Oh, Renate!! Such language! ;-D Thanks for the update on the non-Dome place. Perhaps admission will be less and we will not need to stock provisions. ;-D the best of British comedy Hmmm, you could put Colin in that group after FP, ATA, SiL and MLSF...a virtual string of wonderful comedies.

Just a thought on "Time for Blackadder". The different Blackadder series always used the same cast (in different roles) over the years. I'm wondering if Colin's inclusion in this exclusive club may mean that he's definitely doing BJD, as Helen Fielding is a friend of both Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, and he may have met RC in connection with the re-write of the BJD screenplay.

Good thinking Bethan, and he must now be a very good friend of SF, having acted together in three different productions so far this year.

"consecutive productions." The one I am really looking forward to, though, is TTOTS, what a lovely way to spend a winter's evening, cuddled up on the sofa watching ODB playing "The Master" and in period costume!!

The Rowan Atkinson-Richard Curtis-HF connection occurred to me as well, as I caught the end of one of a Vicar of Dilby last night and noticed Emma Chambers in the cast and Curtis' name as producer. She's in that series and then gets cast in Notting Hill. Perhaps Colin is getting in with this group and it might result in his being cast in a certain Working Title production.

sorry. Thanks Cathey for the news, I hope it is right. I have written to Hoyts who is supposed to release MLSF explaining that there are many people disappointed that it was not released in September, and are awaiting eagerly to see a film praised in New York;

My question is will Shakespeare be bald in this portrayal. I hope not.

Whoops, here we go again on one of our favourite topics Ladies!!! Please let's not hasten that ever impending day when we might see our DB hairless!!! Gi, we need your services.

In fact I have been pondering the "hair" question myself in the last 24hrs. I rushed to the video rental shop yesterday to be the one to grab SIL first on its day of release!(No surprise that despite 4th billing of course there is no still containing Wessex on the box!)and having lovingly watched and rewatched Wessex's finest moments, I noticed a slight thinning on top when he bows at court, that I had failed to notice in the 3 times I saw it in the cinema!! Only a few hours left and I have to give it back. A few shops were unable to give me a retail release date as yet---typical!!

I have, as usual, been amazed by the wonderful sleuthing that has been undertaken by all the dynamic Drool Ladies. You have garnered a veritable feast of facts , gossip, and lucious pics and first hand experiences re MLSF for an absentee to luxuriate in. I haven't discovered all the delights yet, but am working on it. Thank You all so much, I have missed my daily "fix" which I hope to reinstate soon. Welcome to all the "newbies", you've found a little bit of heaven on earth!!!

Welcome back, Lizza! Lots been happening here. Colin was obviously just biding his time last year, just gathering his strength for this amazing whirlwind of activity. I too was first in line for the SIL video and watched closely for signs of hair loss. My conclusion was a bit different from yours. I thought there was very little sign of thinning on top. In fact I wondered if they had cheated with some extra bits! You can almost imagine JM screaming "oh no look at Wessex's head, forgodssake! Get him a hairpiece now!"

Hi Lizza! Great to have you back. (Allison)In fact I wondered if they had cheated with some extra bits! Ah, the good old hair topic! We just cannot get enough of his hair can we?!.....Allison, Wessex�s very thick hair made me think of extra bits too and in fact I�m quite positive that there was some. (btw I�ve always hoped that Colin is one of our regular lurkers but as long as we�re discussing his hair I really hope he�s too busy to visit here!! :-))

Welcome back Lizza! So much news--in between the discussions of hair! ;-D I too was watching SiL over the weekend a few times. Love it. Off the topic of hair for a moment, I noticed that as Colin is lifting Gwynnie during the dance number is all smiles, whereas during her next lift by Joe, she is all seriousness. It looked to me like: "Wheeee, aren't we having a good time!" ;-D OK, back to hair...

No really Karen,let's stay with the lifting a little longer in order to dwell on those strong forearms and lean muscular thighs needed for such a lift!! Of course we could go back to hair!!!!

Strong forearms and lean muscular thighs! Ok, that will distract me from hair. Good observation about the strength factor. I remember commenting on Colin's ability to lift Cynthia/Elizabeth out of the wheelchair in FF in one elegant swoosh and who can forget the whirling/twirling bedroom scene with Meg in his arms in Valmont. Not me!

Welcome back Lizza.... Lots of bits and pieces of news since you've been gone. Adds excitement to the summer...after the news-drought of 98. **** Just talked to my local Miramax rep...no word on expansion...In fact he thinks Miramax is taking it off its "schedule of expansion." Oh well, look on the bright side...it will be out on video that much sooner. I figure February 2000.

According to the box office reports, MLSF was being shown on 20 screens this weekend, compared to 17 the week before. The additions weren't here, that's for sure.

Hi Lizza, its great to have you back, we have missed your postings. re MLSFG expanding, I believe it has opened in a second theatre in Cambridge, Boston., so they like it there. I am so cross with Miramax though, how could it possibly succeed with the minimum amount of publicity and advertising it has received. I am sure if they had had a little more faith in it and pushed it a bit harder it would have done very well, I hope it gets better treatment when it is release d in the UK and that we don't have to travel miles to see it as you wonderful ladies have done.

... I hope it gets better treatment when it is released in the UK I hope it plays in Scotland, so Lennie the Head Curler can see it.

(Evelyn) I hope it plays in Scotland, so Lennie the Head Curler can see it. As well as all his curling buddies, not to mention the Hairy Man who actually lives in the village. ;-D This is from Londinium. Binder and Hemingway walking along the Thames.

It's been doctored up to look better by Murph:

In a publication advertising movies soon to be released on video I noticed for SIL that Colin's name was at the top of the "starring" list. WOW. I was so thrilled. I add that my friend failed to appreicate the significance or my joy :-D (btw I�ve always hoped that Colin is one of our regular lurkers but as long as we�re discussing his hair I really hope he�s too busy to visit here!! :-)) This really did make me LOL. Lucky I'm the only person in the office at the moment (7.20am on the east coast of Aus.)

Max Binder must be pretty short....MH towers over him. Do these people expect me to believe that she wants to dump tall- lanky- broad- shoulders- Colin for this guy? No way!....Bad enough for Count Almasy...But this guy looks like one of the Three Stooges!!!C'mon. ****** Hey...here's a goodie....makes up for two of the luke-warm reviews. From Film International: http://www.filmjournal.com/DisplayReviews.cfm?ID=618&UI=9607

I had forgotten how tall Mariel is. Can't wait to see how Colin measures up. (Evelyn) But this guy looks like one of the Three Stooges!!!C'mon. Larry perhaps? LOL, Evelyn. You're right. There will be no contest, at least for the ladies in the audience and we're the ones buying the tickets. Welcome back, Lizza! And LOL too, Elena, for your sly comment about Colin visiting us. Ditto!

(Evelyn) But this guy looks like one of the Three Stooges!!!C'mon. LOL!! But you have to remember Mariel is very tall. She's got to be 6' Watched her the other night in the "President's Daughter" movie and she was like an Amazon woman, cast as the President's secret service agent. She looked like she would take a bullet. And she towered over most everyone. Mike looks like an organ grinder's monkey next to her. Thank goodness, today's leading ladies seem to be all giantesses. More parts for Colin. ;-D

A little news item: "Julie Andrews, the international star of stage and screen is the latest big name to make a film in the Isle of Man. The actress, best known for her roles in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, is the lead in the movie 'Relative Values' which is being shot at the Nunnery in Douglas. The story's adapted from a play by Noel Coward, and also features actor Steven Fry. It's the first time the actress has visited the island for fifty years. She first came over with her parents in the 1940s." ****** I know, no mention of Colin. But Stephen Fry's role is the second most important.

A mention in Variety about MEM being cast in the new movie "The Perfect Storm." No mention of her having appeared in MLSF. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, who recently appeared in John Sayles' ``Limbo,'' will co-star with George Clooney in ``The Perfect Storm,'' a movie version of the best-selling book.....Mastrantonio's other credits include ``Scarface,'' ``Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,'' ``The Color of Money'' and ``The Abyss.''

Another news item for a Colin co-star: (Variety) - Jeanne Tripplehorn, in theaters Friday as Hugh Grant's mobster girlfriend in "Mickey Blue Eyes," will play the female lead in "Relative Values," a feature adaptation of a Noel Coward comedy. The film centers on an aristocratic English family after the son returns home with his fiancee, an American movie star (Tripplehorn). Billy Baldwin, Julie Andrews, Colin Firth, Stephen Fry, Edward Atherton and Sophie Thompson also star. The film, directed by Eric Styles ("Dreaming of Joseph Lees Di"), has just begun filming on the Isle of Mann. Tripplehorn, whose credits include "The Firm" and "Basic Instinct," recently wrapped "Paranoia" for director John Duigan, and biopic "Abbie!" for director Robert Greenwald.

Glad RV is getting so much publicity ...albeit from the co-stars...but never mind ..we'll take publicity for a Colin-film in any form!!Thanks Karen.

Mike Binder looks rather Woody Allen-ish to me. Colin's role could be more romantic...there's no reason why "the husband" can't be romantic! Perhaps he's very much in love with his wife and is unhappy be cause he cares for her more than she cares for him! (Hence the drinking in the pub and the visit to the therapist!) Anyway it's a romantic comedy so there has to be a pairing off at the end...and a happy ending (and Binder can't get the two women surely!!) Way, way back there was some discussion about CF being typecast and given supporting roles. I think he's been very unlucky in that he has received virtually no exposure for his leading roles (MLSF and (sadly) SLOW) and at the moment probably isn't going to make it to the Hollywood A list with the likes of HG, RF and RE. (Unless Mark Darcy gives him a push world-wide) But he seems to have chosen to base his career in London/Europe and is very sensibly mixing film, TV and theatre work, and keeping all opti ns open, and probably doing much more interesting work than would be on offer in LA. As for typecasting, I think he is perceived more as the decent, sensitive, slightly "proper" "husband type"(nothing wrong with this!) rather than overtly or unreliably sexy!

Don't miss Murph's new web page on TEP. It's a work of art. http://members.tripod.com/~i_love_movies/tep/patient.html

My question about Shakespeare's baldness was quite valid. I looked at various pictures of him and at about 30'sh he had thinning hair and was quite bald by the time he must have been 40. I would not want to see C.F. with one of those awful bald wig things. Sorry for the confusion

No confusion - just hate to think about that. True, most pictures we see of Shakespeare have that shining pate. Maybe Colin will wear a hat throughout his brief appearance. The entire thing is only 30 minutes and Blackadder will be visiting with a lot of people.

As for typecasting, I think he is perceived more as the decent, sensitive, slightly "proper" "husband type"(nothing wrong with this!) rather than overtly or unreliably sexy! Isn't it this that we really like about him? There are so many sexy, macho stars around that Colin comes as a refreshing change. It is his sensitivity that is attractive IMHO. and probably doing much more interesting work than would be on offer in LA. I think this is the problem. The sort of things he seems to enjoy doing, are rarely available in LA. I am sure he would like the occasional big pay cheque but then, as was the case with SIL, he would probably sit back and not work for the rest of the year and we would not see him as often! His fastidiousness about self-publicity is understandable IMO. It happens in many careers, not just for actors, that at some point you have to "go public" and really sell yourself, in order to reach the top spot. Colin has decided that his quality of life is more important. You have to admire him for that.

(Karen) Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, who recently appeared in John Sayles' ``Limbo,'' will co-star with George Clooney in ``The Perfect Storm,'' I didn't know MEM was in this - my husband did a day of work on this film just last week. Neither MEM or George were in the scene, though. The DH's regular job is part of the technical crew for the nightly news. There are some scenes in "Perfect Storm" that take place in a newsroom with actors playing news anchors, etc. that he worked on. The weatherman was played by an actor whose name I can't place right now, but he is the fellow who was Kirstie Alley's ex-husband on Veronica's Closet. And with tha bit of trivia, I'll head off to bed!

I DON'T BELIEVE IT, another role for Colin and this time it is a SERIES for ITV, so lots of Colin. Colin it to play Harry Flashman, in Flashman, a series based on the 19th century wartime exploits of Harry Flashman. This is from the TV Times and it says "the series will be bursting with colour, action and romance. Filming on Flashman will be shot across Europe and Wales. Other casting has yet to be finalised though both Joanna Lumley and Felicty Kendal have been mentioned as villaniesses for Flashman" to be shown on TV next year) WOW!!

(AnnW) I DON'T BELIEVE IT, another role for Colin and this time it is a SERIES for ITV, Wonderful! I can't wait for this...maybe A&E will carry it here in the U.S.? Thanks, Ann.

Unless, they delay filming until next Jan/Feb, I don't see how he can now fint in filming BJD!!

"fit"in and sorry about the grammer, I am so excited, 3 future TV projects coming up, I do like TV, it is so instant you can record and re-wind without waiting months and months for release of the film and then the video.

Also there is a lovely photo of Colin, in thoughful mood, accompanying The TV Times Article.

Oh, thank you, Ann. Where can I subscribe to that TV listings magazine you have? ;-) A period series? 19th century wartime exploits? What war could this be? Napoleonic? *ummmm, breeches, again* Doesn't seem like a series that we would get here. Wonder when it will be filmed. Would have to be before he settles in for 3DOR I would think.

(Karen) What war could this be? Napoleonic? *ummmm, breeches, again* LOL! Great minds think alike! :) Please God let there be *tight* breeches! Ann- i take it the article didnt say when the series would be aired, just sometime next year... perhaps they'll film After 3DOR, and show it later in the year, leaving time for BJD this fall. -Hey, hope springs eternal! :) btw- is Flashman a novel?

SB, according to The TV Times "Flashman stories have been told in books written by Bernard Cornwell, the creator of the other great 19th century hero Sharpe". Karen, I can't find an address or tn. to subscribe to the TV Times but I would be more than pleased to send you the photo and article if you would like me to.

Wasn't Flashman a spin off from the bully in Tom Brown's Schooldays. He is not a sympathetic character. Rick Mayall plays his spoof in the Blackadder films as a vulgar, wenching horror. Must go out and buy TV Times!

(SBR) btw- is Flashman a novel? Our *great minds* are on the wrong track, unfortunately... Flashman is the main character of a series of historical novels by George MacDonald Fraser, sort of like the Sharpe series. Titles: Royal Flash, Flashman at the Charge; Flash for Freedom; Flashman's Lady; Flashman and the Redskins; Flashman and the Angel of the Lord; Flashman and the Dragon; Flashman and the Mountain of Light; and Flashman and the Great Game. These books appear to be set in the 1840s-60s. Will pull together some description of the character shortly.

WOW is right AnnW. What a coup...a series yet!!He said he hated series...LE esp. called it a "sentence" I wonder if Sue Birtwhistle is involved in this:-) He must be out to rule TV!!A BAFTA in 2000 for sure.The guy is made for television. Yes...Ann..pl.run, don't walk, to the nearest post office!! Don't you think girls that we should buy Ann a new video recorder??!!

Apparently, Flashie (as his readers call him) travels all over the world. Books have been set in the Crimea, India, China and even America (in the Wild Wild West). There are at least 10 books. Here's a basic synopsis by a reader: "The Flashman series, for those not familiar with it, features a thoroughly despicable, cowardly, womanizing rogue who blunders through history, managing to be present at most of the significant events of the Nineteenth Century. Fraser's historical research is detailed and complete and he manages to teach history in a very entertaining manner. "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down." The research that goes into these books is formidable. Flashman manages to participate in the Charge of the Light rigade, the Sikh Uprising, England's invasion of Afghanistan, John Brown's taking of Harpers Ferry, Custer's Last Stand, etc."

Flashie.... the womanizing rogue Hey...this is getting bettah and bettah!! ***** A series???Looks to me like he's goin after a steady day-job.

I DON'T BELIEVE IT, another role for Colin Yippeeee! And doesn�t it sound like something we have been waiting and waiting for??......Not the second fiddle this time? I�ve never heard of this Flashman before, sounds funny, like Batman ;-)

thoroughly despicable, cowardly On second thoughts, maybe it�s not exactly what we�ve been waiting for. Looks like he�s going to play an unlikeable weirdo again.

womanizing rogue sounds good Evelyn, but not sure about "thoroughly despicable, cowardly", !!

This Sir Harry has been drawn to be very dashing, don't you think? ;-D He also has quite a following. There is the "Royal Flashman Society" with chapters throughout the world and a webring of fans. Here are a couple of websites. The second is easier to read and has links. http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Set/6463/ http://smithway.org/flashman/MAIN.HTML

thoroughly despicable, cowardly Saw a couple of comments by others talking about this. Am not very clear on this character. Sounds like the stories are funny and he bumbles through them. Also seen the word misogynist and womanizer. Someone called him an "anti-hero." That is very consistent with Colin's selection of parts.

"anti-hero." That is very consistent with Colin's selection of parts *sigh* yep, Karen. And a misogynist too!! Even better :-))!

(Karen) Someone called him an "anti-hero." That is very consistent with Colin's selection of parts. Aw..he's just trying to make people forget him as the romantic Mr. Darcy. "Will Flashimania overtake Darcymania???" I don't think so Fat Chance Colin!!It won't work!! **** Thanks, Karen for the sleuthing.

More about the series from another commenter and BTW, Allison, you are correct, the character apparently did come from T. Hughes "Tom Brown's School Days." "It is hard to believe that this first book of the Flashman series is now nearly 30 years old. Written as if it is an actual published memoir (later books put "a novel" on the cover, probably to protect the publisher from receiving annoying letters of shock and outrage from the truly ignorant and profoundly clueless). This is a book for lovers of historical fiction, military fiction, or British history, but will be enjoyed by those who otherwise would never read in these areas. They are books of humor, following a knave and poltroon -- Harry Flashman -- as he stumbles into many of the great events of the 19th century (often fleeing irate husbands). Events he has visted so far include Little Big Horn, the Chinese Boxer Rebellion, the Indian Mutiny, the American slave trade, and the Prussian court where he was forced to act as a royal imposter. To the world he is seen as a great heroic figure, a d velopment that Flashman finds hilarious yet endlessly useful. This first book introduces the Flashman character, beginning with his being expelled from school, forced into the British Army, and suddenly finding himself in the midst of the disasterous British Afghan campaign. The only books that ever left me laughing harder were the original three books of what should have remained the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy "trilogy" by Douglas Adams. Highly recommended, though with this warning: reading this book and its successors will leave you considerably more educated about the important events of the last century wi hout you even realizing it is happening." From another commenter: "Flashman is the funniest character in modern fiction. George MacDonald Fraser is a wonderful writer. His characters are very convincing and his historical recreations seem extremely real. Add lots of sex, beautiful women and exciting intrigue and you get the most satisfying read around. No wonder we Flashmaniacs wait with bated breath for each of our hero's new adventures."

The character originated in Thomas Hughes' work, "Tom Brown's Schooldays" George MacDonald Fraser continues the adventures of Flashman, a notorious bully after his expusion from Rugby School. Flashy joins the army with a purchased commision, seduces women in all directions, gets out many a tight spot by the most base behavior, and somehow manages to charm the pants off of his readers as well. It seems that all of the weaknesses noted above can prove to be great strengths in the military. Flashman certainly makes a good case for it.

....Add lots of sex, beautiful women and exciting intrigue and you get the most satisfying read around. Alllright!! Told ya'.... Never mind this wholesome PG13 stuff!! *** BTW my dictionary says poltroon is a "spiritless coward" Who cares? As long as he's a sexy coward :-D

Well, I caught a glimse of this news "surfing" at work, and almost leaped in my chair. This is GREAT news. WOW,indeed! Karen has beaten me to it, in giving the low-down on the Flashman novels by George Fraser. There are about a dozen, starting with the Flashman Papers. Sir Harry Flashman is based on the Flashman "Tom Brown's Schooldays". He's an adventurer, a rogue (but no coward otherwise he'd just stay at home), an excellent duellist and has a fondness for beautiful women. He's very much the anti-hero,who dislikes authority,and a there's a strong tongue in cheek feeling to the novels. The Flashman novels have a strong following. The good news is that it's ITV and a series. I should think it will be made along the lines of "Hornblower", ie 3 or 4 2-hour films. So we can look forward to 8 hours of Colin. Mmmm!! And it should be a lavish production. If you got "Hornblower" in the US and elsewhere, you will get this series. Thanks again, Ann. You deserve a medal!

Just getting rid of my multiple posts of same message. ;-D

Firstly, I wan to say I hope he doesn't just sport a moustache, please Colin no moustache!! Here is the whole article "Battle of the Stiff Upper Lip Heroes". It's Tom Jones against Mr. Darcy! Next year's rival big television action series look set to pitch breeches-busting heart-throbs Max Beesley and Colin Firth against one another. Max is to don flying goggles and leather jacket to star as flying ace Biggles in an adaption of the famous Captain WE John's books for BBC1. Meanwhile, ITV are putting their faith in Flashman, a series based on the 19th century wartime exploits of Harry Flashman wit Colin (right) in the title role. Both series will be bursting with colour, action and romance. Like Biggles, the Flashman stories have been told in books written by Bernard Cornwell, the creator of the other great 19th century hero Sharpe. Filming on Biggles looks set for France and Cornwall, while Flashman will be shot across Europe and in Wales. Ohter casting has yet to be finalised though both Joanna Lumley and Felicity Kendal have been mentioned as villainesses for Flashman". (After Karen's descrip ion of Flashman I am wondering if Colin wouldn't be better off playing Biggles!!

A main role in a tv series, oh wow GREAT but.....um this Flashman character seems pretty corny to me, boyish sort of humour has always made me slightly sick. Hope that�s not the genre (but it sure looks like that according to the comments of Flashman fans!!) But naturally Colin can do wonders with any role if he�s allowed to.

While there might be some laddish and borish behavior, on the upside, we have the potential for some devilishly handsome apparel: Alas, I think a mustache may be inevitable

Perhaps they will incorporate this scene from the cover of Flashman's Lady: I love Colin in those cricketing whites! ;-D

Excellent article from Forbes (1995) here. Too long to post, but read it because it tells all about the series/character and author. http://smithway.org/flashman/FORBES.HTM

Karen, was TJ aired in the US,only in my opinion Colin will win hands down, I didn't like TJ (the series) very much and MB did nothing for me.Still it will be very interesting to see if I am right or wrong. Well at the last count we now have 3TVprojects, 1 Millenium Dome project, 2 films and we in the UK still have the pleasure and anticipation of MLSF, and 3DOR to look forward to. By the end of 2000, do you think we could be sick of ODB!!hee hee only joking!!

Great article, Karen. Thanks! The Flashman books are extremely well written (interesting that G M Fraser lives on the Isle of Man) and Flashman is an outstanding literary creation ("who never questions his magnetism to women"!!) Biggles v. Sir Harry Flashman....no contest. Flashman will win hands down. Biggles? No-one reads Biggles books any more (and what a name) I also think that ITV are far superior at the moment in producing historical drama

I absolutely agree Bethan, with the exception of P&P, of course.

By the end of 2000, do you think we could be sick of ODB!!hee hee only joking!! Ann joking like this? She must be giddy from all the news! ;-D Yes, Tom Jones aired in the US. Don't know how it did relative to P&P, but MB is no Colin Firth. "who never questions his magnetism to women"!! Don't you just love this aspect of the series! Flashy's favorite pastime appears to be consorting with the ladies. We are definitely going to have to see the British version of this. I expect a bit of Puritan-style editing from either PBS and A&E is par for the course. Only in the promos (slyly done IMO) did we see Max B flying through the air nekkid onto a bed. (I'm moving to where television is more grownup!!)

Fascinating article....would Flashman be the British counterpart to our Indiana Jones Chronicles? Jennifer was in one of them...Indiana Jones : Austria 1917.He ,too, went all over the world. The TV series aired in 1992. **** Poor Max Beesley (whoever he is)doesn't have a chance up against Colin.

I'm all a dither. Colin on the TV again. (I refuse to even think it may not come to Australia) How marvellous. I'll go out and buy a new set of videos so I get the best recording. Thank you ladies for the info. You've started my day off in the best way possible.

Ann and Karen and all... Thanks, Ann, for such wonderful news about Flashman -- if it is true, and I hope it is. Colin as hero/cad, in a fancy uniform and boots...Sigh... Karen -- we were born uder the same star, I'm sure. I have been looking around too for links and found a few -- plus the Flashman picture you show is also at The Common Reader site. I have put together a very quick page: http://www.geocities.com/~murphyat65/flash.html Had fun with Darcy on it. Murph Can't wait to see that picture.

Any resemblance to Colin:

Looks like your Darcy pic will need a bit more facial hair! Ugh and those mutton chop sides as well. *gag* ;-D

Karen: I love them! Can I put them on the page? And which Flashman site you mentioned is the historical one? Murph

Murph. When I click on the address above I get "OOps can't find the page. All these great Colin films and tv shows. I wonder how many we will get to see.

Great news, ladies. We haven't seen Colin in a role like this in...well, maybe never. A womanizer?! Sounds like Flashman has a certain something women just can't resist. But he's got to lose the muttonchops. Thanks to everyone who provided background. Looks like there will be plenty of material for us all to bone up on before the big event. Question: any idea if this is a mini-series or an actual series that will run for several months or even longer? Not sure if I want Colin so committed to one project though a weekly video tape from England sure sounds enticing. ;-)

Flashman!!!!!!11Wow

If it's an ITV "series" the standard format will, I think, be like "Hornblower"or "Sharpe", ie three or four self-contained but consequetive 2 hour films , following Flashman's career in various historical contexts (a great way to learn about history!). "Hornblower" cost �12 million (�3million per film) and I would expect "Flashman" to have a big budget, and maybe take 6 montns (or more )to shoot. Re. Flashman's "cowardice"...he narrates all the novels, and has no illusions about himself. He basically wants to survive, and uses expedience rather than pointless gallantry. But he still, much to his surprise, gets recognised as a national hero!

Thanks for the above Bethan. I have to say I really enjoyed "Hornblower", it was very stylish and well done and if you say it could take six months, I would think it would have to be filmed after 3DOR finishes, so possibly still time for him to do BJD. BTW Jana and Winter, according to The LA Times Calendar Live, MLSFseems to be playing at 5/6 theatres now, is this true because if so it must be good news, wasn't it originally only playing at 2 theatres?

A description of Flashman's regiment, the 11th Hussars. "the Hussars are the most brilliant of cavalry and the 11th Hussars were superb. They wore trousers of cherry colour, jackets of royal blue edged with gold, short coats worn as capes and high fur hats....the brevity of their jackets, the irrationality of their headgear, the incredible tightness of their cherry-colored pants, altogether defy description: they must be seen to be appreciated". !! I don't think "appreciation" will be a problem! BTW, from what I remember Flashman was married to an Elizabeth (Elspeth?) and was fond of his wife, but then he did spend so much time away from home!

I would expect "Flashman" to have a big budget, and maybe take 6 montns (or more )to shoot. I am sure they must begin shooting next year. It would take too long to have a shoot starting now as the weather begins to worsen and the days grow shorter. In that case, as you say, still time for BJD. If that happens, what a few months it has been on the CF front! I am sure being married makes it easier for him to work at this pace. As a single man he probably needed more time to attend to his social life!

Hornblower was four two-hour episodes, but Sharpe was more (I think). I've only seen the Sharpe series on the History Channel here. (Does anyone know if it was ever shown on another?) If Flashman keeps to the Hornblower format, then it has a better chance of being shown on an A&E or PBS because if it becomes a longer series, I can't imagine who will pick it up here. The ratings have shown that Americans will not commit themselves to watch longer miniseries anymore.

Thanks, everyone for all the news. I hope we get confirmation on this soon. It sounds like a terrific role for Colin. I just read the Forbes article and I particularly like the bit about Flashman being chief stud to a black she-devil; I can't wait to see CF as a sex slave.

(Lynda) I can't wait to see CF as a sex slave. LOL!! Aha!! You're true nature emerges. Had us fooled with your thoughtful comments on MLSF. ;-D Have picked up the first book, Flashman. The rest I'll probably get out of the library. Wouldn't you think they might reissue the books with *guess who* on the cover? Boxed set with pics? I know, am dreaming.

Ann, FYI: MLSF is still playing here at the same theater. There were no ads in either newspaper's weekend section today. Argh!!

I think Marcia has been holding out on us!! Checked on the webpage for the Sandwich Islands Chapter (SIC HQ) of the Royal Flashman Society and they've chosen to focus on Flashman's Ladies. SIC HQ http://www.maui.net/~makule/flashy.html Table of all his women: http://www.maui.net/~makule/ladies.html His wives or those pretending to be: http://ns.netmcr.com/~ambro/wives.htm Listing of Flashman caught in flagrante seducto (with his pants down): http://ns.netmcr.com/~ambro/seducto.htm

can't wait to see CF as a sex slave. *lol*! Or to see him doing the �deed� on furs in a sleigh. Happy thought indeed!

Ooooh, I adore fuzzy guys. I cannot wait to see him in full fur. I loved him in Nostromo for that reason (well, there are others, but...). And as a sex slave? I shall have to reinstate my Drool machine and get it pumping again.

AnnW according to The LA Times Calendar Live, MLSFseems to be playing at 5/6 theatres now, is this true because if so it must be good news, wasn't it originally only playing at 2 theatres? Wouldn't be surprised... though in my local area, it's still the two same theatres. The added venues may be in the not-too-distant suburbs... BTW-- Hi all... been lurking. Not much to interject, I guess. Work has been keeping me busy, though I'll be finished in a week or so. Then, depending on schedule and finances, may head to the east coast to visit friends before school starts. I DID, however, have a funny "encounter' last week... driving home from work one day, when who was driving next to me but a Firthesque profile in a black VW Jetta. Reasonable car... it's possible. Anyway, I nearly got myself into quite an accident trying to get a closer glimpse of him. He looked almost exactly like him, though the head seemed a bit off proportion to the upper torso. I don't recall him being 'big headed' either... Anyway, he turned off the main street (La Brea) before I could get a longer limpse...

Good to have you back, Winter....we have missed you. Did you see MLSF? What did you think of it and ODB? Any comments on 121?

I just checked the poll at Celebrity 100 and Colin is down from 225 in the last one to 37 in this one. I think I submitted at least half of them. doesn't this poll run in England?

Has anyone given this webpage of the Flashman 1975 film starring Malcolm Mc Dowell? Flashman 1975 Sorry Ann... I think a mustache is going to have to be de riguer.

Thanks, Evelyn, for the Malcolm McDowell link. There are pictures of MM in that role. Hi ya, Winter. Even if you don't have a Firthesque sighting, check in with us. Was going to send Jana to check in on you. Remember about those Alsatians. ;-D

Thanks Karen and Evelyn for all the links you�ve posted, very informative. I think I�m beginning to get an idea about this Flashman thing although frankly I�m not yet 100 % sure if I like the idea of Colin doing this! Oh well, he�ll be sexy and funny as hell for sure but I actually wished him to do something modern and intellectual next. Flashman has taken me by surprise. But I can see why he�d choose to do it. He obviously wants to do comedy and this role is a great new chance to say goodbye to the Darcy type. It�s a chance to be a �lad � again which I think he likes, and it requires an athletic actor with skills like horse riding and fencing, no problem for Colin. And I remember he very much enjoyed the action bits with horses and guns in Nostromo. Got to face it, he�s exactly in the right age to be a womanizing rogue. And Flashman seems have some similarities with Colin himself! A cosmopolitan with few illusions about authorities or himself.

(AnnW) according to The LA Times Calendar Live, MLSFseems to be playing at 5/6 theatres now, is this true because if so it must be good news, wasn't it originally only playing at 2 theatres? I checked the paper and it is showing at 5 theatres - up two from the original three (it opened at two theatres in LA and one in Orange County). I was worried because it was scheduled to close today at one of the original three, but three new ones have picked it up. Unfortunately, three of the five theatres where it is now playing are in Orange County which is pretty darn far. (OK, not as far as flying from OK City to Dallas, but still pretty far.) And it's a bit odd that the two L.A. theatres that ar now showing it are very close to each other. I can't figure out the release strategy for this movie, if there even is a strategy. The ad for MLSF is about the size of a postage stamp, BTW - practically had to get a magnifying glass out to read the theatre listing. But on a happy note, I played hookey from work yesterday and saw MLSF for a second time. winter!! So glad to see you here. Have missed you and am glad you were not set upon by Alsatians :-).