CF sang indeed in SiL... Five years ago I saw a version of My Fair Lady in a Broadway theatre, with Richard Chamberlain as Higgins. Was terribly disappointed in that it was, IMO, richard C playing Rex Harrison playing Higgins... Would love to see what Colin could do to the part. "Oh, wouldn't it be marvelous?!"

Check the keepsakes for SiL. SBRobinson would leap to his defense as a singer, as her keepsake is his little song sung from horseback on a Sunday morning riding out to meet Viola just as she was going to church.

Ben, I think JE and CF would work wonderfully together in just about anything. Unfortunately, I think the chances of that happening again are pretty slim. There aren't many cases I can recall of former flames who've worked together again -- Burton and Taylor, perhaps? Can anyone think of others? On the other hand, I hear the cast of Clint Eastwood's new film includes his ex-girlfriend Frances Fisher, so maybe there's hope after all;-)

Ben, I don't remember your mentioning JE to play Nan/Lina...I certainly would have responded. However, she is supposed to be the older of the two and I would LOVE to see CF and JE on stage together, but I can't see EMcG stepping down! I don't think she would let go for a minute. ****** As far as JE and CF being co-starred... their relationship ended amicably. They admire each other's acting skills ...I don't think it would matter to either one.

their relationship ended amicably Officially - maybe. What do we *really* know?

Ann: Thank you for the news. Maybe I can come. It is not like I don't need a distraction. What a beautiful distraction CF on stage.

Oh my, CF may be back at the Donmar? How am I to convinve the DH that I must go to London? I'll have to start working on excuses now :-). I'm sorry to be so tardy in my post (have been enduring work overload this week - I know, I always say that) but I just want to say thanks to the lunch gang from last weekend. What a great day! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Marianne, you cute thing. So glad you delurked! See, we're not that scary :-). Please come out and play more often. winter, it just gets better each time we meet. And Ben.... Back from relaxing 10-day Californian jaunt. Like, totally awesome, dude. so glad to see we've converted you :-). It was great to meet you! Next time you're in town we'll try the roller coaster.

(SusanMC)There aren't many cases I can recall of former flames who've worked together again -- Burton and Taylor, perhaps? Can anyone think of others? Woody Allen and Diane Keaton.

What news! Thanks Ann, in fact, I will be in Rome as of Dec. 18, it is certainly something to start planning for. :-) Does anyone know how long Don Q will will be in production. Must coordinate my Umbrian summer soon. Ben, I am all for JE as well, as we know, she looks great with dark hair.;-) CF as Higgins? Hmm...

Great news Ann. We can all start planning soon. It is certainly something to keep us going!!

I have just been in touch with the Donmar, they were very helpul, making another call on my behalf, and gave me the following information. The revival has not yet been confirmed, if it is the venue is UNLIKELY to be the Donmar. The casting would depend on availability, if original cast were to be available, then it was agreed they would be likely choices due to success of 3DOR reviews etc He said to keep in touch re latest news and I am happy to volunteer to do that on a regular basis. So it is fingers (and everything else) crossed.

Sorry to put a "damper" on the Saturday morning that some of you are just waking up to.

Lizza, thanks VERY much for calling to the Donmar, I was only just about beginning to pluck up my courage to do that. And I�m very grateful if you can keep in touch with them to get any possible news...so, the revival is not yet confirmed which means that everything is possible!?

Thank you Lizza....I likethe Donmar ...v. intimate. Some of us asked him to come back to the stage soon....but I didn'tmean the same play. Just as soon it was a different one. ******* their relationship ended amicably .Officially - maybe. What do we *really* know? Well, Firthsister....we can only take Colin and Jennifer at their word.They are both sincere people and I doubt they would lie. In an interview just last month she remarked about him.."He is a v. nice man and a terrific actor". Anyway....that was four or five years ago.It's all conjecture...I doubt they will co-star again.

If you ask me, it's good news it's not at the Donmar - at least as far as the success of the piece is concerned. It means, surely, they're considering a West End venue, or perhaps the Royal Court. (Jana2) Next time you're in town we'll try the roller coaster. Good plan. Winter - perhaps you could go so far as to wear high heels, or is that too vertiginous? ;-) Some excuses for Jana's DH: "helping W. overcome fear of heights by making her fly to London with me" "have heard about these things 'cloud' and 'rain', and thought I'd check them out for myself" "they've discovered oil below Covent Garden"

(Ben)Good plan. Winter - perhaps you could go so far as to wear high heels, or is that too vertiginous? ;-) Alright smart boy...you just watch yourself. Next time: You. Me. Santa Monica Pier Roller coaster. Endurance test. Got it?! Seriously, Jana2 (and anyone else with DH obstacles): Can't you say you're going to London with a group of harmless women, doing a special tour on London's theatre district? I see nothing absurd about that. People go on tours just to watch the leaves fall in New England (heck, I'd take that tour).

Winter - perhaps you could go so far as to wear high heels, or is that too vertiginous? Spring for the dictionary...for a minute I thought William Buckley had logged on:-))

Donovan Quick which BBC Scotland is filming on location (Ann) Aha...so it's BBC Scotland. The director of DonQ (name escapes me) was responsible for an absoluely marvellous BBC Scotland production "Taking over the Asylum" which won a BAFTA Best Drama award. Very warm and humane, based on what sounded like unpromising material (the patients in a mental hospital fight back after the "asylum" is threatened with closure.) A good omen. Moon, I reckon he'll be stating filming now...there are only a few "good" months for filming, April through August, and I'm sure they'll want some shots of the beautiful Scottish scenery!. He's back in MLSF territory, if he's near Glasgow. I doubt they will co-star again (Evelyn) I don't know...I always think there's a chance. They share the same agent, and I'm sure that both want to balance stage and film work. Wasn't JE's last stage role about three years ago (Queen Anne in Richard III)...she may be thinking of a return soon. (BTW, JE has another movie opening next week .."Bedrooms and Hallways") Re 3DOR not at the Donmar...I agree with Ben. Most successful productions which start at the Donmar and then extend, transfer to another (larger capacity) theatre in the West End. I doubt whether you'll be able to read the price labels on CF's shoes or see his bald spot! I should also think that CF (and possibly the other cast members) have ongoing work commitments, because most transfers seem to take place two or three weeks after the end of the opening run. Not many shows transfer...there has to be a r cognised demand.

Re: CF and JE ...They share the same agent Same firm at Oxford House: ICM. Different agents.Jennifer's is Sally Long-Innis. Jennifer's last stage appearance was at Stratford June-Nov. 1995 with the RSC. She was rumored for "Cat on Hot Tin..." with Peter Hall. But he has relocated to Hollywood. Now that would be a play for both of them....Tennesee Williams... Talk about smoldering. A real sizzler!!

Such good news you always bring us, Ann! Both 3DOR and DQ. Thanks also Lizza, for volunteering to be our Donmar go-between (even if it doesn't ultimately land at the Donmar.) Can't imagine there will be a dearth of Firth this year. (Evelyn) Some of us asked him to come back to the stage soon....but I didn't mean the same play. LOL!! I wouldn't mind seeing him do something different either but at least those who couldn't go last time have a second chance. And if I begin my electroshock therapy now perhaps I'll be able to handle the excitement this time. So get your excuses ready, girls. You have to go to London to find that special Christmas gift for your DH not available anywhere in the world....perhaps that Arsenal wallpaper? Welcome, Marianne. You've joined us during a very active time. Our DB can certainly generate some heat, can he not.

(Heide)....perhaps that Arsenal wallpaper? I'm losing the battle, clearly. NOT the Arsenal wallpaper. I am convinced that you could be on the brink of success with YDB, all of you. You would make him laugh and your intentions regarding him clear. But, just at the last minute, with him leaning over to turn down the light, you draining the last of the champagne, he sees the Arse wallpaper in your bag and THAT, my dear friends, would be it. FORGET IT.

I doubt whether you'll be able to read the price labels on CF's shoes or see his bald spot! The price labels... by the end of the second week, by the way, there was only one left still attached... yes, on the left sole! But as for his bald spot... the sad truth is, it's more than just a spot - the whole top of his head shows signs of extensive thinning now... (but never mind, he's still lovely...)

it's more than just a spot - the whole top of his head shows signs of extensive thinning now... (but never mind, he's still lovely...) Speaking of which, doesn't it look like he had a full head of thick matted hair in SiL. Was it the magic of makeup artists?

(Evelyn)...but I didn't mean the same play. Just as soon it was a different one. Not Fair...Just as the critics are raving "You must see this play!!", it is 1) sold out and then 2) gone. Don't be a dog-in-the-manger about it now...give the rest of the world a chance to see it now that they know WHAT and WHO to pursue! --If it ever comes up that CF and JE would be offered to work together again-- amicable parting or not--these two are consummate professionals and IMHO wouldn't refuse on those grounds if the material was good enough!

His hair, my dear, his hair.....oh, you spoilsport, Arami! (Not that I really care...thinning hair can be a sign of distinction!) Now I wasn't there and haven't gazed exclusively on his pate, but I do have a theory. My son has similar curly rather fine hair, which he has recently cut short and (horror of horrors!) insists on smothering with gel (the "wet look"). Awful. When short and "wet", you really can see his scalp, but when newly washed and longer,it looks as though he's got a good head of hair...which indeed he has! Just a theory. :-)

as for his bald spot... the sad truth is, it's more than just a spot It really is true. I was a bit surprised when he did that water bit in 3DOR and the situation of his hair became so visible especially under the strong theater lights. I expect his hair to get considerably thinner on the top of his head in the next few years, that�s inevitable. I wonder what he�s thinking and feeling about it himself, after all it�s a pretty big change to one�s looks and looks is his instrument. A change like that will affect his roles too....but I don�t think I�d lose interest if he lost his hair, there are other beautiful things in him that he�ll never lose.

I would have loved the Donmar because you are so close to him, as you ladies experienced. I would prefer a play where he speaks without an American accent, but that is besides the point. The play was most successful and it will be 3DOR at the bigger venue. I love your idea Heide, of shopping for the Xmas gift in London, perhaps an ancient manuscript on Alchemy, and that wonderful Darjeling tea at the Bluebird. Funny thing is, that all our very good friends from London will be coming to Italy for the holidays. I remember driving through Scotland one summer. Did not care for Glascow, but Loch Lomond which is nearby was very lovely. I wonder where exactly he will be filming? Lizza, I will be waiting to hear the dates, thanks!

I like your theory, Bethan....but trust me...I sat in the first row of the balcony for two hours...It's thinning...like they say...not just in one spot.Big Time.And he doesn't use it curly in 3 DOR or gelled! There are several new medications now that are v. successful,however. Never mind...we'll love him just the same:-) Some say they noticed it in P&P..but I never saw it.

Yes Evelyn-I noticed it in P&P. It was their meetin at Pemberly after he was properly dressed. It was when he turned & said "would you introduce me to your friends?" I thought it was because his hair was supposedly wet from swimming. Unhappily,my eyesight hadn't fooled me.

There are several new medications now that are v. successful,however. And hasn't Gi volunteered her services? No, not those services - the hair replacement treatments. I accept your theory, Bethan, and will not change my mind until I see him again and it's even more noticeable. Though I'll love him still the same. Elena, your points are well taken. Could this be why he doesn't seem himself as a romantic figure in future roles? Nah!

...and that is see himself as a romantic figure.

(Ben) Some excuses for Jana's DH: "they've discovered oil below Covent Garden" LMAO! That one might actually work. I'm tucking it away for future reference :-).

Where is Lizza these days? Lizza: check your email box NOW! I believe you may have something you want to share with the world at large...

Arami, I believe Lizza is away for a few days, oh no this is so intriguing, I'm sorry I'm just naturally curious.

Where is Lizza these days? Lizza: check your email box NOW! I believe you may have something you want to share with the world at large...

Oops, damn program - it reposts automatically when you go off and then on line again. Have you found out how to avoid it? Just remember to leave the board on which your post is the last one. Silly, and one can't always be bothered.

Arami, you did that deliberately!!:-)) And now I�m about to explode with curiosity. What does Lizza has to say to the world?? Do we have to wait for a few days to hear it?!

Calm down - it's just her pics in a tasteful frame, ready to be viewed. Suppose it's best to let her see firth if she likes the way the've been processed.

3DOR movie? At the IMDB they are listing a film called "Three Days of Rain" as in preproduction. Is this based on the play? (Apparently the wife of the mayor of St. Paul MN is signed to act in it (as her debut), that's where I heard about it.)

What's the mayor's wife's name? There are three women listed in the cast at the IMDB. I had read that the film rights were purchased a while back. Could be one and the same and they would likely have different actors playing the parent and child roles, as well as the unseen but mentioned characters and perhaps others.

Okay, I bow to your superior judgements...his hair is thinning! My suspicions dated back to the time when Helen Fielding endowed Mark Darcy with a developing bald "spot" (Bridget notices it as MD bends over by the fridge)...and I thought "hello, life imitates art, I bet Colin's got one too!" BTW, ladies, were you paying much attention to the actual play?

Actually no--the first night that is. Instead I was thinking about all the things I read about him plus the movies I had seen him in. I think I was in a total daze. I also remember when the play began and he walked on stage, I got excited and said, "Oh, my God." The lady sitting next to me from cf.com just turned around and smiled. However, the second night I concentrated more on the play. Here's another question for the ladies who were in attendance. Did CF live up to your expectations and why?

BTW, ladies, were you paying much attention to the actual play? LOL! What play? Bethan, a very good question and I believe you know the answer too. I really seriously think I should see the play again because all I remember is that there was this gorgeous guy and I remember every single detail of him especially when he was laying on that bed :-D but what the hell happened in the play?! (Just kidding. Or at least almost.)

(Jana C.)Here's another question for the ladies who were in attendance. Did CF live up to your expectations and why? Beyond my expectations is more like it. I was completely blown away by his stage technique...so different, IMO from his films. Of course, for once he selected a perfect role for his acting skills. He totally embodied himself in Walker/Ned. Anybody else feel this way?

I remember driving through Scotland one summer. Did not care for Glascow, but Loch Lomond which is nearby was very lovely. I wonder where exactly he will be filming? (Moon) Glasgow is very strong culturally (music, drama, art etc) and has some marvellous civic buildings, but the immediate environs are rather grim. However once you're out of the city, the scenery is stunning. I should imagine they could be filming near Loch Lomond/Queen Elizabeth Forest....your guess is as good as mine! I wonder if Livia is with him on location....is it usual for spouses/partners to join the shoot? Could be rather boring. I don't know about anyone else, but I've grown so accustomed to almost daily accounts of new meetings/conversations with the Man Himself, that I'm half expecting (hoping) to read "My meeting with CF in Auchenbothie" or "A casual encounter with Mr Darcy in the Kilpatrick Hills" Isn't there anyone north of the border who can carry out a sortie?

Seriously, 3DOR proved me that Colin really is a professional. You can�t be certain of that before you see an actor on stage, it�s so easy to hide things in a movie and do a million retakes. I was a bit worried beforehand but now I know what he�s capable of and admire him much more than I did before. Still I think he was slightly self-conscious on stage and didn�t sort of throw himself into the roles. I sensed some sort of nervousness and I�m not talking about Walker�s or Ned�s nervousness but the actor�s. He seemed to hold something back especially in the matinee performance, that�s my opinion. How I�d LOVE to hear his own thoughts about the play, how he felt doing it, did he think it succeeded, was it what he wanted it to be, why he chose to be in exactly that play....should we send him a NEW list of questions?!

Jana, he far exceeded my expectations, he was much younger and good looking in real life (if that is possible), in SIL I thought he looked a bit jowly and fatter in the face and much older than he looked in 3DOR, he was more charming, friendly (after the recent bad press about his internet fans), obliging, sexier, thinner, his acting was even more awesome on stage than on scene (am sorry he won't be at the Donmar next time, it was wonderful to be so close to this awesome creature!), taller than I had expe ted, those eyes were even more impressive and that voice need I say more, the only thing I missed was seeing him astride a horse but you can't have everything, sorry about the grammar. Is that enough, I could go on.

Thats's strange Elena, because I thought his performance in the Matinee had an "edge" and he seemed a little tired in the evening but it was still a wonderful performance.

what I meant to say was the his Matinee performance was a little sharper.

Thats's strange Elena, because I thought his performance in the Matinee had an "edge" and he seemed a little tired in the evening but it was still a wonderful performance.

Okay, maybe I was the nervous one! And I really was, or completely dazed like Jana says.....but I liked the evening performance more because he seemed to be more relaxed in it and sort of completely in control of what he was doing. All in all, it�s very hard to say objectively whether the performance of the actor was wonderful or not because the man HIMSELF is so wonderful and it�s not exactly the same thing!!

One has to be a disinterested viewer to be objective about performances...no posibility of that in THIS group! BTW I would be interested in how this play and Colin got together. Did he see or read it, get interested and make "suggestions"? Was it already planned and someone saw how he might match the part and submit it to him for his approval?? (if available, of course.) Was someone at the Donmar keeping an eye out for his interests ("wants to do a little live theatre again...")? Is it all just luck (two ships colliding in the night??) After all, it was first produced two years ago in California... It was almost as if these two roles were written *specifically* for his skills! Serendipity, anyone?

(Karen J)Was it already planned and someone saw how he might match the part and submit it to him for his approval?? Sue Birtwistle ?? :-) Interesting questions.Maybe we could make up another list of questions re: 3 DOR.

What has hair to do with talent? Isn't that why we love to see him. Look at Sean Connery, being bald certainly hasn't hurt him. He's just as sexy as ever too. I think he's even better bald. Michael Jordon wouldn't be as sexy with hair as he is bald. IMHO

I would really love to see Colin play vidal in Georgette Heyer's The Devils Cub.

Just about every SIL scene shown at the Oscars included Colin Firth. His scenes were clearly some of the more interesting ones. There was the Dance, , the sword fight, the kiss and slap, the scenes with the Queen, all of which were action packed. Therefore, I find it so unbelievable and so distressing that he didn't get more recognition and acclaim for his role in the film. Well, at least Gwyneth mentioned him at the Golden Globes and Gigliotti at the Oscars.

So glad you mentioned Dancing, Susan. Look what I found:

Great pic, Karen! Where'd you find that one? Just a few words about his hair: it's more than just a spot - the whole top of his head shows signs of extensive thinning now... (but never mind, he's still lovely...) (KarenR) Speaking of which, doesn't it look like he had a full head of thick matted hair in SiL. Was it the magic of makeup artists? I noticed that too. Either said thinning has accelerated since Mar/April '98 when SiL was filmed or he wore fake hair to go with the fake goatee. (Lucie) What has hair to do with talent? Isn't that why we love to see him. Good point but as Elena said, in acting looks and talent are part of the same instrument. Sorry, but I like his hair and will miss it even though I'll always admire ODB. Thanks for keeping up with the fate of 3DOR, Lizza. If everything works out and Colin does reprise it, I think the possibility of an Olivier nom would be icing on the cake for him. Remember, he won't do long runs. How long does a play need to run to be considered? I agree, Heide, there'll be no dearth of Firth this year. I have this inexplicable feeling that his best is yet to come...

I've just seen an article in today's Guadian which may shed some light on why SLOW hasn't got a distributor in the US (which has a knock on effect on the UK, because we no longer have any European distributors). BTW, I'm only the messenger, so if the views expressed are controversial, write to The Guardian!! :-) Apparently the (black) actor who plays Dr Benson in ER has asked for his screen relationship with the (white/English) Dr Corday to be ended, because it is not conveying the right message. He feels that black men should be depicted in successful relationships with black women, and the producers have agreed. The article continues... "This decision highlights the squeamishness with which American film and TV have always dealt with mixed-race relationships. For the most part they avoid them altogether, or when they do happen they are mainly between white men and black women (Kevin Costner/Whitney Houston, Warren Beatty/Halle Berry...which is"far less threatening to the white men who fund the film industry"... or (very occasionally) black men and foreign white women (ER). The article goes on to comment that in the UK, mixed race relationships are so commonplace in soaps and films, that they don't even register as such. Relationships are also shown in various degrees of intimacy ( which again I do not think is the case in the US). (I can remember CF and Cathy Tyson (or rather, their characters!) kissing with some enthusiasm in "Out of the Blue" and Cathy Tyson is very beautiful , and black.) I also remember a marvellous French movie (which sounds similar to SLOW), starring Daniel Auteuil as an unsuccessful French business man who falls in love with his Cameroonian cleaning lady and marries her (to disapproval from both sides of the community) anf finds true happiness. It did very well in Europe, but not elsewhere. Anyway, as I said I'm only the messenger.....:-)

AHA!! I have been suspecting as much for a long time...

The article goes on to comment that in the UK, mixed race relationships are so commonplace in soaps and films, that they don't even register as such. Relationships are also shown in various degrees of intimacy (which again I do not think is the case in the US). Hmm...interesting...No, you don't have as many interracial couples portrayed in US media as you do in the UK. For a lot of reasons...The main one being the racial politics and history in US race relations. Britian had a fairly more lax treatment of ethnic minorities-- discrimination was more class based than racial, I think. Of course they'd have instances of hate-crime, etc...but not to the degree of systematic lynchings or institutionalized segregation in public places. (As for the Dr. Benton/Dr. Corday relationship-- it was a poorly developed story in the first place. I'm rather glad to see it possibly end. Perhaps ER can hire an English actor to join the cast as an old flame of Dr. Corday's...ODB perhaps? CF in medical scrubs...think about it.)

(Bethan) Apparently the (black) actor who plays Dr Benson in ER has asked for his screen relationship with the (white/English) Dr Corday to be ended, because it is not conveying the right message. He feels that black men should be depicted in successful relationships with black women, and the producers have agreed. There is something v. sad about this, I think. Is this what Martin Luther King or Bobby Kennedy would have wanted?

(Ben)There is something v. sad about this, I think. Is this what Martin Luther King or Bobby Kennedy would have wanted? No, they wouldn't. But at the same time, they might not have approved of a Black man as a single father, unable to hold down a relationship with the mother of his child, which happens on the show. Furthermore, the relationships between black actors on the show have resulted in infidelities, transfernce of HIV from husband to wife, and this season's storyline about the African couple (the wife is afraid of being physically absued by her husband). I don't really care how this character's love life develops but I think I see where the actor (La Salle) is coming from. He sees an urgency to ammend existing stereotypes of black/black couples, before jumping into the black/white issue.

There was an article in LA Time earlier this month. I've extracted a bit of it below. The writer is Sir Peter Hall who has gone to LA to produce a couple of Shakespeare's plays this summer (previews from 6 June if you are interested). His comments on trying to cast the plays are revealing (in light of discussions herein about CF's projects and schedule): " I made contact with a wonderful group of American actors--some of them old friends, some of them new: Ed Harris, Kevin Kline, John Lithgow, Christopher Plummer, Dustin Hoffman, David Dukes, Nathan Lane, Helen Hunt, Kelly McGillis, Gwyneth Paltrow, Minnie Driver and many more. (Note to their agents: The billing is haphazard.) They were all keen to work on Shakespeare; they were all indeed keen to get back to the stage. But most of them couldn't do it. They had to wait--wait until their movie was "green-lighted" or their TV pilot was elevated into a series. In L.A., it seems, actors wait--not because they are resting but because they are hoping. The place has probably the biggest pool of talented actors in the world, but they are there not to act but to wait--in case the TV or the movie calls. Theater cannot figure in their calculations except (briefly) on the way up, or perhaps even more briefly on the way down. Some of the actors asked politely toward the end of the meeting if I hadn't been told that they were not free. "Then why on earth did you come?" I would ask. "I thought it would be interesting to meet you," was the reply. Flattering, but hardly any help in setting up a Shakespeare company. Hollywood is a state of mind that measures talent strictly by dollar potential; it can measure how hot you are to the last cent, and its audiences tend to be as sensitive to this as the agents and producers. L.A., it seems to me, is a town still searching to define itself as a city. Even with "Shakespeare in Love" wowing the place, there is a certain anxiety about Shakespeare. Is there real money in him? How will the film do in Topeka, Kan.? The agents don't like theater because they want their clients to be ever free for the screen. Some agents would not even let their major clients come to meet me unless there was already an offer on the table. I said that it didn't seem reasonable to make an offer without meeting the artist. I wasn't going to submit them to an audition, but surely it would be wise to see if we both got on? No, this ignorant foreigner invariably lost."

Chris, what an interesting insight! The place has probably the biggest pool of talented actors in the world, but they are there not to act but to wait--in case the TV or the movie calls. This reminds me of surf... I look out to the sea and see a dozen surfers, freezing in the water and looking out at the horizon...waiting...waiting...waiting for the waves... They spend 90% of their time in the water, not catching the waves. This is true about surfers in Portugal, I don't know about other places. Anyway, I'm glad CF went on stage, instead of just waiting!

Interesting articles, ladies. (Chris) The agents don't like theater because they want their clients to be ever free for the screen. This is happening on B'way. New plays with big name actors are being advertised for limited runs (which are still longer than 3DOR's 2 weeks at the Donmar); successful plays with big names change stars like we change shirts. As for SLOW: For the most part they avoid them altogether, or when they do happen they are mainly between white men and black women Isn't that what SLOW is about? Last I checked, Colin was white and Nia Long was black so the movie doesn't necessarily break new ground. But there has to be a reason it didn't sell and I wouldn't be surprised it was this one. (Winter) I see where the actor (La Salle) is coming from. He sees an urgency to ammend existing stereotypes of black/black couples, before jumping into the black/white issue. I see your point, Winter, but feel somewhat nervous comparing real life to this series with its abysmally contrived story lines. But I suppose that's how we interpret ourselves in this country...and how others interpret us.

Re: SLOW...But there has to be a reason it didn't sell and I wouldn't be surprised it was this one. If the theory that the racial element in SLOW is the deterrent; (and no one knows for sure..... The American Film Market in Santa Monica where SLOW was screened last month, was also attended by UK and European distribs..not just American. Why didn't one of them pick it up....Entertainment Films in UK, Alliance in Canada & UK, Itatly, Germany? When Handmade owned it I remember them telling us that Israel and Sweden had indicated an interest...but then Handmade went belly-up and the film went to the creditors. ***** In opera performances the cast often includes black sopranos with white tenors. Sadly...seldom the other way around.Except in Othello.

Sir Peter Hall in H-Wood.... "No, this ignorant foreigner invariably lost." Poor guy has problems everywhere he goes....in UK too.

(winter) I see where the actor (La Salle) is coming from. He sees an urgency to ammend existing stereotypes of black/black couples, before jumping into the black/white issue. (1) The Benton-Corday relationship was over months ago. Moreover, Eric LaSalle's character is wholly career-oriented to the total exclusion of personal relationships with black or white women. (2) No one on ER has a happy normal relationship. Mark Green is divorced and has scraped the bottom of the barrel. For the longest time, Doug Ross was pond scum and has now left Whatsername. If they led normal happy lives we wouldn't watch the show! FYI, the information I heard about Eric LaSalle was that he threatened to leave the show because they had not given him episodes where he was showcased. Given the imminent departure of George Clooney, the producers caved, and a few weeks ago, there was the episode where he was fill-in doctor in rural Mississippi. **** Thank you Chris for posting the article. Only goes to prove that "show business" is business. Fewer people are doing projects for the love of the art. A shame, especially when you look at the names of the people mentioned. Many of the people could take the time off and do something for their soul, instead of for the box office. How much more money does someone like Dustin Hoffman need! I read the other day that Cate Blanchette is doing a six-month run of "Plenty" in London starting next month even though she is being inundated by scripts and offers. Good for her!

GP is going to do summer stock in Williamstown, Mass. where her mom has starred.She's going to play a role in "As you like It " I think.

Well, Shakespeare did leave his mark on her then ;-)

Or Ben Affleck, he's from this area (I'm in MA)

Note to Peter Hall re: that wonderful group of "American" actors -- Christopher Plummer is Canadian... and Minnie Driver is hardly a Yank:-)

I bought a magazine called OK, with pics from the Oscars. it said that Gwynie and Ben Affleck might be together again. For what it's worth... :-)

For what it's worth, I always had a hunch they were never apart.

I was wondering do we know who the Presenters (is that the right word) are at the forthcoming BAFTA's , seeing as Colin is in the minority as regards nominees I think it would be really lovely if he were asked to present an Award. Does anyone know how we can find out who are making the Presentations this year, Jennifer Ehle and Stephen Fry presented an Award last year, Evelyn did you know that she was going to be a Presenter. Oh dear please excuse the grammar but you know what I mean.

(Ann W. ) Evelyn did you know that she was going to be a Presenter. Yes, but I think either Bethan or you told me. The Presenters are announced closer to the time of the Awards. Any bets on Best Picture? Think SIL will take it or Elizabeth Best Actress? Best Actor? Think the seats at the Royal Theatre will hold Mr. Benigni up?I am glad that Joe Fiennes was nom. I don't think he'll get it...but I think he deserved a nom. Best Suporting Actor ...if Tom Wilkinson gets it...it will be on his UK television popularity..IMO.That award belongs to ODB. And then...I wonder who the token American will be....can't be Kathy Bates..that would be a slap to Dame Judi.I think it will be Ed Harris for The Truman Show (gag, gag) Does anyone know where the entire List of Noms is posted. I couldn't find it on the BAFTA website.

What is the URL of the BAFTA website, PLEASE.

Is anyone else having a problem with The Spring. When I click on the one at colinfirth.com I get some site in Austin, Texas. I have it bookmarked but get the same thing either place.

What is the URL of the BAFTA website, PLEASE.

The BAFTA site is http://www.bafta.org When I click on the one at colinfirth.com I get some site in Austin, Texas. Lucie, the *one* what? The link at cf.com should take you to the main Drool page, which for the unregistered public is: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/public/browse/drool/all FYI, Spring is headquartered in Austin, Tex. So you're in the right place. :) If you're having problems, we can go into more detail at nomdedrool@yahoo.com. But I will go check out the link to here at cf.com. (Renate, weren't you mentioning something about changing it after our London pilgrimages?)

The other good website for BAFTA info is http.www.pa.press.net which is the UK Press Association website.Click on Entertainment for a short list of the BAFTA noms.Last year they posted the awards as they were presented.

Let's try that one again: http://www.pa.press.net

---FYI GP has been doing summerstock at Williamstown with Mom for yrs. I, too, noticed the changed page we are getting from the front page of colinfirth.com. But if I go into the CF Links from there and THEN press the Spring Discussion bar, I get the old header page for the public. The only problem I've noticed there, though, is that no matter what topic link you press on, you still start at Topic 3 and load the WHOLE THING. I'd really like our old page back, please..

Karen R. that is a great picture you posted. Thank you ever so much. Colin looks great in his dancing shoes. Where did you find it. I would love to get my own copy. In reference to the above topic, the way I get here is by saving this location on favorites. When I click on favorites this site is readily available. Has anyone tried doing it that way?

Susan, the picture came from the Miramax site, but there were lots of other people in the original picture. Why waste the KB? The Drool main page is the front door. Most of us do come in the back door, i.e., right into the topics. Yes, I see the cf.com link has been changed to Spring's main page. Now, in addition to the Ph.D one needs to figure out how to post here, one also needs a detailed map from the motor club. Oh well....

Sorry, all, if I confused you by changing the link. I am in the process to clean up the page a bit for visitors (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). I have also registered cf.com at Yahoo and Excite and will go on to publish it. Considered the sometimes rather private nature of the subjects discussed I prefer occasional visitors not to find their way here too easily. Karen could you please post a description how the present visitors here get in the easiest way (I myself have bookmarked the "restricted" URLs of each board, as Susan describes, or change the boards number if required). Sorry, if I did it so secretly - at least I know now that the links are actually used ;-) - I meant to explain later, when I have a bit more time.

Thanks, Renate, for the explanation. I did notice some of the changes and additions, like the Fixture List. Cute. Actually, my preferred method of accessing Drool is *through* the front door, i.e., the main Drool page, which I have bookmarked, for a few reasons: First, I can see how much activity there has been (number of topics with new postings) just to get a feel for how much time I will be spending here! This only works if you keep your setting on "All New" and deal with all the other topics you are not interested in, i.e., mark them as Read or go through them so they don't show up anymore unless they too have activity. Second, I look at the listing of most recent postings below for irregularities, such as a person posting to a topic but it doesn't show up above as new, and the infamous 2036 date. If that happens then I know I will have to reinitialize all the topics once the dreaded date thing has been fixed. What is reinitializing you ask? If you use the "All New" designation, the new postings don't show up in the conference list. Therefore, you must go into each of the topics you read manually (by bookmark or by c anging the url) and then use the Redisplay box to back up to the unseen comments. After you do this once, everything appears to work just fine. Third, the main Drool page is where we post notices of new topics being opened. If you bookmark, you may or may not find out about those. This is the bookmark I use: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/browse/drool/all/new Then I go into the first topic on my conference list of New and from then on I use the buttons at the bottom for "Next Topic." As long as your setting is All New, you will go to the next topic with "New" postings. Is this clear as mud? ;-)

Just found out that the Bafta Ceremony is to be held at the Business Design Centre in ISLINGTON, so CF could pop in make a Presentation and then pop back home again, no trouble!!

Just saw this rather interesting blurb. Gosh, is it that hard for a film to get a distributor in the U.S.?. Roger Ebert dedicates his ``Overlooked Film Festival'' to his late partner Gene Siskel. The fest, April 21-25 will be held at the U. of Illinois (Ebert's alma mater) and the Virginia Theatre in Urbana-Champaign, Ill. Pix include Heather Rose's ``Dance Me to My Song,'' which was a Palme d'Or competitor at Cannes last year but hasn't been picked up for distribution in America yet. Hmm... wonder what else Rog has lined up for this fest...

Thanks Susan for this tidbit. The program sounds very interesting. Here's the link to the entire program at the U of I (also my alma mater). http://www.uiuc.edu/unit/pa/ebertfest

Thank you Karen and Renata. I come in through ROP now and it works.

Karen, thanks for the link. Doesn't look like Roger is running anything of interest to us droolers.I thought there might be a chance SLOW was on the program -- Ebert's wife is black and perhaps the story would have special appeal to him.

I was not expressing my plea for our old link back for my own sake...I can get in and to what I want with alacrity. I am simply waxing nostalgic for when I first found Drool (yep, through RoP) and was so delighted and I hate to deprive any and all potential lurkers/posters the privilege I had to wander around drool at will. Totally remove a Topic or two, Oh ye Paranoic Few, but give Drool back to the potential newbies, please. IMHO, that is...

All those years ago, I found this site by using search engines (all I could find) to hunt up anything about Colin Firth. Many trials and downloads of pix later I found this haven for the Firthsty, and here I am still! Those who want to find it enough will find it. Those who want an easy fix or to lurk will not bother or will bypass it. It is like the Holy Grail. Only those truly deserving get to see it ;)

Marcia, that's exactly my idea. Who wants to find it will find it easily, others mustn't find it. but give Drool back to the potential newbies, please. Kjart, after all, the main page of Spring is just one more click away from the link we had before. From the Spring entry page you only have to go to "drool".

others mustn't find it. oooops. I think I used a wrong word...... should be: "needn't find it".

( Marcia), It is like the Holy Grail. Only those truly deserving get to see it ;) Marcia, how right you are!!!

Just read an article from "This is London" about Charles Dance and his play currently at the Donmar Warehouse. (He was in attendance at Colin's play and played Maxim de Winter in Rebecca) This critic was rather fond of his interpretation. What I found most interesting is that he mentions his Internet fan club, as run by a group of women who refer to themselves as "Charlie's Angels." He also says the information they have on him is extraordinary and he finds it very touching. They have even sent him a g od luck charm (a silver cherub) which he keeps with him and refers to as my "good luck angel." Here's a post http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/theatre/top_direct.html

Jana, that�s very interesting! Wonder why our adored one is so hostile to the Internet and all the massive pr work that his fans do for him. And still it seems that he likes to have fans. Well, there is one possible reason that comes to my mind, in case I remember correctly. Wasn�t his Hackney home address availabe in one of the sites for the whole world to see? It was removed later but I�d imagine that he didn�t like it very much if he ever came to know about it. I think that was inhumane and could have caused him some trouble.