(Elena)Re; Flashman being similar to Colin..."A cosmopolitan with few illusions about authorities or himself." Thank you Elena, you always bring us such interesting insights...Hang in there..he'll do an intllectual role some day...(Chafsky?)and then we'll all complain :-). Just keep thinking how great those thighs are going to look in the tight breeches :-D **** Hey, it's Ann and Karen that are bringing us all the news...Ann breaks it and Karen follows up with all the resource material. What a team!!

sorry for italics

MLSF Expanding into New Cities Karin reported on Topic 121 that MLSF is now showing in Cleveland, OH. Mari tells us that it is also playing in Oakland, CA, and is scheduled to open in Sacramento, CA, next week (Aug 27th). Have heard that it is no longer playing in Washington, DC. Has it quietly opened anywhere else? Note: If you're a lurker and have new information and don't know how to post, just email Heide/me at nomdedrool@yahoo.com and we'll post it for you. ;-D

(Elena) ... 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. /.../ he�s exactly in the right age to be a womanizing rogue. And Flashman seems have some similarities with Colin himself! God, I hope not!!! I have just started the original book and have only gotten a few chapters in. So far he's beaten up his father's mistress when she repelled his forceable attack on her (after having yielded once earlier); fought a duel in which he promises much to the man who will hand his opponent an unloaded gun, and then blackmails him into silence with no remuneration; and has bragged about flogging at least one of his Indian servants every day to keep them in line (and "for sport") and is always referring to them as "niggers". Maybe this is some masculine form of subtle satire, but even allowing for the mores of the time, I'm afraid that, so far at least, the humor has eluded me...or rather the nature of the man left such a bad taste in my mouth that I could only partly appreciate the situations he was getting himself into. Zero empathy. I can only hope that when they script for television that they tone down or ignore some of his nastier characteristics -- I would hate to see Colin playing his character very true to the book's depiction. "Cad" is but a mild term for this bloke... >:-{ Taken apart from all this, Flashman's adventures could be very entertaining and even funny. I can only hope that Colin chose this project as a result of reading an "expurgated" adaptation for television, not the original. Karen, you said you had gotten the first book too. What was your initial impression? Am I overreacting??

(KJ) I can only hope that when they script for television that they tone down or ignore some of his nastier characteristics They will of course, just to make the series more sellable. I expect them to make a strongly altered version emphasizing the adventurous, colourful, funny and even romantic aspects of characters and happenings, leaving most of the boorish and crude macho stuff out of it. What bugs me is that the series will automatically increase the demand for the books too. I understand now why they were never translated to Finnish, KJ.

KJ...Flashman is masculine satire, particularly the first novel. Flashmnan becomes a national hero and saviour of national pride, after fighting (and sometimes he does actually fight) in one the most badly managed campaigns in British history, which resulted in almost all the British army being wiped out. At a deeper level, Fraser is using him as the anti-hero to comment on the idiocies and wastage of was. Superficially, it's a rollicking yarn (although almost everything that happened in the Afghan campaign is true...most of the characters and events are real) told by a man who has no illusions about himself or heroism, who doesn't want to die in pointless actions sanctioned by incompetent and blundering commanders, and is told in the spirit if the age (hence, references to "niggers" etc). Don't take Flashman too seriously!!! By his mid-thirties. he calculates he's slept with over 500 women, many of whom have their very wicked way with him. (We won't see his encounter with the Emperor's No 1 Concubine on screen!) He mellows with age, becomimg a sort of 19th cenury James Bond. And always remains in love with his wife, and devoted to his family. Some redeeming virtues! :-)

(Bethan) And always remains in love with his wife, and devoted to his family. Some redeeming virtues! :-) Sorry, Bethan, I've known too many philandering married men to think that loving their wives and families are redeeming qualities... In fact, to my mind, they are probably just the opposite. If at least they didn't have wives and families, I'd understand them more! KJ's description is of a violent, mysoginist and racist figure, and I second Elena's comments and fears about what attracted Colin to the role and what it may do for the books.

Well, I'll just repeat...please don't take the character of Flashman too seriously! It's all very tongue-in-cheek, and that's how it will be adapted (and played) for television. The Flashman novels are very popular, particularly with historians, who relish the satirical element! If you take the novels (and the character of Flashman) too literally, you won't appreciate them! :-)

Can�t exactly imagine our righteous refugee campaigner flogging �niggers� in his movies!!! Seriously, Colin has obviously decided to take the role after reading the script, so the script must be very different from the books in certain ways. If the books are as popular in Britain as you say Bethan, I�m sure that Colin has read them long ago. However, the script is what matters to him primarily of course. It would be interesting to know how carefully actors usually read the books that their roles and scripts are based on, and I really hope they do.....but it can be a tough task sometimes. In this case one should read, what 10 books to know exactly what Flashman is about.

If the books are as popular in Britain as you say Bethan, I�m sure that Colin has read them long ago. The Flashman books have been around for nearly 30 years. Some of the titles (not all!) are on the "Recommended reading" list in the 6th form (17-18 year olds) history department at my sons' school. As Colin's dad taught history, I'm sure Colin would have read them! And the tone is satirical, not literal.

Thanks Bethan. I agree that you must take the books as satire and the use of the word nigger was true to the period, place and people. Also, with the first book, Flashman is young, brash and cowardly. As I recall, some of the articles said he would mellow and mature, which I expect to see later. I'm about 2/3s through the first book and it's a very light and fast read. He is usually in the position of having heroism thrust upon him or is astute enough to take advantage of situations. He is not at all a likeable character. What you do laugh at is the way circumstances turn out in his favor. You also have to laugh at the real life characters who populate Flashman's world. I thought that his portrayal of Cardigan with his lisp was hysterical! To add to the appearance of authenticity, the author uses endnotes to either substantiate or refute his own portrayal of events. Nice and amusing touch. I would expect that Colin's decision to play in this series is based on the script, which would likely concentrate on Flashman's involvement in moments of history, rather than dwell on his early life. If anything, they may do a little flashbacking, but I doubt they start from the day he was expelled from Rugby. I'm sure the script will be written to be acceptable to today's audiences.

Minor mention in today's Times. Article is about whether Prince William may be descended from Shakespeare as a result of new theories about the identity of the Dark Lady. "In the box-office hit Shakespeare in Love, the Bard's girlfriend, Viola, is blonde. Played by Gwyneth Paltrow, she, like the Dark Lady, eventually leaves Shakespeare to marry the charmless Lord Wessex, played by Colin Firth."

Arrived late last night, had a fantastic time, hello my dear Firthettes! Thank you all for being being so together, the amount of information is extreme! I want the Cliff-notes!!! When I left we had just started on topic 5! I have skimmed lots but do forgive me if in the future I repeat something which has already been said. :-) I have checked my Sunday paper and there is no more MLSF here, it came and went in a flash (man!). I knew it would happen but I am still very upset. I will be at the other sites and topics as soon as I get some time. The most incredible thing happened! My DH suggested visiting Citta delle Pieve again (I must have some very strong mental powers), so I made him take me to San Biagio again (where they married), and this time we walked around and I took pictures. Karen, I can send it to you to post, I do not have a scanner. This is only a fleeting stop today, I have much to do, but I must congratulate Colin on his next role. The dashing hero/anti-hero suits me perfectly, bravo! A big kiss to all etc...

Welcome back, Moon!! :-D Take your time in catching up. AnnW has been relentless in her pursuit of Colin news and uncovered all the big scoops. FYI, MLSF hasn't made it to your city yet. So do not fret. You haven't missed it. But you'll have to read the fine print as it may arrive with little or no fanfare. Call your arthouse cinema and ask, but do no take DH. He attempt to ruin it for you. It is ALL Colin!! ;-D If you'd like to send me the pics, I'll scan them in. Again, welcome back. We missed you.

Welcome back, Moon! Sad to hear that MLSF is coming and going so quickly, not having seen the film I can only wonder why this happens. Not enough audience for this type of movies? Or is the film actually that bad?! Fever Pitch is still running in a Helsinki movie theater, for the eleventh week now and they tell me that it�ll still run for at least two weeks more. I asked about the success of it and they said it has sold moderately well. I�m happy that it�s liked here, it shows that there are still a lot of people who like to see good acting in small European movies about ordinary peoples� lives.

Welcome back, Moon!

Lest one think that only Harry is only Flashman to seek companionship outside of marriage, evidently the wife does as well. According to the Flashman website, Harry questions the paternity of his own children and most of the dates given for conception seem to correspond to dates when he was elsewhere. (One gives as good as one gets!!) Elspeth, his wife, who he does marry as a result of her uncle's offer (duel or marry) is portrayed as a brainless but pretty woman who just likes the physical act of sex. Sounds perfect for him.

Ah, but in "Flashman's Lady" Harry goes to great lengths and considerable personal risk to rescue his wife who has been kidnapped... We've got a few "Flashmans" on our bookshelves, and Harry does mature! By the time he's in his early thirties, he's a Colonel, and has a Victoria Cross and a Knighthood, and lthough he still has the same wariness of prematurely dying in action, he is also very proud and preotective of his (admittedly ill-earned) good name. Which leads him to almost genine acts of gallantry. I'm all in favour of Flashman and colourful historical drama!

We're glad to have you back, Moon. Don't worry, the posts aren't going anywhere. Send the hubby out for bread and milk and catch up while he's gone. Yes, I do want to see San Biagio! I just bought a travel book on Italy and am devouring it. Can't imagine that Colin would play anything but the more mature Flashman...someone a little more redeemable than the younger Harry described in the first book(s). MLSF is still hanging on by a thread in Philadelphia. It's not a bad film at all, Elena, and there is a large audience for its genre but the larger audience will not seek out such a small film when there are so many other films that are more accessible.

I just paid a visit to Colin Chat - hadn't been there in weeks - and as usual there was no activity there. I know I go there fewer and fewer times because I never meet up with anyone there and am wondering if that's the case for the rest of you. Has anyone had a conversation with someone there recently? Anyway, I bring it up because Chat is a great forum for spreading the word and possibly bringing newer people into the fold and it's sort of sad to see it so underused. I'll try to visit it more and if you're a Chat fan, I hope you'll return more often as well. And please...try to remember to hit the Leave button before exiting Chat.

I have been there many times Heide, as you will see but have never met up with anyone, it is very sad but I guess with all the different time zones it is difficlut. Welcome back Moon, when you have a minute I would love to hear about your visit to London and TRT.

(Gi) KJ's description is of a violent, mysoginist and racist figure, and I second Elena's comments and fears about what attracted Colin to the role and what it may do for the books. Perfect description of the initial description, Gi...he is pictured as a sadistic bully in many ways. I want to stress that because of this, I had my fears too, which is why I brought it up, but it had already occurred to me that I hadn't read very far in, and perhaps things would improve. Thanks, Bethan, for assuring me that he mellows with age. :-) (Bethan) ...please don't take the character of Flashman too seriously! It's all very tongue-in-cheek, and that's how it will be adapted (and played) for television. I wanted to, but his skewering that stray dog for "lance practice" was a little over-the-top to be taken as "tongue-in-cheek", I'm afraid. I didn't read further in because I was finally so repelled..."T'ain't funny, MCGee"...at least not for me. (Karen) ...with the first book, Flashman is young, brash and cowardly. As I recall, some of the articles said he would mellow and mature/.../ I'm sure the script will be written to be acceptable to today's audiences. (Elena) Colin has obviously decided to take the role after reading the script, so the script must be very different from the books in certain ways. Yes, I was thinking how the attitudes of the age ("stray dogs are vermin...kill it") went along with the mind-set of adolescent men out to prove something, and I held that out as a final hope. I shall take a deep breath and plunge further in. Elena, you have touched upon the very point that seriously disturbed me in the first place...Colin, with his concern for minorities and refugees, couldn't possibly have accepted this role if it had followed the books too literally...it is totally against the grain. So he MUST have taken it because its characterization was greatly altered from the original...at least as it starts out in the early phase of the books. I couldn't conceive of anything else.

Your discussion about the "moral and political incorrectness" of the Flashman character brought to my mind the British mini-series with Ian Richardson as Francis Urquart. The titles of the series were "To Play the King" and "The Final Cut", very dark, sarcastic comedy, and very successful, I believe. Richardson played a really nasty and deeply evil character, but he was so delightful, and made you like him despite all his nastiness. It must be a wonderful challenge for an actor to play such a character. I particular for those who feel trapped in the Mr. Nice Guy corner :-) BTW, it was with Susannah Harker, and written by Andrew Davies. I trust the British talent for dark and sarcastic comedy. And ITV brought us MOTM, and I'm sure they will make Flashman into a great film, even without ODB, and much more with him. I can't wait to see it!

Am looking forward to Flashman's Lady. I believe that is the one where he performs stud service--our little sex slave. ;-D Have picked up the remainder of books from the library. Quite a stack to get through. While "To Play the King" was a pure political satire, I can't see Flashman the same way. FU (and he was called that in the series) was evil--mean, nasty, scheming and evil.

KJ.......again, I think you have to see the first "Flashman" book as a reflection of the age, as well as satirical in intent. I think Renate's comparison with the Francis Urquart type of black comedy is a good one. We're not going to see Colin skewering dogs or flogging servants (although that is actually what officers of Flashman's class did) in a TV adaptation, but Flashman does start out as a cad, who unintentionally becomes a hero, and then in a long and distinguished career actually manages to live p to that heroic status (although not in his own estimation...he has no illusions about himself, or indeed, about anyone). And the novels (particularly those which focus on the military campaigns, especially the ill-fated Crimean War in which an unprecidented number of men died in sub-human conditions) are known to be strongly anti-war...Fraser, though Flashman, is basically saying that war is a mis-managed mess, in which hundreds of thousands of men die because of the incompetence of generals and politicians. On a much lighter note, the books are also very funny, and if the likes of Joanna Lumley are to play the villainesses, it will be good clean fun (no dead dogs!)

My last word on Flashman...but I don't want you to give up on him after afew chapters. He does mellow...in one of the later books he's recounting the tale of his adventures with John Brown the abolitionist, to his great-grandchildren (he's now in his nineties). "They fell asleep in the middle of it, and so did I, among the broken sweetmeats on John (his g-grandson)'s coverlet, and woke at last to the touch of soft lips on my aged brow to find Elspeth shaking her head in fond despair". So they don't do too badly!

Glad to hear it. I'll read on in then. :-)

I have been to the chat room several times but never find anyone there so I don't even check in.

(Karen) You're true nature emerges. Had us fooled with your thoughtful comments on MLSF. ;-D Well, you didn't really think I like FF and P so much merely for their brilliant screenplays and world class acting, did you? ;-D I admire the discipline of those of you who are beginning with the first Flashman novel - as for me, I just had to know more about Flashman the chief stud and sex slave... I am completely and utterly agog !!! Some quotes from Flashman's Lady for those of you who can't find it (Marcia, get that drool machine going): "...to my stricken horror I realized that my indecently torn and ragged trousers (I'm claiming these should they appear in the series ;-)) were failing to conceal my instinctive admiration of her majesty's matronly charms..." "...one wrench [by the queen] and my breeches were a rag on the floor." "...she suddenly picked me up bodily... flung me down, and began galloping me with brutal abandon..." "I don't mean she enjoyed inflicting pain on her men, like dear Lola with her hairbrush, or the elfin Mrs. Mandeville of Mississippi, who wore spurred riding boots to bed ... No, Ranavalona was simply an animal...and you ached for days afterwards. I suffered a cracked rib, a broken finger, and G-d knows how many strains and dislocations in my six months as stallion-en-titre, which gives you some idea." "You may wonder... how I could bring myself to make love to that female beast. Well, I'll tell you; if it's a choice between romping and being boiled or roasted, you can bring yourself to it, believe me." I'm aquiver with anticipation!!! (Heide) But he's got to lose the muttonchops. If this series will bear any resemblence to the books, ODB is going to need every strand of superfluous hair to disguise his real appearance, if he wishes to avoid being attacked in the streets. Seriously, though, this role will give CF a chance to really stretch his acting muscles; I'm sure that as Colin is too fine an actor to render this character one-dimensional, he will bring nuances to the character which will make Flashman sympathetic. And we get to see hours and hours of him in (and if we are very fortunate, out of) period costumes.

(Lynda) this role will give CF a chance to really stretch his acting muscles I've never heard it called that! ;-D LOL, Lynda. Think I will skip ahead two books. What a collection of quotes!!

Renate, I enjoyed the Francis Urquhart series immensely. There was a first part (it was a trilogy) called House of Cards, which set the pattern for To play the King and The Final Cut. You are right, if a cruel and impossible character like FU can be played in such a way that we are sympathetic to him, Colin can do the same for Flashman. KJ and Karen, let us know how things progress in the next few books :-)

Welcome back, Lizza and Moon! I've been gone for only ten days and am swamped by all the posts and news--can't imagine the volume you're contending with. Way to go, Ann and Karen. You make a great newsbreaking team. Bethan, you hit the nail on the head about Blackadder. I recall the speculation at the time news was breaking about Londinium and RV. Regarding his-hair-Louisa-his-hair (don't hit me for dredging this up again): I read an article in NY Times Magazine many weeks ago about the use of "hair wranglers" on movie sets. It's v. common but usually kept quite hush-hush. A popular "wrangler" (honest, that's what they're called) was interviewed only under conditions of anonymity to avoid being traced back to his client(s). After seeing those Donmar pics, I think it fairly certain ODB's pate had been wrangled in at least SiL. As for the future ..I'm not looking forward to seeing him even remotely hairless. Call me shallow--you're right. I like Colin's hair and am sad to see it go. Was it you, Bethan, who posted your list of reasons why he's working so much this year? I was tempted to add "racing against receding hairline" but got sidetracked heeheehee! Regarding Flashman: (not having heard of these novels before, I confess upon first reading the title that my next thought was of Flash Gordon--must be the Flash connection ;-P) my reaction is in sync with yours, Elena. The rogue antihero (whether it is hero or antihero really depends on how the script treats the character and renders the stories palatable for a TV audience) goes against the straightlaced Darcy type but there should be plenty of fencing, horseback riding and a few other things ODB loves o do ;-D. Colin has said he seeks variety in his roles! And this one should appeal to men as well as women (albeit for different reasons). Karen, we did see MB's nekkid butt during the Tom Jones telecast, not just on the promos. Perhaps you turned your head for a moment and missed it 8-D ! I thought it particularly tasteless that Max was hawking the TJ boxed video set at the conclusion of each episode. I remember being quite relieved that ODB had not lowered himself (or been forced) to that level! Uughh!

Thank you for the welcome. I will try to find some time each day to stop by. (Eileen), The rogue antihero (whether it is hero or antihero really depends on how the script treats the character and renders the stories palatable for a TV audience) goes against the straightlaced Darcy type but there should be plenty of fencing, horseback riding and a few other things ODB loves to do. I hope he loves to do those things, because I very much love to see him do them. ;-) When will they start filming, and where, does anyone know?

(Eileen) "hair wranglers" on movie sets. Don�t hit me either girls, I just want to ask Eileen this little question: did that article reveal exactly what a hair wrangler does? (Eileen) And this one should appeal to men as well as women Yep, that is obviously the goal because the role has been given to Colin and no-one else. Obviously Flashman�s erotic attractiveness is going to be a very important point in this film, otherwise they would�ve asked a very different sort of guy to play him!! (wishful thinking :-)

I'm not Eileen (obviously) but I suppose that a hair wrangler ties hair extensions to the person's own hair to make it appear longer and fuller. I believe Mel Gibson went through the treatment for Braveheart, and "read somewhere" that so did Gwynnie for SIL, also (same source, a People-like portuguese magazine) Madonna, Donatella Versace and others.

(Eileen) "hair wranglers" on movie sets Are you sure the NYT didn't err? Could be "hare" wranglers for movies that feature rabbits! ;-D BTW, Elena, most often on movie credits the term wrangler is used for the people who take care of animals like horses or dogs or whatever... But hair extensions works for me. Wild critters, those hair extensions.

(Elena) did that article reveal exactly what a hair wrangler does? It was very vague on this matter (why give up the secrets of the trade?). To my recollection, wranglers handled everything from wigs, weaves and toupees to ultrasecret formulas used to make hair appear thicker. Extensions weren't mentioned per se, since discussion focused on covering the top of the head vs. hair length (but you might know better than I, Gi, if extensions can do that too). "Scalp painting" was also mentioned. I remembered seeing late night commercials for one of these products (looks ike a can of spray paint) and was ROTFLMAO. I guess there's a time and place for everything! (Karen) most often on movie credits the term wrangler is used for the people who take care of animals like horses or dogs ...and to control receding harelines. Get it? Yukyukyuk (aren't you happy I'm back? :-P)

(Eileen) aren't you happy I'm back? :-P) But of course! Before I run off to my scalp painting class, I have a new *theory* as to why CF is working so much. The new house had to be completely gutted and he didn't want to be there. Left Livia to deal with the construction crews. ;-D

Head curler, hair wrangler, scalp painter..... what next? =8-o

On the subject of hair...(and pray forgive me for bringing this up), when I saw ATA, I thought that in the scene where he is shirtless in bed with JL, his underarms looked hairless. Can this be true, or is it an optical illusion? I meant to ask this question when the picture in question was posted, but in truth, I was afraid of the answer!

It was there...just so light-colored so as not to be very noticeable.

It was there...just so light-colored so as not to be very noticeable. They must not have employed a hair wrangler, whose job it must be to dye ALL hair to match. Where do I go to become one of these? ;-D

I have absolutely nothing to say to all this except I'll soon get washboard abs from laughing so much. Play on!

Maybe that's CF's ultimate problem...often he's so light-colored as to be barely noticeable. I've noticed that the level of admiration (and noticeability) increases exponentially as his coloring is made darker...it reaches its zenith, of course, as Darcy...no wonder this seems to be the favorite CF-role to the vast majority of his female fans. I wonder if there is an inverse correlation on the part of his male audience??

You think he has to be fair to impress a male audience. No I think the problem is us. So many women in the U.K. and elsewhere fell for him that our men felt threatened, I can't mention him to my DH without some remark and as I want to see all the videos etc. when they come out I have to be very careful - the main problem I fear is jealousy

Lidya, you made me LOL with your question about hairless armpits. Somehow it brought a mental picture of one of those disgusting cats with no fur (sorry if anyone here loves that breed, but they give me the creeps). Ack! I'm going to have to go and throw P&P into the VCR to get some handsome hair therapy. But, could they have used scalp painting in P&P? No, no I won't even go there :-). Moon!! Welcome home to Drool-ville. You were missed, dear.

If this series will bear any resemblence to the books, ODB is going to need every strand of superfluous hair to disguise his real appearance, if he wishes to avoid being attacked in the streets. I don't think well see a literal translation to screen. :-( Haven't read "Flashman's Lady" but I would think that Flashman's encounter with the Emperor's First Concubine in "Flashman and the Dragon" (she becomes somewhat fixated on what she calls "the happy part"!) takes some beating. :-) Seriously, though, this role will give CF a chance to really stretch his acting muscles; I'm sure that as Colin is too fine an actor to render this character one-dimensional, he will bring nuances to the character which will make Flashman sympathetic. And we get to see hours and hours of him in (and if we are very fortunate, out of) period costumes. Agreed, Lynda. There's a lot more to Flashman, and a good script will bring this out. If I were adapting the novels I'd start with the young Flashman being expelled from Rugby, and then take a lot of dramatic licence, by having Flashman disappear "abroad" for several years, and then return to, reluctantly, join the army. I'd incorporate elements of the first novel (The Afghan campaign etc) as Flashy has first of all to be seen as cadd-ish to give the narrative any dramatic thrust. And if they are shooting in Wales, well, Snowdonia (bleak, mountainous)is well-known for doubling as the Khyber Pass on movie sets.

OK, have finished the first novel. Flashy has become a national hero (undeserved of course) and been returned home. While he does bad things, at least he doesn't intentionally misrepresent himself. Usually, when the smoke clears, he is the last one there and everyone assumes he was a hero. He doesn't correct them and rides the waves of adulation. As Bethan said earlier, Flashy's commentary is anti-war and is especially critical of the people in charge. He paints them all as idiots. Flashy is very a tute in assessing human behavior and has good instincts, but has no interest in fighting and dying. He wants to live. A number of people do actually figure out that he is a coward, but they conveniently die and can never expose him. I did expect to see a little growth in his character, but that didn't happen. About the only change I see thus far is that he realizes he loves his wife, who he begins to suspect has been cheating on him. Also, the book had an "oh-no" ending. Onto the next... About the film, maybe they'll use brother Jon as the younger Flashy.

According to the weekend box office report, MLSF grossed $55,742 on 22 screens in the US/Canada, bringing its cumulative gross to $430,590 for its five-week run.

On ET's weekend edition, which I saw late late Sunday night, they showed a little snippet of MLSF, mentioning its expansion. But the interesting thing was a bit of an interview with MEM which was obviously done on location. She was dressed as Moira Pettigrew. So ET sent its reporters and cameras up to Scotland during the filming and likely interviewed all the main actors. Where is this footage? What are they waiting for?

(Jana) But, could they have used scalp painting in P&P? I don't think they did, because his scalp is visible in some scenes, like when he stops Lizzy from getting into the carriage a Pemberley. (Karen) They must not have employed a hair wrangler, whose job it must be to dye ALL hair to match. Where do I go to become one of these? ;-D I think I know where you're going here!!! May I apply for the job too? I have a question about Flashman. Is it inevitable that he will sport a mustache for this job? I liked how he looked with a beard in Nostromo, but hated his mustache in COF.

55,742dollars on 22 screens isn't this about how much they made the opening weekend on only 5 screens Karen, if only they had pushed it a bit more then, that was a pretty good opening. Lidya I wholeheartedly agree about the moustache but perhaps with huge whiskers it won't be too bad!!

Picture of H.M. Queen Ranavalona I to accompany Lynda's exerpts. I am not impressed. And Lidya, yes, I think the role will require facial hair. Big mustache and fluffy puffs at the sides.

(JanaJH) Somehow it brought a mental picture of one of those disgusting cats with no fur LOL! The notion of men lining up to have their heads spray painted does me in. As I said earlier, when I first saw the commercials for this sort of thing I was amazed that anybody could be fooled into thinking this would look natural. But apparently it works for the camera! (Karen) About the film, maybe they'll use brother Jon as the younger Flashy. Now there's an idea...

Hey, Karen, is it my screen or does HRH Queen Ranava-whatever have a butt in her mouth? *blink, blink*

If he must sport a moustache I hope he will grow his own, it was obviously a fake one in SIL and it showed, especially in the scene where GP slaps his face.

I don't think we'll see the younger Flashman, just perhaps an opening shot of Rugby School and Dr Arnold. I think the adaptation will focus on the novels set in Europe (Royal Flash and Flash at the Charge) but with some of the incidents from the Afghan Campaign when he gains his "heroic" status incorporated. May be completely wrong of course! Apparently David Parfitt who was the hands-on producer (as opposed to the money-man producer) of SIL is producing "Bridget Jones Diary". So it will be high profile. Hope Colin manages a parallel Big Screen/Small Screen career (for some reason in the UK it's very compartmentalised...one or t'other) and does both Darcy and Flashman. BTW I should think that a moustache is inevitable!!(Agree, should be the real thing) Glad that MLSF is still bubbling along. Why is Colin never featured in an interview? Read some posting about MMcD being flown over by Harvey from a film set in the UK on Concorde to promote MLSF. Find Colin's absence very puzzling...and I think he is a team player who would want to support his director and producer. Maybe he is just too busy with all these multiple roles!

Yes but what was his excuse for not being on every Chat Show going post P&P, (when he wasn't as busy as he is now) I just don't think he likes giving interviews, he was very nervous in the only interview I have seen him give for A&E. and yet he was very relaxed and confident at The Berlinale Press Conference, it is a mystery. Bethan have you got your tickets for 3DOR yet?!!

(Ann) perhaps with huge whiskers it won't be too bad!! (Karen) Big mustache and fluffy puffs at the sides. NOOOOoooooooo! Mustache I can live with but no!no!no! fluffy muttonchops, if you please. Sniff, I hope the hair wranglers don't overcompensate for the loss of hair on top by adding to the hair on face. Yes, I'm shallow, vacuous and dizzy. I think perhaps I just want to see Darcy redux.

Welcome back, Moon....we have missed you. Look forward to the San Bagio pics....(even on holidays..Firthettes take their pursuits seriously:-) **** LOL at the Flashman's discussion.....I read TTOTS waitng out Hurricane Bret in S. Texas.... Has anyone read it? Chilling.... ***** Had an email from Adi who saw MLSF in Chicago "but we were practically alone in the cinema theatre"....where were you?, Karen:-)

From today's Times: To the party in Sussex thrown by Paul Lyon-Maris, the top talent at ICM, the theatrical agency, where Jane Bijrkin showed she can still rouse the sensibilities with a rendition of Je T'aime... moi non plus.Backing vocals were provided by Angus Deayton and Iain Glen, who last showed off his talents with Nicole Kidman in The Blue Room. Isn't PL-M Colin's agent?

Quite right Allison, the very one who seems to be doing something for Colin lately. A big Congratulations to CF.Com and Murph! The sites are always better and better. Murph, Karen and AnnW, we love you.

Mari found this item in Variety on Monday, August 23: NEW YORK (Variety)--Julie Andrews, Sophie Thompson and Jeanne Tripplehorn star in "Relative Values," a feature based on the 1951 Noel Coward play. Principal photography began earlier this month in the U.K. and will wrap next month. "Values" is the sophomore effort of Eric Styles, whose debut picture "Dreaming Of Joseph Lees" is slated for a late fall release by Fox Searchlight. It [RV] will have its pay cable premiere on co-producer Encore Media Group's Starz! service after it plays in theaters. ********** Don't you like how positive they are about how it *will* play in theaters? Need to see if my sister (with her digital cable and 500 channels) gets Starz! because I don't. Have VCR tape will travel. ;-D

I hope male lurkers don't freak you out (I did used to contribute at #80, and I do like all of CF's work, even though I don't fancy him). But I have to describe Flashman in male terms: A thoroughly unpleasant bully, who uses his charm and position to attain his three main goals (easy life, lots of sex, vicious fun). However, his love of putting down other arrogant people, his wordlywiseness as narrator (not protagonist), and his ill-fortune in constantly finding himself pitched into danger which terrifies him, manage to make him sympathetic - to men. I have always thought the one drawback of these brilliant historical fantasies is that they could not be shared with enjoyment by women (because of all the casual sex), but I now realise that this is just a symptom of the impossibility of a woman empathising at all with Flashman. Don't get me wrong, men don't have full empathy either, but they know where his atavistic urges come from. Personally, even I think George MacDonald Fraser goes over the top sometimes. The relish with which he does so many vile things makes it an enormous challenge to portray Flashman correctly (and Michael York failed badly in the pathetic film "Royal Flash"), but I think the Francis Urquart comparison is excellent. Again, someone who engages as narrator not hero. Flashman is not a hero (he says it again and again), he is a venal, petty, philandering coward, but his eventual luck and worse enemies make you side with him. He could only possibly appeal to female viewers if he is portrayed as stunningly attractive and charming (hence, I suppose, CF ... he said jealously). And I'm afraid his moustache and whiskers are a source of great pride!

Hi Mark...welcome back...your comments are v. welcomed here as well as on #80. Once the BJD film and new book are released hope you'll come back to #80. **** Flashman will be new to the US where the books have not been popular. Perhaps, without a comparison, the series will be .UK audiences will be more discriminating.

But I have to describe Flashman in male terms: Thank you so much for that insight, Mark. I must confess that I have never been felt able to read the Flashman books. As you say they, Flashman is very much a male fantasy figure. But with CF playing him......

Mark, I think this is such a break from Firth's traditional roles that we will relish his playing this philandering bully. Just to watch CF in action is often enough to redeem an otherwise appalling movie (we all know about which I speak). We appreciate your caution and considered opinions. Welcome!

Yes, welcome to 119 and thank you for your comments, Mark. I've just begun reading Royal Flash in which our man Flashy 'enjoys' a female conquest by page 14. (BTW, the Flashman shelf in my local library was quite picked over on Monday. My town must be teeming with Firthfans ;-)). Your comments about Flashman's appeal to men are very astute. I don't think Colin would have taken the role if it was limited to attractiveness, charm and an all-female audience. As Gi has said, he seems to be avoiding that these days. He didn't play Darcy as the hero; it's likely he'll approach Flashman in a similar manner. But it won't stop us from drooling! Fraser dedicates Royal Flash in part to "Ronald Colman, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Errol Flynn, Basil Rathbone, Louis Hayward, Tyrone Power, and all the rest of them." This is gonna be good!

....and I adore the thought of those whiskers of which he is inordinately proud. Even if this Flashman person is reprehensible, the man himself bids well to be significant "eye-candy" for this bunch of happy Droolians.

(Mike)...and Michael York failed badly in the pathetic film "Royal Flash" I just hope that Colin�s in a high quality production and that the script is super because the role really is a big challenge.....it almost sounds to me like a big risk. The character seems to be full of paradoxes and a bad script could either rub the edges off or try to make Flashman too rough. But like I said before or at least tried to, we can draw some conclusions about this production beforehand simply from the fact that Colin has been asked to do the main role. He�s an ingenious character actor and he�s capable of doing incredible things to the female hormones. Those are the reasons why he�s in it and if the film is a good one, those things are going to show.

Thanks, Mark, for giving us a *male* perspective on the popularity of the novels. I've finished the first and am into the second (Royal Flash, same as Eileen). They are fast, light reads that give you a satirical look at real people and real events. What I do like is that Flashman as the narrator makes no illusions about his own character. He is the first to admit his own failings and makes no excuses about them. This is going to be a strange character to watch Colin play. So far, he's a character you laugh at--not at all sympathetic. While he's very intelligent, he's just as Mark says, an idler, womanizer, etc.

(Karen) What I do like is that Flashman as the narrator makes no illusions about his own character And don't you (anyone who's read the books) think there will be voiceover narration? Exposing his thoughts is critical to the audience's understanding of the character--otherwise Flashy (I love that his sometime sidekick is Speedy) will come off all wrong. I keep hearing ODB's voice in my head as I read.

Is there any rule about having to like his character? As long as the breeches are tight, that Karen can write a masterful piece on whether he is dressed on the right or left, and we can all summon up puddles of the good stuff...let the cameras roll. I Need a Break from my Darcymanic tendencies.

This is amazon.com's comment on the Flashman book: Harry Flashman, is a first-person narrative which just asks to be read aloud. Complemented by a flawless narration, today's reading makes Flashman as politically incorrect as he was originally intended to be during the Victorian era--and that may cause offense. But this story of England's efforts to influence Afghanistan in the 1840's is both good history and good storytelling. **** It seems like some of our firthettes were "right on the money" on their observations.Looks like Colin has a v. challenging role in this one. But like someone said, it depends on the script. However, any nuance of "PI" and no station will touch it.

I hope that we get to see Flashman here in the U.S. I'm, afraid that it might be shown only in Europe.

Just looked up the only previous attempt to put Flashy on screen. My memory is pathetic, it wasn't Michael York, but apparently ... Malcolm McDowell! So maybe CF picked up tips while shooting MLSF. Kinda hope not.

Wow , great news to come back too!! As always the sleuthing here is "par excellence". Thank you Ladies. I was thinking back to the darker days when CF was scarce on the ground and in those lean times (Remember them?) when we would post about the fantasies of being bombarded by his work from all sides and imagine how it would feel!!! Lovely to have you back Moon and Winter.

I saw an atricle while I was away, an interview with a screenwriter on SIL (Parfitt??) who is currently working on BJD. A link re CF then. Sorry if I am repeating old news but I am sure ANN, BETHAN or ALLISON will know the snippet. (Guardian?)

BTW I have my ODB to thank for spotting a poster last week for SIL that actually only had Wessex's face on it along with GP and JF!!! I couldn't believe it. It was advertising a SIL costume exhibition currently running until 12.9.99 at Chepstow Castle!! I shall be there next week and will give drool's collective best wishes to a certain codpeice, unless of course you would prefer me to concentrate on that lovely brocade cloak--------!!!!! Full report next week.

LOL!!!! Whoops , the mere thought of Elizabethan costumes below the belt and my spelling goes all to pot!!!!

Yet another BTW. Max Beesley (Biggles) is currently a model for River Island Clothing. I ask you!! CF would not lower himself. Therefore no contest!! RIC is aimed at the much younger end of the market, ideal for the Brit lads and "ladettes" which MB would appeal to. Look out for the adverts.

Lizza, I have posted the Guardian interview with David Parfitt over on the Bridget board. :-) And do let us know all about the codpiece that was not visible to all of us. Remember, there's no detail too small for our inquiring minds.

(Mark)...Re; Malcolm Mc Dowell So maybe CF picked up tips while shooting MLSF. Kinda hope not. I hope not too...but MLSF was filmed over two years ago; doubt CF knew about the Flashman job then.I read that George Fraser lives on the Isle of Man...so I hope CF gets some insight from him on making Flashman more palatable to contemporary ideas. **** Wasn't Chepstow Castle where they filmed SIL? Look forward to the report Lizza

(Eileen) I keep hearing ODB's voice in my head as I read. What a happy thought, Eileen! You have conjured the most wonderful sounds to my head...better get my audio tapes ready for recording. The ones of the Netherfield Ball are getting thin... (Marcia)As long as the breeches are tight LOL Dear! You know how to put things in perspective!

..... the codpiece ............... Remember, there's no detail too small for our inquiring minds. Karen, can't believe what I read! :-P

%&$�#%!

tag, tag, tag

(Marcia) Is there any rule about having to like his character? Ha! ODB could play the Boston (Cambridge?) Strangler and we'd find a way to make the character loveable. Since the books are written in first person, unless Flashman were to voice his frequent self-recriminations (expressed as his thoughts in the book), the crux of the character would be lost. IMO narration would take care of this more effectively than dialogue. Regarding his breeches: "...I decided to wear my Cherrypicker rig, with all the trimmings of gold-laced blue tunic and tight pants..." [from Royal Flash] Whew! When does this start filming? I think this might be the first time fanfic is written *before* the series airs!

I just finished Flashman and the Dragon...wow. Thanks, Bethan. Chronologically, this is the last of the Flashy books, and Harry, despite his cynicism and realism, seems quite romantic (despite himself) in spots. I wasn't planning to read the series unless CF is confirmed in the role, but after Flashman and the Lady, I'm hooked. Wouldn't have thought it my cup of tea at all, but the writing is terrific, full of action, rich characterizations, vivid descriptions, excellent insights into people and events, s x (not overdone, IMO) and humour. Flashman is an intriguing character. I agree with you, Bethan, that Harry (though he calls himself one) is no coward, or he would be living off papa-in-law's wealth in England instead of being physically and mentally brutalized in the hellholes of the earth on every other page. For a self-serving poltroon, he gets into an awful lot of trouble. CF had better start working out - a lot - for this role. (Eileen) I think this might be the first time fanfic is written *before* the series airs! LOL! (Bethan) If you take the novels (and the character of Flashman) too literally, you won't appreciate them! :-) Too true. I should imagine that these books would be difficult to adapt. IMO they are not racist; Flashman skewers all of the undeserving, including himself, and doesn't fail to give credit where due regardless of race. But... the screenwriters will have to walk a very fine line between making the series palatable to the average TV viewer and not destroying the point of the books (and turning off all of Flashy's fans). BTW, here's Elspeth's (Harry's wife) description of Flashy from Flashman and the Lady: "He looked so tall and proud and handsome, like the splendid English Lion that he is, that I felt quite faint with love and pride...to think that this striking man, the envy and admiration of all, is - my husband! He is perfection..."

..... the codpiece ............... Remember, there's no detail too small for our inquiring minds. (Renate) Karen, can't believe what I read! :-P LOL!!! I almost overlooked that detail myself. Glad you caught us, Renate. Okay, looks like Flashy's gonna be great. Now who is worthy to play Elspeth?

If there is a codpiece in Falshman, I am doomed (they also got the wrong costume out of storage)...JE for Elspeth.

the codpiece...Remember, there's no detail too small for our inquiring minds. (Renate) Karen, can't believe what I read! :-P *slap slap slap* I won't even try to rationalize this one (Lynda) Harry (though he calls himself one) is no coward, or he would be living off papa-in-law's wealth in England instead of being physically and mentally brutalized in the hellholes of the earth on every other page. But in the second book, when he takes a dangerous assignment to meet up with Lola Montez in Bavaria you learn he really does it to escape being mentally brutalized by his father-in-law and the rest of the family. ;-D As I said earlier, I am hoping to see some maturation in the character, but from what I've seen in the first two books, he is a man who puts his own interests first and foremost. In the second book, he uses another man to expose Lola because he's too chicken to do it himself. (Marcia) JE for Elspeth. As Lizzie she definitely had the figure I would picture, but so far Elspeth is brainless. Maybe it's just an act. Can't tell yet.

In the second book, he uses another man to expose Lola because he's too chicken to do it himself. Or is he too much of a gentleman, and regrets having to do it? (I wonder if that is wishful thinking on my part. :-) If Elspeth (say that a few times over), is brainless then you need a very good actrees to play her, say, Natasha Richarson?

MLSF has changed theaters here in Chicago. It moved from downtown to a north suburban location. Am wondering if it's a bargain cinema, as the other films (Limbo, Winslow Boy, and AIH) are all old.

(Moon) Or is he too much of a gentleman, and regrets having to do it? Definitely not. He's explicit about his reasons for conning someone else into doing it. Whether he actually is or isn't, it's made clear that Flashman thinks of himself as a coward.

Hi, there is a very good review for MLSF in The Sacremento Bee,3 stars "Firth is too glamourous" where it opened today, so it is still surviving and getting good reviews.I think you are right Bethan, if ther are so few reels of MLSF I guess it will only have a limited release in the UK, I wonder if it will reach Brighton.

Here's the link to the Sacramento Bee review: http://www.sacbee.com/sacbeat/news/sacbeat03_19990827.html when Morris shows up with his new fiancee, the fetching Heloise (Irene Jacob), a young French woman who, at 24, is half his age. Half his age?

....at 24, is half his age. Half his age? MM is reported to be 54 (oh yeah?). All I can say is... he's not growing old v. graciously :-)

Some thoughts on Flashman... I found Mark's comments very interesting. I've always imagined that the readership for the Flashman books would be male rather than female (although this may change!) Flashman is the narrator, and has no illusions about himself or any one else for that matter. I think, as Eileen says, any adaptation will have to incorporate the "first person addressing the camera" approach (as in the Francis Urquart series or the recent Moll Flanders)to catch the underlying cynical humour. He sees himself as a coward because he is afraid of dying, but as Lynda says, a self-serving coward would just stay at home! He's certainly not a noble hero, but noble heroics can make for very boring drama! Better a rogue moving towards redemption! But he's often very perceptive in his comments on the futility of war. In "Flashman at the Charge" he visits wounded soldiers in the hospital... "Those brave, deluded pathetic bloody fools in that Russian shed with their mangled bodies and lost limbs - and yet they thought Cardigan, who'd have flogged them for a rusty spur and would see them murdered under the Russian guns because he hadn't wit and manhood enough to tell Lucan to take his order to hell -they thought he was a "good commander", and they even cheered me. Mind you, I'm harmless by comparison - I don't send them off, stuffed with lies and rubbish, to get killed and maimed for nothing except a politician's vanity or a manufacture's profit.Oh, I'll sham it with the best in public and sport my tinware and there's no room for honest pride in me, you see. But if there was, just a little bit, along with the disgust and selfishness,- I'd keep it for them, those seven hundred British sabres", A lot depends on the adaptation...it could be just a ripping yarn (lots of bodice-ripping too!), but with appropriate voice-overs there could be more layers and depth. Lynda...."Flashman and the Dragon"....I guess there's one scene we won't see on Primetime TV!! :-)

.I guess there's one scene we won't see on Primetime TV!! :-) Which one - the one with Flashy being ravished by Orchid while he's chained, helpless and flat on his back, to the bench...or the one in her Royal Apartments with him doing the ravishing...or the one in which she calls him a great greedy beast? And what about the scenes with the tall woman, Szu-Zhan. Such a terrible shame not to allow CF to use all of his acting talent. :-)