Okay, I tried this once and ended up losing my entire message, so I'm just going to type something short and see if it goes through. Hello, Karen, and thanks for inviting me!

I guess this is going to work, so let me tell you a little bit about myself. I think I have the distinction of being the biggest Colin Firth fan in Springfield, Missouri--because if there's one who's bigger than me, I haven't found her yet. Even so, I'm not nearly as serious as you guys, mostly because it is SO DIFFICULT to find either movies or information here! I searched all over town for a lone copy of "Femme Fatale"! I'm planning on submitting a story or two to the Fan Fiction board, although I'm a little nervous about doing so. Since I'm new, I don't want to give everyone the impression that I'm...um...unladylike, since some of my stories are rather racy. The toned-down versions are at DWG, but honestly, I don't really like them. I hope this was the right place to jump in--I didn't really know where to begin, so I just picked a page that had room!

Amy So glad you found the time. This is as good a place as any to start. We do tend to wander all over the place, but you'll get the hang of it. Looking forward to reading your stories at Fan Fic too.

I guess this is going to work, so let me tell you a little bit about myself. I think I have the distinction of being the biggest Colin Firth fan in Springfield, Missouri--because if there's one who's bigger than me, I haven't found her yet. Even so, I'm not nearly as serious as you guys, mostly because it is SO DIFFICULT to find either movies or information here! I searched all over town for a lone copy of "Femme Fatale"! I'm planning on submitting a story or two to the Fan Fiction board, although I'm a little nervous about doing so. Since I'm new, I don't want to give everyone the impression that I'm...um...unladylike, since some of my stories are rather racy. The toned-down versions are at DWG, but honestly, I don't really like them. I hope this was the right place to jump in--I didn't really know where to begin, so I just picked a page that had room!

Welcome, Amy!

(Amy), I'm planning on submitting a story or two to the Fan Fiction board, although I'm a little nervous about doing so. Since I'm new, I don't want to give everyone the impression that I'm...um...unladylike, since some of my stories are rather racy. The toned-down versions are at DWG, but honestly, I don't really like them. LOL! I look forward to reading them. Welcome Amy!

Welcome Amy, I grew up in Illinois and have been to Springfield on field trips. Just curious, how'd you hear about us?

WELCOME AMY I look forward to your story on Fan Fic...we like 'em all...clean 'n racy:-))

Just read that an auction house plans to have an auction for indie film distribution. It is accepting submissions right now for the March auction, which will be limited to the top 20 finalists. Could someone call the bank and tell them to submit SLOW. I'll bid on it. ;-D

...and Terry, Amy is in Springfield, MO. She looked lonely in our Chat Room, so I invited her and few others to join us here. ;-D Have checked the online listings and MLSF is still here, but at only one theater in the western 'burbs. Ya hear that, Evelyn? ;-D

Could you imagine the publicity? CF internet admirers purchase his film and set up distribution. "Catch SLOW at the NY Int'l Film Festival." For firther information contact Firthettes, Inc.

firther That was a freudian slip. ;-)

Salve, Amy. Even so, I'm not nearly as serious as you guys You don't know the half of it. However, I'm sure you've landed in the right place. In my experience it is generally to be preferred over "Hormone City", (aka Fan Fiction).

(Karen) Aha!! Wild and unsubstantiated guessing as to what Colin is currently doing? Too early to begin rehearsals for November's 3DOR... My guess is that after wrapping RV (last Tuesday?) he hightailed it to L.A. With all the back-to-back work this summer, he hasn't been there in a while. (Moon) Could you imagine the publicity? CF internet admirers purchase his film and set up distribution. Have we given up on our plan to hold a bake sale? Darn, I even made some brownies;-D Welcome, Amy! Looking forward to reading your fan fic.

Welcome Amy! ..and..Thanks for the "welcome back" Evelyn! I searched all over town for a lone copy of "Femme Fatale"! The fact that you're in Springfield, MO has nothing to do with not being able to find FF, Amy. ;-)

Why, is "Femme Fatale" generally hard to find? I guess it's what you might call "a sleeper". I thought it was rather interesting myself--especially the bedroom scene! I squealed when he bounced her out of the bed!

...and Terry, Amy is in Springfield, MO.... ooops, sorry about that Amy. I here I went and started a topic on Springfield, Illinois. That's ok though, anyplace the Simpsons live is great.

Why, is "Femme Fatale" generally hard to find? It might not be at the video rental places or on the shelf at Best Buy, but I don't think it is hard to find. You can buy a new or used (if available) copy at reel.com for less than $10. And for some unknown reason, the Lifetime Channel has right to broadcast this movie, but under the name "Fatal Woman." It's the same movie, but with a few cuts that totally destroy everything artistic about this movie. ;-p We did some serious trashing of this film over at #98, although we've never found any fault with Colin's performances in any sleazoid film. I guess it's what you might call "a sleeper". Get this woman a copy of Playmaker. That's a real wake-up call!!

New Cities for MLSF: New Haven and/or Hartford, Connecticut; and San Diego, CA

Sorry to disappoint you guys, but I'm from Springfield, MO--home of cashew chicken and Brad Pitt! (I'm so impressed; aren't you?) Will someone please tell me what "Playmaker" is about? I think it's the only one of Colin's movies about which I know absolutely nothing. And also, why is it that every time I try to post a message the first time, I get an error screen and have to go back and type the whole thing again? Am I doing something wrong? That's been happening to me all day!

(Amy)And also, why is it that every time I try to post a message the first time, I get an error screen and have to go back and type the whole thing again? Am I doing something wrong? That's been happening to me all day! That happens to me when I use Explorer 4, not with Netscape.

Hey gang....I hate being the harbinger of bad news, but I have just had this from Murph who received it from a reputable source staight from ICM. "Official informed sources say that news of Colin appearing in a Flashman series of any kind is pure rumor and conjecture...They have no knowledge of such a project nor of Colin's involvement in any future Flashman movie, tv movie or tv series." ***** But hey....that means he might be available for BJD :-))

But...Flashman has such lovely possibilities...*sigh*

and it would have been a lovely long TV series, with lots and lots of Colin, no waiting for a Distributor. How could The TV Times get is so wrong, they even had the names of possible co-stars. I wonder how wrong they were about "Biggles"!!

Oh, No! **sigh** Such dreadful news! How can the Firthettes change this? Something must be done! And I just exhausted my mental powers by diverting a hurricane for the Miami coast!

Oh....a disappointment. Well I wasn�t too glad about Flashman as a role anyway, funny stuff IMO but what�s important, it looked like a BIG project for Colin for a change.

Can we distribute Flashman, too? More bake sales!!!

So sad, no big epic series for Colin. Bwaaaaaa.... Oh please, let him do BJD Playmaker is a truly crummy film and one that Colin wishes would disappear off the face of the earth and definitely off his filmography. But it hasn't and we upstanding ladies of Drool have found certain a merit in it...most notably two wonderful shower scenes. Also, Colin looks fabulous in it, especially in the glasses. Basically, it's a story about a no-talent wannabe actress who pawns her *heirloom* pearls in order to go to a reknowned acting coach. Most of the story concerns the application of his acting techniques, a murder, her *knock'em-dead* audition, and her interest in rock climbing. ;-D If you'd like to read our discussion of Playmaker, here's the edited version, complete with pictures. You can see how cute Colin is in this one: http://www.firth.com/filmdis/pm/pm-part1.htm Amy, as Evelyn explained, MS's Internet Explorer is problematic here. If you can use Netscape, your life will be easier. If you can't, then highlight and copy your typed text before you hit submit, in case you have to do it twice. Does anybody else have another solution?

Nope! Download Netscape Navigator 4.0 and make your life much easier!

This cannot be happening!! Do people not know that His projects are no joking matter? I am so disappointed...

Joking is the only way I can keep my sanity and not cry and beat on the computer! I am all severe disappointment!

Like AnnW, I don't understand how the TV Times got the information so wrong. It was a big article, which reminds me that I have to post the picture from it soon. Completely forgot. *bangs head against wall*

Too bad about Flashman - such a terrific role. Wish the media would confirm BEFORE they report! I can't wait to see the pic, Karen!

Thanks for the advice about Netscape, ladies--I have been using Explorer because it was pre-loaded on my computer. I can ring in through my university, and I think that has Netscape, but I may just have to sit through downloading it.

....Wish the media would confirm BEFORE they report! But they don't. A year ago Variety published that JE would appear in "A Good Baby" . I called the agent and was told: "This is not going to happen". To this day the film is still on her filmography at IMDb. It could have been that Colin considered doing it, or was considered. And the paper ran with it, He's hot TV news, after all. Remember a few months back he was going to read a play on BBC radio. We had the cassettes bought.. ready to roll!! **** Amy K. pl. email me, I have an extra FF that I taped from Lifetime cable.

Welcome Amy. I read your story on 34. You said your were writing off the top of your head. Your should go into politics with that ability to think on your feet. It's greaat, hope to see more.

Also why is it that we only get bad news confirmed by his so called Agent, that proves to be true, could they possibly be wrong, sometimes I wonder if they really know they have a client Colin Firth and I still can't understand how the article could have been so definite, filming locations, possible cast etc and when it might be shown. I am keeping my fingers crossed that his Agents are wrong and that the story is true. I think I might write to The TV times.

and I am not so excited as others about him playing MD in BJD, I feel it could be a nothing part, a very minor supporting role, a contemporary Darcy, I hope not.

Hmmm, good news and bad news day. If you check Murph's site, she's also got news about Donovan Quick and a rather Darcy-ish (the hair!) pic of Colin taken on set (bus in background. Some interesting info. DQ seems to have been picked up by a French Film Company who are listed as being responsible for all international rights outside the UK. (Does this mean a theatrical release?) It has a budget of �1.3 (about the same as FP, low-ish, but I doubt if actors' salaries amounted to much) and was shot with Su er 16 film. Same as P&P..there's a bit in "the Making of P&P" about this - it gives nearly the same quality as 35mm film (used in cinema)at a fraction of the cost, and is far superior to plain 16mm usually used in TV. H..anyway, something to look forward to! About Flashman, Lidya, I share your pain! Although, having seen the original item in the TV Times, I do have one or two thoughts. I'm sure that the "Biggles" BBC production news (with which the Flashman item was combined) will be correct, and there was quite a lot of convincing info about Flashman...the locations (across Europe, Wales (Snowdonia often doubles for Afghanistan) and casting of co-stars for the villainesses (Joanna Lumley, Felicicity Kendall). Doesn't ound like pie in the sky to me. I'm sure there must be something in pre- pre- preparation but maybe nothing is definite. Ann, didn't you get some e-mail info about it? As to Colin's involvement...he seems to be very cagey and last-minute-ish about signing up for roles. I hope that Flashman may be something he could be involved in...it it did go ahead, there aren't many (any?) actors who can ride, fence and swim and look dashing in cherry-picker pants and a tall hat! I also have one or two reservations about Flashman...the appeal of the books lies a lot in the humour of the first person narrative, the colourfullness of the writing and the vigour of the action (the Charge of the Light Brigade would need a cast of thousands!) How much of this would translate to the small screen I don't know, especially without a Hollywood-style budget. Would need a very good script, or could end up being a cross between "Rhodes" and a "Carry On" film. I liked the genuinely romantic ele ents in "Flashman" but would these have been emphasised? Still hope to see it though. The main advatage of Made-for-TV is that you do actually see it! Karen...you mentioned an auction for indies (SLOW where are you?). Now that's one thing thay would banish post-Flashman blues! Seriously (back on my soap box) it bugs me that a �3.5 million film (made with British tax payers' money!) because of some legal wrangles, seems to have been permanently impounded. I accept that a movie about a Nigerian community in the South of France hasn't a chance in hell of being a commercial success but I feel very strongly that it should be seen and judged. If the audience at Martha's Vineyard enjoyed it, well, it deserves a viewing. We've just has a major regional Film Festival in our area, and ne t week there's the "Bite the Mango" festival devoted to African and Asian film, also locally, and with an excellent programme. I've often wondered this (as well you know Evelyn!) but what is the bottom line with SLOW...does it just die?

Pandora Cinema are based in Paris and were co-backers and distributors for "Shine" (Geoffrey Rush Oscar winner) and "The Disappearance of Finbar" a British film which got good reviews and a selected release. They don't back rubbish. The only tme I phoned Colin's agency (never again!) just to enquire when we might see him in something, I found them singularly unhelpful and ill-informed. The only info I got was that SIL was opening in November in the UK (wrong, wrong, wrong!). I remember saying "oh, so he's not retired then", cheap scarcasm, very unlike me, as I'm normally terribly polite and ooze gratitude! :-)

(Bethan)The only tme I phoned Colin's agency (never again!) just to enquire when we might see him in something, I found them singularly unhelpful and ill-informed. I get the impression that in the UK, agents are really just there to finalise deals, do the financial side of things etc. Talking to friends in the acting business, I get the impression that the UK industry is small and personal networking plays a very big part in the process. Agents do not seem to play such a big part as appears to be the case in the States, in actually getting work for their clients. I am no expert but I have been surprised when discussing this with actors I know, how little they rel on their agents for making contacts etc.

I have just been over to Murph's place....I love the photograph of Colin. V. yummy.

(Bethan) I'm sure there must be something in pre- pre- preparation but maybe nothing is definite. I agree. Very hard to believe that the TV Times got things that wrong. Colin has been involved with this project in a way or another, I�m sure of it but it is not yet (or not anymore!) to be confirmed.

btw I�d like to know exactly how did Murph get this information about the Flashman role being just a rumour? Dear Murph, did you call the ICM to ask about Flashman or did they contact you? I�m very glad if the agency actually bothers to check Colin�s websites regularly, thought they basically wouldn�t.

(Allison) I have just been over to Murph's place....I love the photograph of Colin. V. yummy. Oh yes, very tasty indeed. Love those curly locks. It may almost chase those Flashman blues away. Does anyone need the url? Amy, I'd advise you to load Netscape Navigator too. It probably will take care of your "error" messages though it's not a panacea for all your woes. There are some irritating things about Netscape that I never had with Explorer but I can live with them.

(AnnW.)and I am not so excited as others about him playing MD in BJD, I feel it could be a nothing part, a very minor supporting role, a contemporary Darcy, I hope not. I agree..(she said, dodging the tomatoes).Making Mr Darcy contemporary IMO would almost seem like a caricature of The Man Himself ...and I'm not ready for that....But I'm in the minority and will fly down to Dallas to see it when it comes!! ***** Always ask to speak to an agent PA. They are younger,(interested in the www,nicer,have more time, and no one ever asks for them...so they are flattered:-) ***** (Elena)Dear Murph, did you call the ICM to ask about Flashman or did they contact you? An informed reputable source..... ***** (Bethan)...but what is the bottom line with SLOW...does it just die? Stone cold....but it hasn't gone through the shredder yet, they tell me. Seriously, I do check with a PA and nothing has transpired .There are other films in the same boat from Handmade days. At least Paragon has a better reputation. They produced Bedrooms and Hallways...but they don't distribute, however. **** DQ...with a budget of 1.3M UKP, the catering must have been pretty slim.

(AnnW) I think I might write to The TV times. Excellent idea. I find it so hard to believe that such a big article was totally off base re: casting. However, it does sound like the Flashman series is far from production. When I wrote ITV about which company might be producing it, the staffer there said he would pass it on to whoever when more is known and someone is assigned. Disagree though about the MD role in Bridget. Despite it being smaller, it is a plum role. For some reason, I picture Mark being portrayed as the cool observer like Clark Gable at the beginning of GWTW. He's always watching her, but he looks delectably good. Elena, a friend of Murph's made the contact with the agent. (Bethan) I remember saying "oh, so he's not retired then", cheap scarcasm, very unlike me, as I'm normally terribly polite and ooze gratitude! :-) LOL!! The info on DQ looks to me like a marketing/sales slipsheet for a product. That would be consistent. BBC Scotland did say that theatrical release was a possibility...one never knows...but this would also be sent out to television people around the world as well. Who knows who will bite on this one.

(AnnW) I think I might write to The TV times. WRITE?....call.....

Yes Ann, do write! (Evelyn), Always ask to speak to an agent PA. They are younger,(interested in the www,nicer,have more time, and no one ever asks for them...so they are flattered:-) Not true, I have spoken several times with her and she is clueless. I always felt we were giving her the info. and Heide can back me up on this.

I just went to Murph's new site and saw the "Donovan Quick" picture that everyone is raving about, and I see what you mean! YUM!

One suggestion, though--I do wish we could make the picture BIGGER, since it is rather small and I would like to see him up a little closer.

hear hear amy! *drool*

I have an interesting little Colin Firth pleasure that I'd like to share with you, which maybe you'd like to try out. I don't know how I got started doing this, but I turn on one of Colin's old movies ("Another Country" works perfectly for this,) turn off the sound, and turn on a song by The Smiths. (I hope someone knows who The Smiths are!) Their album "The Queen is Dead" paired with AC is perfect. It's so English and so 80's, and after all Colin did have the Morissey (lead singer of the Smiths) hair o in AC that was so popular in England at the time. Somebody try it and tell me what you think! I've been driving around in my car all week listening to The Smiths' "Singles" and that's how I composed that story on Fan Fiction!

May I inquire which ones of the tunes you mean....This Charming Man perhaps? Or Handsome Devil?? Um....Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want comes to my mind first when I think of Colin though :-)

Hooray, another Smiths fan!!! Actually, the song that reminds me of Colin is "There's A Light That Never Goes Out," because to die by his side, "well, the pleasure, the privilege is mine..." Yes, "This Charming Man" could work, although I can't imagine him without "a stitch to wear," and I don't think he's a "jumped-up country boy," either. If I were imagining him as Darcy, "William, It Was Really Nothing," would work too. I think I've thought about this entirely too much!

(Amy) I think I've thought about this entirely too much! Oh no, this is interesting. I don�t know how old you are Amy but I�m close enough to Colin�s age to imagine that the music I listened to in the eighties was often what he must have listened to at that time! Possibly the Smiths was one of those bands. I can�t imagine him without "a stitch to wear," Well, I can. He seems to me like a person who doesn�t bother to buy new clothes before the old ones are totally worn-out, and not even then.

I'm 22, so I'm not very close to Colin's age at all (my parents are just a year older than him,) but I've always been interested in eighties music. When I was a kid in the 80's, I listened to Michael Jackson and crap like that, but when I was in junior high, my best friend had all of her older brother's tapes, and I started listening to the Smiths and U2 and other musicians in the same era. The Smiths have to be the best, though! I don't know--I can see how maybe he'd be a person who never buys new clothes, but I have a passion for fastidious men, and I hope he's that way too!

Michael Jackson and crap like that LOL! I have a passion for fastidious men, and I hope he's that way too! Well, he's clean, but has a well established reputation for a relaxed style called "looking like an unmade bed" in his private time...

Hmm, "looking like an unmade bed" can be good--depending on what's been going on in that bed!!! LOL

(AnnW.)and I am not so excited as others about him playing MD in BJD, I feel it could be a nothing part, a very minor supporting role, a contemporary Darcy, I hope not. (Evelyn)I agree..(she said, dodging the tomatoes). Making Mr Darcy contemporary IMO would almost seem like a caricature of The Man Himself ...and I'm not ready for that....But I'm in the minority and will fly down to Dallas to see it when it comes!! First I'd like to see him play it and study how he would interpret the part before I make up my mind about it ... ;-D

You realize of course that this group will never agree on this subject until it is fait accompli?

Absolutely!

(Amy) I do wish we could make the picture BIGGER, since it is rather small and I would like to see him up a little closer. A little birdie told me that may be available next week. His sideburns look a little long too me. Have never liked them that way, but he doesn't look wild and raving as we associate with Don Quixote and no mustache or goatee. Thank goodness, they didn't use Man of La Mancha as a guide. ;-D

(AnnW) I think I might write to The TV times. Excellent idea. I find it so hard to believe that such a big article was totally off base re: casting. However, it does sound like the Flashman series is far from production. When I wrote ITV about which company might be producing it, the staffer there said he would pass it on to whoever when more is known and someone is assigned. (Karen) More by luck than design I found that we still had the copy of the TV Times with the Flashman news item. I have to say it all looks pretty kosher and credible to me. It's in the "Insider section" and there are two other "Exclusives", both long detailed news items with detalis of production, schedule, plot-line, cast, and quotes from actors involved. It's not a little bird whispered in my ear stuff. All the news there seem very solid and nothing seems like conjecture. Moreover, ITV are the right company to do 19th century military history (after "Sharpe" and "Hornblower"), the proposed shooting locations fit in with some of the Flashman novels, and JL and FK are ideal for the sort of over-the-top but sexy female protaganists. And it's "bursting with colour, action and romance". Who would dream this all up? I'll bet all the other news items are correct!! (Beesley is Biggles!)I really have to believe there must be a project in the offing, and after the success of "Sharpe" and "Hornblower" Flashy makes a lot of sense. Maybe it's still at a very sketchy pre-production stage. Remember, the first time there was anything in the press aboout a film version of BJD and Colin playing MD was nearly two years ago, and there's still no confirmation. (And I'll bet you wouldn't get it from his gent!) And I remember reading yonks ago that the BBC were doing a �10million movie about Mary Queen of Scots, but I don't think they even finished the screenplay yet!. The statement from CF's agent sounds like accountant/laywer "hey we haven't even signed on the dotted line" stuff! And I agree with Allison, I think that in the UK, agents are just the money men who deal with contracts. There's an e-mail address for the TV Times. There are three names given as compilers of the "Insider" news, so I'll e-mail them to ask about confirmation. Ever hopeful! I've always been keen on BJD and MD for the very basic reason that this movie will have no problems in reaching the screens!!! No two year wait! And also Andrew Davies who wrote the screenplay is keen on Colin playing the part, so hopefully it's a proper supporting role (not a cameo!) (Bethan)...but what is the bottom line with SLOW...does it just die? Stone cold....but it hasn't gone through the shredder yet, they tell me. (Evelyn) O-uc-h! Sounds painful! :-) Can think of lots of movie I'd love to shred, but I'd slap a preservation order on a romantic film starring CF (a rare if not unique combination!) Can't they return it to us British tax payers? :-) Or could creative ownership revert to the producer? Welcome Amy! Just looking at my son's Italian holiday photos. Has he got the wrong exposure, or has there been a drought? Everything looks so parched.

(Bethan), Just looking at my son's Italian holiday photos. Has he got the wrong exposure, or has there been a drought? Everything looks so parched. Depends on where he went. Tuscany in the summer is very parched. This summer was not a hot one, it rained all the time and it was cool. They say Sept. has been more like summer. Thanks for e-mailing them Bethan, be our #1 sleuth. :-) I think Colin looks great with those sideburns, I do not find them to big. Great picture! BTW, I am so happy! MLSF will open in Miami next friday, and, I was told that if it does well, it will last more than a week!!!

(Moon)I am so happy! MLSF will open in Miami next friday Some people have all the luck! I bet it will not be available here even when it comes out on video. The perverseness of the whole thing irks me to no end! (AnnW) and I am not so excited as others about him playing MD in BJD I quite agree with you. His performance as Darcy cannot be improved IMO, so anything that attempts to imitate the role will pale in comparison. Then again, I did not care for BJD at all, so perhaps that has something to do with my apprehension.

(Bethan) there aren't many (any?) actors who can ride, fence and swim and look dashing in cherry-picker pants and a tall hat! ...and in poshteens, pyjamys, dragon robes, buskskins, loincloths and rags. Lord, ODB, even managed to look delicious in Hostages. (Lidya) His performance as Darcy cannot be improved IMO But why does MD have to be played the same way as FD? The sensibilities of the 1990's are not the same as those of the early 19th century. Consider how differently Darcy has been interpreted in FanFic. CF would never attempt to imitate his performance in P&P.

(Bethan) there aren't many (any?) actors who can ride, fence and swim and look dashing in cherry-picker pants and a tall hat! (Lynda)...and in poshteens, pyjamys, dragon robes, buskskins, loincloths and rags. (Sorry, I haven't figured out how to put things in italics yet.) ...and satin culottes and tricorne hats and starched hair ribbons and high-heeled shoes as in "Valmont"!

(Bethan) ..... look dashing in cherry-picker pants and a tall hat! (Lynda) ...and in poshteens, pyjamys, dragon robes, buskskins, loincloths and rags. Lord, ODB, even managed to look delicious in Hostages. Hey, what kind of outfit is "hostages"? Bermudas worn on the lowest possible point of the hip? ;-P

Bermudas worn on the lowest possible point of the hip? That look seems to be very in now. :-)

Only they weren't anything like Bermudas. JM wore gym shorts as I recall with and without torn and holey shirt. yum yum ;-D

I remember that skinny body without those shorts too. ;-)

(Renate) Hey, what kind of outfit is "hostages"? LOL!! Understated elegence at the other end of the social and economic scale from Darcy???

Heide says to share the wealth from 61, 'cause not that many of you visit there... Funny, I never saw this version of the Telegraph photo (You know, the one just after he got bopped by the speakers and just before Donmar)... Definite proof, IMO that he improves with age!! I think I like it better than the other one. :-) Which was posted after accompanying the "Nerd" article in late February: The other one posted was much bigger, so it looked impressive, but I suppose because it uses the same three-quarter angle and expression as so many of the other photos of him, I didn't like it as well. ...But maybe it's just me ... (It's also an unfair comparison, size-wise): http://www.iinet.net.au/~bunyip/DailyTelegraph.html

(Lidya) His performance as Darcy cannot be improved IMO, so anything that attempts to imitate the role will pale in comparison. Agreed. But what gave you the idea that he would attempt to "imitate" the original Darcy? This is a comedy of exaggerated characters. He'd play this character to the script, not to the original Darcy. (Lynda) But why does MD have to be played the same way as FD? ... CF would never attempt to imitate his performance in P&P. Lynda, you've got it in one! I hardly think the original could get the most mileage out of a diamond-patterned sweater and bumble-bee socks! (Hee hee!) 8-D

I am more than a little delighted to see some age on the man, and to see it looking so wonderful on him. Not fair to the rest of the mortals inhabiting the planet, but then, who said life was fair...and he is so delicious. Thanks for this picture - even more than the large one. I have saved it for myself. =)

Well done KJ! Great pic! Now cheer me up, everyone! Apparently, in this month's Film Review, someone has asked about release dates for MLSF in the UK. The s-o-o depressing response is that it's distributed by Buena Vista International and there's no release date set AND (horror of horrors) "If it is released, it won't be before March next year" It's just not going to happen. I was resigned to London only (EVERYTHING gets a London only release) now it looks infinitely worse.. This is an insult..to David Puttnam (who I now feel sorry for...this is his swansong after all), Hugh Hudson, the British crew, the Scottish Arts Council who paid for it, and for the mainly British/Scottish cast, and for Colin who is the lead actor. Why the **** can't we see it in the UK...they're not even showing it at the Film Festivals! Edinburgh? London? Words fail me. SLOW and now MLSF. Un-be-lievable.

Bethan, do you know definitely that it isn't being shown at the London Film Festival because that was going to be one of my questions when I phoned Miramax. Last week I was so optimistic, so much to look forward to, now all of a sudden, possibly no MLSF at all in the UK, (why, I really don't understand it, there is so much rubbish being distributed at the moment, at least a limited release and why oh why not in the UK which is surely where it will do best.) What is the point of Colin being so busy if we never get to see anything!!!.. All of a sudden no Flashman. no MLSF, TTOTS is only a 10 min cameo, Blackadder the same, I have a feeling that R is only a smal part as well and has Londinium got a Distributor. All I can say is thank goodness for 3DOR, I am so glad I am going twice now!!! and BJD is still mjust speculaltion. My only hope is that Film Review has got it as wrong as The TV Times!! This is obviously a Monday morning!!

RV, of course, not R -is only a small part

I phoned Enigma Productions and spoke to David Puttnam's PA, and asked about MLSF. She said that there was no release date as yet. I then quoted the "Film Review" comment ...that "if" it was released it would be not until after March. I asked if it would actually be released and/or if it would go to video. She said that the Film Review comment was wrong, that it would get a theatrical release, "October....Autumn" and would then be available on video. I also phoned Buena Vista but got some silly "I'm busy now, can't speak" answer phone message from their PA..will try again. Feel better now!! Positive action!

Well Done Bethan, but did you ask if it is going to be shown at the London FF?

and I do wish these magazines would make certain of their facts before printing them!!

Weeellll, after two days with no electricity and four days of no telephone (thanks to Floyd), I emerge from my off-line world to find...this? Re: Murph's Flashman news--oh nonononononononononononononononononono! Aargh! No Flashman all together? No Colin in it? I feel a bit better after reading Allison's take on the involvement of agents; to my memory anyone here who has dealt with ICM has had nothing good to say about them and their knowledge of what's happening with CF. Ann, Bethan, and Allison, do phone, snail mail or e-mail the TV Times for clarification. Post the e-mail address here so we can all write. And don't despair about MLSF coming to the UK. IMO you'll see it once its done making its Olympic torch-like journey across the US. Thanks for the picture, KJ. It looks as though the recent People pic came from the same session (green backdrop, high collared coat, errant lock of hair falling across his forehead). I don't recall seeing the big one before--just a smaller, doctored-up version in which he looked like he was sporting a black eye. *Grumble* Now returning to my off-line world, wondering why I support a football team that never wins and an actor whose work I rarely see...

(Lynda)CF would never attempt to imitate his performance in P&P. (KJART)But what gave you the idea that he would attempt to "imitate" the original Darcy? This is a comedy of exaggerated characters. He'd play this character to the script, not to the original Darcy. I see that I should have spoken more clearly. I did not mean that CF would imitate his own performance. I was referring to the role itself. IMO, MD was simply a pale version of Darcy, and not a character on its own (I am exposing myself to criticism here, but I must speak as I find). I don't think that this can be compared with Fan Fiction, even with those stories that place the characters in a modern setting, because BJD was never billed as a 20th century version of P&P, or MD meant to be FD of latter-da s, but a story that stood on its own. I just think that it could be considered opportunistic for CF to do a role that may simply ride on the tails of something much greater.

Hello all. I'm sorry about the Flashman news. It would have been v. interesting seeing YDB in the part. I have to say that before seeing the BBC P&P, I had in my mind's eye a picture of Darcy that was a little cooler, a little tougher and a little more collected than The Firth's portrayal. Of course I loved it, and any clash between my prior view of Darcy and his screen persona was more than made up for by Miss Elizabeth. (Swoon.) Besides, it was only a marginal thing. Anyway, the point is that Flashman is the ultimate rogue, and should not have any vulnerability. Not that he's brave - quite the opposite. But he's unashamed and unreflective. Maybe - dare I way it - Colin would have brought too much of the 90s man to the role. BTW, which one was Perpetua?

(Ben), . Maybe - dare I say it - Colin would have brought too much of the 90s man to the role. Colin a 90s man? Heaven forbid!!! Eileen, glad to hear that you are well, losing electricity is no fun at all. Thanks for the pix, KJart, he is always a welcome distraction. ;-)

Thanks, Moon. We're still having problems with the phones (not to mention credit cards and ATMs). So many things we take for granted! We've weathered far worse storms than Floyd in this area but the rain was something else (saw an old man outside lining up animals two by two)! What about Wessex, Ben? He didn't seem too '90s to me (1590s, maybe).

(Ben) Colin would have brought too much of the 90s man to the role. A 90's audience would be viewing Flashman (maybe)...this role is very tricky because Flashy is a rogue, but to be acceptable to today's audiences, especially in a series, he has to be sympathetic. And reading between the lines, Flashman does come across in the books sympathetically. IMO, while he is not ashamed (except in one scene with the young schoolboy in, I think, Royal Flash), he is reflective, else he would not be writing such personal memoirs - he would have stopped with his military accounts. Wha Flash Harry isn't is repentant.

I had in my mind's eye a picture of Darcy that was a little cooler, a little tougher and a little more collected than The Firth's portrayal. Someone like David "A-poker-up-the-backside" Rintoul, maybe? :-) But the 18th and early 19th century males were rather more relaxed emotionally than is commonly believed. E.g. tears in response to stress and grief were considered a natural and cleansing reaction equally in both sexes. The stiff upper lip syndrome started emerging in all seriousness only in the Victorian era. Firth's Darcy was a man trapped in between - and historically spot on. Absolutely brilliant.

And Mark Darcy is trapped in between 80s-lad and 90s-man, so that he is a powerful high-flyer at work and yet manipulable by singletons. It should not be forgotten that he is very attracted to BJ throughout (but she doesn't know it). I don't see him as very vulnerable. Flashman is a bounder, and can only be sympathetic if he appeals to the audience (either by being charming, or by revealing more of himself in pieces to camera or voiceover). Very sad if this analysis is now only academic, owing to the rejection of the Flashy role by CF. Someone should direct his agents' attention to the enthusiasm evident here for this project to come to fruition.

(Mark) It should not be forgotten that he is very attracted to BJ throughout (but she doesn't know it). Quite true, much as FD was with the important difference that FD fought against his attraction to Lizzie due to class issues. Someone should direct his agents' attention to the enthusiasm evident here for this project to come to fruition. That would be nice if his agent gave two hoots about what we think. ;-D Back to collecting Colin news...Here's a Blackadder article. Nothing terribly new... If you agree that the phrase "I have a cunning plan" is perhaps the funniest ever spoken, then join us in rejoicing at news that the British comedy series Blackadder is at last headed to the big screen. Join us also in despairing that Blackadder the movie is, as yet, not scheduled to be shown in the U.S. In our book, there's no funnier man alive than British comedian Rowan Atkinson, whose Blackadder series--four sets of hilarious historical comic adventures--beats the pants off his tamer Mr. Bean. The plot of the film involves Baldrick, blackadder's bumbling manservant, building a time machine, which, of course, doesn't work. Besides the usual cast of Tony Robinson, Rik Mayall, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie will be Kate Moss and Colin Firth. The BBC also plans to screen it at a later date. (Perhaps BBC America as well? We can hope.) The film was co-written by Richard Curtis, who scripted the biggest-grossing British movies of all time, Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Curtis calls the film "an irreverent trek through British history--a time-travel adventure story consisting entirely of people who are either rude or stupid." Only visitors to London's Millenium Dome will be able to see Blackadder Back and Forth, which will premiere Jan. 1, 2000, Y2K disasters aside.

I may be off base here, but I interpreted the comment from CF's agency re: Flashman as meaning he has neither committed to nor turned down the project. So there's still hope... I think. After all, it was reported that Nic Cage had *definitely* passed on Capt. Corelli's Mandolin, and now he's a go. Maybe Colin just needs someone persuasive (attention Sue Birtwistle) to talk him into it;-) Excite has Fever Pitch listed in its new movies section -- apparently being released this Friday. Might we hope for a Firth siting at the L.A. premiere (if there is one)? Glad to hear you survived Floyd, Eileen. Thankfully, he was pretty much a washout (no pun intended) in the Boston area.

Arami, I didn't mean a stiff upper lip at all. I meant I'd pictured him as genuinely cooler - more laconic and more in control. It's not a question of supression of emotion as much as how disturbed by the emotion Darcy should be in the first place. This is a different question, one of temperament rather than social norms. In every role I've seen him in, CF has been very good at hinting at a troubled conscience, swirling depths beneath the still waters. Flashman doesn't have depth. He is insouciant. His charm comes from his vivacity and his daring. I'm not saying CF wouldn't be able to handle it. I'm just wondering, both about him and about any modern version of Flashman which, I'd bet, would have to add hidden depths that simply aren't there in the book. "Hey, maybe Flashman lives life at such a kilter because, in fact, he is a repressed gay man", or some such bollocks. "That's obviously why he beat Tom Brown...". Freud has a lot to answer for.

Mark - hi! You're not, by chance, related to someone called Sally Goodliffe, are you? Bounder - good word. Flashman is the bad boy women often seem attracted to.

Hi Ben No relation as far as I know. Sorry. But I did once know a Peg Broadbent (short for Peregrine!)

That's my older brother. WEIRD!!! Peg is now here in New York, living about 10 minutes away and working for Morgan Stanley. How the hell d'you know him? And how ON EARTH did you come to be posting here? You work at Liffe? Tell all (taking as given the generostiy of the Firthettes in allowing this to happen on sacred, if virtual, turf)! Ben

Knew him at MS in London (not well). What else is there to tell? Small world, huh? And not many Broadbents and Goodliffes in it, I guess.

True - at least not in the south. (Broadbent is a Yorkshire name, and I think there are still quite a few up there.) Anyway, before we get slapped down by the Firthettes for too many minutes of utterly Firth-free talk, I ask again - how did you end up on this site?

I see the "it's a small world" fairy has struck again. Waddaya know! I agree with your interpretation regarding the ICM comment, Susan. "They have no knowledge of such a project nor of Colin's involvement in any future Flashman movie, tv movie or tv series." That doesn't mean there isn't such a project or that CF has already turned down the role.

Ben, I arrived at the discussion on BJD (#80) because of my belief that this is one of the funniest and most important books of recent times. Most of the Firthettes have one particular angle on that (CF) and would think my opinion is OTT, but they have very interesting discussions, and when the Flashman books arose out of the CF topic, I stepped in again. Now I'm looking around the whole Spring and finding lots of other stuff too. How did you get here?