(Moon) Age is not neccesarily a factor for one to have a heart attack. It most certainly is. (Karen) You are baaaaadddd! Most of the time, yes, but I was speaking medically here. And humbug, Humbert, indeed! he isn't even taken to the hospital, but to Nimi's house or her mother's house. Guess he had an American HMO. (Evelyn) you see him slumped over in the car...with the people carrying him out...Then he's taken to Nimi's house!!! Thanks for the clarification, Ev. The place to go after a heart attack (or as Mari calls it, a My-oh-Colin-al Infarction) or even an angina episode is not someone's house. Matthew probably just had gas :-D Harumph. If Sagay is a pediatrician, she ought to know this. Bad story line. Veddy veddy bad. If I ever come face-to-face with ODB, I'd be lucky to get an intelligible word out of my mouth. You knew what was appropriate for the time and place, Evelyn. But it doesn't stop the rest of us from wanting to ask by proxy!

MLSF is at #15 in the Australian top films, not bad for a little film only showing on 16 screens. BTW does that mean that there are only 6 reels now in use in the US.Well done all CF fans in Aussie.

(Evelyn)I treat this encounter as a social one That�s what makes that encounter so great, your instincts work perfectly, Evelyn! He came to you to say he was glad to see you there, not to answer a flow of curious fan questions. If you had started to question him he wouldn�t come to you deliberately again.

he isn't even taken to the hospital, but to Nimi's house or her mother's house. (Eileen) Guess he had an American HMO. ROTF! If you're right, Eileen, one can only hope that Dr. Nimi, the Primary Care Physician, had a fresh supply of leeches on hand!;-) Note to self: 1. Swallow coffee before reading posts. 2. Purchase plastic slipcover for monitor if neglect to do # 1. Evelyn, you are amazing. As I told Karen, most of us bring home red double-decker bus magnets; leave it to you to haul a Colincopia of Firthabilia! Am greatly enjoying your posts. Would love to hear more about the *exact* moment that you realized he recognized you and was coming over. I have to confess: in March I was one of those curious fan types who asked him questions, just work-related stuff, you know, like "boxers or briefs?";-) Mari

(Mari), I have to confess: in March I was one of those curious fan types who asked him questions, just work-related stuff, you know, like "boxers or briefs?";-) Mari you should know better than to make such a confession here. We need all the details before we can absolve you. :-) Please continue...

(Evelyn) Peter Schwabach has seen P&P more times than I have...and stolen all the best Andrew Davies scenes. Could you elaborate? Was there a lot of sparring-type situations between Matt and Nimi? In January, I would like to take a pic of Karen and him. Most definitely! Susan....you were our inspiration...if Susan did it alone...I felt the three of us could do it together. You're sweet to say this, but I shouldn't be anyone's inspiration. If I was any kind of a competent driver my trip would have been a piece of cake. Guess he had an American HMO. LOL, Eileen!

(Evelyn)I treat this encounter as a social one (Elena) That�s what makes that encounter so great, your instincts work perfectly, Evelyn! He came to you to say he was glad to see you there, not to answer a flow of curious fan questions. If you had started to question him he wouldn�t come to you deliberately again. But he might expect Evelyn to ask him some questions since he knew she was not one of those stalkers (you know what I mean, don't you?) then Colin could be disappointed for not having an exciting conversation with one of his finest fans ;-) I do wish Evelyn would ask him to get onto cf.com for his film discussion (that may get him interested). Thanks to all who posted the latest 3DOR and SLOW reviews. I'm having a great time to absorb them. Now go back to my little corner, see ya!

(Mari)I have to confess: in March I was one of those curious fan types who asked him questions, justwork-related stuff, you know, like "boxers or briefs?";-) Mari, you're the greatest....and coming from you, I am sure he would laugh and not be offended. I guess, I just don't care that much....I am happy to see him on stage anytime, anywhere. Anyway, asking questions when I don't know anyone personally is just not me...sorry. ~~~~~~~ )(Evelyn) Peter Schwabach has seen P&P more times than I have...and stolen all the best Andrew Davies scenes. (Susan)Could you elaborate? Was there a lot of sparring-type situations between Matt and Nimi? P&P cloned scenes 1. He looks out the window (wearing a ghastly dressing gown)at Nimi while she is sketching his garden. (She is a landscape architect). 2. He rescues Sammy in a boating accident ...swims in a tank...comes out with dripping wet shirt.. 3. Lots of smoldering looks. I have notes someplace...Springfolks who attended please add to this list.

OOOHHH!!! What glimpses of ODB to whet the appetite! Evelyn, great top 10 and Karen we await your skilled photography with keen anticipation. I can see I will have to focus on his nose at my next 3DOR visit! I have lapped up every detail, thank you.

P.S Is the dripping wet shirt white as in Pemberly white?

Blue, I think Lizza!

(Evelyn) 1. He looks out the window (wearing a ghastly dressing gown)at Nimi while she is sketching his garden. Wot?! She wasn't frolicking with a dog? ;-D Does Colin do his trademark (Andrew Davies) snuff out a candle with bare fingers? (Lizza) we await your skilled photography I guess I must be one of those who cuts off heads. ;-D Sorry, the others will have to wait. I've had a hard day picking up pictures, taking another roll (hanging the poster on outside walls, garage doors, etc.), having that developed, trying to figure out if any were good, picking up the slides from another place, then scanning the lot of them. 'Fraid I don't even want to look at them right now....at least until tomorrow. BTW, the kid at the photoshop thought the closeup one of Matt and Nimi in bed (which you've already seen) was "really neat." ;-D

THE RITZY REPORT After the screening there were some Q&A�s for about 25 minutes with Misan Sagay, the writer /producer and director Peter Schwabach.the questions came from members of the audience...one we felt was planted.The audience was not as enthusiastic as at the Friday screening. That might have had something to do with the fact that it was a real marathon to get to the Ritzy since the tubes had quit running. The Ritzy BTW is a misnomer...the place is a dive.The cinema had about ten rows..with seats that defied viewing the film. Brixton BTW is OK....we never felt threatened.Busy High Street. (I am paraphrasing the following....would like Tineke and Aishling to comment/correct) Q. Did you feel you accomplished your mission in making this film? Misan: Well, yes and no.I wanted to make a film about Nigerian women for women...but the financiers[ Handmade] wanted a film about Colin Firth.They actually wanted me to cut out the part with the women....then you just would have had CF walking around.[Much laughter] She then spoke at length about the trials of getting financing.I got the idea that they were grateful that the LFF had given them a slot. Someone asked if the film would be shown in the UK and she said yes from Nov. 26 Optimum would distribute it. The US distribution rights were still in the hands of the bank. [That got a big WOT? from me] BBC wanted Whitney Houston and only wanted a budget of 400,000 UKP.�Why that�s WH�s haridresser money!!� They also wanted Jeremy Irons but when the production was delayed, �he couldn�t fit the dates into his schedule.�[This lady was so inarticulate].So we got Colin Firth.Three weeks into production, Handmade went bankrupt and I had to pay the bills on my credit card. At times I hid among the cast when the bill collectors came. Finally I went to the Art Council for money to pay the creditors. Q. Why did you make an English film in the south of France. PS said because it is a picturesque spot and there is a colony of expats [Brits] there and a Nigerian community. Q. What was you background ? Misan said she was a pediatrician and was used to having children on her knee giving them shots.[No kidding she said this].PS spoke about his educational credentials. Q. Did you shoot more than one ending for this film? Much laughter from director....�that only happens on 30 million UKP films.� On the way out I asked her if I heard her correctly whenshe said the US distribution was still in the hands of the bank and she said �Yes, but we�re trying to talk them out of it�. ~~~~~ Hey kids...that's all I know.

I want to add that the Nigerian native dresses are absolutely exquisite. Nia Long looks particularly beautiful when she wears them...she has a dazzling smile and a impish, ironic intelligence about her.Was perfect for the part as was the little boy [actually I preferred him to Fraser in MLSF].The bi-racial topic was never an issue..more cross-cultural. [Could have been Anglo-Italian!]The director said it was a film about an individual vs. the community. Also forgot to add that Misan wanted African music and the financiers insisted on a mainstream soundtrack.They do play African music when the women dance at Sammy's Birthday party.Nimi is very a graceful dancer and Matthew an appreciative audience!!( With that "on foot" smirk)

She then spoke at length about the trials of getting financing. Excuuuuuuuuuuuz me???? From the Production Notes and I quote:The filmmakers were fortunate to be offered financing very early on. The script was picked up first by British Screen and then the European Script Fund who funded the first two drafts. "I'm afraid I don't have one of those wonderful epic stories about how it took 20 years to get the script funded," states Misan. Peter concurs: "In terms of attracting money it wasn't an uphill struggle because the material was so good. British Screen having seen Attenborough put the first money into the script followed by the European Script Fund. HandMade Films were next to come on board with Gareth Jones as Executive Producer. The relationship with HandMade Films was a happy one, they were very committed and a real pleasure to work with."[...] The film wrapped after a seven week shoot. Peter Schwabach was never really daunted by the task of directing his first feature: "It was project I'd worked on for a couple of years already and I'd been intimately involved with writing the script. I also spent a lot of time casting it, we flew to Lagos to get Nene, and the film was of a sufficient budget that I was able to hand-pick the people I wanted. In that sense the film wasn't compromised in the way that when you make a short you have to get people for free."So which is it?

Well, Evelyn's report is accurate. Misan did go on at length about the financing (or lack of it). She did acutally say she was very grateful to the LFF for screeening the film.

I guess there's no sympathy available for producers who get the money easily - better to overspend, dodge creditors and tell stories about how harrowing it's all been. The heart attack - I assumed it was all a ruse to get into Nimi's house; I'm sure Nimi is told "he's lying on the couch, and they can't find anything wrong with him at all". I don't know anything about him recovering from another h.a. Otherwise they have a clouded happy ever after together - she's already lost one husband. Eileen asked for the funny lines a while ago; I'm having trouble remembering them all but when CF has caused consternation at the party and Sammy explains: "You must never touch food with your left hand; it's dirty - you wipe your bottom with it", he replies "Not necessarily" - that got a big laugh. (probably British toilet humour)

Very funny, Mark. The director said it was a film about an individual vs. the community. Hey, this is Donovan Quick! Thank you, Evelyn for the report.

(Mark) The heart attack - I assumed it was all a ruse to get into Nimi's house; I'm sure Nimi is told "he's lying on the couch, and they can't find anything wrong with him at all". I don't know anything about him recovering from another h.a. The first one, incurred while--how was it put?--bonking a politician's wife sounded like a ruse to me (no doubt influenced by all those Flashman books I've read!). A repeat of the same ruse to get into Nimi's house makes sense. Thanks for trying to remember the funny lines! (Elena) That�s what makes that encounter so great, your instincts work perfectly, Evelyn! He came to you to say he was glad to see you there, not to answer a flow of curious fan questions. If you had started to question him he wouldn�t come to you deliberately again. Very well said, Elena. Evelyn, you haven't been christened 'Dame Evelyn' for nothin'! Thanks for the Q&A summation. IMO the production notes have been 'spun' and Sagay spoke the truth during the Q&A--a little too bluntly when it came to "settling" for CF instead of JI. We know HandMade went bankrupt, that's for sure! Evelyn, what do you think about your friends at the bank pursuing US distribution? Did the UK release breathe new life into the project?

(Mark) she's already lost one husband Really? Did they ever say that Nimi had been married? What happened to the other husband? I got the impression that Sammy was produced out of wedlock. The notes mention several times that Nimi's mother's greatest desire is for Nimi to wear a "married woman's head-tie" for her "chance of respectability." A widow is very respectable in most cultures. Don't know if Nimi had been married before and her husband just left her or divorced her...and what that would say about her status in the community. A ha!! Found this:"There are few stains that a married woman's head-tie cannot disguise .." [synopsis lead in] We are introduced to Nimi da Silva at the Church of the Anglican Ascension. Women in bright traditional African dress flutter around like birds of paradise discussing the latest gossip as tehy stand in pecking order of head-ties. Towards the front, under the pulpit are the noble head-ties, silken and luxurious; at the back, simple cotton prints and more animated converesation. Nimi enters the church with her seven year old son Sammy and heads towards the back, nervously adjusting her humble scarf - the cl ar sign of her shameful unmarried status. (Eileen) IMO the production notes have been 'spun' and Sagay spoke the truth during the Q&A I agree that the production notes have been spun, but why go to such lengths to fabricate a story about the ready availability of financing. To place blame for the delayed release on the film to HandMade's bankruptcy as opposed to the film's brilliance? ;-D

The film makes it quite clear that Nimi's first husband, Sammy's father, drowned (no explanation of how or why, but I guess it adds extra poignancy to Sammy's subsequent brush with death). I was taking it as a charming point in MF's favour that he didn't immediately ask about Sammy's father, or indeed seem to be bothered. The information was given well into the movie (I think in response to a question from the priest or his parents). I now think it may have been because someone other than the original writer demanded that Nimi have a *decent* explanation of her situation. The implication was that the culture was even more oppressive because despite her widowhood, the Nigerian women needed to shame Nimi into re-marrying.

Thanks for the Q&A, Evelyn. Which was the question you feel was planted? I asked her if I heard her correctly when she said the US distribution was still in the hands of the bank and she said Yes, but we�re trying to talk them out of it. Am I confused, or is she saying that she hopes the film *won't* be distributed in the U.S.? This woman really sounds like a piece of work. No wonder Colin seems to want to wash his hands of the whole thing.

(Karen) but why go to such lengths to fabricate a story about the ready availability of financing. To place blame for the delayed release on the film to HandMade's bankruptcy as opposed to the film's brilliance? ;-D Tee hee! Good point. Since posting my last I thought of another question, then promply forgot it. Thankfully Susan has thought of it also: Which was the question you feel was planted? Was it the one about Sagay's vision for the film?

(Karen) I've heard this used before and I can't remember. It's killing me. Same type situation where the woman had never used his first name before, so he asks her to say his name. Don't know if this is the one you were thinking of Karen, but I saw it in a BBC version of Emma. Mr Knightly asked Emma to call him "George" (I think that was his name; I always think of him as Mr Knightly). I'm going to see MLSF again on Sunday (another 250km trek). My Mum may come with me. I've convinced her she will like the film even though she doesn't have a firthsession. Cathey

Actually, the Timothy Dalton "Jane Eyre" keeps surfacing, but I think it's something a bit more recent. Don't think it was the BBC's Emma. I've tried to forget that one. ;-D

IMO the production notes have been 'spun' and Sagay spoke the truth during the Q&A Karen, did you say that the production notes were probably written by Handmade Films....probably before they went bankrupt.It was sudden...I was in contact with them in those days...and those girls did not know they were going to be out of a job. ~~~~~ I understood that Nimi was an unwed mother... (Big Spoiler!)At the beginning Matthew tells her their relationship would have limitations (he's married!). She then decides to marry Rev. Folla in order to give Sammy a name . At the end Matthew says: "Field is a name too". And they embrace among the tomatoes.

Re; US distrib... According to Misan, the bank still has the rights of distribution in the US.. and she is trying to get it so it can be shown in the US.It seems convoluted to me...but next week I plan to call the bank for verification

Aaaah! My kind of film! I'll keep my eyes wide open for some promo in the press this weekend. SLOW doesn't have to be outstanding to attract some attention. There's enough that's "different" about it...the setting, the fact that the director is a woman and Nigerian (I presume), the theme, the culture clash, and the fact that there are two very photogenic leads. It opens the same week as the latest James Bond, so I'm really hoping to see some publicity! I don't think Handmade went bankrupt during the filming...well afterwards, surely. And I don't think the BBC would budget only �400,00 for a full-length film!

(Bethan)I don't think Handmade went bankrupt during the filming...well afterwards, surely. And I don't think the BBC would budget only �400,00 for a full-length film! That's what Misan said....elaborated on it too. Said the funding was cut three weeks into production. The Art Council finally gave her money to pay the bills. But they had no money for post-production..which is why it went on for a year...! Let me assure you..according to her it was a real Pity Party.

(Evelyn) did you say that the production notes were probably written by Handmade Films...probably before they went bankrupt Oh, definitely, they were done by HandMade...before. In Colin's bio, it says: "and most recently, 1000 Acres (Jocelyn Moorhouse) and World of Moss (Hugh Hudson)." (Mark) The film makes it quite clear that Nimi's first husband, Sammy's father, drowned (Evelyn) I understood that Nimi was an unwed mother... Sammy's father could have drowned, but he may not have been Nimi's husband. The significance of the head-tie (rank) appears integral to the story. (Evelyn) the bank still has the rights of distribution in the US. The only thing I can make of this is that Optimum didn't have enough $$$ to buy the film outright from the bank. It could only afford distribution rights within the UK. So the bank or its sales agent may be continuing to parcel it out. Plausible. (Bethan) And I don't think the BBC would budget only �400,00 for a full-length film! Where did BBC come from? It isn't mentioned anywhere in the credits or production history. (Bethan) It opens the same week as the latest James Bond Would be a tough choice for me! ;-D so I'm shallow ;-p

(Bethan) And I don't think the BBC would budget only �400,000 for a full-length film! (Karen)Where did BBC come from? It isn't mentioned anywhere in the credits or production history. I think BBC must be the same as The Art Council funding. She did mention BBC...and if I remember correctly at the beginning it says: "Paragon Films, Handmade Films and BBC". Bethan, 400,000UKP would not have been the whole budget for this film...their was other funding. ~~~~~~~ Hey....Karen....you changed Mathew's shoes!!!!

Love the 'shoes among the tomatoes' pic on the main page. But will you be revealing the rest of his body? Yikes, we're sooo demanding! Let me get this straight, Evelyn. In your opinion, was Sagay's sad tale of bankruptcy, lack of funds, hiding among the actors to escape bill collectors, etc. (BTW, were violins playing in the background?) an exaggeration of the truth? Or did HandMade go bankrupt much later on in the process? Thanks. Also, which question in the Q&A do you and Aishling feel was a plant? I promise to turn off the bright light that's shining in your eyes very soon :-)

Eileen, am working on it now. ;-D OK, you people who saw SLOW, why didn't you say that Christopher Bowen plays Rupert, who I assume is Jenny's lover? Fond memories of Cold Comfort Farm (when I wasn't admiring Rufus)! ;-D

(Karen)OK, you people who saw SLOW, why didn't you say that Christopher Bowen plays Rupert, Who cares about CB??Anyway that was one anemic performance...:-) ~~~~~ No Eileen..I don't think Misan was exaggerating....as improbable as it might seem. She had the director standing next to her and I doubt she would have blatantly lied.If she said Handmade went bankrupt three weeks into production and Peter Schwabach agrees...who are we to say they didn't. There was a lot going on at that time. You see, Paragon Entertainment Corp. a Canadian Company and parent company of Handmade went bankrupt.In the process they tried to see the distribution rights to Handmade's stable of 22 films. When that didn't happen...the bank took over the assets.

Thanks, Ev. I was aware of the basic chain of events but not the timing.

*wiping brow* It's done. Hope you like!

So much for putting a link up??? Just go to my Drool Bucket: http://www.spring.net/~KarenR/mdbro.main.html Lots of new stuff for SLOW ;-D

Thank you Karen! And Evelyn! First-rate stuff. Fascinating production notes, and the synopsis is excellent. I like Nia's comments about Colin, oh, and the fact that he can relate to the commitment-phobic Matthew, and the moment of really falling for someone (I paraphrase!) Looking forward to seeing this!

Karen I clicked on the above URL but got Not found.

Oops I see the mistake. BTW, you can always get there from the 3Deers main page. http://www.spring.net/~KarenR/mdbro/main.html

SLOW...don't know if this is significant, but the Times Metro lists as its "coming next week" three films, the Bond movie, "The Astronaut's Wife" (Johnny Depp) and SLOW. Given that about ten films seem to open each week and several suffer the indignity of being totally ignored, this is recognition of a kind. I also noticed that in our region, "Onegin" is playing in very few theatres...about par with "The Winslow Boy" when it was first released. Suprises me in view of the blanket promotion it received. BTW, Colin may find that courtesy of the new Bridget Jones and the ES awards (hopefully!), SLOW may get some indirect publicity!

Any sighting is significant. :-D Think I was inspired by the television show I taped for Evelyn about the WWII code breaking. There is another interpretation for Colin's remarks in the Donmar lobby about SLOW. He said something to the effect of "sorry it didn't work out." In addition to (1) sorry you missed it and (2) sorry it turned out so bad, there is also the possibility that he's expressing regret that it took so long to come out. I'll know more when I find my codebooks. ;-D

That's a beautiful page, Karen. The colors are brilliant and the photos - argh, I wanna see this film. I'm greedy. In addition to (1) sorry you missed it and (2)sorry it turned out so bad, there is also the possibility that he's expressing regret that it took so long to come out. Sounds like Moon's cue for the other seven reasons to make her Top Ten list.

Super job on the SLOW page, Karen! Thanks to you and Evelyn for these goodies. Nice to see that Nia Long has joined the ever-growing list of Colin's Leading Ladies Who Love him. But what's with the tomato pic? Looks rather . . .seedy.;-) Sigh. Remember when guys brought you roses? ;-) (Karen) There is another interpretation for Colin's remarks in the Donmar lobby about SLOW. He said something to the effect of "sorry it didn't work out." Maybe he really said, "sorry *I* didn't work out." Nimi might have immediately gone for a guy with pecs! ;-D

Thanks to you and Evelyn for these goodies. Hey..not me....all I did was carry the stuff home. Aishling schlepped that poster all over London(found the tube) and Tineke found the Optimum cubby-hole on Charring Cross Rd. A real Spring-team effort. ~~~~~~ BTW anybody planning to bring home a 3 DOR poster, you can purchase tubes at a post office...but the closest ones to the Donmar is on Trafalgar Sq. US poster shops have shoulder strap carriers. They are fiendish to carry through Heathrow.

LOL, Mari! * Evelyn, next time remember to bring a piece of string and some sticky tape...;-) * Btw, isn't it time to open a new SLOW board?

Btw, isn't it time to open a new SLOW board? Sure, it's only fair. When does the film open for general release and will you UK ladies be able to see it so we get some posts?

May I suggest that we're doing just fine with this one, so far? Why not have a general "Current Film Spoilers" Topic so you won't have to keep creating new ones ... remember, next year is going to be a busy year. We shouldn't be creating a new topic every other week ...Activity on any given "Spoilers" Topic is usually pretty short-lived. They rarely fill up with very many responses and having a long list of numbered topics can be v. confusing. [This coming from the Muddle Champion of all Time!!] :-)

Karen's got this review on her SLOW page (the link is posted at 123) "...Firth seems uneasy throughout, particularly when his catty British wife, played by Caroline Goodall, comes calling. /.../ This collision of cultures tale chugs along quite pleasantly but ends up going nowhere, despite the lively acting of the almost uniformly excellent Nigerian cast members. /.../ Bogged down in local colour the British contingent fail to be sufficiently interesting and thus the love story can have no real heart. A bit biased, don't you think?

...Firth seems uneasy throughout, particularly when his catty British wife, played by Caroline Goodall, comes calling. /.../ Of course he's uneasy...the guy is in love with Nimi and is getting ready to dump Jenny. The Nigerian cast??? Only one is from Nigeria. The others are from UK. Sammy comes from Surrey!!Rev. Folla has played with the RSC!! ....love story can have no real heart. Should read..."The love story has no real plot...." But it is an OK film. I would see it again.

Evelyn's right. The only Nigerian is the actress who plays Nimi's mother. Her bio was pretty interesting. She has mounted a Nigerian production of "An Ideal Husband." I get the feeling that people are disappointed because they were expecting something different. As if using a Nigerian-English premise would somehow lift it out of being a usual and customary romantic comedy. But aren't many rom-coms about opposites attracting?

Secret Laughter of Women now on new Topic 126 - Spoilers for Current Firth Productions.

Hi everyone, I've been lurking and enjoying all of your conversations so much! Thanks to Mari and her kindly telling me that MLSF is playing in Doylestown PA I have finally seen it, and I really enjoyed it. The theater is about 30 min. from my sister's house (site of our Thanksgiving), so I sent the rest of my family home this morning and I went to see the movie....a perfect day after Thanksgiving! I've loved reading all of your comments on the movie, and I don't have a lot to add...I don't think anyth ng much went on in the moss, though! CF looked great and that alone was worth the price of admission. I'll certainly be wearing out the video tape when it comes out! Lynn in Lancaster PA

Hi everyone, I've been lurking and enjoying all of your conversations so much! Thanks to Mari and her kindly telling me that MLSF is playing in Doylestown PA I have finally seen it, and I really enjoyed it. The theater is about 30 min. from my sister's house (site of our Thanksgiving), so I sent the rest of my family home this morning and I went to see the movie....a perfect day after Thanksgiving! I've loved reading all of your comments on the movie, and I don't have a lot to add...I don't think anything much went on in the moss, though! CF looked great and that alone was worth he price of admission. I'll certainly be wearing out the video tape when it comes out! Lynn in Lancaster PA

Hi Lynn, welcome to Firth World. What a Thanksgiving treat for you. Did you see it alone? So nice to wallow in MLSF without distraction. This is definitely worth getting two videos - one to watch over and over, the other to keep as the "good" copy. I know Allentown isn't that close to Lancaster, but it's playing there at the 19th Street Theatre starting 12/26 if you're looking for a second viewing.

Thanks Heide, and sorry about the double posting! I'm still holding out hope that it will show up in Annville or Millersville, but at least I've seen it once on the big screen!

Welcome Lynn.....good to have you on board. I hope you will join us on the other topics. Stick around!

LYNN!!! Great to see you come out of lurking, Lynn. Like you, I can't wait to see MLSF again. It's been months!! :-( January can't get here fast enough. So tell us any scenes, looks, lines or anything else that particularly struck you? We all have our favorite Colin outfits and little scenes. How about you?

Lynn, I'm so glad it worked out for you. One more thing to give thanks for, eh? Don't give up hope on Millersville or the other college towns; I believe it did play in Kutztown. This is the little movie that could!

Why can't it come back here? An Ideal Husband is going around...one..last...time.

MLSF in Oklahoma played at an art house theatre . The timing could not be worse...on the weekend before Christmas, who has time to go to the movies? AND , as Karen pointed out, college kids are gone (Norman is home to Univ. of OK.)Normally, they are more receptive to foreign films than the general population.So we had a private screening (two local Firthfans and me). My friends enjoyed it but had a problem understand the Scottish accent.The scene with Fraser and the maids in the kitchen was a goner.But everyone agreed that it was Colin at his best and hang the fact they could understand it. The film suffers from brutal editing leaving the audience confused. And Malcolm Mac Dowell looks older every time I see him...I swear I saw him limping! MEM is a gem in this..she conveys such deep affection for Edward...I�m sure it helped that in real life Colin is�a friend of the family� and the affection is real. My favorite scene is still when he is explaining the facts of life to Fraser. He has a similar scene in SLOW with Sammy. He does �being embarassed �so well...in both these films as well as in FP at the restaurant , and meeting Lizzie at Pemberley. Still no review in the newspaper, though the Miramax guy told me there would be one. Apparently, Miramax sent it the day before it was to begin.There does not seem to be a master plan for this film. Sad...it�s a treasure. I love it...can�t wait for the video.

And Malcolm MacDowell looks older every time I see him...I swear I saw him limping! Hee hee! can�t wait for the video Neither can I. Only a couple more weeks, right? I wonder what version of the film we'll see (1920, 1927 or with the Australian version's ending). I'm also looking forward to not seeing his head melt (as occurred when I saw it in July).

Just had an interesting conversation. The version of MLSF that will play in the UK is the same as has been showing in Australia, with Fraser going off to boarding school and Edward fooling around and imparting his *words of wisdom.* This is from someone who saw it about 4 months ago at a cast/crew party. Shoot!! Forgot to ask if the game plan then was to premiere it in October!!

Amazing but true -- MLSF is *still* playing in one theatre in Newton, a suburb of Boston. It's been there since August, so must be doing decent business. Evelyn, what was your impression of the infamous "loft" scene? Did he or didn't he?;-D

(Susan)Evelyn, what was your impression of the infamous "loft" scene? Did he or didn't he?;-D You know...the first time I saw it, I thought :"Nah...just a few snogs and a grope or two"...but this time I think he might have and it ended up on the cutting room floor..to get the PG13 rating.If not, then Edward is the biggest liar, 'cause he sure acts like it. BTW I saw the 1920 version.And Simon Rattle conducting the Birmingham Symphony is magnificent playing Beethoven's Fifth.Wish they had cut a soundtrack.

Just had an interesting conversation. The version of MLSF that will play in the UK is the same as has been showing in Australia, with Fraser going off to boarding school and Edward fooling around and imparting his *words of wisdom.* This is from someone who saw it about 4 months ago at a cast/crew party. Shoot!! Forgot to ask if the game plan then was to premiere it in October!! (Karen) Karen, you really do have sources everywhere! What cast/crew party was this? I just can't see any reason for the delay in showing MLSF in the UK..... if they're just planning an art-house release, they can do it any time. And if they'd shown it in October, it would have linked in with David Puttnam's much publicised retirement. Your sources can't cast light on the reasons for the delay, can they?

From Anne H: Australian (and UK) Ending for MLSF The four wheel drive sets off with the chauffeur in front and Fraser in the back. His mother has just informed him his father is waiting for him at the loch. At they loch they stop - and his Dad can be seen climbing out of the loch in the strange regalia of a tyre and waders. He comes up to Fraser to say goodbye and after a few pleasantries he informs Fraser he has looked up the word Fellatio and now knows its meaning and suggests to Fraser that he doesn't practice it at school!!!!!!! Fraser looks at hi father in some puzzlement and is heard saying over - I can't remember the exact wording - but suffice to say he hadn't a clue to his father's meaning. [Cathey will I am sure give you the exact wording.] The four wheel drive then continues on, the chauffeur suggests Fraser comes and sits in front with him and they exchange caps and then music. I think I am right here - after all I have only seen it twice. Anne H

In the voice over Fraser says he is pleased his Dad has at last told him something useful, even though he doesn't have a clue what he means. This final scene starts off with Fraser saying goodbye to his mother and the servants. He asks his mother if it was his fault that his father's flying experiment didn't work earlier in the summer and she reassures him that is was not and that his father wasn't meant to fly, he was meant to stay with them "all the animals in his zoo". She is trying not to cry while she says goodbye to him. After the car drives off leaving Edward it shows Fraser climbing over the seat into the front and he and the chauffeur exchanging caps with Fraser saying (in voice over) "so that is My Life So Far". There is then some wording on the screen which I assume the American version also had. If not, let me know and I'll see how good my memory is.

Umm... actually, I think I prefer the U.S. ending. The juxtaposition of the fellatio reference with the chauffeur inviting Fraser to join him in the front seat brings to mind that scene from "Airplane" -- "Hey Joey, you ever seen a man naked?" Maybe it's just my sick mind;-D

I like the American ending too.Who cares about that kid going off to school? I'm more interested in Moira and Edward making up and dancing in the moonlight. Perhaps, they did this to appease Sir Denis Forman in his home country since this is his life...so far

I prefer the American ending, too. The last thing we see is Colin's handsome face. And the reference to fellatio and Edward telling his ten-year old son not to do it at boarding school gives me the shivers. Can't believe Edward would have said such a thing. Takes the sweetness from the film.

I may prefer the American ending too but I sure wish I could see that extra footage anyway so I could decide for myself. Thanks for sharing, Anne and Cathey.

I spotted this in next week's (Jan 22-28) TV Guide, On Video section: "My Life So Far" (Miramax, available January 25) Set in post-World War I Scotland, this affecting memoir is told through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy and stars Colin Firth and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. All of which we know, of course. I was surprised to see it mentioned. I wonder if it'll turn up on pay-per-view?

Apparently My Life So Far has hit South Africa. Found this in a publication called Business Day (14 January 2000). Excellent review AGRICULTURE AND SEX IN THE IDYLLIC '20S The childhood reminiscences of Dennis Forman, a prominent figure in the arts in the UK, have been turned into a film of considerable charm and merit by Hugh Hudson and producer David Putnam, the duo responsible for Chariots of Fire in 1981. Blessed with a well-to-do, happy family, Fraser (Robert Norman) takes full advantage of his comfortable, stimulating circumstances. The 1920s may have been a period of change and uncertainty for others the plight of the nearby miners is mentioned only in passing but, for the 10-year-old boy, it was a time of discovery and exploration, not least as far as sex was concerned. The main influence on Fraser was Edward (Colin Firth), his father and a man of vision which, although blurred in some instances, makes him a hero to his son. Their relationship is cemented by a shared interest in matters scientific, mechanical, musical, sporting and, as ill-luck would have it, carnal. Edward is married to Moira (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), whose mother, the indefatigable Gamma (Rosemary Harris), owns Kiloran, the Scottish estate Edward runs in his own eccentric and idealistic way particularly in regard to his stubborn insistence on continuing the harvesting of a moss. Morris (Malcolm McDowell), Moira's brother, is a hard-headed businessman who sees little point in persevering with an unprofitable crop when money could be made far more easily. But it is not only a difference of opinion on agriculture that creates tension between the brothers-in-law, both of whom hope to inherit the property on Gamma's death. There is also the question of Heloise (Irene Jacob), Morris's French fiance, who enchants Edward and, less harmfully, Fraser. Filled with rich, colourful characters superbly played by a near perfect cast, My Life So Far presents an idyllic world that exists today only in memory and even that, one suspects from Simon Donald's adaptation, is pen to interpretation. Firth brings out all Edward's idiosyncrasies, yet is still able to suggest the frustration and, perhaps, the passion that lie beneath his devotion to family and duty. McDowell impresses as the acquisitive trader, while Harris excels as the stern but kindly holder of the purse-strings. Jacob possesses just the right amount of exotic appeal that would upset the delicate balance in a sheltered household. Much as Norman's performance adds depth and insight to Fraser's half-understood view of the adult world, mention should also be made of the angelically impish little boy who plays him as a mischievous three year old whose innocent yet dangerous prank sets the tone. The only one seemingly out of synch with the proceedings is Mastrantonio, who is given little to say until, towards the end, she delivers a speech that expresses all her pent-up feelings and reveals that she is far more aware than anyone, inclu ing the audience, might have supposed. My Life So Far is necessarily episodic, but each event has some bearing on Fraser's development and his family's equilibrium. Hugh Hudson's direction effectively mixes nostalgia with perception. The film is dedicated to the late Ian Charleston, the actor who played the devout Christian in Chariots of Fire. This film is set in roughly the same period and has a similar respect for traditional values coming to terms with a changing world. While its circumstances are not quite as dramatic, it makes a comparable point with equal acuity. Phillip Altbeker

That's a very impressive review, not because he liked the film but because the reviewer actually seems to have paid attention and understands it. He's the first one I recall who ever mentioned 3-year old Fraser too. I like it.