I don't watch E much, but that is about to change. Got tape in slot and ready for action. Thanks, Karen

Don't you think it would be misleading to have My Life So Far discussed on the Shakespeare in Love Spoiler topic? I'd rather start a new topic if that's the consensus. Well I know we all don't really care if Colin's character in RV is gay or not. Most of us just want to see him play a strong romantic lead for a pleasant change and this role probably isn't going in that direction. Plus I have concerns that Noel Coward doesn't translate well to modern audiences. But hey, I thought the premise of Shakespeare in Love looked absurd so RV will probably end up with a Best Pictur Oscar. ;-) Rumpie pumpies, Evelyn? I'm afraid to ask.

(Lidya) Thank you for having such a great eye, Karen. On this, I cannot take credit. I was tipped off earlier in the day. Can't abide watching E! without cause. Its "Fashion Emergency" show depresses me. ;-) (Heide) Rumpie pumpies, Evelyn? I'm afraid to ask. Something tells me they're not shoes... I think MLSF needs a separate topic. Its opening is going to be staggered across the country (and hopefully it will make it) and then outside the US. What's another topic? Gotta put Heide back to work. Anybody want any others?

and Renate, the collage for MLSF at that website is charming. Thanks.

(Heide) Rumpie pumpies, Evelyn? I'm afraid to ask. (Karen)Something tells me they're not shoes... Was this not Firth's own term for the f..f..frolicking without those shoes on?! Heide, sure, go ahead and make more topics. We already irk the folks down below with our eagerness and productivity. Perhaps if they'd get their rocking chairs off the porch and get to thinking it might be worth while to visit them. I know they'd like us to join them in their conferences. Actually, some are quite entertaining and others are irresistable. And, since they lurk, I'll let them guess who is who ;)

From an article in The Times about Max Beesley (Tom Jones). He is in a new movie called "The Match" about football. (bet we won't get to see that one either she mumbles) "Beesley soon experienced what is commonly known as the Colin Firth effect. He went from handsome bloke in nice tight white pants to national sex symbol, almost overnight. He was a tabloid editor's dream, a more photogenic Ewan McGregor. His love life was scattered all over the front pages, but all the while Beesley remained an extremely focused, non-smoking Buddhist who took in a few dance classes at Pineapple studios during the week. Ask him how this sudden brush with fame didn't turn him into a cocaine snorting brat and he really ponders the question." If you want to read the rest, go here (under Metro - Film): http://www.the-times.co.uk/news/pages/Times/frontpage.html?999

Thank you M'dear. Why did they link his sudden fame with CF in one sentence and then link him to a cocaine-snorting brat in the next? I think that is patently unfair. But, as you suggest, I shall go read the entire story.

I just re-read RV this afternoon....I'm afraid I gonna backpedal a little bit...Peter does seem a little effeminate. Of course, I was looking for signs of being gay.... Colin might not play it that way at all. Alas...it seems that the days of romantic "rumpy-pumpies" are over!! Could be played in several ways. Perhaps more commitment-phobic! I think Peter is a typical upper class "type" from the early fifties. It's just after the Second World War. He would have come out of the Services, found that he had to work to earn a living (no more living on unearned income), be wary of marriage and involvement, opting for a quizzical onlooker's role. But he's certainly not one of the lads! I have a feeling that, ironically, we would have seen him in a romantic plus role in SLOW (didn't Caroline Goodall describe it as a "sexy" film!) But the fates have decreed otherwise! There's a great new P&P site at http://www.pinehurst.net/~mshupeck/ I was particularly interested in the Guest Book - it seems that even after three years people are still discovering P&P!

For those with picture files, but no knowledge about uploading them I recommend to register at Visto (free), they guide you through the procedure: http://service.bfast.com/bfast/click/mid1291956?siteid=5325183&bfpage=home They offer an option to store files online to share with friends, f.e. post them here. Very useful, and helps Spring with a small contribution.

Sorry to use this board so off-topic: Marcia, Karen, Heide, Terry, wer, whoever is involved in the Visto-thing: I have copied the above link from the one you deposited so secretly on http://www.firth.com/ , so I assume they will realise that anybody coming in through the above one is from Spring???!!

The glamorous Firth - dashing Darcy article from the Sunday Times made it into the Toronto Star this morning under the headline "Why prince took movie cad's title - Edward came up with a royal brainstorm after watching villainous Wessex". (I still don't get why Wessex is villainous; Shakespeare is the serial adulterer here.) Also in the same Arts section is an article about Noel Coward which is a little heartening re: Colin's participation in RV. It doesn't mention him or RV, as it is related to the Shaw Festival's upcoming production of Easy Virtue, but does make some interesting observations. Talks about Coward as being "undervalued" because he is seen, wrongly, as a "dilettante" and that "proper recognition - in addition to that paid by the Shaw Festival [ which consistently stages Coward plays, I might add ] - is probabl long overdue" (ditto for CF). Goes on to say, " The best of Coward's plays operate on several levels, (Shaw's artistic director Christopher) Newton argues. "'The people have a natural wit, like Oscar Wilde's people. But underneath that is a whole range of very complex emotions - responses to what is happening. But the verbal level is not necessarily showing you what is going on emotionally (let us hope RV's director agrees). Newton also says that Coward's line are not quotable or funny out of con ext; perhaps, as Colin says of playing Darcy, the physical dimension is essential to do Coward justice.

I've closed the tag. Thank you, Marcia, for the rumpy pumpy translation. Makes perfect sense now. Am thinking about a few choice scenes from The Advocate now... (Bethan) Could be played in several ways...He would have come out of the Services, found that he had to work to earn a living (no more living on unearned income), be wary of marriage and involvement, opting for a quizzical onlooker's role. But he's certainly not one of the lads! Yeah and maybe while he was away during the war, his fiancee ran off with a member of the resistance France. (We could really make this character interesting!!) OK, Bethan, I shall try to keep an open mind on this one. ;-D Let's hope, keep our fingers crossed, that Londinium is that lead in a romantic comedy that we've wanted...to take the place of SLOW. Renate's suggestion about using Vista for your images sounds like a great solution for both Allison and Bethan and their new scanners. Especially if it helps Spring out financially. Think I'll go check it out to see what this service has to offer. Have some ranting and raving to do about Entrapment. Will take it over to 72.

(Lucie)How many are going to the next 3DOR? Keep tuned to Springfolks list. ( Heide) Rumpie pumpies, Evelyn? I'm afraid to ask. I didn't make that up...that's a London Times term (Heide)But hey, I thought the premise of Shakespeare in Love looked absurd so RV will probably end up with a Best Pictur Oscar. ;-) We have a poor track record for predicting....remember when ATA came out...hey with a Pulitizer book and that cast...there was Oscar talk all over the place. Then with SIL we went soon aft it opened for fear that it would go off in a week...that film is still playing at First Run theatres....America refuses to let that film go!!Should be out in video soon.Then we can discuss it on #98 since some of us have the screenplay. Let's leave the SIL topic as it is now...and delete it later. I'm in favor of a separate MLSF topic. ***** Thank you Heide...and Karen....you girls do a lot for us. We don't tell you often enough how much we appreciate you , Terry,& the Spring team, Murph and the team at colinfirth.com. These are the only Colin websites I go to.

Sorry for the tag problem but on my screen everything looks fine, so I didn't realize that anything was amiss, untill Karen e-mailed me.

No need to apologize. We've all done it. And as most of the older members of this group can tell you, I've done far worse!! ;-D

(Evelyn)...days of romantic rumpie-pumpies are over... I think ODB's response to that would not be "Alas!" but rather,.."Oh, I HOPE so!"

Yeah and maybe while he (Peter) was away during the war, his fiancee ran off with a member of the resistance France. (We could really make this character interesting!!) OK, Bethan, I shall try to keep an open mind on this one. ;-D (Karen) LOL! Now bear with me, I've got another theory. Peter is described as Felicity's nephew, but as he is the Honourable Peter Ingleton, he must be the Earl of Marshwood's nephew (ie Felicity is his aunt only by marriage, not blood, and is of course now an unattached rich widow)). Felicity is describes as well-preserved fifty-ish, Peter as anywhere between 35 to 50. When I read RV, the relationship between Felicity and Peter struck me as almost flirtatious. They banter a lot,and smile at each other, he never alls her "aunt", always "Felicity", he kisses her affectionately, she hits him at one point, and at another looks at him "joyfully" (You see, I've really studied the text!!) If you forget the "nephew" angle, they very much seem to have something going between them and spend an awful lot of time together!. Forget for a moment it's Colin and JA, and just read it as the characters are described by Noel Coward! You see, it could be a romantic role!

Re: RV Peter ..gay??? Peter & Felicity??(Bethan) You see, it could be a romantic role! Felicity has some interesting dialogue directed at Peter...Fixing up Moxie with new make-up and hair-do..."You'll have to listen to him...he's quite good at that sort of thing"... Like I said: we have to see how he plays the role....

Thank you Karen

Re Evelyn's remarks of gratitude to those keeping our Drool flowing smoothly, I would like to add my thanks to wer (who lurks a lot) and most especially Terry, whose website this really is! Can you imagine opening a little website and having it turn into something this remarkable and vital to our individual survival as this is?! There are ladies who should also take a bow. Thanks one and all! This is also the only place I come, and I have met the most reamrkable and intelligent people anywhere in the w rld here. Thank you, also!

From the Times Diary today: Lord Puttnam is about to bid farewell to films. The producer of Chariots of Fire and The Killing Fields, who now spends most of his time chairing education task forces and acting as "godparent" to the Millenium Dome's Learning Zone, says that his latest film, MLSF, will be his last. "That's it, no more. I've tried to keep producing but I can't," the admirable Puttnam told me at a lunch to toast "star" teachers. It ends a jazzy career that climaxed in a forlorn spell trying to bring the British way to Hollywood as head of Columbis Pictures. "It is like having several plates spinning in the air at the same time," he concludes. "But my two lives are totally incompatable and they keep crashing to the floor." ****** I hope he is not referring to MLSF with his plate crashing analogy!!!

You beat me to it Allison! But it's good to see a reference to "his latest" film...maybe a release date is imminent. I've been reviewing websites (job related) and found two good sites. One, http://www.elibrary.com searches for magazine/newspaper articles (payment for access) and had a good list of CF articles. The other was a book ordering service which had a very recent interview with Helen Fielding http://www.powells.com/authors/fielding.html It's a much more genuine interview....she actually makes fun of herself and the sort of soundbites she has to give. On the sequel to BJD, she says it's more complicated than the original and that friends have read it and liked it. On the screenplay to BJD she says writing dialogue can be difficult (easier to write in novel form) and that they worry in case some things that work in the book (eg the over-the-top mother and her fling with Julio) would seem too sit-com-ish. Well worth reading. I know this should be at #80, but don't know if anyone is checking there.

Thank you Bethan for the two great websites. The Electronic Library is a winner. Anybody find an article on CF we haven't read? They have 30 on JE..will check to see if we have em all. (Bethan)Re; the Interview with HF... I know this should be at #80, but don't know if anyone is checking there. Probably should be on #80.... some BJ fans don't come here...their loss :-)

Did anyone else see on the sports report that Darcy tied for 4th with a -8 in the Irish open golf tourney.

Good Grief, no! Did you get a snappy of him to post? HOw was he dressed? How did he look? I am all eagerness!!!

Yes fascinating!!!!!

Just a question........MLSF opens next week, right? And gets a 50 city opening. I was surprised that there are no appearances on talk shows (Doesn't everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, do them) But are there no interviews with Colin anywhere? No mentions in movie mags? It seems so low-key, compared with the Rupert Everett experience! There was an article in one of our papers about the importance of the "recognition factor" and how personal promotion(not talent) boosts careers...quoted the example of "superstar" Catherine Z-J.(BTW Entrapment got poor reviews here, but do reviews really matter?) Colin's "recognition factor" in the all-important US market is probably not very high, and MLSF seemed the ideal opportunity. Lead role, Miramax backed. As I said, I'm puzzled!

Arn't we all, Bethan. Will phone Miramax today and say how much we in the Uk are looking forward to seeing MLSF. BTW does anyone know if Colin is to attend the Premiere in NY, which I believe is on Monday.

MLSF opens next week in ONLY NY and LA. It then opens in the next group of about 20 (??) cities on the 23rd and then nationwide on the 30th. Normally you see the stars on the late night talk shows right before the premiere (they stop off and make a brief appearance as these shows are taped). With a small film like this, you never know. If it gets great reviews or becomes a box-office hit, then the stars would be called in after to explain the phenomenon. That's what happened with Rupert Everett. He WASN'T one of the promotional contingent for MBFW. Julia Roberts, Cameron Diaz and the other guy went on all the shows. Rupert showed up a we k or so later when it was apparent that he was surprise hit of the movie. For this movie, we will have to study the fine print in our TV listings and check out the more esoteric shows like Charlie Rose. :-(

MLSF opens next week in ONLY NY and LA. ] Not true, it's opening here in Boston on the 16th of July. (Just one cinema, however.)

My Miramax rep told me this film had a small promo budget. He did not know who CF is....I know that's hard for us to believe...but there it is. I walked him through Colin's roles in TEP and SIL.In the US I would say his "recognition factor" is minimal.

(Karen) Yeah!! I saw the MLSF trailer on TV today and have taped it. How'd you manage that, Karen (aka lightning fingers)? Which channel was it on--mainstream or cable? I haven't seen any yet. I have seen three movies since last week (gotta do something when local power is out due to heat wave); watched no less than 20 trailers and *tsk* no MLSF. (Bethan) You see, it could be a romantic role Ugh! Incest! There's no predicting how close RV the movie will parallel RV the play, but from what you've all posted so far, Peter sounds gay to me. If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck....

Re lack of recognition. We know him well but he looks so different in every part he plays. I liked everything he did from 1984 onwards and yet did not know his name until P. and P. that my dears I think is the significance. Its what he wants to as we know very well. To be able to go the local, to go to a restuarant and to shop without having hordes following him. That we must accept. But it will soon be on video and we can enjoy him to our hearts content.

He (Miramax) did not know who CF is....I know that's hard for us to believe...but there it is. I walked him through Colin's roles in TEP and SIL.In the US I would say his "recognition factor" is minimal. (Evelyn) watched no less than 20 trailers and *tsk* no MLSF. Oh well, I rest my case! I presume the Miramax rep would have seen SIL. Can't understand why they're not showing trailers with AIH....it seems such an obvious link! Rapidly losing faith with Miramax....shall start offering prayers for outstanding reviews! :-) I guess the "recognition factor" is more important within the industry (than outside recognition by the public)....it meams bankability and offers of decent roles.

Thanks, Bethan for the elibrary link. There were a couple of articles I had not read before and several favourable reviews for Fever Pitch. I am most disappointed to learn that Fever Pitch ran in two Toronto theatres last summer (in my pre-Colin days) so there is no chance of it being released again there this year. Rats! IMO, great reviews won't help MLSF. Promotion is everything and this film is getting none. People can't see a film they don't know exists; most people I know rely on television advertising and movie trailers to lure them to movies. For those of you who can access it, Camille is being aired on Canada's Bravo! cable channel on Thursday (tomorrow) at 2:00 p.m.

I didn't do anything with the italics, honest, and don't know how to fix it.

(Eileen) Which channel was it on--mainstream or cable? I haven't seen any yet. The MLSF trailer was on E!'s Coming Attractions show. That's cable (home to Howard Stern and Joan and Melissa Rivers' celebrity fashion critiques, a small sampling of its quality lineup). I'm not sure this particular show is still being run (although they may have it for an entire week?), but it starts with The Haunting (CZJ) and ends with MLSF. Good luck! I have seen three movies since last week...watched no less than 20 trailers and *tsk* no MLSF. If I see the trailer for Bowfinger or American Pie one more time, I might... (AnneH) But it will soon be on video and we can enjoy him to our hearts content. Do you mean SiL? If so, it's a little more complicated than that here in the US. When SiL is released on video in August (10th?), it will be priced to rent, i.e., near $100. The DVD however will be in the $20-$25 range. But...I've read that this DVD is a "no-frills" version and that a "Collector's Edition" will be available for Christmas. What to do, what to do??? (Bethan) Rapidly losing faith with Miramax....shall start offering prayers for outstanding reviews! :-) Can't understand this low profile either. The reports from everyone who saw MLSF at Newport were very favorable. OK, most were a little predisposed to like it, but if it had been bad, I'm sure we would have been told that. Where is the infamous Miramax marketing muscle when you need it? The adult public is ravenous for quality entertainment this summer. Actually, Miramax should have positioned MLSF against American Pie--total opposites in execution. I guess the "recognition factor" is more important within the industry (than outside recognition by the public)....it meams bankability and offers of decent roles. Seems to me they would be related? Anyway, I didn't see Colin's name on that Tatler list of most popular party people. Sheesh! ;-D

Now don't get paranoid, Lynda! The italics are fixed. :-) Wish we got Canadian Bravo. Be nice to see a decent copy of Camille. The one that was sold is a really bad print. Color is washed out. Let us know how this one looks on TV.

No more italics.

I surely hope so!

I surely hope so!

I surely hope so!

Karen, *your* copy of Camille is in color? Mine is in glorious Black and White! I had no idea...and, sorry for that triple posting.

(Bethan).... .shall start offering prayers for outstanding reviews! :-) A worth-while project.... No publicity and bad reviews=Death. I saw Tea with Mussolini yesterday in the theatre where MLSF is to play on the 30th....no poster....no trailer!!

MORE BAD NEWS Just spoke to my local Miramax Rep... MLSF will now be released in NY and LA on July 23 And the top 10 markets will get it on August 6th. No plans for any expansion after that Agaaaaah!! Karen call Cara.

Aaaaagh indeed! Postponed again (again) Although somehow it doesn't surprise me. :-( Oh well, good news...it's not up against the might of EWS (what is it up against?), bad news...limited release. Why do Miramax keep shifting the goal posts? IMO, great reviews won't help MLSF. Promotion is everything and this film is getting none. People can't see a film they don't know exists; most people I know rely on television advertising and movie trailers to lure them to movies. Agree with you totally here, Lynda. It's been proved that most people who go to movies don't even read reviews! Well (positive thinking again) now Miramax has got more time to show those trailers!

Evelyn, do we know know what the top 10 markets are? Any chance of getting it near San Francisco? (Bethan) Well(positive thinking again) now Miramax has got more time to show those trailers! Good point! :)

I saw no trailers for SiL until just before it opened in NY last December (and I was watching lots of TV then). Perhaps Miramax believes in "just in time advertising" as opposed to many other studios who run commercials months in advance. Or perhaps they know this movie won't do well (I agree, Evelyn, CF has minimal recognition factor here in the US) in the mass market so they're taking a laid back approach. I wonder if the delay had something to do with getting theaters to show it. (Karen) If I see the trailer for Bowfinger or American Pie one more time, I might... And I saw neither of these. But if I see the trailer for EWS one more time, I'm gonna do a bad bad thing!

MLSF will now be released in NY and LA on July 23 And the top 10 markets will get it on August 6th. No plans for any expansion after that Agaaaaah!! Hmmm, saw that this morning when I happening to be checking a film release site and noticed that it wasn't listed for July 14 or 16 but for the 23rd. (FYI, other films opening on that date are The Haunting, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Inspector Gadget, and a couple of other v.ltd release ones.) Talked to several people at Miramax and nobody knows nothing other than the date changes. The NY screening will still be on the 12th, followed by a small dinner. When pushed, she said MEM would likely be there, but not CF. And it might be at the Crown Gotham. August 6th was given as the Top 8 markets (wonder which 2 got dropped out?), but there are no plans after that. Will see how it does. I may or may not get a call back from the bozos in Distribution, but they are probably out yucking it up at Big Daddy, South Park or American Pie. :-( Am very disappointed with Miramax. It is getting to be too much like the other studios. Was a time when Miramax would be actively promoting small films, now they're too interested in Scream 3 or the remake of Harvey. Think they need to reread their mission statement.

Who cares if it does well financially or critically, we Firthfans just want to see this movie, we have waited too long and to keep postponing it is just too much, this could go on for ever, why only the other day I heard that there was to be a small Premiere for it in NY on Monday the 12th, does this now still apply, I'm sure it can't be that bad that they have to keep postponing it, and why isn't it going wider now. Oh this is so frustrating, I thought once it was released in the US that it wouldn't be t o long before we got it here, what with SLOW and now MLSF, we certainly have to sweat it out for a glimpse of our DB. On a happier note I see, according to my local video shop, that SIL will be available to rent in August, and then I can slow mo and re-wind as much as I like.I bet youare glad you saw the film in Newport now Susan, its anyone's guess how many more times it will be postponed.!! (not a happy bunny, as you can tell)

Evelyn, are you still going to be able to see it on the 6th August, is it showing in Oklahoma City?

G'day droolers. I finally got here. Have been "lurking" for a while getting the gist of what goes on. I am so pleased to find that I'm not the only person who realises how talented, gorgeous etc. Colin Firth is. I am hoping to travel from Australia to London in January 2000 and plan on being at the Donmar on 15 January so I hope to meet up with those of you who are also going.

You're right, Ann, I'm very glad I saw it while I had the chance. Hopefully that will not have been my only chance -- from what Laura says, MLSF will definitely make it to Boston. These scheduling changes have me totally flummoxed. There is nothing about this film that would make a studio want to deliberately hide it from public view. Could it be that they're holding off till Colin is available to do promotion?

(Ann)Evelyn, are you still going to be able to see it on the 6th August, is it showing in Oklahoma City? No. Okla City is not one of the top 10 ...Not even second 10. The top 10 markets go by population and I don't know where SF ranks,. My guess is that they will see has it does in the top 10 (or 8, as Karen learned). Right now there are no plans for expansion to other cities. Along with Miramax,I really do care that it does well financially and critically...Because on that rests his future roles.This is his first starring film with a major studio since Valmont...and we don't want another fiasco like that one was. When we say trailers, we are referring to cinemas (a.k.a. coming attractions) We are not referring to TV.

Hi Cathey and welcome, if only Miramax realised how many loyal and devoted Firthfans there are out there, but I am going to look on the positive side, perhaps they are waiting for CF to be available, like Susan said, on the other hand how can they go from releasing it in 30 cities to only 8, whichever way you try to reason it it it just doesn't make sense, its hardly going to do well in only 8 cities!! BTW look forward to meeting you Cathey in January.

Welcome Cathey....we love newcomers to our board..... And you are just what this board needed on this depressing day. Tell us how you first came upon Colin . Have you seen him in many roles? We are discussing Femme Fatale on #98.Join us if you haveseen the film...or just join us period. I will be goingto the Donmar on 15 January so I hope to meet up with those of you who are also going. What a windfall!! A newbie and a recruit for 3 DOR in the new Millennium. We shall be delighted to have you...Look forward to meeting you there!!

The ironical thing is that we Firthfans probably upped the number of people going to see AIH, just in the hope of seeing a trailer for MLSF, no wonder it is No.10 ion the US Charts. Oh dear I think I had better go to bed.

(SB Robinson) Evelyn, do we know know what the top 10 markets are? Any chance of getting it near San Francisco? Just called my local library; according to the Motion Picture Almanac of 1998, the top ten movie markets are: NYC, LA, Chicago, Baltimore/DC, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Boston, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Detroit and Atlanta. I know Toronto is bigger than some of these cities, so perhaps MLSF will be shown there, but I also have a sister living near Philadelphia, so remain hopeful. How can this film be considered unworthy to show, considering the incredible dross that gets released? Anyone see Portrait of a Lady; now that was bad (and it starred the wretched John Malkovich). I do remember reading in one of the Newport reports that a lot of the audience were seniors and we know the film industry caters to the under-30's, but then why make this film in the first place? Where is ODB's guardian angel - he deserves so much better than this. However, Miramax may have a plan here!!?? BTW, I e-mailed Miramax twice in the last month at their MLSF site to find out about the release and never got a response. They need a less n in manners.

First of all, hi there Cathey! Can't make head nor tail of Miramax "strategy". Possibly they don't consider MLSF "suitable" for a wider release because it won't appeal to the dominant 14-25 year old market. I was checking what is on at our local multiplex today, and believe me, you'd have to pay me to see these movies. Complete dross. I think it's very difficult for actors like CF who obviously prefer films with some compassion and "heart". I'm puzzled why Colin isn't at the NY premiere, unless work commitments don't allow, although he could make an overnight trip to NY ( Miramax flew Judi Dench over on Concorde!). But it looks as though it will be very low-key and there'll be no interviews, except perhaps with MEM. How can he be recognised as a "star", if he's never seen!!! Opening on the 23rd means competition from Catherine Z-J (not my favourite by any means!)in The Haunting and Rupert Everett in Inpector Gadgett! Oh well, as Lynda says, Miramax may have a plan!

Cathey, always good to hear from new people. See, coming out of lurkdom doesn't hurt. Please jump in with both feet. We don't bite and we love to hear everyone's views. This Spring reunion at the Donmar is going to be great! (Susan) from what Laura says, MLSF will definitely make it to Boston. But it's not going to open there at the same time as NY/LA. I don't care what the person at the Kendall Sq said. Most of the people who work at the theaters can barely walk and chew gum at the same time. Besides, all bets are off now as to dates. BTW, the PR firm in Chicago that handles Miramax publicity locally said they have no clue as to what theaters it will be shown at and she's working now on any advance screenings that may be held. Said to call her back at the end of next week. (Lynda) Just called my local library; according to the Motion Picture Almanac of 1998, the top ten movie markets are To the head of the class!! So Detroit and Atlanta got shafted. Evelyn call the airlines! ;-) (Lynda) but then why make this film in the first place? There is an audience for other films, but the summer is relegated to the dregs or dross for the most part. Remember, it was considered a real gamble for Spielberg to release SPR last summer. (Bethan) Can't make head nor tail of Miramax "strategy". Let's try another approach. Perhaps Miramax looked at the disappointing receipts from The Winslow Boy (an excellent film that received consistently fabulous reviews) and decided that MLSF deserved a better shot and they moved it away from the heavy artillery of EWS and the grossout movies. Could be positive?? Have my fingers crossed. (Bethan) why Colin isn't at the NY premiere, unless work commitments don't allow That has to be the reason. It isn't going to be a big to-do. Besides MEM has to show her face. She could seriously be in contention for best actress this year. Miramax flew Judi Dench over on Concorde! Price of Concorde tickets is entire Miramax promotional budget. ;-)

(Karen)Besides MEM has to show her face.She could seriously be in contention for best actress this year. Surely, you're joking...for Limbo?? I'm puzzled why Colin isn't at the NY premiere, unless work commitments don't allow, If I were Colin I would demand to be at the opening of my film in the US. But knowing him....he breathed a sigh of relief. Jennifer has been giving interviews lately...and said recently..."I realize that sometimes you have to make a little noise". True, True.

Cathey, you're the lucky recipient of our new found talents for animated art. At least some of us have the talent! (lovely welcome, karen). So glad you're here. (Ann) if only Miramax realised how many loyal and devoted Firthfans there are out there, We appear to get visitors here from time to time. Who knows? I think the important thing to remember is that this film is two years old. Sure, that's Miramax's fault and I know we disagree with whatever their reason has been for putting off and putting off ad infinitum this film. But they have a reason which is probably why it appears to be close to being swept under the carpet. What more can we do but speculate until we figure out their strategy? By the way, a friend of mine has seen the MLSF trailer before either Big Daddy or Austin Powers, he couldn't remember which. Odd choices, don't you think?

To add further to your pessimism, he likes to be just an ordinary bloke. Although to a certain exten I believet C.F. cares whether a film makes it or not, we have read over and over again that when a film is finished thats it. To him its a job. Basically too as I have said before its his background and feels he has more important things to do To add to your sorrow I do not believe he will continue to act much past forty, so lets make the most of what we've got. Two films in the offing, a television f lm and 3dor in January.

Someone posted a message at ROP, P&P, saying that a pollhad been conducted in England and P&P and Darcy were voted the best mini series and hero since the invention of TV. Has anyone seen this. Maybe Miramax should read it.

(AnneH) To add to your sorrow I do not believe he will continue to act much past forty Why do you believe this? If you look at the list of actors he admires, they are all older and still acting in their 60s plus. I always had the impression that Colin wanted to follow in their footsteps, to be regarded as a very good, solid journeyman-type actor. (Evelyn) Surely, you're joking...for Limbo?? No joke. Have you seen any noteworthy women's roles yet this year? Not I. When her performance is deemed "a revelation" in a national mag, this will be hyped to get her the nom. And she is incredible, as are all the other actors. Not a bad one in the bunch. The singing will clinch it for her.

Quite the social activist. From The Independent: COMEDIAN MOCKS TAX-FREE ART SHOW THE BROADCASTER and comedian Mark Thomas, whose campaign has forced members of the aristocracy to pay tax on their inherited works of art, dismissed an exhibition of tax-exempt art as a "PR stunt" last night. Thomas, who has been campaigning for four years to force the owners of tax- exempt art to open their homes to the public, said the exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge was an attempt to soften government regulations on displaying tax-exempt art. [...] As part of his campaign, Mr Thomas arranged for 30 people dressed as pantomime animals and pieces of fruit to see a Gainsborough owned by Sir Evelyn de Rothschild. When they then all applied to see the other 300 objects Sir Evelyn had on the exempt list he took the works off the list and paid the tax due on them. *********** So do you think Colin dressed as a pantomime animal or a piece of fruit? ;-D

Well, as I entered the local "art" cinema, I inquired as to when "MLSF" would be showing, and the "CLERK" said, "not for a while".....and then as I waited for "An Ideal Husband" to play, there was ODB, COLIN, in the "MLSF" trailer....!!! YAAYYYYYYY!!! What this means is that the stupid clerk has no idea who CF is, nor that it will be shown at the theatre that pays her salary....I almost want to sob, but just knowing it is coming is enough for me.. WHERE ARE COLIN FIRTH'S AGENTS....????!@!!! He is so hot right now, wny is he not making the 'rounds' of the talk shows.....??? ARG!!!! Who cares about Rupert Everett when CF is so much better....!!!!! HELP!!!!! ckjones1@ameritech.net.com

The Web Release Schedule web page reports that MLSF will open in LA & NY on the 23thJuly, then 30th July top 20 markets, August top 40 markets,so many contradictory reports, and I agree CF should be at the Premiere, this is his film!!!

Yes, AnnW, I saw those listings at the website yesterday in the morning. I specifically asked Miramax about them (date by date) and they said they were wrong...to a woman, they said the info was wrong and I spoke to three different areas: Head of Publicity, Regional Publicity and Distribution. As Evelyn will verify later, the Miramax rep in OK *called her* because the changes had just been made to the schedule. Karin: What kind of HELP do you need?

Welcome, Cathey! If you've been lurking for a while you know we have our ups and downs here. Right now things are a bit down :-( (Evelyn) Along with Miramax,I really do care that it does well financially and critically...Because on that rests his future roles That's it, in a nutshell. BTW, I see movie trailers on TV all the time (as did Karen on E!) so I've come to use the term interchangeably with commercials. (Karen) Am very disappointed with Miramax. It is getting to be too much like the other studios Absolutely. Two best pic Oscars in three years and it's "goodbye independents." they're too interested in Scream 3 or the remake of Harvey Don't forget SiL II! Price of Concorde tickets is entire Miramax promotional budget. ;-) Hey, this may not be far from the truth! I read in 7/9 edition of Ent. Weekly that H'wood is, after years of inflation, undergoing an austerity program. No more $20 mil salaries (except for a select few, such as Jim Carrey *gack*); no more perks (e.g., no private jet for Sean Penn). There's hard times ahead for the rest of the food chain as well (character actors, producers, directors, writers, etc.). More movies are being filmed outside Hollywood (next to Karen's house, it seems) because it's cheaper Happily, since ODB is London based, he shouldn't be seriously affected by this. To add to your sorrow I do not believe he will continue to act much past forty Now there's a scary thought. If you had said this last year during the long Firth drought, I might have agreed. Presently he seems to have found his nitch, is content to be 'marginalised' and has that mortgage, so IMO he'll keep going. This week's Newsweek features a short interview with Rupert Everett (for all you RE fans out there :-P). It addresses how MBFW changed his career, being gay and Catholic, and how he would raise a child (??).

(Eileen) There's hard times ahead for the rest of the food chain as well... More movies are being filmed outside Hollywood (next to Karen's house, it seems) because it's cheaper Could've knocked me over with a feather when a woman led a little gaggle of children (extras) up my steps one day. She (the assigned tutor) had been told to use them (in the shade and nearby) since their van had been reassigned as all the *stars* were on set that day. That didn't fly with me!! Hey, after next week, they are off to Italy.

Miramax flew Judi Dench over on Concorde! OK, let's get real. When Colin wins a few Tonys, SWETs, BAFTAs, and gets an Oscar nomination (and is bruited for a second out of the film being premiered), I guarantee he'll get the Concorde treatment. I love the man's work, but he's no Judi Dench.

(Chris) OK, let's get real. But we like fantasyland! ;-D Unfortunately they don't like to give those awards to *heart-throb* actors. Nothing for Tumbledown. Nothing for P&P (and don't try to convince me that Robbie Coltrane deserved it...he's been doing Cracker year in year out..) Nothing for Playmaker. I could go on and on...

I just finished watching Camille (the film looked fine - no washouts). DB is very pretty, and appears to do more kissing in it than in the rest of his films together, but Camille seems a little passionless, considering the story. The difference between Armand and Mr. Darcy is the difference between a boy and a man. However, it may grow on me - I didn't care much for Wings of Fame first time around, but liked it very much after subsequent viewings (Karen) and don't try to convince me that Robbie Coltrane deserved it...he's been doing Cracker year in year out.. Unbelievable that Colin lost to Coltrane/Cracker; I guess the BAFTA panel never read P & P, so didn't realize the difficulty of the role. IMO, many actors could play Cracker well (though perhaps not ODB, as he would give the character some redeeming quality or other), but there is only one Mr. Darcy!! (Karen) Nothing for Playmaker. LOL! But who saw it!!??

He should definitely have won a BAFTA for Tumbledown, he certainly didn't play it for his looks, but he was SL. Still I have high hopes for DQ!! Have you been in touch with BBC Scotland recently Karen, do we kow when it is to be aired? Also Karen & Eileen you will both be able to see MLSF I hope and will report back and let us know what you both think of it, an unbiased opinion, of course.

(anne h.)To add to your sorrow I do not believe he will continue to act much past forty, so lets make the most of what we've got. Is this just a conjecture based on his interview a long time ago.? (Before Livia,...before he owned a new flat in London, a flat in Rome and a condo in LA).Plus school fees. Or do you have something more concrete to base it on? I'm not trying to be adverserial....just interested on the basis:-)

Thank you ladies for the warm welcome, with a special thank you to Karen. That was lovely, and very clever. (Evelyn) I have known of Colin Firth since I saw "A Month in the Country" many years ago. I then watched P&P2 the first time it was on TV, and knew that Mr Darcy was Colin Firth, but that was it. The 2nd time P&P2 was on TV, I taped it and watched parts of it on the odd occasion. But THEN one Sunday afternoon in November 1998 I was house-bound and decided to watch it again and since then I have been utterly and completely Firthsessed. I found it very difficult to find any information on him in Austral a but in January this year, the internet was loaded on to my computer (at work, I don�t have one at home) and since then its been WOW. I was blown away at how much interest in him there is around the world. I find myself arriving at work earlier and earlier so I have time to "go for a surf on the net". I have managed to track down a few of his earlier movies, but am still looking for "Valmont" "Femme Fatale" "Tumbledown" "Master of the Moor" "Camille" and "Dutch Girls". Given the problems you guys are having with MLSF, I have little hope of seeing it in Australia, especially as I live outside a metropolitan area. I may have to console myself with video (that�s if it makes it of course). I was shattered to hear about SLOW; I was really looking forward to that.

( Cathey)... Firthsessed.... New word to add to our vocab thanks Cath... Try http://www.reel.com ... for FF, Dutch Girls, Camille, Valmont.They have PAL too. For the others you'll have to find a firthsessed friend in Australia.

When Colin wins a few Tonys, SWETs, BAFTAs, and gets an Oscar nomination (and is bruited for a second out of the film being premiered), I guarantee he'll get the Concorde treatment. I love the man's work, but he's no Judi Dench. My comment about Judi Dench and Concorde was strictly tongue in cheek....I think if Colin ever gets the Concorde treatment I'll fall off my chair! :-) But even by ordinary scheduled flights, he could make a quick return trip to NY. He's got the lead role, and unlike at the AMFAR screening, might attract some attention from the media. RE. BAFTAs...even Robbie Coltrane looked surprised when he won his third BAFTA in a row for the same role! Cathey, I'm sure that dates for MLSF have been set for Australia....August?

Cathey fear not MLSF is scheduled for Oz. Hi, I live in Perth, where do you live. You can still get Camille from video shops, I did. Get in touch with me tell me a bit about yourself and perhaps something can be arranged. There are quite a few of us who like him your are not alone.

Re my suggestion of giving up acting at forty. He is becoming quite deeply involved in politics and I have a feeling about it. Not to worry I just posted my feelings to get a reaction. My apologies. Does anyone no what Londinium is about I have had a query from a friend here in Perth and I thought I would enquire on this board.

"Yes, Virginia....There is such a movie......." Good News: PREMIERE MOVIE MAGAZINE August edition P. 24. Cinemascope: Movies That Matter This Month : MY LIFE SO FAR: Drama: starring Colin firth and Mary elizabeth Mastrantonop ; directed by Hugh Hudson " Perceptive ten-year-old fraser Pettigrew marrates his life so far, which includes watching his parents' marriage quietly crumble and learning about the 'temptations of the flesh' via naughty books. With MLSF, Hudson (Chariots of Fire) delivers a rich and complexly woven drama about familial love and tensions, set against the lush, idyllic backdrop of the Scottish countryside. Release date: July 16 (Miramax) Yeay!!!It was listed along with EWS,Runaway Bride,.... At least a movie mag is admitting there is such a film....:-)

PREMIERE MOVIE MAGAZINE Yes Evelyn!!!! That is very comforting. I picked up a British magazine called Company just because it had "The 100 Sexiest men" on the cover, but to my disbelief, it had everyone, and I mean everyone, but CF! BTW, I loved the Harpers & Queen pictures of JE! She is looking prettier every time.

Thankyou for telling us about the Premiere magazine article Evelyn, I'm glad they liked it, I'm beginning to think HW is really trying to protect this film and give it as good a chance as possible but I would like to see a fe more trailers in the cinemas, there is still time though.

Firth Fans: Spring Fans and Lurkers.... Time to circle the wagons..... Wanna do something besides ring hands and worry....? Call corporate Miramax in NY: 212-941-3800 Ask who the Miramax rep in your city is....because you wish to inquire when MLSF is coming to you nearest city. Then call that person and tell them how much you wish to see this film and when will it be released in your city...(or nearest city).You don't have to give a name... And it won't cost much because you won't talk long. The time has come..."to make a little noise...." Let's hear reports from everyone....

Thank you, Evelyn for the Miramax info. Sounds like a good idea...anything to feel less helpless about it--especially for those of us outside the range of the "Top Ten" (or "eight"...whatever.)

It is Top 10. I misunderstood. It was NY & LA plus the next 8. OK, so math wasn't my subject...

He is becoming quite deeply involved in politics An interest in social justice does not necessarily signify a deep involvement in politics.

And then again it may. Who really knows? A Miramax rep in my little town? Is there such a creature? Good idea, Evelyn. This woman makes things happen.

More on Fever Pitch's change in release dates, per Phaedra (an elaboration of what Winter posted a few days ago) It is being pushed back to due (1) inability to get screens and (2) the tie-in with the beginning of the English League Soccer season in August. Phaedra has made arrangements to promote on Fox Sports (which has the rights to these games) during the soccer matches and sportscasts. I think the games are shown tape delayed on Sunday nights. (Live on Pay per View) Now some horrible news: Spike done ripped off from Fever Pitch!! Saw Summer of Sam and there's a big, loud, great action montage set to Baba O'Reilly just like in FP. Even had scenes at Yankee Stadium. Bwaaaaahhhhh!!

Another CF film update: Was jogging down my street this AM, and what did I see plasterd on the front of our local art house theatre: "My Life So Far!"....coming soon... What was so cool about it was right next to "An Ideal Husband" poster.

TWO BIG THUMBS UP!!! My Life So Far was reviewed on Siskel & Ebert, and Roger and his guest critic, Norman Marks, gave it glowing reviews. Norman did the film overview and got to give his opinion first. He said: "MLSf is the kind of lovely, lovable film that lots of people say they want to see and then unfortunately don't." He mentioned that the Scottish accent might be somewhat difficult to understand, but when Roger started he said he disagreed. The accent was perfectly understandable. This was not Trainspotting where you needed subtitles. Norman said the film meandered, but he thought that it seemed right, since the story is told throught the eyes of a child, who cannot control events. He said it involved him, despite the fact that he shouldn't have been able to relate to a family that lived in a castle, had servants and something about the spanghum moss. Roger was laughing. Then it was Roger's turn. First words out of his mouth: "I loved this film." (HOORAH!!!) He talked about Puttnam and Hudson reuniting. He loved the delightful dottiness of the family. Then Norman mentioned the fact that the film has been fiddled with for the past two years and said that sometimes we (the critics) know too much about a film's making (like its budget, problems, etc.). Roger said that he didn't know that (huh?? he was in Cannes and he spoke to Puttnam) and wished he hadn't been told. Usually that means that the film needs work. He said in MLSF's defense: "fiddled with it until they got the tune just right because this film doesn't have a wrong note in it. It's just de ightful from end to end." They showed a couple of clips. The first time you see Colin, he is poking his head into a hayloft type place where Fraser and Heloise are talking. You see him scowl. Then there's a scene at the dinner table (not the pushing the hand away thing), but where Fraser proposes that the women go into prostitution. Hardly anyone is singled out. At the beginning, Norman said "Uncle Morris is energetically played by Malcolm McDowell." Also, major kudos for Rosemary Harris. He said: "She deserves a special Os ar for continuing greatness." Otherwise, nothing mentioned about the acting. Just a great film. Whew!! Major hurdle crossed. Check at the Siskel and Ebert website later in the week. You will be able to hear the review. Here's the url: http://tvplex.go.com/buenavista/siskelandebert/reviews.html

Well the posting did deserve the emphasis, but I have closed the tags. Was way too excited!!

And I have double-checked, they are closed. BTW, this show was taped before the change in the release schedule. Go to the site to find out when it shows in your area and on what station.

TWO THUMBS UP!! Great news to wake up to Karen, thanks very much. I would have liked it if they had mentioned Colin but I am very happy and have high hopes for this film. S&E's opinion is well thought of believe, is that correct?

Thanks Karen for both the MLSF and FP news! And Winter,it's great to hear that the posters are going up. The eerie silence surrounding this movie has been making me nervous! Even if the dates have been shifted, I was still expecting that there would be some reviews. Small films can make an impact if they're "talked up" well in advance (like The Full Monty)......but you have to be told "hey, there's this great little movie coming out". There has to be some expectation. BTW I'm very glad that MLSF isn't opening the same week as EWS (why was it ever scheduled for then?). We're already getting the build up over here....lengthy articles about the filming of the "erotic masterpiece", photos of the kiss etc. In terms of coverage, it will bury all other films. Phaedra sound as though they've got a marketing strategy for FP. Good for them! Women's soccer seems to have a very high profile in the US at the moment...maybe a lot more people will be able to relate to soccer fandom. News item last week about plans for a Nigerian Arts (Music, Drama, Film) Festival somewhere in the UK. No shortage of material in music and drama, but they are actively looking for movies to show. I know the Bank have completely given up on SLOW (and am not resurrecting the subject, I promise!)and relegated it to the archives, but there are opportunities for less commercial showings, and more importantly, reviews (which say "this film is not a turkey!) Better than nothing! Any sightings of Colin on talk shows? All he's got to do is walk across the studio floor, grin a lot (and not tweak his nose), and utter a few platitudes (great movie, loved working on it, Scotland is beautiful etc) and his "recognition factor" will go sky high!

(AnneH) S&E's opinion is well thought of believe, is that correct? Very correct. S&E made film review a popular media. Siskel's death was even mentioned at the last Oscar ceremony. Roger is a very well-respected critic and Miramax is probably jumping for joy that the commercials can now say in voiceover, "Roger Ebert loved this movie." The guest critic, Norman Marks, is local to Chicago. I've heard him for ages on the radio doing his reviews. I believe he is just broadcast (radio and TV) and not print. (Bethan) Any sightings of Colin on talk shows? Not so far. In fact, the schedule is not cooperating. Both Letterman and Rosie O'Donnell are on reruns next week. Is there some kind of special holiday going on in NY that we don't have here? Argh!! However, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio will be on Regis and Kathie Lee on Monday. She will no doubt be talking about MLSF and Limbo (for which she stands an excellent chance of being nominated for awards...if she keeps in front of the public). Definitely need to check up on the Charlie Rose show, unless he's in reruns as well. All he's got to do is walk across the studio floor, grin a lot (and not tweak his nose), and utter a few platitudes...and his "recognition factor" will go sky high! LOL!! Would love to see him on Leno (maybe after the movie is out and Colin can break away from Londinium). Jay would be doing his tough machoman, hitching up the pants bit, and say, "Hey, I hear that you had all the women in England laid out over your wet shirt and tight breeches..." ;-D

Murph has posted my summary of the S&E show review segment on her news page: http://www.geocities.com/~murphyat65/news2.html Also, I have sent her a NEW picture from MLSF, which she has posted as well on the MLSF page: http://www.geocities.com/~murphyat65/mlsf.html

Marvelous news! Hey, I was never worried. (sure, Heide, sure) I don't think there's a more powerful reviewer in the US than Ebert (including Maslin) so perhaps now Miramax can finally start the publicity machine. I'll be taping MEM on Regis tomorrow. Karen and Murph, you sure don't let any grass grow under your feet. Thanks.