What was the song that Colin was singing in "Shakespeare in Love"? I remember he was riding along the road, but I can't remember what it was. As I recall, he's not half bad, either.

Karen, could we ask you to include the source/date/title/author etc in your wonderful reports? It would give them that perfect, classy finishing touch... Thanks!

(Moon)So now we know, he likes sushi! He's liked sushi for a long time....from early "Meg-days"...UK article recalled grocery man in Vancouver who said they (CF and Meg)often came in to buy fish to make sushi. Thanks Karen.

Karen, could we ask you to include the source/date/title/author etc in your wonderful reports? It would give them that perfect, classy finishing touch... Thanks! And blood-type?:-))

this guy Quick is a bit of a loser� (Moon)But does he lose the girl this time? Nah! (Heide), I'm afraid it sounds as if he does..."Donovan is never going to get the girl," He can't lose her if he never gets her. ;-) Evelyn, you've known Colin likes sushi and you've kept ot from me all this time?! Karen, of course he's a party animal! Would we have so much fun planning his birthday party if this were not the case?

It is here! I will see MLSF tomorrow at the first showing 6pm! Now how will I manage to see it again without offending DH? Any suggestions?

Um, Moon, don't tell him?

Wonderful article, Karen. Thanks for keeping us up on DQ. I wonder if we will ever see it. Maybe A&E will show it.

Thanks for the article on D.Q. I have been waiting patiently to hear more - and ask my sister-in-law to copy it. I even copied the final of the World Netball Match and sent it to her in the hope if would soon be copied for me!!!!!

Review from the NYT and for those wishing to print: http://www.nytimes.com/library/film/101599pitch-film-review.html 'Fever Pitch': Soccer Fan, But an Unfit Team Player By ANITA GATES Paul Ashworth, a mild-mannered English teacher in London, loves a good soccer game. "You see all those thousands of faces contorted with fear and hope," he explains to his new girlfriend, Sarah Hughes. "Just for those few minutes you're at the center of the whole world. And the fact that you care so much, the noise you've made has been such a crucial part of it, is what makes it special." Not only that, but "the great thing is that it comes around again and again and again." That's just what Sarah is afraid of. Paul (Colin Firth) and Sarah (Ruth Gemmell) are the protagonists of "Fever Pitch," a curious, somewhat awkward film based on Nick Hornby's best-selling memoir of the same name. Proving yet again that just because a first-person analysis of a sociocultural phenomenon is fascinating in print, it should not necessarily be turned into a movie. Hornby's explanations of the psychology and sociology of sports fandom are interesting, but they aren't integrated into the action and emotion of the story. "Fever Pitch," the movie, is a standard-issue love story between two characters with different tastes and personalities. He's too devoted to soccer (when they go house-hunting, he even wants to live near the field), and she's bored by it. He has, in fact, been a fan of a particular London team, Arsenal, since he was a boy (shown in flashbacks to the l te 1960's and early 70's), and that team now has a chance at the championship. Will the team win? Will Paul's obsession drive him and Sarah apart? When the championship game ends and people take to the streets to express their feelings, the filmmakers seem to think they've captured some intense communal experience that moviegoers will feel strongly about. But the fans haven't developed or lost greater moral character. They haven't been tested; the team has. If you don't know the team, and the film keeps its distance from Arsenal, what's to cheer or cry about? "Fever Pitch" is at its best when it's analyzing. "Maybe there's a big bit of you that's gone missing," Paul tells Sarah after she has essentially told him to get over his childhood dream about the team's success. "Maybe everyone should want something they've always wanted." But even a 97-minute string of affirmations wouldn't add up to an affecting film. It's A neg ;-D

Um, Moon, don't tell him? Of course, I will not tell him! I need excuses for my absence my DH is very possesive. I dred his reaction tonight when he sees CF in the film, they are not the best of friends. ;-) MLSF opens in two theatres here, one in South Beach and at the art house in Coral Gables. It did not receive a good review from the Miami Herald, The Story of Us received a better one, if you can believe that!!! I quote: "The excesses stretch and slow the story and come at the expense of developing the most compelling figures, Fraser's father and mother, who until the one dramatic moment could well be the Scottish versions of Ozzie and Harriet. MLSF feels too much like a rose-tinted recollection of a life that never was." Give me rose-tinted vision or give me death!

Excellent review from the NY Post. 3-1/2 stars!! This guy is definitely a Hornby fan and knows Colin's work. Note especially that last paragraph. http://www.nypost.com/movies/16092.htm SOCCER ROMANCE IS A REAL KICK By JONATHAN FOREMAN ESSENTIAL viewing for anyone who has to live with a soccer fan or other sports-obsessive, "Fever Pitch" is also a contender for the best romantic comedy of the year. It's almost everything you would hope for from an adaptation of a book by the best-selling English novelist Nick Hornby - even though it's based on a memoir rather than on one of his hilarious novels about commitment-phobic young men. A satisfying combination of comedy and social realism, it's never less than smart, dryly funny and playfully observant about gender and parenthood, and the life-enhancing power of trivia. Paul (Colin Firth), a teacher in his mid-30s, has been obsessed with soccer in general - and the Arsenal team in particular - since he was a boy. It's an obsession that has kept him young and helps him bond with his students and colleagues. But Arsenal's disappointing record over the years has made him a confirmed pessimist. (As he asks at one point, "Is life s--- because Arsenal is s---, or is it the other way 'round?") But when Paul hooks up with his single-minded colleague Sarah (Ruth Gemmell), his soccer obsession ensures that their relationship will be a stormy one at best. Sarah makes a successful effort to understand the game and its appeal. But when Arsenal, for the first time in 18 years, has a chance to win the league championship, Paul just doesn't have the time or energy to balance his two loves. Here Firth takes a break from upper-class roles (he played cuckolded husbands in both "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love," and was a celebrated Darcy in the TV version of "Pride and Prejudice"). He shows himself to be a fine comic actor with a flair for the deadpan. Theater actress Ruth Gemmell is delightful in her first film role. Vastly superior to the small and independent films that have come out during the last six months, this movie deserves a wider release than it's going to get.

Another 3-1/2 star review from the NY Daily News. Says Colin is "brilliant"!! http://www.nydailynews.com/1999-10-15/new_york_now/Movies/a-43815.asp 'Fever': It's a Fan's World By JACK MATHEWS Daily News Movie Critic FEVER PITCH. With Colin Firth, Ruth Gemmell, Mark Strong, Neil Peason. Directed by David Evans. Running time: 97 mins. Unrated: Some profanity, adult themes. Male sports nuts looking for support and women trying to understand them may both find satisfaction � or at least a lot of laughs � in British director David Evans' "Fever Pitch," a sweetly hilarious romantic comedy about a soccer fan whose favorite pro team's unexpected success threatens to push him over the edge. Colin Firth (most recently seen as Lord Wessex in "Shakespeare in Love") stars as a middle-school literature teacher hapless against an obsession that began when, as a young boy, he bonded with his divorced father by spending custody visits at soccer matches. By the time he's an adult, Paul's devotion to team Arsenal is a blend of blind faith and masochism, and when Arsenal has its first shot at a championship in two decades, he's on the verge of losing his job, his pregnant girlfriend Sarah (Ruth Gemmell) and his very sanity. Firth is brilliant as the quintessential superfan, walking Paul along the narrow line separating the thrill of victory from the agony of defeat. Paul is an intelligent, popular charmer brought low by the same passion that turns sports bars into weeping walls in losing cities everywhere, and he is both pathetic and more lovable because of it. The story ultimately hangs on Paul's tenuous grip on his priorities, and on girlfriend Sarah's willingness to see his addiction as something other than a heartless rival. It's comic material that easily could sink into sentimentality, and first-time director Evans shows a mature, steady hand in preventing that from happening. I'm not sure it's a good idea to release the movie when the Mets and Yankees are both in the playoffs; who's going to go? But if it's still around afterward, it's a winner.

Moon, honey....you've got a problem...1-800-annlanders. ~~~~~~~ Thanks Karen. More people that will go to see that film read the NY Post than the NY Times.I agree with bits of both reviews. Best part. He shows himself to be a fine comic actor with a flair for the deadpan.

Moon, honey....you've got a problem...1-800-annlanders. Huh? I was always dialing 1-800-CF-Drool.

This I like - Vastly superior to the small and independent films that have come out during the last six months, this movie deserves a wider release than it's going to get. Cymbeline, I meant to tell you yesterday that I loved your assessment of Colin's role in Circle of Friends. So astute of you to define it as a comedic role. Thinking of it that way, I think I appreciate Simon a bit more.

Huh? I was always dialing 1-800-CF-Drool. (Moon) Is that the one I see advertised on late night cable? So that's Colin. Well I never. My fingers, by contrast, tend to tap out 1-800-Hot-Ehle almost in my sleep.

LOL, Ben! We are in good company, are we not? The bad news. We are under a hurricane watch and are getting soaked, it will be very difficult to get a babysitter for tonight. :-(

Moon, how does DH feel about alien abductions? And there must be a post-Columbus Day sale going on somewhere! ;-D

I am a big catalog buyer, hate going to the malls. Thanks Karen and keep thinking.

Moon, why didn't you tell us? MLSF is playing at 4 theaters in the Miami area! - Astor Art Cinema/Coral Gables - Fox Sunrise At Pine Plaza/Sunrise - Regal Shadowood 16/Boca Raton - Regal South Beach 18/Miami Beach

(Moon)Evelyn, you've known Colin likes sushi and you've kept ot from me all this time?! That's why ODB did not come to his birthday party here, NO SUSHI? (Moon)Now how will I manage to see it again without offending DH? Any suggestions? The best way is, find a (female) firend to invite you to go with her. (Evelyn)Best part. He shows himself to be a fine comic actor with a flair for the deadpan. I always vision him to be a great comic actor! He has a great sense of humour excessive talent of acting. Karen, Fever Pitch will be a limited release in US, do you know how many cities will show if it will. I read your post on RoP, it only mentioned (might be) LA and SF depends on the reaction of it after showing in NY.

Sorry, forget to close the tag.

Good News Ben....I just called the Donmar...TRT is slated for West End "early January" and then on to BROADWAY...."right in your own back yard":-) (Hey, no more #72 for me on "Jennifer News"..after all the baseball discussion recently on this board:-) At least JE is "one degree....")

Evelyn...you go girl! surprise, surprise...he can act too, which is a lot more than some on your list can do Thanks for the Don Q article, Karen. *Thinking positive* perhaps there isn't a broadcast date yet because it hasn't been decided if it will be released as a film. Didn't like this line, though You could never make this in the States � they�d say, �this guy Quick is a bit of a loser� *slap* Firth jokily asks: "Shall we have an end-of-scene party?" Gawd, I love his sense of humor. Read the NY Times yukky review of FP this morning. It doesn't read any better in hard copy :-P Vastly prefer the Post or the Daily News. I'm not sure it's a good idea to release the movie when the Mets and Yankees are both in the playoffs; who's going to go? But if it's still around afterward, it's a winner. Psssst! Go to a matinee!

You could never make this in the States � they�d say, �this guy Quick is a bit of a loser� I was going to say that I only have two words in answer for this: American Beauty...but there are so many "losers" who are the protagonists of American drama and lit. Death of a Salesman leaps to mind, winning on Broadway, etc.

Karen, the writer's remark about making DQ in the States was gratuitous and over-generalised, of course. There is a pervasive anti-Americanism amongst the Left in England that I find rather ugly. (Equally narrow-minded is her suggestion that scepticism about politicians has been uniquely caused by her perceived failure of the Blair project.) However, behind all that there is a fair point to be made somewhere. Would the show get made on T.V., for example? And, more generally, are not many of the great Amer can works about the plight of failure (something DQ is not really about - there is no angst in the man), and drawn precisely because they contrast with a pervasive emphasis on the necessity of winning, in some sense? I went to Death of a Salesman recently (FANTASTIC production on Broadway) and the programme published a short interview with Arthur Miller. Here he is on the American Dream: "The American Dream is the largely unacknowledged screen in front of which all American writing plays itself out - the screen of the perfectibility of man. Whoever is writing in the United States is using the American Dream as an ironical pole of his story. Early on we all drink up certain claims to self-perfection that are absent in a large part of the world. People elsewhere tend to accept, to a far greater degree anyway, that the conditions of life are hostile to man�s pretensions. The American idea is different in the sense that we think that if we could only touch it, and live by it, there�s a natural order in favor of us; and that the object of a good life is to get connected with that live and abundant order. And this forms a context of irony for the kind of stories we generally tell each other. After all, the stories of most significant literary works are of one or another kind of failure. And it's a failure in relation to that screen, that backdrop. I think it pervades American writing, including y own. It�s there in The Crucible, in All My Sons, in After the Fall - an aspiration to an innocence that when defeated or frustrated can turn quite murderous, and we don't know what to do with this perversity; it never seems to "fit" us" Something else is weird about that article, though. I was at school with the bloke who wrote it, James Rampton. Known him since I was 7. Did it come from the Independent, by any chance? Moon, sorry to hear about the rain. You poor things. I know it's of no help to know that it's another beautifully clear and crisp autumn day here in Gotham, but I thought I'd tell you anyway. We had our rain last month, courtesy of hurricane Firth, whatever it was called.

MLSF was reviewed in the Tampa Tribune this morning. He only gave it 21/2 stars which is hard to understand, because when I read the article it sounds like he really liked it. "The main characters of course are Frazer's family. His father leads the wacky pack. Colin Firth (The English Patien, Shakespeare In Love) gives a commanding performance as Edward Pettigrew, a man of many contradictions. Edward is educated, but he likes to communicate with his young son by barking like a dog. He's a devout Christian, but he's hopelessly attracted to Heloise (Irene Jacob), the 24 year betrothed to Morris, his millionaire brother in law.. This is just a part of it, If I had a scanner I would send it all but alas I do not. The most important part it here though. He like Colin.

Karen, are you going to enter your report on DQ in your site.

So is MLSF also showing in Tampa, Lucie? I guess Florida has all the prints. Karen, Boca Raton and Sunrise are not so close to Miami. If only the Astor had early showings it would be easier for me, in the evening, it becomes more difficult to leave my castle. ;-) (Ben), Moon, sorry to hear about the rain. You poor things. I know it's of no help to know that it's another beautifully clear and crisp autumn day here in Gotham I grew up in NY and am very jealous! The autumn is my favourite season. I do not mind the rain, but I want the cold weather with it. In Dec. we have been known to put the air-conditioner on max so as to enjoy our fireplace, very decadent, I know.:-)

MLSf is at the Tampa theater, Moon. We are sitting here waiting for the worst of Irene as it sounds like it is to pas ove central Fl. tonight.

I forgot to mention that we lost a huge tree, just toppled over. It is doing a major prunning job on the oaks too. :-( The eye of the hurricane will pass very closely tonight, so no MLSF for me yet!

Moon, are you still above water? I noted how bad it is down there in Miami, and I am worried about you...and your trip to MLSF...*sigh*

Take care Dear!!! Batten down (as though you have not done so already...!)

Ben...I don't like Arthur Miller...no matter how many Pulitzer's he has won. the guy is depressing and I don't think his view of the American Dream is all that accurate IMO.Though it has brought him fame and fortune. I do know that we have the world's best optimism and enthusiasm ... the"can do" attitude which has brought us to where we are today.Probably a mixture of the pioneer spirit in the west (which I see where I live) and the immigrant background (which is my ancestry). If the English left don't like us...it's their loss..And actually, I don't think they like anybody. A bunch of whiners....a lot of them on the dole. (Do I sound like Margaret Thatcher , or what?)

(Lucie) are you going to enter your report on DQ in your site. My site? Aren't we here? ;-D

I thought you had a site that can be accessed on 3 deers.

Lucie: I'm flattered, but that was just a page I put together for MLSF. :-)

Oh. I thought that you might put more info on it.

Right you are, Lucie. Karen, I always hoped you would use your "window" on cf.com for an own page, where your finds get a home after you have posted them on Spring.

(Evelyn) A bunch of whiners....a lot of them on the dole. Politics (or the American Dream for that matter) is a tender thing to discuss here, we might end up in each other�s hair, Margaret!! :-)) Just want to say that because of believing firmly in social democracy and having seen that it has brought prosperity to all social classes in the Nothern Europe, I�ve always loved Colin�s attitudes what comes to money, society and social issues. He looks like a wonderful realist to me.

Elena - I had an idea from the few things I've read that Colin's attitudes about money, society, and social issues might be enlightened. But what exactly are they--or more to the point where did you find out about them? I know a little about his interest in the asylum issue and that he lived in Nigeria, the US, and Canada at various times, but little else. I agree that discussions of political issues are not appropriate while we're drooling, but I'd like the info for myself. Thanks

Have fun everyone who is going to see Fever Pitch today. *enormously jealous and pouting*

Karen, Enjoy. Spoiler: I laughed so much at the scene in the restuarant when he is trying to convince her that he is adult enough to be a father. Then he's fooling around with the napkin and sets it on fire in the candle. After the waiter stomps it out, he grins and says, "It's a one time thing."

OK, Fever Pitchers, we're eating our hearts out here. Have a great time and tell us all!

where did you find out about them? Cymbeline, I�ve collected my idea about his attitudes from a hundred sources in bits and pieces. I�m sure you have read the same articles.......and I really would like know what his political views are precisely but I suppose that is something that he won�t analyze in interviews, wouldn�t be wise. When I referred to his social awareness I was thinking about many many different things, like Tommy Judd, little quotes here and there like "I don�t have great ambitions to be rich" , and especially the Guardian interview last February where he talked about the refugee problems. I�m just assuming that if a highly privileged person like him takes an interest in a cause like that, he must have a great sense of personal responsibility for things happening in the society.

(Renate)Right you are, Lucie. Karen, I always hoped you would use your "window" on cf.com for an own page, where your finds get a home after you have posted them on Spring. Yessssss . KAREN'S KORNER....Or....KAREN'S KLATCH

(Elena)Politics (or the American Dream for that matter) is a tender thing to discuss here, we might end up in each other�s hair, Margaret!! :-)) Hi Elena.....I'm glad something brought you out of the wood work.:-) (Cymbeline)I agree that discussions of political issues are not appropriate while we're drooling, but I'd like the info for myself. Thanks Agree....was only responding to Arthur Miller....hey...let's go back to baseball:-) ~~~~ Let's see now: KELPIE KAREN....any other suggestions?

I'm glad something brought you out of the wood work Well you knew just how to make that happen! :-) Just mention Margaret T. and I�ll *scream*.

(Elena)I'm glad something brought you out of the wood work:-) (Elena)Well you knew just how to make that happen! :-) Just mention Margaret T. and I�ll *scream*. Elena, that's known as "pulling your chain"/"pushing the right button". All in great fun:-)

I have survived another hurricane! I will try my luck with MLSF tonight. I am letting all the Gods know not to rain on my parade. In baseball jargon, I am avoiding the third strike. ;-) Thank you Marcia, Evelyn and Eileen for your kind words. :-D

In baseball jargon, I am avoiding the third strike. ;-) In real baseball jargon, you're protecting the plate. ;-D (hee hee!! these soccer people, what do they know!)

How true, Karen! :-) BTW, the film discussion section on CF.Com looks great! I was just going over our Valmont discussion, Wow! Thank you Karen!

"pulling your chain"/"pushing the right button" How about "rattling your cage"?

Here's the latest Fever Pitch promotion page: http://www.firth.com/fp/fp.htm ....and here's a surprise: bad picture quality, but better than nothing! http://www.firth.com/rv/rv.htm

How about "rattling your cage"? Yeah....same vein,but I never use it. Sounds intimidating and "Sticking pins" has a mean aura about it.(Like, ouch) ~~~~~~ Renate/Arami...Thank you both.Great photos of Peter . Yummy handsome. And get a load of that head of hair!!!

Congrats on all your efforts on promoting FP and on linking to the very positive NY Post/News reviews. Apparently the Internet was largely responsible for turning the Blair Witch Report into a massive hit (mind you, they were promoting it for nearly a year!), so let's hope there's some impact on FP audiences! The latest Flashman book has garnered rave reviews..." a fictional character who now rivals Sherlock Holmes". Flashman is definitely a good career move...I'm going to believe in this one as much as I believed in SLOW! On Colin's politics/social values...as Evelyn says, the clues are all there in his various interviews. Unlike many actors, he doesn't seem motivated by money, and does seem to have a genuine social conscience. I think he's very much a product of his background. The US seems to be in the grip of eathquakes and hurricanes...I hope you're all in thhe right place at the right time!

(Moon)I have survived another hurricane! ...and I just survived another earthquake! A 7 point something very early this morning... The epicenter was out in the Mojave Desert, so we didn't feel too much out here in LA. About three beers the night before also numbed the senses a bit.

Great photos Renate and Arami! Thanks! By the way, did you realise why he's looking slightly edgy and disapproving in the dinner table close-up shot? If you look down the dinner table, you can see that Miranda (the starlet) is talking (probably about her imaginary impoverished past) and Moxie is reacting to the conversation by flinging down the serving spoons. CF, as Peter, is anxious incase Moxie gives herself away. It's all there on his face...mini acting class!

Terrific to see Peter! So snazzy in his dinner clothes. Thanks, girls, for getting this up so quickly. (Evelyn) KELPIE KAREN. Excuse me? LOL!! What does that mean? Good idea though, Evelyn. Another challenge for Karen. Moon! I haven't checked 121 yet to see if you made it. You're having terrible luck getting to see this movie. I hope you were successful today. Eileen is a gas, ladies. We had a lovely time at the theater and boy am I glad we went. We met up with five ladies from the List, including Murph, who were as excited as we were to be there. There were 11 people in total in the theater. Not too deadly and if this is any indication, I don't give it too much hope for making the rounds in the rest of the US. What do you think Eileen? Small screen, 2/3 through the film, the contrast went darker. Eileen and I were afraid we wouldn't be able to see anything when it got to the nighttime celebration scene but it lightened up again before that. Sound could have been louder too. FP is my second favorite film. I love Colin in this and have watched my poor PAL-converted video so often it's blurring. The colors in the film are so much better. Colin's hair and eyebrows were not nearly as orange-y looking. Pronounced heavy stubble...yummy, I loved it. Ruth Gemmell's got freckles galore over her cheeks and back. Is that earring hole in Colin's left ear? If so, I finally noticed it. Two men in the theatre who both laughed often - one quite loudly. I tried to watch it as objectively as I could. I'm afraid so much of the dialogue will be lost (especially at that sound level). American viewers won't understand the red Arsenal uniforms one game, the yellow/blue the next. It feels kind of patchy in the beginning before the story really gets going. I don't think people are going to really know what this film is going to be about until Paul picks up Sarah after Parent's Night and he's ursing at the radio. But then it seems to flow more smoothly and can pick up the interest of the casual movie goer. I hope. I'm so glad I live close enough to New York to be able to see it. I have half a mind to go again next week. (Yes, I have half a mind, we can all agree on that.)

(Moon) film discussion section on CF.Com looks great! Kirsten's responsible for the look; she did the layout and coding. I just edited the discussions. Great pages promoting FP, Renate. Phaedra should do something nice for all the webmistresses. Love the Relative Values pics, Arami and Renate. Am curious as to the "crude" method of capture. Did you photograph the television screen by any chance? ;-D If so, seems to have worked! Do love Colin in the tux, looking far better than that Geoffrey chap, and it definitely fits better than his BAFTA tux of a few years ago!! Good to hear that both Moon and Winter have survived Mother Nature's best. A little numb, were we? huh? ;-D (Evelyn) KELPIE KAREN Oh puhleez!! I was thinking more along the lines of "My Drool Bucket Runneth Over" Will need to assemble a focus group to discuss. ;-D Sounds like the FP in NJ outing was wonderful, Heide and Eileen. Will be anxiously watching for the box office results and hope that the other theaters pulled in a few more people. Whatsamatta with those people? Didn't they read the great reviews?

Phaedra should do something nice for all the webmistresses. Yes, but do Phaedra people realize that? ;-) "My Drool Bucket Runneth Over" LOL! If only it weren't on a "very serious public fan page indeed" (and we hope to - maybe (oh, I hate split infinitives) - impress HIM eventually, don't we?), I'd say: go to it... as it is, we'd better keep these jokes to these boards, guys... ;-)

Heide, I�m so glad that you finally had a chance to see FP in a theater! Did it change your idea about the film? To me it looked really much much better than the video. Sad how little audience it seems to be getting over there, it really deserves more, it�s a lovely little movie. Yes, I think he has his ear pierced. It has always somehow intrigued me, not because I�d like him to wear an earring (NO!) but because it makes me imagine what he was like by the time he had it pierced, probably in his hippy teens!

Possibly the ear was done for SIL. He wears a lovely pearl drop throughout. Or maybe they just took advantage of what was already there.

Others have noted the earring hole before but I never have until I saw FP on the big screen. For those who have seen it, is it not the left ear? Maybe that was a real pierced earring in SIL?! ;-) Elena, the only film I love more than Fever Pitch is P&P so seeing it on a big screen did not change that fact at all. I love it just as well.

Donovan Quick was screened on October 12th at the Cork Film Festival. This review from the October 15 Irish Times discusses several other films, so here are the relevant portions: QUIXOTE AMONGST THE STREET KIDS European cinema's current passion for portraits of petty crime and casual violence among disaffected urban teenagers has reached Cork Film Festival. Hugh Linehan found himself rooting, instead, for a quirky Scottish drama Both From the Edge of the City and Schpaaa go to some pains to emphasise their modernity, extensively featuring hip-hop and dance music on their soundtracks. In contrast, the BBC Scotland production, Donovan Quick, ignores such contemporary trappings. It's often been a valid criticism of British (and Irish) films that they avoid the modern world, even when they're supposedly addressing it, and the last year has seen a rash of bland, anachronistic Full Monty-lookalikes to reinforce the point, but David Bl ir's quirky, likeable film is too individual and unusual to be lumped in with the rest of that crop. As the title hints, this is a modern-day Quixotic tale, which pits the little man against the overweening forces of authority. Colin Firth plays the eponymous, mysterious hero who shows up as the new lodger on the doorstep of the Pannick family, led by alcoholic Lucy (Katy Murphy), and including her learning-disabled brother (David Brown, who is himself learning-disabled, giving a terrific performance). To the Pannicks' bemusement, they find themselves caught up in Firth's crusade against the ruthless cor oration which runs the local public transport system, and Murphy's cynicism is challenged by his idealistic "madness". Donovan Quick is the kind of film which, in the wrong hands, could have ended up as the most awful sort of sentimental mush, but the screenplay (by Donna Franceschild, who wrote the recent adaptation of Robert MacLiam Wilson's Eureka Street for the BBC) and direction are too intelligent for that. Blair was responsible for the under-rated TV drama, Vicious Circle, based, like The General, on the life of Dublin gangster Martin Cahill, and here he convincingly creates a cast of highly believable, sympathetic characters who you find yourself really rooting for.

Ok...how's about "Scooper-o Karen":-D Thanks for the DQ item.... (Have you subscribed to a clipping service?):-) **** Glad the FP crowd had such a blast...(any Spring get-together is!!)

Karen you're fast becoming one of my favourite people... ;-) Re: an earlier question: Colin has both ears pierced. He's quoted as saying so himself in at least one interview (for those who cannot get close enough to his aural apparatus). On the stage as Chatsky in 1993 he wore an earring in his right ear. He was also photographed posing "privately" (i.e. not for a production) with an earring in situ, which seems a rarity: the photo was published in the early 1990's, in an American publication, as I believe. (Additions/corrections are always welcome! :-))

Ooops! Sorry - Forgot a , ...

Thanks for the DQ news, Karen, does this mean that it is to get a cinematic release, hope thats the right word, only I was going to write to the BBC tomorrow to enquire if they knew when it would be on our TV screens, is it still worth it Karen. You really are a marvel how you find out these things, thankyou very much indeed. Personally I would prefer to see it on TV as it is more instant, no waiting for a Distributor and one can set the recorder going!!

Karen, you're a regular Sherlock Holmes! How do you find all this info? I think BBC Scotland must be looking for a theatrical release for DQ...especially as its co-produced by Pandora Cinema who co-produced "Shine". There's a site for the Cork Film Fest at http://www.corkfilmfest.org - over 300 films shown, incuding many from the US. Quite an important festival. Good to read another warm review (as there was for SLOW). CF seems to be picking winners, but, major "but", it is so difficult for these kind of likeable, warm, intelligent films to reach a large audience. Like Ann, I would prefer to see DQ on television....where it could be seen and enjoyed by an audience of 10 million! And no promotion or marketing necessary (just a large pic on the front cover of the TV/Radio Times). Marketing is the British film industry's main weakness....we don't do it. Great to hear that JE will be hitting the West End and Broadway (a Tony perhaps?). I'm always pleased to hear of news of JE, Evelyn! I think she's very wise to establish herself in the theatre....this is certainly the way to guarantee a long career in the UK. "Actresses" like Catherine ZJ very rapidly become yesterday's news!

Great publicity for DQ recently. Can't imagine this one will be a disappointment unless we don't see it! I'm wondering if this is television-bound and like Ann, I hope it is if only for the surety that we will see it - PAL converted video though it may be for some. Thanks for the pierced ear answer, Arami. I can only guess he changed his mind at one point - hence holes in both ears. The big pearldrop didn't do a thing for me but I've always been partial to little studs. And I shall go no further.

Thanks Renate and three deers for those pictures! of the Springfolks aka Firthettes ;-) We are finally coming out of the closet I see. To be the firthettes in cf.com is special indeed! I am surprised at his having two ears pierced. What came over him? Heide, I am so happy you got to see Paul in the big screen. I am totally smitten by Edward in MLSF. And the clothes fit him so well! Winter, watch the aftershocks. My dear Sherlock Karen, thank you!

Heide, in which scene/shot in FP could you see his ear was pierced? Ann, I do think BBC Scotland (using Pandora) is striving for a theatrical release for DQ. As I said, the article talked about a number of films (none of which I've ever heard of), but DQ was the standout in the reviewer's opinion.

Doesn't the actor receive more residuals($$$) from a movie then a TV production.? I know when a movie is shown on TV (cable) they receive extra$$$. As when a TV production is reshown. We've got all those mortgages and school fees, you know....

I can't remember which scene I saw the pierced ear! I was going to lean over to ask Eileen if she saw it but the scene changed too quickly. Check out the restaurant scene, the outdoor pub scene when Paul stuns Steve with his new outlook on life, and when he's watching everyone walk away after his school team loses their match. Colin Firth topic can now continue on newly created Topic 123. You can still post here for now until I freeze this one in a couple of days.

I've always been partial to little studs Well, I wouldn't exactly call him little... ;-P I am surprised at his having two ears pierced. What came over him? Youthful rebellion, apparently. In his own words: "I was scruffy, I was cocky and I was trouble..." (quoted in the Another Country press release, 1984)

Don't know which was more fun--seeing FP (less than 30 min. from home, how 'bout that?) or finally meeting one of our gracious hostesses. It was nice to see Murph and other local FoF's, too. I'll post more thoughts on the new CF topic :-)

Pierced ears? I run to my album to check the Donmar pics... can't be sure. His right ear is well displayed in many, and in some I can almost see a puncture, but is it not a figment of my imagination? But, if you informed ladies say it is true...;-) BTW, I sent the Borges tape to Renate and Moon. Moon thinks the voice is Colin's, Renate doesn't. I say, somebody must ask the man himself in London ;-)

The way he pronounces the R's is different, but he is reading and the textured voice resonates.

Ann...add that to the list of things to ask him. 1. Flashman?(Forget BJD...someone asked him that in March....he doesn't like to answer that question.) 2.The Jorge Luis Borges poems on video? 3. Is Peter gay? 4. Did Edward rape Heloise? (OK, OK, never mind 3 & 4)

Correction: There is a US company acting as sales agent for SLOW, which doesn't mean it will be shown here. Sorry, if I've gotten anyone's hopes up.