(Karen)What attracts you all to Joe Prince. So he's a nice guy who falls in love with a looney. What attracts you to that slob Paul Ashford?;-) At least the looney has a better voice than Ruth Gemell

Leather jacket ? Reddish hair? Or a cannon where it matters?!!

BTW Karen, thanks for setting up yet another Cf part for us droolies.

(Ashworth Lizza) Or a cannon where it matters?!! *Heeheehee* (Evelyn) What attracts you to that slob Paul Ashford?;-) (Ashworth, for the picky). Hmm, thought-provoking question, Evelyn. JOE VS. PAUL *Let's get ready to ruuuuummmmmmbbllleeeee* JOE drives a clunky truck adorned with cute little animal cutouts. PAUL drives a girly compact car (a Nissan Cherry? ;-P). JOE loves to grocery shop, though he tends to get impatient after snogging. PAUL thinks only about Arsenal while shopping. JOE has adorable pets. PAUL has an adorable football lamp next to his bed. JOE looks great in a sweater. PAUL looks great in a leather coat. JOE looks dorky in his Ranger Rick uniform (hat, at least) PAUL's hair is mangy and he's frequently unshaven. JOE likes the great northwest. PAUL likes the great north bank. JOE has a loyal friend who cares about his well-being ('what do you know about this girl? How does she chew?'). PAUL has a loyal friend who cares about his well-being ('you need medical help'). JOE gets beaten up. PAUL gets pushed around by the crowd during a match. JOE seems to have on blue underwear when he shouldn't. PAUL wears cute red boxers adorned with cannons. JOE's great at vertical shagging. PAUL's...well, we don't know, do we? I say it's a dead heat. Who's got more?

Personally I really go for Richard Courtois -- he looked great in tights and out of them, plus he had a social consience in the Middle Ages. Yes, the Renaissance had gotten to Paris, but Richard had left Paris behind. I also am fascinated by Adrian LeDuc. Okay, so he's an Oedipus Wrecked repressed lunatic with a corpse in his apartment. Judging by my ex-boyfriends, I've always been attracted by mental illness in a man. So Adrian's nuts, no problem; however, he is gay. Well, we could be girlfriends -- we both love movies. Donovan Quick might be my sort. He does tilt at windmills, metaphorically speaking.

LOL Eileen! Thanks for the info on DQ, Tracy! Disappointing and puzzling though. Why another six months delay? And then "late summer"...the graveyard period for scheduling, usually sport and repeats. Hmmmm!!!

Tracy, I meant to ask you, where did you get your SLOW info (�50 retail). Highfliers (Tel 0181-7422023), who are bringing out the video, said it would be available for rental (yes!) on March 6, but wouldn't retail until the end of the year, (Patience is a virtue!)

We certainly have to have patience being CF fans, SLOW, goodness knows how many years, MLSF, a year after the US, (and fingers still crossed) DQ 9 months after Australia, if we are lucky, (late summer, could mean early September, which is the beginning of the winter schedules), Londinium, this year next year sometime never, only TTOTS was within months of finishing and that was a 4min cameo, okay I'll end on an optimistic note RV if it is released on the 19th May, will be relatively! quick, but do I really want to see a gay DB!! (before anyone says I have seen DQ, I am thinking of behalf of other fans who have not).

(Lizza) Or a cannon where it matters?!! You are bad, v. bad. ;-) And Eileen...you *must* publish! ;-) I'm sure there are more comparisons. Will put my thinking cap on. (AnnW) I really want to see a gay DB!! (before anyone says I have seen DQ, I am thinking of behalf of other fans who have not). Was that a spoiler-type slip, Ann? *slap slap* Bethan, SLOW shoes up at Blackstar: http://www.blackstar.co.uk/video/item/7000000055030 And here's the video jacket from that site: That pricing is for the rental market; a retail price should be in the �13 range for you, I expect. (AnnW) I'll end on an optimistic note RV if it is released on the 19th May Things look as certain as I've ever seen. Besides, word I had is that they're taking it to Cannes. Doubt that means competition, but just for screening and lots of hoopla.

And here's the long-awaited video cover for TTOTS. Surprise surprise...bet no one thought they'd use Colin to sell this one! ;-)

I may never watch it but once but I'll get the TOTS tape for the cover. No need to mention that SLOW will be as worn out as my Fever Pitch in no time. (Lizza) Or a cannon where it matters?!! That's worthy of Mae West, Lizza. Look like we need say no more about Paul Ashworth over Joe Prince though Eileen has plenty to say and in her inimitable style, as always. (Eileen) JOE's great at vertical shagging. PAUL's...well, we don't know, do we? No (darn it) but I can get woozy over that coffee cup kissing scene. And!! he did manage to impregnate Sarah. Okay, any fifteen year old can do that. (Cheryl) I also am fascinated by Adrian LeDuc. Okay, so he's an Oedipus Wrecked repressed lunatic with a corpse in his apartment. Snicker... Still he'd have breakfast on the table and your clothing laundered for you. Judging by my ex-boyfriends, I've always been attracted by mental illness in a man. And I by vulnerable, sensitive men. Hence Joe Prince's appeal.

(Eileen) JOE's great at vertical shagging. PAUL's...well, we don't know, do we? (Heide)No (darn it) but I can get woozy over that coffee cup kissing scene. You ALL can have all the coffee and Ash...(what-ever-it-is)-cannon-shorts you want....I'll take Joe by the freezer and the vertical shag any day...besides, as Winter used to say: "You could be sure he'd be there in the mornin'" Paul might,unless there's an early Arsenal game;-)

RV at Cannes? Good! I'm all for hoopla....movies need some hype. And By then perhaps Julie will have been to see the Queen to collect her Damedom! All good publicity.. BTW how gay is Peter? There's charming, well mannered, deep-voiced, Is he or isn't he, sort of Noel Coward suurrogate...that's ok by me! Or have you spotted a limp wrist? :-)

Keep on losing the Internet connection. Have to be short and snappy. Ann, if "late summer" for DQ is ealy Sept, that's a good scheduling time. It's just the month of August that's a no-hoper, Although I think "Mrs Brown" was shown on late August Bank Holiday and got an audience of 12 million.

Well, no sooner than I say that RV is a lock for May...grrr OK, RV's release has been pushed back to the beginning of June. That makes more sense, as the Cannes FF is May 10-21. However, they wouldn't confirm that as the reason, but said it was just a scheduling thing. Sure!!

Speaking of RV, here's something to cheer Ann up: Murph has just put up a new pic of Colin and Sophie Thompson. Go to her news page and scroll about a third of the way down. He's saying, "Shhhh." ;-) Karen, is the June release for the UK? Good to hear about Cannes; CF will have to put his schmoozing cap back on, but it won't kill him.;-) Eileen, I loved your Joe/Paul comparison!

Yes, the June release date for RV is for the UK.

That really doesn't surprise me, still it means that the forthcoming films are now nicely spread out, Sunshine in April, MLSF in May and now RV in June. Bethan, going back to DQ, I am really surprised that the BBC haven't rushed to air DQ, it is a wonderful involving drama, that realy has you routing for the whole family and there is a to-die-for shot of Colin in the closing scene.

Bethan - Re SLOW, yes I did get the info from Blackstar have since asked WH Smiths who could not give a release date (and hadn't even heard of it...heresy!)but reckon on a "normal retail price" so that'll be around about the �13-�15 mark like Karen says. "CherylB - Personally I really go for Richard Courtois -- he looked great in tights and out of them" I'm right with you there girlie, the "stay in me" (don't think I misheard - apologies if I did) scene is just wonderfully played and putting the "social consience" to one side for a moment you can give me a good dose of cockerel scene any day...no pun intended honest:-D Joe Vs Paul - great comparisons Eileen LOL! (For the picky (and at the risk of raising the car subject again) Paul drives a maroon Ford Escort!) Adrian LeDuc's definately odd - I just can't summon up any empathy for him I'm afraid and no matter how many times I see it (and I don't want to be drummed out of the droolies) I cannot see what all the noise is about Birkin (it must be the moustache I think, Simon Westward has a similar non-effect). Strangely that said I find Charlie Gould extremely droolable in a power-crazed, blinkered kind of way..who can forget the mine/ garotte experiences! Haven't we been here before?? Someone was asking a while back about a Nia Long quote re ODB, I have it here (from Empire Magazine Jan 2000): "(SLOW) gave her the chance....to get hot and heavy with British heart-throb Colin Firth. "He's great. There's something about him that's very innocent, childlike. I think he's shy." " well thanks for your input Nia!

LOL...everyone has a fave Colin role. I was about to say...no one likes Charlie Gould and along comes Tracy. At least we all agree on Mr D.!

no one likes Charlie Gould and along comes Tracy. At least we all agree on Mr D.! Heheheh. I kinda like Charlie myself - those sunbleached locks of hair, eh Tracy? Now is there anyone who will say they like Simon Westward?

(Heide) Now is there anyone who will say they like Simon Westward? Only as a comic role--the qualified Dutchman scene makes me realize how good ODB would have been as a Python if born a generation earlier. And in the book Simon is a fuller and actually more likeable character--too bad they didn't do more with him in the movie. I agree with you, Tracy, about Birkin's mustache--does nothing for him except make him look like Tommy Judd trying to look grownup. I like the film which makes the stache even more frustrating and perhaps explains why Natasha rejected him in the end.

Hmmm, I've always like Charlie in that dinner party scene toward the end when they try to thank Nostromo, but only Emilia know how to do it. Doncha just love how Colin looks in that waistcoast (no jacket) and isn't his shirt open at the top? Delish. Gotta think some more about Simon and whether there's anything to love about him. He does sit a horse awfully well at the beginning. And we both share an interest in books. ;-)

From Baz B in today's Daily Mail: A Dark time for Mr Darcy Colin Firth has signed up to work with the woman who helped make him a heart-throb. The actor, whose portrayal of the dangerously handsome Mr Darcy in P&P made him a household name, will collaborate with its award winning producer Sue Birtwhistle, on as new TW dama. No tight breeches or coy glimpses of bare shoulder in this one though. This time Firth will play author William Boyd's modern-day literary here, Lorimer Black, an insurance adjuster from his novel Armadillo. The story begins with Black arriving for a meeting in Central London and finding a hanged man. His day - and his life - soon begins to unravel in the most darkly comic way. Colin agreed to do this at a very early stage and it's pefect for him, Ms Birtwhislte told me. Boyd is adapting his tale for the screen with filming beginning in the summer. Firth and Birtwhistle initially met several years ago on Dutch Girls, which Boyd also wrote.

in the most darkly comic way. So, he�s STILL not retiring! And not "leaving the country" for good either! Wow, thanks for the great news Aishling, that does sound like Colin�s stuff, I mean that Most Darkly Comic part. And with Sue B, that�s a very good sign.

Aishling -filming beginning in the summer Great news, well done Aishling and BB, and it still gives him time to do BJD, TM of B or even Flashman, or all three!!

(Karen)And we both share an interest in books. Re: Simon Westward. I admire his taste in literature too. Maybe I�m a pervert but I could never resist that terrible scene where says "what about....this one"! :-D Also, I love it how totally irresposible and hatable Colin manages to look like when Simon learns about the unwanted pregnancy.

Well done, Aishling, that's very good news. (Ann)and it still gives him time to do BJD,TM of B or even Flashman, or all three!! You never give up hope, do you? Re: Simon Westward. I admire his taste in literature too. Maybe I�m a pervert but I could never resist that terrible scene where says "what about....this one"! :-D I have always wondered what "this one " could be! :)

Here's Aishling with a scoop! Woohoo, news at last. Biz has broken a few CF and JE projects, hasn't he? And he's always accurate. His day - and his life - soon begins to unravel in the most darkly comic way. Have to admit, I was glad to see the word 'comic' in this sentence. It's great to see Colin back with Susie (now, where's Andy?). (Karen) Yes, the June release date for RV is for the UK So there's no release date for the US, then (will be a big girl and go check your page. Interesting bit about Cannes. Doubt CF will be there, though. No Harvey. Unless, of course, C&L really got into the hobnobbing and goobersmooching when they were there last year. In which case, get out the dark glasses and pop open the orangina! Re: Simon Character aside, Simon's one of CF's better performances, IMO. He's very nuanced. Look at his face when Nan tells him it's her first time and she's waited for someone special. And you have to love him sitting crosslegged on the bed, pants off, shirt, undies and socks intact. Agree with Cymbeline about book Simon. A very different, fuller character (and short in stature, so CF would never do). I'd go for him, but Simon's got this little thing about Catholics.... (Nita) You [Ann] never give up hope, do you? Just ask Bethan about SLOW. She hung in there after most of us jumped ship on that one. Sometimes it pays to hope.

Wow, Aishling!! This sounds v. good. Boyd (since his Dutch Girls days) has become quite a respected novelist, with that Brazzaville thing. Not a two-bitter at all. But this is for television again! :-( Here are some reviews from amazon.com: Lorimer Black may suffer from a serious sleep disorder and an obsession with the labyrinths of the British class system, but Armadillo's peculiar protagonist is the star insurance adjuster of London's Fortress Sure PLC, unaffectionately known as the Fort. At the very start of William Boyd's noir-ish seventh novel, however, things take a decided swerve for the worse. On a bleak January morning one of his cases has apparently chosen to kill himself rather than talk: "Mr. Dupree was simultaneously the first dead person he had encountered in his life, his first suicide and his first hanged man and Lorimer found this congruence of firsts deceptively troubling." Soon our hero, who himself has a lot to hide, finds himself threatened by a dodgy type whose loss he has adjusted way down and embroiled with the beautiful married actress Flavia Malinverno. "People who've lost something, they call on you to adjust it, make the loss less hard to bear? As if their lives are broken in some way and they call on you to fix it," Flavia dippily wonders. Lorimer also has his car torched and instantly goes from an object of affection to one of deep suspicion at the Fort. Then there is another case, the small matter of the rock star who may or may not be faking the Devil he says is sitting on his left shoulder. Needless to say, Lorimer is "becoming fed up with this role of fall guy for other people's woes." Boyd adds a deep layer of psychological heft and a lighter level of humor to this thinking-person's thriller by exploring Lorimer's manifold personal and social fears. This is a man who desperately collects ancient helmets even though he knows they offer only "the illusion of protection." Another of Armadillo's many pleasures: its dose of delicious argot. Should Lorimer "oil" the apparent perpetrator of the Fedora Palace arson before he's oiled himself? Or perhaps he just needs to "put the frighteners" on him. Boyd definitely puts the frighteners on his readers more than once in this cinematically seedy and dazzling literary display. --Kerry Fried From Booklist , September 1, 1998 As a loss adjuster, Lorimer Black represents the unstable element in the supposedly safe world of insurance, as he negotiates down arrangements already agreed to. And he's a star at what he does in his London office. Varying his appearance and dress ever so subtly to suit each situation, he gains the confidence that serves as his invisible armor, a parallel to his expensive avocation of collecting antique armor. But events begin to buffet him: a perplexing case raises the level of danger in his already dangerous business, an actress married to a jealous juggler increasingly occupies his thoughts and the lucid dreams of his sleep therapy, and an odd relationship upsets his well-ordered life. Boyd, a deft craftsman, continues to explore his frequent themes of identity, insecurity, and the fragility of life as he turns the examination of an intriguing vocation into a darkly comic tale full of substance as well as tips for the well-dressed gentleman. Michele Leber ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sounds delicious, though. Remember seeing the book on the shelves last March in London. Involved with a "beautiful married actress" Ooo wee!! I think we can rely on Sue B to know how to *package* Colin to his best advantage. ;-) (Elena) I love it how totally irresposible and hatable Colin manages to look like when Simon learns about the unwanted pregnancy. You're so right. Colin's looks are great in every scene. Love the frustration in the car too - the infamous "oh, Nan, oh" ;-) (Nita) I have always wondered what "this one " could be! :) Haven't we all. Join the club. ;-) (Eileen) goobersmooching What the heck is that? Only thing that come to mind is kissing peanuts or Jimmy Carter. RV seems tailormade for the Cannes crowd: the resurrection of Julie Andrews is sure to make a splash with all the paparazzi and you know they'll be entertained by Jeanne Tripplehorn and Billy B. Colin might attend. Livia probably would want to go again.

Just another thought: Was there a picture with Baz's article?

Yes, just head shot, semi-smile

Did it look new?

Yes, I have not seen it before, am sending it to Murph.

(Eileen) goobersmooching (Karen) What the heck is that? Only thing that come to mind is kissing peanuts or Jimmy Carter. Not to mention those little chocolate candies made by the Raisinette folks...it's a term, common in these parts, for sucking up to the big boys. (Karen) Sounds delicious, though. Sounds better and better after reading those reviews (thanks for posting). At last, a thriller! *Eileen does dance of joy* With comedic undertones, to boot! But this is for television again! :-( At least it spares us from wondering if it will be picked up by a distributor, which part of the world will get to see it on the big screen, etc. And BBC Scotland's not involved (don't they seem to be asleep at the DQ wheel?). Yes, just head shot, semi-smile Have we seen this one before, Aishling?

Never mind my last line.

Thanks SO much, Ann and Aishling. Quick like a bunny I have the news and the Amazon link for the book plus a bit of the plot on my news page. News Page Murph As a person who loves thrillers, this looks like a winner. Now, sleuths, find out who is producing this, and whether it is TV or Film. I am assuming TV.

Thanks for this news, Aishling! It's funny, but I had a premonition that we'd be reading about a new project today. Will consult the crystal ball to see if I can ascertain broadcast dates.;-) Baz's info is always reliable, and if Sue B. is involved, it's sure to be a winner. I'm very encouraged by those Amazon reviews (thanks, Karen). I also wasn't thrilled to see that it's TV, Karen, but it looks like the book received good reviews in the U.S. as well, so maybe there's a glimmer of hope that we'll see it here too. Ann, we'll look forward to seeing the new pic--thanks. Off to read tea leaves . . .;-)

Thanks Aishling for the scoop. Baz should be made an honorary Colin/Jennifer publicist. And Sue Colin's agent. Karen, I hope you are posting those reviews on The Bucket so we can read them again. Now I'll buy the book.Anybody have the ISBN number?

I also wasn't thrilled to see that it's TV, Why? His movies go no where, unless he's in a supporting role. I'd rather have good starring roles on TV. Besides, he doesn't have to promote them;-)

Wow! Aishling, Karen, Murph, thanks for the news, book info, etc. At last, a confirmed project for ODB -- and with Sue B., no less;-) ...and embroiled with the beautiful married actress Flavia Malinverno Anyone care to venture casting suggestions for this part? Sounds like she's dark and sultry and... Italian? ...a darkly comic tale full of substance as well as tips for the well-dressed gentleman. LOL! Colin could sure use these;-)

On my return from second chaffeuring run of the morn, I stopped at Borders and B&N--*hee hee* doing my suburban drive from one corner parking lot to the next--Armadillo probably won't be in anybody's stock, as it is scheduled to come out in paperback in April. There might be leftovers around, but what's the hurry. Will check if the library has it.

Now this sounds like a good one (Thanks Aishling!) SB and William Boyd...an excellent combination. WB has an excellent reputation as a writer, and he's just directed (and wrote the screenplay for) his first movie "The Trench" which got v.good reviews. And could it could be a drama series, not a 2 hour film?

Have to post in installments! Bear with me! Like Ann, I still hope he'll do "Maid of Buttermere"...(it's a very strong serious dramatic role, and there are a few more months to fill in before the summer!) and BJD. No slacking! It's good to mix TV and film work. But quality TV attracts a lot of attention in the UK.

Chicago Public Library isn't answering its phone. Forgot, is Honest Abe's Bday and are closed. :-( More info on Armadillo (betcha Evelyn knows a few of those!) Description from The Reader's Catalog Boyd's social satire centers around Lorimer Black, the scion of a gypsy clan who has transformed himself into a dashing and cultivated insurance adjuster. One day, instead of meeting with the business associate he expects, Lorimer is greeted by a hanged man. From then on the hapless hero is swept into a web of intrigue involving rock musicians, beautiful women, ominous job firings, and something called the Institute of Lucid Dreams From The Publisher One cold winter's morning, Lorimer Black -- insurance adjuster, young, good-looking, on the rise -- goes out on a perfectly ordinary business appointment, finds a hanged man and realizes that his life is about to be turned upside down. The elements at play: a beautiful actress glimpsed in a passing taxi . . . an odd new business associate whose hiring, firing and rehiring make little sense. . . a rock musician who is losing his mind -- and a web of fraud in which virtually everyone Lorimer Black knows has been caught and in which he finds himself increasingly entangled. Reviews From Charles Taylor (MAJOR SPOILERS) In the midst of the dully compelling puzzle that is William Boyd's Armadillo is a minor character named David Watts, a hugely successful rock singer. Someone has to tell Boyd's protagonist, an insurance adjuster named Lorimer Black, that Watts has named himself after a song by the Kinks. Hearing "David Watts" for the first time, Lorimer describes it as "a song about someone who could do no wrong, someone who was revered and worshipped by his peers, someone who, to all intents and purposes, was perfect." Well, no."David Watts" is a song about someone "revered and worshipped by his peers," but it's sung by someone who will never be David Watts' peer. Ray Davies sings it in the voice of a self-described "dull and simple lad," one whose heart is green as much from bile as from envy. What does William Boyd's mishearing of a 30-year-old rock song have to do with the rest of Armadillo? It sums up his imprecision. There are ample reasons why the singer who chooses to call himself David Watts would hear Ray Davies' song as being about hero worship. But there's nothing to indicate that Boyd himself knows it's about something more. This inability (unwillingness?) is indicative of the haze that hangs over the entire novel. Haze is different from ambiguity, which still implies some sureness of purpose, and which might suit the subject. Armadillo is a book about people who've taken pains to conceal their motives and identities. Many of its characters have abandoned their birth names as if they were unflattering clothes. Lorimer, whose real name is Milomre Blocj, has escaped his ethnic roots and reinvented himself as a young London professional of rarefied tastes. His business, trying to keep insurance companies from paying out the money they've promised, is a con game run with the protection of he law, but Lorimer does his best not to let its unsavory nature rub off on him. His genteel lifestyle is his armadillo's shell. Trouble is, what's beneath it isn't very compelling. Neither are the plot complications Boyd puts Lorimer through. We can see that the various pieces (the suicide Lorimer stumbles upon; the co-worker who takes a shine to him; the arson case Lorimer is investigating) will eventually fit together, and that keeps us reading. But you never feel like there's anything much at stake. Boyd's atmospheric vagueness can be exotically entertaining in his short fiction, as it was in his last collection, The Destiny of Nathalie X, but here he doesn't seem to be possessed by the subject or his story. Armadillo is like an exceptionally literate and halfhearted thriller. Boyd doesn't even seem to have fully taken in the current moment. Lorimer is the sort of self-absorbed materialistic protagonist you'd expect in a novel about acquisitive '80s yuppies. Like everything else about Armadillo, his purchased sophistication feels half-right and terribly, terribly vague. -- Salon From Michael Shelden Witty and exquisitely complicated. . .The tale combines a touch of Dickensian realistic comedy with a Kafkaesque sense of modern urban terror. -- The Baltimore Sun

Thanks Karen....I take it back...this sounds like it would be a better movie than anything else he's been in lately.Rock musicians, beautiful women.... au courant(sounding like Ben ;-)).The multi-plex crowd would go for it. Along way from Mr. Darcy

...and embroiled with the beautiful married actress Flavia Malinverno Anyone care to venture casting suggestions for this part? Sounds like she's dark and sultry and... Italian? ************** Susan: I have already begun to think on this, and I have a perfect choice. Did anyone see Sopranos last Sunday? If you did, you know EXACTLY who I am talking about, right? Her real name is Sofia Milos, and she was an absolutely gob smacking lady! I still don't know how Tony resisted her in the goddess's temple! I bet teaming her with Colin would get him past all those closed mouth kisses he prefers on screen. [I'm already ducking the missives] She was also Richard's Italian wife in Caroline In The City. Murph

(Murph) [I'm already ducking the missives] We don't do that here (well, not like other places). I know who you mean. Very Sophia Loren-like. Mama mia! BTW, did you notice the bit set in the Party City on Route 17 in Hasbrouck Hts?

(Murph) [I'm already ducking the missives] (Eileen)We don't do that here (well, not like other places). ~~~~~ OT True, Murph. You know us better than that. Which is why I only belong to Spring. What's more everyone is welcomed here...no one is vetted.

Aishling and everyone elso...great scoop re Armadillo. Now I know what I'm doing tomorrow, hot footing it down the library to hand in Maid of Buttermere and get Armadillo out...that's always assuming there are no other Firthlettes in town! Will post a book report when I get through it! "Evelyn- no one likes Charlie Gould and along comes Tracy. " Gould isn't my absolute favourite, mind you with such a smorgesbord to select from I have great difficulty in deciding. No there's nothing for it I'll just have to sit through my collection again. What a chore ;-D

Eileen says: BTW, did you notice the bit set in the Party City on Route 17 in Hasbrouck Hts? ******** Was that where it was? I've never been in there, but have passed it many times. Used to go to the Crow's Nest nearby when it was owned by a friend of a friend. Murph I was only kidding about the missives. I know all here are gentle and kind. I hope this graphic works..."I SHALL conquer this, I shall!"

Armadillo mmmmmmm, sounds like really good stuff. Now if my beloved ABC plays its cards right, we might just be one of the first to see it. Sorry to rub it in folks, I do not get much of a chance to brag but we have already seen DQ here and us convicts deserve a break every now and then. I have a confession to make, I watched A Circle of Friends's 3 times before I realised it was Colin playing SW (shame on me). Why doesn't she read the credits I hear you ask???? I did eventually when it kept bugging me trying to figure out where I had seen this guy before. It took me ages to come to terms with it being him in that role at all. I was quite disillusioned by him after my discovery, as he played a dirty old man type character. Hope I have not offeneded anyone. I had to watch P&P a number of times after COF to fall in love with him all over again. Not that I rely entirely on a fix of P&P to get the adrenalin going but it does help to soothe the way until the next dangling carrot comes along. As for Nostromo, I can safely say that I did recognise Colin in this role. Aired again on my beloved ABC, I thought Colin looked absolutely delectable and played a strong yet vulnerable character. However, the overall presentation of the series reminded me of a Clint Eatwood spagehetti western. Again hope I have not offended anyone!!!!!!

BTW Murph, love the picture it works just fine. Maybe you can conquer it with a hairdryer and the heat turned up to the highest level??????

I bet teaming her with Colin would get him past all those closed mouth kisses he prefers on screen. (Murph) Ah, so you've noticed (except, possibly in P&P!) There was a nice little interview with Ruth Gemmel in which she mentioned she was a bit nervous about the love scenes in FP, but it was easy about this to Colin because he was very sympathetic. She did mention that he didn't kiss "properly" and that her boyfriend was very relieved and said "Oh, Mr Darcy's a crap kisser". You can guess what the headline was!

It gets worse - just received a reply to my letter to BBC Scotland, from Sharon Dempsey - "Thankyou for your letter.... We do not have a confirmed transmission date for this programme yet, but anticipate that it will be towards the end of this year." Why, why, why its been ready for ages. Just days ago Tracy was told the end of the summer.

DQ....end of summer/September-ish/October...perhaps? What geniuinely puzzles me is the lack of a confirmed transmission date. It's been in the can since September, and by all accounts it's very good, it's produced by a BAFTA winning team, and it stars Colin Firth!! No reason to delay it. One thing I can predict...Colin will be 40 by the time it's shown! One good thing about the Armadillo project is that I'm sure SB will fight to protect Colin's best interests...somehow this hasn't happened in his recent projects !!

(Murph)I was quite disillusioned by him after my discovery, as he played a dirty old man type character. Hope I have not offeneded anyone This just goes to show what a great actor he is, he could fool even you. Well, maybe he should do some more dirty old man roles because he�s so good at it!! One thing yet about Simon, he�s disgusting but there�s more to him than that. I also feel a little sorry for him. I think Colin gives away that Simon has a bad conscience and that Simon is aware of his own creepish character but can�t do anything about it. (Bethan)She did mention that he didn't kiss "properly" So what is that supposed to mean, "not properly"?! :) This seems to be typical of all the greatest screen lovers. Wasn�t Clark Gable reputed to be a lousy kisser too.

I guess kising is very intimate, and if he's a shy (and married!) man he would definitely prefer the "aim left of centre, mouth closed" approach! :-)

(Murph)I was quite disillusioned by him after my discovery, as he played a dirty old man type character. Hope I have not offeneded anyone ********** Elena: I don't remember saying that, but then I don't remember saying a lot of things! To whom was I referring? Murph

re Elena's posting - Murph, I belive it was Maureen, not you, apologies if I am wrong.

Maureen, you're welcome to crow all you like about DQ and this fantastic sounding new project if it plays on ABC first. Just remember, we'll be demanding the video. Shall we call him Lorie? Aishling, thanks so much for sniffing out the news for us. I love the Internet - there's always someone awake somewhere in the world. Karen, can always count on you to get us the details. I shall be a good girl and go to my library today as well. (Bethan) I guess kising is very intimate, and if he's a shy (and married!) man he would definitely prefer the "aim left of centre, mouth closed" approach! :-) I don't think he's that shy. Guess he's just being polite. Little does he know how much his female costars admire him and wouldn't mind a little less professionalism. )(Maureen on Nostromo) However, the overall presentation of the series reminded me of a Clint Eatwood spagehetti western. Again hope I have not offended anyone!!!!!! Oh heavens no. Thin skin won't work here at all. Besides, I agree with you on this one - it is like a spaghetti western right down to the music. But those Sergio Leone/Eastwood films are pretty good so I take it as a compliment to the production, warranted or not. (Karen) Charlie in that dinner party scene toward the end when they try to thank Nostromo, but only Emilia know how to do it. Doncha just love how Colin looks in that waistcoast (no jacket) and isn't his shirt open at the top? Delish. Ummm yes, Karen. Looking good. He's just a little bit drunk in this scene, I think, but not enough to miss what's happening between his wife and N. I'm afraid though that I can't think of one COF scene where I find him appealing, though I can always make up excuses for his actions. (Eileen) Re: Simon Westward. I admire his taste in literature too. Maybe I�m a pervert but I could never resist that terrible scene where says "what about....this one"! :-D (Nita) I have always wondered what "this one " could be! :) Nita, have you ever seen The Hour of the Pig? ;-)

(Maureen) Sorry to rub it in folks, I do not get much of a chance to brag but we have already seen DQ here That's OK, we'll be seeing it shortly. I expect by the middle of the week. ;-) However, the overall presentation of the series reminded me of a Clint Eatwood spagehetti western How very apt! ;-) It was an Italian co-production, but I'd have to lay the blame on the supporting characters. So many of them look as though their dialogue had been dubbed and, of course, those pygmy horses. (Bethan quoting Ruth Gemmel) he didn't kiss "properly" Argh! Maybe that's why I focus on that shoulder-grinding action? Less-than-satisfactory liplocks. (Elena) Colin gives away that Simon has a bad conscience and that Simon is aware of his own creepish character but can�t do anything about it. I definitely agree with you, Elena. But I'm always defending Colin's characters. To me, he appears as though he'd really like to go on with Nan, but that responsibility to his family/estate won't let him. There is that one scene with his sister(?) when she's proposing "suitable" matches for him, where he looks disgusted and semi-rebellious. I think he would like to make his own choices, but feels he cannot.

it's produced by a BAFTA winning team, and it stars Colin Firth!! No reason to delay it. If UK shows it, the sooner we'll get it in the US.But telling our A&E, Bravo and PBS that it got rave review in Australia, will fall on deaf ears. Bethan, I'm sure there are enough copies of DQ floating around in the UK that you should be able to see it. ~~~~~~~ (Heide)I don't think he's that shy. Guess he's just being polite. Oh yeah? Didn't you see him with Catherine Zeta-Jones in "Out of the Blue" with the tongues going?Not exactly a chaste kiss.

Just noticed that next week the BBC are airing the BBC Scotland drama "Monarch of the Glen" which is listed after DQ in the forthcoming productions on the BBC Scotland website. Obviously no problem with setting a transmission date here! I've got a suspicious mind, I know, but there has to be a reason for the delay in showing DQ...there's not even a provisional date. But I'm blowed if I can think why! Any Sherlocks out there?

Oh, and yes, Catherine Z-J, I quite forgot. Certainly no chaste kiss here! Bethan, I'm sure there are enough copies of DQ floating around in the UK that you should be able to see it. I'm sure now that I'll give in to the temptation, but I was holding out for the pleasure and anticipation of seeing it "live"!

I wonder if perhaps it is "politically corret", you know David & Goliath scenario, just a thought.

(Murph)Elena: I don't remember saying that, but then I don't remember saying a lot of things! To whom was I referring? Sorry Murph, obviously I meant Maureen!! And sorry Maureen, didn�t mean to slight you. (Heide):(Eileen) Re: Simon Westward. I admire his taste in literature too. Maybe I�m a pervert but I could never resist that terrible scene where says "what about....this one"! :-D Heide, it really was not Eileen who thought she was a pervert, it was me!! :-D

Colin Firth with (as suggested) Sofia Milos. Does this mean CF will have to get a gladiator outfit? I could go for Charles Gould. He looks good on a horse, has the most wonderful sun lightened hair, and I thought CF looked good with a full beard. Gould is also a terrific character, idealistic, dynamic, but ultimately corrupted. Although Charles Gould is English, he does have some characteristics of an American archetype, which may explain why the American Holroyd is willing to invest money in Gould's enterprise. The archetype to which I refer is the man who starts with little or nothing becomes a powerful capitalist, but loses something of his basic humanity in his basic ascent. That could someone of any nationality, but it reminds of those Taylor Caldwell novels, and she was American. RE: Open mouth kissing with Catherine Zeta-Jones, maybe it was her tongue that pryed his lips apart, and he was to polite to pull away. I wouldn't blame CZ-T if that's what she did. Who can blame her?

(Elena) Heide, it really was not Eileen who thought she was a pervert, it was me!! :-D Thanks, Elena. Did I get it right this time? ;-) (CherylB) Although Charles Gould is English, he does have some characteristics of an American archetype, which may explain why the American Holroyd is willing to invest money in Gould's enterprise. Interesting. Though a product of English imperialism, I do think Charlie had good intentions at the start. Just needed that filthy euchre to realize his dreams. Reminds me of one scene when Holroyd and Gould first come to the silver mine and Holroyd grabs Charlie by his lapels. CG looks at him with this blank expression but promptly dusts off his jacket after he's released. You know he's thinking "crass American" but he knows where his money's coming from.

(Heide)I don't think he's that shy. Guess he's just being polite. As a private person he may be shy but as an actor, NEVER. He�s also a very polite person in private but as an actor he�s only what is needed for the role. If he wasn�t kissing RuthG "properly" then it wasn�t needed in FP, and it really wasn�t, only RG was needing a proper kiss from him it seems (no wonder!). Anyway I�m sure he�d be quite ready to kiss one�s head off if it was necessary for the part he�s playing. (Heide)have you ever seen The Hour of the Pig? ;-) He wasn�t exactly shy there either.

(Heide) Nita, have you ever seen The Hour of the Pig? ;-) Yes, but only once. Why?

Who cares whether he can kiss properly or not???? Just the lip to lip contact would be enough, which is an opportunity that I doubt, I would ever have the chance to experience. If the truth be known it is probably Ruth Gemmel who cannot kiss. Karen pygmey horses and dubbing thats excatly what Nostromo looked and sounded like. Well at least the parts Colin did not appear in. Heidi, no compliments to the Clint Eastwood spahetti westren makers, sorry. The dubbing in those movies was of a particularly poor quality. You could almost duck out to the loo after the characters move their lips and be back in time hear what they were saying. What did he appear in with Cathrine Zetta Jones???????

I think Ruth Gemmel's comment about not kissing "properly" just meant that for on-screen kissing he preferred the simulated kiss approach, ie closed lips etc, head slightly turned away, which most professional actors use, rather than the real thing which is generally inappropriate. Of his off-screen kissing abilities, I'm sure she's have no knowledge!

BTW, from what I remember of the article, RG seemed to like him a lot!

Evelyn - the ISBN for Armadillo is0-14-027944-x "Elena - I�m sure he�d be quite ready to kiss one�s head off if it was necessary for the part he�s playing." LOL! You're quite right, unfortunately for us the majority of the parts ODB has played over the years have not called for excessive bouts of tonsil-hockey and in FP it's the comparisons in the two relationships that are the issue and not...shall we say the mechanics. That's not to say that I prefer it that way...I'm all for a bit of gratuitous bed/freezer/mine/cottage-floor-in-front-of-roaring-fire action myself ;-~~~~

(Maureen) What did he appear in with Cathrine Zeta Jones? A television drama called Out of the Blue. It wasn't particularly good, but it had that good line about the mouse. ;-) Anyone remember? About the poor-form kissing, let's take a closer look at Valmont's whirling and twirling scene with Meg. How did he perform there?

(Bethan)Of his off-screen kissing abilities, I'm sure she's have no knowledge! LOL!! The girl can only dream. BTW, from what I remember of the article, RG seemed to like him a lot! Don't they all? :-) Anyone know of any instance where a leading lady/costar did not care for him? Hmmm..... (Karen) About the poor-form kissing, let's take a closer look at Valmont's whirling and twirling scene with Meg. How did he perform there? Is there much kissing going on in that scene? I just remember little pecks. Perhaps his upraised shoulder is blocking the more passionate ones. (Heide) Nita, have you ever seen The Hour of the Pig? ;-) (Nita) Yes, but only once. Why? Goes back to our COF question...what sexual position was Simon showing to Nan? There are a variety of ones to choose from in HOTPIG. Alas, Richard shows poor form in the kissing scenes with Samira in this film. Much more energy with Maria. (Tracy) unfortunately for us the majority of the parts ODB has played over the years have not called for excessive bouts of tonsil-hockey Yes, 'tis unfortunate. Seems he did put a lot more work into those scenes in his earlier films. Inexperience? That's not to say that I prefer it that way...I'm all for a bit of gratuitous bed/freezer/mine/cottage-floor-in-front-of-roaring-fire action myself ;-~~~~ Amen!

(Tracy)That's not to say that I prefer it that way...I'm all for a bit of gratuitous bed/freezer/mine/cottage-floor-in-front-of-roaring-fire action myself ;-~~~~ . Hear, hear.

RE: Open mouth kissing with Catherine Zeta-Jones, maybe it was her tongue that pryed his lips apart, and he was to polite to pull away. I wouldn't blame CZ-T if that's what she did. Who can blame her? Am I stupidly ignorant and naive? (All right, not everyone has to agree so fast!) I thought these things were controlled by the director.

This probably belongs on Darcy Drool board, but since we were talking about kissing....I was looking (Okay, drooling)at one of my favorite pics of P&P and" me thinks" I see Mr. Darcy's lips parting just a wee bit before they kiss. Waddaya think? (DVD courtesy of Meluchie)

LOL!! (IAN) I thought these things were controlled by the director. Mmmm, so maybe Colin needed to rehearse more with the director? Huh? just kidding I suppose if the actors only wanted to do closed-mouth, slightly-to-right/left-of-center kissing with lots of burrowing in the neck region, could a director say "Cut!! I want to see some *real* action here. Get those mouths open. Get those tongue jousting. I want to see your tonsils." Don't know. Would hate to think that Colin's a lousy kisser, IRL or on screen. But on a fun note, do read today's Times review of The End of the Affair. I'd post some comments on 127 but am not in the mood for Rafe butt jokes right now. Maybe later. ;-)

Colin Firth has signed up Yippee, this is music to my ears. I go away from my computer for the weekend and look what happens! Think I'll go away more often ;-). Thanks for this news Aishling, its brightened my day, and I just know I'll be in a good mood now no matter what.

Lovely Evelyn thank you for such a drooly pic. Wasn't this the "supposed" scene that had to be reshot time and time again to get right (too much tongue or not enough?) and gave away to crew etc an inkling of their affair? Thanks for your scoop too Aishling. Just been cheered by lovely a review for Valmont ("film of the fortnight") saying ODB more than gives John Malkovich a run for his money etc etc Probably written by a woman!

(Karen)Would hate to think that Colin's a lousy kisser, IRL or on screen. Hehe, THANK GOD Livia isn�t going to tell us the facts about his IRL abilities, I�m sure that such information would make us just *explode* with envy.(Just an innocent guess....;-)

Karen, I saw the Rafe review. O-uch! Made some of the Avengers reviews seem quite flattering! :-)

Still having posting problems...have to be short or lose the connection. Thoughts on "Armadillo"...SB said that Colin agreed to do this some time ago. I wonder if this means that all those other projects are just queueing up waiting for his signature! And on the subject of kissing, all those projects require some demonstrable action/expertise in this area! Scope for future study! :-) Wonder if "Armadillo" will be a mini-series...most thriller-type dramas adapted for television tend to be two-parters at least, not a 100 minute film.

STOP PRESS******* Just watching Sam Mendes on "South Bank Show", he is being interviewed on a bare 3DOR set by Melvyn (Maid of Buttermere) Bragg. The bed etc is gone but the taps and sink unit is there and plenty of views of our favourite seats Ladies. Sadly it is TOO MUCH to expect ODB to walk casually by but it is so familiar a setting tyo see on TV for me that there is a palpable sense of anticipation!! Will keep you posted. :))

Some lovely shots of outside the Donmar showing 3DOR posters (but not up close) and then the foyer and the audience going up the stairs for a performance. Guess it must have been filmed towards the end of the run but midweek as the foyer is looking more empty than we would be used to!! Heady Stuff.

HI All, I know some of you here and I have always had a very hard time trying to post. So I am giving it another shot. I was at the Amazon site to order Armadillo and there are 2 books. One is not due for release until April. The jacket of that one looked like it could be Colin. Not sure but it made me think it could be a companion book for the production. The URL http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/query/%28keyword%20%3D%20%22armadillo%22%29/book/bq=1/102-8696833-4703213. I was wondering what you might think? Thanks Mickie Boylan

Mickie, thanks, but that is for the trade paperback which is coming out in April, as I reported a couple of days ago.

Have finished watching the programme. Interview with Alan Cumming at the Donmar so guess it was filmed on the day that (Tracy? Cathey?) reported seeing AC come down with Colin after a matinee. Do we have a date for that? Loads more Foyer shots and also outside with a crowd bunched on the pavement. For a split second I thought they were going to be clustered around O DB, but no such luck. 3DOR of course did not feature (unlike the Blue Room) because it was not directed by Sam Mendes, interestingly enough the credits thanked another Firth "Tim"? "Ian?" any ideas? I think Maria should do a deal with producers of SBS to cut in some of her lovely shots of ODB and his dimples. Now THAT would be Oscar material!!

Boyd's social satire centers around Lorimer Black, the scion of a gypsy clan who has transformed himself into a dashing and cultivated insurance adjuster. One day, instead of meeting with the business associate he expects, Lorimer is greeted by a hanged man. From then on the hapless hero is swept into a web of intrigue involving rock musicians, beautiful women, ominous job firings, and something called the Institute of Lucid Dreams Yes, yes, but does he get to dance??? I am back from Spain and would like to thank Aishling for the scoop, Karen for all the reviews and everyone else for some good laughs. As far as favourite parts, I will go with Lord Wessex, loved the hair, the singing, the dancing, the kiss and he gets to ride. And, my man Geoffrey is tops as well. :-D

(Lizza)....Interview with Alan Cumming at the Donmar Thanks Lizza for the "live" report. But why Alan Cummings? "Cabaret" was a Donmar production. But , I believe, he played it only on Broadway...with Natasha R. Both got Tony's. What did they talk about?

Oh yes, meant to comment that I agree with you, Bethan. It would seem likely to be a two-parter. Most thrillers need that break for a cliffhanger to get people excited about them.

Evelyn "Cabaret" was featured and N.T and A.C. were interviewed about it and clips shown from the Donmar production and Broadway , indeed "The Blue Room" featured in the same way. What I really want to know is .....did Melvyn Bragg and ODB get to have a discussion off camera about TMOB? Just off to check my video worked, it has been playing up lately so I am not hopeful :(

Oh My goodness it went through. Eileen and Heide and Karen -I am so shocked that it went through. I did not think I could get through so please forgive that first post if it sounded too pushy. I don't know everyone here so I will introduce myself-(which I should have done from the beginning) My name is Mickie I teach 2nd grade upstate NY. I have a web site for Jonathan Firth but I like Colin Firth as well. I am in my late 40's and have enjoyed reading the posts here for years. I just had such a hard time posting. Every time I tried it was rejected so I was a lurk only person. I am still in shock that after all this time it took my post. Well I hope it will take this one too. Thanks and nice to finally be able to "speak" over here. Mickie

Congratulations, Mickie. Posting here is a breeze once you get started. I met Mickie in October at the Fever Pitch showing in Montclair, NJ. Would be oh so nice to have Colin on the cover of a book again but I wouldn't count on it. Heck, I'm pessimistic enough to not even feel confident this project is a go though everyone assures me Baz is never wrong. Well, there's always a first time! :-P Am reading the book anyway and it's quite good. (Lizza) Have finished watching the programme. Interview with Alan Cumming ... Loads more Foyer shots and also outside with a crowd bunched on the pavement. For a split second I thought they were going to be clustered around O DB, but no such luck. I feel so nostalgic already and it was just a month ago for you girls. What a great find for you, Lizza, to catch this programme. Have seen some photos recently of Sam Mendes since he's being touted for Best Director Oscar. Kind of reminds me of Paul McCartney when he was very young though not as cute as Paul. Something in the eyes. Welcome back Moon. And, my man Geoffrey is tops as well. :-D Ah, but can he kiss? ;-)

(Moon)And, my man Geoffrey is tops as well. :-D Ah, but can he kiss? ;-) Apparently not since KST leaves him for that stick as soon as she gets a moment out of his sight. Maybe Santa suits don't do anything for her, or maybe there was greater significance to yes, we have no banahnahs than we realized. To return to my question about directors--since I've seen a pic of Milos in the bed with Colin and Meg and since Davies and Colin talked about when Colin was supposed to be thinking that Darcy was supposed to be having an erection, it seems not unlikely that directors would have something to say about the kissing mechanics. Just wondering. Maybe it's unfair to pin it all on the actors. And since we agree that ODB is one of the greatest and most professionally accomplished actors now working, it seems logical to assume that can hold his own in matters osculatory as well. As for the P&P pic, looks as though JE is at chin level. And I recall that the carriage ride was so bumpy they had trouble making contact.

(Maureen)As for Nostromo [...] the overall presentation of the series reminded me of a Clint Eatwood spagehetti western. LOL! My sentiments exactly. When I saw poor Colin in a wide-brimmed hat riding one of those tiny skeletal ponies, his long legs dangling on both sides and nearly touching the ground, I started whistling "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly" theme and burst out laughing. It looked so farsical. (Bethan)She did mention that he didn't kiss "properly" (Elena)So what is that supposed to mean, "not properly"?! :) This seems to be typical of all the greatest screen lovers. Training for actors includes the correct technique of "make-believe" kissing, since obviously not every stage/screen partner is keen to do it "properly"... Apparently some male actors attempt "proper" kissing without their partners' approval and this is sometimes the cause of great rifts behind the scenes - even though it may look terrifically realistic in action. Colin chooses to behave with professional integrity - I wonder if that (among other things) could be why Nia Long said of him: "I think he's shy..." Also could he be employing the shoulder grinding action to deflect the attention from his lips? (Evelyn)Didn't you see him with Catherine Zeta-Jones in "Out of the Blue" with the tongues going?Not exactly a chaste kiss. When the script/director stipulates that something is clearly visible, there is no way around it. (Bethan)Just noticed that next week the BBC are airing the BBC Scotland drama "Monarch of the Glen" which is listed after DQ in the forthcoming productions on the BBC Scotland website. Obviously no problem with setting a transmission date here! Why don't we bombard the BBC with queries? (Evelyn)" me thinks" I see Mr. Darcy's lips parting just a wee bit before they kiss. Yes, but observe where her lips land after that: very low on his chin, missing his oral orifice altogether... He was sucking on her upper lip while she was engrossed in aiming for his lower one. A classic professional stage kiss and don't even try to allow any amount of clever publicity to force you into imagining anything else. Wasn't this the "supposed" scene that had to be reshot [...] and gave away to crew etc an inkling of their affair? See what I mean? ;-) (Lizza) lovely a review for Valmont ("film of the fortnight") saying ODB more than gives John Malkovich a run for his money etc etc Who, where? Lizza, and everyone, I beg of you yet again, please do remember to give your sources when quoting! Ta very muchly! :-) Firth "Tim"? "Ian?" any ideas? There's a playwright by the name of Tim Firth, I believe: no relation as far as is known. As far as favourite parts, I will go with Lord Wessex Have another look... ;-) http://www.geocities.com/threedeers/Wessex/Wessex.htm

Re: The Kiss He was sucking on her upper lip while she was engrossed in aiming for his lower one. That'll do in a pinch,I guess. *sigh* (Beats just the "grinding shoulder".)