Sorry folks, just got through. Must be the weather here in Oz. Stormy!

It does look as if Harvey is not going in to bat for MLSF. I wondered about his attitude when hearing his comments after the screening at Cannes. Wasn't there some joshing between HW and DP with DP going on about what a middle class nice guy he (DP- yawn) was and HW saying that was every thing that he himself was not. I wondered, at the time about the context in which these remarks were made and if HW thought that MLSF itself had turned out just too nice and boring but having paid his $3 or whatever hi contribution was, his plan was to cover his costs. As AnnW said on this board or was it on 121, it must be disillusioning for Colin. It does seem that the only way to get ahead in the movie business is to go to LA and stay there. The only British stars who seem to get on either do that, or they form their own production companies a la Ewan McG. The movie business is now American. As Colin does not want to tread that path (Karen, I cannot see him going into FILM production - CF's entrepreneurial instincts do not strike me as very strong) I am sure he s es his future in London i.e plum television parts, theatre and roles in British films when he can get them. He probably has to work hard this year to make the same amount as he made with ine role in SIL. I do now hope he does BJD. It would be high profile for a change and I do not see that it would do him harm now.

I think we're all a little too close to this movie to look at its handling totally objectively. First off, MLSF has been put on the "art house track." That essentially means little if any publicity. There just aren't television commercials for those films. If the well-known stars appear on television shows to plug the film, it is because they usually have a personal interest in the film's doing well and are extremely proud to have been in a small-budget, indie-type film. The best example right now is Susan Sarandon in Illuminata. She always goes on the shows and this "little" film is full of big name talent. Now about the movie houses where MLSF is playing. With the exception of LA, where the theaters are fabulous, most art houses are old crummy places. The reason is of course economics. The new multiplexes play the big budget junk. The teensy little cheapo theater near me just recently changed over to an art house. It is showing Xiu Xiu: The Send Down Girl as first run. That place is so bad, hey should pay you to go in there. But that is just where art houses cinemas rank in the overall scheme of things. I am fortunate that another multiplex near me also plays art films, but right now it has three screens for Blair Witch and another for Summer of Sam. Where MLSF is playing is convenient for the downtown workforce. The theater is virtually down the block from the Art Institute and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Another thing: Also playing at this place are Limbo and The Red Violin, whic have been kicking around for months. Think I'll go back and see what they've average per week because they were not blockbusters. All art films rely on word of mouth as their primary vehicle for promotion. So what is going on does not indicate to me that Miramax has given up on this film at all. Do you feel any better, Ann?

Illuminata opened this week to roughly half of what MLSF took in the first weekend, so I am sure that with a little bit more publicity and wider release Iam sure it could have done really really well. Still never mind eh. Thankyou Karen, I feel a bit better but it is Colin I am really sorry for but then he does himself no favours, he is so invisible that it is no surprise that people say "Colin who".

Well...PEOPLE Magazine is doing their best. Did we mention that he has a small pic and blub on the v. last page ..It's the August 16th issue with Marilyn Monroe on the cover. Meluchie has it on the FOF: http://members.xoom.com/firthfiles/articles/99people0816.html **** I'm wondering what the teal background blob is... This is a new pic of him. Taken, I think, in Italy ..same jacket as when he's playing with the dogs. Also same jacket as he had when we saw him in the lobby of 3 DOR. ****** Colin I am really sorry for Why? He made a small budget movie that is doing v. well...financially and in reviews. This film was never mean't to be a blockbuster...from the beginning. This isn't like Valmont. MLSF is a success IMO.

In the new September issue of MOVIELINE Mag; on p. 39 ALSO SHOWING : MY LIFE SO FAR �Director High Hudson , who�s had a disappointing and sparse body of work since �Chariots of Fire� rebounds with this charming but tough-minded memoir of an eccentric family in Scotland in the 1920s. There are perfectly pitched performances by Colin Firth, Rosemary Harris and Malcolm McDowell, slightly more awkward turns by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Irene Jacob, and holding it all together is a wonderful child actor, Robert Norman, through whose eyes the story is told.� Small pic of CF hugging MEM . ***** Should make you feel better.� Movieline�appeals to the very young and seldom is enthusiastic about Brit-flicks. ***** P. 77 has a full length photo of Gwynnie with Hillary at the SIL premiere.. WOW! That see-through Armani-dress left nothing to the imagination. **** Later I'll give you the contents of another article called: BRIT INVASION; "...not since the 60s has a crop of lookers from the British Isles stormed ashore and seized hearts with such authority". Alas, but no mention of ODB. What's the matter? Are these people blind??

Got mail that this nice little moviemap site is online: http://www.visitbritain.com/moviemap/ Almost all relevant movies missing, but it's a start......

One of my work colleagues caught a small piece on a local radio station yesterday where the announcer said "Colin Firth spends a lot of time searching for antiques". That's all she heard so I've contacted a friend at the station and she is going to find out if there was more to it than that. Of course, I'll let you know if there was. I have added "lurk in antique shops" to my list of things I must do while in London next January. Do you think this may be another reason for his busy workload - to pay o f the mortgage and to buy furniture to fill the houses!

Got mail that this nice little moviemap site is online: http://www.visitbritain.com/moviemap/ Almost all relevant movies missing, but it's a start......

(Cathey) I have added "lurk in antique shops" to my list of things I must do while in London next January. Definitely a worthwhile endeavor. I did the same in Santa Monica earlier this year as I was "on foot" *horror on horror, a person walking in LA!!* Thanks for the mapsite, Renate.

I am depressed - just heard the news MLSF has been put off in Australia for at least two months - tentively 11th Nov. Cheer me up please

How's this:

Since I can't see MLSF yet (thinking about flying to L.A.) rented Shakespeare in Love--came out on video today. Drowning sorrows in Firthohall.

Lovely pic, Karen!:-)

Couple of tidbits from the Montreal World Film Festival announcement: (1) Mansfield Park will open the fest on August 27th; the director, Patricia Rozema is Canadian. (2) Happy, Texas [Jeremy Northam] will also be shown. and last but not least... (3) Fox Searchlight brings to the competition "Dreaming of Joseph Lees," a pic set in late-'50s England from first time British director Eric Styles." Styles is the director of Relative Values. Seems to have an affinity for '50s era work! ;-D

I don't know-antiques and Colin. Seems too upscale for his seemingly left-wing leaning. Must be Livia's influence. Evelyn, Should make you feel better.� Movieline�appeals to the very young and seldom is enthusiastic about Brit-flicks. Movieline is my favorite entertainment magazine and as you know I am not very young. :-)) Hope I get my issue today. Just want to remind everyone who saw MLSF to go to the IMDB to vote. So far, they have 13 voters for an average of 8.2/10. They update every Monday so there could be many more voters by now. Let's get that average higher. Karen, Agree totally with your view on art house theaters. I was a little taken aback at the size and look of the theater in Dallas. Two screen cinema set pretty far back from the road. I would have missed it had I not been following someone. Near a bunch of office buildings and fairly close to SMU. Luckily the inside was nicer than the outside. I'm not complaining, at least I got to see it. With so few art house screens in the country, movies tend to come and go quickly. If I had a lot of money, I'd open a posh arthouses in affluent suburbs serve shrimp cocktail at the snack bar. :-))

(Sue)I don't know-antiques and Colin. Didn't Colin say in his People interview that he spent his time in Italy, studying Italian and hunting for antiques? Seems too upscale for his seemingly left-wing leaning. He's British, we like old things. Unfortunately most of us can only afford to window shop in antique shops these days.

Here's the link to the People article: http://members.xoom.com/firthfiles/articles/people.html

Things might be changing for the art house crowd. Have heard that Robert Redford is behind a new chain called (what else?) Sundance that will show indy type films in nice new theaters. Yeah!! Rumor was that one was being built very near me where an closed furniture and warehouse store previously were. Multi-level parking too!! OK, found this article at Mr. Showbiz's gossip column. This should generate lots of interest in and salivating to see Relative Values (major sarcasm here). It's long but here goes: Too Many Baldwins How many brothers from the same acting family can Hollywood use? Could three be the magic number? There were five Marx Brothers to start with, but life and show business pruned things down to where it was only Groucho, Chico, and Harpo. The four Baldwin brothers-Alec, Daniel, Billy, and Stephen-have been doing their own Hollywood shuffle since the mid-'90s. And for a while there it looked like they'd found their separate slots. Alec assumed the brooding, mainstream leads (The Edge, Ghosts of Missi sippi) while Billy played sexy (Sliver, Fair Game), Daniel took the schlub character parts (Trees Lounge, Vampires) and Stephen played the Gen X goons (Threesome, Bio-Dome). Now it seems that Billy, 36, has fallen by the wayside. I haven't seen him in anything since that no-dialogue cameo in Bulworth with Christine Baranski. Before that he was in Virus, the monster movie with Jamie Lee Curtis, but that was shot a good while ago. The IMDB says he shot an action-thriller last spring called Box, directed by Jeff Celentano. Baldwin is living in the New York area somwhere. He's married to Chynna Phillips and the word is they're expecting. I know he's called Howard Stern on the radio show a couple of times. Otherwise there doesn't seem to be a whole lot going on. His agent, Ed Limato at ICM, didn't return calls last week. (Too caught up in the Jim Wiatt turmoil?) Billy's first noteworthy role was in Internal Affairs ('90), in which he played a rookie cop who was shot by Richard Gere. Then came Flatliners ('90), which stunk. Then came his lead role in Ron Howard's Backdraft ('91). It wasn't much of a film. A bunch of fake people remember Backdraft as the movie that launched the Universal theme park ride. But Baldwin had put himself on the map as a sexy young lead. And yet I remember saying to myself as I watched Backdraft that I didn't care for Baldwin. It was because he wore flip-flop sandals in one scene. I hate flip-flop sandals on men. They look stupid. I realize how trivial that sounds, but that image of Baldwin's spindly toes poking out beneath the cuffs of his blowsy khakis never left me. For me it just wasn't something that a cool movie actor would let happen. Billy starred in two other big-studio films after Backdraft--Silver ('93) and Fair Game ('95). Neither was any good. It was probably these two that did his career in. Baldwin may have delivered his best performance in Three of Hearts ('93), which costarred Kelly Lynch and Sherilyn Fenn under director Yurek Bogayevicz. Roger Ebert wrote, "The surprise in the film is William Baldwin. He begins with a fairly unsympathetic role and makes it into an engaging character...a working class guy who hasn't been ground down by cynicism, and finds there is more to the human heart than even [a ladies man] like himself would imagine." After Fair Game he made three lower-budgeted flicks: A Pyromaniac's Love Story ('95), Curdled ('96), and Shattered Image ('98). Then came Bulworth. Billy was fictitiously murdered in South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut, but it didn't really count in terms of exposure because Alec, Daniel, and Stephen were "killed" too. I'm writing this because I'm sorry he's going through a rough patch or whatever. (An extended vacation? A hideout?) And I hope he makes it back. He's not a bad actor. I'm even willing to forgive him for wearing those flip-flops in Backdraft. Everyone makes mistakes.

One last thing, the current People pic wouldn't have been taken during the last shoot in Italy. Different photographer credits.

Been checking all day for the interview to be posted. Indiewire has an interview with Puttnam which isn't half bad...even mentions James Dean in a scene from East of Eden (wowee). Anyway, here's the link for the full article and the one question that dealt with MLSF (it actually might belong on the *spoiler* page), but here goes: http://209.213.97.218/film/interviews/int_Puttnam_David_990811.html iW: So getting to "My Life So Far," what are you trying to say to children through your boy hero? Puttnam: It wasn't made for children any more than "My Life as a Dog" was made for children or "Cinema Paradiso" was made for children. Both films used children as a vehicle. In "My Life So Far," it's the world seen through the young boy's eyes. But what we are looking at is the adult world. It's a film made for adults. And what we hoped to do is try to illustrate to adults how very silly they can appear to each other or to any one objective, not just a child. I think the film's touching. It's funny. It makes me laugh. As I said, I think it touches on issues that haven't been addressed for quite a long while. I think here's a family that anyone with a brain would like to have been part at some point. You may not have wanted to be one of their children but you certainly would have liked to have known that family. To have lived within their environment. It's so seductive in that sense. The idea was to make "My Life So Far" sufficiently seductive that when a crisi hits upon them, you care, and you want them to get out of it.

I find that I agree with Sir David's opinions in this interview. It took courage to say those things. I don't know anyone in the US film industry that would say that the media is poluting the minds of everyone. I admire him.

I think we could be in for a Firth-filled Christmas in the UK. Is TTOTS to be screened on ITV? If so Colin's presence in what appears to be a rather Darcy-like cameo, is probably ITV's main amunition in the annual Christmas ratings war. BBC usually win this. On big occasions, BBC usually win out. Having Colin (voted most popular actor in the 60 year history of the BBC!) appearing in a drama on Christmas Day when the nation is glued to their sets is obviously considered by ITV to be a big draw. I am ure there will be lots of publicity especially as he will be appearing on stage then too. Let's hope! BTW to explain to those of you outside the UK, because the BBC raises its money by an annual licence fee, payable by everyone who has a TV set, ratings are an important way in which it shows that it is providing people with what they want and is providing value for maoney!

I think we could be in for a Firth-filled Christmas in the UK. Is TTOTS to be screened on ITV? If so Colin's presence in what appears to be a rather Darcy-like cameo, is probably ITV's main amunition in the annual Christmas ratings war. BBC usually win this. On big occasions, BBC usually win out. Having Colin (voted most popular actor in the 60 year history of the BBC!) appearing in a drama on Christmas Day when the nation is glued to their sets is obviously considered by ITV to be a big draw. I am ure there will be lots of publicity especially as he will be appearing on stage then too. Let's hope! BTW to explain to those of you outside the UK, because the BBC raises its money by an annual licence fee, payable by everyone who has a TV set, ratings are an important way in which it shows that it is providing people with what they want and is providing value for money!

ratings are an important way in which it shows that it is providing people with what they want and is providing value for money! And, what I should have added, are an item of general news not just of interest to advertisers and shareholders.

ratings are an important way in which it shows that it is providing people with what they want and is providing value for money! And, what I should have added, are an item of general news not just of interest to advertisers and shareholders. Sorry about the double post.

Again!

Is TTOTS going to be on ITV or BBC? AnnW's initial post from Teletext said ITV, but I thought the one from Radio Times said BBC. Then AnneR posted an item from the Daily Mirror that said BBC. Have I gotten it wrong?

Go here to register for tickets to an advanced screening of American Beauty (from DreamWorks). It will be held in 50 cities and tickets are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Offhand, I can't remember what the film is about or who is in it (although I think the trailer was shown... argh..who remembers). http://www.americanbeauty-thefilm.com/form.html

Hello all! :) Cant believe i missed the opening of MLSF! (Argh!) My sister decided to go into labor on Sat, so i was in the delivery room yelling "push! push!" instead of at the theater drooling over ODB. The miracle of life vs the miracle of Colin.... let me tell you, it was a hard decision -but since MLSF will be around for a couple of weeks, i decided to go with the birth of my new nephew. :) So... i plan to venture into the city on Sat and drool, drool, drool. *licking lips in anticipation* Will dive into the discussions at 121 soon as return Sat evening. :) btw- Hello and welcome to the newbies!

The Scoop on Londinium is coming...

Hurry up, Karen, Hurry up!! **** Eileen, saw your comments of MLSF on IMDb. Excellent review...liked the part.."I hadn't heard of the movie til I saw it".....Watch your nose:-) I'm registered...haven't written it yet... I'm shy *** Congratulations Auntie SB. Eager to get your review.

Watch out, Heavy Evie. Don't blow my cover! ;-D

(Eileen)..Watch out, Heavy Evie. Don't blow my cover! ;-D Hey, do you have a mole in ISDb? How did you know that was my password? I only registered yesterday!!

Now Karen, do tell! Don't keep us in suspense! Allison, according to Lisa's Timeline site, TOTS is an ITV production, with a screenplay by Nick Dear who wrote the screenplay (and won a BAFTA) for Jane Austen's "Persuasion". He also wrote the screenplay for "The Gambler", based on a story by Dostoyevski, and starring Jodhi May (who is in TOTS) and Michael Gambon. So he has excellent credentials...should be a class act. If it's an ITV Christmas special, it must be 2 hours. BTW it's already listed at IMDB as a TV movie (1999). I'm hoping Colin has more than a cameo. There's a lot of scope for expanding the story, and taking it back to the time when the children are orphaned. It's a very ambiguous tale, with lots of possible interpretations, and some strong sexual undercurrents. The Governess is infatuated with "The Master" as a result of her brief meetings with him and makes some serious misjudgements because she wants to avoid his scorn. Anyway, this is all conjecture...Karen seem to have real news!!!

Masterpiece Theatre are apparently advertising TOTS for their next season, so you should see it shortly in the US, and I'm sure in Australia and elsewhere.

Karen: Hurry up already on Londinium!!!! I'm pacing here: Hope this works. Karen, I love the little guy dancing. There has been no ad in the NY Times since the weekend for MLSF. Maybe it is true that Miramax is not considering it expandable past the next level...Sigh... Murph

It didn't work, sorry!

I was trying to be smart, and found out how dim I really am! Murph

Is this supposed to be *you* pacing? hee hee Or are you sending this raptor after me? It should be soon...my ISP and/or Hotmail appears to be back to normal. ;-o

Karen: That's me in all my glory! Thanks for bailing me out. Now back to Londinium. Murph

SB, you are excused for not seeing MLSF this past weekend. Congratulations, Auntie. Thanks for the news on TTOS. I've got to add the book to my pile of reading but I'm still stuck on Son of Adam!

On August 1, "Londinium" starring Mike Binder, Mariel Hemingway, Colin Firth and Irene Jacob completed principal photography. Filmed entirely in the greater London area, this contemporary comedy about love, marriage, commitment and sex is based on an original screenplay by Binder and directed by him. Binder stars as Ben, an American sitcom writer who is hired to invigorate a British hit television show only to become hopelessly obsessed by the program's star, Carly, who is played by Mariel Hemingway. Carly is a charismatic and self-absorbed American actress whose faded Hollywood career has been rejuvenated by her highly successful English comedy series. Colin Firth plays Allen, Carly's very proper London-born producer and husband who finds the best way to "let off steam" is downing pints-and throwing punches-at the local pub. Irene Jacob appears as Fiona, Carly's French make-up artist with literary aspirations who becomes romantically linked with Ben. Rounding out the cast are Christopher Lawford as Ben's L.A.-based agent; top English comics Jack Dee and Stephen Marcus as Ben's fellow writers; and comedian/novelist Stephen Fry as Allen's equally uptight English therapist. ************ Murph has put the above up at her site and has included a couple of pictures taken on location. Unfortunately, no Colin in the pictures, but they take place during a break in the filming and show Mariel Hemingway (with her real daughter) on the steps of the British Museum. Check it out. http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/4144/london3.html

re Londinium.OH no he's not playing second fiddle again and I was looking forward to this one. Sounds like MB is going to have all the fun, why does he keep playing unlikeable characters, oh well as long as he isn't another cuckold. I like the sound of TTOTS though, and then shortly after Christmas we should have DQ on the BBC. Wouldn't it be wonderful if next year he was nominated for an Olivier for 3DOR, a Bafta for best British film and a TV Bafta for either DQ or TTOTS and a Royal Premiere for MLSF in Nov!!! (wishfuyl thinking?, we'll see)

From today's Times, media section, a big plug for MLSF in an interview with DP. I haven't time to type it out but it makes MLSF sound wonderful and says that it will open in the UK in October. Will let you have full details later today.

Sorry, thumbs down for Londinium. Mike Binder gets women, Colin is the uptight husband (AGAIN!). And it sounds as though Binder is the star. I have a horrid feeling that courtesy of TEP and SIL CF is now typecast as the "proper husband". And doesn't SF play a sex therapist? So "proper husband with problems" BTW if Binder is obsessed with MH, and has a fling with IJ, where does that leave Colin? Drunk in the pub. Does MH like him? Huh!! I'm beginning to wonder if the failure of SLOW to find any distributor (and he did play the romantic lead here) has dented his confidence. Am keeping my fingers crossed for Mark Darcy! Or maybe he just likes to ring the changes!

Positive thoughts about Londinium...CF can be rather sweet as the "proper husband" and maybe Carly and Allen do get it together again by the end of the movie. Ben is "hopelessly" obsessed with carly, so maybe she still loves her husband, but they're having problems. Anyway, Binder can't waltz off into the sunset with both women, can he! (Well, he wrote the script!) MLSF...we'll see it in October. Yeah! Hope it's not going to be promoted exclusively by DP. Question, why is Miramax not expanding MLSF in the US. It had some great reviews...5 stars from the Hollywood Reporter. How come AIH gets 700 screens, MLSF a trifling 17? The average "low" for a Miramax movie is about 40 screens. No movie can succeed from such a limited base!!

I've had a feeling Binder was the lead for sometime and, when I read the thing, thought, "oh, no!" Another second banana role; he's hopelessly typecast as the unwanted husband. And, worse yet, Fry plays a sex therapist.

Murph, Karen, I'm quite enraptored! To you and all the others who are so busy reporting. * * * Yippieeeh! The unfortunate "clear" button is gone!

I meant to say "Thank you to you ...etc."

Yesterday, I posted a link to get tickets to an advanced screening of American Beauty in 50 US cities. This tells you about the film and Sam Mendes (artistic director of the Donmar) is the director: DreamWorks' "American Beauty" will have its world premiere as a gala presentation at the 24th Toronto International Film Festival. The dark comedy, starring Annette Bening and Kevin Spacey, marks the motion picture debut of director Sam Mendes, best known for his award-winning theatrical career. He most recently directed Nicole Kidman in David Hare's "The Blue Room" and earned a Tony award for his revival of "Cabaret." Also in the cast of "American Beauty" is Thora Birch, Allison Janney and Peter Gallagh r.

...and I meant to write, "you're welcome." ;-D

I've had a feeling Binder was the lead for sometime and, when I read the thing, thought, "oh, no!" Another second banana role; he's hopelessly typecast as the unwanted husband. And, worse yet, Fry plays a sex therapist. Yes, I've always had the same feeling. Ironically, instead of being typecast as the "dashing Darcy" romantic lead-type, I think, as you say he's now peceived by casting directors as "the husband". But looking positive, he could be quite a dashing husband,(certainly will look good!) but perhaps his wife's success has caused a temporary crisis of confidence, hence the sex therapy! I don't think he's the "unwanted" husband. And it is a comedy. And he is playing a television producer, probably rather reserved and aloof, and unable to cope with emotional problems. And maybe it all works out in the end! And the blurb does say the movie is about marriage and commitment as well as love and sex. But he does seem to like playing the husband!!

I am so disappointed about Londinium. CF is way too fine an actor (and handsome, as well) to be doing all of these supporting roles. The movie industry has me completely baffled. I don't know much about SLOW, but that it should fail to find a distributor when the three weird ones (The Dinner Game, Genghis Blues and Cafe Balkan) whose trailers were shown with MLSF in Phila. did is unbelievable. In fact, if I hadn't already seen MLSF in NY, I would have been sweating it out; my sister was giving me some odd looks before the movie started, after seeing those trailers. And I cannot fathom how MLSF is reduced to this paltry release. It is efinitely a mainstream movie. My teen-age son liked it, my sister thought it very good, my mother-in-law and her sister loved it and my husband really enjoyed it too. When I got home from Phila., I found that MLSF is playing in Toronto, so I dragged the three of them off to see it there (have to boost the box-office). Nobody I saw it with can understand why MLSF is not getting a more general release. I am going to have a very hard time supporting any other Miramax films in the future (unless ODB is starri g).

(Bethan) But he does seem to like playing the husband!! Just read in Liz Smith's column (?) about Joe Fiennes and the latest he will be in, and it says that it might be the last where he's a romantic-type lead. Says he wants to play villains! Following Colin's lead? Does that only leave us with Hugh now? argh! Speaking of whom, Hugh was on Letterman Wednesday night and called certain facial hair "bugger's grips," then mumbled under his breath something about how that would be the last place someone like that would grip. I expect that would have people laughing over by you, if I'm interpreting it correctly. ;-D

Karen - it should read hopelessly "miscast" as the unwanted husband, I am sure that there are thousands of us who don't think of him as an unwanted husband. Thanks for the news that MLSF is to open in the UK in October, Allison, that has made my day as I think Colin will have more time to promote it in October, in November he will be busy with 3DOR.

(Bethan) CF is now typecast as the "proper husband" *Sigh* he can play my proper husband anytime he likes :) But i think you may be right :( Am keeping my fingers crossed for Mark Darcy! Please God! btw- shouldnt that start filming anyday now? wasnt it scheduled for early fall?

C'mon, gals, let's recall his recent direct quotes (if there is such a thing in today's press) and the A&E interview, in which we saw the words flow from his lips: (too lazy to search and copy, so I'm paraphrasing). *which is sure to bring out the direct quote police* - He doesn't mind being marginalised - He doesn't enjoy being the center of attention (it gives him "the jitters") - He doesn't want to be recognized everywhere he goes - He's not after a big paycheck ("how many castles can you live in? How many cars can you drive?") or fame ("you'd have to be crazy to want to be famous") - After he finishes a project, he moves on; the rest is "someone else's business" - He doesn't want to keep playing the romantic hero ...And so on. He's been consistent about some of these things for years. IMO this has everything to do with his choice of projects. As to what he's offered--well, we'll never know, will we? I'm just glad he's working so much because if I don't like him in a particular role [Jess], then I won't have to wait more than a year to see him in something new [SiL]. By mixing TV, movies and stage he's in more frequent contact with an audience (including producers, casting directors, critics, etc.) whic should keep new projects flowing in. I hope :-) Does that only leave us with Hugh now? argh! I'm not stumble-bumble-Hugh's greatest fan but I have to admit the trailer for MBE had me in stiches (talk about type-casting, some of those ensemble goons have been in every mob movie ever made). Hugh's character trying to do a New Yawk accent ('git outta heeh') is too funny.

Thank you Karen, for getting us the storyline info on" Londinium". You are a tenacious Firthfan...and we are indebted to you. ****** ... he's now peceived by casting directors as "the husband" IMO that is how he perceives himself . I think he will play this as a comedic role, which he enjoys doing. I can't wait to see him and Stephen Fry together on screen . Can't you see him now...discussing his "dysfunction"...blowing his nose..like he did in MLSF. You want him a romantic hero? Better keep cranking out the ole P&P tapes:-)

(Bethan) he's now perceived by casting directors as "the husband". Maybe but just like you, I�m afraid that he simply likes it. Wouldn�t it be interesting to know what sort of roles he has been offered and what he has turned down since Darcy. This could shock us! So many lustful roles ignored?!.......Surely Darcy made it obvious to everybody that Colin can make a fantastic romantic lead but he possibly just isn�t interested. Looking at all his choices of work after Darcy I don�t think it�s very likely that he�d play Mark Darcy. But Colin is a very surprising person so who knows. I�m prepared for practically anything from him by now.

(Elena) Surely Darcy made it obvious to everybody that Colin can make a fantastic romantic lead but he possibly just isn�t interested. Here here!!

Hi there, JanaC! What I�ve wanted to know for some time is.....are you planning to come to London in January? Btw, after making his careful observations, my friend declared that you were the nicest and loveliest of the March 6th firthettes!!

DreamWorks' "American Beauty" will have its world premiere as a gala presentation at the 24th Toronto International Film Festival. The dark comedy, starring Annette Bening and Kevin Spacey, marks the motion picture debut of director Sam Mendes, best known for his award-winning theatrical career. ********* Karen and all: The talk I've read is that this is one to watch for. Great performances by Spacey, one of my other favorite actors and Bening, and there is a third star, a young chick, as well. I will have to find more info. There are a couple of graphic sexual scenes, as I remember reading. With Mendes, I suppose that's par for the course. Murph

I just mention this as it may be of interest to Firthfans living in or near Coventry ,apparently there is a new production of The Turn of The Screw starring Christopher Cazenove and Sophie Ward opening at the Coventry Belgrade in October. I must say that of all the forthcoming Firth projects this is the one that I am looking froward to most, it has got very good credentials and ITV are very good at publicizing and promoting their forthcoming productions so I would expect a very good TV audience for this o e.

COLIN TO PLAY SHAKESPEARE -according to Deja-com Colin is to play Shakespeare in a 30min film for the Millenium Dome "Time for Blackadder" and it will be shown continually for a year in The Skyscrape building and then shown on SKY in 2001.The writers of the film are Ben Elton & Richard Curtis (NH). So another good reason to come to London in January, as well as 3DOR you can take in the Millenium Dome and visit the Skyscrape building and see Colin as Shakespeare. I needed a reason to visit the Dome now I have one!! (Someone commented that KB would have been better suited to play S, what rot!!)

BTW The Millenium Experience commissioned the film and other cast members include, of course, Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Kate Moss as Maid Marion and Rik Mayall as Robin Hood.

Thank you Ann..What good news. At last he'll get to play Shakespeare! (Take that John Madden!!) And we'll be there in January!! Looks like Colin is working 'round the clock.Lucky us!!

(Eileen)IMO this has everything to do with his choice of projects. I agree with you, Eileen, but I am annoyed that he does not seem interested in pleasing his fans. I think it somewhat unappreciative, and IMO, a performer has a certain obligation to his audience, within reason, of course. Maybe it is just my own bias that makes me feel so, but there it is.

I think an actor has to please himself if he is going to please his fans. I don't think he can give a good performance if he doesn't believe in the role he is playing. too many take parts for the money and do a poor job because they really don't care about the role. I wonder how many scripts he gets a week. In the book The Making O P&P he says that when he got that script he had a stack of them waiting for an answer but the hadn't found one he liked. With all the work he has been doing he must have a great many coming in.

Excellent news, AnnW, and I agree now we have reason to go see the Dome! Book our tickets, Evelyn. ;-D

(Eileen) IMO this has everything to do with his choice of projects. Exactly. For some reason none of this seems too mysterious to me. And I think it's the greatest luxury in the world to do what you want to do.

(Elena)Are you planning to come to London in January? Yes, wouldn't miss it for the world. (Elena) Btw, after making his careful observations, my friend declared that you were the nicest and loveliest of the March 6th firthettes!! What a very kind thing to say. Tell your friend thank you.

Re. Shakespeare....I think he may have already completed this. I remember seeing Stephen Fry in a TV interview about the time Colin was doing his Refugee Council poetry reading, and SF said that he (SF!) was just off to film a special half-hour Blackadder for the Dome, with all his "mates". Wasn't Colin sporting a goatee at the poetry reading? Probably for playing Will! Not Londinium. Londinium...I'm sure this will be okay. Could be an ensemble piece...I don't see MB as the "star" as such. And wasn't there a description of one shot in which CF, IJ and MH are cruising the canal in Little Venice. And with US finance, there's every chance you'll see it in the US...British films are non-starters at the moment.

It never ceases to amaze me how minutely this lovely group of ladies can analyze something they haven't even seen yet!! :-D Still, it keeps the imagination well-exercised, does it not?

I'm glad we selected to go mid-January for the Spring Reunion or else we'd miss the Dome film. May I ask a dumb question? Who is Blackadder? And will he be the host?

Edmund Blackadder is a fictitious character played by Rowan Atkinson(a highly articulate version of Mr Bean) who has appeared in three (?) comedy series set at different times in English history, most notably the reign of Elizabeth I and the First World War. The brilliant scripts are always by Richard Curtis (Notting Hill) and Ben Elton. From what I can make out "Time for Blackadder" is a skit on English history in which Blackadder meets famous personages of the past. I've been racking my brains to remember what Stephen Fry said....something about the script being so funny that they were all rolling on the floor laughing. I think the "Dome Films" are being shown on special large screens. Sky TV have bought the film for �4million....I'm sure it will be transmitted worldwide once it has finished at the Dome. Thanks Ann for spotting this! And Karen fot the Londinium scoop!

THANKS BETHAN

Are you impressed??? I've been practicing on #61. ..getting ready for the Firthday Party. Not bad...first try...am I a genius, or what? NASA...here I come:-) ***** ( Promise, I won't do this again. )

Here are links to two news stories about the special Blackadder film: http://www.yahoo.co.uk/headlines/19990812/drecord/p3s1_934499247.html http://www.yahoo.co.uk/headlines/19990812/independent/p5s3_934486515.html

FEVER PITCH has been mentioned in the special fall double preview-issue of Entertainment Wkly under September and the subsection "plus", to wit: Soccer-obsessed Colin Firth (sans Mia Hamm, we're afraid) bungles his romance in FEVER PITCH That's it. A confirmation, I hope??

Although I cannot persuade my Husband to visit U.K. in the winter, due to certain monetary things to sort out in mid-year I can at least visit the dome. Thanks for the news, anything relating to Blackadder has to be a hoot, it has been well received in Oz. Hopefully too some of the U.K. t.v. and films Colin has been doing will finally reach us if not MLSF.

Karen and AnnW, thanks for all the Londinium and Millenium Dome news. Goodness, CF is a busy bee these days, isn't he? (JanaC) Since I can't see MLSF yet (thinking about flying to L.A.) Oh, I hope you do! We can have a Jana's/ Firth fest. All Jana, all the time...:-)

COLIN TO PLAY SHAKESPEARE Great news, Ann! (Lidya)he does not seem interested in pleasing his fans....I think it somewhat unappreciative I�ve always admired it how independently he seems to make his choices, without letting things like money or fame or peoples� expectations affect him. I�m sure he�s very interested in pleasing his fans but this really couldn�t be his guiding principle, could it.......poor guy would have to be romantic and half naked all the time! :-D

and he certainly did his best to please his fans in the foyer of the Donmar each evening after 3DOR, I think all who were there would agree, he signed authographs, chatted and was more than obliging with photographs,absolutely charming and friendly. Can't wait to see him again.!!

thanks for the urls, Karen. From the independent: The 30-minute film with an all-star cast,including supermodel Kate Moss as Maid Marion and Pride and Prejudice star Colin Firth as Shakespeare, will be shown in the Dome's Skyscape building all year He may try, but he'll never get away from it...

For all those going to the Spring Reunion in January (to include the Blackadder film)here's a rundown on London's plans for the Millenium. http://www.ricksteves.com/0899greenwich.htm ***** Pride and Prejudice star Colin Firth as Shakespeare, will be shown in the Dome's Skyscape building all year (Gi)He may try, but he'll never get away from it... LOL. It's almost like a tatoo, isn't it? ****

(Elena) I�m sure he�s very interested in pleasing his fans but this really couldn�t be his guiding principle, could it.......poor guy would have to be romantic and half naked all the time! :-D What I fear is that in his desire to avoid being typecast as the romantic lead, he will be in danger of being typecast as the expendable second fiddle!

Thanks Evelyn, for the Millenium Experience link, however, I can't find anywhere where it tells you if you can book tickets in advance and where you can book tickets, have you any idea.

(Ann W)...Re: Millennium Dome..where you can book tickets, have you any idea. Not yet....but let's try British Tourist Association. I will call them in NY. Looks like London is going all out for The Millennium :-)

Oh dear! I had quite decided that the Dome was the most ridiculous idea ever and that I had no intention of visiting it.... I shall have to eat my words! I think this is very good for Colin. Blackadder is becoming almost a British institution and to be involved in this project which so many people in the UK will see, has to be good for his image at least in the UK which is where he seems to want to base his career.

Another nasty little review at CNN. Cannot believe this guy actually watched the movie if he could write this: "You can't even tell that the newcomer is affecting Edward, outside of his being happy to show a pretty woman around the estate and brag about his lame-brained inventions." Wasn't he watching the screen and couldn't he see Colin's face all lit up watching Heloise play the cello? Couldn't he hear the irritation in Colin's voice as he wanted Fraser out of the way during the estate tour? This guy thought he just wanted to brag about his inventions? Holy moly!! Was he out to lunch! http://cnn.com/SHOWBIZ/Movies/9908/13/review.mylifesofar/index.html

Compare these comments to the Film Journal reviewer's remark that CF was close to brilliant. Go figure. Colin's performance is subtle, but, as you mentioned, Karen, Edward's feelings were pretty obvious from the start. As to why... as Paul Ashworth said, "We all have reasons for loving things the way we do", though, like many of you, I see Edward as being infatuated, not in love. BTW, I actually saw some brief television ads for MLSF, on a specialty channel, Showcase, this weekend (my DH alerted me to them). They were in conjunction with a contest and one of the prizes is passes to the film. I don't know if that means MLSF's release is going to be expanded in Canada by Alliance Atlantis which seems to be the distributor here. The two theatres in which MLSF is showing in Toronto are good ones in upscale, accesible areas, but, alas, there was no print advertising for the film this w ekend.

MILLENIUM DOME TICKETS will be on sale from September 22 Hotline # (0)870-606-2000 Adult 20 UKP They are sold by the day. The entire tour of the Dome will take 6 hours. (Didn't ask her if the Blackladder film ran continuously .Hey, we could just bring a blanket and lunch:-D) I called the Millenium Experience Visitor Centre at the Royal Naval College in Greenwich. # 181-305-3456. Good idea to get tickets early since Jan.15th will only be the third weekend. that it will be opened.

Thanks, Evelyn, for the info. Here's a link which says that Skyscape with the HUGE screen is not *in* the Dome, so perhaps we will not have to bring a blanket :-) http://greenwich2000.com/millennium/dome/ ******** London will have a prestigious new entertainment venue situated next to the Dome at Greenwich that will play host to a galaxy of stars and live events during the year 2000. Named Skyscape, and sponsored by BSkyB, the venue will be dedicated to unique live entertainment. The silver coloured building will be a striking addition to the peninsula with its distinctive curved roof sails and pod entrances. Nestling beside the Dome, Skyscape will be a dramatic and attractive futuristic building. Visitors will experience a state of the art venue fully equipped for the 21st century. Its two 2,500-seat cinemas will be the biggest in the UK, using top of the range cinematic screen and sound technology. The building's central foyer consists of a series of clear mezzanine floors and walls that will give visitors panoramic views of the Dome and the river. The building, designed by Edwin Shirley Staging and architects Urban Salon in consultation with the Richard Rogers Partnership, has an exciting dual purpose. As an integral part of the Millennium Experience its two giant cinemas together will see up to 50,000 visitors entertained every day. They will be treated to a film experience that is currently in development. The film will be a unique half-hour �special� featuring the best of British comedy, by our leading comedy writers. The building�s second starring role will see one of the two vast cinema screens 'fly away' to reveal a 20m x 20m live performance stage. Bigger than the Live Aid stage, Skyscape�s stage will be the largest in the UK, breaking the current record held by the Edinburgh Festival (14m x 19m). The stage will transform one cinema into an attractive 3,300 seater performance venue, enabling the staging of a series of separately ticketed events throughout 2000. Top artists such as Robbie Williams, U2 and the Rolling Stones are tipped to appear at Skyscape. But remember, you only have a limited time in which to enjoy these live shows. The season will ast for 100 performances only - just 100 nights to bring the house down. *********

(Anne Hale) if not MLSF In response to a letter I wrote to David Stratton (SBS Movie Show, he said that MLSF will open in Australia in November. I feel very positive about this movie. We WILL NOT miss it!!

Good for you Cathey, and I hope we get it when we are supposed to (UK), in October according to a recent Sir David Puttnam interview. You never know it may still be running in the UK in January, 2000!!

Thanks, Evelyn, for the info. Here's a link which says that Skyscape with the HUGE screen is not *in* the Dome, so perhaps we will not have to bring a blanket :-) http://greenwich2000.com/millennium/dome/ ******** London will have a prestigious new entertainment venue situated next to the Dome at Greenwich that will play host to a galaxy of stars and live events during the year 2000. Named Skyscape, and sponsored by BSkyB, the venue will be dedicated to unique live entertainment. The silver coloured building will be a striking addition to the peninsula with its distinctive curved roof sails and pod entrances. Nestling beside the Dome, Skyscape will be a dramatic and attractive futuristic building. Visitors will experience a state of the art venue fully equipped for the 21st century. Its two 2,500-seat cinemas will be the biggest in the UK, using top of the range cinematic screen and sound technology. The building's central foyer consists of a series of clear mezzanine floors and walls that will give visitors panoramic views of the Dome and the river. The building, designed by Edwin Shirley Staging and architects Urban Salon in consultation with the Richard Rogers Partnership, has an exciting dual purpose. As an integral part of the Millennium Experience its two giant cinemas together will see up to 50,000 visitors entertained every day. They will be treated to a film experience that is currently in development. The film will be a unique half-hour �special� featuring the best of British comedy, by our leading comedy writers. The building�s second starring role will see one of the two vast cinema screens 'fly away' to reveal a 20m x 20m live performance stage. Bigger than the Live Aid stage, Skyscape�s stage will be the largest in the UK, breaking the current record held by the Edinburgh Festival (14m x 19m). The stage will transform one cinema into an attractive 3,300 seater performance venue, enabling the staging of a series of separately ticketed events throughout 2000. Top artists such as Robbie Williams, U2 and the Rolling Stones are tipped to appear at Skyscape. But remember, you only have a limited time in which to enjoy these live shows. The season will ast for 100 performances only - just 100 nights to bring the house down. *********

Oh, bugger!