"Fogey Bare" is also a play on "Yogi Bear" - I can't see a connection, can anyone else? Enlighten me, please. It's very true that an awful lot of the popular media in the UK seem to go for merciless teasing and even ridicule in their reviews and interviews. Often it's pretty tiresome: sometimes hinting at malicious and offensive. It's some kind of a trend, I guess, and the problem is that they all try to outdo one another. They think it's funny, you see.

(Arami)"Fogey Bare" is also a play on "Yogi Bear" - I can't see a connection, can anyone else? Enlighten me, please. "The phrase that's been used, and it's not nice, is: old fogey. Or is it young fogey? At his age, who can tell? "London Times I ,too, can't see the connection with Yogi Bear. My take on "fogey" was old at 37 to be "bare" as in his bum in the "End of the Affair" ...a real "rumpy -pumpy" which the UK rated as NC 18. We got the R-rated cleaned-up version which was steamy but not raunchy. I still think it's beneath the eminent London Times to stoop to tabloid journalism.

Maybe the connection was with Yogi's sidekick Booboo Bear? ;-) BTW, I had no problem with the buns on display and I didn't count how many times they went up and down. Something is wrong with people who do IMO.

Booboo Bore, more likely. ;-)

From Monday's Times: THE low-budget Asian comedy East is East was named film of the year at the Evening Standard British Film Awards last night. The bleakly comic tale of a traditional Muslim father forced to review long-held beliefs by his seven westernised and rebellious children took the Best Film award at the Savoy Hotel, London. Among the other winners, Jeremy Northam was Best Actor for his roles in An Ideal Husband and The Winslow Boy and Samantha Morton was named Best Actress for her performance in Dreaming of Joseph Lees. Notting Hill confirmed its status as the highest-grossing home-grown film of all time by winning the Peter Sellers Award for Comedy. Tom Stoppard capped a highly successful year by winning his third major Best Screenplay prize for Shakespeare in Love. A Special Award for Lifetime Achievement was handed to the cinematographer Freddie Francis by Jessica Lange, the double Oscar-winning actress, who worked with him on Martin Scorsese's 1992 remake of Cape Fear. The success of East is East, directed by Damien O'Donnell and starring Linda Bassett, follows several other awards for the film. Last year its scriptwriter, Ayub Khan-Din, won Best Original Screenplay title at the British Independent Film Awards, and Bassett was named Best Actress at the Valladolid International Film Festival, with O'Donnell taking the Golden Spike. Guests at last night's event included Madonna, who arrived with her British boyfriend, Guy Ritchie, the director of the gangland comedy Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The Evening Standard critic Neil Norman said that judging had been difficult because of the high number of eligible candidates. The awards, formerly known as the Evening News British Film Awards, were first presented in 1973. Judges this year were Norman, Angie Errigo of Empire magazine, the Evening Standard film critic Alexander Walker, Derek Malcolm of The Guardian and the journalist and broadcaster Mark Lawson.

WHY THERE'S MONEY IN THOSE TV FLOPS (4/2/00) Thanks for this, Karen. I fail to see why the author's so upset--after all, *they* didn't do 'Leprechauns.' Saw Onegin on TV Saturday night. Rafie was brooding for a change *snicker* but was tremendous compared to Liv. The film was pretty to look at, though. Benedict Nightingale gushed about TRT in yesterday's NYT. There was also a large advance ticket sales ad, featuring an extreme, grainy close up of JE and SD smooching.

after all, *they* didn't do 'Leprechauns.' *hee hee* I've been seeing commercials for another BIG special (can't remember the name), but it looks like they got to reuse the costumes from Leprechauns. ;-)

..... Jeremy Northam was Best Actor for his roles in An Ideal Husband and The Winslow Boy Hooray....at last someone recognized this guy's talent in these two films...which no one saw (TWB).And both lost $$$$. ~~~~~~~ Benedict Nightingale gushed about TRT in yesterday's NYT. There was also a large advance ticket sales ad, .. Selling tickets now til August. First few weeks in April sold out. The PR people are going great guns with ads in the NYTimes. I'm looking for the website...

Thanks Gi for posting the URL link to the old site; I did find Darlene's birthday wishes there. Thank you Darlene. RE: The Year of the Dragon -- I love all the dragons adorning this board. In honor of it being the Year of the Dragon, I should get some Oolong tea. "Oolong" is a variant of "wu long", which means "black dragon". If I remember any Chinese folklore correctly, the Black Dragon was the symbol of the emperor. Since it's the time of year of for film awards, I'm going to post the winners of the National Society of Film Critics. These are American film awards similar to the New York Film Critics Circle and the National Board of Review. They are as follows: Best Film "Being John Malkovich" and "Topsy-Turvy" (tie) Best Actor Russell Crowe, "The Insider" Best Actress Reese Witherspoon, "Election" Best Director Mike Leigh, "Topsy-Turvy"

Another article about Hits & Misses; this time from the Guardian (2/5). A stufy must have been released for all the newspapers to have glommed onto this: COSTUME DRAMA: THE TRIUMPHS AND THE TURKEYS The hits Pride and Prejudice The 1995 BBC1 adaptation became required viewing for an average 10m a week. Some 11.3m saw the final episode. Enthusiasm was fired by news of the true off-screen romance between Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle - Mr Darcy and Lizzie Bennett - and, among female viewers, his penchant for tight breeches and wet shirts. Moll Flanders With its 17 sex scenes, ITV's bodice-ripping 1996 adaptation, again by Andrew Davies, lured 13m viewers. The BBC's rival offering, Anne Bronte's bleaker and more demure The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, drew in around 4m fewer. Brideshead Revisited Figures no longer exist to attest to this ITV adaption's popularity, but it was widely-acclaimed, and brought Evelyn Waugh's tale of Sebastian Flyte and his teddy bear to the masses. Wives and Daughters Elizabeth Gaskell's tale of love and marriage, screened on BBC1 last autumn, was initially beaten by ITV's adaptation of Oliver Twist in the ratings, drawing 7.2m viewers for the initial episode compared to its rival's 8.4m. However, on average, 7.95m viewers tuned in for each episode. Oliver Twist Bleasdale's acclaimed, though not entirely faithful, adaptation starring Robert Lindsay and Julie Walters just pipped Wives and Daughters at 8m viewers per episode. The misses Gormenghast The lavish BBC2 drama has lost 40% of its viewers since its opening episode - with ratings falling from 4.2m to 2.5m. Rhodes An unprecedented flop. The pounds 10m BBC1 production about the story of Cecil Rhodes and the founding of Rhodesia boasted superb scenery and Martin Shaw as the star. The 1996 serial slumped to 4.8m viewers, from 7.6m, after just one episode. Hornblower Despite being - at pounds 12m - the most expensive TV dramatisation ever, ITV's seafaring saga drew in just 6m viewers. The cherubic Ioan Gruffudd in breeches was insufficient compensation for a lack of strong females. Nostromo 'Don't touch Conrad,' the novelist and academic David Lodge warned BBC1 after they had commissioned this adaptation. The four-part 1997 serial flopped, drawing in less than 3m viewers. Vanity Fair Not an unmitigated disaster, but Andrew Davies' 1998 adaptation of Thackery's novel was initially dubbed 'Vanity Flop' after the 7.8m who tuned into the first episode slumped to 6.8m a week later. It was beaten by the 9.9m who tuned in for the ITV detective series, Taggart.

Thanks Karen... Poor "Nostromo"...not even an off-screen romance with Serena would have helped that one. ~~~~~~ I just saw the first episode of Madam Bovary last night and don't think I'll bother next week.Although Frances O'Conner is a more acceptable MB than she was Fanny Price in "Mansfield Park". ~~~~~ "Oliver Twist "coming this spring looks promising...with a knock-out cast.

Did you notice that the production specifically said BBC "America" and WGBH? Was it shown in England? BTW, this was probably the most risque program PBS has ever shown!! Yowza, that Greg Wise in the woods. ;-)

Oliver Twist is excellent, I higly recommend it.

A veritable Who's Who Minus One: Waiting for Beckett By Karen Fricker DUBLIN (Variety) - The full canon of Samuel Beckett's dramatic work -- 19 plays in all -- is being filmed for television with top flight talent including director Neil Jordan and actress Julianne Moore. Two plays have already been filmed: ``What Where,'' directed by up-and-comer Damien O'Donnell (''East Is East''), and ''Endgame,'' directed by playwright Conor McPherson (''The Weir'') and featuring Michael Gambon and David Thewlis. Other talent associated with the project includes Judi Dench, Harold Pinter, Tom Stoppard, David Mamet, Richard Eyre, John Boorman and Jim Sheridan. The project marks the first time that the Beckett estate has awarded the complete film rights to all of the writer's stage works. Filming will continue through the summer, and the project is set to hit Irish and British TV screens in the autumn. Representatives from Irish national broadcaster RTE, which is coproducing with Britain's Channel 4, report ``serious interest'' from several American broadcasters, including PBS, in buying U.S. broadcast rights to the series. While some casting and directing decisions remain open, those assigned include artist Damien Hirst, directing the 45-second-long ``Breath''; Jordan directing Moore in ``Not I,'' in which only the actress's mouth is visible; Stoppard helming ''Ohio Impromptu''; Mamet directing Pinter in ``Catastrophe''; and Eyre directing Dench in ``Rockaby.'' Former Beckett assistant Walter Asmus will direct ``Waiting for Godot,'' while actor John Hurt is attached to ``Krapp's Last Tape.''

Just read this in Broadcasting & Cable Mag NBC PILOT IS AROUND THE CORONER NBC has ordered a pilot from GBTV, the U.S. programming venture with BBC Worldwide and Granada Media, based on the British crime series Silent Witness. The order is the first fruit of the deal between Britain's two largest TV production companies to develop and produce shows for U.S. broadcasters based on British formats. The pilot is scheduled to begin shooting in March. GBTV will produce in partnership with NBC Studios and Columbia TriStar. The central character is a female coroner.

I thought Cold Feet (which didn't last long) was the first such venture?

I haven't a clue, Karen. I'd never even heard of the venture until I read this. I've seen Silent Witness on A&E, it was okay, not great. Cracker (British) was awesome, but the American version tanked. Only British game shows seem to make here. And that's my final answer, Reege.

News Flash Evelyn, JE & SD won the Best Actress and Best Actor awards at The Variety Club Showbusiness Awards today, for their performances in The Real Thing. Also Jeremy Northam won the award for Best Film Actor.

Thanks Ann: Here's the URL: http://www.eventselector.co.uk/news/950010231_9892.html VARIETY Club Showbusiness Awards now in their 48th year. Ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane.Will be televised Winners were judged by a panel of showbusiness and entertainment professionals for their 1999 achievements. Best Screen Actor JN Best Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones "Best Stage Actor was won by Stephen Dillane and Best Stage Actress by Pride and Prejudice star Jennifer Ehle." Will be televised on BBC1 on Sunday Feb 13. ~~~~~~~ (I like the way they keep bringing up P&P. US adverts are using P&P too. "JE from A&E's Pride & Prejudice".)

What did Stephen Dillane win for? Was he just on the stage? That is he I saw in Firelight and Deja Vu, isn't it? Both roles were rather lacking in pizzazz I thought, esp the latter where he looked as though he didn't much like his costar and was bored by the whole experience. Anybody got suggestions for something good?

Great news for Jennifer! Those awards count, don't kid yourself. Which film did Northam win the Variety award for? He was terrific in The Winslow Boy, and he and Julianne Moore made An Ideal Husband marginally watchable--but just.;-) . And I'm almost afraid to ask what Zeta-Jones won for . . .;-) (Cymbeline) What did Stephen Dillane win for? Was he just on the stage? That is he I saw in Firelight and Deja Vu, isn't it? Both roles were rather lacking in pizzazz I thought, esp the latter where he looked as though he didn't much like his costar and was bored by the whole experience. Anybody got suggestions for something good? Dillane is currently appearing with JE in The Real Thing for about another month, then they move it to Broadway. I'm not familiar with Deja Vu, but yes that was him in Firelight. As for suggestions for something good--do they have to be Dillane related?;-) If so, Welcome to Sarajevo with SD and Woody Harrelson, is good. If you're just looking for newish good rents in general, I'd recommend The Winslow Boy (which I think just came out here on video today); Limbo, with Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and David Stathairn--written and directed by one of my faves, John Sayles; purely for light fun, The Thomas Crown Affair--breezy and sexy and what a relief to see a middle-aged man paired with a middle-aged woman! One I would *not* recommend: Tea With Mussolini. Yuck.

The Guardian has a printed an extensive group of interviews with Ralph Fiennes, Neil Jordan and Stephen Woolley done following the NFT premiere of The End of the Affair. It's in three parts (the links are on the left). Start here: http://www.filmunlimited.co.uk/Guardian_NFT/interview/0,4479,132683,00.html

Best Actress Catherine Zeta-Jones Well, that lets some air out of the balloon, doesn't it? (Mari) And I'm almost afraid to ask what Zeta-Jones won for . . .;-) Best Beautiful Body Contorting Around Red Yarn in the Presence of a Man Nearly Twice Her Age (kind of long--must be a big trophy).

New website for Broadway's THE REAL THING: http://www.therealthingbroadway.com Great Darcy-like- liplock between Jennifer and SD.Must be the same pic as advert from NYTimes.It's not grainy, Eileen...symbolic ..for "love".Part of the ambience of the play. ~~~~~~ Interestingly...it mentions among the presenters...."Miramax Films"... "C'mon, Harvey...waddaya have up ya' sleeve?"The guy never spends a dime without a reason!!

It's not grainy, Eileen Watch your mailbox for the next few days... "C'mon, Harvey...waddaya have up ya' sleeve?" The guy never spends a dime without a reason!! My thoughts, too. Although he's likely looking to recoup some of his losses incurred by Talk Mag--until last weekend, that is, when Scream 3 made a killing (yukyuk) at the BO.

Catherine Zeta-Jones is IMNSHO the worst actress. I think they were looking at her breasts when they were watching whatever movie she was in!

Best Beautiful Body Contorting Around Red Yarn in the Presence of a Man Nearly Twice Her Age Nearly? Try more than. ;-) What was she in last year? Entrapment and The Haunting? Save me. Nice website, Evelyn. Too bad the Donmar didn't spring for one like that for 3DOR.

Janie Dee won The Critic's Circle Awards announced today, she on a hat-trick with The Olivier Awards. Henry Goodman won the Best Actor.

Janie Dee won The Critic's Circle Awards announced today Words fail me! That play was sooooo bad! And can any one tell me what was so special about SD's performance? It was fine but I cannot see what was so great about it. Or is my CF partiality blinding me to the merits of others?

(Allison) Or is my CF partiality blinding me to the merits of others? I had an *eye* problem as well during TRT, but I think it was severe jetlag that was forcing my lids down. The role of Henry is a very good one, full of dramatic and comic potential. I almost think anyone could have a bravura performance in it. Wish I had seen it at the Donmar (up close) rather than at the Albery (further back) because if there were subtleties to the performance, then I didn't pick them up...up in the dress circle (?) or first balcony as we would call it.

From the NY Daily News: Miramax Is Going Broadway For the first time in its 20-year history Miramax Films is backing a Broadway play. The company has agreed to co-finance the Tom Stoppard revival "The Real Thing," which opens a 20-week limited engagement on the Great White Way on April 17. Stoppard, you'll recall, was the co-writer of Miramax' enormously successful Academy Award winner "Shakespeare in Love," so his relationship with company honcho Harvey Weinstein is nothing if not strong. "I am pleased to be teaming up again with Harvey, a long-standing admirer of my play," Stoppard said. "The Real Thing," a humorous play within a play about marriage and pop culture,currently is running in London. The plan, according to Miramax reps, is for the London co-stars Stephen Dillane and Jennifer Ehle to come to New York when the play closes there March 18. Miramax and Universal already co-own the film rights to "The Real Thing." This co-venture with producers Anita Waxman, Elizabeth Williams and Ron Kastner could be the first of a number of Broadway shows for Miramax. Another project thateinstein has his eye on for Broadway is a musical adaptation of "Cinema Paradiso." As for Weinstein himself, he is said to be feeling "fantastic," to quote someone at Miramax, and is expected back at work soon following what must have been a major ordeal fighting off a bacterial infection. I asked a Miramax rep whether it was safe to pencil in Weinstein as a definite for the March 26 Oscars in Los Angeles. "Count on it," he replied. ~~~~~~~~~ I have always wanted to see Colin playing Henry.....Perhaps, the film? As Bethan would say..."I am very, very optimistic."

(evelyn)It's not grainy, Eileen (Eileen)Watch your mailbox for the next few days... I don't get it..... ~~~~~~~~ (Karen)The role of Henry is a very good one, full of dramatic and comic potential. I almost think anyone could have a bravura performance in it. (Allison) And can any one tell me what was so special about SD's performance? It was fine but I cannot see what was so great about it We always said TRT was a better play for showcasing acting talents. As Karen says anyonecould have a winning performance. Though easy to overact. Both Colin and SD have similar acting styles...I have no doubt Colin would have won in this play.

(Evelyn)I don't get it..... You will, you will (she says mysteriously). ;-D Stoppard, you'll recall, was the co-writer of Miramax' enormously successful Academy Award winner "Shakespeare in Love," so his relationship with company honcho Harvey Weinstein is nothing if not strong. 'Natch. Stoppard's great, isn't he? It was his talent that made SiL what it was. Remember how what's-his-name Norman kept taking all the screenwriting credit?

I had read at some screenwriting sites that Stoppard is responsible for only about 25% of the screenplay for "Shakespeare in Love". Mark Norman had the right to be listed first as author because most of the material was his. Also the screenplay languished for roughly 5 years, because of casting problems, not because it was deemed sub-standard. Tom Stoppard was hired by Harvey Weinstein because of the prestige his name would carry. Snob appeal. Interestingly there is a something of a backlash toward Miramax, due to some hard feelings about the slick marketing involved in making SIL a multi Oscar winner. Hardly anyone in Hollywood thinks it deserved to win Best Picture, that should have been "Saving Private Ryan". There is also a feeling that "The Truman Show" was far more deserving to win Best Screenplay. Please don't take offence, that's just the prevailing mindset now.

I'm a Generation X'er, okay. I cannot spell, that is why Spell Check was invented, but I don't think it's on this site. The name of the co-author of SIL should be Marc Norman.

No offense, of course, Cheryl. I think you got the sentiment down right, Hardly anyone in Hollywood thinks it deserved to win Best Picture but in the rest of the world outside of Hollywood, SIL was enthrallingly different. I never though Private Ryan should beat out SIL...can't say anything about The Truman Show since I didn't see it.

Sorry, I disagree, immensely about SPR and do believe (despite the amount of money spent by Miramax) that SiL deserved the Oscar. SPR was a great war epic, but nothing distinguished it above all the others that have preceded it. But that just MHO. (Cheryl) Mark Norman had the right to be listed first as author because most of the material was his. Percentage of material is not how the Writers Guild determines order of credit. Norman got first billing because it was his script/idea first. I have an early version of SiL (pre-Stoppard's involvement) and, believe you me, that man despite his master's credentials would not be capable of writing the dialogue in the final movie. That script is dated 6/1/92 and only has Marc Norman's name on it. It is swill, tripe, !@$% etc. Bears no resemblance to the movie we all saw, probably only 1-2 scenes continued into the end product. Viewed against Stoppard's other works, SiL (final form) is most definitely in his voice with his humor. One does not pull a plum like this out of a "Cutthroat Island" ;-)

I have to agree with Cheryl here: SPR should have won, IMO. That's not taking anything away from SIL, which was very good, but I like my Oscar winners to touch my heart *and* my intellect, which SPR did. SIL appealed to the brain only, IMO. Moreover, SPR wasn't just another war movie to me. It examined issues of honor and integrity; of why we fight wars; of subordinating a group's needs to those of an individual; and so much more. Better still, it provided no easy, pat answers. And, I feel it honored the people of my parents' generation who preserved a way of life as we know it. Cheryl, one theory I've read which seems to make some sense is: most of the Academy members don't bother to get off their asses to actual see the films in the cinema, so they wind up watching on the videos/DVDs that the members get. The film that comes across best on the big screen (SPR) is at a distinct disadvantage. The film that transfers better to the small screen (SIL) has the upper hand. Just a theory, but I think it's an interesting one. Hey, the Oscar noms are announced next week (Tuesday?). Anyone interested in a discussion/predictions? It's not necessary to have seen a lot of films to have an opinion--that never stops the Academy.;-)

Mari, there are lots of theories about why SPR didn't get it last year, ranging from Spielberg already won for Schindler's List or the Best Director was a cut- the-child-in-half approach, but the one I subscribe to is: it didn't get enough votes. ;-) Using my convoluted logic, Spielberg's Dreamworks org will get it this year to make up for last year. Therefore, my risky predictions for nominations: American Beauty for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor (and the full complement of Best Other Stuff: writing, art design, cinematograhy, etc.) Denzel is a given and I'd say THE leading contender, notwithstanding what all the critics have already said. Denzel will get the votes. His performance is a touching one (brings tears to your eyes several times), and the Academy likes when an actor has to undergo physical changes (buffs up and frails down), just putting on the pounds and dying your hair like Russell Crowe is not enough. ;-) Personally, I liked The Hurricane much better than The Insider. Even though you know the outcome of both, I was engrossed with TH and touched by it.

Speaking of the Writers Guild, here are its nominations: Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen: -- "American Beauty" by Alan Ball -- "Being John Malkovich" by Charlie Kaufman -- "Magnolia" by Paul Thomas Anderson -- "The Sixth Sense" by M. Night Shyamalan -- "Three Kings," Screenplay by David O. Russell, Story by John Ridley Best Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published: -- "The Cider House Rules" by John Irving -- "Election" by Alexander Payne & Jim Taylor. Based on the novel by Tom Perrotta -- "The Insider" by Eric Roth & Michael Mann. Based on the article "The Man Who Knew Too Much" by Marie Brenner -- "October Sky" by Lewis Colick. Based on the book "Rocket Boys" by Homer H. Hickam, Jr. -- "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Anthony Minghella, Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith. Remember, at the Oscars, only people in the Writers Guild can vote for writing awards.

Notice from Yahoo: Actor Rupert Everett chats about his new film "The Next Best Thing" on Sunday, February 13th at 9pET/6pPT in Yahoo Chat. Where's Moon? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Think we'll get ODB on some time?

Moon is on vacation...AGAIN!! She'll be back in time to join in on the Rupe chat.

(Evelyn) Think we'll get ODB on some time? Checking his schedule here, I see it's penciled in for the 12th of never. Rain date: when pigs fly. ;-) Hey, that's a good-looking site for TRT. Harve has his hand in every pot, doesn't he? I'm all set: 6th row!

Hey, that's a good-looking site for TRT. Harve has his hand in every pot, doesn't he? I'm all set:6th row! You'll be able to see his big brown eyes from there....better than the Royal Mezzanine...(I don't care if Prince Charles likes those seats...I don't) I just called and they are selling tickets til August 13th. Eileen was kind enough to send me the NY Times advert last Sunday...full lenigh of the page...a third of the page wide....like big! Actually, I don't think it looks like Jennifer....dark hair? Annie is a blonde. I bet Harvey makes them do interviews.He got Colin to go to the Berlinale.

(me) I never though Private Ryan should beat out SIL.. (Karen) Sorry, I disagree, immensely about SPR Gulp! I hope you weren't talking to me. I see I left out my "t" at the end of "thought" and therefore my meaning may have been misinterpreted. I agree w/you, Karen. Though SPR was several cuts above most of Spielberg's work, I feel he's a master manipulator and never quite trust the emotions he's attempting to pull. IMHO too, of course. Had to set my record straight and the fact that CF was in SIL has no bearing on my opinion whatsoever. ;-)

From playbill.com MIRAMAX JOINS PRODUCTION OF THE REAL THING "Miramax Films has joined the production team for Broadway's The Real Thing, set to start previews March 29 for an opening April 17 at the Barrymore Theatre. The film company joins Anita Waxman, Elizabeth Williams, Ron Kastner and Associated Capital Theatre, Ltd. on the project. Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein told Variety he'd already been fond of several of the show's principles, including author Tom Stoppard and stars Stephen Dillane and Jennifer Ehle. "But after attending three performances of The Real Thing at the Donmar Warehouse last summer, I fell in love with this production," Weinstein said. The company and Universal Pictures already own the film rights to the play. Variety notes that sources are saying Miramax may invest in other plays, but only as a co-financing partner. " ~~~~~~~ Harve has seen it almost as many times as we have, Ann!

(Heide) Had to set my record straight and the fact that CF was in SIL has no bearing on my opinion whatsoever. ;-) I understand completely. No bearing whatsoever. ;-)

Another of the many theories postulated about why SiL beat SPR: actors, who make up a good part of the Oscar voting contingent, were thrilled to pieces that the movie captured their profession so well. (Cheryl) Mark Norman had the right to be listed first as author because most of the material was his. (Karen) That script is dated 6/1/92 and only has Marc Norman's name on it. It is swill, tripe, !@$% etc. Have to agree with Karen here. Eons ago I had read excerpts of the original script. The end product is Stoppard all the way. (Cheryl) Hardly anyone in Hollywood thinks it deserved to win Best Picture, that should have been "Saving Private Ryan". There is also a feeling that "The Truman Show" was far more deserving to win Best Screenplay. Please don't take offence, that's just the prevailing mindset now. Are you in the b'ness? It always helps to have an insider in our midst! Glad to hear your postal carrier is more efficient than Karen's, Evelyn ;-). full length of the page Almost. There were a few small ads under it. It was very eye-catching, though.

(Evelyn) I bet Harvey makes them (JE and SD) do interviews. He got Colin to go to the Berlinale. And I think another appearance on "Rosie" is a safe bet, too, since she's such a huge theatre fan. Maybe she'll talk Jennifer into bringing her mum along this time;-)

The mother-daughter Broadway team angle will surely be part of TRT's overall publicity scheme, I would think. It will help Jen's name recognition problem. Bet they save Rosie until Tony-time if both are nommed.

The mother-daughter Broadway team angle will surely be part of TRT's overall publicity scheme,I would think. It will help Jen's name recognition problem. Bet they save Rosie until Tony-time if both are nommed. Wait a minute.....this play hasn't even been previewed on Broadway yet... I am so thrilled that JE is going to be on Broadway. This is her first time there....she's young....v. limited stage experience.Was only a supporting actress in "Tartuffe" in 1991(RSC at Stratford summer of 95) Let's not get into the Tony business yet.That's setting myself up for unreal expectations. Most of SD work has been on stage. He was on the short list for Evening Standard Award two years ago.He is 42 years old with lots of acting experience. I would expect him to get more awards than she.

Sorry, Ev, didn't mean to get you going (but when Harvey's involved...never mind). I am certain we'll hear that she's RH's daughter. Publicity for Waiting in the Wings has blossomed--full page ad in NYT two Sundays ago; lo and behold, when I opened my mailbox today, Lauren and Rosemary were smiling up at me from a mass-mailed brochure.

(Eileen) Are you in the b'ness? It always helps to have an insider in our midst! Sorry but I've only had limited exposure to the film industry, such as working on student films and doing storyboards for some independent shorts. I've worked in advertising, although one of my best friends is in the business. Also, for those of you interested in the origins of SIL; you might want to read "No Bed for Bacon" by Caryl Brahms and S.J. Simon. There was some flak about Stoppard borrowing liberally from that comic novel. I think that there are some similarities, but not nearly enough to warrant plagerism. I also think that "No Bed for Bacon" is more well written than SIL. On the point of screenplays, it's quite arcane as to not only the author order, but also who gets credit. Walter Hill still has no idea as to how he got the screenwriting credit on "The Macintosh Man". Kenneth Branagh got Oscar nomination for adapted screenplay for "Hamlet". Go figure. What did he adapt? He filmed a performance of Shakespeare's entire text. The screenwriting bylaws are something of an industry joke. Still, the revised screenplay by Stoppard may in fact bear little resemblence to the finished film. That is no reflection on Stoppard, it is simply a fact that very often a director may not want a particular scene, or want it rewritten, or simply change it to his liking. This can also hold true for producers and some actors with clout. Then again, there is a chance that the script written was pretty much the one which was shot. Actually Mari there's a lot to be said about your theory on the Academy members, that they can't be bothered to actually go out and see these movies. So the one's in theatrical first release have an advantage over those on tape or DVD. I've also heard it said that many Academy members can't be bothered to vote, period. They give their ballots to their secretaries or personal assistants, and they are the ones who do the actual voting in some cases. I'm interested in an Oscar discussion, since you asked who would be. What film would I have voted for had I been a member of the Academy? Sorry to tell you it would not have been SIL. It would have been "The Thin Red Line", a stunningly visual, visceral, and cerebral elegy from an estimable stylist, Terence Malik. The visual impact of it really got to me, but I was trained as an artist. I still respect the opinion of all of you who felt movie is best summed up by the phrase "snores galore".

(but when Harvey's involved...never mind). I am certain we'll hear that she's RH's daughter. Publicity for Waiting in the Wings has blossomed Know what you mean about Harvey.After the news that he's involved I decided to order my tickets for end of May.Good thing...."Waiting in the Wings" front sold out; I got two mid-orchestra....TRT I got the last two in the 6th row! ~~~~~ I only hope she gets good reviews on B'way...I don't expect a Tony. An Olivier would be the real icing on the cake...she's played in two outstanding plays this season..(Both her leading men and directors are up for Oliviers too!) That's an accolade in itself.

(Cheryl) It would have been "The Thin Red Line", a stunningly visual, visceral, and cerebral elegy from an estimable stylist, Terence Malik. The visual impact of it really got to me, but I was trained as an artist. I still respect the opinion of all of you who felt movie is best summed up by the phrase "snores galore". Oh, that would be me. TRL falls in my 'slowest movie of all time' category, slower than Meet Joe Black. Visual stunningness only gets me so far. Give me a SiL or a SPR anytime over that one. However, you're certainly not alone in your praise for the movie--it was nommed, after all.

"But after attending three performances of The Real Thing at the Donmar Warehouse last summer, I fell in love with this production," Weinstein said Damn. No one saw a piggy-eyed chubby guy with a cigar in his hand during 3DOR I gather.

No one saw a piggy-eyed chubby guy with a cigar in his hand during 3DOR I gather. 3 DOR wasn't playing in the summer.Also seen another time at TRT was Stephen Speilberg with Tom Stoppard at the bar..

I didn't say it was playing in the summer. Perhaps Harvey made it to London twice in one year! Not that we care.

Saw the Rafe article in the TIMES last night. If my name was "Cosmo Landesman," I'd have a chip on my shoulder too. Second week in a row that they are Rafe-trashing.And if he ever defects to the US, they'll wonder why. They did the same thing with TEP...except when it won the Oscar, they had a lot to say about what a Great British film it was with an All British Cast and director."All sweetness and light." Quite disengenuous.But it sells papers for them,I guess.

(Evelyn)If my name was "Cosmo Landesman," I'd have a chip on my shoulder too. ROTFL as we say, Evelyn.

A Valentines wish from a very "in" couple: "What about us for Bridget and Mark?"

Oooo, I knew she'd hop on Rupe as soon as she got back! BTW, I saw the trailer for the film last week. Looked really cute. Also, Rupe's in her music vid for American Pie and he's wearing a sleeveless t-shirt. He works out. ;-)

ACCKKKK!! Moon, that poster is all over the malls up here! (You want I should make off with one?;-) He and Madonna are on the cover of the March Vanity Fair, BTW. Evelyn, LOL about Cosmo--and you are right about the Rafe-bashing. Sheesh, what are they, jealous? The guy works hard, chooses quality stuff with the best in the business, and supports his projects. Sounds like a solid citizen to me. And "Affair" is very good and he's fine, er, fienne, in it.;-)

Lookie, what we got: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/40/new

Will you be my Valentine?

Roses are red Banahnahs aren't blue. The Look makes me drool. And lose all sense of rhythm so completely that my poetry stops scanning and I can't for the life of me figure out what in the world to do.

Yes! I am on my way. :-D

For the fairest of the fair, dear ladies of Spring

And I can only add: She Walks in Beauty She walks in beauty like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies, And all that's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to the tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies. One ray the more, one shade the less Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress Or softly lightens o'er her face, Where thoughts serenely sweet express How pure, how dear their dwelling place. Lord Byron

Hmmm, Colin Firth's a better kisser

Interrupting our Valentine's Day festivities, here are a couple of news item: Weinstein's back in public, less his smokes and 40 pounds After months of speculation about the nature and seriousness of the illness that kept Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein away from the day-to-day operations of his company, the Sundance Film Festival and the Golden Globe Awards, the executive suddenly emerged at a Feb. 9 party for the New York Post's Page Six. But Weinstein's tour of the Fashion Week fete, held at Guastavino's restaurant, was rather brief, said sources, who reported that he slipped out minutes after the shindig began, around 7:30 p.m. "Harvey and [brother and co-chair] Bob were the magnets in the room," reported one guest, who added that it was the first time he had seen Harvey without a lit cigarette. Despite heated industry speculation about just what ailment kept Harvey out of circulation, a company spokesman maintains it was a bacterial infection. Weinstein is now using a patch to curb his nicotine cravings and has lost approximately 40 pounds. Weinstein was unavailable for comment but is apparently back in business: Last week, he was on the phone again chatting with top Hollywood executives. AICN's Supposed Scoop on Oscar Noms This site has published a listing of the top 8 vote getters (in alpha order). Whether this has any validity or not, an interesting omission is the dearth of Julianne Moore from any/multiple categories! http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=5216

Thanks, Karen. Happy to see Sean Penn for Best Actor, I hope it sticks. The Three Kings I have stated before should be in Best Picture. They nomited it for Best Director. I hate it when they do that. Matt Damon is not worthy, IMO. But, hey, it is only a game the Academy likes to play every March. ;-)

So Harve quit smoking *and* lost weight? Must be on the Colin Firth diet.;-) Karen, Julianne is there, under Best Actress. Too bad Harry didn't have the guts to publish the five finalists in each category; we could have guessed who the eight were. Actually, this makes it more fun to speculate on who will be eliminated. Anybody want to go first? Somebody at Price-Waterhouse is in deep doo-doo.;-)

Hmmm, Colin Firth's a better kisser LOLOL! *wiping a tear* I must say, his outfit makes the picture. Despite heated industry speculation about just what ailment kept Harvey out of circulation, a company spokesman maintains it was a bacterial infection. Must have been that awful flesh-eating bacteria. Either that or 'ol H. merely ducked out to the fat farm. Good for him for getting his health in order, though. With his Type A+ personality, chain-smoking and extra weight he always struck me as a heart attack waiting to happen. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Don't I know it, sister! Where *do* they get these lunks? I want my Colin!

For all you Lisa Zane fans out there (heehee), I came across this in the 2/7/00 edition of People. Sister Act Actress-singer Lisa Zane gamely follows in brother Billy's Titanic footsteps When Lisa Zane shot the CBS TV movie Missing Pieces in usually temperate Santa Barbara, Calif., last March, she got a cold dose of reality: Winds blowing off the Pacific left temperatures in the low 50s. "I despise the cold," says Zane, 38, who costars with James Coburn as his late son's ex-girlfriend in the Feb. 6 mystery /.../ "and I was the one who suffered the most because I had these skimpy little dresses on." Even so, "there was no bitching about anything from Lisa," says Coburn. "She's one groovy chick." [Note: c'mon, James, can't you get out of the '60's?] In more ways than one. Since 1997, Zane, who's single, has been moonlighting as a lounge singer in the Hollywood hot spot Les Deux. Music is a lifelong passion. "When we were little," says her brother, Titanic bad guy Billy Zane, 33, "she was always singing preposterously sophisticated songs for a 12-year old." Encouraged by their parents, Billy Sr. and Thalia, both 69--medical-technician instructors, and amateur actors in Chicago--both sibs pursued acting careers. In 1988, after studying drama at Vassar, Lisa followed Billy to L.A. at his urging ("I missed her madly," he says) and landed roles in 1991's Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare and on TV (LA Law, ER). Her next movie, Monkeybone, a comedy due out next fall, also has her singing--as the mythical Medusa. Her serpentine tresses required five puppeteers, plus a guy, she says, "who lifted the cables for me so my neck wouldn't break." She had to make twice-weekly visits to the chiropractor. Maybe freezing to death isn't so bad after all. *** What, no mention of FF? *scratching my head* ;-D Thought you'd love this, Evelyn after studying drama at Vassar. Proves she didn't learn her craft from a Crackerjack prize (as did the wonderful actress in P).

...Oh, I know what I did, a page search for "An Ideal Husband"! Strange, none found. ;-)

(Harry Knowles) We are currently working on getting the final 5 in each category, as well as the Foreign Film Nominees... which didn't come in here. Has anyone checked the trash bin next to the xerox machine? ;-)

(Eileen)Re; Lisa Zane..Thought you'd love this, Evelyn after studying drama at Vassar. That woman couldn't clean the latrines at Vassar. ~~~~~~~~~ Thanks all for the Valentines...esp. Mr. Darcy.He's Still the One!! ~~~~~~~~ Rafe has a sight on Drool!!!! Thanks Cheryl.Should I tell the RF List?

(Evelyn) That woman couldn't clean the latrines at Vassar. As I recall reading, the Zane kids went to either Latin or Parker, two very exclusive ($$$) private schools in my neighborhood. She might have been classmates with Jennifer Beals (another terribly gifted actress) who went there, but went to Yale instead. They are only 2 years apart in age.

Renate: I think I saw you behind a barricade at the Berlinale, mouthing "Le-o, Le-o" ;-) Can you look around at the Berlinale or ZDF site to see if there's a Talented Mr Ripley press conference? I found movie trailers but not the conference. Maybe it isn't up yet. :-(

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, M' LUV'S!!

Have fixed the centering (trust me) From The Times: Dench's dream may come true DAME Judi Dench is backing a full-size reconstruction in London of The Rose theatre, the Shakespearean playhouse that rivalled the Globe. The theatre was the set for Shakespeare in Love. Dame Judi, who won an Oscar for her performance as Elizabeth I in the film, was so impressed by the set's authenticity that she urged David Parfitt, the producer, not to pull it down. Unlike traditional, wobbly, theatre sets, this was carved in oak and topped with a thatched roof. "It took my breath away when I saw it," Dame Judi said, and, determined to find another use for it, set about finding one. Through her involvement, there are now plans to rebuild it on the site of the Sam Collins Music Hall, which was built in 1850 and burnt down in 1958. Since then the site - on the corner of Islington Green and Essex Road in North London - has become derelict and is now a car park. The reconstruction project is part of a �27 million development supported by the Collins Music Hall Trust and the Old Vic Theatre. CZWG, a leading firm of architects, has drawn up intricate plans for a scheme that would involve building the theatre three storeys underground, with a ground-level glass roof. The theatre alone would cost about �7 million. To fund it, an innovative �20 million residential development above is planned, its design inspired by the same architecture/.../ Unlike The Globe, which is open to the elements and closes during the winter, The Rose, protected by glass, will be able to open all year, with its audience always kept warm and dry. ***** Now, let's see, we were on the corner of Islington Green and something! ;-)

Sorry, KR =:-{ KJ

test, test

(Karen) Now, let's see, we were on the corner of Islington Green and something! ;-) Yes, we were! I do hope this project will not jeopardize the Colinsdale Estates.;-)

From Variety: Fox to remake a ``Monster'' Who says only obscure old French flicks qualify for American remakes? Fox has just picked up the remake rights to ``The Sex Monster,'' an American film that was made exactly a year ago. The studio has made a deal with veteran scripter Mike Binder, who wrote and directed the original low-budget indie comedy and starred in it with Mariel Hemingway and Steven Baldwin. The pic's about a guy whose decision to excite his marriage with a menage a trois awakens his wife's bisexuality, ruins the guy's business and pretty much destroys his life. At last year's U. S. Comedy Festival, ``Sex Monster'' won Best Picture and Binder won Best Actor, but the pic was only seen on Cinemax and on video, never getting a theatrical distribution. Fox execs Hutch Parker and Tom Rothman considered buying the pic, but instead paid Binder to rewrite it as a mid-sized budget pic designed to appeal to the likes of Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Fox execs Hutch Parker and Tom Rothman These people are on drugs. I feel sorry for the two. I guess the scripts going around Hollywood have hit rock bottom. May GP and BA have more sense. Thanks for the info Mari. If Islington keeps going that way, the Firths will be able to sell their townhouse at a fantastic price and Livia will finally get her wish of moving to Chelsea. ;-)

Argh! But, you know, I remember saying the film *did* have potential...to appeal to frat boys. THE OSCAR NOMS ARE IN: BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE: Russell Crowe... THE INSIDER Richard Farnsworth.... THE STRAIGHT STORY Sean Penn... SWEET AND LOWDOWN Kevin Spacey.... AMERICAN BEAUTY Denzel Washington... THE HURRICANE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Michael Caine.... THE CIDER HOUSE RULES Tom Cruise... MAGNOLIA Michael Clarke Duncan... THE GREEN MILE Jude Law..... THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY Haley Joel Osment... THE SIXTH SENSE ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE Annette Bening..... AMERICAN BEAUTY Janet McTeer.... TUMBLEWEEDS Julianne Moore.... THE END OF THE AFFAIR Meryl Streep.... MUSIC OF THE HEART Hilary Swank.... BOYS DON'T CRY ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Toni Collette.... THE SIXTH SENSE Angelina Jolie... GIRL, INTERRUPTED Catherine Keener.... BEING JOHN MALKOVICH Samantha Morton.... SWEET AND LOWDOWN Chloe Sevigny... BOYS DON'T CRY

BEST PICTURE AMERICAN BEAUTY CIDER HOUSE RULES THE GREEN MILE THE INSIDER THE SIXTH SENSE

DIRECTOR M. Night Shyamalan, "The Sixth Sense" Michael Mann, "The Insider" Sam Mendes, "American Beauty" Spike Jonze, "Being John Malkovich" Lasse Hallstrom, "The Cider House Rules" SCREENPLAY � ORIGINAL Paul Thomas Anderson, "Magnolia" Alan Ball, "American Beauty" Charlie Kaufman, "Being John Malkovich" Mike Leigh, "Topsy-Turvy" M. Night Shyamalan, "The Sixth Sense"

SCREENPLAY - ADAPTATION THE CIDER HOUSE RULES Screenplay by John Irving ELECTION Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor THE GREEN MILE Screenplay by Frank Darabont THE INSIDER Screenplay by Eric Roth & Michael Mann THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY Screenplay by Anthony Minghella ART DIRECTION ANNA AND THE KING THE CIDER HOUSE RULES SLEEPY HOLLOW THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY TOPSY-TURVY CINEMATOGRAPHY AMERICAN BEAUTY THE END OF THE AFFAIR THE INSIDER SLEEPY HOLLOW SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS COSTUME DESIGN ANNA AND THE KING SLEEPY HOLLOW THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY TITUS TOPSY-TURVY FILM EDITING AMERICAN BEAUTY THE CIDER HOUSE RULES THE INSIDER THE MATRIX THE SIXTH SENSE BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER (SPAIN) CARAVAN (NEPAL) EAST-WEST (FRANCE) SOLOMON AND GAENOR (ENGLAND) UNDER THE SUN MAKEUP AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME BICENTENNIAL MAN LIFE TOPSY-TURVY MUSIC: ORGINAL DRAMATIC SCORE AMERICAN BEAUTY ANGELA'S ASHES THE CIDER HOUSE RULES THE RED VIOLIN THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY MUSIC: ORIGINAL SONG SOUTH PARK: BIGGER, LONGER & UNCUT MUSIC OF THE HEART MAGNOLIA TOY STORY 2 TARZAN

(Karen), Argh! But, you know, I remember saying the film *did* have potential...to appeal to frat boys. True. The lesson to be learned is not to incite your wife into a menage a trois, you may ruin your life! Use your ecessive libido for adultery instead. ;-) Thanks for the Oscar Nominations, Karen. I see it will be an American Beauty night. I have not seen The 6th Sense but I hardly think it could compare to The 3 Kings which has been completely ignored, much to my chagrin. Will root for Sean Penn, Jude Law and Samantha Norton. For the rest, frankly I can only quote Rett Butler.

(Moon) Will root for Sean Penn, Jude Law and Samantha Norton. You like rooting for the losers? How noble of you. ;-) The 3 Kings which has been completely ignored Not surprising and not totally to be faulted. In the "unconventional" category, there were too many--Am B, BJM, Mag, 6thS--this year which did get recognition and were IMO far better. 3Kings just didn't have it for an Oscar. Remember, Oscar doesn't mean "the best." ;-) Big shockers: the Jim Carrey and Topsy-Turvy (I'm sure the great unwashed have not seen it) omissions AND the Cider House Rules inclusion (tres boring and tres trite)!!

How noble of you. Thank you for noticing. :-) Remember, Oscar doesn't mean "the best." ;-) I know. It only means you are invited to the best apres Oscar parties in town. ;-) Did I mention that I only watch it to see the gowns the actresses wear?

The Cider House Rules inclusion (tres boring and tres trite)!! Told you.I liked this film.Great book too, by John Irving...World of Owen Meany. Do agree it will be an American Beauty night....But don't discount Denzel. Jude Law might be displaced by that kid in 6th Sense.

(Karen) Big shockers: the Jim Carrey...omissions I'm not surprised. IMO he made his bed years ago. Remember when 'Liar Liar' debuted with huge BO numbers and he 'mooned' (left pants up, thank God) the audience at some awards show? I thought Lauren Holly was going to cry. It's gonna take him years to prove himself (but he appears to have a few friends among the H'wood Foreign Press). Tom's still trying, and he didn't piss off the big boys. At least he's making progress. Thanks for posting the list.