(Karen)No wonder the suits get all baggy?! LOL! I never figured it out till you presented it this way. So those suits are form-fitting until he hits the water. Pray for lots of footage of him basking on the rocks before he gets wet! The candles were metaphorical. My BD is not till the last day of May.

All right... Fine... I am behind yet again. What have I missed about Scotland and baggy swimsuits? I figured I've missed something huge. (Or not,if we're discussing ice water.) (I'm not very computer literate, so can someone tell me how, or tell me where to find out how to get the italic thing going?) Anyway about 'women of a certain age', I didn't get to go to 3DOR myself, but I am one of the few under-twenty-something CF fans, and I really think they shouldn't stereotype so much. Who cares what the age of his fans are? I think I speak on behalf of most doolers when I say we are all as sincere and devoted as each other, no matter what our ages.

Mannen, here's a great place to learn: Ann's Basic HTML Tag Tutorial

Gi, I spoke with Karen and she suggested using the Odds&Ends Topic for your Bridal Shower. If early June is a bad time maybe we can do it at the end of May, let me know. I have already started interviewing caterers and am receiving a special shipment of my favorite Dom Perignon Vintage '82. All the rush for the millenium celebration has made it very difficult to obtain. :-)) Renate, I have registered at egroups and would like to read the messages and not get the emails, but I did not see any obtion to do so. Also what is the correct heading of the group I should look for, or search for?

To our British friends; do any of you know who votes for the Baftas? I am still baffled at all the awards Elizabeth received. Marcia, my fellow Gemini, I believe a party is in order.;-)

I'm kind of surprised "Truman Show" won so many BAFTAs (best screenplay over SiL?!). Was it a big hit over there? Potential new source of CF news: I read an entertainment snippet saying that Miramax is launching a new magazine called "Talk" in August.

(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!! Bear with them for they know not better... In truth, it is probably less strange to see under-twentysomethings drooling before their favourite actor than it is to see ladies of a certain age do it :-) Do they wonder why it happens? (Mannen) What have I missed about Scotland and baggy swimsuits? I figured I've missed something huge. (Or not,if we're discussing ice water.) LOL! Mannen, Colin is supposed to be in Scotland shooting his new movie. The baggy swimsuit is expected to make its appearance in MLSF when it is finally released. (Marcia)And so little reason to drool! =P (Karen)No wonder the suits get all baggy?! Ye women of little faith! He'll look great even in woolen swimsuits :-) (Moon Dreams)Gi, I spoke with Karen and she suggested using the Odds&Ends Topic for your Bridal Shower. If early June is a bad time maybe we can do it at the end of May, let me know. End of May or early June are fine, as is Odds & Ends (have to look for that one) (Moon Dreams)Marcia, my fellow Gemini, I believe a party is in order.;-) Party season! :-)))

Moon: It is "Springfolks" When you go to egroups.com, you will see the list(s) to which you belong, number of messages and "mode of something." That can be changed via a drop-down list to "visit website." Keep looking around at the site. You will find it.

(Bethan) Harvey said that he really wanted to do a sequel to SIL (KarenR)NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! My sentiments exactly. Leave well enough alone, Harvey! (Just one more example that Miramax is more big Hollywood and less independent). Can't wait to see that Tatler article, Ann (what sharp eyes you have, my dear!). The Donmar's laughing all the way to the bank about "Friends of Firth." If we were predominantly undertwentysomethings we'd be over at Leo's web sites (you are to be praised on your cultivated taste in actors, Mannen ;-)). IMO Colin would probably appreciate a bit more gender balance in his fans. Moon, even if you change to viewing messages at the egroups site, you'll get an occasional email (I think it's biweekly) letting you know there are messages to read. You can turn this off too but it's in a different place than mode (to which Karen refers). It may be in "modify subscription."

(Eileen) IMO Colin would probably appreciate a bit more gender balance in his fans. I agree. But men would not travel across an Ocean to see an actor, or actress, they admire.(With the possible exception of Ben for Miss Ehle ;-))

Thanks Eileen, I have already taken care of the bi-weekly email, I just don't know what group to look for? There is no CF to log on to. I hope Renate can help. Ann, I too look forward to the Tatler article.

Welcome back, Moon! I'm quite jealous of your jaunt to the Caribbean. (Moon) A long vacation in LA may lead to signing other film deals Hmmmm, and a possibiltiy for more sitings by we West-Coasters :-)! (Moon) E for Best Cinematography was way off I totally agree, Moon. The BAFTA voters actually thought that all those disorienting overhead shots were worthy of a prize? And I kept screaming to myself "TURN THE LIGHTS ON!" (although maybe that dark look was the lighting director's fault :-)) (Mannen) but I am one of the few under-twenty-something CF fans OK, that does it. Next time CF appears in a play we put Mannen front and center. At least for the Tatler's benefit, anyway :-)

(Jana) Next time CF appears in a play we put Mannen front and center. Heehee, I suppose I could sit next to her since I'm 20. I don't think Colin has a reason to complain about his fans. He's got fans from all over the world, from all age groups. As for the gender...I'm sure there are man who admire Colin as an actor, but we can't expect them to drool over him the way we do;-)

Firstly ladies, I hope you won't be disappointed this article (I should have said snippet) is very small and I more or less said it all, not quite the right wording though but I will still post it as it is in The Tatler. Secondly Moon, according to my 1996 BAFTA Awards book, and I quote (re who votes for the Awards). the Members vote for th Awards - "The voting lists for both the Film & Television Awards are compiled from suggestions put forward be Academy members throughout the year with the broadcastin companies having the opportunity to add programmes to the final members' list in the television categories. Members then vote directly to select the Best Film and all the Film and Television Performance Awards. In the Production and Craft categories, the winner is selected by peer-group juries" (not sure who makes up the Members?) Does that help?!!

(Moon) I just don't know what group to look for? There is no CF to log on to. Do a search for Springfolks. Remember what I said I would do for you, it's there. Look around. ;-)

Party time, for sure: Bridal showers and Gemini babies. How much better can it get. When do we start, and is virtual food fattening?! As for that itchy woolen bathing suit, it is not little faith I am worried about. It is little to observe...and you know how eager we are to slo-mo our way through his movies to catch as much of the Fantastic Firth as possible! It is not good for appendages to dissappear up into the body cavity due to excessively cold water =P

CF to return to LA for an extended vacation? There's a thought. Jana, to the Firthmobile! Time to hit the streets of SanMo before it's too late! ;-) BTW- yesterday morning I saw a Firth-like man driving away from University Elem. School, right by UCLA. It's a private school where Hollywood types are known to bus their children. Toussled brown hair, wvy, same complexion, but driving a Jaguar. NAH! couldn't be him. Heehee, I suppose I could sit next to her since I'm 20. Mannen and Tineke-- I still qualify, so I can join you two front and center as well. And BTW-- I drove a Volvo when I was 16, so Tatler can just shove it. I've decided to be ruthless about some of my belongings, as I clean out my apt. and prepare to move next month. I have a stack of magazines with Colin Firth articles/pictures (Elle, Vogues, etc etc) as far back as 1997. Jeremy Northam stuff as well. Anyone want them? Email me.

(winter) CF to return to LA for an extended vacation? There's a thought. Jana, to the Firthmobile! I am LMAO!! I got this mental picture of you and I crusing around town in leather outfits with the top down (top of the convertible, that is!) Although that thought makes me wonder if the overwhelming sight of le Firth could compel one to lower one's own top. Hmmmm - winter, I shall count on you to supply the decorum ;-).

Something exquisitely titillating has struck the ladies of Drool, and what a fine thing it is to see. So many happy thoughts, top down, over exposure...what shall The Tattler say about that!

I had the color slides from My Life So Far's press kid printed and rescanned them. The page can now be found at: My Life So Far Haven't a clue where the white stuff came from on the bottom pic; will have to fix it later.

(Jana)Hmmmm - winter, I shall count on you to supply the decorum ;-). Me? Decorum? ;-) Oh... fine! But Victoria's Secret just mailed out a new catalogue, and there were so many things I had in mind for the occasion :-D (Marcia)Something exquisitely titillating has struck the ladies of Drool, and what a fine thing it is to see. So many happy thoughts, top down, over exposure...what shall The Tattler say about that! What can we do? It's Spring! No...but in all seriousness, I wouldn't go further than asking him for an autograph, if the opportunity were to come up. I have way too much respect for his privacy to be doing anything more than what a perfect stranger would ask of him. Esp. after seeing him last December.

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? BAFTA awards: Fooey....(the sound you hear is a resounding Bronx Cheer) I'd concur with their ecstasy over "Elizabeth" if I hadn't been in London in October when "There's Something About Mary " was the rave (no kidding) and "Elizabeth" was ignored. Dark and Dull film, IMO. How could they overlook Tom Stoppard and the great SIL soundtrack.I hope those guys emigrate to this side of the pond where we appreciate them. *** Karen...great MLSF page...(didn't I tell ya' that this girl has talent we haven't even seen yet!!) ****** (Marcia)Pray for lots of footage of him basking on the rocks before he gets wet! No, no, no, Marcia....we want him basking on the rocks afterhe gets wet :-)) .

(AnnW), In the Production and Craft categories, the winner is selected by peer-group juries" (not sure who makes up the Members?) Does that help?!! Thanks Ann. I can't imagine other cinematographers voting for E over SPR, SIL or even the Truman Show. I must agree with Evelyn, "How could they overlook Tom Stoppard and the great SIL soundtrack.I hope those guys emigrate to this side of the pond where we appreciate them." It is a jealousy issue,IMO. ( Winter), Toussled brown hair, wvy, same complexion, but driving a Jaguar. NAH! couldn't be him. Maybe he was borrowing Meg's car. :-) What can we do? It's Spring! And love is in the air! Karen, I did manage the Springfolks afterall thanks. You made it easier. Love the MLSF pix.

(Gi) But men would not travel across an Ocean to see an actor, or actress, they admire Unless they are saintly and devoted husbands, boyfriends or fiances of devoted fans. I suspect you know somebody who falls into that category! (Winter) Jana, to the Firthmobile! Keep those eyes open, ladies 8-D! (Moon) Maybe he was borrowing Meg's car. :-) That's exactly what I thought! But he's as likely to be in Scotland now as he is in LA. I'd rather see him working than taking another extended vacation, selfish thing that I am ;-)

Okay, so I just spoke to my mother on the phone, and as expected something was wrong with the video! She didn't tape Nostromo! I knew it, I knew it!! *grabs hair* It's not my mother's fault though. What is it with our video that each time ODB comes on TV, it refuses to record? The same thing happened with Circle of Friends. The only time our video did tape a CF film was when ARTE showed Another Country. It was dubbed in French so I gave up watching after half an hour.

Tineke, you are very welcome to borrow my PAL copy of Nostromo if you would like to email me. I though he looked gorgoeus in it, loved the beard and moustache, don't mind moustaches with beards but don't like moustaches on their own, hope he doesn't sport a moustache in DQ.

(Gi) But men would not travel across an Ocean to see an actor, or actress, they admire (Eileen)Unless they are saintly and devoted husbands, boyfriends or fiances of devoted fans. Which supports my point, because the men in those categories did not travel to see an actor, but to be with their significant others :-)

I just found this on Murph's Corner and plan to call tomorrow. I urge others to do the same. Fever Pitch will be released by Phaedra Films in the USA. Write, or fax, or call to let them know you want to see it in YOUR city: Roseann CherensonSr. VP, Distribution & Acquisitions Phaedra Cinema5455 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1403Los Angeles, CA 90036 Tel: (323) 938-9610 Fax: (323) 938-9731 BTW I read in the newspaper that : The Women's World Cup Soccer Tournament will be held this summer in seven US cities...and has sold more than 300,000 tickets already. 30,000 tickets have been sold for the final game in Pasadena , Calif. on July 10th. Coincidental that "Fever Pitch " will be preemed on July 6th....hmmmmmm? Good strategy...Phaedra!!Go Paul Ashford!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I thought the premiere was on July 9th...not that it matters, but I just happened to remember that b/c it's my b-day. (what a treat!)

Ooooh, CF on the big screen on your birthday. Now that's what I call a present!

Just discovered that the CF chat is listed in the Yahoo directory when you make a search. I think it cannot have to do with the trouble in chat recently because the entry appeared not when I was there last time, which was 2 days ago. Be prepared for some visitors - of the nice kind I hope! ;-) If they are not nice, I recommend to leave chat immediately (all!) and go to these boards or to springfolks or private email for a while, and only return much later. If no one's there, there's no fun for the trolls, and they will loose interest. BTW, anyone who tried to apply to springfolks but did not get a reply from me yet, please send me an email. I'm not sure if I didn't lose some addresses. Thanks.

My husbands cancer surgery went very well. The doctor says he is clean and clear.

Lucie, I'm so glad for you and your husband! Thanks for sharing with us. This is indeed a year for good news!

(Renate) Just discovered that the CF chat is listed in the Yahoo directory when you make a search. I meet a nice lady last night in chat who found it this way. of course, i cant remember her name.... (oops) Lucie, this is Happy News Indeed!!! *doing the dance of joy* Winter- have marked a big W on my calendar on July 9th

Winter- have marked a big W on my calendar on July 9th You are correct, Winter...FP does preem in LA and NY on July 9th. I just spoke to the man at Phaedre...he says he does not expect CF to attend. "Unless he happens to be in LA or NY at the time". (LA is a good possibility) "He's gone on to bigger things now....SIL really put him on the map". (hope he's right....but we've all heard that one before...haven't we? Anyway, I inquired if we could do anything to bring the film to other cities..."an individual can't do much....a theatre owner needs hundreds of requests...a soccer league, maybe".So you soccer fans and moms out there see what you can do. And Winter, call him at 323-938-9610 and ask for a ticket to the preem.Who knows?....he might show up!!

Wait a minute, DB is supposed to be in Umbria then, shopping for antiques, how else will I meet him this summer??? Of course, it would be a great coup for your birthday Winter. By the time I'm back I will have missed both FP and MLSF on the big screen. :-( You will all hate me, but I wish they'd delay the openings till September.

What good news, Lucie. (Evelyn) "He's gone on to bigger things now....SIL really put him on the map". (hope he's right....but we've all heard that one before...haven't we? Yup. Does this person know something we don't (re: bigger and better things)? 7/9 is my sister's birthday so I'm sure I'll remember yours, Winter. And we know CF has a reason to be in LA, not NY. Sounds like fate to me. Moon, weren't you in Tuscany/Umbria last summer? Bet he was there, taking his son out to eat(I heard restaurants in Italy have tolerance for children ;-))!

Thanks Karen, I'll try the italics now, but I very much doubt I've got it in me. Eileen(you are to be praised on your cultivated taste in actors, Mannen ;-)). I don't think I deserve praise for having half a brain, but thank you anyway. Also, I look forward to the middle centre position at his next play. But is it really THAT amazing???? He is wonderful, after all. (But 'Not always' I hear.) I'm glad your husband is better Lucie. Give him my best.(Not that he'll know who I am.) BTW, I lied in an earlier posting. I'm not undertwenty-something. I will turn seventeen on Monday. I'm an Aries baby who knows a good actor when she sees one!

Wow! The italics worked! Thanks again Karen!

Mannen--But is it really THAT amazing???? He is wonderful, after all. (But 'Not always' I hear.) Yes, yes, and a thousand times yes. That's his whole appeal to me. And, oh, by they way he's kinda cute too.(hee, hee) But honestly speaking he's so divinely talented. As for the physical aspect, I've never met anyone who made my hands shake--would have never known it until I tried to take a picture of him. Did anything like this happen to anyone else? (Sweaty palms and the tied tongues of course were obvious�that is except for Evelyn). Non CF fans who I have told this to think I'm totally ridiculou . Lucie, I'm glad to hear the good news about your husband.

(JanaC), I've never met anyone who made my hands shake--would have never known it until I tried to take a picture of him. Did anything like this happen to anyone else? (Sweaty palms and the tied tongues of course were obvious�that is except for Evelyn). I told ya' to have another glass of wine :-) Anyway...for someone with shaking hands, you took some pretty good pictures!!

This is my first posting but I just love these boards. Time to de-lurk but also slightly off topic. I didn't know where else to post that JE is to star in Tom Stoppard's play 'The Real Thing' which opens at the Donmar on May 27.

Thank you aishling (do you have something else we could call you?) for de-lurking. Believe me JE news like that is NEVAH off-topic. I'm going to wake Evelyn up shortly! :-) (Why is there such a huge amount of space between your post and the response box?)

The Real Thing runs at the Donmar from 6/1 - 8/1, so Jennifer will be working all summer. May 27 is for preview. Haven't found anything announcing the cast yet.

Karen: Haven't found anything anouncing the cast yet Sarah Woodward, Nigel Lindsay and Mark Bazekey co-star.

Aishling you beat me to it I was just going to post the news, as well as the above cast Stephen Dillane is her co-star, another trip to the Donmar Evelyn? Here it is, the snippet from Tatler magazine, May 1999. (Picture of Colin and E.McG, sitting on the stairs reading the journal). "The Donmar Warehouse was recently over-run by a new breed of theatregoer, stampedes of ladies of a certain age abandoned their labradors, reved up their Volvo's and sped to Covent Garden to catch a glimpse of CF. (right) who starred with E.McG (far right) in a new play 3 Days of Rain last month. Indeed, Mr. Darcy elicited such excitement that the Donmar Box Office staff now refer to his fans as "Friends of the Firth." Lets hope JE does just as well.

Cont. seems I was cut off - "stampedes of ladies of a certain age abandoned their labradors, reved up their Volvo's and sped to Covent Garden to catch a glimpse of CF (right) who starred with E.McG (far right) in a new play 3 Days of Rain last month. Indeed, Mr. Darcy elicited such excitement that the Donmar box office staff now refer to his fans as "Friends of the Firth". Hope JE does just as well.

strange!!

Karen, Aishling is Irish and pronounced Ashleen. That is if Aishling is Irish and pronounces it that way;)

You are correct Laura

The Real Thing runs at the Donmar from 6/1 - 8/1, so Jennifer will be working all summer. May 27 is for preview Ben are you making plans?

(JanaC)This address did not come from the FAQ website but from another source. (Arami) Which one, please? (Sooooooo curious........I thought I'd seen it all... ;-)) Its a mystery to me. Just like his shoe size!!!

JENNIFER EHLE AT THE DONMAR IN A TOM STOPPARD PLAY!! ****Is this a great day or what?**** Bless you Aishling....Karen ( who just called), Ann for posting and Baz Bamigboye in DAILY MAIL for breaking the story. Can I quote what Ann sent me from his column in today's DM? ""Jennifer Ehle has finally found The Real Thing. She has accepted director David Leveaux's invitation to star in his new production of Tom Stoppard's great play about love and marriage, The Real Thing. Ms. Ehle will take the role of Annie, an actress who has an adulterous affair with a play- wright. The part was created in the early Eighties by Felicity Kendal in London and by Glenn Close on Broadway. Although Ms Ehle shot several films last year, including This Year's Love and The Taste of Sunshine, which will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, she recently complained to the writer Demetrious Matheou that she had been out of work for seven months and spent all day in a coffer bar reading, "and going mad". From now there will be no free time rehearsals begin on Monday. Stephen Dillane will portray Stoppard's cerebral hero Henry, who hopes, with Annie, that he can find the "real thing" for real and not just in the plays he pens. Sarah Woodward, Nigel Lindsay and Mark Bazekey co-star in the production which opens at the Donmar Warehouse Theatre on May 27th." God Bless Baz...he always comes through. (He likes CF & JE..always gives them good reviews:-) ****** Well, I guess it's .....Back to the Donmar..."The Holy of Holies". As Winter would say: "I'm there, baby"!!!

Sorry for the italics....I'm excited as you can see.

With that good news, anyone could suffer an attack of the italics! Go, Evelyn, go! That first row in the stalls has your name on it! Thank you Aishling for the news and thanks Laura for the correction (check #80 for yours, hee hee). Have never run across your name before and it sounds lovely, now that I know how it is pronounced. Welcome to Drool and feel free to join in on all our topics. We are a fun bunch and always eager for information from across the pond.

Interesting news! Baz B. does seem to be a good source for CF and JE. BTW, I'm sure that CF must be filming in Scotland now...didn't he tell Baz that he was returning from LA/the Oscar ceremony to film DonQ. I should think he made the trip to LA primarily to see Will. It must be pretty cold in the Glasgow area at the moment...heavy falls of snow reported. I wonder if Baz B will get the lowdown soon on the casting for BJD, Lion in Winter and Mary Queen of Scots. Lizza, like you I tried to get hold of a copy of ATA. I phoned Video Plus Direct (01733-232800) and they said it wasn't available until May 24th (huh!)but that a lot of people were already reserving it. So there must be some other frustrated CF fans out there. I've reserved a copy and shall wait patiently! I sometimes wonder if part of the charm of CF is that it's so darned difficult to see his work...!!

Welcome and, on behalf of Ben and Evelyn (and other ardent JE fans), thanks for your news, Aishling! It is always a pleasure so see someone delurk. Thanks for following through with that snippet, Ann. At least they got the "Friends of Firth" right but why must they always refer to him as Mr. Darcy? (Bethan) It must be pretty cold in the Glasgow area at the moment I hope Don Q doesn't have to jump into any lochs. I sometimes wonder if part of the charm of CF is that it's so darned difficult to see his work...!! That was Karen's point recently. It's the good old laws of supply and demand (see, I did learn something in economics).

Wow, three P&P2 stars in a row at the Donmar! Is that place a good luck charm or what? I'm glad that JE is going back to work. That article on her sitting in Starbucks reading etc. made me feel sad... and angry that someone so talented should be waiting around for work.

How long could the filming of DQ take? It is only a television movie. Might only be a couple of weeks at most. Any news as to others in the cast? Do you think BBC Scotland could be pestered a little bit for additional details? (We have become a demanding bunch ;-) ) But we do work hard for our info. Baz B is in the Daily Mail, right? Why isn't it online. (sulk sulk)

Movies for television normally have a four to six weeks shoot, but can run up to eight weeks or longer, depending on budget, subject etc. They are normally at par with films made for the cinema. For example "Mrs Brown" was originally a BBC Scotland production, and "Jude" and (I think)"Welcome to Sarajevo" were both BBC film productions that got a theatrical release(as of course was "The Advocate/HOTPIG") So the fact that DonQ is a BBC production does not necessarily mean that it is targeted at TV. But th good thing is, that if it doesn't get a theatrical release, it will always be shown on TV. I think it's scheduled for screening at the beginning of next year...which must mean TV, unless plans change.

It is so annoying being this out of touch. British films that are made for TV are rarely ever show in Australia. (Unless they were relatively big successes.) There are so many CF movies that I can't get a hold of because of that reason. I believe (Uncut) 'Hostages' was a good movie. Can anyone confirm that? Does anyone know what ODB's doing after DonQ? Personally, I can't wait for the baggy woollen swinsuit. It might give him more character. (If that is possible.) I think I might just have to plan a trip to the UK early next year so I can watch it myself.

Welcome Aishling, lovely name! I have an artist friend in Dublin his name is Oisin, luckily, I know how to pronounce it. :-) Thank you our UK friends for the latest info. I will have to look for the Bax B. Karen, read the D. Mail at your bookstore. It works for me.

(Karen)Do you think BBC Scotland could be pestered a little bit for additional details? (We have become a demanding bunch ;-) I wrote to BBC when we first got the news and was told to contact Suzanne Vickers at 141-338-2486 or BBC Scotland Lesley Smith Finance Supervisor, TV Drama Room 2170, BBC Scotland Queen Margaret Drive Tel: (0141-33) 8 2755 Glasgow G12 8DG Fax: (0141-33) 8 2273 External e-mail address : lesley.smith.02@bbc.co.uk I did try to email her and got not response. Anyone else is welcomed to persue the project. After my poor track record with SLOW, I feel I'm a jinx on ODB. **** Tried to talk Phaedra into buying SLOW from the bank. Phaedra is the distrib who is releasing FP).No soap...."we don't buy films from banks esp. if they have been involved in bankruptcy." *** Part of the charm of CF is that it's so darned difficult to see his work...!! JE's aren't that easy either....(next time, evelyn...go for Harrison Ford! **** I have pleaded with the DM on line to include Baz's column...maybe if we all do it. http://www.dailymail.co.uk

Tried to talk Phaedra into buying SLOW from the bank. Phaedra is the distrib who is releasing FP).No soap...."we don't buy films from banks esp. if they have been involved in bankruptcy." Well tried, Evelyn! But talk about "the one that didn't get away". If only they had finished the editing of SLOW a little earlier. And it was the parent company that went bankrupt...Handmade were on a roll with "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels". Bad luck all the way! BTW...who does buy films from banks?!

No soap...."we don't buy films from banks esp. if they have been involved in bankruptcy." What difference can that possibly make? None, that I can see. Re: The Daily Mail Since "This is London" is owned by the parent company and incorporates info from both the DM and Evening Std, I would imagine the news will hit there tomorrow.

OT. Just thought I would mention that Stephen Dillane, who is starring with JE in hew new play, has also been in three CF films, "The Widowing of etc", "The Secret Garden "and another which I forget for the minute, could be "Hostages" he also also starred in "Welcome to Sarajevo."

I knew that name rang a bell! Thank you AnnW. So he was the one trying to whisk Zoe away from Charlie Holroyd. Harumph! And Secret Garden too. Must take a looksie. :)

BTW...who does buy films from banks?! Big time distribs who have millions of $$$$$. I think Phaedra must have gotten FP at a bargain price. Bethan,how much did FP cost to make? *** ...we don't buy films from banks esp. if they have been involved in bankruptcy." What difference can that possibly make? None, that I can see. They're afraid of further litigations.But once the bank has the title to sell the film I would think all litigations would be have been resolved.I dunno.....

Ben is noticeable silent. :( Has he lost consciousnous? Has he begun the swim across the Atlantic? Is he in the process of cornering the market in flowers with which to shower La Ehle on opening night and every night?

My guess is he tried on his old itchy wool swimming suit and is having trouble getting back out again. I did see his picture, and he is droolworthy, too, BTW. Much the same coloring as TDB but he scowls too much =P Come out, Ben! We miss you!!!

I can confirm the third one was Hostages, and he was excellent in WTS. I think he is slightly older than JE, but quite dishy, I can see it working between JE & him.

Bethan,how much did FP cost to make? I think it was �2 million. Is that right, Bethan? Re Springfolks. Renate am I registered now. Nothing seems to be happaning and I have tried all ways. What should I do now?

Bethan,how much did FP cost to make? I think it was �2 million. Is that right, Bethan? Re Springfolks. Renate am I registered now? Nothing seems to be happening and I have tried all ways. What should I do now?

Ooops! I think the second version of that message looks slightly better! Sorry, I did not intend to post twice.

Allison: Renate am I registered now. Nothing seems to be happaning and I have tried all ways. What should I do now? I've sent out computergenerated invitations to you several days ago, but your reply doesn't come in. Have you got it at all? You have to hit the "reply" button and send it back to sender (not to me!). Make sure the "accept cookies" function of your browser is on. If this doesn't work, I'm sure Marcia will take care that you will get on the list. Because: I'm glad to announce that Marcia and Gi will be the new moderators at the springfolks mailing list. For any future requests regarding applications or springfolks business please turn to Marcia. I have to go into deeper lurkdom for a while, for several reasons. Here's one of them: And another one :-)) :

Sorry for taking up the space and loading time with non-Colin pics. Perhaps you can remove the pics after a while, Karen or Heide.

Have fun, Renate, and if you run across two frolicking dogs (Flick and Frack, was it?), nab'm. ;-)

(Renate) I have to go into deeper lurkdom for a while, for several reasons. V mysterious. Don't stay away too long we shall miss you. As for Springfolks..."I shall conquer this"...

Sorry for taking up the space and loading time with non-Colin pics. Perhaps you can remove the pics after a while, Karen or Heide.

Allison, Email me (the one here works!)...I have already installed two new subscribers who had problems with the reply.

Let me wish you an early Happy Birthday, Mannen. At least you, Tineke and a few others can lower the median for us "women of a certain age" (yadda, yadda, yadda) by a month or two. I appreciate your honesty about your age because now I have to issue a required government warning not just to you but to under-age lurkers not brave enough to post: According to the Surgeon General, anyone under the age of 18 should be aware that continued reading of Drool Topics may lead to the warping of impressionable minds. We at Drool can not be held accountable for corrupting the morals of a minor. And most importantly, parents hold the responsibility for blocking sites they prefer their childre not visit. Luckily, we haven't been too loose with words for a long time and I can tell you're very mature. Just don't go to 34. ;-) I know springfolks is in good hands with Marcia and Gi. And Renate, enjoy your holiday. Don't stray too far from us though. Ciao!

Mannen. Hostages is a good movie. Colin is great as the goodnatured English journalist. Cirian Hands is great too as the Irishman. We brought Bob home today. No more driving back and forth to Winter Haven two or three time a day, at least 100 miles. Thursday we took a break though and instead of coming home in the afternoon went to see SIL again. I needed a good laugh. I really crack up at the end where he starts to get out of the theater until the boy tells the queen that he is there. The way he runs out ot the theater to get her help retrieving his errant bride and the silly look he gets on his face when she says, "Have you lost yo r bride already Wessex," makes me appreciate again what a great actor he really is. I agree whole heartedly with the Academey Awards and the Bafta's in giving Judi Dench the award for best supporting actress. She may have been on screen for only 8 minutes, but what an 8 minutes.

Ladies of drool, I just had this weird thought and it gave me an idea. What if Colin Firth,or his wife , or a friend actually lurk about these parts occassionally. This would be the perfect forum for sending him personal messages. We could tell him how much we adore him, or love his work, or ask about future plans (all clean of course). Who knows, we may even get some answers some day. We can choose a site, call it something clever and we're off. Can we do this, Marcia, Karen, AnnW., Renate?

Heide-According to the Surgeon General, anyone under the age of 18 should be aware that continued reading of Drool Topics may lead to the warping of impressionable minds. We at Drool can not be held accountable for corrupting the morals of a minor. Thanks for the warning Heide, but I'm confident my mind isn't impressionable... It was well and truly warped a LONG time before I started coming to drool. Thanks also for the birthday wishes... I'm glad to be of service in lowering the median for:- "women of a certain age" Susan- This would be the perfect forum for sending him personal messages. We could tell him how much we adore him, or love his work, or ask about future plans (all clean of course). I think it's a good idea, you can never know who's lurking out there... We wouldn't want him to think we're all crazy, would we?

Oops, I'm still getting used to the italics.

All right! Who didn't tell me it would do that?

Lucie, very best wishes to your husband. I am thinking of you both. Thanks Karen, finally got here again.

Moon, have a wonderful time, you will be missed. Maybe you will return with some Tuscan (or Umbrian) "gossip" for us!!!

I certainly hope to have major Umbrian gossip, I shall not be leaving till the end of June, but in the meantime Lizza, please give us the details of the flowers that you sent to the Donmar. How do you know Livia took them home, and what did you write on the card? There is also a possibility that I might be in London for a couple of days in July. I would love to meet you all for tea or lunch, but since I have no definite date set, it might have to be a last minute thing. Do you think it might be possible to set up? Lucie, I also wish your husband a quick recovery.

I'm very happy to hear your good news, Lucie! By my calculations, you''ll be seeing MLSF in the US in about seven weeks! Almost countdown time. As you know, I'm always reading the papers ( (-: ) and I've just read an interesting item about budgets for movie promotion in Hollywood...apparently the average amount budgeted is a stonking $24million per movie. In the UK, I should think the average promotional budget for Brit films is about ten quid! But hype does pay dividends. And (old news!) British cinema mamagers are increasingly reluctant to screen f lm which don't have a big advertising campaign behind them. But it set me wondering just how much promotion Miramax will give MLSF, and whether Colin will have to do talk shows. I really don't see how he can avoid it! Miramax's "An Ideal Husband" (Rupert Everett, Minnie Driver, Cate Blanchett) has just opened here to mixed reviews. But I noticed that the promotion (poster, trailer etc)all focused on the Lord Goring figure played by Rupert Everett "he's the ideal husband, but he doesn't know it". This is a complete and utter distortion of the original play by Oscar Wilde...the ideal husband is infact Sir Robert Chiltern, whose wife regards as perfect, but has a hidden past. But Miramax are obviously selling the movie as an RE vehicle. So I wonder what they'll do with MLSF?! Well, you'll soon find out!

(Bethan) But I noticed that the promotion (poster, trailer etc)all focused on the Lord Goring figure played by Rupert Everett Rupert will bring in the crowds. Not any different than using Ben Affleck to promote SiL really. the ideal husband is infact Sir Robert Chiltern, whose wife regards as perfect, but has a hidden past. That's Jeremy Northam, isn't it? Looked really good and sounded really good in the trailer we saw. Unfortunately JN doesn't have the box-office draw of an RE. So I wonder what they'll do with MLSF?! Oh probably, heart-warming children's film to be seen with the entire family. ;-)

(Bethan)So I wonder what they'll do with MLSF?! (Karen)...Oh probably, heart-warming children's film to be seen with the entire family. ;-) Simon Birch in Scotland. (Yawn, Yawn). However, Karen's pics on the MLSF page shows some romantic pics with Irene Jacobs!!That's promising:-)

Jennifer Ehle will definitely play the role of Annie in Tom Stoppard's play "The Real Thing"....confirmed today by the Donmar Warehouse.The play will run June and July. Box Office: From US: 011-44-171-369-1732 JE fans and Spring mini-reunion (actually everyone welcomed) at the Saturday evening June 12th performance. Please email me if you are interested in having dinner before the performance at ...where else? The LUNA NUOVA.Adjacent to the Donmar...downstairs. So far: AnnW. Lizza and me. (Talked to box office guy...James...who remembers us from the 3 DOR...told him we weren't "charmed" at being labeled the "Volvo-ladies". He roared...I have an idea it was he alright.!!! The snake!):-)) By now they're used to the US crowd buying tickets.

Evelyn, you cannot believe how much good you did my heart and psyche by telling that snake in the glass booth we were not amused! I'd hate to leave him thinking he'd gotten away with something clever at our expense. You are truly amazing - and if I could wiggle my nose and make the flight from here to there a lot shorter, I'd be in the group! Alas...=(

(Marcia)... I could wiggle my nose and make the flight from here to there a lot shorter, I'd be in the group! I wish everyone could be with us....I hope to be able to be lucky enough to get another pic: "Friends of Fine Eyes". If so, maybe I can talk dear ole' Karen into scanning it on Spring :-))

I'll be with you in spirit at the Donmar, Evelyn, and would love to be there in body but.... Hey! Maybe if I go on Jeopardy and win a trip to England I could do it! Karen, you looked terrific tonight. You kept your jitters very well hidden especially when confronted with those ridiculous categories. "Machines?" I wanted to break that Helen's thumbs. So when are you going to take your prize trip?

What happened here?? Did I miss Karen on Jeopardy? Why didn't you tell us? Sono arrabiata con te. Unless someone warns me to turn it on the TV is always off in my house. Congratulations I gather are in order Karen. So, what trip did you win?

I just found a good reason for getting stuff last in Hawaii - I can take Karen on Jeopardy!!! I cannot wait =))

Make that TAPE Karen on Jeopardy

Mmmm! Nice start to my day. Opened today's Guardian G2 section to find large (familiar) pic of CF as Darcy and headline "In search of Mr Right"..Caption to photo "Colin Firth...it was his performance that provided the inspiration for Mark Darcy, hero of that thoroughly modern piece of romantic fiction, Bridget Jones' Diary." Aha, methinks, they've announced the casting for BJD. But, no, it's an article on how although women have changed (successful, careers etc) they are still looking for Mr Darcy (cultivated, manly, decent, but fallible)or in Bridget Jones' case, "a Colin Firth clone in his role as Darcy in P&P". What struck me is that even after three years (nearly) it's still a thrill to read "Colin Fith/Darcy" in the papers!!! Maybe because we were left wanting more, and we know we can never have it...no endless sequels (Darcy6), no prequels (The Young Darcy)...nothing!! BJD remains my only hope. :-) Did you win, Karen?