maybe there was greater significance to yes, we have no banahnahs than we realized. LOL! So what was it, a bunch of keys or a crumpled hankie? Btw, a warm welcome to all newbies, including delurkers. Some people may have problems with posting as the way in is not always very obvious. One must register/log in as a poster, but once you overcome that hurdle, you become a fully fledged drooler-Firther/Firthian/Firthette/Firthist (choose your own rank) and everything else here is sheer joy (I think...;-p).

Mickie, welcome aboard! I know you'll like it here. Mickie is a terrific lady and a long-time friend. Check out her Jonathan site, which has JF's full blessing and that of his agent's. RE: the Nostromo ponies. That smallish breed of horse is indigenous to that area of South America, and so is technically accurate. But stupid-looking.;-) The P&P kiss--Colin said in an interview that the "we couldn't get it right" business was not true. "A chaste matrimonial kiss," and no big deal according to him.

That smallish breed of horse is indigenous to that area of South America, and so is technically accurate. But stupid-looking.;-) LOL - I can think of quite a few other things in life which are technically accurate and stupid looking... ;-) Colin said in an interview... Uh-oh... I adore that man, but can't always believe all he's saying... especially that he himself once said (in an interview ;-P) that his views may change fom day to day...

If there's one way to get Colin to have a look at the Internet, it'll be with Jonathan's encouragement and because of Mickie's JF site. Hopefully. Maybe.

That picture just sends tingles right up and down my spine. Thankyou for the picture Evelyn and thanks for the tingles CF and JE, well mainly CF.

Welcome Mickie! I have visited your site on several occasions and congratulate you on having the bene placido of both Jon and his agent. Thanks for another look at Lord Wessex Arami, he still looks mighty fine to me. I was also struck with the ridiculous vision of Colin the fantastic horseman riding that small horse. He should have brought his own horse from England.

(Arami)It looked so farsical. If you mean the housemaster, kindly use his proper name. It looked so Mr. Farquharson.

Welcome home, Moon! (Elena) Heide, it really was not Eileen who thought she was a pervert, it was me!! :-D Well...*this* time. (Tracy) excessive bouts of tonsil-hockey LOL--love that term. (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? Heide's right. There's not too much kissing in the whirly-twirly scene. However, there's a rather deep smooch when Tourvel returns to Paris and finds Valmont waiting for her. Not that I'm paying close attention to the kissing, mind you. (Heide) Alas, Richard shows poor form in the kissing scenes with Samira in this film I seem to recall a doozy between them during one of Courtois' dreams (just before Maria finds him having a 'good dream.' Again, not that I'm paying attention or anything ;-P How about my favorite 'taht' kiss in FF? There seems to be some action there (but don't know for sure as am not paying *any* attention). (Lizza) 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? C'mon, everyone knows poor Jen couldn't keep a straight face when she saw that giant hat approaching (although it's alot smaller than the tall hat he wore in Camille, which resembles an inverted hot tub). All kidding aside, he does seem to keeps his mouth shut if given the option. Then he does the 'I'll move my head in the way' maneuver so you can't see (if you were paying attention, that is). Welcome, Mickie. It's nice to see you here. Pull up a chair and make yourself at home. Hope you're feeling well again.

(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 Tonys. Alan Cumming was in the original revival of "Cabaret" at the Donmar (1993/94). He was incredible then and when they moved to NYC in 1998. Jane Horrocks played Sally Bowles in the London production. I saw it in London in January 1994 and was knocked out. It took several years to effect the transfer, because Sam Mendes was not prepared to give up the club atmosphere he had created in exchange for a Broadway run. They had a hell of a time finding a suitable venue. Chris

Thank you Chris (luvy)....and what other London news do you have for us re: Colin. For all newbies: Chris is the Firth fan that we are indebted to for alerting us to 3 DOR in Jan. 99 before it was announced .Without her, we never wuld have been able to buy up all those tickets for March!!.

(Karen)- Did Colin do his usual kissing style in SLOW? (Chris L)-Do you think that they will ever do 3DOR with a London cast in NYC? In case anyone is interested Some Jonathan Info. His latest projects: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Theater/3782/news.html Also a new picture. Jonathan in a tux. You must scroll down the page. Thank you Meluchie. http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Theater/3782/madding1.html Thank you Murph for getting everything up so quickly. The picture was taken at the Northern T.V.awards. Does anyone know anything about these awards? Thanks Mickie

Evelyn: Thanks for the JE/CF smooching pictures. Just to prove that JE knows how to do it... Murph Mickie is one of my dearest internet friends. Glad you figured posting out, pal!

Trying again...on JE: Murph

Just a friendly reminder: We have other topics at Drool, such as: Odds & Ends - for TRT, Ehle items and other things http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/127/new Jonathan Firth http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/102/new Please check the main Drool board for already created topics. This one gets filled up so quickly. ;-)

(Karen) We have other topics at Drool, such as: Odds & Ends - for TRT, Ehle items and other things To include:Bridget (casting),Donmar Productions,& Donmar News, baseball, football, soccer...(Arsenal), cricket.... Question for the Drool gods:....." kissing"too? :-D

What! Have you forgotten? Bridget is at #80. ;-)

Just in case you thought no one noticed, Karen, I like the new 'title' for Colin's picture on the main page. Very Valentine-ish. And musical, of course.

thanks Chris and Murph for your news and pics.

Lizza J - The date that Alan Cumming came down the stairs at the Donmar (after the matinee) was 20th January.

Hi again.. don't know what happened there - fat finger syndrome I think. Just thought I'd up date you on Armadillo progress.. I'm about half way through the book having started it on Saturday evening..unputdownable as you can tell. I won't go giving the plot away but I will give you a few highlights which, assuming that they are included in the screenplay will delight us all I am sure. * There is kilt action in a true Scotsman stylee i.e. no knicks! * Black is something of a chameleon so lots of scope for different looks including I'm afraid to say probably in the IRL sad pants area. * Haven't come across LOL yet but there are light moments. * Ditto re "action", but I'm only half way through as I say and he hasn't really got to know Flavia yet! There is a girlfriend and a past lover in flashback - but nothing too juicy. There is a lot to Lorimer Black and so I think he will prove the perfect vehicle for DB as it will enable him to display the versatility we all know he is capable of. The story moves quite quickly too and I feel that it could be a winner provided that the screenplay stays true to the book.

Mickie is the girl with him in that picture Paloma? Thanks Tracy, keep us posted on that kilt action. :-D

Welcome Mickie. As Arami noted you are able to choose your rank Firther/Firthian/Firthette/Firhist, although some people consider themseleves Firthfans. Personally, I'm a Sloberer, but I'm not completely uncouth, I do always post wearing a clean bib. (Figuratively speaking.) Will somebody please elucidate on what exactly are "pygmy horses"? I know that there are horses, ponies, and miniature horses. The last are really tiny, being slightly bigger than large dogs. No doubt only small children could ride them. So was CF galloping around on a pony in "Nostromo"? Cymbeline, you appear from your posts to be neither stupidly ignorant nor naive. I was being flippant in my statement about CZ-J forcing a bout of tongue wrestling upon CF, and his being too polite to fend her off. You wondered how much input the director has in the type of kiss between actors in a particular scene. That depends on the specific director. Many are very controlling, although some directors prefer to deal with actors as little as possible. They believe actors should know their jobs and do them with a minimum of coddling. Interestingly, some film directors who are very definite about what sort of kiss they want, aren't particularly interested in the emotion of the kiss, but rather the look of the scene. A screen kiss is very often dictated by the lighting and the camera angles. Dealing with actors is only a fraction of directing a film, and to some directors the least important part. The screen kiss of the classic American cinema was not so much a kiss as it was the suggestion of a kiss. The were several reasons for this, ranging from the Hollywood Production Code to the type of make-up used in film then. The kisses were so choreographed, big clinches, swooning gestures, and both parties lips chastely closed, but the actors faces were shot to best effect, none of the facial distortion involved in an actual kiss. However, they looked great, better than real life, which is exactly how they were supposed to look.

choose your rank Firther/Firthian/Firthette/Firhist, although some people consider themseleves Firthfans Correction: we are all Firthfans, of course. Special ranks are extra and not compulsory. We were called Firthers by the Pemberley site people and Firthettes is a recent addition cultivated by Ben and Mark as I recall. Myself, I have always been a Firthist from the Department of Firthology. ;-)

(Cheryl) Will somebody please elucidate on what exactly are "pygmy horses"? That's just our *affectionate* term for the breed of horse that was used in Nostromo. They are actually Paso Finos (fine step). We make fun of them (although their authenticity cannot be disputed), but they are a noble breed. Unfortunately, Colin's legs are too long for these miniature horses and somebody should've figured that out. ;-) Read here: http://www.pasobeat.com/pasoinfo/history.html

I watched DQ again today, I was paying particular attention to a kissing scene and I do not think he opened his mouth at all. Now this may sound really perverted but I had the remote on slow-mo, backwards, forwards but no sign of an open mouth. Now there could be a number of reasons for this; 1, techincal but if I explained this further I may give too much away. 2, Lack of chemistry between him and his co-star. 3, Her mouth practically covered half his face obscuring the view of his mouth, and 4, you might have to diregard all of the above as I think I saw what may have been drops of saliva, who it belonged to is any ones guess but we have a 50/50 chance of getting it right when trying to determine who it might belong to. Apologies too for an earlier posting where I mentioned some of the characters names in DQ. I recollect I wrote that there was a John but its Jim. Guess I fell victim to the heavy celtic accent. The word/term bollocks or (bowlorrrx) is prevalent throughout DQ, which reminded me a bit of FP.

The Bucket now has its Armadillo page, with Aishling's scoop and the background info on the book. http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/dillo.html

(Tracy) Black is something of a chameleon so lots of scope for different looks including I'm afraid to say probably in the IRL sad pants area. Hee hee! Thanks for the info, Tracy, especially for not giving away the entire book. I believe many are reading it right now. My library has it but I haven't decided whether to read it now or wait until after Armadillo is broadcast (thereby avoiding what I have come to call 'ATA syndrome'). Armadillo's author (Wm. Boyd) is writing the screenplay. That's no guarantee that it will stay true to the book, but it's a step in the right direction. (Maureen) Her mouth practically covered half his face obscuring the view of his mouth Ye gods. What a mental picture that conjures.

Great Armadillo page, Karen... Her mouth practically covered half his face obscuring the view of his mouth I think I saw what may have been drops of saliva, who it belonged to is any ones guess but we have a 50/50 chance of getting it right when trying to determine who it might belong to. Gross.

To UK fans, don't forget Valmont is on BBC1 tonight, 11.50pm - 2am approx.

and sorry, yes great page, Karen.

Here's the link to the Nia Long interview in the Evening Standard that we couldn't find the other day. No mention of childish or childlike. So the Empire article would appear to be the only one. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/film/top_film.html?in_review_id=226565

The only Colin news I have is in fact old news (thank goodness!). As UK surfers may know, there is a commercial address directory on the web that sources its information from the UK electoral rolls (among other public info). As a result it has every registered voter's home address in it, unless the person has pro-actively requested deletion from the database. Very, very scary stuff. CF's Hackney flat address is up there. And since I consider this site to be a horrendous and dangerous invasion of privacy, no, I won't post the URL here! As for the Donmar, there doesn't seem to be any activity on a 3DoR transfer. Honestly, since it's a 100% American play (author, setting, characters), I can't see Equity allowing a transfer with a British cast. They'd lose DM and CF. Chris

Chris, what are the Equity rules? A majority of the cast? A certain percentage? With three actors, a majority does mean that two must go. (of course, I would replace the one American and leave the two British cast members.) Surely however there must be exceptions for small productions.

CF's Hackney flat address is up there. Chris, you are such a tease! Don't they forward mail to the new address in England? ;-) Well!!! Great Armadillo page, Karen. Loved all those covers. (Maureen) Her mouth practically covered half his face obscuring the view of his mouth (Eileen), Ye gods. What a mental picture that conjures. My thoughts exactly!

Chris - not that I was looking specifically you understand but I found the address too - but didn't want to be the first to admit it! For any other UK fans just a reminder that the Larries (Oliver Awards) are to be broadcast on BBC2 at 8 pm Sunday 20th..I'll be there cheering 3DOR on to victory...do I cheer in vain? Have now finished Armadillo! Sorry Moon No more kilt action I'm afraid! Am still not going to reveal the plot but I definately think this one could be a good move for ODB.

CF's address (even former) and other very personal data fits my definition of TMI (too much information). Feel free to keep it to yourself. Karen, I read a big NYT spread last year about the number of British stage actors working in the US. Am trying in vain to recall the details, but I think it works on an exchange, not majority, basis.

(Maureen)I watched DQ again today, I was paying particular attention to a kissing scene....Lack of chemistry between him and his co-star. Certainly no lack, on the contrary I think there�s a very good chemistry between them. And I don�t see it really as a *kiss* in the usual sense but just as an act of mutual understanding and sympathy between the characters. CF's Hackney flat address is up there. So? Somebody else lives there now I suppose. The main thing is: his new home address isn�t and won�t be there, I hope.

(Karen) Chris, what are the Equity rules? A majority of the cast? A certain percentage? With three actors, a majority does mean that two must go. (of course, I would replace the one American and leave the two British cast members.) Surely however there must be exceptions for small productions. US union rules are just like the UK. Everytime you want to bring in a non-union member it takes an act of god(dess). And of course you have to prove to the immigration folks that you aren't taking the bread out of the mouth of some starving actor (which you undoubtedly are). Case in point: the aggro around bringing the Almeida production of "Iceman Cometh" to Broadway. A substantial proportion of the cast had to be left home and replaced by US members. There are no hard and fast rules. There is a definite tit-for-tat attempted, but I don't believe there are any specific quotas. FWIW, there seem to be a lot more UK companies coming in this direction than the reverse, although a great many never see the lights of Broadway. They wind up as part of an "international Arts Festival" in Connecticut (Max Stafford-Clark's Out of Joint) or at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (the RSC). (Elena) CF's Hackney flat address is up there. So? Somebody else lives there now I suppose. The main thing is: his new home address isn�t and won�t be there, I hope. Oh please. Someone asked for "news" and I shared what I had. Let's not pretend that we are more interested in his shoe size than where he lives. On the other hand, his shoe size HAS gotten more analysis.

So we had "better act our shoe size , not our age" tee hee :) Tracy, the Larries will be announced before they are televised so you will know whether to cheer or not!

On the other hand, his shoe size HAS gotten more analysis. Shoe fetishes are more common and with proper counseling are treatable. ;-) Thanks Chris for the theater info. So there are no hard and fast Equity rules and basic immigration law kicks in. It's the same in most countries if you try to work elsewhere. Have to prove no one else can do the job. That being the case, then there's no point in bringing the Donmar production back to the US. The entire production essentially consists of 3 actors, a director (not even Sam the Man) and a set design. If you had to replace the actors, then IMO it's not the Donmar's production really anymore. A big white, stark set with a staircase is not going to sell any tickets.

(Luvvy)Oh please. Someone asked for "news" and I shared what I had. Let's not pretend that we are more interested in his shoe size than where he lives. Thanks for the "news" and also thanks for not posting the url here. Very interesting that this sort of a thing can happen. Suppose he actually lives in Hackney in that address?! Then it really is scary. I do not pretend one bit when I tell you that I don�t want to know where he lives and I hope that none of us does.

(Chris)Someone asked for "news" and I shared what I had. I was the one who asked...and I thank you for giving us news, and for not posting the address on a public board CF, unfortunately, has some over zealous fans...trust me...I saw them in action last November.I would not wish to inflict them on ODB. ~~~~~~ Interesting stuff about bringing UK casts to B'way. But when the cast of Cabaret came , they replaced Jane Horrocks with Natasha Richardson...who I'm sure holds British citizenship even though she lives in Connecticut.Closer and Amy's view were all Brit casts. TRT is coming with the whole cast (alas I wish they would replace three supportings actors....)Of course, Jennifer has dual. (sorry this is OT...I know better.)

(Chris L) there is a commercial address directory on the web that sources its information from the UK electoral rolls (among other public info)... Very, very scary stuff. UK electoral registration rolls are open to public inspection in every town hall and public library.

Yes indeed they are - its the same here in Australia. Everyone is listed in the electoral roll who lives in a certain area. I am sure as has already been said - the address can be omitted - I sincerely hope C.F. has now done that. Its far to scary as you say, there are some crazy people out there. Sean Connery used to live not far away from where my brother lives in Surrey and I believe he suffered some of that madness that occurs when you live in an ordinary street and an ordinary house not security controlled and that was back in the sixties when he was married to Diane Cilento.

Calling all Firthettes... I am FINALLY going to London, for a much needed break. I'll be there from 29 MArch to 7 April, and wanted all your advice on nice places to visit, eat, walk, etc.. Am also trying to get together with people for lunch/tea/dinner, if anyone's in the area. Good to see you all in full Spring -action... I've missed you guys.

Have a great Winter! I will not be there till Summer. (Karen), A big white, stark set with a staircase is not going to sell any tickets. ART seems to be selling out everywhere and that also has a a big white set with everyone fussing over a big white canvas. :-)

(Winter)... and wanted all your advice on nice places to visit, eat, walk, etc.. Have a good time, Winter....Say hello to The Donmar ...and Starbucks in the lower level ;-) And oh, the Penne Pesto at the Luna Nuova isn't bad.

Everyone: I received this e-mail today. Can anyone help this poor woman? I have no idea where to tell her to get CF in Italian. Murph ************************* please please please help me! I need film vhs about Colin in italian language!! I have "Shakespeare in love", "un mese in campagna"(a mouth in the country)and "il paziente inglese"(the english patient)only can you help me? my name is Roberta Rubegni, ciao ciao da Roma Italy my e-mail is: Roru72@freemail.it

"can you help me? my name is Roberta Rubegni, ciao ciao da Roma Italy " Would be nice if we could ask Livia(bg)

isn't she your penpal, Renate? ;-) Roberta with mucho amore por Colin and wanted to marry him.

Winter, try exploring www.thisislondon.co.uk for replies to some of your questions.

Maybe tell Roberta to consult the Roma electoral registration rolls?;-)

Gee, thanks, guys, for all your well-meaning suggestions!!!! If she is the one that wanted to marry CF, I'm not answering her note! Murph

(Murph) If she is the one that wanted to marry CF You mean I wasn't the only one who wanted to marry him!!! I'm all amazement ;-)

Cathey: I'd marry him too, if I wasn't old enough to be his mother. I don't think the age difference of 28 years would work. I really meant that the letter writer from Italy, did, I think, write some over-the-top-stuff to someone else around here. I'm sorry I forget who. Murph

Murph, I too think it is the same person who wrote that overtop wish for Colin. In Italian there must be Fever Pitch somewhere. I know it played there but I do not recall the title in Italian. (Mari), Maybe tell Roberta to consult the Roma electoral registration rolls?;-) ROTFLOL! Nothing is that easy in Rome.

(Murph) I'd marry him too, if I wasn't old enough to be his mother. I don't think the age difference of 28 years would work. Nonsense! Haven't you ever seen Harold and Maude? The real problem is the polygamy issue. How about we all become Mormons?

Where are you, Bethan? I miss your regular reports ;-) Winter (hope this is not too late): Little Venice is a nice walk when the weather is fine, and I vaguely remember that parts of Londinium where shot there. Can anyone help here? And don't forget your camera, the boats are very colourful. The underground was Warwick Avenue if I remember correctly (Bakerloo line?), next to Paddington. (Karen) isn't she your penpal, Renate? ;-) No, that was Gi ;-). But she actually contacted us via cf.com's guestbook. (Cathey) You mean I wasn't the only one who wanted to marry him!!! Oh, Cathey, don't write such things when I'm drinking my tea! It's now vaporized (expr?) all over the screen ....... ;-) Moon, I think the FP title is "Febbre a 90�" or something. Murph, as I recall she speaks almost no English, somebody who speaks Italian should talk to her. (Cymbeline) How about we all become Mormons? Oh goody. Rhymes with hormon(e)s. ;-P

Ann and all: I have your picture from Biz's article in the Daily Mail. It came today. Thanks! It is small and tough to make very clear, but it is a nice one, I think. Ann W's Picture Murph

Winter - I certainly hope the weather brightens up for you when you arrive. There have been freezing cold winds howling about the City of London over the last couple of days but very clear skies...all the better for getting a view from the London Eye which is the huge ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames. I've not been myself but it's fantastic apparently.. Just going back briefly on this address business. I agree with Chris that it is very, very scary to know that my own address, telephone number etc etc is there for all and sundry to see let alone anybody elses. You never know who is going to do what with that kind of information. You can have your details removed (under the Data Protection Act 1984) which I'm going to do and I hope that others (!) do the same. Anybody catch Valmont on Tuesday... well done BBC screening it in "widescreen" Hmmmm excellent choice...NOT. I don't know what they had done but for a vast percentage of the time the sides of the picture were missing (and I DO have a widescreen TV before anyone offers a "smart" suggestion) so you only got to see half DB, MT or ABs face. Still that aside it was great to see it again and I was quite encouraged to notethat it had been awarded **** out of 5 (perhaps opinions have changed over the years - I seem to recall that it was looked on unfavourably in the past).

Tracy, I also saw it, but encountered no problems. Ironically "The Times" (even naming my source, whatever next!!!:)) has a picture and article of Clive Wood today ("London's Burning" etc) who is currently starring as Valmont, touring production. Having seen ODB in the role so recently, I can't imagine that THIS Valmont could set hearts racing not worth peeling off all those undergarments for Ladies. (Apologies to Clive, he was an excellent Henry at the RSC some years ago) I'll stick to Colin's version of powder blue brocade. It is irritating that only John Malkovich's film role gets mentioned in comparison, but we are used to CF being left out by now.

Lizza - I didn't get to see Valmont "live" and had someone tape it for me - they have Digital CableTV so perhaps something went awry here. Anyway it didn't really spoil the enjoyment - I could watch DB twirling about in his fancy embroidered duds and strangely metamorphosing hairstyles (punting scene animated fringe LOL!) forever. Pah John Malkovich ...horrid, horrid yeuuch! Clive Wood (can't place him) as Valmont....nobody could do the role justice surely.

Lizza- have just found the Times pic of Clive Wood! DB has nothing, but NOTHING to worry about...It looks as if he's going for the ugly, old, letch Valmont in a Malkovitch stylee ;-D

(Murph)I'd marry him too, if I wasn't old enough to be his mother. It doesn't seem to worry "Rafe" Fiennes and Francesca Annis... (Cymbeline) How about we all become Mormons? Won't work. What if Colin is a RC now?

(Renate), I think the FP title is "Febbre a 90�" or something. as I recall she speaks almost no English, somebody who speaks Italian should talk to her. You are right about the title, Renate, I remember it now. If it is the same person who wrote that Christmas wish in Italian for Colin on Murph's site, she sounded very over the top. Murph, what a great picture, such a sultry look. BTW, you left Rupert Everett out of your 1960's page. He was born September 11, 1960. The day after ODB.

Renate, Thanks for your kind words! I've lots to say, but am struggling with problems with my Internet connection. I can browse, but have difficulties posting. Watch this space!

I'll see if this works...or whether I lose the entire posting. :-( Random comments.. Tracy, I agree with you that "Armadillo" will be a very good project...and Eileen, I wouldn't have any reservations about reading the book...this won't be another ATA. CF's character, Lorimer/Milo, is on every page..the story follows him...and will, I'm sure, be in every frame of the film (or mini-series?) And with Sue Birtwistle at the helm, his best interests will be protected. I can see why SB says he's perfect for the role. There seem to be many similarities with DQ....successful but idealisic, caring man, ultimately at odds with the world in which he works, attractive to women but pursuing some seemingly unattainable romantic ideal. Also there are shades of John Hatfield (Maid of Buttermere), more flawed, but also pursuing some romantic/spiritual ideal. SPOILERS..he has to say "I'm passionately in love with you" (shades of Mr Darcy) and, by my reckoning, there are four kisses, two "chaste" and two decidedly unchaste (although it's the women who take the initiative!)' It will be interesting to see if he follows the text! BTW some great characters in "Armadillo"...I'd love to see Timothy Spall play Torquil. On Television re Movies. Now that the Oscar hype is again engulfing us, I'm personally rather fed up with the whole hoopla, self-promotion, awards, Hollywood glamour scene. There's a lot to be said for producing a quality product for TV transmission, which will probably be seen worldwide without any hype. But for some reason being a "movie actor" seems to carry more kudos. On kissing...quoting from memory (and, Arami, the source was a tabloid!) the gist of Ruth Gemmel's comments were...she was rather nervous about the love scenes, but said that it was very easy to talk to Colin about this because he was sympathetic and "wasn't the kind of man who would find this funny". She then said he had obviously had a lot of experience of on-screen kissing, and unlike in the theatre, he didn't kiss "properly" (ie he used the professional technique which actors are taught). She then said her boyfriend was very relieved about this. The theatre comment puzzles me!! What goes on in the theatre? IMHO I think he'll always go for the professional approach (on screen!) Finally, DQ. Karen, why did they show it at the Cork Festival? It obviously can be shown on the Big Screen even though it's filmed in Super16. The only reason I can think for delaying the transmission for 12 months is that perhaps they want to show it at other UK festivals (Edinburgh, London). Ironically, it sounds better than many Brit movies that do get a nationwide release. Do you still have any leads on this, Karen? It genuinely puzzles me... a 100 minute film can be fitted into the schedules at 2 weeks notice...there's a lot of flexibility. And most commissioned programmes have a transmission date assigned before completion. A year long delay is very "unusual", to say the least! Will try to post...fingers crossed!

(Bethan) I wouldn't have any reservations about reading the book...this won't be another ATA. One would hope so! Thanks, but I was speaking in general. When I see any standard length movie based on a book I've enjoyed, I'm usually a bit disappointed because dialogue and scenes I thought would be in were left out or the storyline was markedly altered. Not so with a miniseries, which has time to delve into a book's finer points. So I think I'll wait (and wait and wait, probably) to see Armadillo through 'fresh eyes.' Since you bring up the kissing thing again, I'll mention a snippet in this week's Newsweek about Leonardo DiCaprio: seems he suffers from bad kissing disease. Sharon Stone, his costar in The Quick and the Dead, was quoted as saying "kissing him was like kissing my arm," or words to that effect. They had similar unflattering comments from several other female costars. Ruth's comments aside, let's hope we never anything like this written about ODB!

...you left Rupert Everett out of your 1960's page. He was born September 11, 1960. The day after ODB. Did anyone notice that Meg Tilly became 40 on Feb. 14 of this year? No wonder he was attracted -- she's a real Valentines girl!

Looks like 3DOR lucked out again chaps! So I shan't be bothering to watch! Bethan.."BTW some great characters in "Armadillo"...I'd love to see Timothy Spall play Torquil" I agree, there are some excellently drawn principles. Tim Spall could make a Torquil - but I think a better Lobby, what about John (Fast Show/ Cold Feet) Thompson for Oliver Rollo? John Thaw for Hogg? Hey lets just wheel all those sure fire BAFTA winners in there. Any room for David Jason..Dame Judi ;-) What I particularly like about Armadillo are the "Book of Transformation" and dream sequences which punctuate the book which offer stark contrast to "reality" and most of the comedic elements.

unlike in the theatre, he didn't kiss "properly" Poppycock. The same technique applies in the theatre.

Arami I have not heard the term Poppycock for years LOL, thankyou for bringing back some very fond and funny memories.

A great BIG THANKS to all those involved in "Operation DQ & Donmar Lobby". You know who you are.... Thunderous applause:*clap*, *clap*.Take a well-deserved bow :-)

For those who haven't seen Colin's Lifeline appeal for the Bushmen of the Kalahari, the entire video can be seen at the Survival organization's website. It does require use of Real Media's G2 player, which you can download for free using a button on the site. I'll give you two urls: Survival webpage Or direct to the clip (if you have G2): Click to View Clip I'll put the links up at The Bucket shortly.

Note: on the index page, the video is under the first drop-down menu, entitled Campaign News. Viewed without frames, you can get right to the Lifeline page via this url: Lifeline page Sorry for the confusion.

I wonder if a certain "Super Sleuth" talked Survival Appeal into uploading Colin's infomercial....Hmmmmm?

Mickie - you're here! I met Mickie in NY at a Firth gathering a couple of years ago. She's terrific, had me laughing the whole time. Posting to Spring - I've had the same problem, but I really think it's my PC memory or something because my server usually shuts down right in the middle of loading. But it worked tonight and I am so glad. Trying to catch up right now. Another friend told me about the Survival video being up. Just watched it. Thanks, Karen. Bye, Barbara

Despite my previous posting I decided to watch the Olivier Awards after all. There was a v short interview with SD & JE re TRT but I think somebody up there has definitely got it in for 3DOR..of all of the nominated plays it got the shortest mention of all!

Tracy -somebody up there has definitely got it in for 3DOR.., and yet there was quite a lot on "Good" and a short interview with Charles Dance and an excerpt from the play, it is too bad. OT I am afraid there weren't any shots of JE & SD in the audience Evelyn, just the short interview that Tracy mentioned.

Tracy -somebody up there has definitely got it in for 3DOR.., and yet there was quite a lot on "Good" and a short interview with Charles Dance and an excerpt from the play, it is too bad Must admit I sort of watched it too, although I hate award ceremonies. Why all the fuss about "Good" and Charles Dance?. And barely a mention of 3DOR...very puzzling (although predictable, says she cynically). 3DOR certainly got better much, much reviews than the other new plays nominated (along with Lady in the Van).

Could it be that none of the stars of 3DOR were going to be at the Awards Show?

Karen, thanks for this scoop (Survival film). I bought and had Real Player Plus on my system, but it messed up my DVD player. I will try with the basic version. I can't miss watching this! Murph

Karen, but Charles Dance was not there, at the Awards, I mean, just him up on a big screen.

Hmmm, I thought I'd read he was going to be a presenter. Shoots that theory! ;-)

I have a theory about this non-award! Call me a cynic if you like, but I notice from my 3DOR programmme that Carlton (an Independent TV company over here) appears to have an affiliation with the Donmar. I also note that it was the BBC Award for new drama...and the animosity between Auntie Beeb and ITV is well known! Aha.....elementary my dear Firthies...shame 3DOR has to suffer;-(

Tracy, you may have a point there... ;-) (Btw, who says Stephen Dillane wasn't at the Awards? He was there and shook hands with Henry Goodman.)

No one said SD wasn't at the Awards, I was there and said Charles Dance was not at the Awards.

Hi all: I'm reading Armadillo, and love it. You are introduced and led deeply into Lorimer Black's mind -- how he lives, what he dresses like, what he likes, what his family is like, why he cannot sleep. He is a marvelous fully realized character. The following is from his book of thoughts, which he calls the Book of Transfiguration. He is an avid armor collector. All these great unknown words led me to find some web sites and to do a page on armor. ************************* "270. The Current Collection: a German black sallet; a burgonet (possibly French, somewhat corroded), and, my special favorite, a barbute, Italian, marred only by the absence of the rosette rivets, and so ringed with holes. It was the strange music of this lost vocabulary that drew me first to armor, to see what things these magical words actually described, to discover what was a pauldron, a couter, a vambrace and fauld, or tasser, poleyn and greave, beavor, solleret, gorget and besague. I derive a genuine thrill when Ivan says to me: "I've an interesting basinet with letten flourens, and with, astonishingly, the original aventail�though of course the vervelles are missing," and I know exactly�exactly�what he means. To own an armor, a suit entire, is an impossible fantasy (though I once bought a vambrace and couter of a child's armor, and a shaffron from a German horse armor), so I settle instead for armor of the head, of helms and helmets, developing a particular taste for visorless helmets, the sallets and kettle hats, basinets, casques, spangenhelms and morions, burgonets, barbutes and another dream, this�the frogmouthed and great helms. - The Book of Transfiguration" Ivan HAS to be played by Timothy Spall! Murph A quick OT, because I think we talked about it here. Four Feathers will star Jude Law in the old John Clements role of the man who gets the four feathers from his friends. It was on Teletext the other day. The "Elizabeth" director will be doing this.

I'm reading "Armadillo" too, Murph. Actually, I'm more interested in Lucid Dreams, and the relationship to the story.

I've started a gallery of pictures from Donovan Quick. When finished you'll be able to click and move to the larger images as you've seen on Renate's or Elena's pages. Take a first look: Donovan Quick Gallery

Thanks Karen, they are great, but where is the cheeky grin and the two dear old ladies?

Isn't it the one on the far right in the second row? I also posted the full-size one on Topic 126.

Thanks!

Great pictures, Karen. Can't wait for the larger versions. Thanks! Murph

Thanks, Murph, they're not great quality, but beggars can't be choosers. ;-) Just need to rotate an arrow gif and then I can start. Tracy asked: Anybody know the title of the music was playing when the freezer-fondling was going on in Femme Fatale? Anybody know? Maybe I'll try fast forwarding my tape to the end credits later.

Looks great, Karen! That is just like me, always fast-forwarding to the next CF image. ;-D

Just realised that the BBC are showing "Femme Fatale" again tonight (he'll be pleased :-) )...part of a CF season? I'm wondering if there are quite a few people out there who are asking why we never see CF on screen. One of my work colleagues brought up the subject of TOTS (quite without prompting from me!) and said how much he'd enjoyed it...very true to the novella...but that his girlfriend was furious because she's a great CF fan and he was only in it for 5 minutes! Definitely the right time for screening DQ! Has anyone actually contacted the Head of Drama for BBC Scotland re this (Barbara McKissack). I just rang up general enquiries. BTW the conact name for BBC Worldwide (Americas) is Peter Phippen. There's a website at http://www.bbcworldwide.com Lots of jobs for CF in the paper! :-) The Refugee Council have advertised several adviser posts (�20,000 pa) in London, working with asylum seekers, especially orphaned children/young adolescents, of whom, sadly there are many. Thanks for the pics, Karen! BTW, does anyone know for sure that MLSF opens in May in the UK? Is it listed anywhere? (Doubting Thomas) Tracy, love your casting suggestions for "Armadillo"...Tim Spall for Lobby, I definitely agree. Do you think it will be a series? William Boyd usually writes single dram screenplays.

Quick & Pannick Bus pics, brilliant. Esp. like the flashback ones and the ending shot. Those have the best subtle facial expressions that say so much . CF at his best, folks.IMO

Bethan, I too thought it might just possibly be a CF season, so I checked next Tuesday late, but no CF film this time, oh well, it would probably have have been Playmaker ! BTW I forgot to mention that I got a reply from BBC Information re DQ, and here is an excerpt from their reply "Thankyou for your letter regarding DQ. I regret that I am unable to provide a date of transmission for the programme. Our future schedules are only confirmed two weeks in advance which means it is not possible to give details for programmes beyond this period......." So there we are but at least they no there are a few people very interested in DQ.