Thank you, Heide, for being so prompt this time. Now I need not fear having my pearls of wisdom cut off by a topic with dyspepsia! Now if we could only get some solid confirmations of what the DB is supposed to be doing, when, and where, I would be content! :-[

I'd be more or less certain that he's doing both Londinium and RV. BBC Online is very reliable, and if it says that the filming starts this weekend, then I guess he must be back at work (great weather this weekend). I see no reason why he can't do both, even if there's an overlap. Part of the filming for RV is in the South of France and "Peter" won't be in these scenes. BTW the producer of RV was one of the school"boys" in Another Country. RV has American backing (money) and Londinium seems scheduled for release next year, and may also (because of the story line) have US backing. At least we will get to see them, hopefully on both sides of the Atlantic. I've come to the conclusion that there's almost no point nowadays in appearing in British films (even if well reviewed) because so many just get single screen releases and then disappear into oblivion! But I'm still waiting to see him in the dramatic role he deserves! Welcome back Evelyn! I'm very glad that both JE and CF have got such well deserved recognition for their stage work. And I'm also pleased that the prices for 3DOR have been raised. I think it will be taken more seriously as a "must-see" event if tickets are �30, not �8! And hopefully CF's name will be listed in the billing!

If anyone is concerned about reading spoilers for My Life So Far on our regular topics, I'll gladly make a new topic for the lucky few who will see it in a few weeks. Your thoughts? My thinking about Relative Values is that the fact that Julie Andrews is working again would make some news in the States and I have heard not a peep. Makes me wonder if the project has fallen through. Im sure we'll find out soon enough. And hopefully CF's name will be listed in the billing! That would be a nice change. I wonder too if The Secret Laughter of Women will still be listed under Colin's credits in the program.

You asked for our thoughts on a separate spoilers topic for MLSF: I will read it anyway. Just as I did SiL before I saw it the first time. I am eager enough to know more about his work than I am to be caught up in the story. It just might be the best way for me to get a good idea of the film while waiting for it to get to Hilo. Wherever you put it, I shall go there and read =)

From the Sunday Times: Shakespeare in Love gave prince his title by Christopher Morgan IN THE film, Wessex is insufferable, but Prince Edward had the idea for his new title, the Earl of Wessex, after seeing the fictional character during a private screening of Shakespeare in Love with Sophie Rhys-Jones, it can now be revealed. He proposed the title, which has lain dormant since the death of King Harold in 1066, to the Queen after courtiers had prevaricated for months. They had ruled against his first choice, the Duke of Cambridge, saying it was too senior a title for Edward, who is seventh in line to the throne. Officials also felt that the creation of a new dukedom, the highest-ranking tier of the peerage, would be out of kilter with proposed reform of the House of Lords. The Queen has accepted that existing royal dukes will lose their seats. "It was an ingenious solution that luckily satisfied both parties," said a palace source. The Oscar-winning film, which has grossed �175m worldwide, is a fictional account of attempts by the Elizabethan playwright - played by Joseph Fiennes - to woo Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow), who is to be married to the charmless Lord Wessex (played by Colin Firth). Anybody who has seen the film might be forgiven for thinking that Wessex, one of the most memorable screen villains for years, is a less than appropriate role model for the Queen's youngest son. When discussing marriage and Viola, he asks her father: "Is she fertile? Is she obedient?" Shortly afterwards, having been kept waiting by Viola, he is told she is praying. "Piety is for Sunday," he retorts. "It would be better if she got off her knees and showed some servility to her lord and master." After coldly telling her that her father has agreed to their marriage, he tells her to "be submissive, modest and grateful" when she meets the Queen, who has approved the marriage. Kept waiting again by Viola, he orders her maid "to produce her, with or without her undergarments". Seeing Shakespeare dance with Viola, he puts a knife to the playwright's throat and accuses him of "coveting his property". He subsequently vows to kill Christopher Marlowe, whom he is led to believe is his bride-to-be's lover. Stanley Wells, professor of Shakespeare studies at Birmingham University, says: "Edward may have identified with the glamorous Firth, but otherwise I can't see any similarity between the two Wessexes." Firth, best-known as the dashing Darcy in the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, has pointed out that his Wessex was "not a particularly lovable creature". Edward, whose television production company Ardent has made several historical documentaries, such as Crown and Country, "thoroughly enjoyed the film". According to a source close to the prince, however, "it was the title - not the totally fictitious character portrayed in the film - that impressed him. He was aware that, by calling himself Wessex, he was forging a direct link between the House of Windsor and the country's first Anglo-Saxon kings". In about 1018 Godwine, chief adviser to King Canute, was created Earl of Wessex. On his death the earldom passed to his son Harold, who was killed at the Battle of Hastings. The film, which is to be released on video in August, focuses on two of the themes closest to Edward's heart: British history and the theatre. After gaining A-levels in history and English literature, Edward taught both subjects at Collegiate School in Wanganui, New Zealand. After initially opting to read archeology and anthropology at Cambridge, he switched to history, but is best remembered at university for his keen interest in drama. He went on to join Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Company. "The Queen was initially somewhat taken aback by Edward's suggestion," said a Buckingham Palace source. "But Edward made an effective case for taking the title." Harvey Weinstein, who bankrolled Shakespeare In Love, was unavailable for comment this weekend, but a source at Miramax said: "He will be thrilled to learn he may have influenced the course of British history." In addition to the Wessex name, Edward and his wife, a public relations executive, have also been given the titles of Viscount and Viscountess Severn, in honour of her Welsh roots. On the death of his father, Edward will move two rungs up the peerage to become Duke of Edinburgh, which would make Sophie the duchess.

"I am going to claim to be related to the Earl of Wessex" my grandmother's name was Godwine cheeky I know but I also have an affinity with MLSF I believe the name of the house was Harewood - that was my maiden name. Cheek I know but I couldn't resist it. At 6.00p.m. our time Pride and Prejudice is back on screen. But I am not allowed to watch it - my husband said under no circumstances, you have the video!! unfortunately - but they are showing trailors during the week so I put up with that.

Thanks for the Article, Karen! I for one, am against the proposed reform of the House of Lords. The Queen should not have accepted it. The future Duke of Edinborough would have been an asset to the House of Lords. It is very cute to say that he may identify with the glamorous Firth. Arrivederci to all my friends in Firthland, see in Aug. Stay well and have a great summer. :-D

Bye Moon...we'll miss you. Say hi to Jennifer for me and hey keep an eye out for ODB in Italy. Thanks Karen....yeah, yeah...sure he identified solely with the historical character!!

Cheerio Moon, have a good hoiday and come back safely. Look forward to hearing what you think of the play when you return. BFN.

Blip on the radar screen!! I've just received word that a friend in San Diego actually saw the MLSF trailer in a theater yesterday. Hoorah!!! It preceded "An Ideal Husband." She said that the buzz was good about it and she especially liked the little bits with Fraser and brandy snifter of milk and the cigar in the library. In fact, as soon as it started, she knew what movie it was. Wouldn't we all? ;-D

Hi all: Thanks to Jolanta and Martine, I have a description of Colin (looks) and Colin (performance) at Jongleurs on the News Page. Murph

Bless you, Murph. Don't know what we'd do without you!! Thank you Jolanta and Martine for the on-the-spot- report.

Mary, thanks for posting Jolanta's and Martine's story from Jongleurs. Now, why can't I write in Ross for your survey (especially for the house question and the last one)? ;-)

Yes my thanks to you Mary, Jolanta and Martine the description was great, you could almost feel yourself there. One day perhaps....

Thanks Mary. Oh lovely, a goatee beard, that must befor Londiniun but I can't see it working for RV, hope he doesn't shave off the goateee and leave just the moustache, please anything but just a moustache!!

Thanks for the Jongleurs link, Murph! Pencil-slim goatees are very much in fashion at the moment (and look good!) so perhaps he's playing an "attractive" character in Londinium! Hope that someone told Harvey about the Wessex connection....you see, even in a supporting role Colin can change the face of constitutional history. :-) Glad that MLSF has finally reached the trailer stage. Coupling it with An Ideal Husband makes sense. I wonder what sort of promotion it will get...the big guns (Eyes Wide Shut) will be out in force and will get acres of coverage. But will Middle America rush to see EWS? I was reading a review by Alexander Walker (buddy of Kubrick).He praised it, but the content (explicit sex, necrophilia, murder) sounded distasteful. Films can be "good" but not very watchable. What sort of promotion did AIH get? Did RE give interviews? Perhaps MEM will cover MLSF as Colin will be filming in the UK. Enjoy Italia, Moon!

I'll add my thanks to Jolanta and Martine for attending and to Murph for posting their observations so timely! Anybody who has seen the film might be forgiven for thinking that Wessex, one of the most memorable screen villains for years Thanks for the article, Karen. It was nice to read this even though it's been nearly seven months since SiL opened in the US. Thanks to Edward (not QE as we originally thought--she's too busy playing with the Gameboy she keeps in her pocketbook) for the free CF publicity!!

and so much of it, tons more than when the film first came out, its quite ironical really, but as long as it keeps him in in the limelight then that is all that matters. I must say is sounds as if Colin is even more gorgeous that ever and he says he is too old to play the romantic lead, who is he kidding, according to Jolanta & Martine he looks younger and younger, and I thought he looked younger six months ago, how young can you get. I do like the idea of a goatee beard, very droolable.

(Bethan)What sort of promotion did AIH get? Miramax did their usual ..flying journalists from each big city to Hollywood where they got to interview the stars, director etc. We had one in our paper. ** Did RE give interviews? Yes...was a little miffed...because the reporters kept asking about his gay status and how it would impact his straight romantic role...."I am an actor", he replied testily.Julianne Moore and Mini Driver came to his defense and said what a romantic guy he is..... Perhaps MEM will cover MLSF as Colin will be filming in the UK. That's what you think!! This is not MEM movie...it's Colin's. The success of the film rests on his shoulders.....if Harvey says "Here" I betcha he'll be there!! *** I called my local Miramax rep this morning and he said we would get MLSF on July 30. I asked if Miramax was planning a press conference with the stars....he assured me they would as this is the usual Miramax protocol; he is going to find out as to when, where and with whom. Don't hold your breath....after SLOW, I'm getting cynical.

Re: Middle America and EWS How does the cover of Time magazine strike you? Next week's has bare-skinned Tom and Nicole. Title: "Cruise & Kidman Like You've Never Seen Them" Exclusive. Hollywood's top couple on EWS and our look at Stanley Kubrick's haunting final masterpiece." Publicity about it is everywhere, which is amazing given the subject matter. Oh well, WE will rush off to see a quaint story about a little boy in Scotland who has one helluva gorgeous father and whose little pinkie can outact all of the Cruises. ;-)

Evelyn sent me a packet full of news clippings. One from TVTimes has portions of its 100 Greatest Television Shows. P&P came in 31. Here's the writeup: "What was the sexiest moment ever on British TV? It wasn't about bare bottoms, smackeroony kisses or a sweaty couple working out under the duvet. It was the delectable Darcy, the man who kept his trousers on to emerge dripping from the lake in that electrifying scene in Pride and Prejudice, putting it at 31 in our Top 100 list. "It was called the 'Darcy phenomenon' by the BBC and millions of viewers were seduced every week by the charms of Colin Firth as the brooding hero. "How did he manage to set the screen alight? Andrew Davies, who wrote the �6 million series, explains: 'Colin's smouldering glances hinted at much more than desire -- there was a vulnerability and loneliness there that must have had a lot of women fastasising about how happy they might make him.' "Never have actors been so sexy with their clothes on!"

[T]here that must have had a lot of women fastasising about how happy they might make him.' Ohhhh, yes...

"Never have actors been so sexy with their clothes on!" Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, please note! (BTW perceptive comments by Andrew Davies) I'm just wondering why Miramax, after delaying the release of MLSF for nearly a year, chose to let it open in the same week as EWS. After waiting so long, another couple of weeks wouldn't matter. Or are they really being clever and thinking that there may be some women out there who appreciate that sex appeal isn't always sex! On EWS, am I the only one who thinks there may be something rather voyeuristic about this movie? But I hope that MLSF gets some coverage (maybe a paragraph in Time Mag!). And of course, whatever week it opened, there would have been a Big Movie to contend with! I was impressed by Colin's choice of Ovid. (Who reads Ovid these days?) A highly appropriate choice. Maybe Livia's influence. At the height of his fame, Ovid was falsely accused of high treason, on the grounds that he had had an affair with Julia, the licentious daughter of the Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia. Ovid was banished into exile. He wrote repeatedly begging to return as he found the pain of exile unendurable (the theme of his poem "Tristia"). He was never pardoned and died after ten years o exile...rumour had it that he committed suicide because he couldn't bear the thought of never seeing his family or friends again. That's cheered you all up (!)...but it's a very good choice of material. I'm keeping my eyes open for news of "Londinium"....the title intrigues me. What is the connection with Roman Britain?

I have just been to an upcoming release dates site and apparently MLSF has been brought forward to the 14th July instead of the 16th, is this a good or bad thing, will it not get missed being released on a Wednesday instead of the usual Friday. Bethan have you any plans to telephoen Miramax again, they told me to ring in a few weeks' time, I really can't see why we have to wait so long to see it.

Welcome back, Evelyn! Can't wait to see the pictures. I haven't posted in a while... just back from Rhode Island, and am in the midst of job interviews, reading for PhD exams, etc... good to see the boards active despite that the summer is already here (in our hemisphere, anyway). (Bethan)What sort of promotion did AIH get? (Evelyn) Miramax did their usual ..flying journalists from each big city to Hollywood where they got to interview the stars, director etc. We had one in our paper. I didn't want to jinx my chances by saying anything-- but I sent my resume to Miramax in L.A.. They're currently seeking someone to fill an administrative position in their promotions department! Keeping fingers crossed...

(Winter) Evelyn! Can't wait to see the pictures. Hate to disappoint you..."I ain't got none".Lots of clippings though and borchures.BTW Jennifer is featured in the July UK Harpers.I brought home a suitcase full. **** Denise Richards who is scheduled to play Miranda in RV is on the cover of the July Movieline...big interview. She sounds like an airhead. **** You will all be happy to know that I picked up my own copy of the FP screenplay. Am I the only one had a problem hearing some of the dialogue.Paul Ashford really mumbled.The screenplay makes the film a little more civilized!!!

(Evelyn) She sounds like an airhead. She is an airhead. Worst choice for "flavor of the month" actress if there ever was one.

I am in some difficulty, I find I have to write before I can see what has been written recently and of course what I have to say will sometimes appear out of joint. Advice please

AnneH, we have a help board (had forgotten about it until Lidya used it this afternoon). It is #61. Or you can email us at nomdedrool@yahoo.com. Sounds like you need to change your "display preferences" on the main drool page to all/new. This should be your bookmark for that page: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/browse/drool/all/new Or if you bookmark each topic, then it would be like this one: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/119/new With this setting, you will get new messages since the last time you logged in. When you enter a new message, sometimes the one before it will also show up. That's normal. However, you should be seeing all the new messages when you bring up these topics. If this doesn't help, contact us. *********** How exciting Jenn!! Sounds like "An Ideal Match"!! You and Miramax. Good luck. Hope you get it. (Evelyn) Am I the only one had a problem hearing some of the dialogue. Paul Ashford really mumbled. No, I remember asking for many clarifications and so did others. Yes, the screenplay really helps...and it has lots of pictures!! Even more worthwhile. ;-)

Wonderful! A quiet moment with my PC! I have been furtively lurking these past few weeks without a moment to really think straight enough to post anything sensible. 'Colin's smouldering glances hinted at much more than desire -- there was a vulnerability and loneliness there that must have had a lot of women fastasising about how happy they might make him.' Well done Andrew Davis. Finally someone has said something sensible about Darcy Mania. If it was all down to tight trousers and wet shirts, the television watching female would swoon evey time she turned on the set! I have been wondering where Londinium is being filmed? BTW are we to call it "L" now? It must be in London somewhere. I shall keep my eyes peeled. I have also been wondering about Colin's long sojourn in London. He has been here all year (apart from Scotland for a few weeks). Do you think Livia is working? Maybe that is why. I wonder when he gets to see Will? Idle speculation, I know, but can't help wondering. Also, Evelyn, we are seeing TRT next week. I saw it the first time round and was not that impressed with the play. It has obviously been transformed by JE and the great atmosphere of the Donmar.

Sorry!

How do I put this right?

How do I put this right?

You must close the italic tag, which I have just done. Trust me, ladies. It is now done.

OK, we can't rule out a Boorman pic yet. Item in the Hollywood Reporter says that Boorman is collaborating with John Le Carre on the screenplay for "The Tailor of Panama," but: "speaking at the Munich Film Festival, where he was promoting his latest film 'The General,' said 'Tailor' is one of three projects he is developing parallel to his preproduction work on Columbia Pictures' yet-to-be-cast 'The Sea Wolf.'" So The Sea Wolf hasn't been cast yet and he has three other projects in the mix. I've said before that I think Colin would be suited to a spy thriller/espionage type film...a Le Carre or Ludlum. ;-D

(Allison) Evelyn, we are seeing TRT next week. I saw it the first time round and was not that impressed with the play. It has obviously been transformed by JE and the great atmosphere of the Donmar. I shall be eager to hear your review and comments.(Pl. post them on #72. This is Colin's board...and I always feel I am infringing on his turf). Also, Allison, pay attention to the pop songs , lyrics...and black out music. It's all part of the dialogue,though unspoken...(That tricky Stoppard). JE and SD together make this play.

Here, here, I also look forward to hearing your opinion of this production.

(Karen) So The Sea Wolf hasn't been cast yet and he has three other projects in the mix. What do you make of the fact that Boorman also went to see JE at the Donmar? Perhaps he has a part in mind for her as well? (CF and JE costarring in a Boorman production -- in our dreams?) Or maybe it was Dillane he was scouting:-).

Boorman also went to see JE at the Donmar Like you said maybe he went to see SD after all those spectacular reviews. Boorman had two other men with him...but they didn't look like movie moguls. Perhaps Allison will recognize others in the audience. It was definitely a British audience.And lots of people greeted each other.

I have read two reports of the Jongleur night out. My to have been so close to C.F. If only sigh!!!

(winter) I sent my resume to Miramax in L.A.. They're currently seeking someone to fill an administrative position in their promotions department! Welcome home, winter! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. And wouldn't we droolies be lucky to have our very own deep throat at Miramax. (Of course I mean this in the Watergate fashion!) (Anne) I have read two reports of the Jongleur night out. My to have been so close to C.F It makes great reading, doesn't it? My, these reports will keep my imagination flowing for weeks :-)

Just to be within a few yards, Oh my it is so very real. I could almost feel myself there. I hope against hope to be in the U.K. in Nov. or Jan. I have to see him in the flesh, it somehow seems most important after all these years of 'drooling'

(Anne Hale) I have read two reports of the Jongleur night out. I have read the report on Murph's site. Is there another report posted somewhere else and if so, where? (Anne Hale) I have to see him in the flesh... Know what you mean. Sigh!!

Closing the tag for now. Also, ladies, please remember that when the clock gets reset back to the correct date, you will need to reinitiate all your drool topics that had posts during the Great Leap Forward. Untouched topics will not be affected.

Jacob focus of Wade's indie 'Pornographer' NEW YORK -- Irene Jacob is starring with Martin Donovan in writer-director Alan Wade's indie "The Pornographer: A Love Story." The French actress will then powder up to play a make-up artist in Mike Binder's London-set romantic comedy "Londinium" opposite Binder and Colin Firth. ***************** Irene Jacob and Colin in another film again? So soon? A mere two years!! I've checked this Binder's guys filmography as writer/director/actor. Pretty nothing IMO. But you've got to start somewhere. A makeup artist? Wonder what the story is about. Theater? But the important thing is that it's a "romantic comedy" and Colin appears to have the lead!

(anne hale)I hope against hope to be in the U.K. in Nov. or Jan. I have to see him in the flesh, You are welcomed to join us at the Spring Reunion at the Donmar on January 15, 2000.

London-set romantic comedy "Londinium" opposite Binder and Colin Firth. Move over Hugh or should he say "whoopsie daisies" ;-D

(Karen) Move over Hugh or should he say "whoopsie daisies" ;-D *Chuckle* I saw NH this weekend. Thought it should be renamed '4 Weddings II' since there were so many similarities. I didn't care for JR. Hughie had some great lines, though. The audience loved the movie. The French actress will then powder up to play a make-up artist... Good. I hope the part's substantial enough to offset Mariel. But compared to Denise Richards, MH is Oscarworthy! IMO Denise's main assets lie somewhat south of her brain. Have I got my claws out today or what? Good luck with that job prospect, Winter!

Oops, forgot to add to my last post: (Ann) I have just been to an upcoming release dates site and apparently MLSF has been brought forward to the 14th July instead of the 16th, is this a good or bad thing, will it not get missed being released on a Wednesday instead of the usual Friday Given the onslaught of EWS publicity (if I see that kissing snippet one more time...) I think this was done quite intentionally. Earlier this spring there was another movie which opened on a Wednesday--I remember because it was unusual. It could have been 'The Matrix' which went on to make big $$$.

Good luck, Winter! Crossing fingers and toeses for ya. :-) Karen, Re: the storyline of "Londinium"...according to the Murph blurb, it appears to be a Hollywood actress tring to become a big success in Britain. (Now THAT'S a switch...Hee hee!!)

"Londinium" and Mike Binder. Thanks for this, Karen! Did you check out Mike Binder at IMDB...I was quite impressed. I've seen "American Gothic"...it was screened on BBC2 (which doesn't pick up duds) and I thought it was very good. He seems to be a writer/director and his other movies all attract warm reviews...and they've all been released in the US! I think "Londinium" must be an American production (maybe, after SLOW Colin is wary of "little British movies"). And if you check Mike Binder's last movie, t e star is Mariel Hemingway! It sounds promising, although it may invite comparisons with NH! But compared to Denise Richards, MH is Oscarworthy! Have you heard Catherine Zeta-Jones give an interview? Do men care about brain power? CZ-J ia plastered all over the Britich press...opening of Entrapment and, oh, guess what, she's managed to catch Michael Douglas. Good timing! BTW Denise Richards won't have to act much in RV...it's an airhead role. Am keeping my fingers crossed for MLSF. Can't help but feel that Miramax have dumped it it favour of AIH (which only got so-so reviews over here) Why open the same week as EWS when there are another 51 weeks in the year! Harvey's strategy eludes me...maybe it's very subtle. :-) Winter, we need you in the Promotions department!

Just an idea, if completely OT: what about creating a board which allows to experiment with html, picture- and link posting. More practice in html may also help to remember to close the italics-tags... :-).

Renate, you are a genius! I have an example. In today's Daily Mail (what would we do without it) there is a silly feature on 20 inventions men and women would love to see e.g. 20 minute football matches and armchairs with electric shock option. To illustrate this they have a photograph of ODB in his arsenal shirt, slumped in front of a television! I now have a scanner, but it is quite beyond me as to how I would go about posting it here. I need to practise. So Renate your idea is timely! BTW it is from FP. You will all have seen it, so do not get tooo excited. Also It does not mention either Colin or FP. Does that mean he is so well known in the UK that they do not need to?

We've got a scanner too....and we've only used it once! Great idea, Renate! BTW, Ann, I haven't phoned Miramax again about release dates for MLSF in the UK. I'm planning to do so, but I'll have to be in a very buoyant mood! If they say that they're waiting to see how it does in the US, I shall fling the phone against the wall! They should set a date and start promoting it...Puttnam, Hudson, Foreman (still very articulate!), Scottish Tourist Board (films set in Scotland have boosted the Scottish tourist film industry by �15million), child-friendly movie, which mums can go to see i the school holidays, and oh, of course, Colin Firth (remember him....last seen in a starring role in the UK two and a half years ago!!!!!) On second thoughts, maybe I'd better not phone Miramax! :-)

Renate: what about creating a board which allows to experiment with html, picture- and link posting. My thoughts exactly! I used the help board to practice the other day, but that was really not the place for it. You read my mind!

Did you go back, Lidya, to check? Feel free to use that board. It's idle. Most people when they have problems posting can't post there anyway and should email us. Was going to suggest using the "Nonsense" board (#15) but it does have a classic discussion there. Go check it out. Not to usurp Renate's "wet blanket" ownership... ;-) Allison/Bethan: In order to post images to this board, the picture must already be loaded to Internet, somewhere. It is not the same as emailing someone a picture from PC. A complete url (http://etc...) is used as a link. I encourage you to experiment with your scanners and we can make arrangements to get the pics up here. Also check out Ann's HTML tutorial at austen.com. It will tell you how to post a link to an image.

(Allison)Also It does not mention either Colin or FP. Does that mean he is so well known in the UK that they do not need to? I think so...he is quite a poster boy over there. Everyone has heard of him and JE from P&P which paralized the country!! *** On ET two nights ago they had a blurb on Prince Edward and his new Earl of Wessex title....showed snaps of SIL...ODB..dancing with GP... but not a mention of his name.Grrrrr ****

Londinium, Relative Values and the London IMAX movie all exist, per Stephen Fry. Evelyn has received confirmation directly from Stephen Fry that these projects all exist and that the facts as stated in the newspapers are true. He said that he's only "just on Londinium for a day, playing a sex therapist. Relative Values shoots in the Isle of Man, but they're having difficulty settling dates."

THanks for the news, Karen. (cool graphic, BTW) Evelyn has received confirmation directly from Stephen Fry that these projects all exist and that the facts as stated in the newspapers are true. Directly from Stephen Fry, eh? Has Evelyn been making new friends during her sojourns to London? ;-) Am in despair, friends. FP is ideally supposed to open a week from tomorrow, but I haven't seen a billboard, a trailer, not one sign of its existence.

Karen just called, with the name of the distributors for FP (Phaedra). Immediately rang them up to see what the deal was... "Fever Pitch"'s release has been postponed once again... this time, to September 10, 1999!!!!! Apparently, it's not as easy as simply finding a distributor, and voila! it's at your local cineplex. Phaedra then had to search for venues willing to show the film... Laemmle Theatres, known for showcasing indies, will project FP in Los Angeles.

(Winter) Has Evelyn been making new friends during her sojourns to London? ;-) evelyn met Stephen at the premiere of WILDE in October 1997(Big Charity Event at the Savoy). He has always been v. supportive of JE's website...occasionally even signs our Guest Book.I have corresponded with him several times ...re: WILDEwhen he has won awards. He helped us a lot on WILDE. So, I wrote to him yesterday and asked him to sort out all the newspaper accounts...which we thought were conflicting.(The guy answers his emails faster than most of my friends.)Alas...all the accounts are "splendidly true". ***** I have just spoken to my local Miramax rep. MLSF will **Not**have a national press junket.Individual cities will do local press screenings.Ours is on July 14th.So Colin is spared going through the rigors of a press conference. However, that means that there won't be individual interviews in the papers with the stars ...only reviews of the film. Bethan is right...looks like Miramax has decided to put all it's "eggs" into" An Ideal Husband"...which I saw at the Odeon Haymarket in London and found Borrrring.(Except for JN speech to Parliament, Winter)

(Winter) "Fever Pitch"'s release has been postponed once again... this time, to September 10, 1999!!!!! A birthday present for ODB !!?? I'm glad I bought the video; who knows when or if we will ever see this on the big screen. Too bad, too. I know next to nothing about soccer, but it doesn't matter, since FP, IMO, is a film about relationships and fan-aticism (our enthusiasm for CF might be thought to border on a fever pitch level, as seen by non-Firthaholics), not a film about the sport, an opinion confirmed by my husband and son. If only Phaedra would have the sense to market it that way.

What a tremendous wave of news! Evelyn, my heartiest congrats and admiration for your initiative and contacts. And how nice of Stephen Fry to reply so promptly! I'm really impressed (by both of you!) A mixed bag of news. One, Colin is doing both Londinium and RV. I hope his part in Londinium is a "lead" role and not a cameo, like Stephen Fry. Do I detect some lack of enthusiasm for RV? It has two screenwriters and is an adaptation of the Noel Coward play, so maybe it will be sharper, more cinematic. I actually thought there were some very good one liners dotted throughout. MLSF....it looks as though it's "pay back Rupert" time, and Colin isn't going to get the Big Star promotion by Miramax. I think they've backed the wrong horse, but I'm VERY biased! I hope the film speaks for itself. To be honest, films can sometimes be over-promoted by "star" actors. FP...is September 10th 100% definite and confirmed, never to be changed? :-) If so, that's good news. Just LA, or NY and possible nationwide, RV...the difficuly in setting dates may be other commitments, which could be, in Colin's case (I really hope!) BJD. Inspired by Evelyn and Karen, I will ring Working Title again. Italics....please go away!!

Please what is the London IMAX movie and what has this to do with Colin, have I missed something. re Londinium, from what I have read I get the impression that Colin has the lead role, Ceefax and The Mirror said JD was joining CF & SF and didn't mention anyone else and now we know the SF is only a cameo role so Colin must have the lead role and it also now appears to be a romantic comedy, wonderful. I must say I feel more enthusiatic about this film than RV., but at least its another film to add to my v deo collection eventually and hopefully if it gets a Distributor. I too will phone Miramax Bethan, can't do any harm and might make them realise that there are many Firth fans waiting to see this film after such a long wait. If he does do BJD, and I very much hope that he does, he will have totalled 3 films, 1 TV drama, and 2 stage plays in one year, more than making up for the dearth of Firth last year!!

(Bethan) And if you check Mike Binder's last movie, the star is Mariel Hemingway! Aha! Do men care about brain power? Of course they do!! Just look at the success of Pamela Lee, for example. Why--she even had her implants removed, further proof that men love her for her creative genius and acting talent. I couldn't even finish typing that without gagging ;-P (Evelyn) On ET two nights ago they had a blurb on Prince Edward and his new Earl of Wessex title....showed snaps of SIL...ODB..dancing with GP... but not a mention of his name.Grrrrr They just aired this 'ET' last night here in the NY area. I'm with you in the GRRRR category. Good thing my DH wasn't home, since I was yelling at the TV: "can't you even say his name??" I was quite put out! Gotta love that Evelyn, she goes directly to the source. but they're having difficulty settling [RV filming]dates It appears he won't be doing them simultaneously, which is the aspect I found unusual for ODB. (Bethan) MLSF....it looks as though it's "pay back Rupert" time, and Colin isn't going to get the Big Star promotion by Miramax. I agree. But look how far back "pay back Rupert" has gone: he got more publicity out of SiL than ODB for what was a cameo; IH got the "full-court press" from Miramax at Cannes whereas MLSF was an also-ran. I think they've backed the wrong horse Follow the money. It's sad, but true.

Where have all the italics gone? Like a dog worrying at a bone, I'm going back to MLSF. What exactly will the "promotion" consist of? Does the fact that there's no press junket mean that there will just be no TV interviews, or no interviews at all (magazine, newspaper etc). And what about trailers? Any more in theatres? Any on TV? And what exactly is a "low-keyed" premiere? On AIH...I haven't seen the movie, but I did see the play on stage, and from what I recall the "ideal (or not so ideal) husband" was the JN character,not the RE character, as promoted in the trailer/poster!

(Bethan)Do I detect some lack of enthusiasm for RV? I agree...Don't know what the negative furor is all about. We're not talking "George of the Jungle" here....or (gawdforbid P.!!)This is a v. respectable adaptation of a play...Yeah, it's fluff...like IH.Peter (CF) has some v. good lines and I can see him in this and SF is the perfect Crestwell. I will look forward to this. And if IH husband succeeds, it will be a good omen for a Noel Coward play. **** Ann I can't help you on the London I-MAX film. This happened while I was gone. Karen will explain. In fact Karen was my resource for the SF email.I didn't know what the H*** I was talking about.

Total BUMMER

Total BUMMER about FP!! But can't say I didn't expect it, and NO I wouldn't take that date as etched in stone. Re: Marketing suggestions I traded a couple of emails with the SVP at Phaedra and gave her my NSHO on marketing this film. This is what she told me: "There will be some advertising on Fox Sports because the staff there are huge fans of Hick Hornby [sic] as well as soccer (Fox owns the U.S. rights to all UK soccer) and we feel there may be sufficient fans from the soccer world to whom this film will appeal based on initial research. But our main focus for promotion is as a romantic comedy/drama, for Nick Hornby fans and Colin Firth fans, of which there are quite a few like yourself throughout the entire country that we have heard from thus far." Re: IMAX (for Ann W) The British Film Institute has commissioned a new IMAX film to star Stephen Fry. Its working title is "London." Given that the news on this and Londinium came out at the same time (and film that was shown at the new IMAX theater's opening was "Old Man and the Sea"--Hemingway), I thought that some of the facts had been confused. Per Stephen, these are all separate projects: London and Londinium. (Bethan)Do I detect some lack of enthusiasm for RV? Absolutely!! Peter the nephew is a nothing role and would be better played by Rupert Everett. The best lines go to Crestwell and Felicity (the Julie Andrews role). I have combed through the play and picked out ALL of Peter funnier quips (not many); they are shown at Murph's Relative Values page. The final bit of dialogue between Don Lucas and Peter will be very funny if the audience believes Peter is gay. I still haven't seen the trailer for MLSf and I'm running out of art houses and art house movies to see. Last night I saw the Red Violin. The trailers were for Inspector Gadget, the Bruce Willis paranormal thing and who remembers... argh!! And this was at the top downtown art house. One that will rarely if ever show mainstream movies. No poster there either. About Londinium, have a few more feelers out there for details. Will let you know as soon as...

A friend in NYC just e-mailed me to say she saw the MSLF trailer before a movie yesterday but she didn't tell me which one! Though she's not a Colin fan, she said she recognized him right away. If it's not An Ideal Husband, I'll let you know. London, Londonium, Relative Values....my head is spinning but ain't it grand? T Guess we just have to get used to the fact that Colin does not promote himself and frankly, other than his talent, what can the public relations people do to make him sell? He's so normal, People Magazine can only show him sitting in his in-law's kitchen pouring coffee. Rupert is an extremely handsome man who women love and who happens to be gay. He hobnobs with Madonna, Julia Roberts adores him, the press is all a'dither when he plays a straight role. There's no contest. I dont' know who has the contact with Stephen Fry anymore, but thank you.

So it seems Londinium is a goer with Irene Jacob too interesting.

Sorry ladies did not mean to send above. I meant to cross it out. Thank you for the invite re Jan.15th - it might be best then if I travel in Jan rather than Nov.

He hobnobs with Madonna, Julia Roberts adores him Doesn't Gwynnie count? She mentioned him more than anyone else (which was never)!!

(Bethan)On AIH...I haven't seen the movie, but I did see the play on stage, and from what I recall the "ideal (or not so ideal) husband" was the JN character,not the RE character, as promoted in the trailer/poster! Bingo. It IS JN's character who is "the Ideal Husband." There are only a handful of theatres which have posters of JN, not RE. So disapointing. You'd think promotions would be honest enough to sell the story correctly, and not resort to relying on the "hunk of the month" (no offense to Rupert, I love him as much as the next gal) to sell tickets. I was offended about the commercials for 'Emma' a while back, too. There's a scene in which Emma declares, "I hate John!... I love John!" and then cuts to pictures of Jeremy Northam. His character was NOT "John", but rather John's brother! ...If I were in Promotions, I'd do a much better job! ;-) (still haven't heard-- Human Resources director is out of town till mid-month) :-(

I heard there were two posters--one with JN and one with RE, but the one that's shown everywhere is Rupe's. Actually you can make a case for either being the "Ideal Hubby." The devil-may-care, commitmentphobic Arthur comes through...true and blue for everyone. ;-)

Other than his talent what can the promotions people do to make him sell. He's so normal A few huge smiling photos (as in the "Taste" magazine) gazing from front covers or inside front covers) wouldn't go amiss! Or a full-length photo in jeans and an open-necked white shirt! Miramax were quite happy to show him as the "grumpy, charmless" Wessex dumped by GP in favour of the "gorgeous" JF! Now, when there's an opportunity for a charm offensive, he doesn't get it! The lack of trailers in the theatres really, really, p***** me off though.....it's such an obvious way to promote to the niche market. Those reviews had better be good! He's so normal Major problem here.....He's happily married, a good father, no "kiss-and-tell" stories from former relationships, has an inexpensive lifestyle, promotes good causes away from the glare of the press, doesn't hang out with the "stars", never gives interviews to "Hello" mgazine, didn't sell his wedding photos, doesn't advertise jeans/aftershave etc, has never "done" drugs, is not a reformed alcoholic, doesn't visit a shrink, and, hey, he even gets on well with his parents and his mother in-law likes him.......BORING, BORING!! Oh well, MLSF is opening nationwide, and all reports are very positive. For that, I'm thankful. And despite the shifting dates, at least FP will (eventually) open and, presumably be available on video. FP did well in video rentals over here. I'll be interested to see how MLSF is promoted in the UK. We basically promote over here by press interviews and creating a good buzz ("the eagerly awaited...") There was no promotion for AIH, except the RE posters in the papers, and I caught a glimpse of a trailer on SKY. RV...I share your reservations. but it's another movie, and one that we will see. The movie will look good, he'll look good, and overall, could be funny, with an updated script. I thought it was a "let's take Will on location in the summer holidays" film!! ARGH!! Must get back to work....but (apart from CF) this whole marketing area really fascinates me! (Winter, you must get that job!!) You can see why bad "products" succeed, good products fail.

No FP until September?? Argggghhh!!! It was supposed to open next week and I was so looking forward to it. Thanks for calling winter, and getting the scoop. I was starting to worry since I hadn't seen any publicity for FP. So it's going to be at the Laemmle, eh? It will probably be at the 5 Plex near your place. Hmmm, I smell a mini-Firth fest coming on. Evelyn, thanks for checking with Stephen Fry about Londinium and RV. Wow, you're on an email basis with him, you glamour girl you!

Hmmm, "working" from home is not a good idea! I've a few more thoughts...and then I'm really going to start concentrating. RV...I think I've been a bit in denial... "Peter is not gay, Peter is not gay...". For the character to work, he has to be played as the professional bachelor/escort type, ironical, slightly detached from involvement with women. Not overtly gay, but maybe with a lingering question mark. Could be an interesting "character" part. I've no problem with this, provided he plays the occasional romantic hero! But having said this, there's a limit even to romantic hero roles. I agree with Karen that a lead role in an intelligent thriller (the upcoming Le Carre/Boorman, for example) would be excellent. BTW I think that John Boorman probably just likes the theatre and is a Donmar regular, and probably isn't casting for roles. He'd probably look at examples of screen work (not theatre).anyway. But the Le Carre project sounds good ("The Sea Wolf" I wouldn't enthuse over!) How can you tell I've got a report which I don't want to write!! :-) Final thought, if only Colin were more like Stephen Fry......"Hi, Colin, well, what's your latest project?" "Hello Bethan, full details are...." :-) In my dreams. Mind you, it could be rather boring...we'd be spared all the pleasure of endless conjecture! :-)

Hmmm, "working" from home is not a good idea! You said it! My productivity would increase 100% if it weren't for a certain gentleman ;-) I'll be interested to see how MLSF is promoted in the UK. Or IF! I was reading the other day that "The Theory of Flight" with Kenneth B and Helena B-C had not been distributed in the UK after its "flop" in the US. Was it badly received there or was it another case of the distributer not promoting it?

(Bethan) Or a full-length photo in jeans and an open-necked white shirt! You've missed your calling, Bethan! Yes, he's normal and now he's making a name being political for social causes. Good actors do receive publicity when they've made new films but it is usually because they know they must get behind the promotional effort to sell the film. Colin did that for SiL. He was on the junket, he went to all the premieres and parties, he appeared on Breakfast with the Arts, he agreed to a photo shoot in Italy... What more can he do? Right now would be a perfect time for the talk shows to bring him in. They could advertise they had the Earl of Wessex! Granted the discussion of the SiL/Edward title thing would take about 45 seconds, but then he could talk about his upcoming roles, his causes, etc., like any other guest. This has Rosie written all over it!! RV...with an updated script. Definitely needs that. For some reason, even when I visualize this as a period piece, it doesn't work. I thought it was a "let's take Will on location in the summer holidays" film!! Shouldn't the kid be going to camp by now? Not overtly gay, but maybe with a lingering question mark. Yes, for '50s, that's all he could show. Your characterization is exactly how I saw it. What male character who is anywhere between 35-50 (confirmed bachelor); who has expertise in women's hair, makeup and clothing; would be sent to take Moxie to tea because she's upset could be anything else? He is treated as a *girlfriend* to Felicity. I don't particularly like this role. But maybe Colin will have an entirely different take on it. (If this were an American movie, I'd cast Harvey Fierstein in it!!) ;-) "The Sea Wolf" I wouldn't enthuse over! Just watched another version of this starring Stacey Keach. Ick, double ick. Still looking around for the older version of this to rent. The story is interesting but this version was hideous. Agree that Boorman must like theater. However, that doesn't mean he can't get casting ideas from it. They have to see the actors somewhere. (Allison) Was it badly received there or was it another case of the distributer not promoting it? It was promoted by both HB-C and KB. They appeared on all the shows. It flopped because its subject matter wasn't going to be drawing them in by the thousands. I don't even recall the reviews. But it didn't even tempt me. Sounded ridiculous.

Taking another break! Following Evelyn and Karen's example, I've just rung Working Title again to ask about BJD. I asked when they were going to start shooting and gotbthe reply (yet again!) that it was still "in development". I then said that I d see a few reports that filming was starting in the summer. Reply "Ring back in a month...we'll have a pre-production office set up". Me "But will it start shooting this summer". Reply "it will be late summer, if it is this summer". I didn't ask about casting ...I know I'm not going to get anything. So there'll be a pre-production office in a month. How soon before shooting starts is this normally set up? All this uncertainty about dates makes me wonder how on earth Colin manages to plan ahead. He may have assumed that there would be a summer shoot, and of course he's committed to 3DOR from November. But if BJD doesn't shoot late summer, I should think it will be postponed to early spring. I'm beginning to feel that they should really get their act together on this one. Right now would be a perfect time for the talk shows to bring him in. Agreed. He co-operated 100% on SIL's promotion and now it should be his chance to promote himself. As you say, Wessex is topical, and he's got two movies opening. If HB-C and KB can do all the talk shows, couldn't Colin do one at least. I really thought Miramax would push him. Has he trodden on Harvey's toes? I also agree with you about the subject matter of Theory of Flight...very downbeat. BTW Allison, it's a BBC film, so even if it's not released in theatres, it doesn't really matter will always get a TV showing. I'm almost positive that we will (eventually!) see MLSF. Final thoughts on RV...if the overall screenplay is good (and updated), should be okay. But I really hope it's justsomething to pay the mortgage and allow him to spend more time with his family. Could do better!

Two of Colin's costars in Londinium. That's Mike Binder with Mariel Hemingway.

(Karen) If this were an American movie, I'd cast Harvey Fierstein in it!!) ;-) *NNNOOOOOOOooooooooooo* I was just thinking how good ODB could be in a comical gay role until I read your comment. IhopeIhopeIhope the script is updated in a different direction. There's gay and then there's GAY, if you know what I mean...not that there's anything wrong with that ;-) (Heide) If it's not An Ideal Husband, I'll let you know. I read awhile ago (don't remember where) that trailers are usually from the same (or affiliated) studio as the movie being shown. Isn't IH the only Miramax production out right now? Haven't seen a single TV ad yet, Bethan. Miramax didn't begin to advertise SiL on TV until a few days before it opened. If there is no star-backed publicity, without red-hot raving reviews from the critics I fear MLSF will disappear into the night. There are simply too many other movies around. It won't sell itself, even with the Hugh Hudson/David Puttnam connection. (Karen) I don't even recall the reviews [for 'Theory of Flight'] I read a few and they were scathing. Then *poof* the movie was gone.

Marcia, I agree with you that even if we do a separate topic for MLSF, I'll read it anyway. Do we have support for a separate topic? Not being a soccer fan, I don't understand the connection of Fever Pitch with Fox Sports. Does the US soccer season start in September, Karen, hence the new release date (hah! in my dreams) for FP? Lynda, you got the plot of FP in one try! It's not a football movie though you'll get some arguments from others that it is. Perhaps another time we'll redo Fever Pitch. Winter, wish you so much luck with your prospective job. Besides working in a tres glamorous industry (and Miramax to boot!), I'm sure the paycheck will be nice too. He was on the junket, he went to all the premieres and parties, he appeared on Breakfast with the Arts, he agreed to a photo shoot in Italy... What more can he do? Sell himself...be a party animal...samba with Salma Hayek... even when he doesn't have a film to promote. And we all know that's not what he'll do (nor what we want him to do). Though photos of him in open necked shirts would be very welcome indeed. Someday BJD will come though I think my prince on a white steed will come first.

Tell me does Mike Binder ACT? Is he going to be in this film himself? I am a bit confused. Shouldn't the kid be going to camp by now? British kids don't go to camp! Colin will no doubt want him to spend some of the Summer imbibing his (half) native culture i.e. holidaying on a windswept beach and shivering in the cold sea:-)

Yes, Heide, I think you should do a separate topic for MLSF. That way those who don't want to read won't. Otherwise we'll be typing the "spoilers" warning over and over here at 119. (Heide) Not being a soccer fan, I don't understand the connection of Fever Pitch with Fox Sports I don't know about soccer, but US football starts in September so Fox viewership will be up :-) But the audience?? I would suspect they'd be mostly men unless they're like me, a football fan *and* a Firthfan. ?? the strategy of marketing this movie to a predominantly male audience. And we all know that's not what he'll do (nor what we want him to do). True, true. Then he wouldn't be my DB anymore. Though photos of him in open necked shirts would be very welcome indeed. Even more true!

I vote for a separate MLSF topic. evelyn **** And IMHO I like RV just the way it is...Noel Coward doesn' need re-writing. And moreover I think Colin will be a fine Peter; he's never let us down yet. I don't see Peter as gay. Also..the reason he can do the Donmar in Nov- Jan.for a miniscule salary is because he'll have two films $$$$ under his belt. Aren't we lucky? Just thought I'd put my two cents in today early....

Evidently Miramax must be totally unaware of the great reception MLSF received at Newport, or else they'd be falling all over themselves to push this film. It will really be a shame if they let it die on the vine here and then use that as an excuse not to promote it in the UK. Much as I loved having the premiere in Newport (allowing me to attend), I think MLSF should have placed it in a more prestigious US film festival. As it is, the festival rep who intro'd the film made it clear that it was she who pursued Miramax. Also, as was pointed out, this film was a *natural* for the Edinburgh Film Festival -- someone at Miramax must be asleep at the switch. I never did hear how the audience at Cannes reacted to MLSF. Did they like it -- anyone know? Not to be a gloomy Gus, but I also feel MLSF would do better with a fall release date. It's not a heavy film, but it's definitely not something the folks who get shut out of "Big Daddy" or "South Park" will be flocking to see.

(Eileen) IhopeIhopeIhope the script is updated in a different direction. All that hair and makeup stuff and being treated like one of the girls put me in mind of Mrs. Doubtfire when they're turning Robin Williams into a she. Just a weird flash through my mind. Not that the character should be played overtly gay... ;-) Isn't IH the only Miramax production out right now? But Miramax is also Disney, so that means Touchstone, Buena Vista, etc.... Hey, I saw an Inspector Gadget trailer before The Red Violin!! I think the theater chain makes the decision on what to show because they show films from all the distributors on their screens. (Heide) I don't understand the connection of Fever Pitch with Fox Sports. Does the US soccer season start in September, Karen, hence the new release date (hah! in my dreams) for FP? I don't know why September was chosen. Winter spoke to Phaedra. However, Fox Sports shows English League Soccer on a tape delayed basis or real time on pay TV. It's on Sunday nights, I think, during the season (which we all know is August to May) and then repeated again during the week. Sell himself...be a party animal...samba with Salma Hayek... even when he doesn't have a film to promote. Yeah, and maybe he'll even pull out the old guitar and get the old crowd going with some old folk song. "If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the mooooorning..." (Allison) Tell me does Mike Binder ACT? Is he going to be in this film himself? Yes, and he writes and directs. My guess (and it is only a guess) is that he will direct this one and have a smaller role. It does take place in England, so it would make sense that Colin would have a larger role. If this is like Notting Hill, Binder might have the Alec Baldwin role or slightly more. British kids don't go to camp! But many American kids do, especially those from affluent families. Although Will might be too young for anything more than one term of day camp. (Susan) I never did hear how the audience at Cannes reacted to MLSF. Did they like it -- anyone know? Never saw anything about it. BTW, the AmFAR site finally posted pictures from the Cannes benefit. Don't even bother. There are two collages (three pics each) with people you don't want to see! Salma, Liz, other supermodels, Bennie Boy. In other words, the usual suspects. Guess my email to the webmaster didn't mean a thing or he didn't know who Colin was in order to sort through the shots. Will give it another shot on my part.

I'm just resigned to the fact that Miramax won't court publicity for a two year old film lest the critics start questioning why it took so long to hit the screen. Perhaps they'll start the publicity machine if the reviews are good. (Susan) Not to be a gloomy Gus, but I also feel MLSF would do better with a fall release date. Oh dear, Susan, not that I don't agree with you but I'm just grateful it's going to be out in just another two weeks. It's been a long road. Good idea at Topic 61. Lidya, have you had success yet?

Too much honour. Got the idea for a html-practice board from the Republic of Pemberley. They created such a board already 2 years ago, and I found it extremely useful for learning. ---------- Karen, I don't claim exclusivity (voc?) for the "Wet Blanket" title. :-) ---------- To promote FP perhaps they should rename it "Sleepless in Highbury" (if that's how that part of London is called. Or is it Islington? Hackney?) ;-). I think it is MUCH more a romantic comedy than a soccer movie. --------- Why not discuss MLSF on the SIL board? ---------- I think I posted it before, MLSF will come to Germany, Scotiafilms has it on their (rather modest) page, even moved it recently from "sneak preview" to "preview". No dates yet. My guess is that if it will come to Germany it will also reach the UK, whatever the success or lack thereof will be in the US. Try this, go to "preview", (and don't get exited about "-play-" :-].) http://www.scotiafilm.de/

Thanks for the photo, Karen. I like it....raises my hopes for Londinium. And maybe if Mariel is working with a director she's worked with before, and a friendly cast, and it's a comic part, maybe she'll be fine! I'd like to know the plot. So far we've got an aspiring (failed?) actress, a sex therapist, a writer who doesn't get on with people, and a make-up artist! The reason he can do the Donmar in Nov- Jan.for a miniscule salary is because he'll have two films $$$$ under his belt. Aren't we lucky? Ah, the power of positive thinking, Evelyn! Now if he wasn't doing anything, we'd really have something to moan about! And, blowing in the wind somewhat, I actually liked RV when I first read it, although I'd edit out some parts, and it has to be opened up (more cinematic). And I would almost be certain that both RV and Londinium are American backed and guaranteed a US distribution. The last two films that Mike Binder wrote and directed were made by a company called Outlaw Productions, and Buena Vista distributed. I wonder if it's the same set up for Londinium?

Yeah!! I saw the MLSF trailer on TV today and have taped it. Much better on a 30" set versus 2" by 2" on the computer. The E! channel's "Coming Attractions" show had MLSF in its weekend program. It will be repeated and repeated. That is how E! operates. So look for Coming Attractions. The show starts with the new CZ-J The Haunting and continues with a bunch of teen garbage and concludes with MLSF in the last 5 minutes or so. (Renate) To promote FP perhaps they should rename it "Sleepless in Highbury" Or what about "The English Teacher Who Shagged Me"? ;-D

(Karen) The E! channel's "Coming Attractions" show had MLSF in its weekend program. Is the E! channel a separate station or part of another channel? It seems I ran across this during the Academy Awards, but can't remember where; would be terrific not to wait 40 minutes to download a 2-minute clip.

(Karen)The E! channel's "Coming Attractions" show had MLSF in its weekend program Hurray for E! Thank you for having such a great eye, Karen. What would we do without you? (Heide)Lidya, have you had success yet? Success with what I was trying to post? It seems the URL has changed, I think Geocities has merged with some other site (can't remember which). Thank you for accomodating the less proficient! ;~D

Italics, go away!

(Bethan) The last two films that Mike Binder wrote and directed were made by a company called Outlaw Productions, and Buena Vista distributed. BV is Disney...sister company of Miramax. **** I just re-read RV this afternoon....I'm afraid I gonna backpedal a little bit...Peter does seem a little effeminate. Of course, I was looking for signs of being gay.... Colin might not play it that way at all. Alas...it seems that the days of romantic "rumpy-pumpies" are over!!

Not only is he all the things Bethan said but in everything I have ever read about him he is one of the nicest people you would ever meet. (As some of you can attest.) GP kept going on about how nice he was during the shooting of SIL It sounded to me like she would like to work with him again. How many are going to the next 3DOR? #@!*^#+ We live out in the country and our cable company doesn't start E channel until August 1. I was surprised lat night to see that Kenneth Brannah is in Wild Wild West.

Sorry about mispelling Branagh.