I just moved all of http://www.firth.com to http://www.spring.net/firth till we get the new site running. You can use this as an alternate, ot allt he scripts will work but I gave Myretta full access to the site and she was going to get in touch with Renate.

Hi Elena, Gi, Heide, Eileen, Mari, and all you ladies, Janeway Lizza, I didn't recognize you there for a minute. I've not developed film yet, am crossing my fingers, thanks for taking my pix with DB. The pen he used to sign my P&P book is encased in plastic, together with my other Colin treasures. Thanks to Evelyn, my P&P book is signed by JE as well. (Tracy) Had to take great care not to drool too much as it may have landed on him from above and well, it might have ruined my chances of a greet later! Believe me, it was hard to control myself, I was so exited before the show started, had to take deep breaths to calm myself. The hardest thing about sitting on the front row is trying not to be obvious when my eyes are glued on DB at all times. (Tracy) I suspect that this morning I may have had a huge grin on my face throughout. I still have mine. And it's been a week. (Arami) It actually took 10 years from Sue Birtwistle's initial idea to complete "her" version of P&P. And it's well worth it, but please, please, please, I cannot wait 10 years for the next one. Karen, lovely pix of the janeway house, and KJ, nice drawing of Walker. Did we really say "delicious anticipation" in the card? Blush.

(TracyT): Great work KJ ..and the flowers what a nice touch! Thanks to you, Tracy and to all the others expressing similar sentiments re: the card. (Emma): Did we really say "delicious anticipation" in the card? Blush. Sorry about that, Emma. I was approaching exhaustion at that stage and the proof-read just passed me by.

(TracyT): Great work KJ ..and the flowers what a nice touch! Oops!. And I forgot to add my compliments for that beautiful and unique "flower-house" arrangement. Inspired! Kudos to the team of Evelyn and Karen!! ;-)

Evelyn, did you notice the kinds of flowers included in the arrangement? The monitor I have access to is not of the best.

There is now a mirrow (partial) of firth.com at http://www.spring.net/firth . It's a temporary place to hold this websites files during the move. Myretta has access here and can grant access to others, as can myself and Ray.

Evelyn, did you notice the kinds of flowers included in the arrangement? Er...a...hmm... I'm not a horticulturist...so I don't know the names.There were some yellow roses, lots of purple flowers and berries and greenery.We told them to stay away from pinks. We took Jennifer a low small crystal bud vase mounded with tiny coral roses. Figured roses fit in with "love" in TRT.

Thanks for sharing the pictures, you are all so talented!

Purple and white freesia, yellow roses, and those reddish berry things called hypericum (sp?) that look like they're plastic.

Another pic from Donovan Quick courtesy of Jane C in Australia:

Lovely pic, thanks JanaC and karen. Thanks also to Terry for letting us know about firth.com (and taking care of it despite his difficult moment). KJ, the card is great, I hope he liked it; we know that he got that and the Janeway house :-) Post-Colin blues, Heide? I had them for a while, but I'm alright now.

(Evelyn)and I haven't seen a report of the movie on #82 Coming shortly! I�m still going on and on in my head about the Donmar experiences ans still want to talk about that above all else but SLOW is very freshly in my mind as well. I loved it! Btw I�m going to contact the cinema in Helsinki that showed Fever Pitch for months this year, and warmly recommend SLOW to them. I�m sure it would sell pretty well in Finland, like I said to you guys in London. The political incorrectness in it (white man winning the black girl from the black man) in the film wouldn�t look like a problem to the Finnish audience. (Gi)Post-Colin blues I�m afraid I�m only starting to get there. So far I�ve been flying ecstatically in the clouds but now I�m realizing that I�ll possibly never see him again, sob, sob. But that�s what I thought in March as well so hopefully I�m badly wrong again!

Some more about the Donmar Blues....remember how we moaned in March (or at least I did) about the shock caused by him being such an ordinary bloke, like someone from next door and so unlike Mr. Darcy?! Well, this time that�s not a problem. I think he looked much better now than in March and partly it was because his hair was clearly longer. In the March pics it looks almost black and too short at the back, now it was obviously closer to his natural colour and formed lovely curls on his forehead. Talking about his so called ordinariness seems quite ridiculous now, he�s everything but. I�ve never seen such eyes on any man, nor such a variety of broad/happy/playful/twinkling/tender/shy/amused/impatient sm les and grins. Every time he flashed one of those to someone my heart made an extra beat. Whew!:-D

(Elena) Btw I�m going to contact the cinema in Helsinki that showed Fever Pitch for months this year, and warmly recommend SLOW to them. Great idea, Elena. We were told that SLOW was purchased by about 18 distributors, representing 18 countries, but they wouldn't tell us who they were and where. This means that SLOW could be shown in about 18 other countries in any form (theatrical, video or television). You just have to keep your eyes open. No, post-Donmar blues for me as there were none last year either, although I wish I could see it/him again. The time we had was so good that I can be satisfied with it. ~~~~~ Donovan Quick articles in Australian magazines, also courtesy of Jane: WHO magazine The fantasy-driven story of legendendary idealist Don Quixote is modernised in this 90-minute drama starring Colin Firth. As Donovan Quick, Firth tilts at one big windmill, abandoning a disturbing past in England for a spiritual journey into Scotland. There, the well-heeled Englishman takes up lodgings in a village with a severely dysfunctional family headed by the heavy-drinking Luck Pannick (Katy Murphy). Quick seizes the day and quietly works to improve the lives of Lucy, her learning-disabled brother Sandy (David Brown), her unemployed son, Jim (Paul Doonan), and her merrily under-dressed gran (Liz Smith). When the all-powerful Windmill Transport company changes its rail timetable, leaving Sandy unable to get to his day centre, Quick charges to the rescue. He buys an old bus and establishes the Quick and Pannick bus service, a David-esque response that soon threatens the greedy Goliath. The impracticalities of Quick's idealism surface soon enough, but not before he's taken the fear and loathing out of the Pannick household. A brilliant Firth is well supported. Brown is superb as Sandy, who becomes Quick's faithful companion, but it is Murphy, as Lucy, who shines with her portrayal of a woman who has been so abused that she sees herself as nothing more than fodder for undiscerning men. Altogether quixotic. Grade = A (ranging from A+ to D-) New Weekly magazine Set in Scotland, Colin Firth is Donovan Quick, a man who wears black - symbolic of his dark past. Meet Lucy Pannick, a woman who, as her name suggests, is not coping brilliantly with life. She lives with her loopy gran (who walks around only in her petticoat) and her brother Sandy (who's got a learning disability). She also has a boyfriend, Clive, who makes empty promises. The mysterious Donovan rents a room in Lucy's bleak house and soon turns her world upside down. Although it's a little slow to start, tick with it. This terrific drama builds up very nicely indeed.

I absolutely agree with everything you have said, Elena. He can't possibly think that the only attraction is because of Darcy, it is because of all of the above!! Love the DQ picture, can't wait to hear from Anne H and anyone else in Australia.(Cathey is still in the UK I guess)

Thanks for the picture and DQ review, Karen and Anne. Elena, you are very lucky to be able to have Donmar Blues, think of us who did not see it. :-( Did Cathey also attend the closing night show? I would love to know what happened. I expect electrifying performances. Thanks, Arami for that picture. Good luck to Terry on the big move tomorrow. Keeping fingers crossed for a glitchless move.

It is about time to relate my London experience. It was wonderful to meet all those people I know from name only. Gracious Evelyn, Karen from Chicago, knowlegable Maria, and the dear woman from Texas who made Jim feel at ease, and Gi and Antonio our kindred spirits. The opening scene of 3dor was eye opening. CF is laying on his back in bed, and my seat was in line directly between his legs. I have no idea of what he said for the first five minutes. After he finally rose, I mean stood up the rest of the play did go very well. He is an excellent actor. Afterwards, I asked him to sign the photo of my car with the license plate of MR DARCY. He laughed and said oh my god. Jim had the presence of mind to take photos and I have some good ones. All in all it was a wonderful experience.

(Emma) The pen he used to sign my P&P book is encased in plastic, together with my other Colin treasures. Thanks to Evelyn, my P&P book is signed by JE as well. Did I hear that you got him to sign the same page Jennifer signed? Any reaction? (hint, hint; wink, wink). Am curious which page in the book it was.

Thanks Darlene for posting. It can be almost as nerve wracking meeting a bunch of people you don't know but I'm sure our girls put you and Jim at ease quickly. And of course you had already met Gi and our fave rave, Antonio. Colin is indeed a wonderful actor and seeing him perform in person is eye opening. Almost as eye opening as your description of the view from your seat. ;-)

(Elena)The political incorrectness in it (white man winning the black girl from the black man) in the film wouldn�t look like a problem to the Finnish audience Elena, that was just my theory why the film wasn't picked- up in the US. I can think of no other reason. There are lots of mediocre films out there, and this one wasn't all that bad. ~~~~~~ (Elena)...but now I�m realizing that I�ll possibly never see him again, C'mon Elena....you sound like Lizzie at the Lambton Inn. We must remain positive...there's the four videos you just got to tie you over...and who knows...Toronto FF for "Londinium"in September?, another play next year? "Who knows what the future will bring".... ~~~~ Thanks Karen and Jane for bringing us those reviews. Sounds interesting...even with no snogs.

"(Elena)...but now I�m realizing that I�ll possibly never see him again, (Evelyn)C'mon Elena....you sound like Lizzie at the Lambton Inn. We must remain positive...there's the four videos you just got to tie you over...and who knows...Toronto FF for "Londinium"in September?, another play next year? "Who knows what the future will bring".... " ~~~~ Hi Spring I am an old Friend of Firth who has been lurking around here for a while. I hope 3DOR was a positive enough experience for Colin so he would want to repeat it and take on another play

Hi Vera and Welcome. Still no news of DQ?!!

I am new at this and hit the submit button too early. I also wanted to say that I cannot imagine that the happy circumstances of this play can be repeated aoon. The intimate play, small theatre and Colin coming down after the performances could be once in a lifetime treat. I am looking forward to all the projects and hoping very much that Londonium will be shown at the Toronto Film Festival in my hometown. I know ther is another Spring member from Toronto area and I would like very much to get in touch with you. Vera

(Vera)I also wanted to say that I cannot imagine that the happy circumstances of this play can be repeated aoon. The intimate play, small theatre and Colin coming down after the performances I�m sure about one thing: Colin enjoyed the Donmar experience, in spite of some occasional fatigue. High class modern play, very positive reviews, sold out every night, loving fans everywhere. There are a lot of reasons for him to be interested in seeking a new role in a good theatre in London, especially because he seems to be so fond of living and working in Britain at the moment. (Evelyn)C'mon Elena....you sound like Lizzie at the Lambton Inn. LOL! I sure hope he�s gonna gallop back to me and ask if my feelings are unchanged. there's the four videos you just got to tie you over Yes, I won�t run out of reasons for serious drooling (haven�t had them converted yet, have to go to Helsinki for it.)

Karen, great DQ pix and report. (Darlene) Afterwards, I asked him to sign the photo of my car with the license plate of MR DARCY. He laughed and said oh my god. Welcome, sorry I didn't meet you, I was at the other end of the long table at dinner. Glad to see he has a sense of humor about "Mr. Darcy" (Heide)Did I hear that you got him to sign the same page Jennifer signed? Any reaction? (hint, hint; wink, wink). Am curious which page in the book it was. I had 2 pages with Lizzy photos bookmarked for JE to sign, but she signed the title page. I was very hesitant to ask CF to sign the book, but Evelyn said to go for it, however, I only asked for his signature, don't remember any negative reaction, now wish I had asked for a longer message. You know, my mind was a total blank, can never remember to look him directly in the eye. I�m sure about one thing: Colin enjoyed the Donmar experience, in spite of some occasional fatigue. High class modern play, very positive reviews, sold out every night, loving fans everywhere. That's probably why he chose to do the second extended run, luck us. Speaking of Donmar Blues�coming here to relive the experience really keeps me on my high. I'm so happy to have seen him and the Spring ladies, will have many fond memories for a long time. And don't forget, there will be other reunions. (Elena)Yes, I won�t run out of reasons for serious drooling (haven�t had them converted yet, have to go to Helsinki for it.) Sounds like a woman with a mission. Go to it :-)

Colin enjoyed the Donmar experience, in spite of some occasional fatigue. High class modern play, very positive reviews, sold out every night,loving fans everywhere. The downside is low pay. The Donmar and the National pay less than West End theatres. SD in a recent interview said that at the end of TRT run at the Donmar he was broke. Took Anna Karenina because it was available and fit in with his schedule.(Sounds like ODB).TV is the same.They need a film every now and then so they can afford to do theatre. Richard Burton said the same in his bio. ~~~~~~~ (Vera)I am an old Friend of Firth who has been lurking around here for a while. Welcome, Vera. Any fan of Colin's, old or new, is welcomed here.Stick around.

Donmar Blues? Nope no sight yet, still tingling! Hope I am not duplicating any info here but have just found out that the Olivier Awards ( to be announced 18th Feb) will be broadcast on BBC2 on Feb 20th for any UK Springers out there! Tapes at the ready girls you never know who might be there! Details of other award nominations are at: http://www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk/olivier.html

(Moon)Elena, you are very lucky to be able to have Donmar Blues, think of us who did not see it. :-( Sobering thought indeed. (Moon)Did Cathey also attend the closing night show? I would love to know what happened. I expect electrifying performances. Yes, is it possible that no one we know has gone and will post? (Darlene)The opening scene of 3dor was eye opening. CF is laying on his back in bed, and my seat was in line directly between his legs. I have no idea of what he said for the first five minutes. LOL! Very eloquent description, Darlene! :-) BTW; isn't it fantastic that Darlene's car has an official license plate that says MR DARCY? (heide)...our fave rave, Antonio Be careful! I sense a new fan club in the making!;-) Welcome, Vera! You are from Toronto? Friendly city. I may be visiting very soon. (Elena)LOL! I sure hope he�s gonna gallop back to me and ask if my feelings are unchanged. LOL! I can see the adoration in your face as you turn to him and say, "My feelings...oh my feelings are all but changed..." :-)

Some lovely goodies , thank you ladies. Great to see all the pics, reviews and posts. it helps relive the weekend. Let's not get downhearted, I think back 18 months, when I first came here and we virtually had NOTHING new about ODB to go on at all. No real news of projects etc it was a very bleak time in one sense but we all supported each other thro' it. We could not dream that we would EVER actually gain so much access to him in person and have the bonus of seeing him perform last year and this. Who knows what is around the corner? With SPRING anything is possible!!! :))

I have just gotten around to reading all the posts of your London experience. My DH has just had surgery and has been in and out of the hospital the last two weeks, with more to come. Reading your reports has been a very welcome distraction. Sounds like you had a great time meeting each other and, naturally, dear Colin did not disappoint. He seems like such a very nice man. Perhaps his unstylish clothes reflect his view of himself as a man who acts for a living rather as a man who is an actor. Therefore he dresses like a working man on his way to work. Rather endearing I think. Moreover, he is probably trying to avoid being molested on the underground. It is not unsurprising that his performances might be a little uneven. Stage acting does require more of the actor personally than film acting, which can be reshot or edited. An actor's mood is bound to seep into his performanc and ODB must have been disappointed at being overlooked for an Olivier nom. Of the four performances I saw, three were surprisingly uniform, with one being a little more subdued and the pacing just a little different. Elena, my e-mail address is lizzie12@sprint.com. I have no idea where that other e-mail address came from. Vera, I live in St. Catharines, not Toronto, but close enough. I am looking forward to hearing from you both. Thanks to Arami, Jane and Karen for the pictures. Colin is so handsome in both shots. The Maid of Buttermere does sound like a good bet for Colin, if he has the lead. As for Flashman, I don't feel as though I got burned because I really enjoyed the books and would never have read them otherwise. I do hope he does that role too. BTW, one of you (I am sorry but I couldn't find the post)just ordered the first book, Flashman. Don't judge the series or the role from that book as it is not the best of the Flashman stories,IMO. Have you all posted your pictures at springfolks or will you be posting them here at drool? I am drooling in anticipation of seeing them.

Wow, have just been to Deja Vu and have found some mouth-watering comments about DQ from some Australian posters. "Appalling ending!!, wonderful, especially thanks to Colin Firth, I want more etc.etc.) It has realy whet my appetite, why oh why have we not seen it here. It sounds absolutely wonderful, I have a very good feeling about this but if is is so good now is the time to air it in time for the TV BAFTA's. Having missed out on the Oliviers this would be good for Colin.

Lynda, I tried to email you both at the address which shows up at the Springand the address you gave in your posting but both messages bounced back. Can you please email me at the address which shows up here. Thanks Vera

sorry I meant Deja.com

Hope this gets through to all. I've lurked here forever, but am now coming out!! Elena, I'm finally getting over my post Colin depression - mine hit almost immediately upon my returning home last week. I know exactly how you feel. But watching P&P, MOTM, and some of LE this week has restored me somewhat. Plus the anticipation of seeing DQ in the not too distant future. Darlene - I think I'm the "dear woman from Texas" you referred to. Jim was very sweet and easy to talk with. It was good meeting you both. Loved the pic of your car with the Mr Darcy license plate - so glad you had the opportunity to show Colin. Saw the pic of the glass Janeway House and Colin tribute. A very classy thing to do. The Spring folks were well represented in London. I had the pleasure of meeting several and it was an enjoyable experience, indeed. Evelyn and Karen did such a marvelous job of arranging the SLOW screening and the lovely dinner Saturday before the show. What an exciting time this is for Colin's fans/friends!

I have seen Donovan Quick and will give a quick assessment without spoiling it. First both my husband and a male friend thought it was an excellent production, well directed, well acted and well written. The character became real so much so my husband was related to it by getting annoyed with the villains and egging on the characters playing the good part. The accents (glaswegian might be troubling - hard at first in getting used to) Colin was excellent in his part, one thing though that was really no iceable was his hair loss. It did not matter however as he was soo good in the part. I believe he was as near to playing himself as anything I have ever seen before. I personally really like it - it was gritty, but the endeavour to break down the tall poppies who only think of money not people was very much to my liking. The ending had quite a twist - I will say now more but wait until some of you have seen it. Unfortunately the copies I made were not too good it was as I feared the pool pumps, inclu ing our own affected it. Even I might try to obtain the video itself if and when it comes out. I shall contact our ABC to find out if they are going to sell it. I hope when you all see it you will enjoy it.

Thank you ladies! I waited until I had a down moment and read through your entire posting. What an experience! I think I would go just to be with like-minded souls...even if I could not have a close encounter with the man who brought us here in the first place. So, Emma, YES, I would go to NYC if I could have an experience anywhere like you did in London. And, Karen, in case you were planning on an American version of the PC&C near miss with Mari again, you have my permission not to use Monica and th President. ;D Mahalo, ladies! Well done!!!

Excellent news about a solid leading role for CF - finally! Thank you Anne!

Here are some pics of Colin on Survival appeal: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Trailer/1833/news/lifeline.htm

Did you receive my response?

Thanks for the DQ report, AnneH. Sounds wonderful and I can't wait to see it. Oh Arami, could Colin look scarier in that Survival thing? I saw the taping made by Aishling...not a very impressive salesman for the cause. I particularly noted that look of "desperation" at the end. Eowww! Not his best work. :-( If you want to see Colin in his rose-colored glasses, go to Murph's news page for a picture taken by Roxy.

(Lizza)We could not dream that we would EVER actually gain so much access to him in person and have the bonus of seeing him perform last year and this. This is so true. I never imagined to have an opportunity to see, let alone meet him in person, not to mention ending up under his arm and giving & receiving a squeeze. It�s so incredible....hehe, I wonder when you�ll all get tired of my gushing. :-) (Lynda)Perhaps his unstylish clothes I beg to seriously differ in this. He was not unstylishly clothed in the Donmar in my opinion, everything but. The parka was obviously brand new and looked warm, which indicates that he really did walk in the streets a lot before and after performances. You�ll see it soon as the photos start to come out! I�m trying to put some up this week. Compared to the utterly shabby DM (in a dirty brown leather jacket and greasy looking hair) he looked like cut from a menswear magazine. Arami, please tell us about your experiences. I remember you said that you made him laugh, how did you do that?

Anne Hale, Thanks for your wonderful report on DQ. Sounds like it is something to look foreward to.

All: I have a good DQ review from Jane, an FOF, on my news page. Also today's picture is Donovan (Thanks, Karen!). If you scroll down a bit, you can see the "real" Colin in rose-colored glasses at Donmar. My News Page Murph

No need to thank me for that picture, Murph; it was scanned in by Jane.

A review from Maureen: Just for those of you who would like to know Donavon Quick aired here last night on ABC TV Australia. The storyline was wonderful one of which we do not see enough off these days. As I read in someone else�s description, a modern day Don Quixote and similar to the story of David and Goliath. Colin was wonderful as Donovan Quick and probably the best person for the role as he articulates the English language superbly. His complexion throughout the movie was a peaches and cream colour, accept for an incident where he gets a bit of a hiding of the mean alcoholic Clive. I do not want to give too much away as I know that some of you may not have seen it. However, to give just a little insight, Colin�s character DQ is a hard nose corporate businessman turned mental patient who escapes from hospital and becomes a crusader of the common folk. There are bits of the movie where Mr Darcy is evident particularly when his character helps Lucy to bed after twisting her ankle, but you will see this for yourselves. All actors in the movie I thought were magnificent and were able to pull of an accurate depiction of a modern day dysfunctional family plagued with the perils of alcoholism and poverty. The movie is hilarious, dramatic, violent and sad but throughout manages to keep focused on the actual story. I was impressed with all the actors performances their characters being Lucy, Clive, Sandy, John and Gran. Sorry I did not manage to get all of their names, as the credits at beginning and end were snowy. My only criticism is that there was not enough of Colin in it but that cannot be helped, as others had to get their lines in as well. I do not often rave about movies but this one is a ten out of ten for me, not only because it stared Colin but because the actual story was delightful and meaningful.

Welcome Vera and Barbara! Murph, I liked CF in those glasses. A bit of Clark Kent there. Anne, thanks for the DQ report, sorry to hear the tape did not come out well. We are all anxious to see it. I am very curious about the ending. Can we have *spoilers* please? Thanks for pictures, Arami. Has anyone heard anything about the closing night of 3DOR?

Thanks Anne, for your review and thanks Karen for posting Maureen's review, it sounds wonderful.

From what people have written about DQ, it really sounds to me like something that should have been pushed along on the Film Festival circuit. It may not have the film school artiness of Ratcatcher or Trainspotting, but Scottish films are very *in* right now. So far, I haven't heard anyone who hasn't liked it at Pemberley or other places.

Welcome Barbara, it was wonderful to meet so many Firth Fans and our pleasure include them in the Spring events. Thank you for posting.Stick around. ~~~~~ DQ sounds like a winner..Masterpiece Theatre stuff? A&E? (Karen)DQ, it really sounds to me like something that should have been pushed along on the Film Festival circuit BBC ,Scotland might consider that beneath them.

DQ sounds like a winner..Masterpiece Theatre stuff? A&E? Sorry to disagree, but DQ sounds like neither to me. How many MTs or A&E specials have been about bus drivers and set in modern times. Uh-uh BBC ,Scotland might consider that beneath them. Beneath them? No way. Both BBC Scotland and the prodution company were obviously looking for a theatrical release for this film. Since I can't be certain about its merits or where it ultimately belonged, I'll reserve judgment until I do see it.

(Moon)I liked CF in those glasses. Agree, they�re cool! And quite unlike his usual style. Thanks for all the DQ information and the lovely pic, friends.

Oh Arami, could Colin look scarier in that Survival thing? ...Eowww! Not his best work. :-( Fortunately it wasn't "work" in the actual sense, just a charity appearance. Doesn't suit ODB, he just can't do "impassioned" without hiding behind another character - I guess he should stick to reciting poetry on those occasions... :-) I remember you said that you made him laugh, how did you do that? I haven't seen him laugh, but he was certainly grinning wider and wider - that was on Friday, though. Meanwhile, back in the Donmar... :-) Thursday, 13 January, 2000 - The evening performance offers me a new perspective (after the first viewing in March) from a seat in Row B at the left (stairs) side of the stage. Lights out; in the dark I barely see movement on the other side as I sense, rather, than notice the familiar figure take his place on the bed. A dim spotlight lights Colin's face, his eyes are shut. After a while he opens them slowly and speaks: "Meanwhile back in the city..." I didn't particularly like his American voice last March and I am a little saddened that I still don't find it any more attractive. It's curiously flat and unnatural, coming from a tightened throat. The way he says the first line is different from what I heard before. On Saturday it will yet again be very, very slightly different - not significantly, but just a tiny bit at variance. Those theatregoers who have seen the play only once will not have known that. In my younger years I often watched the same p ay over several evenings and I know that it is impossible to see a repeat of exactly the same performance. The play may be the same, the same lines, costumes, scenery, but the live people on the stage are not clockwork automatons. Almost predictably five minutes into the play someone's mobile (cell) phone rings. The actors on the stage don't seem to notice, but perhaps they are just resigned to it by now. A few minutes later a tall man sitting in the first row directly in front of me suddenly lurches forward and starts fiddling with his foot for some reason. A few steps away Colin-Walker is facing our side delivering one of his early emotional speeches to his sister; played by Elizabeth McGovern who is standing with her back to us nd unable to see behind her. I observe how Colin's eyes, momentarily distracted, very briefly leave his partner's face and shoot a watchful, shiny brown glance in the direction of the fidgety spectator. All the time his delivery doesn't miss a single beat and it seems that no one else notices anything untoward. This new Walker desperately overplays his neurotic personality. I am not yet sure if I really like it, but I find his presence naturally compelling. He has a familiar, beautiful, often worried face, talks excitedly, and waves his hands a lot. It is obvious that he is trying to shout his insecurities down. I settle down to savouring the wonderful proximity and aura of Colin Firth... David Morrissey displays great comic timing and really shines as Pip, but I wish that EMcG played Nan with a little less indifference. She is supposed to be cold, but manages languid. She is not wholly bad, but perhaps could do better. Act two. Ned is such a different person, it is almost hard to believe we are watching the same actor. Colin's showcase continues in triumph - I only wonder if he should stammer a little more. When I see the play again two days later, he stammers in a more pronounced way. But as we all know by now, no two live performances can ever be the same. This play is a great emotional and psychological see-saw: it would not be surprising to discover that when he is exceptionally good as Ned, then his Walker may as ell suffer somewhat, and vice versa. And the same goes for the other two actors. However, such fluctuations would be only very subtle and only really noticeable to those (comparatively few) who care to see the play several times. They are also completely unplanned and unpredictable. (Colin doesn't say, "Today I'm going to do a wonderful Walker, so Ned's turn is tomorrow..." But he might think, "I feel that perhaps my Ned wasn't as good today as he should have been...") Yet in no way would it detract from he worth of the actors' achievement. That is what live theatre is about. EMcG is much better in the second part. DM less so. Afterwards we wait downstairs in the foyer. Average number of people milling around, comfortable, not too crowded. I feel very relaxed and decide just to stand around and feast my eyes and ears. Colin appears on top of the stairs wearing a dark parka with a light fur trim on the hood, grey, baggy slacks and navy blue trainers with white soles. He descends solemnly towards awed admirers lining the narrow lobby: someone steps forward and asks him to sign a programme. He stops immediately and obliges as usua . Next he is asked for a birthday dedication on a large photograph of himself. He is given the spelling of the recipient's name, concentrates, scribbles, winces, and suddenly says: "Oh, I'm so sorry..." He has made a slight mistake and is rather unhappy. As I stand close by, I peep over his arm with curiosity: he has written "Happy [name]", omitting the word "birthday": his hand holding the pen hesitates and then makes small hovering movements as if to cross one word or another. I say quickly: "No, no, th t's not a mistake at all!" He glances around, visibly embarrassed, sighs and mumbles waving his hand a little, "I was... It's... all this... all this... distraction here..." "But you've written the absolute truth," I say firmly. "Happy [name] indeed: I can promise you that she will be very happy when she gets your autograph!" He snorts slightly, shakes his head and writes "birthday" underneath, humbly apologizing yet again. He moves on, signs a few more autographs, talks to some people, then with a little smile and wave walks away from the theatre. I have both my cameras with me, but strangely feel no urgency to whip them out. Later I shall regret it, of course...

Thank you, Arami, for your report. I did not notice the difference in Walker in the two performances in March...but did in November when the manic was really accentuated; actually, less so this time. I liked the marked difference in the two characters.The accent did seem somewhat strained. ~~~~~ (me)DQ sounds like a winner..Masterpiece Theatre stuff? A&E? (Karen)Sorry to disagree, but DQ sounds like neither to me. How many MTs or A&E specials have been about bus drivers and set in modern times. Uh-uh Okay...I was trying to be hopeful.The more I hear about the heavy Scottish accent, the less hopeful I get. Bring on the sub-titles.

(Evelyn), Okay...I was trying to be hopeful.The more I hear about the heavy Scottish accent, the less hopeful I get. Bring on the sub-titles. LOL! It is true, we don't know what the future will bring with Colin. TV, theatre, video? It is strange that it would play on Australian TV first. Still can not figure that one out. Arami, thanks for your views. Do you think if he might have kept his Walker as he did it in March when all the rave reviews came out that he might have had a better chance to get an Olivier nomination?

I really don't know (to use Colin's favourite phrase in answer to all our questions... ;-)), but I wouldn't think that any such minor tweaking could be a decisive factor here - he was quite openly acclaimed as one of the best male performances on the London stage in the past 12 months, but - obviously not the only one. I imagine the final choice must be difficult. The award might not necessarily mean that one actor is infinitely better than another, but different - in a way.

Hi! In response to various people's kind enquiries, I am still here! Lurking only for the past few weeks. My back is also better, I hope! Thank you for al your good wishes. I have a question about the Oliviers. Does anyone know how the nominations are conducted? It occurs to me that it may be that the Donmar is only allowed one crack at any award. This may be the rules or it may be that each theatre can nominate. Does anyone know? That maybe why 3DOR is only nominated in the best new play category. All the other nominations went to TRT which used up the Donmar quota. If that is not the case then I come up with theory 2 which is that Colin's style of acting does not appeal to fellow actors. First, he is not in Oxbridge and/or RADA/Central School mafia which seems to predominate on the London stage. Secondly, his style of acting is very naturalistic which may just not appeal to other thespians. His are not the performances of a *star* but of an actor. Coupled with that is the fact that he does not do the luvvy things. He does not appear at thesp type functions (the Noel Coward benefit was a case in point). All these things may make him a bit of an outsider. I am probably completely wrong and maybe everybody else can see him more clearly than we can but I find it interesting that the Evening Standard awards nominated him (an award from critics) and didn't he win the critics award for P&P? I have heard it said elsewhere that maybe he suffers for his left wing views. I am sure this is not the case. If he had rightward leaning views, that would be social death in thespian circles! Still, he is probably making a very very comfortable living and has his privacy, which is a clever balancing act.

Glad you're back is better, Allison. I like your theories about the Donmar. But I think SD is very much an actor in the CF term and he gets nominated. Why? With Blair in power his left-wing views surely fit right in. Actors do tend to be left-winged or else they would not be able to work in today's "anything goes" society, which is reflected in the overwhelming majority of recent films.

. But I think SD is very much an actor in the CF term and he gets nominated. Why? I agree. Having sort of majored in these two actors this past season;-) SD is v. private, lives in Brixton (would you believe), never goes to any public social function,style of acting v. similar to CF's, did not go to RADA or any London Acting school..... Up to this time my theory was because of the new American play.But then they went and nominated 3 DOR !!"It's a mystery." Welcome back Allison. We have missed you.

Welcome Barbara, it was nice meeting you at the Luna Nuova, and it is nice seeing you de-lurk. I hope you enjoy it here.

Just saw the pic of CF in rose tinted glasses - hehehe :-)

Here's something about the Oliviers: The Awards are unique because the adjudicating panels include members of the theatre-going public who work alongside experts chosen by the Society for their knowledge and professional experience. There are three independent panels for Theatre, Opera and Dance. Any new production that opens in a theatre represented in membership of the Society is eligible for consideration, provided it is proposed and seconded by members of the Society. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I also seem to remember seeing a long time ago, a request for volunteers from the public to serve on the panels. It said that people had to see about 60 plays a year to be considered. That being said, did you notice that there are 4 nominees for all categories, except Best Actor, where there are 5!! Sheesh, they even expanded the category and still no CF. I wonder if it has anything to do with the strangeness of the play (didn't many overhear comments about not knowing what was going on) and the characters? It appears that many in the audience were clueless about the relationships between the characters and the two acts. But then why would the play be nominated? Makes no sense.

And welcome back, Allison. Nice to see you getting back to the boards.

Welcome Barbara. Hope your CF withdrawal isn't too bad; you can always have him on video. Okay, so it's not the same as experiencing him in the flesh. Speaking of flesh -- that brings up "Playmaker". Tracy, you want to know if it's worth obtaining your very own copy. You might want to get it as the movie may well appeal to your baser (i.e.; prurient) urges. Did I mention flesh? You get to see quite a bit of CF's. That's the upside -- the downside is that this movie is beyond belief and beneath contempt. "Donovan Quick" sounds as though it should be quite good. I'd love to see it. It does seem strange that it's not being actively promoted on the film festival circuits. The film would seem, (from the reviews/descriptions), to have the potential to be an arthouse success. As for television broadcast in the United States, A&E would seem more likely an outlet, than Masterpiece Theatre, but I'm not holding my breath on either. I would like to see "DQ" get a theatrical release in the US though.

Sorry I forgot to mention that it's good to read that your back is better Allison.

Yes, Allison, I'm glad yo are better, and Lynda, I hope your DH's condition isn't serious and the surgery goes well.

Good to see you hear Barbara, it was so nice to meet with you. Allison, glad you are better. Had a flyer from Donmar today singing their own praises for their nominations. Obviously mentioning 3DOR and its ' "sell out run." that has just ended' Don't we know it.

I mean HERE!! Hope your DH is doing fine Lynda.

Oh, Tracy, don't listen to CherylB about Playmaker ;-) ...have a few whatevers to drink and enjoy. It's an idiotic movie, but CF's worth watching and the best part is you can talk back to Jennifer Rubin, his horrible co-star. That alone can be very fun. I'm trying to think of an example of where something from television went on to a theatrical release in the US. Besides, a heavy Glaswegian accent is nearly the kiss of death (no offense to anyone, but they might as well be speaking Italian to us) ;-) DQ is currently up for sale at a convention of television programming executives being held in New Orleans this week.

Karen I said that Colin Firth was the only thing I liked about "Playmaker"; and you're right it is fun to yell things at Jennifer Rubin, she's so-o-o-o bad. Truthfully I've watched it since getting over the flu and have enjoyed more than I did the first time. It might be said it's grown on me -- like fungus. Your suggestion, Karen, that after a few glasses of wine it is fun is true, but it's still a rotten movie. I didn't tell Tracy not to get it; afterall, it does have a high drool factor CF-wise.

Cheryl, you know I'm just kidding around. No one here would ever claim that Playmaker is a good movie. It's cheesy as all get out. Best part about it is making fun of it. And yes, it does grow on you.

(Karen) I'm trying to think of an example of where something from television went on to a theatrical release in the US. I was thinking about this too (trying to find a sliver of hope that we will actually see DQ here). The only film I could think of (and I apologize, because I don't think I'm going to get the title right) is The Last Seduction. It was Linda Fiorentino's first big role. I just remember the uproar because a lot of people thought she should have gotten a best actress Oscar nomination (and she was great in this, BTW) but she was ruled ineligible by the Academy because the film had a brief outing on HBO TV f rst. Allison, glad you're feeling better!

(Lizza)Cathy is going next Thurs and then final night and I believe some FOF will also be there Were they? Please report. (Arami)he has written "Happy [name]", omitting the word "birthday" That was so sweet. And sweet also that he cared so much for making that little mistake, not realizing how lovely and funny those words can look like in fans� eyes. Btw I wonder what distraction he was talking about, there really was a minimal amount of distraction that evening. Did you scare him, Arami? Please post often, Barbara.

Barbara (aka the nice lady from Texas), when I spoke with Jim a few days later he did indeed remember your name. Thanks again for putting him at ease. Karen, would you please send me your mailing address? I will gladly mail you a check to cover the cost of a copy of the London tape. Arami, Your posting of the London experience was amazing. Do you take notes? In the first act, CF reminded me of Robin Williams at one point. His rapid fire delivery and facial expressions were similar to a RW routine. BTW, did anyone notice how glamorous Gi looked? With charming Antonio at her side, they looked more like movie stars than the real ones. Gi, thanks for staying in the backgound.

CherylB and everybody thanks for your Playmaker comments. My baser instincts need appealing to so dodgy video here I come. I will quite enjoy yelling at the screen if she is THAT bad and of course it's got the "high drool factor CF-wise. It's a must! Just as I was starting the Donmar Blues my photographs are ready....yes it did all happen. The memories are flooding back, and I now know what he was wearing. The "usual" parka and what looks like a very Walker-esque jumper.

Arami, thank you for your Donmar report, what an eye for details, makes me feel like I was there again, just drinking up his presence. The reviews on DQ are so promising, plus SLOW on video in March, so much to look forward to that I know there'll be no Donmar Blues for me. Dear ladies, thanks for sharing.

Emma, pl. check your email.

(Darlene) Your posting of the London experience was amazing. Do you take notes? Only mental. One does not forget such moments easily... (Elena) I wonder what distraction he was talking about, there really was a minimal amount of distraction that evening. Did you scare him, Arami? Very likely: especially on Friday! :-) Friday, 14 January, 2000 No tickets for tonight, but I insist on going to the Donmar foyer later in the evening regardless. I buy a poster in the box office and join the crowd. Colin appears and, as usual, is asked to pose for photographs. There is a sort of a commotion and I hear him say, "Which camera...?" I remark cheekily that the group is in obvious need of a director... A shadow of a smile appears on his hitherto serious face. He is undoubtedly tired. The usual ritual of signing, posing and camera flashes continues as he works his way systematically towards the door. Everyone present gets a chance to approach him. I move forward, unroll the poster and hand him my pen, saying: "Would you like to deface the image of your hand on this poster?" He smiles amused, takes the pen and scribbles a dedication while I support the poster underneath with my outstretched palm. The movement of the pen tickles exhilaratingly. He hands the pen back to me, and when I take it, our fingers touch inadvertently. His skin is soft and warm and I think I am dreaming. I step back reluctantly and allow others their turn. The gathering is much larger than the day before. At some stage I find myself trapped behind his broad back and almost flattened against the wall. I struggle to control myself.. ;-) When he turns so I can see his face again, I boldly grab the (...!) opportunity and say: "Mr Firth, have you any future plans for more live theatre? Will you be back on the stage soon?" He stops scribbling for a moment, looks up straight at me with those large, deep, dark, serious eyes and booms: "With this play?" "Any play, " I say. "Have you any plans at all?" He looks up towards the ceiling, takes a deep breath, hesitates for a very brief moment and says quickly, "I really don't know." "No plans Well, hopes, then? For we have hopes, you know." A little appreciative smile appears on his lips as he is scribbling again, but says nothing. "My God, it's true, that gentleman is really very difficult to interview," I venture in mock despair. Colin's smile is broadening visibly. He takes his leave soon after that and walks away with a little wave and one last glance, still smiling.

The movement of the pen tickles exhilaratingly. He hands the pen back to me, and when I take it, our fingers touch inadvertently. His skin is soft and warm and I think I am dreaming. At some stage I find myself trapped behind his broad back and almost flattened against the wall. I struggle to control myself.. Wow Arami, What a night, who wouldn't want to be trapped behind his broad back...and you still have the presense of mind to ask him those questions.

(Arami), "My God, it's true, that gentleman is really very difficult to interview," I venture in mock despair. Colin's smile is broadening visibly. So true, Arami! He mocks us and we despair. ;-) Thanks for part II. May we look forward to a part III?

Re; Request that DONOVAN QUICK be aired on US television: Donovan Quick was produced by BBC Scotland. Pandora has International Sales. You can write to BRAVO cable channel at: programming@bravotv.com or A&E http://www.aetv.com/feedback/feedback.html Tell A&E that this stars Colin Firth of P&P. It can't hurt.

Thanks for the contact info, Evelyn; I've sent off some e-mails. What do you think about HBO or Showtime? DQ sounds like it's more in the vein of the grittier contemporary stuff that these two have been producing.

(Arami)One does not forget such moments easily One does and doesn�t. Meeting him does something strange to your memory. You can remember some seconds of those encounters with amazing clarity afterwards, and completely forget something else. For instance, I�ve found out that I�ve totally forgotten something that happened a couple of seconds before my photo was taken with him. An ecstatic blank in the mind. His skin is soft and warm and I think I am dreaming. That happened to me too, I mean the meeting of hands when he signed the group photo for me. I wanted to show him where to write the name because he looked first like planning to write it across the group, making a hesitant movement above the picture with the pen, and our hands touched each other. That�s very clear in my mind and I remember being somehow amazed by the feeling of his skin. It felt so nice, smooth and ordinary! :-D "I really don't know." It�s possible that he really sincerely doesn�t know exactly at the moment, but he�s probably negotiating on several projects.

Tales of all these skin-tingling encounters are almost too much for me so early in the morning:-) Keep them coming. BTW there is another excellent review of DQ at IMDb.

The pictures of my Colin encounter have arrived. In one he is smiling at the MR DARCY license plate picture, and the next he is looking directly in my eyes as he asks how to spell Darlene. It is not exactly THE LOOK, but it works for me. I am glad he did not ask any difficult questions because I just sort of got brain lock staring at him. And yes, I do recall the moment our hands touched as he handed me back the pen. Sigh, a moment in time.

Arami,thanks for your wonderful,detailed reports! Amazing how you remember all those details. When I met ODB in November it was all somehow blurred. You seem to be a very cool lady to be able to talk with him just like that! (Elena) Meeting him does something strange to your memory. You can remember some seconds of those encounters with amazing clarity afterwards, and completely forget something else. So true. I, for example, don't remember at all what he was wearing when I saw him,but I remember quite clearly how he looked into the audience during the applause.Both times I was there I got the impression he was looking for someone he knew and when he saw that person his smile broadened.

Finally, an answer. Sorry, but Ingrid didn't work on Londinium and Colin does NOT have a hot tub scene in it. What else could it be? No hot tub in Donovan Quick, huh, ladies?

From the January 26 Scotsman: CHARIOTS FILM TEAM LOOKING FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL RUN A SCOTTISH film created by the makers of Chariots of Fire is to be released more than three years after it was made. The film, My Life So Far, produced by Lord Puttnam and directed by Hugh Hudson, is intended to be the latest in a line of low-budget Scottish film successes. Indeed, the film has backing from Miramax, the US production company famed for promoting "small" films and making them into worldwide hits. Miramax is promoting the film as a successor to its previous critical and commercial hits such as The English Patient and Mrs Brown. Chariots of Fire, detailing the story of the Scottish runner Eric Liddell, was one of the successes of British film in the 1980s, but it has been more than a decade since Hudson and Lord Puttnam worked together. My Life So Far, shot in Scotland, is based on the autobiographical memoirs of Sir Denis Forman, the television executive and now a director of the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. In the film, Sir Denis's alter ego is Fraser Pettigrew, a ten-year-old who is growing up on a Scottish estate in the 1930s, with his father, an eccentric inventor, beautiful mother and domineering grandmother. The family's life is rocked by the arrival of a sultry foreign governess whose presence ignites strong emotions in all the characters. The story, a gentle drama, is related through the boy's eyes as he comes of age in an atmosphere where adults act as much like children as he does. The film, which was made with money from the Scottish Arts Council's lottery fund, reunites Hudson, the director, with Puttnam for the first time since 1981. It stars Colin Firth, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Irene Jacob and Malcolm McDowell. Filming took place at Ardkinglass House on the banks of Loch Fyne, where for one scene a huge ice rink was built for a curling contest. Hudson said: "The thing I love about shooting in Scotland is that you are completely removed from the world. We really had that feeling of being a family isolated from all the turmoil." Mastrantonio, the American actress who plays the mother, said she was delighted that My Life so Far would at last be seen in the UK. She said: "It's strange to think it has been over three years (since it had been made) - I just had a baby and that baby now speaks and runs around. "I did have a few problems with the Scottish accent, but as I live in London I felt at least I was halfway there before I started." Miramax picked up the film and premiered it at Cannes last year. Lord Puttnam has dedicated it to the Scottish actor Ian Charleson, who starred in Chariots of Fire and who died in 1990. The screenplay was adapted from Forman's Son of Adam by the Scottish playwright Simon Donald, whose film version of his stage play The Life of Stuff failed to obtain a proper cinema release. The young Fraser is played by an Edinburgh boy, Robbie Norman, who was 11 at the time of shooting and had never acted professionally before. One reason for the delay in the film's release is that Harvey Weinstein, the influential head of Miramax, insisted on nursing it through a long post-production and spent some time compiling a new soundtrack. It had a theatrical release in the US, with limited success. The record of Miramax in picking up and promoting relatively low budget films has become renowned in the film business. Mrs Brown was a modest part-BBC financed production until Miramax picked it up and after the Weinstein treatment it became a success at the box office and won a number of awards. Weinstein hopes to work his promotional magic on My Life So Far. "It's a totally charming piece," he said. * My Life So Far will be released on 5 May.

Good news there, Karen. But, do we believe Harvey? The reason it had limited success in the US was because Miramax did not promote it one bit. I just hope that Colin promotes it with lots of interviews. My guess is that he will be busy filming BJs by then. ;-)

(Karen), but Ingrid didn't work on Londinium and Colin does NOT have a hot tub scene in it. What else could it be? Sounds like a mystery for Arami to solve. (Maybe they are already secretely filming BJ and Mark Darcy is getting into the tub with Rebecca) :-D

(Maybe they are already secretely filming BJ and Mark Darcy is getting into the tub with Rebecca) :-D Ack!! Rebecca!! Bite your tongue. ;-)

Thanks Karen, for scanning and uploading the pic . What a nice welcome for Spring's new home. He looks at home here, doesn't he? :-))

Karen I love the new pictures....best one yet!

Karen, I just DBs secret message to us. You are so clever! Will be away for 10 days and I expect to lots of news on my return. :-D

A Colin mention in this 2/2 Guardian article: KICK FLICKS ARE COMING SOON TO A CINEMA NEAR YOU Between The Arsenal Stadium Mystery (1939) and When Saturday Comes (1996), nothing. Nothing, that is, except Escape To Victory (1981) which I discount, since any film which plays Michael Caine in midfield and Sylvester Stallone in goal forfeits the right to call itself a serious film about soccer. Generally the view has been that soccer is not a suitable subject for what Hollywood likes to call a 'major motion picture", lacking the intrinsic drama of boxing or baseball and fatally remaining utterly incomprehensible to the Americans. Soccer movies, conventional wisdom told us, would not play in Hard Knob, Illinois (real place, apparently). [KR: never heard of it] Well, yah-boo to conventional wisdom, because there are at least four soccer films scheduled for release this year, as Hollywood tries to cash in on the growing popularity of sport - any sport, even soccer. According to the American Sports Business Journal, sport generated Dollars 213bn ( pounds 130bn) last year, nearly seven times as much as its closest entertainment rival, the movies themselves. So the cameras are - or have just finished - turning on an unprecedented roster of sports movies; everything from Celebrity Deathmatch (wrestling) to Psycho Beach Party (surfing). Interestingly, soccer features in these forthcoming attractions as prominently as either boxing or American football. America may finally be waking up to the extraordinary worldwide appeal of the beautiful game. If you have a hot soccer idea to pitch - Gazza: The Movie, Nightmare On Filbert Street, Horror At The Bates Motel (otherwise known as Chelsea Village) - now could be the time. I have seen none of the four soccer movies scheduled for imminent release but advance publicity suggests that producers these days want something which gets under the skin of the game rather more than the ludicrous When Saturday Comes, where the rookie Sean Bean is improbably given the responsibility of the last-minute penalty against Manchester United, or even Fever Pitch, for which we were forced not only to accept loveable Cockneys cavorting in the streets to celebrate Arsenal's triumph but to believe in the hirsute Colin Firth as Nick Hornby. The Cup, for instance, a new film from Bhutan, is the story of two young Tibetans, who escape from the Chinese and join a Tibetan monastery-in-exile in the foothills of the Himalayas, where they find football fever running hot through the hallowed hallways. The film, directed by Khyentse Norbu, a pre-eminent lama of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, follows the soccer-mad monks' attempt to hook up a satellite dish to watch the 1998 World Cup. It is said to combine warm irreverent humour and Tibetan wisdom, alongside its insight into the healing, unifying nature of sport. It does sound more interesting than boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl, Arsenal-win-Championship, boy-gets-girl again. Some of you who have heard of The Cup may be wondering just where Ally McCoist fits in, given that the majority of the cast rose at 4am each day to complete their prayers before the day's shooting, which would leave little time over for Question Of Sport. The truth is that there is an entirely different soccer film, bizarrely also called The Cup, in which the former Rangers star has a small part. I suspect there might be a title change before the release of this movie, which stars Robert Duvall and in which Alex Ferguson (watch out Kevin Spacey) and Billy Connolly play cameo roles. McCoist plays a washed-up former star who tries to revive his flagging career by signing on for Duvall's struggling small-town club, Kilnockie. No type casting there, then. Also scheduled for release soon are The Match, featuring a game between two pub teams in another small Scottish town, and Mad About Mambo, a movie set in Ireland said to combine soccer and dance. [KR: latter sounds like a winner to me; maybe Patrick Swayze stars.] Strike while the iron is hot, I say, so here is my pitch for a film which combines the increasingly popular soccer genre (kick flicks as they no doubt will come to be known) with those fantasy movies that never go out of fashion like Heaven Can Wait and Blithe Spirit, in which people return from beyond the grave. Is Hollywood ready for The Glenn Hoddle Story? He's back and this time it's personal.

just closing the tag - shame on me

OK, am here and just getting oriented to our new home. Love the autograph, Karen dear (and anyone else responsible). XXOO from an absent friend! I've noticed that some posts from the ol' homestead are not here. Hopefully everyone will see Karen's message and begin posting here today--otherwise we've got that parallel universe thing going on. (Karen) Sorry, but Ingrid didn't work on Londinium and Colin does NOT have a hot tub scene in it. Don't be sorry. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to ultimately find out Ingrid was *ahem* 'stretching' the truth a bit. Thanks for researching! (Moon) The reason it had limited success in the US was because Miramax did not promote it one bit. AND printed only 22 copies AND it was picked up by mostly small art house theaters in obscure places AND it received mixed reviews AND... Speaking of MLSF, I read a review in a recent issue of EW (which may have been posted here earlier). This time around EW gave it a 'B'. If memory serves (many times it doesn't), the film fared much worse in this publication last summer. Guess someone else reviewed it or the original author had a change of heart. [from the article] but to believe in the hirsute Colin Firth as Nick Hornby. Godwilling, it will stay that way ;-) Hmm, perhaps Ollie Stone will become interested in doing a 'kick flick'. Al Pacino can play the tortured, screaming coach. If he's not incarcerated, Puff Daddy would be perfect in goal (hey, he needs the money). Jennifer Lopez can play his loyal but conflicted girlfriend. The soundtrack will make millions! Ollie himself can do a cameo as a referee with a drinking problem. and Mad About Mambo, a movie set in Ireland said to combine soccer and dance. [KR: latter sounds like a winner to me; maybe Patrick Swayze stars.] No dice on Patrick, Karen (no Jennifer Gray either, new nose or not). Per EW, "Keri Russell plays an upper-crust Belfast lass with a talent for Latin dance." Wonder if she'll grow her hair back. Have a nice trip, Moon!

Karen, I just checked out your excellent Relative Values page and watched the trailer a couple of times (blurry on my RealPlayer G2). Whereas Colin is a secondary cast member in this, it appears to be his funniest role, a real audience pleaser, i.e., Peter is the anti-Wessex. Sure, they've Hollywoodized the story, but it looks like a good one--and one we'll get to see in US theaters. And I agree, Peter is gay but it sure worked for Rupie in My Best Friend's Wedding!

I love the new site with the new graphics, and the new Colin pic with the autograph to Spring. Who asked him for it? What a wonderful idea! Clap, clap! :-)