I taped Karen on Jeopardy. She was quite good and Helen Petroff was coached!

So many news over a weekend! Karen on Jeopardy (don't even really know what it is, but you won, you won!), JE at the Donmar (where is Ben? :-)), Colin in the papers in BJD's announcements... I dodn't like the "clone" part. Does it mean they're not getting *him* for the part? Don't they know there is no such thing as a CF clone? Evelyn and the UK ladies - I hope it is good! But *he* probably won't be there, can you handle that?

(Marcia)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! Maybe he is playing the strong, silent type at the moment...:-D Anyone know if price wars are still going on for RT tix to London? A trip in May is a bit last-minute, though...

Oh yes! Karen-- You did great! I forced my family to sit down and watch you compete. You had yourself a cheering section down in Georgia last night! BTW-- I didn't know more than half the answers to yesterday's game, though I DID know the final Jeopardy! answer. I think it's from too much time spent browsing through Williams Sonoma catalogues! :-P

OK, guys, I was on Jeopardy yesterday, but "no" I didn't win. I came in second, that's how I bet for the final question. Knew that turkey would bet it all, so I just made sure I had enough left to be in second. Winter, you knew it was the paper shredder? Damn! No one I know would've come up with it, but as soon as the time was up and Alex started to speak, I knew it. Just that added little extra... It was fun and an experience. Wished I had better categories (as had been on the two shows I saw being filmed before mine--I cleaned up on those) or at least in the subjects I had spent about two days cramming in before I left. Too bad I didn't have the guts to run the Shakespeare category and hesitated briefly on the $800 question. Definitely would have had the $1,000 in that category. Must check again if time was indeed up when Alex cut me off on the Bobby Darin answer (why, oh why, did I even hesit te - I hum along with Dream Lover whenever I hear it on the oldies radio station). Am dying to see if Helen (the know-it-all witch) researcher and classics major from Long Beach becomes a five-time undefeated champion today, in which case I will feel slightly better have lost to her. Tis over. Sorry I didn't alert everyone in advance, but I didn't want to make a big deal over it, especially since I didn't win. :-)

One last thing: Marcia told me that she taped my appearance and has placed the tape in an honored position in her Colin library (between Playmaker and the Netherfield Ball segment of P&P). I have asked her to put her copy of The Hour of the Pig behind me! ;-D

Karen, I was sorry to have missed you :-( ! Second place or not! What did you chat about during the little 'get to know you' segment? ;-P Let us know if it's re-run, will you? I have asked her to put her copy of The Hour of the Pig behind me! Good choice!

Am dying to see if Helen (the know-it-all witch) researcher and classics major from Long Beach becomes a five-time undefeated champion today, in which case I will feel slightly better have lost to her. OH MY GOD!!!! I just realized.... I'VE MET HELEN BEFORE!!!! I'm not kidding! About a month or two ago, at a dinner at a grad student's house. Some brought dates, others such as myself didn't-- but one of the grad students from my dept. brought Helen along. She didn't mention anything about Jeopardy, but I do remember this woman (couldn't place an ethnicity, and thought her attractive looking) being a classics major, and when I saw her on TV last night, I thought, "Boy she looks familiar!" WHOA...two people I've met competing against one another on the same show!

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Oh, I guess I didn't catch it after all:( ugh!

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Small world, huh?

How many times I gotta tell you people? ;-) The TAG is fixed, but you can't tell until you leave the topic and come back without the old message on the board. Trust me!! No need to keep posting "test" messages to fix the tag. It is fixed!! If you want to verify this, leave 118. Go to another topic. Then come back and in the little redisplay box below put in -2 or something and you will see.

Figured that one out, ex-friend;p;) hee hee;)

It just occurred to me why Karen requested HOTPig behind her video. She is "fixing" up her house and wanted some help in wall removal in the least painful way! Love the idea ;)

Don't know what Laura did...but the dialog box wouldn't come up after her posting.... *** I missed Karen...my TV station pre-emted J. But I'm first in line for a copy Karen....:-) I'm putting mine next to Fever Pitch....Arsenal and all that stuff...her faves ***** Winter)Anyone know if price wars are still going on for RT tix to London? A trip in May is a bit last-minute, though High Season starts June 15. If you buy before April 30 you can still get low season prices.Go to a "bucket shop". I got a great price on United from a discount travel agent...about $300. below the reg price. ***** No Gi . It won't be the same without everyoneat the Donmar and ODB. It will be different, but a lot of fun also. I think JE is a superb actress and this is a Tom Stoppard (not an American play!)I haven't read it yet, but by the description of her character, it sounds like the Calypso role she played in The Camomile Lawn. Her first TV venture, for which she won an award. Baz and Daily Mail really got the scoop. Agent says it was only finalized three days ago!!The Donmar lives on the edge!! I too wonder if ODB will go some time. ay

Help!!! What exactly is Jeopardy about? I mean I have an idea I would just like a clearer picture!! Good on you Karen, second is no bad thing. We all came second at the Donmar too(to Livia!!!) I could kick myself for not getting the Guardian too.

Lizza ...impt that you contact AnnW. ASAP. re: TRT at the Donmar.

Ladies: Guess what? BBC Publicity Scotland did respond to my email re: Donovan Quick. It is in production...6 weeks. To be screened next year.Best part is that Karen has consented to be our liaison!! Are we lucky or what!!

Lizza, Jeopardy is a game show in the US (I believe there are versions of it in many other countries as I saw an international tournament once with champions from a number of places.) There is a game board with six categories and you select "answers" for a certain dollar amount. Our answers have to be in the form of a question though. They give you the answer, we supply the question. It's been on television for more than 20 years.

Hi! I have never posted here before, but I've followed the discussions. I write because I watched episode four of P&P2 again today, and I am all giddy...he makes me swoon. I confess that it has been long since I have cared for actors, not since I was a teenager, but with him, Lord, I am infatuated. I envy all the ladies who saw him in person, and the pictures! I have read some were somewhat disappointed, but I could never be. I have no taste for pretty boys. In the words of my dear JA herself, "pictures of perfection make me sick and wicked." I love his hands, his voice, his eyes, his figure, the way he carries himself, his features...He looks so sweet in the photographs you all took at the theatre. I have a question: what does he smell like? I want details!

(Marcia) It just occurred to me why Karen requested HOTPig behind her video. She is "fixing" up her house and wanted some help in wall removal in the least painful way! No, then she would have requested HOTPIG to be placed face to face with her video. More likely she wants HOTPIG behind her because she needs help removing curtains. Lidya, you're no stranger - certainly not at 34. Welcome here as well and at any Colin/Darcy subject is welcome though we also have a special topic for Darcy, 112. Tape 4 is one of my favorites, especially if you fast forward through those pesky "other" scenes. I still love P&P but after countless viewings, I'm tired of watching Lizzy and Jane picking flowers.

I wish I had seen Karen on Jeopardy but wasn't near a t v. What happened to the Donmar pics by Lizza and Maria that were in the archives at colinfirth.com. when I click on them I get "file not found"

Lidya, it wasn't that we were disappointed, not at all, it was just, well one thought things couldn't get any better, we had seen our hero in the flesh and he was everthing we could wish for, handsome, charming and very friendly and obliging and what an actor. But there is more, we have MLSF to look forward to, a possible re-run of 3DOR at the end of the year and DQ sometime in the future, and one hopes for more and more, especially some high profile project like SIL. No we were definitely not disappointe , it was just a kind of anit-climax but I am through that now and looking forward to more news and more Colin and I am sure that goes for everyone who expressed similar feelings to myself.

Hi, Lidya. Good to see you over here. I believe a question about his scent was raised shortly after "the" weekend at the Donmar (if not at topic 116, it could have been in chat) and the attendees couldn't detect anything. Sensory overload, no doubt, but confirmation that ODB uses appropriate discretion with cologne or aftershave (and in those pictures, he does not look like he secretly waxes ;-))! (Marcia) It just occurred to me why Karen requested HOTPig behind her video. She is "fixing" up her house and wanted some help in wall removal in the least painful way! (Heide) More likely she wants HOTPIG behind her because she needs help removing curtains. LOL! Get that rooster ready!

Hi all, A de-lurking lurker here - some of you will have already "met" me through springfolks and Marcia has encouraged me to de-lurk. Since I've just been given a new project to work on, I may be lucky to lurk, let alone post, the next few weeks, but - here goes (with apologies to all who've already seen this). I've been a lurker off and on at Drool for awhile now, am married to a man who says NEVER LEAVE YOUR NAME ON THE INTERNET. I've been Firthevotee since 1996 - where was I all those other years, before P&P?? I should have been there at that British hospital on September 10, 1960, ready to applaud! (I could have been, but my mother probably wouldn't have let me out.) I've seen all his major films, a few of the lesser known ones have eluded me, and have spent many sighing hours at all the websites where he is to be found. I live in north Georgia and work in community arts. I'm still new to the Internet, make lots of mistakes and am very self conscious about posting! Hope you will bear with me. And thanks, Marcia! tw

(TW),I've been Firthevotee since 1996 - where was I all those other years, before P&P?? I should have been there at that British hospital on September 10, 1960, ready to applaud! (I could have been, but my mother probably wouldn't have let me out.) LOL! Welcome TW, we have much in common, including helping the arts.

Welcome TW, the more the merrier to spread the word to get Colin better known all over the world. If only we didn't have to wait so long all the time to see his work, DQ will not be shown until next year, SLOW is deep in the vaults of the Bank and although MLSF is due for release shortly, I shall believe it when I see it. Still we do have our 3DOR memories, which I cherish and which will have to sustain me until whenever!! Sorry TW didn't mean to depress you, please come back often.

Hallo Lydia and TW, welcome to Drool! I hope you'll feel at home here and have a lot of fun.

Welcome de-lurkers all! Evelyn, hearty congratulations on getting a personal contact for DQ. This does seem to be the best way of chasing news. And at least with the BBC we know we will see it on schedule ( and video it of course!)and there'll be no delays. It sounds like a longer than average shoot, which is a good sign. More high profile? SLOW...this is not really news, but I remember reading an article a few months ago about Arts Council funded films. About ten were listed, including SLOW, and all (except SLOW) have now been released, including last week "Prometheus" a two hour cinematic version of a verse epic by Northern poet Tony Harrison. Got terrible reviews. But this irritated me immensely...why should this boring turgid effort find a distributor in the UK, and not SLOW. So I did a bit of dtetective work and found that all the Art Council funded movies (except SLOW of course) were Channel 4 co-productions, and Channel 4 is also a distributor, and also runs Film Four, a cable channel. If SLOW had been backed by Channel 4 and not by the (at the time) more successful Handmade Films, it would have been okay. Sorry to bore you with this....!!! But the vaguaries of the movie business drive me mad! Stick to TV and theatre, Colin! Also, still droning on. We've just had two major regional film festivals in the UK (Leeds and Bradford) which showed virtually every Brit film made recently (all you have to do is submit), the Cambridge Film Festival is coming up (50% European independents), closely folllowed by the strongly commercial and competitive London and Edinburgh Festivals, where films are actually bought and sold. And these are just the UK festivals. It's just that I don't think SLOW is an LA type film, and (without sounding lik a little Englander!) I just wish it could get some exposure in the UK. And we have very few screenplays by black writers...this would be seen as something positive. I promise I shall shut up now, and forever hold my peace, but the release of "Prometheus" was the FINAL straw! :-( And I need to rant on about it!

Thank you Bethan for all your sleuthing.At least you solved the mystery why all the other films funded by the Art council at that time have been screened. Sadly, it all has to do with Handmade which went belly-up and SLOW went to the creditors.Somehow the LA bank was bankrolling Handmade. Not unusual for US money to fund films out of the country. A real bummer:-(( ***** There is a new film festival in the works...The Hollywood FF in August. I'll inquire and see if SLOW is getting screened there. **** Bethan)Evelyn, hearty congratulations on getting a personal contact for DQ. Didn't plan it that way....all I asked was who was going to be in the cast and when it would be shown.....somehow, it then got personal. Anyway, something positive might come out of it ; Karen is going to follow-up. Nice when publicity people like the web:-))

tw, How delightful to see you here where you truly belong! Dive in and let it all hang out...we will not let you drown =)

Hmmm, wonder what I was trying to post at 18:51??? Oh well, bad news on the MLSF front. According to our NY correspondent, Anne, Miramax is now giving July 16th as the release date. When pressed for a reason for these continued changes, Miramax said the film is "not quite finished" and they didn't want to pit such a "lovely little movie" against the big mindless [my word] blockbusters and not before it is absolutely ready because they want it to be a success. [sounds of tap dancing in background] Unfortunately, July 16th is also the date that Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut is scheduled to be released. Not a good thing to wake up to...

(Evelyn)all I asked was who was going to be in the cast Wonderful that you have a contact there, Evelyn. Did they tell you who else was in the cast? (Karen)Unfortunately, July 16th is also the date that Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut is scheduled to be released Maybe this will not be such a problem. EWS seems to be all about sex and maybe there will be room for a, in UK parlance, PG rated film for those who prefer something less torrid in the Summer months! I don't think we can expect huge box office in any event. It was a cheap film to make by US standards. Also if they are keen to get it right then it may be better than when Ben and Harry Knowles saw it. Often these small films do well in the Oscars, particularly in the actor categories.

One thing MLSF shares with EWS is the fight for available screens. First off, EWS will likely be NC-17; therefore, not many theater chains will carry it. So in essence, it will be very similar to an art house film like MLSF. The majority of screens will be allocated to the blockbusters and other mindless comedies (how many films can Adam Sandler or David Spade do?). What often happens is that other films fail to bring in the crowds and others must fill their slot, but often a film can't get screens du ing this period.

(Allison)Re: DQ Wonderful that you have a contact there, Evelyn. Did they tell you who else was in the cast? They will be releasing the publicity next week, said Lisa, the publicist who was meeting with Colin yesterday.It was exciting to talk to her in Scotland!!! Anyway, Karen is now our "point -person" on DQ. She will be in contact henceforth. We've got several good contacts with BBC now...and they are reliable. ***** AS far as MLSF goes....Miramax will release it when they know it will be tne most successful ($$$$).And like Bethan says, perhaps they want to get it right. I frankly think it will be more of a success in UK than in the US. For starters Denis Forman and Sir David Puttnam are recognizable names over there. **** And hey kids, quit whining...I'd give anything for a JE movie to be picked up by Miramax!!Regardless when they released it!!

Wow, go to Murph's Appreciation page to see the most gorgeous new smiley picture I have ever seen of Colin, absolutely adorable, my favourite to date I think. Apparently it is from an Australian magazine Good Taste.lovely jubbly!!! (Is that how to spell "smiley"?)

Lisa, the publicist who was meeting with Colin yesterday. Oh, lucky Lisa!

Re. MLSF Can't understand why they say it's "not yet finished" unless they mean the preparations for advance publicity. One thing that struck me is that if it had opened on 11 June, Colin would not have been available for any promoption in the US as he'll still be filming DonQ. As for Eyes wide Shut, presumably it will open nationwide, whereas MLSF will just open in LA/NY and then hopefully transfer later to other cities...ie, it's not in direct competition. I read some comments in the good ol' Sunday Telegraph about EWS...it seems to contain some very explicit sex scenes...apparently some bemused critics at a preview thought it was soft porn. I guess there'll be a lot of hype, and an initial rush to see it, but I don't see this as impacting on MLSF. Actually, I agree with Allis n - the type of films CF stars in are just never going to be big box office, multiplex fodder ( but they can still be good films). I rather liked the sound of Judi Dench's (and Cher) latest "Tea with Mussolini" but it's done absolutely nothing at the Box Office. No teen appeal. MLSF may be similar, but please release it! Miramax may also be concentrating on promoting Rupert Everett and "An Ideal Husband", which got middling to bad reviews here. "When the furniture is more interesting than the acting you know you're in trouble"! UK papers refer to RE and Minnie Driver as current "Hollywood darlings" Are they really? I frankly think (MLSF)t will be more of a success in UK than in the US. For starters Denis Forman and Sir David Puttnam are recognizable names over there. (Evelyn) I agree with you here, Evelyn. It's David Puttnam's swansong, and he's well respected and will get a sympathetic press. I do think it's a shame that Miramax keep on postponing the release...it would have been a good summer movie in the UK last year! Oh, lucky Lisa! Mmmm! Yes!!! Look forward to hearing from our go-between Karen!

I do think it's a shame that Miramax keep on postponing the release...it would have been a good summer movie in the UK last year! But has anyone called Miramax London?? ( Somebody else distribs their films in UK, but they would tell you). It just might be, folks that you will be gettin MLSF before us." An Ideal Husband" has yet to be released here. And there is a lot of talk about "The Winslow Boy" . Another Brit-flick.With Jeremy Northam,Winter!! *** (Bethan)I rather liked the sound of Judi Dench's (and Cher) latest "Tea with Mussolini" but it's done absolutely nothing at the Box Office. No teen appeal Cher's rock video is doing great.....Maybe that's what "Tea with Mussolini" needed. I must admit , it doesn't grab me.

I have mixed feelings about the delay in MLSF's release. In June theaters will still be caught in the sucking vortex that is Star Wars (I enjoyed Liam's latest quote--"at the end of the day it's still only a movie"). Between that and Notting Hill, MLSF would have been buried. And if MLSF's going to be promo'd as a family film, EWS certainly won't be competition (but I see your point about screen availability, Karen. Sometimes I wonder why these huge theaters were turned into ten and twelve-plexes when they show only four different movies). And what's a few more weeks if we've waited an extra year? What concerns me is the "not finished" part. Heavens, are they still slicing and dicing? That can't be a good sign. Or as Bethan says, is it the publicity preparations? Aargh! "Tea w/ Mussolini" is getting a build up here in the states. Interesting to read it's not doing well in the UK. Does Cher's upper lip move? (Bethan) UK papers refer to RE and Minnie Driver as current "Hollywood darlings" Are they really? Well, RE sure pops up enough in the press. Minnie was more of a darling last year (IMO). I hadn't seen her for a while until the Oscars when she had on that eye-popping dress. Yowza! Welcome, TW!

Northam's got a lot of pics in the can, though waiting for someone to pick them up-- sound familiar? My best bet is, yes Evelyn, 'An Ideal husband' and 'The Winslow Boy.' Welcome de-lurkers! Am going through a crisis right now. London in July: Yes or no? Finances have something to do with it, but I'm feeling like a well-deserved break, plus looking after my mental well-being should take priority. Is a group trip planned for Jennifer Ehle @ Donmar?

(Eileen) Between that and Notting Hill, MLSF would have been buried. Maybe. Maybe not. But that does bring up a sore point. Colin should have been in Notting Hill!! (pout pout) It looks like a plum part. I can only surmise that Hugh Grant has compromising pictures of somebody in order to get that part. It's not like anyone in this country has missed his presence on the screen. Obviously Julia has never met Colin; he would've been perfect for that role. To clarify about EWS: With its rating (NC-17) it won't be at most of the huge multiplexes. The owners know there just isn't as profitable an audience for those films as Star Wars & Co. EWS will be at the smaller cinemas. Exactly the same places where an MLSF would play. So they will be competing for the same screen; not the same audience. What concerns me is the "not finished" part. Definitely. That is very disturbing. I think it's the movie, not the publicity preparations. Miramax has probably been showing it to focus groups and not getting good enough feedback. Last night I went to a screening of another film for Miramax called "The Castle." There were the usual ratings of "from poor to excellent" and "would you recommend it to your friends" stuff. In the written comments section, I wrote: "Tell Miramax NY to release My Life So Far." Just doing what I can. ;-) Does Cher's upper lip move? LOL!! With movement, comes wrinkles. ;-)

Welcome to drool, Ex-lurkers. I am only new myself, but I promise you'll find us a good bunch. Lidya- but with him, Lord, I am infatuated. You are in close company. It is actually a prerequisite. (Hee hee.) TW, come and enjoy. So droolers, does anyone have any information on when DQ will arrive? Is Australia on the cards?

What concerns me is the "not finished" part. Way, way back (last June I think)when I last phoned Enigma Films who produced MLSF I was told that had been edited and had just had another preview and there were no plans to show it again before release. I find it difficult to believe that they're still tweaking it. And David Puttnam called it a "lovely film". I must be optimistic about this!! I didn't know that Miramax had a London But I think I'm too much of a chicken to phone them, incase it's bad news!!:-)

I'm sure MLSF was a "lovely film," we must brace ourselves for the edited-for-the US version. Be brave Bethan, do ring them, you have always done such a great job getting us information.

(Moon)I'm sure MLSF was a "lovely film," we must brace ourselves for the edited-for-the US version. Not only does that mean no Sporran, it just might mean no itchy, baggy, woolie swim suit! That would be too much to endure=P I think someon better claim it right now just in case...!

(Winter)Is a group trip planned for Jennifer Ehle @ Donmar? "Friends of Fine Eyes" will gather for the evening performance on Saturday night June 12. Performance at 7:30. We're thinking of dinner beforehand at...Luna Nuova, where else!Adjacent to the Donmar. Come on .So far it's AnnW. Lizza and me....hope Kirsten can too.. And Ben...where is he?? ***** (Karen)Colin should have been in Notting Hill!! Obviously Julia has never met Colin; he would've been perfect for that role. GP should have introduced them....he would have been a perfect book-shop owner...with those little wire eyeglasses!!

(Bethan)I didn't know that Miramax had a London office So who do you think released SIL? (Bethan) But I think I'm too much of a chicken to phone them, incase it's bad news!!:-) C'mon Bethan.....that's how I got involved with Handmade 18 months ago ...remember? You didn't want to.... This is the Moment to Strike....You can do it....Make it Happen:-)

Bethan....in fact... I just found the Miramax London phone number...remember we called to inquire about the SIL premiere tickets for AnnW? And they sent us on to the Chicken-Shed Theatre Benefit organizers..... Here it is: 0171 535-8300

Ben's computer is on the blink, I think.

Mannen, did you see my post about a lovely, really lovely photo and article in an Australian magazine called "Good Taste", do you know it. I urge you to rush out and get it, it is well worth it!!

Friends of fine Eyes...I hope you have a great time in London. I think it would be too much to ask Antonio to go back to the Donmar this soon, even for a lady actress...And we'll be deep into the wedding preparations at that date. But I'll sure have a peek at JE's page to read your impressions of her and the play! ;-)

Ann- really lovely photo and article in an Australian magazine called "Good Taste", do you know it. I urge you to rush out and get it, it is well worth it!! Thanks for the tip Ann, I haven't ever read that magazine but I'll keep an eye out. I'm leaving for Germany tomorrow morning (Wow, just the kind of trivia I KNOW you all want to hear.) so I won't be posting for a couple of months. (Poor me, I'll miss out on all the gossip!!!!) I'll stop in at the newsagents on the way to the airport and see if can get a copy of the magazine to read on the plane. (Mmmm, wouldn't that be nice.) At least I'll be on the same side of the hemisphere as the drool-worthy CF.

(Evelyn), ...he would have been a perfect book-shop owner...with those little wire eyeglasses!! A new look for Colin! I agree he would have been perfect in the role. HG is insoportable. Ann, I saw that picture( those pearly whites), but where is the article?

Mannen, have a great trip.

Mannen, I believe you cannot get this magazine from a newsagents, I believe it is ditributed through Woolworths? Have a great time, speak to you in two monts and if you get the magazine will you please hold on to it until you get back.

Mannen, will you be in Frankfurt, by accident? There are some Firthaddicts around here.... :-)

(Moon)I'm sure MLSF was a "lovely film," we must brace ourselves for the edited-for-the US version. What is Miramax going to do, edit Ben Affleck in? How about a meteorite, tidal wave or volcanic eruption (been there, done that)? Wait, I've got it! There'll be a dream sequence...the moss farm will be transported far into the future...there will be spaceships...robots making strange noises...laser swords...wierd heavy breathing...computer-generated aliens...Ewan McGregor... Let's line up now! Grab your tent! (Bethan) I find it difficult to believe that they're still tweaking it Wasn't there a review on-line recently (around the time news broke of 3DOR, DQ and the spread in 'People?')? I remember there was some question as to whether or not it was a new (current) review or a rehash of an older one. The critic praised Colin but didn't care for the movie--said the plot wandered or left too many storylines unresolved, I think. If that was a recent review than I wouldn't be surprised if the movie was further tweaked. That is a nice picture over at Murph's corner. Yummm! Have a lovely trip, Mannen. You too, Renate!!

(Bethan) I find it difficult to believe that they're still tweaking it So do I. Hugh Hudson Oscar-winning director of "Chariots of Fire" is the director of MLSF.Surely he knows better than to let a film with a wandering story-line be released . Let's see what Miramax tells you, Bethan.Hmmmmmm?

Wasn't there a review on-line recently (around the time news broke of 3DOR, DQ and the spread in 'People?')? I remember there was some question as to whether or not it was a new (current) review or a rehash of an older one. Definitely an older one, I think, as it was titled "The Roaring Game" Thanks Evelyn for the Miramax phone number...I'm most certainly going to ring them (as I'm seriously miffed...please read on) and I'm going to ring the Scottish Arts Council, who funded MLSF to the tune of �1million (and should be keeping a check on where their money has gone!) I checked the UK IMDB today to see if there was any mention of MLSF in the summer releases (no!) and out of interest checked the old release date, June 11, and what do I find? Not MLSF, but "Onegin" with Ralph Fiennes! (red rag to a bull :-) ) which was completed at least 12 months after MLSF. And what about July 16 (incase of a simultaneous opening in the UK and USA) well, good choice Miramax, that's the day "The Phantom Menace" opens. Jeee-zus!! EWS and Star Wars. So when do we see MLSF in the UK....I don't know...and that's why I'm phoning, even if it's bad news!! BTW "Onegin" has been picked up by a very small distributor "Seven Arts " which releases one film every five years or so. But they've still beaten Miramax. I also saw at IDMB that Miramax are presenting "An Ideal Husband" as the closing film of the Cannes Festival (and it really did not get good reviews!), and there are also renewed reports of a sequel to SIL (no doubt with Viola suitably widowed). Well, I'm a real grump....that's the last time I check out the IMDB!! Can someone tell me where to find the good news! :-)

Betha n, thankyou for telephoning Miramax, I too would like to know when we are likely to see it in the UK, and if by chance they should give your a release date would you also please ask them if there is to be Premiere, when it is and whether CF is likely to attend. Actually after you have rang I migh ring as well, it will be good for Miramax to know that there are people desperate to see it after so many delays.

(Eileen)What is Miramax going to do, edit Ben Affleck in? How about a meteorite, tidal wave or volcanic eruption (been there, done that)? Wait, I've got it! There'll be a dream sequence...the moss farm will be transported far into the future...there will be spaceships...robots making strange noises...laser swords...wierd heavy breathing...computer-generated aliens...Ewan McGregor... Let's line up now! Grab your tent! You think you're being facetious...Not at all, My Dear. Check out Karen's posting on 34 today. It speaks to this very problem!

I'll let you know how I get on, Ann. I just don't know what they're waiting for...the next millennium? For Colin to lose all his hair? :-) Every week half a dozen or so films open, get modest reviews and a modest return from the Box Office....it's no big deal if MLSF isn't an Oscar winner. At least it focuses on family life, and not on horror or depravity, and the scenery is nice! H-any-way, let's harass Miramax! And whilst I'm in a bad mood, I'm going to phone Working Title again and ask about the casting for BJD, the world's best kept secret!

Good for you Bethan, I look forward to hearing from you. BTW did you ever get an answer from the BBC after you wrote to them about adapting 3DOR for TV?

Bethan, I agree with your comments re: the need to harass Miramax about MLSF. It seems a stigma becomes attached to films that have had their release continually delayed, no matter how good the filmmaker's intentions. For instance, "Metroland," starring Emily Watson, just opened this week in the U.S. (Has it opened in the U.K. yet?) The opening paragraph of the review says: "Before 'Hilary and Jackie,' before even 'The Boxer,' Emily Watson made 'Metroland.' Where this small British film has been is anybody's guess. But Watson's recent Academy Award nomination seems to have brought it out into the light of day." The fact that the film has been delayed already puts it behind the eightball in the reviewer's mind.

The "new" Diane Lane film, "A Walk on the Moon" is actually more than two years old. It's a Miramax film which is now getting pretty good reviews. I read a few weeks ago in the Philly Inquirer that Miramax waited to release the film until they found just the right spot for it. Whatever that means. But I have faith they will release MLSF and most likely this year. And they will place it carefully. This is not SLOW for which I have no hope.

Yes, the Putnam/Hudson connection gives me hope. Even though this is a small film, with such a renowned producer and director connected to it I can't imagine it won't be released sometime. But my patience is being tested :-)! Very frustrating about SLOW. I wish they'd just print up a batch of videos and let us buy the darn thing!

Ooops! I'm not sure about waiting for the right time for release....you can wait too long. Actors' careers lose their momentum. I think that in the UK, Colin definitely needs a boost. It's 3 1/2 years since P&P. Although he got excellent reviews for 3DOR, his pre-publicity was, I thought, very disappointing....he wasn't even mentioned in the cast.((EMCG stars!) Compare with the terrific pre-opening publicity that Cate Blanchett is getting for "Plenty" (and also Rufus Sewell got for "Macbeth").Also Colin's no l nger mentioned in the cast list for SIL...replaced by JD in the no 4 spot. I noticed that a new film (a love story) funded by the Arts Council, and starring Ioan Gryffyd, who was in "Hornblower", is opening next week. No 2 year delay here. We've also got "Beseiged", starring David Thewlis, a love story between an African woman and an Englishman, set in France or Italy (sounds familiar?). And Jeremy Northam's "Misadventures of Margaret" has opened, to abysmal reviews. But it's opened! Sorry to be back in grouch mode, but sometimes I despair. We see everyone but Colin in the UK. What's Colin's agent doing? He should have at least checked how 3DOR was being promoted. We've lots of film festivals in the UK in the next few months...why not check on the status of SLOW. This film can secure a limited opening in the UK .....this is NOT a problem.( Making millions of dollars is the problem!) It could have been shown at both the Leeds and Bradford Film festivals ( I know, because I asked a fr end of mine who sets up the programme and they would have gladly shown it...but it has to be submitted, not kept in a bank vault!). And MLSF, well, I'll find out next week... Again apologies, for being such a misery... I have to read too many papers for my own good

Forgot to mention.. "Metroland" opened here about a year ago (made no impact) and like "Hilary and Jackie" was another Arts Council funded film. My final shot as Ms Miseryguts....you see, with one notable exception, all Arts Council-funded films actually make it to the screen!(And SLOW was one of the highest recipients of funding (more than "Hilary and Jackie")) Am giving up newspapers, am not going to read any more film reviews, ever, and am going to sit in the sunshine!

I have really enjoyed catching up on all the postings. As usual, they give information , pleasure, great amusement and keep the drool factor in my life "topped up". Althou' I won't be able to post as much as I would like, this is to let you know I have not forgotten my promise re the Donmar. Great info Bethan, and it is great to have a feel for DQ, thanks to Evelyn and now Karen. Welcome to all delurkers or should I say "Welcome Home" Ben, we expect nothing less than your presence at TRT!!!! She is worth it!

Bethan, I have just read this in today Sunday Times, can't type it all but the heading is "Lottery's 200 funded films all lose cash". Half way through the article "Just 17 other Arts Council films, including Wilde etc have re-couped any money at all for the council...... One of the biggest losers is Keep the Aspidistra Flying which got �1m in lottery money out of a total budget of �2.7m. it flopped despite its distinguished cast...... Others which have not recouped money, include Photographing Fairies �75 ,000, My Son The Fanatic �750,000, Babymother �1m and Divorcing Jack �800,000. The Council have also been criticised for investing �1m in Plunkett & Macleane when its main backer was the wealthy PolyGram. The film, starring Robert Carlyle opened to dismal reviews, a month ago. Othere lottery films may never even see a cinema, Peggy Su! �500,000 THE SECRET LAUGHTER OF WOMEN �900,000 and Quadrille �1m received cash more than two years ago but there is no plan to release them." Boo Hoo!! Also from the same article "Now the government, which fears public money is being wasted, is to move lottery funding of films away from the Arts Council to a new body, British Film which will oversee all such public funding. British Film will be told to give cash to producltions which stand a chance of making money. A government source said "We need to ensure that lottery funding helps to build film business as part of an industrial strategy". Such a shame as I am sure it would do better than any!!!!!

BAFTA TV Nomonations are on the British Theatre website of the Mining Co Go to : http://britishtheatre.miningco.com/library/news/bl042599.htm#BAFTA I see that Timothy Spall (Lyndon in "Dutch Girls") has been nominated for Best Actor in "Our Mutual Friend"...which also received great reviews in the US. (Next year....let's go Colin for DQ!!) *** (Bethan)...Re: 3 DOR publicity...he wasn't even mentioned in the cast.((EMCG stars!) The program and lobby posters has Colin starring. The Donmar has v. limited funds for publicity. (Incidentally, they have increased their prices for "The Real Thing"). I plan to call them next week, however and ask what they plan to do for publicity for TRT...and a press kit. ***** British Film will be told to give cash to productions which stand a chance of making money. I feel this is a step in the right direction. Frankly , I think the public has been fleeced . But who will do the judging of what films will make money.. ..I would think they should appropriate part of their funding to help start distributors. That and not having the theatres to show the films,(never mind not having an audience!!) are the big problems. *** "Hilary and Jackie" ( with David Morrissey... Pip/Theo) was a wonderful film. **** (Bethan)....Re: SLOW....I know, because I asked a friend of mine who sets up the programme and they would have gladly shown it...but it has to be submitted, not kept in a bank vault!) The bank is not interested in film festivals, Bethan , they want a buyer.

Ann, Just off for an evening out, but will post later on my favourite topic! "Peggy Su" and "Quadrille" were in fact both released, but not in the UK or US. "Peggy Su" had an unknown Chinese cast and was sold to Singapore, "Quadrille" had a French cast, was sold to France (a country that believes in supporting its own actors!) and did very well at the Box Office, I believe. Which leaves SLOW unfairly branded as the only turkey in the 200.... Must dash...to be continued!

I'm back! I had a wonderful time in London (albeit a bit short). Thanks for advising me to buy A Month in the Country. I enjoyed it very much. I got Circle of Friends as well and was looking for the Hour of the Pig, but they didn't have it. Evelyn: I saw This Year's Love and Bedrooms and Hallways while I was there.

(Teneke) I saw This Year's Love and Bedrooms and Hallways while I was there. And I saw a few photographs of you last night!! :-)

Oops, sorry about the spelling, Tineke. :-)

(Karen)And I saw a few photographs of you last night!! :-) AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!

(Bethan)Which leaves SLOW unfairly branded as the only turkey in the 200... Remember that SLOW was screened at the American Film Festival in February where distribs from all over the worldattended. "Onegin", with RF was picked up by a UK distrib and it is being released on June 12 in UK.So UK distribs did attend....why didn't they select SLOW!!

(Evelyn) ...why didn't they select SLOW!! Because a Fiennes brother wasn't in it? Truly, unless we see it for ourselves, we'll never know. And I saw a few photographs of you last night!! :-) Oh? Did Tineke make the front page of the Tatler?

Sorry for messing up the tags!

okay, I'll give up on SLOW. I'm becoming boring! But I deeply regret that it didn't stay within the "protected environment" of Arts Council funded films. They all do eventually make it to the screen, even if it's a single art house cimema in London, like Panton Street. And they're shown at festivals, for the reviews and promotion. When I see the kind of trash which regularly hits our TV screens and read reviews of films like "Plunket & Macleane", I just feel sad about this film. It's probaly not commercia , Colin's not a star name, and unlikely to become one

Oh, come on Bethan, that's not like you, where's the Bethan fighting spirit!! you'll need it when you telephone Miramax don't forget, oh and the Scottish ? Board!

oops, cut myself off... continuing "become one without more exposure in lead roles. Actually, I think I'm just generally disheartened today. The standard of most TV drama in the UK is falling and becoming cruder and unwatchable , and most movies at the multiplexes are not worth seeing. I can understand why most decent actors "end up" working in the theatre and radio! Please excuse my gloom!

Scottish Arts Council, the name escaped me for a minute.

If I may add, I'm glad about SLOW, it's the one CF film that I would least want to see. I just can't see him with Nia Long. sorry. Has nothing to do with subject.

Thanks Ann! I'm a real party pooper today, don't know why,...didn't even enjoy our meal out. I won't post until I'm cheerful again. And I'll get stuck into the phone calls...although as a closet-Colinist (still!) I'll have to choose my time! Laura, I guess I'm different here. Having lived in Nigeria ( and also as admirer of contemporary Nigerian writing) I thought this was a very interesting project. Hence my near-obsessive interest!

(Bethan)Am giving up newspapers, am not going to read any more film reviews, ever, and am going to sit in the sunshine What sunshine? Have you emigrated? (Evelyn)..I would think they should appropriate part of their funding to help start distributors. That is exactly the problem of the British film industry. The problem is more than one for the British film makers and actors themselves, it means that British culture is being eroded by the onslaught from the States. Even when US producers like Miramax make films of British subjects like SIL, there is always a US slant to make them acceptable to the huge US audience. Also to be a success in the cinema, a British actor really does have to go to to LA and sell him or herself a la Minnie Driver. It must be a very difficult problem for someone like CF who is offered British scripts. He then has to decide whether the wretched thing will ever be distributed!

Sorry if the above sounded anti American. Wasn't meant to be. Love the States (am off there later this week) but also want UK to retain something of our own culture which is distinct from the US.

When I post, I like to do it in quantity. Something has been intriguing me. Are you all familiar with Tonya's website? She had tickets for EIGHT performances of 3DOR. I have been checking to see how she got on but there has been no word. Neither has she made any further updates to her website. A severe case of post firthmatic stress disorder?

Her 3DOR site is at http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Lights/2524/london.html

(Allison), That is exactly the problem of the British film industry. The problem is more than one for the British film makers and actors themselves, it means that British culture is being eroded by the onslaught from the States. I have always considered myself an anglophile, whether it be music or films, but lately even Masterpiece Theatre has been a big disappointment. The scripts and certain actors have been less than satisfactory. The problem with films as well as books now is that there no longer is an auteur, it is always a collaboration, no one wants to take the sole responsibility. The scripts are re-worked, films re-edited, re-shot, etc. and it becomes one big mish-mush with plenty of mush. The Antonionni's and Truffaut's to name just two no longer exist. British as well as European audiences are seduced by everything that comes from the States because it comes with all that gloss, it shines. Yes, they can sell anything. Frankly, I fail to see the attraction. We, the selective few will suffer, because they do not cater to our taste with their distaste.

Perhaps this is preaching to the choir, but I would rather watch a mediocre (is there such as thing?!) British film than a "good" American one (ditto) - any day!!! I am an unreconstructed Anglophile and have been since the age of about 6. In fact, my father, in great alarm, threatened to disinherit me if I became a British Subject. That is true devotion to Old Blighty! I guess Hollywood does not care what I prefer. They have never catered to my tastes =P

(Marcia) That is true devotion to Old Blighty!...and to Laurence Olivier! ;-) a "good" American one I think there's good and bad in everything but have a low opinion about what's coming out of Hollywood lately. Ohmigod, Adam Sandler, a major movie star? Bring on those low-budget, sometimes big revenue generating (more often low, though) independent films. That's why I'm displeased about Miramax's swing toward standard Hollywood. The upside is that there's alot of variety in American films. Sometimes we all need a mindless movie (I laugh everytime I think of Matt Dillon ith those big teeth in 'Something about Mary'). Marcia, I was being facetious in my last post. Thoughts of endless tinkering to MLSF concern me...kind of like changing an answer on a multiple choice test. Leave well enough alone, Miramax! Chin up, Bethan! When I start thinking about how Colin would have been in various roles I succeed only in making myself miserable. (But then, what if he had been in 'The Avengers' and Ralph had been in 'SiL?') I hope you've contacted Miramax and have heard encouraging news.

(Allison)..Sorry if the above sounded anti American. Wasn't meant to be. Love the States (am off there later this week) but also want UK to retain something of our own culture which is distinct from the US. Have no fear....Americans have thick hides...we are used to "Yank-trashing". which has become a world-wide sport!! I , for one , do not take offense. Howvever, it is v. difficult for a small country to retain it's own culture. I see it more and more every time I go to UK. Why is everyone eating hamburgers from McDonalds...and french fries with ketsup? What happened to fish and chips...with vinegar? I'll tell you what happened...they sat back and became complacent and let American business take over. Watch out Tesco...Walmart execs are meeting with Tony Blair.AT&T is in co-hoots with BT.Amazon.co.uk beat Waterstones, WH Smith and Dillons at their own game. It's called "global economy" . Either you join in, or get left behind. The same with films...we all love British films...but they are the worst marketers...advertise? fergedaboutit. It's against the British personality to "sell" anything.Never mind themselves. And they have so much to share with the world...the "cradle of the best in our western literature..." so what are they featuring....Trainspotting!!