Ah, nothing like a burst of new drool! Attention, lurkers (or for you, Heide, people who read but don't post [PWRBDP?]): come out, come out, where ever you are! (Stacey) The main reason that I don't is because I never have much info as to what is happening with CF I wrote this in my first post and my concerns were quickly put to rest. As you can see by all my posts, I rarely have anything earth-shattering to say but that hasn't stopped me! Welcome back, SBR. I've seen you at DWG so I knew you weren't far. (Lizza) It will also keep us going during the inevitable "low " times The diary is a fine idea--like Arami says, perhaps best suited to cf.com. Would it really be difficult to update? News about Colin seems to come in fits and starts (alot all at once than months of nothing). Newbies and delurkers will also keep us going during "low" times, IMO :-). (Heide) Chat's a great forum for that. But ladies, you have to hang around a bit longer. This doesn't always work either. I was in chat yesterday for about an hour, was off doing other things (such as reading Murph's Wessex and Viola story), didn't get back to hit the reload button frequently enough and missed two people (sorry, Ann!). Should we target a certain time(s)? Just as an experiment? Re: SiL--I've seen it 3 times and was the only one laughing each time when he sang. It's also my favorite part (although I love "now listen here, nursie" too). Mannen: did your friend dislike CF because of the Wessex character (means he was doing his job effectively)? Or *gasp* she just doesn't like ODB?

(Lizza)Does he also not believe that his rival, is now out of the way as well? (Marcia)Since he believes he killed the rival for Viola's affections, Indeed, another reason to sing! Horror! Not true! 'Twasn't him! Kit was killed by his own dagger, Wessex didn't have anything to do with it.

Welcome, Tineke.Stacey, you cannot be considered a lurker, we do see you here on and off!

Okay, I will delurk briefly. Just wanted to say I rented Ever After last night for the sole purpose of watching Dougray Scott who is in Jennifer Ehle's new movie. All I can say,"he is not handsome enough to tempt me". I don't think anyone can ever compare to the powerful charisma and sex appeal that CF exuded as Mr. Darcy. One thing I will say for DS-very nice bum in the breeches. :-)) A 7 on the Darcy meter.I know it is unfair to compare every actor in period costume to the uncomparable CF, I just can't help myself-anything to re-li e those heady days of P&P.

let's try incomparable instead of uncomparable and the last word that was cut- off is relive

Thanks all, for the warm welcome:-) Just a couple of questions: - Where's this chat room everyone's talking about? Is it at CF.com? - Is there a chance Colin or JE will be at the BAFTA's? I won't be home this Sunday. Is it worth taping? - I'll probably be going to London in two weeks. I'll try to see This Year's Love and Bedrooms and Hallways. Is there anything else you'd suggest?

Tineke, I know you found the Chat rooms. Good for you! Other people will tell you about the BAFTAs, but if Colin has a chance to be there, it'll be worth taping, won't it? :-)

I rather doubt that he'll be there, even though he lives virtually next door to the venue! SIL has 16 nominations, so half the cast and crew will be there, but Colin isn't directly involved. And it could be by invitation only. Personally, I think the BAFTA film awards are just very insipid, pointless cover of the Oscars and we don't have enough of a film "industry" to warrant a separate ceremony. It was OK when the film and TV awards were combined. Newspaper reports predict that GP, JF will win, also JD and Tom Wilkinson for his "outstanding" work in a support role. Huh! SNIFF! He won an award last year, so may well win again.

(Bethan)Newspaper reports predict that GP, JF will win, also JD I do hope JF wins...he deserved an Oscar nom. and IMO was slighted.

For anyone having trouble finding the chat room, copy this to your bookmarks: http://firth.com/chat/talk.cgi

Exactly a month since I returned from London!! And I�ve just read all the postings here between March 4th and 9th again, just to reminisce.... Oh, WHAT a happening it really was, a full size climax, and the postings were so wonderful, absolutely beautiful, love it how people started to �stutter� at the home front those days and write even CF wrong in the biggest excitement! And all the reports afterwards were so glowing, I see that I for one had so much to say that I couldn�t say much at all when I returned home, being so tired and not being able to sleep, and that huge experience whirling in my head like a circus, didn�t know if I was in pain r in heaven. That part of the topic is absolutely fabulous, please read it again ladies whenever you start forgetting that you actually saw him on stage, talked to him and he talked to you with that very familiar voice, even touched him. It�ll all come back to you in a flow. Those postings make me remember a thousand small but still so important details like the weather in the streets of London that day, and how it was to step in the Donmar the first time, how I stuffed my jacket under the seat, and the moment when He came from the wings in the darkness and walked across the stage, and I hardly could believe my eyes or breathe......and that incredible encounter in the foyer. I keep remembering all sorts of minor things like a wrinkle in his forehead and the dark damp hair in is neck when he autographed the program.......I wish I�ll never forget all that. SIGH (Sorry, I just HAD to go back to it again! Just for a moment.)

What a wonderful idea, Elena. Almost like having a videotape, but then we can all haul out our pictures and stare glassy-eyed at the Man himself.

(Elena)(Sorry, I just HAD to go back to it again! Just for a moment.) Don't apologize at all... it's wonderful to read your recollections from that night. These are the types of things that keep the boarding going and the drooling fresh!

(Elena)(Sorry, I just HAD to go back to it again! Just for a moment.) Drool on, Elena, please!

Gi, I was in Chat...still am as a matter of fact, I better hit reload soon...and I saw how you were describing your conversation with Colin...how you had to fit everything in to just a few moments. Where is that picture I saw of you talking with Colin? He's looking at you so intently, as if he's really hearing you. Did you get that feeling during the moment? Or is it all a blur? And Elena - you're in so many of those shots with Colin and John Boorman. You look like you're part of their conversation. Paparazzi who didn't know better might have thought you were Boorman's daughter or girlfriend (hmmmm) or better yet, Colin's girlfriend! I confess that I need to take a break from posting here occasionally. But it doesn't matter because there are always other people around to carry on. And I feed on that. Just when I'm getting tired, somebody else starts up something that I just have to comment on. It's regenerating.

But there are so many things I wish I had said to him that night..... Not questions...but to tell him how much his films have enhanced my life.. (Hey,I couldn't mention the thighs in the Donmar lobby... and besides...his weight loss hit the thighs, I'm afraid. Through my binocculars...they look pretty thin"-( Anybody want to share what they wish they could have told him. Gi did fine...he was really hanging on to every word she said...(while Antonio was next to me patiently waiting....the guy's a prince!)

I have been very busy with school, job, and family ,but I have read BJD(part1)and loved it. What is the Donmar experience? And really do miss the Colin FAQ site. That was the best way to keep up without searching so so many CF pages for information about movie releases and videos ect. Happy to see that you are all still working so hard. Thanks Donna...

I don�t usually Chat because I tend to get in trouble with the language, so I�ll just have to stay over here and possibly lose a vast amount of real tidbits every night! Please Gi, could you tell here what you said in chat about your conversation with Colin? I do remember you told about it in your report but maybe you didn�t repeat EVERY word??? Hello Donna, nice to see you. As an answer to your question, Colin performed in the play called Three Days Of Rain in the Donmar Warehouse theatre and quite many of us were in London to see it in March.

Hallo Donna, welcome, have you been here before occasionally? The Donmar experience - for some of us The Big Adventure - was going to London to meet each other and see Colin in the flesh, acting in Three Days of Rain at The Donmar Warehouse Theatre. Go back, as Elena just did, to the postings around March 6 to live it virtually. When we came back, we shared the experience with the ladies and gentleman who had not been able to go. The next weekend another group repeated the experience, and you can check those dates too...but some of them were more reserved in their r ports :-) (Heide)Gi...I saw how you were describing your conversation with Colin...how you had to fit everything in to just a few moments. Where is that picture I saw of you talking with Colin? He's looking at you so intently, as if he's really hearing you. Did you get that feeling during the moment? Or is it all a blur? Oh yes, I remember he was all there for me at that moment, and I talked quickly, fearing that his look would glaze and he'd start fidgeting...I was trembling a little, and trying to look calm and articulate. I told him about his fans coming from all over the world, and what a talented actor he is, and thought, he's heard this before and will again... (Evelyn)Gi did fine...he was really hanging on to every word she said...(while Antonio was next to me patiently waiting....the guy's a prince!) Thank you... Well, even if he'd heard it before, I hope it was ego-boosting to hear it again, and at that time, when he'd been slighted about SiL... As for Antonio patiently waiting: he even took pictures! And went to see SiL with me twice. He is a prince. The wedding is set for July 3; are we going to have my virtual bridal shower? :-)))))

Jana, Allison, Lucie, to become a member of the "springfolks" list you must accept the invitation I have sent you, by sending it back (hit "reply" button!)

Welcome Donna. Join in, ask more questions, we're a friendly bunch and love to talk about Colin in any way. Just give us an excuse, we'll dive in. (Gi) I told him about his fans coming from all over the world, and what a talented actor he is, and thought, he's heard this before and will again... I can't remember, Gi, did he say anything in response to this? Of course, he was probably stunned by all the attention he was receiving. People coming from all over the world must have blown his mind. Hmmm, would I even cross the street, let alone the pond, to see Ralph Fiennes?! ;-D are we going to have my virtual bridal shower? Absolutely!! We need an organizer or an organizing committee. This will be a gala event!

Hi Tineke (I remember you from RoP...) Stacy and Donna! As an exlurker and an old RoP member I can say that I found this place in the very beginning when the Drool branched form the RoP. Although I still like P&P2 and watch it every few month, discussing it started to bore me, while drooling over CF is still one of my favorites hobbies... So I exchanged RoP with Drool and lurked here for ages because I was shy and lazy until I came to realize that if everyone will be like me there won�t be any drool. I�m telling you this because I think we need to make this point clear to all the lurkers out there. If you like this place you should try to contribute something to it. Post just once in a while, but do post. Also, like Evelyn said I�m sure that there are lot of RoP members that will love this place. We should advertise it there. About SLOW, Bethan said it was sold to Israel, but I�m sorry to say that I've never heard of it (and I read all the cinema related articles very thoroughly...). I�ll be surprised if it was. We usually get just the blockbusters from US & UK.

From today's Variety. Harvey will probably want to cast ODB in the role of the dead husband. ;-p ************ 'Love' pair ponder 'Bounce' Roos to helm for Miramax By MICHAEL FLEMING, April 9, 1999 NEW YORK � Miramax Films is near deals to bring its �Shakespeare in Love� stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Affleck aboard �Bounce,� a drama with romantic overtones to be directed this fall by Don Roos from his own script. Michael Besman and Steve Golin are the producers. Affleck is in talks to play a womanizer who gives up his seat on an airplane to a guy who wants badly to get home to his wife. After the plane crashes, the guy who gave up his ticket develops guilt over the other man�s death and becomes an alcoholic. One year later, he resolves to check up on the dead man�s widow. He slowly falls in love with her, and she eventually reciprocates, unaware that he provided the ticket that led to her husband�s early death. Paltrow, coming off her best actress Oscar win for �Shakespeare,� would play the widow. Miramax, which has become a magnet for Oscar-caliber films, was the recipient of a lucky bounce when the project, originally put together at Propaganda Films by its chairman Steve Golin, was put in limbo by Seagram�s purchase of Polygram. Golin worked with Miramax chairman Harvey Weinstein to move it over to Miramax. Miramax has made a habit of picking winners off the scrap heaps of other studios: Recent best picture Oscar winners �Shakespeare in Love� and �The English Patient� were both discarded by other studios before resurfacing with the Weinstein brothers. Golin remains in the thick of the project as producer with Michael Besman, the former TriStar exec who met Roos on the set of �Single White Female,� which Roos scripted. Besman produced Roos� most recent film, last year�s �The Opposite of Sex.� In a departure from what usually happens when actors end a true-life romance and find it uncomfortable to work together, Paltrow and Affleck have remained friendly, with Affleck even making a cameo appearance on �Saturday Night Live� when Paltrow hosted. Their breakup apparently hasn�t dampened their enthusiasm for teaming up again onscreen. Both Affleck and Paltrow are repped by CAA.

Renata' I haven't received an invitation yet.

Welcome all de-lurkers, lapsed ex-lurkers and all in between! This place is wonderful, isn't it -- and so very addictive:-) I had a thought that I wanted to run by everyone. Every Friday in the arts section of my local paper they give a little list of actors, musicians, etc. who are going to be online at certain days/times in various Internet chat places -- usually on Yahoo or AOL. Usually these are people who have a new film, CD or book out that they want to promote. For example, Ian McKellan recently did one of these online chats, and Paul McCartney famously did one a few months ago. What if we asked Colin to do a chat? (Have we ever asked him?) I don't mean on cf.com, but on one of these Yahoo/AOL chat things. He has two movies coming out in early summer, which would make him ripe for an online chat as a way to promote the films. And now that he knows first-hand the devotion of his legion of Internet fans, I would think he might be open to obliging us. Does anyone know how these Yahoo/AOL chats work? For example, does the actor's agent approach the site about doing a chat as a form of publicity, or does the site invite the person? Does this sound too far-fetched to be pursued? .

Oh dear -- in my previous message I hope it didn't sound as though I were putting down cf.com chat. What I meant is, these chats I see advertised in the paper seem to be at more well-known venues like Yahoo and AOL.

(Karen) Harvey will probably want to cast ODB in the role of the dead husband. ;-p LOL! Will he then be edited out of the final version (a la Kevin Costner in 'The Big Chill')? Appreciate the article. These days Miramax resembles a typical Hollywood studio moreso than an independent. Casting these two is further proof of that (what's up with BA and roles involving airplane crashes?). If Harvey wants to keep getting Oscars, he better not forget the fine character actors who make those "scrap he p" films a success. Welcome, Donna. Welcome back, Adi, Sue and Tineke. It's v. nice to see you posting :-)! Elena, what a wonderful memory. I'm with Winter--I love to hear (and re-hear) all the stories.

Whoops, almost forgot. Your idea is good, SusanMC. I'm afraid I'm clueless as to how these things work. I have a hunch ODB isn't very computer literate (probably can't type) but I'm sure such issues can be dealt with if indeed they exist.

Regarding these online chats with actors and writers, I would assume that a publicist arranges these. When Nick Hornby and Helen Fielding were on line from B&N, someone else did all the typing. It was pretty funny! All the typos. Person hadn't a clue had to spell Darcy in the Fielding chat session, and as I recall, Hornby wasn't even in the room; he might have been in California and he was getting the questions on the phone.

(Gi) The wedding is set for July 3; are we going to have my virtual bridal shower? :-))))) But of course:-) (Karen)We need an organizer or an organizing committee. This will be a gala event! And Karen....we do have a committee chair....Moon.Because she supplied the Dom Perignon for Colin's B'day and will bring it again, I hope. Anybody else who wishes to serve on the committee is welcome. I know Nan wants to be on it to.... **** Welcome to Donna ...and good to hear from Adi. This is a special place, guys, with lots of caring people.We like each other even when we quarrel:-)

Lucie, I have sent you an invitation twice, to aoftedahl@worldnet.att.net . I'll do it again. Look out for something from "eGroups".

Being one of those unfortunate people who missed out on going to see ODB in 3DOR, I cannot seem to hear enough about it either. I would really like to hear about CF's responses. Did he seem flattered by the idea of having so many international fans or was he just polite for appearance's sake? I believe it's important to sketch ODB's character as best we can, not just what is written in the media, but what we can derive from life... from personal encounters with him. Only being new to drool myself,does thi follow online etiquette (Or whatever it's called)? Discard it, it if doesn't...but don't exile me.Please!

Mannen, you will NEVER be exiled for asking about ODB!!! We love to hear about him over and over again. Unfortunately, I am as 3DoR deprived as you are, so we will wait patiently while the fortunate few Firth in the Flesh Followers post relevant information! Again, welcome =)

(Mannen) I believe it's important to sketch ODB's character as best we can, not just what is written in the media, but what we can derive from life... from personal encounters with him. Absolutely. Of course everybody has different ideas about him so you'll get a lot of argument...which can lead to a rousing discussion. Only being new to drool myself,does this follow online etiquette (Or whatever it's called)? Discard it, it if doesn't...but don't exile me Never! Miss Manners appreciates your caution but wild speculation amid excessive drooling will never land you in Timbuktu around here. By the way, most of the 3DOR encounters can be found in Topic 116 (now frozen because of a bunch of maniacs burning up the board). If my memory serves me right they start at about message #1630. One of my favorite memories of that weekend was the night we didn't go to the play. It was hearing Evelyn say very quietly, "There he is" as we waited at Belgo's for him to arrive at the theatre across the street. And there he was exiting from a cab, back turned to us but of course we knew that walk as he entered the Donmar. Still thrills me. Luckily there's even more to that story.

Heide, you're a dear for answering Mannen so quickly. I just HAD to post something to her lest she think that while the rest of the world is sleeping they are also rejecting her. We know better, and she will be rewarded in the morning with renewed drool and fervor. Thanks!

Renate, I have received no invitation either.

Welcome to all ex-lurkers, new-droolies etc! It's the new contributors who give the board renewed life and and enthusiasm. So don't feel shy! Adi, you were asking about SLOW and a release in Israel. I phoned Handmade Films (as did Evelyn also) a few times before their parent company went bankrupt, and as I have a dreadful memory I made notes in my "little black book". According to my notes, SLOW was edited in Toronto and was sold to BV International, Shani (what's that?), MGN Paradise (Russia), Behaviour (Canada), Scandinavia and Israel. But not to the USA or UK. All this was, of course, before the company went into receivership. A couple of years ago I was channel surfing and I saw Joseph Conrad's"The Secret Agent" on RAI UNO (Italian) dubbed in Russian with Italian sub-titles! At the time "The Secret Agent" had not been released in the UK...took another year or so! (Conrad is not very popular!!) So, there's always hope! On movie release dates....what gives with MLSF in the UK? I see that "An ideal husband" is opening here next week, and it doesn't open in the US until July. I suppose Cate Blanchett, Minnie Driver and Rupert Everett are hot property at the moment. The trouble is, in the UK, the movie distribution is almost exclusively targeted at the "Trainspotting generation". I think that Colin's target audience is naturally in television and he should do more TV work, which will automatically be seen by millions. Ot erwise we'll mostly see him in small cameos, tucked in behind the "big" Hollywood names/Oscar nominees, who are getting younger and younger! TV work (and theatre) could offer him more scope. What do you all think?

I absolutely agree Bethan, he should do much much more TV work, there are many good projects coming up. BTW Bethan is the BBC's forthcoming Mary Queen of Scots a feature film for the big screen or meant for the TV. I ask because I was thinking of writing to the BBC re DQ and thought I would also ask about two other projects I am interested in namely MQoS and The Forsyte Sage as it was rumoured a while ago that JE might play Fleur. Mannen in reply to your question about CF at the Donmar, all I can say isthat I was very impressed with the way he treated his fans, he was absolutely harming, patient and friendly. He happily posed for pictures and signed programmes and made sure everyone who wanted an autograph got one. Although he looks wonderful in all the fans' photographs I think he looks even better in "real-life", absolutely gorgeous and much younger than I had expected and his eyes are wonderful, he is also taller than I expected. As well as being the most wonderful and talented actor on the planet he is also the most gorgeous. I have never been a fan of any other celebrity, there is just something about t is man that makes one feel very loyal and devoted in a way I find hard to describe. Its strange fans are either very very taken with him as I am or just can't understand the attraction. Regardless of his looks however, it is his acting that really appeals to me he has such stage presence and I just love to see him act but it would be lovely to see his in a romantic leading man role. I'm sorry to repeat myself Renate but I haven't received an invitation either and I would love to become a member. Sorry th s is so long, haven't posted for a while.

Ann, I think that Mary Queen of Scots is a feature film...will cost �10million. And do write to the BBC! I'm going to email them again...he was voted most popular actor in 60 years of BBC TV, and then we never see him again! I was actually very pleased that he was doing DonQ, and hope that the BBC (or ITV...they seem stronger on drama) offer him more work. I don't find the "movie industry" in the UK much to my taste...and now that Jonathan Ross is doing Film 99 instead of Barry Norman, I've lost all hope!! There's also "The Lion in Winter" directed by Pat O'Connor (married to Mary Elizabeth Mastrioni(sp?)CF's co-star in MLSF)which has a terrific lead role, and for which I have my fingers crossed. But unfortunately it's all down to bankability...which is why TV seems a better option for him! Does he need a career advisor...I volunteer! :-) BTW last week I met someone who worked in Leeds on the production team for "Lost Empires", amongst other things. She no longer works in TV (is full-time mum). I actually asked her about CF! She sang his praises...said he was a very nice bloke, very warm and friendly, but rather shy and unassuming. She was delighted by his success as Darcy...said that he was a very fitting choice for the role. So there y'are!

Elena: first you have to send me an email so that I have your correct address. Only then I can send you the "invitation" which you have to return to get subscribed. This procedure goes for everybody else. For clarification: the "invitation" is a technical term only, and doesn't mean I make a choice. Every Firthfan who applies is welcome. Apparently Lucie and Allison don't succeed in subscribing, whatever the reason. Please try the following address, just send a brief note to: springfolks@egroups.com

Thankyou Bethan, I wholeheartedly agree with everthing you have said, more TV and I volunteer to be the advisor to the advisor.

(Bethan) On movie release dates....what gives with MLSF in the UK? Timely question! I have the preliminary press kit from Miramax, which contains pictures of the movie. The attached synopsis states that the movie opens in June of 1999. Nothing more specific as to dates. The trouble is, in the UK, the movie distribution is almost exclusively targeted at the "Trainspotting generation". Here too, although I have been reading articles (I remember one specifically from Roger Ebert from the Sundance Fest) trying to get a movement going to reverse this "dumbing down" approach. His premise was: exposing teen+ boys to better films might have a positive effect. Didn't you say that your son, Bethan, actually liked SiL? That was targeted at the "Trainspotting" crowd. But I do agree that Colin should do more television and stage work (which would mean we wouldn't see him much--boo hoo). (AnnW) there is just something about this man that makes one feel very loyal and devoted in a way I find hard to describe. Must have something to do with the amount of effort one has to go through in order to see his work! ;-) Because his body of work can be so difficult to obtain or his appearances are so few and far between you learn to savor each and every one. Other film actors (mainstream big stars) become commonplace. You see their pictures plastered everywhere. With Colin, seeing him act or seeing a photo in a magazine is like a national holiday. You want to set off fireworks! As an actor, he is definitely worth it. He is so rare. As a person, who we saw in the theater foyer thoroughly committed to satisfying each of his fan's wishes, I was impressed (especially when I contrast it to Charles Dance). I experienced no letdown whatsoever from having seen him in the flesh. He was all I expected and more. A very real person who made me tingle all over. (Bethan) She sang his praises...said he was a very nice bloke, very warm and friendly, but rather shy and unassuming. He was very young then. One of his earlier roles and this was quite a coup for him, landing a big miniseries, wouldn't you say?

Renate, go read the Three Deers email! Important message to all of you.

In the "So Close, Yet So Far" Department: a Firthless Three Days of Rain just began a monthlong run at the Boston Center for the Arts. Waaahhh!! Thanks to those who gave some insights on the AOL/Yahoo chat idea. I still think it could work -- I mean, Ian McKellan doesn't impress me as being the most computer-savvy person, and he just did one. It seems to me like the only way we'd ever be able to get answers to the questions *we* would really like Colin to answer -- for example, the great questions KJArt had posted recently re: how he came to choose 3DOR, etc. Also, questions about his future projects. These are things that never seem to make it in o interviews with Colin -- which, as a journalist, I find astonishing, since these are pretty basic questions. At least in an online chat, we'd get to ask questions that matter.

Bethan, Shani is an Israeli movie distribution company. I guess I'll have to wait and see but what does the bankruptcy of the parent company mean? Does legally Shani still have the rights to release the movie here? I think I'll give them a call. I also loved Barry Norman in Film 99. We get BBC world here and it was the only program I watched (besides the news). What is he doing now?

Ian McKellan actually runs his own website...he gave an interview in one of the PC/Internet mags, and he's very computer-literate! Susan, I agree with you that interviewers never ask CF the right questions..there's always too much personal stuff (which he deals with very politely) but rarely anything about career choices, roles he'd like to play, working in the theatre etc. Meant to add to my earlier posting re meeting someone who worked on "Lost Empires"...she also said that, unlike many actors (there are some she's not very keen on) he seemed totally unaware of his looks. She said some actors will only bother with people who matter, and ignore everyone else. But CF was always very pleasant with everyone, and was much liked by cast and crew.

(Karen) Must have something to do with the amount of effort one has to go through in order to see his work! It's even more difficult here. A film must do well at the US or UK box office, before it'll get released here. Well, a British film, that is. Most American movies get enough publicity and will get released no matter what. But distributors seem to forget that we don't necessarily like the same movies as Americans or Brits. I keep on being surprised when I read British and Belgian reviews for the same film. Only too often, the Brits would criticize a film that was praised to the skies by the Belgian press a d vica versa. So it's not because a film doesn't do well in the UK, that there's no audience for it here. I feel that the succes of film mainly depends on how much publicity it gets. Lots of excellent films are not given a fair chance! Colin is virtually unknown here, hence my surprise when the trailor for SiL mentioned CF third (made my day)! (Bethan).and now that Jonathan Ross is doing Film 99 instead of Barry Norman, I've lost all hope!! Is Jonathan Ross the same guy that does "Talking Movies" on BBC World? I've watched TM only twice so far (I was looking for a replacement for Film 98), but just can't stand the guy presenting it. I've yet to see Film 99 (I can't watch TV during the week, as I'm only home for the weekends). I'm seriously disappointed to see that Barry Norman is no longer doing it! There's no decent film magazine on Belgian TV, I depend on the BBC for my weekly film news.

Barry Norman nowadays presents a film review program on Sky TV. There are new Donmar pages in colinfirth.com Archives - go and see: http://www.firth.com/html/arch.htm

Thankyou Arami,. what a wonderful page, I particularly liked the "Impressions" page, now we won't have to scour the Drool Archives to read people's Donmar impressions, and how did Maria aznd Lizza get so close to get such wonderful photos and I particularly liked Maria's ones where he is wearing a leather jacket and smiling such a lot, what a winning smile. thanks again to the 3 Deers.

Does legally Shani still have the rights to release the movie here? I think I'll give them a call. (Adi) Please do, Adi! I'm a bit obsessive about SLOW, but I just can't accept that CF can make a romantic $5million movie, and we're not even given the chance to see it. And at the same time, we're inundated with movies I wouldn't cross the road see, not even if you gave me ten free tickets and paid me for my time!! A film must do well at the US or UK box office, before it'll get released here.Well, a British film, that is. Most American movies get enough publicity and will get released no matter what. But distributors seem to forget that we don't necessarily like the same movies as Americans or Brits. (Tineke) Good point, Tineke. A movie's success often depends on publicity and hype, and a lot of good small films go unnoticed. And, to repeat a point I'm always making, the distributors mainly cater for the youth market, and I think this is having a disastrously dumbing down effect. If SLOW is about a young boy looking for a father figure, or a man attracted by the "innate goodness" in a woman, it really doesn't stand a chance!! Throw in some blinding special effects and a deafening soundtrack, and you may have winner1 :-) There are new Donmar pages in colinfirth.com Archives - go and see: Well done, Arami and co! I love the "Impressions"...will have to return to read at my leisure. And the photos! Talk about in yer face candid shots...and he still looks fine! Is that a scar from the stereo speaker do-it-yourself attempt?

Thanks to Lizza for depositing her photos in the firth.com Archives.

I just visited the new 3DOR site. The pictures and comments are wonderful. There is one picture that I especially enjoyed, a picture of CF's incredible eyes. His eyes were mentioned by several fans as being so incredibly beautiful and intensive that when he looks at you, you feel that it is just you and him that matter at that moment. I feel truly envious of those of you who were fortunate enought to be there in person. P.S. I wrote a codicil to the end of P&P, a sort of wedding night story, and I would like to know the procedure for posting it at Fan Fic.

A codicil, huh? Will have to check my law books for that one or maybe the Tax Reform Act of 1998. Susan, we have no procedures for posting at Fan Fic. All we ask is that it concerns fictional characters of the Jane Austen variety (although other Firth films are now acceptable) and is not clinically explicit. If you've been reading Fan Fic, you'll know how far you can go. The "how to" is easy. Just copy and paste your story in the box and submit away. How's that. A governmental employee could never have done this under 600 pages of instructions! :)

I used the word "codicil" to convey the meaning of a small attachment, not a legal one of course.

Oh, and thank you Karen R. for the information on how to go about submitting our writings.

Three Deers, thanks so much for the lovely Donmar archives. Love those pics! I can almost imagine I was there. So lovely to see so many people drooling away. Sorry I've been too silent lately - too much life overload. I did manage to squeeze in a Darcy fix today however :-)

Great stuff 3deers. We are all "blown away" by th

Whoops Sunday morning madness at work. AS I WAS SAYING, What a stunning combination of pics and words. A wonderful host of images for a very special , unique moment in our lives. As Elena said it just brings it all back in a flood of emotion, and leaves me trembling at the keyboard!!! Thanks for all your hard work in giving us such a stunning scrapbook to enjoy. I particularly like the contrast between the two saturday nights (6th and 13th) in terms of the photos. Subtle differences re clothing etc. I can tell I shall be visiting daily for my fix (ONLY once a day I hear you all cry!!)

I hope that I didn't give the impression of waxing lyrical about that page only for those who were at 3DOR. It was those of you at drool who gave us an audience after our return that really heightend the whole "adventure" and for me anyway, enhanced the whole experience by your excitement and wonderful responses to what we posted.Now to me it feels like we were all there anyway!!! Mannen, I hope you will be able to gain some further insights into ODB, through this page and like us become more ensnared by his talent and other more obvious charms!!

I want to thank for the Donmar pages too. The Miracle at Earlham Street section is a great idea, and I really wish that Colin could read it. What a condensation of love, gratitude, admiration and WORSHIP! I�m sure he�d like it. Great leather jacket in Maria�s pics. And I�m curious enough to wonder what he carried in that black plastic bag, probably a gift from someone. And he obviously didn�t wet his hair as much on the 12th as he did the previous Saturday. Beautiful. But under the strong lights on stage his hair wasn�t as black as it looks like in all the photos, I remember it was more like reddish brown. Lizza, thanks for the pics! Did you really push your camera that close?:-)....btw, drooling at work is one of my regular sins too.

Is there such a thing as Picture Overload? If the subject is Colin, probably not. :) Great Donmar addition to cf.com - the pictures and the excerpts! Thank you, 3Deers (and Kirsten) and Lizza. Great job. Now, for something completely differently... My Life So Far

WOW! Great work Karen. And he looks wonderful in MLSF, seems to me that this movie is going to be very droolable.....I just hope I�ll be able to see it somewhere during the next millenium. Btw, Irene Jacob looks strangely like Livia in that pic with Malc McD, doesn�t she?

Great stuff Karen, you are certainly keeping the drool level topped up for us I wish we knew when our release date was, maybe a quick appearance as a presenter at tonight's awards would cheer us up , but that I doubt. A few scenes of Wessex is all that I ask, here's hoping!! Thanks again Karen, we are counting on you to get the "kilted shots" nearer the time!!!

Just doing my job (and lovin' every minute of it)! If no kilt, will ridiculous bathing costume suffice? What time do the BAFTA's start? Are your VCRs ready just in case DB is there to join in the celebration when SiL wins or to be a presenter (doubt that one)? People and the press really enjoyed the camaraderie at the Oscars when the screenwriter from Gods & Monsters won and the three stars (McKellen, Redgrave and Fraser) all were whooping it up and hugging each other. Maybe the SiL cast will perform a similar "propriety-be-damned" celebration across the pond, where most of them are anyway. (Poor Judi, ow she has to fly back to London for these awards. I want her frequent flyer miles!)

Karen, it's 9-10.30pm our time. I will set the vid, but it is along shot I think that he will make an appearance. Still a quick "goatee fix" will do me fine. Back to that swimming costume that you mentioned, would that be on e of those delightfully old fashioned ones made of wool by any chance? Can't wait!!!!!

Well it could be more fun ( and quicker) than waiting to discover what an Englishman, reputed to drink nescafe and travel by tube, keeps undrneath his kilt! We are counting on you to relieve our suspense before June!!!

(Lizza) Back to that swimming costume that you mentioned, would that be one of those delightfully old fashioned ones made of wool by any chance? Yes and I'm not looking forward to seeing this one. They look horrible on every actor who has ever worn one that I recall. Would have much preferred how it was done in the book: he skinny-dipped in the cold pond every morning!

(Karen) All we ask is that it ...is not clinically explicit. LOL!! Sorry I edited you but I love your way with words. (Lizza) Back to that swimming costume that you mentioned, would that be one of those delightfully old fashioned ones made of wool by any chance? (Karen) Yes and I'm not looking forward to seeing this one. They get all saggy in the bottom don't they. Yech. I'd much prefer the au naturel look as well. But thanks for sending us the photos via your page. You're getting quite adept, my dear. I'm afraid this will have to sustain quite a lot of us for awhile since I doubt this small film will make it to small-town America let alone Finland, Portugal, Israel, Australia, etc. for a very long time. And thanks, 3 Deers for alerting us to your new pages. The pictures are terrific - it's amazing how you can make those close-ups so clear. I'm jealous I didn't get to see that leather jacket up close. Lizza, would you mind letting the girls here know about your recent return trip to the Donmar? I found your description very interesting.

Hi, as well as Karen's lovely photos of MLSF, Murph has some more on her Appreciation page, they have really whetted my appetite, can't wait to see it, I particularly like the photo on the front page.

Also mean't to say I will be recording the Bafta's as well, just in case!!

I wish I could remember what YDB was wearing when I saw this film...but the world was a duller place then, and I didn't know of the Firthettes or their incessant drooling. If pressed, I'd say he skinny-dipped, but perhaps that was only his sons. As another Englishman with a kilt, worn only for reeling, I can tell you that I keep plenty underneath even for Burns night in London, let alone some freezing castle in the Highlands. Knowing too what the cold can do to a man's pride and joy, I'm surprised Scotswomen were ever impressed (or sharp-eyed) enough, upon lifting said kilt, to keep the race going.

Ben come on dig deep in that memory,re skinny dipping we know YOU can do it!!! Remember john Castle etc

(Karen) All we ask is that it ...is not clinically explicit. (Heide) Sorry I edited you but I love your way with words. I think you all know what I mean: See Dick. See Spot. See Dick pet Spot. See Jane jump. See Dick climb hill. See Dick fall on hill. See Jane cry. See Dick smoke cigarette and go home. (Don't think this qualifies for archive status.) ;-)

I'm sorry I can't watch it, (the BAFTA's that is), no sign of Colin or Wessex and Johathan Ross the Master of Ceremonies, is driving me mad with his stupid jokes, why oh why did they not pick someone with a bit of class like Clive James, Michael Parkinson or Barry Norman. What did you think Bethan and Allison and Lizza. BTW Evelyn, I was thinking that possibly JE will be at the Premiere of MLSF should her mother be attending, the first time we have seen CF & JE together since the 1996 BAFTA Awards.

Cate Blanchett has won Best Actress and Roberto Benigni(?) best actor and still no Wessex!!

Wow, Maria and Lizza, those pics are fantastic!! And I love the excerpts from everyone's experiences. Bravo all around! Karen, thanks for the MLSF link. I really hope this movie doesn't get lost in the Phantom Menace tidal wave. Bethan, thanks for setting me right regarding Ian McK. My fault for judging a book by its cover;-)

At last we see Wessex!! SIL won Best Picture but overall Elizabeth was the winner with 5 Awards 4 to SIL.

(Ben)Knowing too what the cold can do to a man's pride and joy, I'm surprised Scotswomen were ever impressed (or sharp-eyed) enough, upon lifting said kilt, to keep the race going. LOL, Ben!!! Only another male could give us that prospective. The furry Sporran did not do much to allay the chill, I gather. Should have worn them under the kilt! As for the women of Scotland, they are a practical sort, if my grandmother was a good example. Waste not, want not. Make do with what you have, and all that ;)

Didn't watch the BAFTAs, Ann. I was 100% convinced that Colin wouldn't be there (sensible man!)and wouldn't figure much in the clips. And I can't stand Jonathan Ross. I also think that the whole affair is a terrible anti-climax after the Oscars...should have stayed combined with the TV awards. MLSF...did he or did he not skinny dip? I remember a magazine article which described a scene when he had to jump into the freezing loch (Scottish lochs are terr-r-aibly cold) and he was definitely wearing a 30s style swimsuit. Maybe he'll be the first man in the history of the cinema to look half-way decent in a clingy wet body-hugging woollen swimsuit. Mmmmm? Am looking forward to seeing MLSF. It will be so nice to see him in a leading role again (long overdue)....and not a Fiennes brother in sight!! Yes, beware the Phantom Menace...but then there must be some people out there who don't give a toss about Star Wars (me!!). Oh, and yes, the beautiful Irene Jakob does resemble Livia (or vice versa).

Thanks Maria and Lizza for the great pictures. I like the way he smiles with his eyes. So often I have seen stars give a big smile but when you look at their eyes you can tell that they are just putting on a face for the public. He looks like he is really enjoying himself. Does anyone know if his sister was there at all. From the way he talks about her in interviews it sounds like they are very close.

I�m just back from the Turks & Caicos and catching up with all the posts. I don�t believe there will ever be a dull moment here, we just like to chat too much! Welcome newbies! Thanks Arami for more 3DOR and Karen for MLSF. Karen, how is your new computer behaving? I would be very happy to organize Gi�s wedding shower, of course the Don Perignon will overflow. I will need to set a date in early June as I will be leaving for Italy at the end of June. Is that agreeable to all? BTW, Gi, have you planned your honeymoon yet? Umbria is such a beautiful region. :-D I plan to read about the Baftas on the E. Telegraph later, but I must say that I was surprised that E won more than SIL. E has major flaws, SIL well you know, it�s practically perfect. Kids are back in school today, maybe he was still in LA with Will, although the way the Baftas have changed does sound rather dull, can�t blame him for staying away. A long vacation in LA may lead to signing other film deals�one can only hope. Unfortunately, I will not be able to join Renate�s CF list. If my (�You shall have no other God but me�), DH were to read it he would be very angry. I hope you will still keep me informed through �groups� I could not bare to miss out on any Firth related tid-bit.

Moon, glad you are back and hope you had a good time and, yes, computer is behaving well, thank you. Early June would be nice for Gi's virtual shower, sufficient time for me to pick out a new virtual outfit. Gi, have you "registered"? About the new list, Moon, there are options. You don't have to receive email. You can go to the site and read the posts there, just like you do for this site. Give me a call.

The full list of winners for the 51st British Academy Film Awards, in association with Orange, was: Best Film - Shakespeare in Love. The David Lean Award for best achievement in direction - Peter Weir (The Truman Show). Best Screenplay (original) - The Truman Show (Andrew Niccol) Best Screenplay (adapted) - Primary Colors (Elaine May). Best Actress - Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth). Best Actor - Roberto Benigni (La Vita e Bella) Best Supporting Actress - Dame Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love). Best Supporting Actor - Geoffrey Rush (Shakespeare in Love). Best Film not in English - Central Do Brasil. The Anthony Asquith Award for achievement in film music - Elizabeth (David Hirschfelder). The Carl Foreman Award for newcomer in British film - Richard Kwietniowski. Best Cinematography - Elizabeth (Remi Adefarasin). Best Production Design - The Truman Show (Dennis Gassner). Best Costume Design - Velvet Goldmine (Sandy Powell). Best Editing - Shakespeare in Love (David Gamble). Best Sound - Saving Private Ryan. Best Special Effects - Saving Private Ryan. Best Make-up/Hair - Elizabeth (Jenny Shircore). Best Short Film - Home. Best Short Animated Film - The Canterbury Tales. The Orange Audience Award - Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The Academy Fellowship - Elizabeth Taylor. The Michael Balcon Award for outstanding British contribution to cinema - Michael Kuhn. The Alexander Korda Award for outstanding British film - Elizabeth.

For those who may like to know who the winners were. E for Best Cinematography was way off. Spielberg must be quite put out, he really did want the awards for SPR. Ann, Bethan or Jana, do any of you know who votes for the Baftas? I'm happy for Sandy Powell she is the best costume designer. She also did SIL and I've been a fan ever since Orlando, a film I love.

Thank you, Arami et. al for the wonderful 3DOR pics and Impressions page. It's great to have the memories consolidated and accessible. I cherish all the pictures I've seen but there's something about those up on top...the top left must have been when he saw the person he knew. Thanks for the close up of those delighted (and delightful) eyes! Thanks, Karen, for the MLSF pics. (Bethan)and not a Fiennes brother in sight!! LOL! (SusanMC) I really hope this movie doesn't get lost in the Phantom Menace tidal wave. Or the 'Notting Hill' tidal wave, which is being promo'd as the best alternative to PM. We know better. (Moon) I�m just back from the Turks & Caicos Lucky you! Unfortunately, I will not be able to join Renate�s CF list. Here's 2 potential solutions which Nan and Gi suggested (I'm in a similar DH situation): 1) open another e-mail account at Hotmail or Yahoo. It's free and you can keep the password to yourself. I chose this option. 2) Subscribe to the list but modify your subscription so that you read the posts on-line at egroups.com instead of via e-mail. Like e-mail, you set up the 'ac ount' with your own sign-on and password so it's private. All you'll need for either option is more time to spend at the computer to read the posts. Barbara, Vicky, or any one else from the list who's potentially lurking...please feel free to post! If I may take the liberty of speaking for everyone else here--we'd love to have you.

Heide, Helena has just sent me her Donmar photos and I just love the ones of you and you know who, you must be very pleased, and thankyou Helena for sending them to me, I think they are some of the best ones of have seen of Colin.

(Moon Dreams)I would be very happy to organize Gi�s wedding shower, of course the Don Perignon will overflow. I will need to set a date in early June as I will be leaving for Italy at the end of June. Is that agreeable to all? BTW, Gi, have you planned your honeymoon yet? Umbria is such a beautiful region. :-D (Karen)Early June would be nice for Gi's virtual shower, sufficient time for me to pick out a new virtual outfit. Gi,have you "registered"? Thanks for volunteering, Moon, it's bound to be a great party! Early June will be fine for me. Don't set the atual date yet, though, because I might be on duty...I'll know in mid-May. We haven't decided on the honeymoon yet, but Italy, my best loved country, is a possibility. No, Karen, I have not registered (nor have I in "real" life, and that's a "real" problem), but I just thought I might at P&P2...great tableware, linens, everything, what do you say? :-) And virtual outfits! That's fantastic! I'm already having so much fun at the idea I can but suggest we prepare this party at 110, if it's not frozen, and use that topic for all future parties.What do you all think?

BAFTA awards: does it look to you as if they gave "alternative prizes", I mean, to those films who had not won at the Oscars, unless they really had no choice?

News..of a kind. Reading about the BAFTAs, Harvey was there with Gwynnie (I'm sure Colin wasn't there ..must be filming in Scotland). In an interview, Harvey said that he really wanted to do a sequel to SIL, and left to himself he'd do it but he had to talk to the others first. Whateever the merits/demerits of a sequel, I'll bet there is one ...unlike "Titanic" and "TEP" the main protaganists are still alive! I just hope they don't write Wessex out...did he survive? I always thought the final shipwreck scenes were Shakesp are's dreams not reality. Anyway, food for thought... But if Viola is widow of independent means returning to England, there's no plot (Shakespeare takes a mistress...yawn!) - she needs a jealous, avenging (and hopefully very, very rich from those Virginian plantations) live husband! Also, there's a new paperback edition of Sir Denis Forman's "Son of Adam" scheduled for publication (was January 1999) sub-totled "My Life So Far". Obviously the movie tie-in.

If anyone here is thinking of getting ATA, released here today, they may encounter some problems!! After being promised a copy I went to buy it and was told "Well we are not stocking it after all." Calls to 4 other major suppliers revealed the same story. It has to be ordered. Do you have these problems in the States? I suppose we wouldn't be so devoted if we didn't have to overcome these obstacles but pursuit of droolheaven can be needlessly frustrating sometimes.

BAFTA was almost devoid of "goatee glimpses", the national news actually had more of Wessex!! A colleague of mine said today that her son was "waiting on table" there last night so if any relevant gossip filters down , I will pass it on. A very pale imitation of the "Real thing". Still Johnathan took a few swipes at Islington and its residents, come back Barry , we miss you!!

Saw an interesting if slightly patronising and definitely unoriginal short article in The Tatler today re The Donmar being beseiged by women of a certain age abandoning "their volvo's" and something else for a sight of Colin Firth. I will post the exact article later, didn't have time to buy it, it also said something to the effect that the booking office at the Donmar had nicknamed these ladies as Friends of Firth, very original. Still at least someone noticed that Colin has fans aplenty.

(Bethan) Harvey said that he really wanted to do a sequel to SIL NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! (I'm not shooting the messenger) The further adventures of young Will Shakespeare as he writes the rest of his plays and few more sonnets?? Also, there's a new paperback edition of Sir Denis Forman's "Son of Adam" scheduled for publication (was January 1999) sub-totled "My Life So Far". Obviously the movie tie-in. (she laughs heartily) like that's going to help the movie!! Bethan, is it being released by Hyperion (or another Disney subsidiary)? (Lizza) Do you have these problems in the States? ATA was initially released in the States at a very high cost. Many of us got our copies as previously viewed rentals. I picked up a couple (in excellent condition) at my local video store for about $6 or $7 I think. There are still some around for even less!! I don't know what a new one costs, but they are readily available at stores and through internet shopping. Oh Ann, that is a riot. Why must we always be labeled "women of a certain age." I suppose it would have been a nonissue if he had been beseiged by under-twentysomethings!! Please post as soon as you can from the Tatler.

LOL, Ann...I'm still chuckling. Ladies, where did you abandon your Volvos? Poor Colin, I hope he doesn't read the Tatler. Hopefully he is in Scotland. Welcome back Moon! Do follow Eileen and Karen's suggestion.

(Karen)Why must we always be labeled "women of a certain age." I suppose it would have been a nonissue if he had been beseiged by under-twentysomethings!! Think of it this way. Brandy and cheeses get better with age. Do we not mellow also? Have more compassion? Or is it just *passion*?! It is better than being of uncertain age or of no age at all! Now, I'll go blow out the candles on my cake before the house burns down =P Does anyone else have a problem with the "clear" button being where the "submit" button used to be? $^&%^&$#%...this is my second attempt to post this!

The more I think about his having to wear an itchy woolen swimming suit, the more I find to be disheartened about. I believe what Ben said about the chill weather in Scotland and its effects on the male endowments. Can you imagine what a plunge into water that cold would do to them?! To appalling to think on. And so little reason to drool! =P

Thank you dear genies behind the scene for rearranging the submit and clear buttons! Love you for that!!!

(Marcia) Now, I'll go blow out the candles on my cake before the house burns down =P Have we missed a birthday celebration? BTW, is there an extinguisher close by? Too funny. Does anyone else have a problem with the "clear" button being where the "submit" button used to be? Yeah, hard to teach us old dogs new tricks. ;-) his having to wear an itchy woolen swimming suit...I believe what Ben said about the chill weather in Scotland and its effects on the male endowments. No wonder the suits get all baggy?!