when the Bafta's are to be awarded? I am anxious to see how SIL does.

(Bethan)...( journalist)..He added that British films faced two major problems...apathy from distributors, and apathy from the great British public! True, True....in addition, their movie magazines(Empire, Premiere etc) feature American film stars instead of British stars.Boo Hiss.

Winter - thanks for the information. I will keep my eyes open for it. I'm in San Francisco - I hope it makes it here, if it is only going to be released in major cities (i.e. NY and LA). I can't wait to see how they translated the book to screen. Even though soccer isn't popular here, the universal theme of a man and his undying love for a sports team rings true everywhere.

Hi, I'm new here, but, I've been lurking for months and really enjoyed all your stories. I saw this in today's USA Today's Life section from Jeannie Williams: Oscar-night fetes stole the spotlight, but a remarkable party took place Saturday night, before the Sunday awards. Skits were the highlights of Miramax Film's annual "family party" in L.A. Paltrow stole the show wearing a big nose and shouting, playing Roberto Benigni. The ebullient Benigni wore a long red muffler at the Beverly Wilshire party and was a hit as Romeo in the skits, crying, "I want to kiss your Golden Globes all over!" Colin Firth of SIL was with gorgeous wife Livia Giuggioli, seeing his first "Max Awards," as Harvey Weinstein dubs them. "No bloody way!" Firth said of doing future skits, which involve weird wigs but offer amazing actor juxtapositions. Marianne p.s.: I really enjoyed our Saturday lunch at Remi's ... thank you for making me feel so welcome.

Welcome Marianne, Kate and all the other delurkers! So if Colin was in LA for the Miramax gig on Saturday, is one to assume that he also attended the Oscars?

Wecome Marianne. I guess Livia did want to show off her Armani gown afterall. If Colin attended the Oscars he might have been sitting with Rupert and the rest of the cast which was not seen.

Marianne! Thanks for writing! (Our lunch was a blast, wasn't it?) Thanks for the scoop... "No bloody way!" Firth said of doing future skits What a spoil-sport! You'd think he'd be game to do something fun like that. And here I was thinking he was your everyday sort of bloke.

(Winter:) Oh yeah, welcome back Ben! It was great to see you! Today's weather is blue skies, cumulus (or nimbus) clouds, average temp: 68 degrees and getting warmer. Jealous? ;-) New York - grey, cold, getting greyer, getting colder. Jealous? Perhaps. But I look north out of my office, see the GW bridge and the curve of the Hudson, and remember where I am. Now, if I could get the LA weather, and a selection of LA people (leave Hollywood behind) and move them here... BTW, I feel I must, for the sake of all, nip in the bud ANY affection for Arsenal F.C. All Firthettes must be warned about the dangers of letting affection for the man himself spill over into a liking, however slight, for a football club which one of his characters happened to enjoy. The "Arse" is, justifiably, the most loathed club in the country Boring, overpaid, egotistical and financed by Guardian-reading, smug Islingtonites. (Before I get bombarded with rotten fruit and defences of YDB, there are nice Islington residents, of course - like the Firths, for example.) So...Arsenal boxer shorts and men who sport them...possibly, although Liverpool supporters are smarter, funnier and sexier, as a rule. Arsenal itself? NO.

(Winter) "No bloody way!" Firth said of doing future skits What a spoil-sport! You'd think he'd be game to do something fun like that. And here I was thinking he was your everyday sort of bloke. Agree, this doesn't seem like the CF we "know." Hmm...I wonder if he's been quoted out of context again. Perhaps that retort came in response to this question: "Colin, will you be back in the future to do a skit based on Harvey Weinstein's acceptance speeches?"

Whoops, almost forgot--welcome, Marianne and thanks for the info. It only takes a gentle nudge to get us started...

Sorry. Me too. It was lovely to meet you on Saturday, Marianne. Wasn't lunch fun? (Just for my own interest, BTW, next time you go there you should try and work out their rotation of waiters. I lost track of how many we had, but I'm pretty sure it was at least four.)

Ah, so he was in LA! Thanks, Marianne....puts an end to our "was he/wasn't he" debate. I wonder if he asked Roberto for his autograph (for Livia's mum)! "No bloody way!" Firth said of doing future skits, which involve weird wigs but offer amazing actor juxtapositions. As I read this, the skits required the actors to play each other, Gwynnie played Roberto, Roberto played Romeo, and Colin had to wear a wig...perhaps he had to play Gwynnie...hence the "no bloody way!" :-)

Welcome and thanks Mary Ann. We love newbies esp. when they bring us good new of ODB. Well Ben....I've been to http://www.arsenal.co.uk and made my Christmas list already.There's a neat Arsenal wallpaper, with accompanying curtains and pillowcases. Also an Arsenal lamp.A woman's dress...to get ODB attention next time we see him. In addition some red/white scrunchies (I thought that was a beverage they drink in Cornwall!!). Better go soon girls...they' seeling fast.re

(Ben) Boring, overpaid, egotistical That describes most American professional sports teams, so Arsenal fits right in! ;-) When you originally called them the most hated team in England, it made me think that they must be dirty players, which evokes images of players on such teams here as the Detroit Pistons, NY Knicks, etc. (I will leave Dennis Rodman out of it because he's a league of his own--hee hee.) You mean you only hate them because of how much money they make? If you pay them and they deliver the championships, then they are not overpaid. Didn't they win the Double last year? I rest my case. Winter, dear, think I'll send you a little bit of memorabilia in the mail to dangle wherever you'd like.... ;-)

(Ben) BTW, I feel I must, for the sake of all, nip in the bud ANY affection for Arsenal F.C Don't worry... I was never in the process of developing any sort of following. It's hard enough trying to find, at most, one football match on TV over the course of a week. Better not to get myself involved. Though I'm still baffled by your vehement dislike over Arsenal. Don't know if there are any parallels, but I really can't stand the Los Angeles Lakers. They've been, over the past few years, boring, overpaid and egotistical. I prefer calling them the "Hollywood Lakers" myself. New York - grey, cold, getting greyer, getting colder. Jealous? Actually, yes. A bit. Since the weather's been getting warmer, the sky has been getting browner. No good for runners. Winter, dear, think I'll send you a little bit of memorabilia in the mail to dangle wherever you'd like.. Thanks for the offer Karen, but I think I'll remain neutral in this debate. If anything, I'd invert its symbolic meaning and think of it as more NH memorabilia than Arse F.C..

(Winter) Though I'm still baffled by your vehement dislike over Arsenal. I'm not TOO serious. I just want you all to support the right team.:-) Having grown up in London, a fair few of my friends were Arsenal supporters, so it was a natural team to hate. (Perversity of this sort is prevalent amongst football supporters.) Arsenal were disliked for many years for a better reason - they traditionally play very dull, if effective, football. Their local, but less successful rivals, Spurs, always played beautiful football but lost more often. Perhaps it's like the Lakers, I don't know. Perhaps it's also like watching Tom Hanks win Oscars instead of YDB (BTW, Winter, are you not impressed with my newly exhibited control of .... italics ? I certainly am . There...now I'll do it again !!! Eat your hearts out, Firthette geeks!)

And one day you will forget that bloody end tag, too... ;-)

(Ben)BTW, Winter, are you not impressed with my newly exhibited control of .... italics ? I certainly am . There...now I'll do it again !!! Yes, Ben, quite impressive. Now let's see you do more! ;-)

(Provoked by Mr. Broadbent, Winter has only managed to embarrass herself and close her own bloody end tags...damn it.)

I'm going to take everyone's toys away! ;-)

much better

test test

Ben, did you know that my team F.C. Milan wanted to buy your Owen from Liverpool at the beginning of the season? Poor chap wanted to stay home instead and declined. My 7 year old has his national selection team shirt. :-) Winter you are officially on full Firth alert. Off to Santa Monica with you!

Winter you are officially on full Firth alert. Off to Santa Monica with you! Will do! Over and out! I've got two weeks of Spring Break, so I'll have plenty of opportunities to go down there and hang out in SM. Perhaps even rent some rollerblades and skate all the way up to... let's say...Malibu?! ;-)

Perhaps one of you can work up a utility such as spellcheck but this one will alert for missing HTML thingies. Actually, the one they do have is excellent and will not let me post anything with just an open ended html-less message. It keeps kicking it back to me with all sorts of suggestions. I finally find it and make it alright. But now, here on this writing space above the submit response button, I am writing in Italics, and I have tried my best to rid of them. We have a problem.

This is strange...The last messages have come up fine (unitalicized). It's only AFTER you post your own message that everything screws up again. I swear I closed those end tags.

MLSF is to open on the 11th June, according to Cinematters Website, great to get a definite date, hope it opens soon after in the UK. (2 films within 2 weeks can't be bad FP & MLSF)

How I envy you! Two CF films in a row, and I probably won't see either!

Thanks Ann, that is very good news. I hope they stick to the date this time. :-)

Were there any pictures of the Harvey Weinstein party. Judi Dench was there , she said he more or less makes you sing for your supper abd when that ws over she went to bed to get some sleep.

(Ben)BTW, I feel I must, for the sake of all, nip in the bud ANY affection for Arsenal F.C. All Firthettes must be warned about the dangers of letting affection for the man himself spill over into a liking, however slight, for a football club which one of his characters happened to enjoy. Now, Ben, I actually LIKE the team, but I do happen to adore Dennis Bergkamp (who plays for the Dutch national team when not in Highbury). How can one NOT like Nicolas Anelka, Ray Parlor, Michael Seaman(possibly the best goaltender going!) And Arsene Wenger is a great coach! (Ben)So...Arsenal boxer shorts and men who sport them...possibly, although Liverpool supporters are smarter, funnier and sexier, as a rule. Arsenal itself? NO. Ah Ben, I beg to differ. Liverpudlians may be sexy and smart (are you basing this on John Lennon and Paul McCartney? it's a joke, of course!), but Islingtonians are more human.

Blimey! I bow to your knowledge, Laura. I will admit that the current vintage of the Arse has some v. talented players, and that Bergkamp, in particular, is a footballing genius. The man is a joy to watch. The defence is also sound and the French midfield v. impressive. Their heritage is hard to overcome, however. And Nick Hornby's account covered some pretty awful Arsenal teams, a time when there happened to be some Liverpool teams that may have been the best ever to have graced a sward. I was also careful to include all Liverpool supporters, not just Liverpudlians, though John and Paul did seem to attract a fair number of hormone-soaked young gels. No, there are plenty of non-scouse Reds fans like, oh, just to pick one at random, me! As for human Islingtonians, I will simply agree to disagree.

As for human Islingtonians, I will simply agree to disagree. ] Okay, I'll concede on that one, but only that! HA! Never underestimate the knowledge of an strong Irish woman! :)

Hi all ... thanks for the welcome ... now it's back to work for me.

As for human Islingtonians, I will simply agree to disagree. Watch it, watch it! There's at least one (new) Islingtonian who is not only human, but also super.

Poor Charles Dance...got poor reviews for "Good" currently at the Donmar. The Telegraph...Charles Dance, however, an actor who often gives the impression that he thinks a handsome profile can make amends for a dull performance, is merely blandly unlikeable....as the girlfried, Emilia Fox's failure to recognise encroaching evil is more persuasive than Dance's. Nevertheless, this remains a deeply disappointing revival that leaves a once highly regarded play looking cruelly exposed. Bet there are lots of seats available for thisone.

Hey, Marianne! You'd better stay, now that you've been "outed!" ;-P

I thought CD and EF made a terrible couple in Rebecca. I never found him handsome enough to .... Of course, those reviews just make ODB's star shine brighter. ;-)

Of course, those reviews just make ODB's star shine brighter. ;-) My thoughts exactly, Moon.

A SECOND CHANCE TO SEE 3DOR AT THE DONMAR?!! Get packing Eileen, Winter, Moon, Rita, Jana and anyone else who did not see it the first time. I also feel another trip to London coming on, even though I have seen it twice!!! From today's BAZ BAMIGBOYE Column in the The Daily Mail:- "WATCH OUT FOR..... Colin Firth who stars in a film called Donovan Quick which BBC Scotland is filming on location near Glasgow. Mr. Firth was in Los Angeles with his wife, Livia Guiggioli, but is returning to play a transport firm boss involved in deregulation and privatisation. "My character defends the little man against the big corporation, but there are complications" Firth told me. He was recently on stage at the Donmar Warehouse in Covent Garden in Three Days of Rain, by American playwright Richard Greenberg. Firth and fellow actors E.McG and DM gave mouthwatering performances. PLANS ARE AFOOT TO BRING THEM BACK IN THE PLAY AT THE DONMAR AT THE END OF YEAR." (Don't mean to shout just don't know how to emphasize it any other way.) Great news and we also now know that DQ is definitely for the BBC.

AnnW: Fabulous news!!! Now if somebody (BBC or...) would only film and broadcast it...

Oh god! London, I�m COMING!!! Thanks Ann, what a treasure you are to bring these news.

I'm THERE, baby! Jana!!! Moon!!! What say you, sisters? You can tell your sig. others that you have a friend in need of chaperoning to London ;-) I was all over L.A. these past 2 weeks... where have the Firths been hanging out, I wonder.

Ann, thanks for the news! Maybe if I start thinking about it now, I can come up with a plausible London business trip excuse by the end of the year;-) Ladies who have seen 3DOR, I am curious: if it is indeed restaged at year-end, and you had your 'druthers, what other actress would you rather see cast as Nan/Lina? (I recall there was some disappointment with EMcG's performance -- who do you think might have done it better?)

Susan, that's an interesting question. I have a suspicion - and please shoot me down, ladies - that v. few are worthy of standing next to The Firth. Even when I suggested, with a "num" question (expecting the answer yes), that JE would have done okay, there was a polite but clear silence on the matter. Aphrodite herself would have trouble getting past any director from Drool, I fancy. "Nice cheekbones, maybe, but there's something wholly unsuitable about her in that bed scene with Colin." ;-)

Thanks, Ann, for reporting this surprising news! Shout all you want! (SusanMC) Maybe if I start thinking about it now, I can come up with a plausible London business trip excuse by the end of the year;-) Maybe if we all put our heads together, we can create a standardized list of excuses.

Of course, those reviews just make ODB's star shine brighter. ;-) I was holding my breath for him...if you'd seen Rufus Sewell's reviews (audience falling asleep etc) you'd have realised how bad reviews can be. To be called "superb" "amazing" "world class" is no mean feat, especially when (I suspect) many reviewers would have been pleased to see Mr Darcy take a tumble! "Movie stars" tend to fare badly at the pens of theatre critics. And he's playing it again! He must have enjoyed his return to the stage (and his reception afterwards) :-) Marvellous news Ann!! The Daily Mail finally delivers... And it even gives me time to convert my DH to the joys of the theatre or to arrange a covert trip to a matinee (the latter is easier, I think!) 3DOR deserved a longer run....and this gives the cast and production the chance of nominations for Olivier awards (equivalent of Tonys). Ben, I would LOVE to see CF and JE on stage together, but I can't see EMcG stepping down! How about "Pygmalion"? CF as Professor Higgins, and JE as Eliza? "The rine in spine.." CF's fixture list is surely filling up...two movies opening end of May, early June in the US, what sound like a very imminent start on Donovan Quick, and (see Karen's posting at #80) with Working Title's BJD greenlighted, hopefully he'll give us a reprise of Mr Darcy (milennium version) in the summer. Oh frabjous day!

Susan, I agree with Ben I think JE could play Nan/Lina, she is after all half American and I think she could do the accent as well if not better than E.McG and she is about the right age, give or take a year or two and plus I would love to see them doing something together again!

Was that just a shot in the dark about Pygmalion, Bethan or had you heard the same rumour that I have heard that Cameron Mackintosh? is to produce MY Fair Lady in the millenium and it was mentioned that CF was one of the actors under consideration. It was about a year ago I heard this and I think again in the BB Column in the Daily Mail, but can he sing!!

Susan, I agree with Ben I think JE could play Nan/Lina, she is after all half American and I think she could do the accent as well if not better than E.McG and she is about the right age, give or take a year or two and plus I would love to see them doing something together again!

JE could definitely to the second act Lina very well and would do far better than EmcG on the accents overall, but she is a tad young. Nan (Act one) is the OLDER sister of Walker, who is in his mid-30s. Do you really think she's old enough. Think American actresses with the ability to do a Maggie the Cat, age 35 and up.

Ann, "Pygmalion" was a shot in the dark. As for "My Fair Lady", well, Rex Harrison didn't exactly sing...he talked to the music, and very effective it was! But didn't CF sing in SIL...I've only seen it once, so my memory is becoming hazy!