Talking about mysteries: are we going to be told how ODB was tricked into signing a dedication to Spring? LOL! Is nothing sacred to those ruthless autograph hunters? ;-)

(Eileen) (blurry on my RealPlayer G2). Blurry on everyone's, which is the nature of the streaming video beast I think. And I agree, Peter is gay but it sure worked for Rupie in My Best Friend's Wedding! But there isn't a "Say a Little Prayer" number or that devastatingly handsome final dancing scene at the wedding, where you just say, "oh who cares what he is!" Argh! (Gi) the new Colin pic with the autograph to Spring. Who asked him for it? Thanks, Gi. That was just something Evelyn and I thought would be nice - a little memento for everyone at Spring who couldn't be in London with us.

(Karen) a little memento for everyone at Spring who couldn't be in London with us And we appreciate the thought. Kudos to all ruthless autograph hunters who remember their friends :-) BTW, I love the 'title' for DB's pic on the main page. Clever, clever! (Karen) But there isn't a "Say a Little Prayer" number or that devastatingly handsome final dancing scene at the wedding, where you just say, "oh who cares what he is!" True. Yet Colin's acting style might leave the audience with a greater impression of Peter as being funny rather than being...how shall I put it? Like Jack on Will and Grace.

Hurrah I'm here, thank goodness for that I thought I'd be stranded in the ether forever. Just to add to someone's (sorry) posting re Channel 4's showing of FP on Sunday 6th, Sky Box Office are showing SIL next week too! At last some decent TV! I echo all the previous comments ..great title page!

Is nothing sacred to those ruthless autograph hunters? ;-) Well, we did let him out of the kidnapper's car once he had signed it. ;-)

..are we going to be told how ODB was tricked into signing a dedication to Spring? LOL! "Tricked"???? Along with the card that was signed "Spring.net"and Janeway House and the Discussion of 3 DOR bound in a folder with spring.net url all over the top....? All left at the Box Office with a note ?

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 I've heard of hair shirt, but hirsute? Isn't this what we just sent the contingent to the Donmar to investigate? I guess this reviewer has not been looking closely enough. (Karen) Well, we did let him out of the kidnapper's car once he had signed it. Why?

Hey, this is a cheery new home! Love the photo and the dedication/autograph--perfect! RE: Peter in RV: Although it sounds as if they've changed the story a bit for the film adaptation, my recollection is that Peter was a very small part in the play. Is that correct? In which case maybe the film's role is bigger? (Eileen) 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. You're right, Eileen. It's a different reviewer--male this time. Original EW review was from Lisa Scharzb__ch, who hates just about everything.;-) It seems to me that the best reviews for MLSF came from men (NYTimes, LA Times, Rogert Ebert, Rex Reed, Boston Globe, etc., and the toughest from some (though not all) women. Overall, I think Miramax has to be very pleased with the reviews and with how the film did, considering their nonexistent effort.

I like that photo too. (I especially like how fast this site is now, WOW!)

Thanks to some very good friends I have seen DQ, boy is everyone in for a treat who has not already seen it, he looks so good and the story is not all that bad!

sorry about the grammar, urgh, just come from viewing DQ, all I can think about is Donovan.

Ann: Tell us what you liked and didn't like. We're quite envious. Am still waiting for any tapes to land on my doorstep.

What I liked was the way Colin looked, the fact that he plays a very lovable character and you are really cheering for him and the whole dysfunctional family. Its just a wonderful drama and I can't think for the life of me why the BBC haven't screened it before now, at this rate all Colin Firth fans in the Uk will have seen it by the time the BBC twig. Well don ABC Australia.

There was nothing I didn't like well one thing but that would be a spoiler.

Hello again Sorry its taken me so long to respond to some earlier questions. Make of Car To me a car is a car (plus there were more important things to look at). I do think it was a small European type but couldn�t be sure. The next day I thought to myself I should have taken down the registration so I could check out all the cars in London, just in case ;-) I can just see myself pushing past Colin saying "sorry, don�t want your autograph, I�m more interested in your car". It didn�t occur to me to look for signs of pregnancy. Livia did have a coat on and the street didn�t have much lighting so I probably would not have been able to judge had I thought to look. Karen, you asked about Amanda becoming a fan. Not really. She thinks he is nice looking but not worth the hype we carry on with. It is also part of her nature not to be "over" enthusiastic (hope that doesn�t sound nasty, its not intended to). She was quite taken with David Morrissey though. Maybe because he was more accessible? (Evelyn) While he was signing the photograph of Edward, another lady said to him "Cathey has come from Australia" and he said "really!!", but I think she could have said I came from the moon and he would have had the same reaction.

(Cymbeline) I've heard of hair shirt, but hirsute? Isn't this what we just sent the contingent to the Donmar to investigate? I guess this reviewer has not been looking closely enough. Have you ever seen a picture of Nick Hornby? Compared to Nick, Colin is mucho hirsuto =:-D (Cathey) To me a car is a car We're curious to know if he's *still* driving that 1987 cherry red Nissan Maxima. Sounds like he's not. "Cathey has come from Australia" and he said "really!!" He's always very impressed by and appreciative of folks who come halfway (or more) around the world to see him. Don't know about the moon, though :-P

(Cathey) She was quite taken with David Morrissey though. Maybe because he was more accessible? It's a strategy...don't sell her short. ;-) I think she could have said I came from the moon and he would have had the same reaction. Yes, amazement, disbelief, etc. I wonder if the run would have been a total sellout without his fans coming from all points of the globe? (personally, I wouldn't cross the street to see the former American actress) (Cymbeline) Isn't this what we just sent the contingent to the Donmar to investigate? We? Oh, in that case, let me know where to send my hotel bill? ;-) I've got a picture of Nick somewhere. As Eileen said, there is no resemblance.

I think she could have said I came from the moon and he would have had the same reaction. Almost as far;-)Thanks Cathey. And I always wonder where people got the "Cherry red " bit on the car..... I've got a picture of Nick somewhere. As Eileen said, there is no resemblance. ROTFLOL...I'll say ;-)

You see what we mean? ;-) And he's in Fever Pitch, as the coach of the opposing team that Paul's team is clobbering. He's wearing blue. Can't miss the glistening head. ;-)

(those ruthless autograph hunters) Well, we did let him out of the kidnapper's car once he had signed it. ;-) He got away too lightly, if you ask me... (but then no one is asking, I know!;-P) that 1987 cherry red Nissan Maxima It was a light coloured car: kind of whitish or grey... Registration letter "D", meaning that it could also be 1986 - one way or another, it has probably started to go to pieces by now. And as for The Beginning Of Error, blame the people for whom one car looks like another... ;-) That one was called "Nissan Cherry Maxima"... I wouldn't cross the street to see the former American actress LOL! Former American or former actress? ;-)

(Evelyn) And I always wonder where people got the "Cherry red " bit on the car I believe it's from a Jasper Rees article--the one in which he interviews Colin in a bar, post-Darcy, pre-Paul (?). Jasper observes him driving off in a C-reg (BTW, anyone, does that translate to 'old'?), cherry red Nissan Maxima. So there you have it. (Karen) I wouldn't cross the street to see the former American actress (Arami) LOL! Former American or former actress? ;-) Hee hee! Too cruel. C'mon, we're all on pins and needles waiting for the next Pimpernel. Can't wait to see which horribly wrong shade of lipstick she wears. [Don't know appropriate emoticon for 'meeoow, hiss, hiss'.] Saw a commercial for Starz last night--you know, the one where they chant 'Movies, movies, movies, movies...'. As we know, SiL has its premium TV premiere next week on Starz. I wasn't surprised to see a pic of Joe as Will then Gwynnie as Viola. But just when the chant turns to 'when I wanna see movies, I wanna see Starz', guess who they show? Hint: it wasn't Judi Dench. Trivial, I know, but I haven't seen his handsome face on US commercial TV in a year or so.

Eileen: driving off in a C-reg (BTW, anyone, does that translate to 'old'?), cherry red Nissan Maxima C-reg is 1985/86, and as Arami implies, the car is unlikely to have been red. The Nissan Cherry I learned to drive in was a hideous gold (I don't know if it was a Maxima variety). The Jasper Rees article is at http://members.aol.com/CFirthFan/IOS_Article.html .

OK, Mark, now I'm confused. What is a Nissan Cherry? I always thought the term applied to color but it sounds as though it's a model type. In the US, there's always been only one Maxima model. I tend to overlook how different the model names translate from here to there. *bracing for the OT police*

(Eileen) I always thought the term applied to color Me too. *ducking the flying fruit* Nissan named its cars after fruit? Wonder who sat on the focus groups in the UK? ;-)

At the time they were making the Cherry, Datsun (as they were known here then) also had out the Bluebird and the Stanza. Nissan (which Datsun renamed itself) now makes the Micra, Stanza, Maxima and Almeira. Jasper Rees must be confused (who isn't?) as the Cherry and Maxima are completely different-sized models made at different times. As the Cherry probably stopped being made around 1985, the mystery car could be either a Cherry or a Maxima, but not both. This information supplied by my brother-in-law, who knows this stuff.

(Mark) Nissan (which Datsun renamed itself) now makes the Micra, Stanza, Maxima and Almeira Hmm, which may approximate the Sentra, Maxima and Altima in the US. Don't think a Micra would stand a chance over here (neither would a 'Bluebird').

I'm sorry I opened up this Pandora's Box ;-) It takes a certain kind of personality ,IMO, for that color car. Colin just doesn't seem the type to own a red car, that's all.

Ok, thought I'd check my picture file for the infamous Hoover snap. As you can see the car is NOT red. What does your expert brother-in-law make of this car's make/model?

Looks as if the ex- Hackney flat was in a block of flats with a parking lot.And not a house, or he would have had on -street parking. I see a red car two down. Maybe he just went to the wrong car :-D

Believe me I have driven round Hackney looking for a place outside a block of flats with, what looks like, on street parking but with the cars parked at rightangles. If you look closely and know how London is sometimes a mish mash of housing styles, you can just see that to the right of the block is what looks like a victorian house.

Oooops! Didn't mean to post so soon. I think I have seen a picture of Colin outside a victorian house. I assume his flat was in such a house which had been converted into flats.

I drove a micra in Ireland, good getup. It looks like a Peugeuot (sp?)

As usual I'm a day late and a dollar short, but I've been too busy to log on for a week or so. Karen, thanks for the article on MLSF from The Guardian. Did this phrase crack anyone else up? The family's life is rocked by the arrival of a sultry foreign governess whose presence ignites strong emotions in all the characters. Sultry governess?!?!? Which movie did this guy see? Perhaps they mixed up the stories for MLSF and TTOTS :-). I'm thoroughly enjoying the Nissan discussion, BTW. They really marketed a car called the Cherry in the UK? I suppose "cherry" can be appropriate slang for a really tricked out car, but some of the other meanings it has in the American vernacular give me pause :-).

Loved the conversation on car model names. A car named a Cherry? I don't think would've gone over too well in the US. On the subject of cars, but not CF's car: Around the early 1970's when Ford was making the Pinto, they wanted to market it in Brazil. However, in Brazilian slang the word "pinto" meant "tiny male genitals", not really good for sales. Ford subsequently changed the name of the car for the Brazilian market to the Corcel, which means "horse". The new photo is wonderful, as are CF's notation for "Best Wishes". Thanks for my bit of the wishes. Now hurry up and be in a movie, on tv, something...Please?

(Allison) I think I have seen a picture of Colin outside a victorian house. I assume his flat was in such a house which had been converted into flats. Right you are. I have seen that photo also Allison. Anyway , that was his old flat. New Mission: Drive around Islington looking for a rather ancient Maxima...cherry, or whatever. (Now we know it isn't red.)And we also know it is a house, and not a flat. ~~~~

"Colin just doesn't seem the type to own a red car, that's all" ..... And what kind of person (IYO) drives a red car exactly? (Just be careful now I drive a bright red E reg (that's 1987/88 so were talking OLD here) Honda Prelude!) "New Mission: Drive around Islington looking for a rather ancient Maxima...cherry," Thanks , I knew there should be something more constructive I could be doing in my lunch-hour than staring glazy eyed at my signed photo of ODB on my PC desktop...high tail it over to Islington with my A to Z and my copy of Nissan Monthly or whatever! ;-)

And what kind of person (IYO) drives a red car exactly? (Just be careful now I drive a bright red E reg (that's 1987/88 so were talking OLD here) Honda Prelude!) I am sure you are a lovely charming person.... as is your car;-) Told 'ya I opened a Pandora's Box! Knew someone would get me on that one... No offense, Tracy...didn't mean it in any pjorative way;-)Next?Anybody who lives in Hackney wanna take me on?

Evelyn ..none taken honest...and yes my car is charming,..and fast! As am I..er ...scratch that....I think this is getting out of hand!! ;-D As you can read in my previous posting have now installed scan of signed picci on my PC at work .. and as I hoped it is having the desired effect, I am amassing hoardes of converts all over the City in eager anticipation of CF domination.. ready to bombard tardy TV companies with phone calls/e.mails etc demanding the showing of DQ...well two or three anyway. It IS a start you have to admit!!

Last posting tonight before I nod off at the keyboard (it's a quarter past midnight here in England). I've been surfing around to get some info re SLOW coming out on PAL video in March and having found one site that's got it for pre-order was absolutely "gob-smacked" to find out the price....�53.59 (was �66.99 so what am I quibbling at ;-o) that's..., that's..... well it's a lot of yer English pounds to shell out for a lump of plastic,even if DB does adorn it. I think I'd want it hand delivered by the man himself clad only in a soggy shirt for that price! MMMmmmm ...what a thought, sweet dreams everyone!

was absolutely "gob-smacked" to find out the price....�53.59 (was �66.99 so what am I quibbling at ;-o) ************* Tracy: In my old wild passionate Firth days I spent anything I had to to get a CF video. Even today, if it weren't for my DVD, I would have paid that BIG close to $100 price for the VHS of MLSF. I'll never learn! Murph For those in the US, apparently Camille is being shown on the Romance Channel. The quality of the print is supposed to be excellent and there are scenes that were not available in the old version. This is one of CF's first films - with Greta Sacchi.

(Murph)...apparently Camille is being shown on the Romance Channel. Someone posted on Virtual Views that "Camille" would be aired on February 23 at 11 AM (Eastern time) on Romance Classics Cable Channel.

(Tracy) I drive a bright red E reg (that's 1987/88 so were talking OLD here) Honda Prelude!) So long as it's sporty, red is OK. Better if only a two-seater. It IS a start you have to admit!! Most definitely. BBC is going to show DQ one of these days and its probably within the next couple of months, otherwise it would NOT be listed so prominently at BBC Scotland's site. I think I'd want it hand delivered by the man himself clad only in a soggy shirt for that price! Now that would gob-smack me!! LOL! Hopefully, the price will go down. Did you ever get the see the movie, Tracy. Can't remember if you made it to the cinema in London, while it was playing. If not, a shame you hadn't post here earlier so you could have joined us at the January screening. Would've been great meeting you.

The car topic was OT, but it was funny. I enjoyed it and took shameful pleasure perusing that pic in the parking lot. (Tracy) "New Mission: Drive around Islington looking for a rather ancient Maxima...cherry," (Allison) Believe me I have driven round Hackney looking for a place outside a block of flats with, what looks like, on street parking but with the cars parked at rightangles How anyone can drive around London at all amazes me. Traffic always looks like perpetual gridlock to me. I salute you ladies. (JanaH) Did this phrase crack anyone else up? The family's life is rocked by the arrival of a sultry foreign governess whose presence ignites strong emotions in all the characters. Sultry governess?!?!? Which movie did this guy see? Perhaps they mixed up the stories for MLSF and TTOTS :-). LOL, Jana! ;-) I didn't catch this at all. (Murph) For those in the US, apparently Camille is being shown on the Romance Channel. The quality of the print is supposed to be excellent.. Ah, but does the acting improve? (Sorry, I can't resist a dig at Camille every chance I get. Bad girl, bad girl.)

Hello everyone. It's been a long time since I have logged in, although I do visit here every day. I have been unable to log in for a long while, so I just changed my name slightly and re-registered. First, I want to thank everyone who had the good fortune to be able to travel to London to see TOR and all the reports to us deprived stay-at-homes. It was almost like being there (but not really). Great reporting all around, a million thanks. During the time I was being held incommunicado from drool, I did come across a website that lists all the CF films appearing on TV, the stations, times. Although some of the stations are rather esoteric cable networks, the information is all there, waiting for you to set your VCR. The url is www.tv-now/stars/firth.html The month of February features ODB not only in Camille, but also TA, AZ, TOTS (can't wait)as well as SIL and Valmont. If only I had direct TV. The information is accurate for the NY area of the US. I am not sure if there is a similar site for other time zones. Those of you who are not quite as cyberspatially challenged as I am may have more success that I did in determining this. Enjoy.

Hello people!! It seems like ages since I've been in here!!! But Donovan Quick was finally shown on Australian TV... so what hope was there, for me to stay away??? I just HAD to pick up all of the latest gossip!!! So, is ODB single yet?? (Just kidding!!) So, where's the best place to find out what he's up to???

Tell us what you thought of DQ Mannen, please, it has yet to be shown on TV here. Oh and welcome back.

(Karen) Did you ever get the see the movie, Tracy. Sadly no I didn't get to see SLOW when it showed at those oh so "numerous" cinemas in London (although I work in town I live in the sticks and anything remotely Firthy seems to bypass this neck of the woods with startling regularity). "Not good enough" I hear you all cry, "call yourself a fan". I know, I am a sad excuse for a Firthlette - it's taken me how long to find Drool? But now I have found you (thanks to you Karen and Heide) I'm not planning on going away again so if any future opportunities for meet ups come along count me in.

According to the Sunday London Times, Kate Winslet has turned down the role of Bridget Jones. Reasons vary from "scheduling conflicts" to Kate wanting to do only "serious" roles, to conflicts between the producers, who presumably want a name, and Helen Fielding, who wants an unknown. Eric Fellner from Working Title says he thought Kate's casting was in the bag. It says Colin is "mooted" to play Mark Darcy, while Cameron Diaz is now "tipped" for the role of BJ. Qu'est que c'est "mooted?" I presume that's less definite than "tipped?" ;-) Article says filming is due to start in the summer for a Spring 2001 release. At this rate, Jude and Vile Richard will have grandkids by the time we see this.;-)

Now it's "in the summer"?...was "in the spring". And what's happened to Helena Bonham Carter? And "mooted"? Rather lukewarm. And Cameron Diaz....just no, no, no. This movie sounds like it's never going to get off the ground. And it sounds like a Hollywood bankables only-type movie, which means that it could be Cameron Diaz and Rupert Everett! Although I'm rather sceptical about the so-called conflict between producers and HF...there's no way an "unknown" would get this part, and anyway, Helen's sold the rights...she has no say in the matter. Hope Colin signs for something else in the meantime. If they're not all that keen on him, why should he hang around. This "iron in the fire" could grow cold!! But then again, there have been so many reports about this movie...who do we believe? And KW and CD are both about 24 and look it! Hardly thirty somethings. Matt Damon for MD? :-) Forget the movies! :-) I'm all for more television. BBC Scotland Programming dept say that "they keep on phoning the drama dept to ask if they've managed to find a slot yet for DQ"..so it sounds as though they've had a few enquiries! Advice is to "watch this space" and "check the Radio Times". I can't believe that they'll delay on this. And this is one way he'll be seen by millions and millions, no problem! BTW in case anyone asks, I had a ticket for 3DOR, soon after it re-started in January, and deliberately chose a date when my husband was at a conference in Stockholm and my elder son was at university. But then my younger son was pole-axed by the dreadful flu bug, and I couldn't go. I hesitate to post this when people fly half way round the world to see Colin, but like many women (I suspect!) in the UK, I'm a secret CF admirer and prefer to keep it this way as I just can't see my DH ever being understanding of my special interest. I've never been a fan of any actor before. So there you have it. :-( BTW again, I did (with my DH! )actually catch a glimpse of Alan Rickman, some time before Christmas. They were shooting a new movie locally (behind the Magistrate's court, to be precise!) It's supposed to be a "Full Monty" type of film (same writer), about a Hairdressing Convention. Natasha Richardson is also in it. So if CF shoots "Maid of Buttermere", we'll definitely go up to the Lakes!

I have finally made it here with a lot of help, so fingers crossed I will not get "lost in Cyberspace" again. I left a message at the other drool as to my thoughts on why DQ made it to Australia at all, so I will try to re-write and remeber what I actually wrote there. ABC Australia has a notoriuosly low annual budget, us avid supporters here have seen many a time when shows have been cut half way through a season simply because the ABC could not afford to keep importing them. Now I do not presume to know a lot about movie sales but I can safely assume, and sorry to disappoint, that the price must have been right for us to have seen it here at all. In the past I have called the ABC to ask why a certain movie or show has either not aired or, a series has all of a sudden stopped. The response from the ABC has always been they could not afford to import or keep running what ever it was at the time. ABC Australia rarely imports anything from America 1, because ABC viewers here generally prefer locally produced or UK produced shows / movies and 2, even if they wanted too they could not afford too and 3, our commercial networks tend only to air anything imported from America.

Hi Bethan, I too cannot see CD as Bridget, we need an english actress who looks to be in her thirties. Also Summer could mean early June, so Colin would have time to do at least one project before then. My favourit for Bridget would be Helena B-C. Glad you found your way here Maureen. More RF in the papers today, wish Colin had his publisist, and sorry this is OT but according to the article Sunshine is now to open on the 21 April and not the 7th as originally suggested.

Sunshine has been in Portuguese theatres since January, and has had bad reviews. It is showing now in one theatre only; I'll do my best to see it this week; otherwise I'll miss it for sure. Will let you know.

(Mari) Qu'est que c'est "mooted?" I presume that's less definite than "tipped?" ;-) I'd interpret it as he's being "debated" for the role. That being said, I definitely don't want to see CD in the role, but she has far more range than you'd expect, especially if you haven't seen her in Being John Malkovich yet. There are so many British actresses of the RIGHT age who could be a Bridget. Welcome Maureen. Glad to see that something eventually worked. (Maureen) the price must have been right for us to have seen it here at all. Very likely. I was told that the producers made the decision quite a while ago not to transfer the program to movie film from Super 16 because of the expense. My question is: Does DQ look cheaply made? Like a student film with a hand-held camera? BTW, rights have been sold to the Pan Latin American satellite system (pay-per-view), then it will go to the Fox Latin American cable system. No further info as to dates.

Here's WGBH's site for Turn of the Screw. Nothing new there, textwise, and they didn't bother using the publicity stills. http://www.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/masterpiecetheatre/programs/turnofthescrew/

My dictionary says: moot: debated, broached (Bethan)...there's no way an "unknown" would get this part, and anyway, Helen's sold the rights...she has no say in the matter. Not necessarily. Depends on the contract. John Irving (author) for "Cider House Rules" went through three directors and selected the actors for this film. HF is not an unknown author at this point....she can throw her weight around if she wants to.Sounds like, IMO, if CF wants the part it's his. But with CD? Isn't she a little young for him at this point?

My dictionary says " moot: (adj) debatable, undecided; (v)raise for discussion" In other words, uncertain.

Glad you made it over here, Maureen. Are you by chance the Maureen who comes to Chat occasionally? You don't have to answer that if you don't want. ;-) Sounds like your theories on ABC airing DQ are right on track. As Karen already expressed, I hope a low selling price doesn't mean poor quality. Perhaps you can enlighten us. I know the few stills I saw look like high quality to me. Or could that just be the subject matter? I would suppose too that the cast salary did not add that much to the overall cost.'-) Good to see you back here too Mannen!

Totally agree with comments re CD as possible Bridget..argghhhh disaster! Tho' apart from HB-C am racking brains to think of someone else suitable and British. I had thought that JE might be an idea but I suppose that's a little too cheeky!

(Tracy)I had thought that JE might be an idea but I suppose that's a little too cheeky! We, too, discussed her a while back. But: A. Karen said it would be "too coincidental" for both P&P stars to be billed in the P&P-based BJD. B. Karen said they seldom pair two co-stars together for a repeat performance. (Although I'm still holding out for "Streetcar Named Desire" with those two some day.)

The Times article makes it seem as though CD is pretty definite for BJ, and that the part was offered to KW but she turned it down for a more "serious" role. On reflection, given that there seem to be surprisingy few options, I think CD could be okay, and certainly better than KW. CD can do comedy, can be smart and sassy, and in US terms is probably much better box office than KW who seems to be specialising in youthful hippy roles. CF and CD could, I think, make a good couple....to be honest, I just think it's high time there were some signatures on the dotted line, and they start filming! You can agonise too much! The budget for DQ was �1.2million, which is fine for BBC drama. I'm sure it will look good. Probably there was a major saving on cast salaries...standard BBC Scotland drama fees (which would apply for DQ...this is not a commercial station star vehicle) are about �15000 for lead actors! Not exactly Hollywood rates!

(Bethan)CF and CD could, I think, make a good couple.... She's awfully cute...and young.Appeals to the young set and "women of a certain age " would go for CF. To be truthful, I never thought they would cast two British actors (with two British accents!)in that film....it heads it to the Art House realm.

(Bethan) Helen's sold the rights...she has no say in the matter. (Evelyn) Not necessarily. Depends on the contract. John Irving (author) for "Cider House Rules" went through three directors and selected the actors for this film. HF is not an unknown author at this point....she can throw her weight around if she wants to We don't know the conditions under which she sold BJD, but I'd put heavy odds that she has no right make the casting decisions...unless we see her name up there under Producers. The people who have the money at risk will make this decision. HF is not anywhere near as powerful as a John Irving or a Stephen King or a Tom Clancy (although he has distanced himself from the Jack Ryan series now). And I think the John Irving (Cider House Rules) situation is vastly different; he kept that story to develop himself because he was able to do it. Nick Hornby sold High Fidelity and About A Boy...and they are both going on without him. If HF has any influence on the film, it will because of personal friendships with the producers and the director (Sharon Maguire).

Heide. I hope a low selling price doesn't mean poor quality Heide, I ahve just finished watching DQ, thanks to Maureen, and it is definitely not a poor quality drama, it is an excellent drama, wonderful acting, invloving characters, you are really urging them on, great music and of course CF looks great especially in the businessman's suits, When it is eventually aired in this country I am confident there will be many many more CF fans. I highly recommend it, come on BBC find it a slot as soon as possible before the BAFTA TV nominations. Tracy, I too think JE could do it and would like to see her play BJ but I guess she will be tied up with TRT when filming for BJD starts.

Let's take the Bridget discussion to Topic 80.

Karen I agree with Ann, the production of DQ did not look like it was made on a home movie camera. I thought the quality was great when you consider it was transmitted from a network who's technology has not been upgraded for 20 years (shame on me for knocking the ABC). I'm glad you received DQ Ann, did you enjoy the 2 minutes of Pokemon cartoons at the beginning?. As I have said before I am not one to rave much about movies but DQ has to be one of the best ones I have seen in a long time. The acting by all was superb, the story line has meaning and Colin was just the icing on the cake. It will stay in my treasured archives along with P&P to be brought out and poured over at every opportunity.

Well...home movie is probably not the best description for Super 16 film.

Those of you pining away for the "improved" Camille via the Romance Channel [US]: don't lose any sleep. This is not ODB's best work, even with a few more scenes, brighter contrast, etc. Speaking of best work, *cough* did anyone [US] catch that Hallmark Hall of Fame special last night with James Coburn? Did you recognize the female lead? It's our favorite femme fatale, with bleached blonde hair! Welcome, Maureen. Welcome back, Mannen. Go to Karen's bucket or Murph's site to catch up on all CF's projects and the latest news.

A dark movie and thick scottish working class accent that I found difficult to understand - but never fear, Colin's is the same beautiful english accent we love - but no Blair Witch Project here.

I meant DQ, of course. Sorry.

(Eileen)Those of you pining away for the "improved" Camille via the Romance Channel [US]: don't lose any sleep. This is not ODB's best work, even with a few more scenes, brighter contrast, etc. I look forward to it."Camille" one of my favorites :-D (I know, just Nan 'n me) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (Gi).. thick scottish working class accent that I found difficult to understand That's what I'm afraid of...I don't "do" scottish accents well. (Bring on understandable "Camille";-))

Just dipping in !! Thanks for the lovely welcoming page Karen and Heide!! Sorry if this is old news but VALMONT is on TV on Tuesday 15th. I will check which channel (2 or 4?)It's a late showing running towards 1am. Thought it was time to ditch the Janeway, now 3 DOR is no more. Stunning reviews for the latest Donmar offering by David Mamet. Good review in Times today.

(Lizza J) Stunning reviews for the latest Donmar offering by David Mamet. Would that be the 25th anniversary production of "American Buffalo" with William H. Macy? I love Mamet, he is an absolute master of structure. I don't get Romance Movie Classics, so "Camille" is a moot point for me. I know it isn't well regarded, but from the production stills I've seen, CF looked great. He must have been very young -- certainly not more than 23. He was a really beautiful boy. He looks good now, but no longer a pretty boy, which is no doubt more useful for an actor. Would the peroxide blonde have been Lisa Zane, perchance? I saw "Femme Fatale". It was better than "Playmaker", but not as memorable. How's that for damning with faint praise?

(Cheryl)He was a really beautiful boy. He looks good now, but no longer a pretty boy Yes, he was a beautiful boy, good god he really was. Thanks to dear Arami I finally had a chance to see Dutch Girls last night and the most striking thing in it was that strange purity of young Colin�s face, it really touched my heart. And I like that movie, really exceeded my expectations. It�s a funny and true little piece and Colin is great in it as the sensitive boy of the bunch. BUT I like Colin�s 39-year-old face even more and that sexy maturity of his. Btw I also saw Femme Fatale yesterday and am sorry that Colin has had to make such foolish cr**. But I�m very happy to have seen it now, especially the infamous Vertigal Shag, a high class performance!! ;-D

Ooo, Elena, you've really advanced your CF ouevre knowledge! DG is very good. As for FF (or Fatal Woman, as it's known in the US)--check out our recent discussion. Save a few staunch supporters, most of us thought it was foolish cr**. But he sure looked great and his acting was wonderful (especially in certain scenes). IMO Camille was the opposite. I preferred him as Darcy (looks-wise). His acting was...well, he's come a looooonnng way. BUT I like Colin�s 39-year-old face even more and that sexy maturity of his. I couldn't agree more. And he's got such a terrific smile these days.

(or Fatal Woman, as it's known in the US) Only on the Lifetime channel. What does that say about viewers of Lifetime? Femme Fatale, a little too exotic for them? They might think it was subtitled! ;-)

Fatal Woman or Femme Fatale, this movie by any name is pretty bad. The only good thing about it is Colin, otherwise I would have been seriously peeved to waste 2 hours of my time. He did look cute in that little Ranger uniform.

I guess FF falls within the Wilderness Years! I think he really did throw away his career for MT...but it makes him more interesting to me. He must have a strong emotional side! I like DG. But I think you can still catch a glimpse of the young Colin in the mature man! Didn't Nia Long say that there was something very innocent about him (an intriguing comment!)

Meant to add..there was a very interesting programme about the work of the Refugee Council on the radio. Apparently many asylum seekers are housed in the Hackney and Islington areas, often in very desperate condiitons, and having suffered great personal tragedies and losses. They are supported and comforted by a network of local volunteer visitors. I wondered if this is the kind of work Colin does...he mentioned in a recent interview that he visits refugees.

(Elena)Yes, he was a beautiful boy, good god he really was. Why AC will always be one of my favorite movies of all time. That sweet unlined face with that deep mature voice. "I don't have to try; I AM clever." A knockout. I will always be in love with Tommy Judd.

I'm with you Cymbeline. Another Country is my favourite Colin movie after P&P2. I love the way Colin looks in it, as well as the character he plays. And I really like the way Tommy and Guy get along, even though they have different opinions on more than one issue. I don't mind DC and FF, but don't bother watching Camille unless I've recently seen all my other CF videos and am still in need of seeing Colin ;-)

There's only one thing wrong with Another Country...not enough Colin. Cathey, Cymbeline - I'll have to disagree with you here, I prefer the mature version myself, but I will admit he was an extremely pretty boy. HOTP is probably my fave after P&P with FP running a close third (although the hair is all over the place in that one!).

he mentioned in a recent interview that he visits refugees Darn! Is there no less complicated, traumatic way to have him pop in for a cuppa and a chat, then???

(Arami)Darn! Is there no less complicated, traumatic way to have him pop in for a cuppa and a chat, then??? Whatever it takes!;-)

.... Re: FF...Save a few staunch supporters, most of us thought it was foolish cr**. Me. I still like Joe Prince. ~~~~ Didn't Nia Long say that there was something very innocent about him (an intriguing comment!) And "childlike." ~~~~~~~~ (Bethan) guess FF falls within the Wilderness Years! I think he really did throw away his career for MT...but it makes him more interesting to me. He must have a strong emotional side! Actually,I see that as the "innocent", "childlike" side of him. Very earnest, but naive.(Which can be v. attactive in a man)

Talking of MT, Valmont is actually being aired on BBC1, 15th Feb, so doesn't qualify as a Valmont Valentine. Shame on you Beeb.

(Bethan)Didn't Nia Long say that there was something very innocent about him (an intriguing comment!) (Evelyn)And "childlike." I seem to have missed something crucial. Very interesting things to say about a man of his age. Never saw these comments, where were they? Has that article been posted here or somewhere? I just love his innocent and earnest side but "childlike" sounds to me like irresponsible or irrational.

Lizza J - Thanks for the Valmont tip - BBC 1 eh? The last time it was screened (a couple of years ago it was on way past midnight and on 2 - perhaps Auntie Beeb has seen the error of her ways! My present tape is in a very dodgy state through constant rewinds to the letter scene so at last I can get another copy!

(Elena) Never saw these comments, where were they? Has that article been posted here or somewhere? Wasn't that in the Evening Standard's This is London article/interview with Nia Long? I didn't print it out and I can't find anything at the site now. Will keep looking. It is definitely not a quote from the production notes.

Yes it was Evening Standard This is London and was around the time SLOW was being released.Late November? ~~~~~ (Elena)I just love his innocent and earnest side but "childlike" sounds to me like irresponsible or irrational. Not at all. The latter would be "childish"...which is suggestive of immaturity ,lacking poise,...unpleasing qualities. "Childlike" suggests attractive and admirable qualities as innocence ,straightforwardnes, and trust.

Ah, sigh, you girls have just named a bunch of his early films I love watching still. A beautiful boy indeed. I know this one is a rarity but another beautiful boy is Richard Herncastle in Lost Empires. Hours and hours of him. A heck of a lot of shagging and snogging too. Agree FF is crap but it is a step above Playmaker. I for one like Elijah and I love Joe Prince. And CF doesn't look too embarrassed to be in this film though I can't say I like the Boy Scout, I mean the Ranger Rick outfit. A baseball cap is one piece of headgear he does not wear well. I'm starting a new topic to continue this one in case we don't make it over the 1,999 post hump. I'm curious to see if this will be an issue with the new server. Beware! The person who posts the 2,000th message here better copy it first before submitting...just in case.

I have been on holiday only a week and there are so many posts to catch up with! Thanks for the final reports on your 3DOR experiences. Your talk about ODB's early films makes me wonder whether anybody can tell me where I can get a copy of either of these videos: Tumbledown, Femme Fatale, Camille or Playmaker (European versions). I haven't seen any of these and would love to.

Nita, Tumbledown was never sold commercially, so any versions available would've been taped from television. Because of where you live, I suggest you contact the three deers at threedeers@yahoo.com for assistance on this one. Or if Carola sees this, she might be able to help you out.

(Moi).... Re: FF...Save a few staunch supporters, most of us thought it was foolish cr**. (Evelyn) Me. I still like Joe Prince. (Heide) Agree FF is crap but it is a step above Playmaker. I for one like Elijah and I love Joe Prince. Heide captured my sentiments. Love Joe Prince but think far less of the movie. Unfortunately can't say the same about Camille. (Heide) And CF doesn't look too embarrassed to be in this film though I can't say I like the Boy Scout, I mean the Ranger Rick outfit. A baseball cap is one piece of headgear he does not wear well. Someone needs to show him how to wear one correctly.

Things are so quiet here lately. Just goes to show that, when Colin's away (probably hunting down somebody's precious castoffs), it's time to catch up on old tapes. About this FF thing, I'm one of those who thinks it's barely a step up from Playmaker, quality-wise. What attracts you all to Joe Prince? So, he's a nice guy who loves a looney. Big deal. Yeah, Colin looks good in the role (when he's not wearing that stupid baseball cap), but really the film has little else to recommend it. It too could win awards for its cheesiness. A full and robust Limburger, I think. ;-)

Sorry to have been so quiet. Just didn't have anything to say (strange for me!), but have enjoyed reading your posts. I have finally added something to my Firth site. I am "scoring" CF's films through visitors' responses. If you would like to rate a film, go HERE. Thanks. Murph

Just though I'd let you know that I've had a response from BBC Scotland and here's their reply : "Thank you for your email, at present we do not have a date for this drama, the best planning can offer is "late summer". I am puzzled by the fact it has been seen in Australia and will take this up with BBC Worlwide Television." Heide - where can I get a copy of Lost Empires on PAL - I tried contacting Granada it wasn't released on vid apparently -Boooh ;-(

Whoops the email was re DQ of course!!

Interesting response from BBC, Tracy. Seems like they've been on an extended tea break. Wonder why they think BBC Worldwide Televison would need to be consulted. Late summer? It gets worse and worse. Lost Empires is another in the "television broadcast only" category. I suggest Sfolks for tape-lending possibilities. :-)