(Eileen)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. I think it's protocol for reps such as ICM to phrase things in such a way, considering the legalities involved in every aspect of film/tv development. I would think, "They have no knowledge..." is basically a safeguard for everyone involved, should an actor suddenly decide to pull out of the project, etc...What do they call that--- "diffusion of responsibility" or something of the sort. Ben! Mark! What a surprise! Funny how this should happen here, of all places, when you are the only two men posting on this board (on a regular basis anyway).

(Mark), Ben, How did you get here? Tell him Ben, there are lots of newbies that might want to hear it too. That story never bores us ;-)

Mark, a year ago I let slip on another site that I had once met CF, at dinner with mutual friends, and was hounded down. I rather enjoyed the experience so hung around. I've been stripped clean of every detail I might have had to offer about The Firth, but the Firthettes tolerate the odd rattle from the remaining bare bones, which is kind. I haven't been anywhere else in the Spring, except for Fan Fiction. This will make your hair stand on end and the colour rise to your cheeks - you should check it out. BTW, it's just struck me. JE FOR BJ!!!!! Is no-one campaigning?

except for Fan Fiction. This will make your hair stand on end and the colour rise to your cheeks hmmmm, if that's all it does, perhaps we need to add photographs for some people. ;-D (Mark) Most of the Firthettes have one particular angle on that (CF) and would think my opinion is OTT Your opinion OTT? Certainly not. Feel free to expound to your heart's delight on #80. (Ben) BTW, it's just struck me. JE FOR BJ!!!!! Is no-one campaigning? Kevin, are you out there? Take note, from the males in our forum. They want a buxom babe. Pass that along. :-D

I haven't been anywhere else in the Spring, except for Fan Fiction. aka: the girl's dormitory!

Karen, returning to ODB, what has happened to MLSF, it seems to have disappeared from Yahoo Top 100 films playing in North America and Canada, surely it is still playing at 22 theatres!!!

(Karen) 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. Karen, say it's a typo! Obviously they decided to name the film Blackadder Back and Firth? ;-D (Who needs Blackadders back - ok, except Blackadder?)

(AnnW) what has happened to MLSF, it seems to have disappeared from Yahoo Top 100 films playing in North America and Canada, surely it is still playing at 22 theatres!!! Yes, I know. Mari and I noticed it last night and were discussing. We feel it must be a reporting error by whatever slipshod company collects such statistics because the same was used at The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. It had to have made more than $700 during the weekend, which is how much the film in 100th place grossed. Without having to resort to calculus, over 3 days, the 20 theaters showing MLSF would only have maybe 1.5 people in the audience per day to generate $700 in revenue (assuming the average price of a ticket to be $7, which is low for evening admission, but high for senior discounts). So you can see, the numbers are wrong, very wrong! ;-D

Chaps, It's really great to see you here (even if you do sometimes talk OT ;-)). Ben, I saw the film first, and only then "discovered" the book; so, unlike you - and Colin's auntie, and fans of Olivier and Rintoul - I had no preconceived image of Darcy when I encountered Colin's interpretation. Hence I had no problem having to reconcile various visions or deciding the order of preference: except that from time to time I get ever so slightly defensive about it. :-) I'd pictured him as genuinely cooler - more laconic and more in control. I can't answer that for the above reasons! For me, he was cool enough and never really lost control - and was certainly more laconic than in the book! It's not a question of supression of emotion as much as how disturbed by the emotion Darcy should be in the first place. Suppressing emotion? Losing control? He was simply gradually slipping from the initial (im?)pure physical attraction into deep, mature, wholesome devotion, "against his better judgment". He refused to admit it to himself at first, but I didn't see any real signs of disturbance... Or am I missing the point again? :-)

(Ben) Fan Fiction. This will make your hair stand on end and the colour rise to your cheeks (Karen)hmmmm, if that's all it does... Karen, I reckon "hair", "colour" and "cheeks" were just discreet space fillers... ;-D (Renate)Blackadder Back and Firth LOL!

Chaps, It's really great to see you here (even if you do sometimes talk OT ;-)). Ben, I saw the film first, and only then "discovered" the book; so, unlike you - and Colin's auntie, and fans of Olivier and Rintoul - I had no preconceived image of Darcy when I encountered Colin's interpretation. Hence I had no problem having to reconcile various visions or deciding the order of preference: except that from time to time I get ever so slightly defensive about it. :-) I'd pictured him as genuinely cooler - more laconic and more in control. I can't answer that for the above reasons! For me, he was cool enough and never really lost control - and was certainly more laconic than in the book! It's not a question of supression of emotion as much as how disturbed by the emotion Darcy should be in the first place. Suppressing emotion? Losing control? He was simply gradually slipping from the initial (im?)pure physical attraction into deep, mature, wholesome devotion, "against his better judgment". He refused to admit it to himself at first, but I didn't see any real signs of disturbance... Or am I missing the point again? :-)

(Ben) Fan Fiction. This will make your hair stand on end and the colour rise to your cheeks (Karen)hmmmm, if that's all it does... Karen, I reckon "hair", "colour" and "cheeks" were just discreet space fillers... ;-D (Renate)Blackadder Back and Firth LOL!

Uh-oh. The mad yapp disease again...

(Ben) "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..." ..,or because his mother died before he could even remember her; his guv'nor (who died in an asylum of alcoholism) was also one of a long line of Flashman family rotters who didn't like his son; or having been sent to Rugby at a tender age, he was flogged by Dr. Arnold once too often. :-) Can't agree Flashy no depth, though, but if any actor can give Flashy more depth, Colin can. Anyway, are there no bounders or cowards today? Not all 90's men are tender and sensitive, like guys who post on Drool.;-) My DH is pretty indulgent re my interest in ODB, but he'd never dream of reading FanFic (unless maybe the stories were set at the World Series and Lizzy looked like Madonna - there's no accounting for tastes).

In response to Ann W's question, MLSF is still playing in the NYC area, although no longer in Manhattan. In fact I saw it today for the first time today in a theater in Kew Gardens, Queens. Hello everyone! I am a new poster, but a long-time lurker who finally worked up the courage to register today after seeing MLSF (at long last!) I feel that only my fellow readers at this board could understand the guilty pleasure I felt today. I live in New Jersey. After calling Miramax several times to find out when this film would finally arrive in NJ, and receiving the same answer ("Probaby never."), I made up my mind. My children were in school, the school district in which I work was still flooded out by Hurricane Floyd, and so I made the 116 mile round trip to catch the 2PM show. We were a small group in the theater--just me and 6 retirees. I returned home happy, and thoroughly pleased with myself, after waiting for my opportunity for 2 months--but feeling just a little bit guilty. Now that I have overcome my shyness, just wanted to thank you all for months of very entertaining reading.

Sylvana!! After traveling 116 miles RT to see MLSF, posting at Drool is a breeze, is it not? We are very glad to have you here. Anyone who throws mileage to the wind for ODB is a charter member of the "Take that, Harvey Weinstein, you can't deprive me of CF club." We'd love to hear your comments about the movie. Did you *like* it? Do we need to use Topic 121 anymore? Probably so, as it is so focused on the movie and there are many who haven't seen it yet. Hope you find time to join in whenever you have time. This board itself is a *guilty pleasure* for many of us. :-D ************ Evelyn and Tineke say Hi!! (Lynda) Anyway, are there no bounders or cowards today? Not all 90's men are tender and sensitive Wot!! They're not? LOL!!

Yes welcome Sylvana and I second Karen's request, please tell us your thoughts on MLSF, goodness knows when we in the UK will get to see it, If only ODB knew to what lengths his fans will go just to see him on the big screen, if only Harvey knew!!

Welcome Sylvana, our new firthette! MLSF opens here friday, and guess who will be the first one there?

Welcome, Sylvana! Too bad you had such nasty weather for your journey. (Ann) goodness knows when we in the UK will get to see it [MLSF] Patience, patience, Ann! Didn't you just receive encouraging news? (Lynda) My DH is pretty indulgent re my interest in ODB, but he'd never dream of reading FanFic (unless maybe the stories were set at the World Series and Lizzy looked like Madonna - there's no accounting for tastes). LOL!

Welcome Sylvana. Lynda, I could understand the World Series, but Madonna? It's the thought of Lizzie tripping round the bases that comes to mind. Bags be the catcher when she slides home.

Thanks for posting, Sylvana, and welcome. We'd love to hear all your thoughts on our boy but if you'd like to talk about MLSF right now, go to topic 121 and join the lucky few who have seen it. Curious to know your thoughts on some of the more "controversial" scenes. And if you've seen 1000 Acres, we'll be discussing that on 98 soon. Moon! Hope to see your comments at 121 too.

I believe literature's first mention of "base-ball" occurs in the works of one Jane Austen, so Lizzie hitting a homer is not so off-base!

Mark, you're absolutely right. I've just been over to Pemberley.com, and discovered that in Northanger Abbey, Catherine Morland enjoys "rolling down the green slope at the back of the house" and prefers "cricket and baseball to girls' play." This beat the next literary reference to baseball by 50 years. I think you should tell your husband, Lynda! I think E.Bennett would also have preferred cricket and baseball to girls' play. She would throw a ferocious sinking fastball, I reckon. Darcy would be the contemplative outfielder, with the elegant swing and plenty of home runs. Which sport would you have him play, Firthettes? Which position?

Hey, this is a leading question and I can't resist the temptation... She's been engaging in a spot of, erm... (acrobatic) billiards with Fitzwilliam on one of the neighbouring boards, and not for the first time, either... ;-)

I think it's protocol for reps such as ICM to phrase things in such a way, considering the legalities involved in every aspect of film/tv development. I would think, "They have no knowledge..." is basically a safeguard for everyone involved, should an actor suddenly decide to pull out of the project, etc...What do they call that--- "diffusion of responsibility" or something of the sort. Well said Winter! I think that confimation is only given when projects are fully operational, and I should think that "Flashman" (he's a bounder, but sensitive!) has a long way to go before it's up and running. Pre-production (casting, location choice, scheduling) can take up to twelve months. Hope it's a runner. Given the never-ending avalanche of Hollywood movies hitting our (very limited number of) screens, I think that quality TV work and theatre offer more opportunities for British-based actors. Welcome Sylvana....your dedication is very impressive. There are a lot of us who enjoy the same "guilty pleasure"! The new film version of "Mansfield Park" has apparently premiered at Toronto. Features such non-Austen lines as "Oh, pl-e-e-se", "This is 1806 for heaven's sake" and "Don't get me started". Also has a lesbian scene and a discussion on cannibalism. It's a Miramax movie (Boo hiss!) and significantly the cast is all Australian and American (one Brit actor, ex-"Trainspotting"). Ben...JE's latest "Bedrooms and Hallways" is now out on video (although I don't think it's a Lizzie role!).BTW over at #80, we've often suggested JE for the role of BJ.

(Ben)Which sport would you have him play, Firthettes? Which position? If I were imagining Darcy as a baseball player, he would have to be the pitcher. It requires a lot of thought and concentration, not to mention very adroit hands. And as far as adroit hands go, Colin Firth has the most beautiful ones I've ever seen. Other than that, I think he should be a swimmer!

Other than that, I think he should be a swimmer! I could go with that Amy, but definitely NOT a runner. I find his running style very "amusing"; cute, but amusing.

Hi Sylvana...ditto on the Welcome....Glad you're out of "lurkdom"...stick around and add to the "entertaining reading". (Bethan)Can't they return it to us British tax payers? :-) Or could creative ownership revert to the producer? I....don't....think.....so.... Handmade films , who owned SLOW went into bankruptcy and the Bank who loaned them the money now owns the film. It's not a question of the bank keeping it from the taxpayers.Unless they want to reimburse the bank:-) A sad situation..but there it is .

She's been engaging in a spot of, erm... (acrobatic) billiards with Fitzwilliam The Lizzie and Darcy on #34 are gymnastics. (Cathey) I find his running style very "amusing"; cute, but amusing. LOL! And, I'll bet, you haven't even seen Master of the Moor yet! In CF's defense, his running in ATA didn't even bring a snicker; was too busy complaining about the inappropriate jogging gear for a hot Iowa summer day. ;-D (Bethan) The new film version of "Mansfield Park" has apparently premiered at Toronto Actually, it preemed a week before at the Montreal FF. Thought your Times critic was fairly kind and forgiving, given the freedom Rosezema (sp?) has taken with the book. Funniest thing has to be the film trailers. At the bottom of the credits, it says "Read the Miramax book!!" Not the book by Jane Austen, but the Miramax book. These people are getting way to big for anyone's breeches. (Bethan)Can't they return it to us British tax payers? :-) You might try to sue the Arts Council for misuse of public funds. ;-D

Here's one that AnnW sent. It was the article about CF being Flashman. The other person in the pic is Max Beesley.

Greate picture, Karen (or should I say Ann). Don't you think photographers just love his hands? His hands shown in many of his photos. They sure look very nice as other parts of him ;)

Nice picture... but he looks slightly disgusted... as if he's just taken some really bad cough syrup. (Amy)Other than that, I think he should be a swimmer! You read my mind! I was thinking the same thing...Butterfly... he seems broad-shouldered enough...

(Karen), The other person in the pic is Max Beesley. LOL! (Winter), Nice picture... but he looks slightly disgusted... as if he's just taken some really bad cough syrup. Or he just found out his agent is not negotiating the Flashman deal. Is that his real hair? she softly asks

Love the picture! He has a very enigmatic expression on his face--I stared and stared at it, and I still haven't quite figured it out yet. It's not quite disgust, nor is it entirely pleasant...hmm. Perhaps it's what you'd call "bittersweet." *sigh* He does have the most beautiful hands, doesn't he? They're so soft and gentle looking. *sigh again*

Too bad the picture just cuts off the fingers. His hands are a fabulous feature. Unlike the disappearing eyebrows. MLSF seems to be sloooowly touring the country in smaller and smaller venues. While I might take that as a sign that it's winding down in the US and getting prepared to send those 22 reels overseas, I was told today by the manager of a theatre in Allentown, PA (not too far from me) that MLSF is scheduled to run there December 26 - January 2. Sounds as if the distributors are determined to show this film in every town in the US...one town at a time.

Heide, you are so right. I just phoned my local art house and found out that Miramax did not send the reel! So I will just have to wait till October or whenever Miramax decides to send one. :-(

... His hands are a fabulous feature. He uses them constantly in 3 DOR. I observed them up close and they are wonderful.Someone (Karen?)took an "up, close and personal" pic of just the hands....where is it? ***** ...Sounds as if the distributors are determined to show this film in every town in the US...one town at a time That's exactly what Miramax Marketing told me in August: "You will eventually get it... "Hey, let's not complain...Rafe Fiennes is still humpin' away trying to get a distrib for Onegin (with Liv Tyler).

Small bit of advice ... if you haven't already done so, hightail it over to 61 or else, (if you're lazy): http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/61.173 Yowp! Thank you, Karen, Thank you!!

As we speak....this from Mari... MLSF will play.... SEPTEMBER 24: --Ft. Lauderdale ( Get your track shoes on,Moon) --Detroit --Houston OCTOBER 22 --Atlanta NOVEMBER 12 --Charlotte

... And for those without a password...: Http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/public/read/drool/61.173 Hee hee ;-D

A friend of mine, who works in a local theater, just called me and told me that MLSF would start to play here tomorrow ("I'm really tired of you calling me almost every day for that, now you have it and STOP CALLING ME!" he said and laught too). I could not believe it!!! Too bad, I'll be very busy tomorrow. I'm going to the first show on Saturday! I'm so excited and just want to sing, dance or have a goooood scream!

(Xian) A friend of mine...just called me and told me that MLSF would start to play here tomorrow And *here* might be.... ;-D

Millenium Dome tickets are now on sale....includes ticket to BLACKADDER at Skyscape Theatre. For US: 011-44-870-606-2000. Cost is 20 UKP plus 3 UKP handling.Dome opens at 10 AM. The film will play three times a day ...11AM, 2PM, 5PM. ( I asked if one could see the film more than once...{embarassed to say "all day"). She said"if there are seats".But the ticket is stamped for the film once ***** Called BFI and MLSF is not slated to be among the London IFF offerings. Why do I always have to bring the bad news:-(

I can not believe they would show MLSF in Fort Lauderdale before Miami! No, this must be a mistake, but, I shall investigate. You are invited to attend a Virtual Birthday Party for our very dear Karen on tuesday Sept. 28th at topic 61. Be there or be []!

Correction: the party will be at topic 72 I hope I managed to close those tags. :-)

Be a rectangle? New one (hee hee)

Well...we are getting taller. ;-)

The Secret Laughter of Women is scheduled for the London Intl Film Fest. There are two showings. Friday, November 12, at 1:15 pm and Saturday, November 13 (prime slot) at 9:00 pm. Bethan, start working on this NOW!!

Good, Karen's posting again! Don't worry about the graphics, just put them on www.firth.com and reference them from there. I can create accounts for anyone that wants to store files and have their email be @firth.com.

Okay...I'm off the hook. It's outta the bank....Now it's up to some UK distrib to pick it up in London. Bethan/Ann/ Allison.....we'll expect a report of the film:-))

Just checked Sidewalk.com to make sure I was not dreaming about MLSF and amazed by their interpretation of the movie. Thought you may want to know: Premise: A pre-pubescent Scottish lad discovers sex in the days of yore. Pitch: My Life as a Dog minus the charm Pedigree: Director Hugh Hudson directed the celebrated Best Picture-winning Chariots of Fire, as well as the despised Al Pacino clunker Revolution. Audience: Period piece-loving blue-hairs; anyone too highbrow for American Pie. ...... Background: Kristin Scott Thomas and Gwyneth Paltrow have cheated on Colin Firth in his previous Miramax films, The English Patient and Shakespeare in Love; this time around, it's his turn to be unfaithful. The last part (Background) made me LOL! I did not know this was a public opinion but just firthette's joke.

(Xian) I did not know this was a public opinion but just firthette's joke. One of these days a review is going to be written that doesn't use the word cuckold. I think there is a yellow Post-It note over Colin's picture in every casting director's binder with that word. Argh!!

Karen, you have made my day!!! So "The Secret Laughter of Women" finally emerges from the darkened bank vault and hits a big screen! I'm happy, even if nothing more happens. Showing on the Festival circuit means that it actually exists. I noticed that another Handmade Film "Sweet Angel Mine" which was made in 1996, opened at a London indepedent cinema last week, so perhaps the Bank is finally shedding its wares. O frabjous day. Callooh! Callay! Even if SLOW gets lousy reviews, I shall still be happy! I pr mise. You can relax now, Evelyn! DQ related...I noticed that there's a new TV drama series scripted by Donna Franceschild (?) who scripted "Donovan Quick". It's an adaptation of a novel, and it's had extremely good reviews for the quality of the writing. Good omen.

Oh, and one other little gem, a link between SLOW and the Dome. Peter Gabriel wrote the soundtrack for SLOW, and he's also composed the music, and helped with the story and visuals, for The Millenium Show which will be shown five times a day in the central auditorium which seats 12,000 people. Both MLSF (Simon Rattle/Birmingham SO) and SLOW have superb soundtrack credentials!

Why, oh why, couldn't the SLOW news have been available a week earlier, before I booked my non-refundable London flight - I could pull out my hair to think that I could have seen it ... and won't. :-C Lynda is trying to pull herself together...and be positive; maybe - she is praying very hard - it will get picked up for distribution. Its exposure at the LIFF is certainly a more promising circumstance than its heretofore burial in a bank vault.

Images that have been haunting you, Evelyn? ;-D But now it's...

How to book tickets for SLOW or anything at the LIFF: � By post NFT members get priority booking (max. 2 tickets per film) for most screenings. Postal bookings will be processed from 1 October. Tickets booked during the priority period will be sent out by 22 October. � By telephone from 15 October Call the box-office on 0207 928 3232, 9am-9pm. American Express Cardmembers have priority booking from 8 October (phone lines open 11.30am-8.30pm) � In person from 15 October At the NFT box-office, open daily from 11.30am-8.30pm, or at the Evening Standard Film on the Square ticket booth, Leicester Square (opposite Empire Cinema), open from 29 October - 18 November, 12noon-9pm � At the venues On the days of the screenings, tickets will be available from the venues half an hour before the first show � There is no online booking

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I finally took Karen's advice and posted a few observations on MLSF on 121. I'm so glad to hear that SLOW will finally see the light of day, but can only wonder how long a journey it will take to find a theater that will screen it. Great news, anyhow!

Great news for SLOW, I wonder if CF will attend? He will be in London rehearsing for 3DOR. Bethan, Ann, Jana, Arami you must attend! We need a full report. (Terry), Don't worry about the graphics, just put them on www.firth.com and reference them from there. I can create accounts for anyone that wants to store files and have their email be @firth.com. Did I miss something? Are we suppose to worry about the graphics if we do not reference them from firth.com? (Karen), I think there is a yellow Post-It note over Colin's picture in every casting director's binder with that word. Argh!! I think you're right.:-( that's what my DH thinks too BTW, MLSF did not open in Fort Lauderdale, I have checked. Please let Mari know.

(just a test for an email I received)

... He will be in London rehearsing for 3DOR 3 DOR will begin on Nov. 9th....so he will be performing on stage both times that SLOW is screening. ***** LOL Karen...Indeed, that film has been an albatross around my neck for almost two years.I curse the day I started calling Handmade.And I know the bank feels the same:-) I'm glad it's back home....Really feel I should attend and give it a send-off"-)

I wonder if we will ever get to see SLOW. He lloks so gorgeous in the publicity stills. Why is the spring so slow again?

I wonder if we will ever get to see SLOW I'm much more hopeful now. To be honest, the most that I could hope for a movie like SLOW, which just isn't obviously commercial (would never be picked up for general multiplex release) is that it would open in London, and then go to video. Which is what happens to most of the films I want to see!(My taste is no longer catered for!) I'd love to see a video release for SLOW. On beautiful hands, a recent survey of what women like in a man (headed "size doesn't matter"!) rated eyes as the most important feature, followed by an attractive smile, trim butt, beautiful hands (and I thought no-one noticed!) and a sense of humour. Waste of time going to the gym really...four of the five are god-given and can't be improved artificially!

...eyes......smile......hands......butt......sense of humour They must have based their survey on material gathered on these boards. ;-P Waste of time going to the gym really...four of the five are god-given and can't be improved artificially! Excellent conclusion, Bethan. Mark and Ben, I can almost hear your sighs of relief ;-D. ------------- Thank you for the news about SLOW, Karen. It's a very good sign, we know now for sure they haven't given up on it. And even if it doesn't get a theatrical release, I guess we can look forward to the video release. This whole thing reminds me a bit of the Alan Rickman film "Mesner". It was made in 1994, and disappeared, only some rumours. Then, some months ago (5! years later) it emerged on German TV (dubbed), and in my video store (original). Here's what the Alan Rickman FAQ says: 7. What's the deal with Mesmer? Mesmer, is the story of the father of hypnotism that Mr. Rickman made with a Dennis Potter script directed by Roger Spottiswoode. The original backers claimed the finished film was not the version they had financed and sued for their investment to be returned. The film is now owned by an insurance company and may never be seen in the theater. The video of Mesmer is available from Videoflicks (see above).

There's a mention of Colin in today's Observer, within an article on the staging of "The Jew of Malta" by the Almeida Theatre. Here's the paragraph: "In a talkback session, one audience member worried that, despite Barabas's unholy record of murders, she didn't want him to die, which confused her. It's similar to the moral complexity evoked in a scene in the film The English Patient . One woman castigated Minghella for showing Colin Firth's distress outside the hotel in which he knows Kristin Scott Thomas and Ralph Fiennes are making love. It was too painful, she complained... which was precisely why it was there: to evoke an emotionally difficult res onse." If you want to read the entire article, here's the url: http://www.newsunlimited.co.uk/observer/review/story/0,3879,85787,00.html

Excellent sleuthing as usual Karen, many thanks. ODB better not be anywhere near the SLOW screening, there could be a riot from those of us with 3DOR tickets for that date!!!! Actually riot would be putting it mildly. Welcome back Ben and all delurkers, the more the merrier!

(Lizza) Welcome back Ben and all delurkers, the more the merrier! Welcome back, Lizza!! :-D (am becoming a vindaloo aficionado) For the LIFF (film fest, not financial futures) info, Evelyn's the lady with the sources! I just reported. think she is trying to distance herself from that movie, wonder why? ;-D

Just wanted to say that when time is on my side I will relate the tantalising tale of Wessex's codpiece as viewed personally by me at Chepstow!! Gosh wish I'd been HIS dresser for SIL!!!!

P.S. Thanks supersleuth Evelyn!!

Lizza, we are of course waiting for all your news so please do not make us wait too long. How about going to see SLOW? Will you be able to attend?

Thank you for the news about SLOW, Karen. It's a very good sign, we know now for sure they haven't given up on it. And even if it doesn't get a theatrical release, I guess we can look forward to the video (Renate) From what I rememember, from the days when I was always huffing and puffing about the Arts Council and National Lottery funded films, all National Lottery films are guaranteed some sort of theatrical release in the UK. They all seem to make it in the end, even if it's one week single screen in London! BTW thanks to both Karen and Evelyn for this news! Please tell your tantalising tale, Lizza! One woman castigated Minghella for showing Colin Firth's distress outside the hotel in which he knows Kristin Scott Thomas and Ralph Fiennes are making love. It was too painful, Obviously she was not an Almasy supporter or greatly moved by the central romance. "Juno and the Paycock" is now on at the Donmar (the next play will be 3DOR). The cast were rehearsing at the Old Vic.

Obviously the Fever Pitch tape was actually released ...... in the US, I guess, because they don't say so on the Yahoo movie site. There's also a board with some reviews of some Arsenal supporters, and Hornby readers. The average rating so far is 7.2. http://movies.yahoo.com/movies/guide/fever_pitch.html Meet Paul, an English teacher in his mid-thirties; a man with an obsession -- football. As the season and the film progresses, his team look certain to end a barren run of eighteen years without winning the Football League Championship. Paul meets Sarah, who has a propensity for severity, dourness and single-minded professionalism. Against their better judgment -- Paul thinks Sarah is too uptight, Sarah thinks Paul is a monomaniacal yob -- they embark on an occasionally stormy relationship. And Paul soon discovers that, unlike football, relationships aren't played out in seasons. Their roller coaster relationship becomes even more entertaining and enthralling than the nailbiting end to the League Championship, and Sarah comes to understand not only that football can be more than "just a game," but that it has the potential for the kind of heart-stopping dream-come-true moments rarely found in life. And here it comes........ what kind of listing is that? ;-/ Cast and Credits: Starring: Luke Aikman, Bea Guard, Neil Pearson, Ruth Gemmell, Colin Firth -------- Sorry if I were wrong, Evelyn: thanks to you for the SLOW news.

(Bethan) ... even if it's one week single screen in London! Then please, please, let it be the January 15 week! Meet you all there. ;-) --------- Ooops. Obviously they didn't refer to the FP tape but the theatrical release.

(Bethan) Obviously she was not an Almasy supporter or greatly moved by the central romance. Was there a central romance? Must have missed it. ;-p (Renate) The average rating so far is 7.2. The average is higher now. :-D Thank you, Renate. Yes, that is for the theatrical release of FP, but it hasn't opened anywhere yet. Sept. 24 was the one Phaedra fed to all the news services. It will be in NYC *only* in two weeks, then LA about 2-3 weeks later, unless by some strange phenomena, the demand is so great that it goes into wide release. I have a feeling that the video is being distributed by the same Canadian company that showed it there last year, but Phaedra isn't aware of it. Nothing prevents a Canadian firm (especially post-NAFTA) from selling to video rental places down here. We do use the same format. The price for the video in Canada is nearly $80, which means it is priced to rent. This ought to be hysterical.

No mention of SLOW, but an interesting article in yesterday's Observer on black films and filmmakers in Britain. Starts out with: "This is an idea for a British film called Satisfaction. A multiracial group of unemployed blokes - two black, one Asian, one oriental and two white - in Coventry decide to form a troupe of strippers. Sounds great? Preposterous? Familiar? It should be. This outline was the basis of the original idea that mutated into The Full Monty. Of course, other important changes took place before the film became the most successful (pre-Notting Hill) British film; for example the gangland subplot vanished. But the inference is clear; shifting the film's racial balance was important to its success. [...]As the London Film Festival in November prepares to celebrate the diversity of current world cinema, including a strong contingent of black films from across the globe, there seems little reason to break open the champagne at home. At the heart of the problem is the issue of funding. In Britain, aspiring film-makers have two principal sources: Film on Four and the Lottery funds. Under its former boss David Aukin, Film on Four, inspired by Channel 4's multi-cultural remit and his own tastes, backed several black-themed films including, Babymother, Secrets and Lies and The Crying Game. The latter were international hits, challenging the notion that black-themed films travelled badly. [...] Prior to the London Film Festival, there is a strong advance word for Rage from debut director Newton Aduaka, a gritty coming-of-age drama. However such films will continue to be rarities if an unfavourable climate persists. Allon Reich, Film on Four's deputy commissioning editor, says: 'I think if there is going to be a real push for black films to be made there would need to be a lot more black stars and black directors and writers with profile, making films around the country. Then clearly the floodgates will open like in America.' But since so few black films get made, the pressure for each one to perform well at the box-office is considerable. To read the entire article, here's the url: http://www.newsunlimited.co.uk/Print/0,3858,3905750,00.html

On beautiful hands, a recent survey of what women like in a man (headed "size doesn't matter"!) rated eyes as the most important feature, followed by an attractive smile, trim butt, beautiful hands (and I thought no-one noticed!) and a sense of humour. Waste of time going to the gym really...four of the five are god-given and can't be improved artificially! Thank God for that. So the best pose is to turn one's back to a woman, hands placed prominently on (back of) hips, and twist one's head round over the shoulder, winking but still managing to smile? If only someone had told me. BTW, I spent the w/e on Fire Island, near NYC, and was told by my hostess, quite unprovoked, that a couple of "her middle-aged girlfriends were obsessed with C.F., and had gone to London just to see him act." Are you out there, friends of Judy Schlosser?

Suuuuueeeeyyyy! Thanks, Evelyn and Karen--what good news about SLOW! Bethan, you must be ecstatic. I have a mental picture of all you British ladies camping out at the LIFF (then you'll move your tents to the Donmar...then to the Millenium Dome...). See, it's a good thing MLSF isn't coming over yet. You won't have time to see it! Before you distance yourself too far from SLOW, Evelyn, you might have had something to do with this. According to the article (As the London Film Festival in November prepares to celebrate the diversity of current world cinema, including a strong contingent of black films from across the globe) SLOW's interracial theme is v. appropriate for inclusion; however, I think your contact at the bank said "Let's get this one off the shelf! That American woman keeps calling me and I never have anything g od to tell her. And there's always that annoying dog barking in the background--sounds like a Labrador. Bet she drives a Volvo, too!" ;-P So take a bow, Evelyn! PS. Thanks for posting the picture, Karen, and thanks to Ann for sending it to you. Yes, Moon, what's up with that hair (heehee)? It looks similar to his do in that "fugly sweater" pic that's been around for years. BTW, the shirt looks familiar too--from the oft worn LA premiere ensemb? But there's plenty left to drool over ;-P~~~~ Ben, d'ya get the feeling that CF-ism is following you wherever you go?

While perhaps eager to come out of the closet and profess undying loyalty to Colin Firth, being described as middle-aged will only keep Judy's friends in hiding, I'm afraid. If someone from this group doesn't see SLOW, I'm going to be soooo depressed.

(Heide)If someone from this group doesn't see SLOW, I'm going to be soooo depressed. Have no fear....Spring will be represented at both screenings. We are a die-hard group ...not just rhetorical:-))

My, oh my.... I have just emerged from a two-week horror show at work (two weeks without Drool - a supreme deprivation, I assure you) and have finally managed to get through the 300+ posts you prolific lovelies have created in my absence. I have missed you all, what a lot has happened! Ben has returned - welcome back Mr. B :-) Three lovely newbies, welcome Amy, Sylvana and Nancy (and a big welcome to Xian since I don't think I had time to post a welcome to you when you first joined. I LOL at the vision of you stocking up on ice cream to endure each new CF film!) dear dame winter has returned from the salt mines of summer and that nasty nescessity of earning the filty lucre Flashy is possibly on the ropes :-( But SLOW is finally going to get a publice screening! Yippee! (Evelyn) Have no fear....Spring will be represented at both screenings. Dearest E., could you possibly be thinking of going yourself :-)? This will top your flight to Houston to see MLSF. I hope a lot of you who are close to London can see SLOW and provide a full report. It may be the closest the rest of us get to seeing it, but we will bask in just one degree of separation.

Janadear dame winter has returned from the salt mines of summer and that nasty nescessity of earning the filty lucre You said it, sista! Now I'm back in the dungeons of grad school, taking part in the nasty necessity of .... now what was it I was doing again? ;-)

In my roving newshound capacity, phoned Working Title (BJD) and TV Times (Flashman). According to Working Title, the shooting of BJD has been postponed until next year.(October had been suggessted as a start date) It is still heavily in development. But obviously with a producer and director in place it is very much a "go-er". Flashman...TV Times person said that they had no more details other than what was published. I asked if the facts were correct, and she said that to the best of their knowledge the information they publish is correct. I think all major projects can have a long gestation period (witness all the postponements of BJD) but normally do take off as planned.

BJD....sorry, rather ambiguous. October 1999 was the original start date, now it's sometime next year (Spring?)

Attention!! Miramax's website now says that MLSF will be out on video on January 25, 2000. Yeah!!!

...and I forgot to mention that Miramax has forgotten for the second consecutive week to report box office results for MLSF. Have decided that Miramax doesn't want the Scottish Arts Council to know how much the film really made, so that it expects some return on its investment.

Hi, Jana and Lizza, thanks for yr. welcomes. Hi Winter, again. Where have you Angelinos been? Eileen, CF'ism is indeed very common - I am now rather suspicious of a woman who is NOT seriously disturbed by the man. (I met someone the other day who confessed to having had an obsessive pash on The Firth when he was in Another Country, but not since. My only explanation was that she was a paedophile - sure she liked CF when he was a boy, but no longer? That was just weird.) The truth is, I feel a little more exclusive as a fan of LDE. Few people know who she is. I usually manage to get away with a few exquisite seconds of belief when I tell people that the beauty on my computer screen is my girlfriend. The average observer then laughs, dismissively and pityingly, before returning with more concentration to the photograph.

Just a reminder: Come and join us, we are having a birthday party for Karen at topic 72. See you there!

(Ben)The truth is, I feel a little more exclusive as a fan of LDE. Few people know who she is. Some day, Ben....Her day will come:-) But she's got lotsa' guys out there...we hear 'em!!

(Bethan) According to Working Title, the shooting of BJD has been postponed until next year. No surprise there. Bet they're having no better luck deciding who will make the best Bridget than we are! Flashman... she said that to the best of their knowledge the information they publish is correct. Well, they'd never come right out and tell anyone they print unconfirmed rumors, will they? But I'll take this! Thanks for making the calls, Bethan. (Karen) Miramax's website now says that MLSF will be out on video on January 25, 2000. Yeah!!! Goody! Soon everyone will get to see it, one way or another.

Evelyn - but that's NOT what I want! I'm quite happy that she's not that well known. That others like her is no great surprise, and unecessary as confirmation of her qualities. And I wouldn't wish fame on her anyway. This gets us back to the perennial question of CF's fame, and whether he has received his "just reward", but I don't see that either CF or JE should remain unsatisfied until they spend their afternoons gliding fown Hollywood Blvd. in a lino' and trying to avoid the press. None of you needs to know he's adored by millions to know you like him yourself. And surely CF himself is more satisfied that dozens of people crossed the Atlantic to see him on stage than he would be by appearing on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. The same goes for JE, I would guess. I admit these aren't the only alternatives, but may she perform in interesting and challenging pieces in front of a few sooner than crap roles in front of millions.

Bethan thanks for making the telephone calls, I still live in hope that there may be something in the TV Times Flashman story and re BJD perhaps they have postponed filming BJD to allow Colin to fulfil his 3DOR commitment and will start filming in February!!! Heide I am hoping to get tickets to see SLOW and I am sure that there are others hoping to go!!!

(Ann) I am hoping to get tickets to see SLOW and I am sure that there are others hoping to go!!! If Bethan does not see SLOW she will never live it down. Nevah!! Right, Bethan? :-)

Meluchie has asked me to tell everyone that she is putting her set of laserdisc P&P up for bidding on e-bay.If you are interested pl. go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=171903512 ~~~~~~~~ (Ben)And surely CF himself is more satisfied that dozens of people crossed the Atlantic to see him on stage than he would be by appearing on the cover of Entertainment Weekly.......The same goes for JE, I would guess Indeed she was v. appreciative of the group that went to see TRT...we had a nice note from her thanking us for coming.(One fan came from LA and is returning on the 16th to see Summerfolk!) However, sadly, Ben...good starring substantive roles go to bankable stars theses days. The ones on mag covers .....the rest get mediocre supporting roles....albeit enjoying their privacy.It's a trade-off....

good starring substantive roles go to bankable stars theses days. (Evelyn) This is only true of Hollywood films, not of the theatre or of television. One of the most admired actors in England is Michael Gambon, not known in films at all, but with a fantastic career on the stage and on British television. Has his career been less satisfying than that of, say, Harrison Ford? I don't think so. The same went for Ian McKellen and Judi Dench until a few years ago. (I am always amused to read of Judi Dench's "late-blooming" career in many potted biographies over here.) I don't know. Maybe JE craves attention and material wealth. Perhaps stardom, wealth and the only repository of satisfying work coincide in Hollywood, but I doubt it. On occasion, it may even be the opposite. John Castle is a cautionary example. I think I told you this before, but Olivier picked out John, together with McKellen, to join the National in the early 60s. It was a fantastic opportunity. Shortly afterwards, he left the company and accepted a role in a film with, I seem to remember, Charlton Hes on. The film turned out to be crap, his film career went nowhere (he is a very entertaining villain in one of the Robocop films) and it took him a long time to get back into the scene in England. Things are preumably more fluid today, and it would be difficult to imagine a theatre company as great as Olivier had then. But the point remains. Maybe all this reflects my own prejudice - if I were an actor, I would far prefer to be on stage, because most films are crap. It may also reflect a transatlantic divide about what constitutes "success". Anyway, with apologies for having ranted on....

The truth is, I feel a little more exclusive as a fan of LDE Sorry if I'm being dumb Ben, but is LDE a code for Jennifer Ehle? If not, who is LDE? Thanks to everyone for all the news over the past few weeks. I'm still faithfully reading everything, even if I'm not posting. Back to lurkdom...

Yipee! Spring is alive and well. Thank you, Terry and crew, for kicking the server or whatever you did to get us back on-line.

This might be old news, I'm not sure, but, I picked up In Style Magazine (Kate Winslet with short hair on cover), and I'm browsing looking dead at me is Colin Firth (um, old photo). He was on the page that asked stars what they do for relaxation and he said he likes to go to Rome (um, yeah, right). Well anyway, there he was.

Wotcha, Laura. Where were you? Hello CatheyP, if only briefly, as you go back into the cold. Make sure you come and warm yourself again by the ardent fires of the Firthettes. LDE is "La deesse Ehle" (deesse - you'll have to imagine the acute accent over the first 'e' - is French for goddess.)