CAMILLE REMINDER Camille will be shown on the Romance Classics channel tomorrow, February 23, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. I can't tell if it will be shown again in March, as that month's calendar is not yet available at the website.

Back from Canada and the cold (and my pretty niece)it's a pleasure to read all the 200 plus posts (not counting other topics and email ;-)). Please bear with me if I comment on a few old ones. (Evelyn)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* Shall I be the only one to say how different kisses can be great? Including closed lipped ones? The Kama Sutra also suggests kissing your partner's lower or upper lip (upper is best, it says). Most men are lousy kissers, IMHO, especially those that think all there is to kissing is sticking a big tongue in their partner's mouth, or getting her face full of blubber (sp?) (Arami)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. Not true. Livia told me they had already visited the Internet when I talked to her last year. Welcome, Mickey :-)

(GI)"Not true. Livia told me they had already visited the Internet when I talked to her last year." Gi, I wasn't around here last year/ Would you mind telling all the newbies here when and where did you have a chance to talk to Livia and what did she have to say?Any detail would be welcome. Thanks

Vera, I talked to her in London, last March at the Donmar, after the show. She was outside with some friends and I told her how much I admired her husband, and that many fans had come from all over the world to watch him play that night; I mentioned we had a site on the web that was dedicated to him and where we chatted sometimes, and invited her/them to join us if she wished. She was very gracious, and said they had connected to the Internet once before and done some surfing, and that she would try it again. I don't remember all the details but I posted them at the time, so if you like, search for the March posts. We all posted our comments then.

Thanks Gi Where were you in Canada?

The Donovan Quick gallery is open: Gallery

Karen, I've just visited the DQ gallery. It is wonderful. Thanks very much.

(Vera)Where were you in Canada? In Toronto, and in Collingwood for the weekend. If I had planned this more carefully (and more in advance) I'd have called for you ladies living in the area to meet me for tea or something. As it was, I was Springless, but had my time quite full with my family. A week is so short!

Great job, Karen! Thank you!

Yes, great job with your DQ gallery, O Karen, Queen of Snappies. I see you included the rear view mirror view. No hair wranglers on this set, obviously :-(. CAMILLE REMINDER VCRs are at the ready. Bethan, I believe it's May 5th for MLSF in the UK. You're going to love it.

From the London Theatre Guide Newsletter: 15 Years Ago: " Anthony Hopkins and Colin Firth had just opened in Schnitzler's The Lonely Road at the Old Vic." Did anybody see it?

No to my everlasting regret - I lived near London then and often went to the theatre - I believe it was even played at a local theatre - The Yvonne Arnaud in Guildford - I do remember seeing Anthony Andrews. But apart from watching him play soccer in a charity match and watching a couple of his early t.v. shows I didn't realise who he was - although I always liked his acting ability. But I do vaguely remember a long lanky player with a particular run playing in the soccer match. Anne H

This Sunday's Mobile Masterpiece Theatre on PBS Turn of the Screw. Finally! I saw this posted on RoP.

NEWSFLASH, Renee Zelwegger to play Bridget!!! see topic #80

(Moon) This Sunday's Mobile Masterpiece Theatre on PBS Turn of the Screw. Finally! Yes, Moon, TTOTS will be broadcast this Sunday at 9 p.m. It seems to be receiving favorable press (surprising, given how it was pretty much picked over by the British press, but that's happened before). TV Guide says "Jodhi May shines..."

Having just posted that, I see in my NY Times a not-so-favorable review that is more in tune with the British reviews.

I taped "Camille" yesterday on the Romance Channel...and viewed it last night...I take it all back....it's a lousy production,alright.Esp. the script. But he looks gorgeous.I guess I have a thing for Joe Prince and Armand...the kind of a guy that sticks by you "in sickness and in health".

Thanks Eileen...just read the NY times review...no mention of CF at all..but "Jodhi May, as the poor governess, spends most of the 90 minutes looking furtive, suspicious and slightly demented, as well as scared of her own shadow." That slightly better than the London Times which said she spent the whole 90 minutes with "mouth ajar". Ouch.They don't recommend.

I will add the few minutes Colin appears to my Camille tape. I can see Milos Forman casting him as Valmont after having viewed Camille. He does debauch� and sweet very well. He cetainly did get starring roles back then, on film and in the theatre. He probably thought he was on the road to major stardom until Dangerous Liasons sent him hiding in the woods of Canada. Now he does not get a mention in the NYT for TOTS and we are still debating whether he will play Mark Darcy.

Come on! He still gets starring roles in the theatre and I am sure would get more if he could afford it. He may well be being offered starring roles on film. Okay, not Hollywood. Valmont saw to that and it was not his fault. But the Maid of Buttermere is obviously an offer whether he accepts or not. And on TV he is obviously considered very bankable. He is a British star and is a household name here, at least to television audiences. That may not make him millions but it is where he lives and chooses to base himself. He may never be Anthony Hopkins. But he is a niche player who is never out of work. Think if he did land a multimillion paycheck for a role, I suspect he would flee to the Umbrian Hills and never appear again.

(Moon) Now he does not get a mention in the NYT for TOTS I'm OK with this--it was a lousy review, after all. Besides, his picture is there (the one we've all seen before, except they cropped the top of his head, puffy h**r and all).

3DOR was really a co-starring role, it was an ensemble cast. We hope he is offered a starring role in the theatre soon. Allison, it was just an observation, I agree with you. He is never out of work.

I'm curious to know what you think of TTOTS.

TTOTS seems a long time ago now, and excepting one bad review (the Times?) got uniformly very good reviews and 5 star ratings in the UK. I think reading the novella (which most critics had) does help. It's out on vodeo here soon as the "acclaimed" production!

(Bethan)I think reading the novella (which most critics had) does help. Probably. I side with the "mouth ajar" critics :-(

Hi, ladies ;-) I can't wait to see ODB in The Turn of the Screw although he only has a few minutes of show. Here is local PBS' introdution of it: This adaptation of Henry James' gothic tale -- which many believe to be one of the all-time great ghost stories -- is a psychological portrait of a new governess who attempts to exorcise the ghosts menacing the two small children in her care. Colin Firth, Pam Ferris and Jodhi May star. -------- They do list DB's name first on the main cast (for his few precious moment in the film ;-))

Karen, thanks so much for the DQ gallery, I only now had some time to look it through and enjoy it. Great work. (Allison)Think if he did land a multimillion paycheck for a role, I suspect he would flee to the Umbrian Hills and never appear again. Agreed! That�s what he would do I�m sure, and that�s what I have secretly feared, as much as I�d enjoy seeing him in a major role in a major film.

(Allison)Think if he did land a multimillion paycheck for a role, I suspect he would flee to the Umbrian Hills and never appear again. (Elena) Agreed! That�s what he would do I�m sure, and that�s what I have secretly feared, as much as I�d enjoy seeing him in a major role in a major film. Eek! That's a frightening thought, but it does sound reasonable. Therefore we must hope that ODB does lots more of that personally satisfying, but low paying stage work :-).

paycheck That should read paycheque of course! See what a bad influence you all are:-)

Mini newsflash! MLSF will be screened at the Bradford Film Festival on Wednesday 8 March at 8.15pm as part of "Focus America", sponsored by American Airlines, along with "The Insider", "The Hurricanne", Cradle will Rock", "Lake Placid", "Any given Sunday" "boys Don't Cry" and "Galaxy Quest". Good company, I think! The bad news (and I'm no longer finding this funny)is that in the comprehensive programme, they manage to completely miss out CF's name. MLSF is listed as starring Rosemary Harris, Malcolm McDowell, Tcheky Karyo and Robert Norman. The opening blurb also says "British talent is evident as always with Hugh Hudson as director of MLSF, rising star Emily Watson joining the stellar cast of "Cradle will Rock" and Alan Rickman in "Galaxy Quest". How come it's always his name? I actually read the credits for the other movies...no-one else is "overlooked". There are pics of Russell Crowe, Aln Rickman etc, but for MLSF there's a sweeping shot of a young boy on a beach, not the usual promotional shots which we've seen. The programme has gone out to half a million people, some of whom may be CF fans. I'm beginning to subscribe to a conspiracy theory!! Shall complain!

Firing my last indignant salvo.... Reading the blurb on MLSF they seem to be promoting it entirely on the David Puttnam/Hugh Hudson connection (which won't mean much to younger movie goers). It's as though "Colin Firth in a starring role" isn't worth a mention...and this is really what they should be stressing, not DP!! Puzzled as ever...

Please do complain, Bethan, this is too much.

In more positive mode!.. This is a terrific festival held at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, and MLSF is in great company... "special previews of acclaimed new films from the world's dominant film-making country". All the Oscar-nominated films are here ("Cider House Rules" opens). Lord Puttnam hosts the opening night on March 3. I'm sure he'll promote MLSF!

Bethan, do you have a telephone number so that we can all complain at the disgraceful ommission of the star of the film, again. Hope this doesn't repeat when it opens for general release.

Ann, on reflection (have simmered down now! :-)), I think it may be a genuine (but unfortunate) typographic error, as MEM and IJ are also omitted. But I'll ring up about it! Have to say that MLSF features very prominently in the programme...large accompanying photo (of the curling rink, not the beach) CF omission aside, I'm actually very pleased about this, and think it bodes well for the release of MLSF in the UK. It's been given a good slot..."The Insider" shows on Tuesday evening, then MLSF on Wed. evening, and "Being John Malkovich" on Thursday evening...no 1.00pm showings! I know this is a regional Film Festival, but they are showing some firtst-rate films, and i think it's a compliment to MLSF to see it included. Murph...do you want to include this in your News (for UK fans obviously). It's the first time MLSF has been screened in the UK. I think I've given all the details in my other postings. To recap, MLSF is being shown for the first time in the UK on Wednesday 8 March at 8.15pm at the Bradford Film Festival 2000 at the National Museum of Photography Film and Television, as part of "Focus America", bringing special previews of acclaimed new films from the US ("The Insider", "Hurricane", "Being John Malkovich" "The Cider House Rules" etc) BTW the date for MLSF is given as 2000 (1999 for all other movies). Has it been re-edited, again?

Fair enough Bethan, but I do think it would be a good idea for someone to point out the omission. Good for you.

(Bethan) I think it may be a genuine (but unfortunate) typographic error, as MEM and IJ are also omitted. I agree--must be a mistake. I find it hard to believe the star's name would be omitted in the same country where his 5 minute cameo provided the entire promotional approach for a TV movie. *scratching my head* I'm also surprised to see Any Given Sunday on the list. The sheer irony of Lawrence Taylor's or Jim Brown's role would be lost on the audience. Well, you do get to see Al Pacino yell and scream alot... It is a wide variety of films, most of which did/are doing well either critically or in the BO (except Lake Placid), so you're right, Bethan, MLSF finds itself in good company.

OT followup to the earlier discussion of transatlantic casting changes: (from What's On News http://www.whatson.com/wos/news/ ) Hit Plays do a Transatlantic Swap -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 25 February 2000 Stringent rules imposed by American Equity, the actor's union, have been bypassed in a deal that enables the West End hit The Real Thing to transfer to Broadway in March with its English cast in tact. Perhaps because it feels threatened by the worldwide reputation of English actors for excellence, American Equity has for many years blocked the wholesale transfer of London casts to Broadway. But in a conciliatory move this week, it has reached an agreement with UK Equity to allow The Real Thing to cross the Atlantic next month in exchange for Warren Leight's award-winning play Side Man, just opened at the Apollo, which consists of the entire Broadway cast, plus one new member of the cast, Jason Priestley, also an American, well known from the long-running soap, Beverly Hills 90210. One reason for the settlement was that both plays have exactly the same number of actors in the cast - seven - thus avoiding quota wrangles. Ron Kastner, the American producer of The Real Thing, admitted that American Equity are more intransigent on the subject of exchanges than British Equity. "They simply don't want English actors to take roles that could go to Americans," he said. Top producer Cameron Mackintosh has had a number of clashes with American Equity, notably over the casting of Jonathan Pryce as the Eurasian pimp in his US production of Miss Saigon in 1990. When he threatened to cancel the whole thing, Equity relented and after finally opening in April 1991, it recouped its $10.9m investment in 39 weeks. Trevor Nunn also had a run-in with the union last year after they refused to allow the leading players in his award-winning revival of Oklahoma to transfer, insisting on an indigenous cast. For Jennifer Ehle and Stephen Dillane, the stars of The Real Thing, a high profile Broadway run is bound to open up other career opportunities. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Eileen) Well, you do get to see Al Pacino yell and scream alot. Are you referring to Any Given Sunday or The Insider? Or doesn't it matter. ;-) Thanks, Chris. Equity's rules are quota-driven. Now, what 3 actor show is currently on or off-Broadway that could transfer to London? ;-)

MLSF is being shown for the first time in the UK on Wednesday 8 March at 8.15pm at the Bradford Film Festival 2000 at the National Museum of Photography Film and Television, Well that shoots down my theory of a big splashy Charity Benefit London Premiere.I have never heard of the Bradford FF...is that the museum on the South Bank in London? ~~~~ Thanks Chris.TRT for Sideman? I saw the latter on B'way. We got a better deal;-)

Don't deny us Brits Any Given Sunday because we won't get all the ironies; otherwise we might have to retaliate by making a film focusing on soccer and giving it incredibly limited release in the US (oh, no, done that already). Will America or Canada be more upset by "Jason Priestley, also an American"?

(Eileen) Well, you do get to see Al Pacino yell and scream alot. (Karen),Are you referring to Any Given Sunday or The Insider? Or doesn't it matter. ;-) Hard to tell with that Method actor. ;-) Thanks Chris!

(Karen) Now, what 3 actor show is currently on or off-Broadway that could transfer to London? ;-) Easy. Bash is already in London, and has gotten outstanding reviews. Wit, with Kathleen Chalfont, is going to London in April, I believe. I still say 3DOR ain't coming back to NYC, no matter who would be in the cast. It's played/is playing in cities across the country with local actors; nothing exclusive about it anymore. (Mark) Will America or Canada be more upset by "Jason Priestley, also an American"? Hee, hee. I think we Yanks definitely got the raw deal on that one, Mark, just as we get blamed for Jim Carrey (who I actually like, BTW). On the other hand, it *is* a rather loose border; maybe "What's On Stage" figures we all sound alike, so what's the diff?;-) And how come JP gets a US union card, when they count JE against the Brit quota? It's all smoke and mirrors, if you ask me;-)

Nobody chews scenery with quite the aplomb of Al Pacino. I never thought of Colin Firth as being a method actor, although he probably touched on the technique in some of his drama school classes. Stanislavsky never called it the Method; he called it the System. Lee Strasberg is responsible for the name "Method". When Stella Adler travelled to the then USSR to visit with Stanislavsky a few years before he died, she found that Stanislavsky didn't really approve of the changes Strasberg had made to the technique. Adler went back to New York and taught the real Stanislavsky method, er system. Many actors considered Adler a better drama coach than Strasberg. Then again, it is all relative.

To All: Bethan, I'll get the news up now on MLSF. Thanks. Al Pacino, who I grant can chew up the scenery better than anyone else I know, is restrained (for him) in The Insider. I was pleasantly surprised at how his role and Russell's blended and worked so well together. Plummer is terrific too. I can't believe they left him off the Oscar noms. Murph

Hello everyone. This is actually my first time posting on this board. But I have VERY important CF info for those of you who live in the US. On your local PBS station, Master Piece Theatre will be showing "The Turning of the Screw" on this Sunday at 9pm (at least they are here in NY on channel 13). CF is one of the main characters. So check out your local listings for your PBS station! Good luck finding it, and happy viewing!!! ~Liz K

WELCOME LIZ Thank you for posting your news. We all are looking forward to viewing all of TTOTS. Some of us who were in London in mid -January got a peak at the tape....but CF only has a 4 minute appearance. But hey, that's two minutes more than The Secret Garden. Stick around, we love newbies on Drool.

An FOFer found this yesterday: From The Independent: Rumours that Colin Firth, aka Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and the object of Bridget's slavering affections, will play the love interest Mark Darcy remained unconfirmed yesterday. His agent said simply: "I have no idea." Murph

(Murph) From The Independent: Rumours that Colin Firth, aka Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and the object of Bridget's slavering affections, will play the love interest Mark Darcy remained unconfirmed yesterday. His agent said simply: "I have no idea." Isn't that a hoot? Saw that posted over on the Bridget topic. Attention, Colin's agent: If you don't want to know what we think of you, don't read Topic 80. Welcome Liz! (Temporarily lost my Welcome gif but Karen's got a bunch.) Thanks for the news of TOTS. Keep on coming back if you want to know more about his other projects. Hope you keep posting too. I haven't decided which of my CF tapes I'll tag those four TOTS minutes onto. Perhaps I'll make up a special Cameo Tape and include those four minutes at the end of The Secret Garden. ;-) Let's see, what else can we include?

Thanks, Murph, Karen has already posted that on our BJD topic (#80). We've already roasted and toasted *hee hee* CF's agent. Welcome, Liz, from your neighbor in channel 13 country *waving to you from Jersey*

(Bethan) To recap, MLSF is being shown for the first time in the UK ................... as part of "Focus America", bringing special previews of acclaimed new films from the US Pardon me, MLSF and "Focus AMERICA"??? Obviously I missed something substantial. =8-o Has Scotland recently joined the US of A?

Evelyn, you asked where Bradford is. It is in West Yorkshire, about 7 miles from Leeds airport. Looks as though it mae be kind of close for someone. ;-)

Everyone: Sorry about posting the old news re BJD and CF's agent. I should have checked first. I'll hide over to #80 to see what is being said! Murph

Pardon me, MLSF and "Focus AMERICA"??? LOL! Renate, the sad truth is, American money funds the British talent... TEP, SIL - even P&P2 - can be easily claimed as American funded.

Hey, I didn't mean sad as in tragic, OK? American co-production normally guarantees American release, so that's not sad. And in view of the common language (of sorts...;-)) it makes perfect sense. What is sad, however, is the fact that the UK film industry cannot seem to manage anything above "small budget".

(Bethan)Looks as though it may be kind of close for someone. ;-) Do you plan to go, Bethan? (Arami)TEP, SIL - even P&P2- can be easily claimed as American funded. But SIL was poached as being the British Film of 1999 by ...was it Evening Standard award? Pretty cheeky;-)

Well, there must be some balance preserved here... some compromise is obviously inevitable on occasions... ;-P

Thank you for the welcome everyone. *Wave back to you Eileen!* I had no idea that his part was to be so short. Oh well...I am actually recovering from having all 4 of my wisdom teeth pulled (I look like a chipmunk who got away with grapefruits rather than acorns)...any glimpse of CF will be a welcome sight on the road to recovery. :) Thank you again for the welcome.

Grrr Have finished reading Armadillo. Another ambiguous ending, although this should be great. Lorimer is a man of 1000 faces and clothing styles. Colin is going to be delectable in this. Sort of reminds me of The Prisoner.

New pic of Jess on Ulrike's page: http://hometown.aol.com/fitzwilliamdarcy/index.htm

Neat picture. Where is it from? Sort of looks like a cornfield behind him. He never wears that outfit in the movie to my recollection.

Where is it from? From a German TV magazine, TV Spielfilm. And it is stampsize in print.

Wow! Girls, if you were thinking about skipping this picture, don't. Delicious. That movie was good for something.

Never ever skip anything to do with ODB.

Counting the minutes for Colin's four-minute cameo ;-)

Firth is now on the http://www.spring.net webcam.

Well...I saw it! I must say, despite the lack of...exposure (for lack of a better word)...that CF had, I thought it was a good old gothic tale of good and evil. But, as for CF, himself...what did you all make of the character? My mother and I thought that perhaps it was he (the master..aka CF) that was the evil one, and not the red headed man..whatever his name was..Peter Quint, was it? Anyway. I thought that CF's character was very fwd towards the girl...especially for an interview...But I do not believe that I have seen him smile so much in a period piece as I did in this one! My mother and I were oogling over him, and my father (who was watching it as well) was berating us for acting as such. He said "Elizabeth! You are 22 y/o, and you are acting like a love-sick teenager!" I replied, "He's only the best actor and the most handsome to ever act!!! So what if I am love sick over him!??!!" Anyway! :) enough of my rambling! what did you all think of it? either how he looked, acted or if you thought he was really the evil one, etc...

My TOTS Cliff's notes: The story focuses on Miss, played by Jodhi May. Miss, having heard that the governess union's dental plan now covers orthodontics, eagerly applies for a position in the household of The Master, played by Colin Firth. Firth, having more sense than the rest of us, leaves after 4 1/2 minutes. Having realized that she's failed the interview to appear on Who Wants To Marry An Irresponsible Millionaire, Miss nonetheless receives a lovely parting gift in the form of the home version of the game. Upon her arrival at The Master's country estate, she takes charge of his young niece and nephew. The children, caught in a dreadful 35-year time warp since their appearance in Mary Poppins, seem to be keeping mysterious secrets. Miss quickly assumes that they have been corrupted by the estate's former employees and subjected to unspeakable cruelties, like being forced to watch WWF Smackdown on Thursday nights. Quint, The Master's late valet, speaks not, but furtively and angrily peeks inside the home, perhaps looking for his agent. Tortured by apparitions and sadly lacking the fortitude of, say, Maria Von Trapp, Miss finally takes charge and decides to show the kids who's boss by issuing the ultimate disciplinary admonition, "I'll wring your neck." The End

Miss finally takes charge and decides to show the kids who's boss by issuing the ultimate disciplinary admonition, "I'll wring your neck." LOL, Mari! Your notes are a must for all students:-) BTW I have been experimenting with the UK's latest and most popular search engine *Ask Jeeves* http://www.ask.co.uk Yesterday I asked it an obscure question abour a little known medieval cleric and it came back with fabulously relevant hits. Today I asked *Who is Colin Firth?* and it could not tell me! What is going on????

Allison, Jeeves has answers to your question. It knows his bio, filmography, and can even direct you to some of Colin's webpages. Try again.

The Master's late valet, speaks not, but furtively and angrily peeks inside the home, perhaps looking for his agent. ROTFLOL! Mari! I tapped and will watch it tonight. I will keep your review in mind.

LOL Mari!! having heard that the governess union's dental plan now covers orthodontics If that was the case, why had they not started on Miles? ;-) I found his buck teeth more annoying than Jodhi's open-mouthed performance. Sorry, Liz, but I am more in Mari's camp on this one. I thought the production really lacked in the suspense department, among others. IMO Miss came off as a sicko (using the clinical term) and the whole thing was in her mind caused by some vague combination of sexual hysteria, compounded by her deeply religious upbringing. The children were not treacly sweet enough to suit me. I think the ones in the old movie "The Innocents" were far more creepy. Also, were you aware that Miss caused Flora to go mad? That was not explained. Miss ruined both children's lives. As to Master, he obviously didn't have the time to do wardrobe fittings. Ack, that collar. And the hair! Sorry, but that pouffy do wasn't at all flattering. Yes, he smiled alot.

As to Master, he obviously didn't have the time to do wardrobe fittings. Ack, that collar. I remember commenting on his collar back when his TOTS picture was posted here. Why doesn't Colin tell them? The only answer is that he is not aware of it himself! He does not have a taylor on Saville Row. :-(

...and there's still that wonderful voice!

BTW, Teletext has another mention of Relative Values, on a listing of upcoming films. Says to be released May 19, even though I'm told that's not the case anymore. Relative Values This star-packed film adaption of Noel Coward's play sees the return of Julie Andrews, ably supported by Colin Firth and Stephen Fry among others. The characteristic tippy-toed ennui of the stage play comes to the screen. Released May 19 tippy-toed ennui Eowww :-(

LOL, Mari! (Allison) Today I asked *Who is Colin Firth?* and it could not tell me! What is going on???? Jeeves is really Colin's agent. (Karen) Ack, that collar. And the hair! Sorry, but that pouffy do wasn't at all flattering. I found the hair alot less distracting than those 'Lee Press On' sideburns. He was very charming, though. Our satellite-feed MPT isn't broadcast until tonight. I managed to sneak away and watch CF's 4 minutes on a spare TV, but skipped the rest. Am undecided about watching the whole thing tonight. Evelyn is right--Jodhi looks *ahem* somewhat less than attractive, shall we say?

(Eileen) Evelyn is right--Jodhi looks *ahem* somewhat less than attractive, shall we say? You mean you found Mrs. Grose's comment that the Master likes "pretty young things" unrealistic? Miss Jessel looked like the woman who played the crazy Mrs. Rochester in Jane Eyre over 15 years ago.

(Karen) You mean you found Mrs. Grose's comment that the Master likes "pretty young things" unrealistic? Sorry, only saw the first 4 minutes.

Mari: You have outdone yourself! May I add a short review of the first 4 minutes? "Mr Firth, who played the Master very briefly, was apparently wardrobed in an outfit for a much larger actor left over from a road company of Wuthering Heights. His hair was done by Greg, of Greg's Hair Mania, Lodi, New Jersey. Mr. Greg, as he likes to be called, is hair stylist for The Sopranos." Seriously, it wasn't that good aside from his glorious voice, very boring actually. After the first 15 minutes or so, I switched to the 10th Kingdom for awhile which was kind of fun, and finally to a new book. The sound was great though! I'm asking Clive about that portrait you glimpsed when Miss first entered the house and climbed the stairs. CF really looked great in it. Murph Yes, Eileen, those stick on sideburns were unfortunate. They looked like temporary attachments. It gets me mad that the wardrobe and hair people didn't take better care of him.

Karen and all: I just finished Armadillo too. It is an odd kind of book. Poor Lorimer Black reminded me, by the end, of Griffin Dunne in After Hours. One sort of nightmarish, puzzling meeting after another. The party at his boss's palatial home is the example that best fits my analogy. I liked it though, and it will be a great part for CF. He is the voice and the centerpiece of the whole book. There isn't a scene in it where he hasn't a role. Ambiguous ending too leaves a lot for thought....or a sequel? Murph And if you ever had kinky dreams about CF in armor, this is for you (LOL)

LOL Mari...I don't want anybody making fun of Camille after this one;-) BTW saw that Susie Clegg was the script supervisor...didn't she do same for P&P. "You missed this time, Susie" As to Master, he obviously didn't have the time to do wardrobe fittings. Ack, that collar. Hey they put all the money into renting the house....the tailor at Oxfam missed out on that coat too. The former owner had a broader back. Nicky Dear took lots of liberties from the book. Do you realize that Quint was supposed to resemble the master? Are you really gonna buy this tape, Karen.? The jacket isn't the same as the ad.You musta liked Quint, he's featured on the front...not Colin. Don't get me started on Jodhi May...not just mouth ajar, but permanent scowl too. Who wouldn't have gone mad in that place...even without the ghosts? Did anyone notice the first painting on the staircase wall ? Much resembled "you know who";-) Must agree with London and NY Times...."skip it."

(Murph) Master very briefly, was apparently wardrobed in an outfit for a much larger actor left over from a road company of Wuthering Heights....After the first 15 minutes or so, I switched to the 10th Kingdom Isn't that the show that NBC used to recycle costumes from Leprechauns? After Hours. One sort of nightmarish, puzzling meeting after another. The party at his boss's palatial home is the example Good analogy. My most eagerly awaited segment has to be THE KISS. Even though Flavia is the initiator, Colin cannot do his usual pathetic excuse for a kiss in this one. (Evelyn) Do you realize that Quint was supposed to resemble the master? Does it say that in the book? Can't remember, but it would make sense, although that red-headed mean-looking guy didn't look like the smiling sweetie at the beginning. ;-) (Evelyn) Are you really gonna buy this tape, Karen.? The jacket isn't the same as the ad. *rant rant* Those dummies! Those marketing dummies at PBS!! Can you believe those *marketing dummies* at PBS thought they could come up with a better cover!! Am livid. Having Colin on the cover was the only chance anyone would buy this video. *moderately calmed down, but still out of my mind* Well, could still buy the PAL version from blackstar.com just for the box. Is only 12.99 and shipping is free; about the same as if I bought the PBS version. ;-) (Evelyn) Did anyone notice the first painting on the staircase wall? They shot past it so quickly. But looked like a better portrait than of Fitzwiliam Darcy.

I just had to copy this here. A comment from a guy at ROP who watched TTOTS. Amazing what people notice: "My two biggest complaints here were that the "ghosts" were too, um, corporeal. The original story makes them completely ambiguous, IIRC. But as clever as the jumpcuts were, that ambiguity slipped a bit as the program went on. One scene in particular--the camera draws back to show the two governesses descending the staircase; a light throws the shadow of the "ghost" against the wall. Unavoidable, but the wrong effect--the other times we've seen the "ghosts", it's been directly from the POV of one of the characters. Here, the 3rd person POV of the camera implies the ghost is real.

(Eileen) 'Lee Press On' sideburns. PFFT! (Good thing E-Z Wipe monitor cover is firmly in place this morning.;-) (Murph) His hair was done by Greg, of Greg's Hair Mania, Lodi, New Jersey. Mr. Greg, as he likes to be called, is hair stylist for The Sopranos." Too funny, Murph. Poor Mr. Greg is so accustomed to hearing "Greggie, I needa litta maw height in da crown" that he just caves I'm afraid.;-) Let us know what you find out about that delicious portrait. (Evelyn) Nicky Dear took lots of liberties from the book. Do you realize that Quint was supposed to resemble the master? Is that right? The guy last night was a cross between Red Buttons and Martin van Buren.;-) Is the book less ambiguous than this adaptation? Clearly, it pointed to Miss being the nutty one, yet she was able to describe people that she otherwise wouldn't have known the appearance of. And that housekeeper certainly didn't help things, adding fuel to the fire. Does the housekeeper realize she's nuts at the end, and if so, why did she leave Miles behind? And when Miles starts "speaking" to Quint at the very end, is he just trying to humor Miss, having realized that she's out of it? A belated welcome to Liz! Don't worry, honey, I'm sure there are others who liked the show. I'm actually going to give it a second chance tonight.

(Mari) The guy last night was a cross between Red Buttons and Martin van Buren.;-) Ha! Or do you mean Nigel Hawthorne playing Martin Van Buren. I think everyone looked like Martin Van Buren at that time... even Colin! Is the book less ambiguous than this adaptation? Yes. Does the housekeeper realize she's nuts at the end, and if so, why did she leave Miles behind? Mrs. Grose should not be taken as an authority on anything. She's a good-hearted, although ignorant country woman (remember, she couldn't read). She was easily influenced and probably believed in ghosts herself. She took Flora away because Flora was driven insane. And when Miles starts "speaking" to Quint at the very end, is he just trying to humor Miss, having realized that she's out of it? Am going to have to rewind to hear what he says, but thought he was questioning rather than speaking to Quint, like "is he there? do you see him" In the book, Miss sees "him" but Miles asks her, "is it Miss Jessel." He sees nothing.

LOL!!! Thanks Mari and others for making an otherwise mundane Monday morning more bearable. I think Henry James is turning over in his grave� didn�t the host of MPT say something to the effect that some of his writings before this had been disasters�something about a play being laughed off the stage�can�t quite recall. If he only knew�what they�ve done to the screenplay adaptation of his book. The only interesting thing about this movie was the one shot of the lady ghost standing on the bank (looked like she was missing her eyes) and seeing how they could best cover up Jodhi May�s bad skin.

It seems to me that Colin was driven to this project by reading the book only... I can't believe he is happy with the result.

Just before Christmas I was watching Richard & Judy (yes, very sad I know) when they were previewing the forthcoming Christmas Televisual Feast. They (or rather a journalist woman -name escapes me- but clearly a woman of taste) made a big hoohar about TOTS and specifically CFs performance, showed a clip ..basically most of ODBs performance and then rolled about on the floor it fits of hysteria at his wonderfully earnest line. "Let me place my confidence in you!" Cant think what they found so hilarious ;-D *tongue firmly lodged in cheek* (Eileen) 'Lee Press On' sideburns. He seemed to be trying his best to do an Elvis! Murph - And if you ever had kinky dreams about CF in armor, this is for you You can just imagine the puzzled look on Jupiter's face as this strange being bumbles about with the helmet firmly wedged ROTFLOL

Renate, thanks for the new photo of Jess ~ WOW!!

Am I the only one who thought TTOTS was okay? Plus the majority of the critics in the UK, plus a colleague at work who did his MA thesis on Henry James? He thought the adaptation mirrored the ambiguities of the book, and that it wasn't a ghost story but a study of sexual hysteria, with the relationship with Miles and infatuation with the Master being particularly relevant. He also commented on the ending...there's something significant about the actual direction in which the Governess is looking. I'll have to watch it again. And surely Jodhi May wasn't supposed to be beautiful? But if viewers found CF's performance funny...that really would be the worst thing for him, especially after all the quite unjustified hype. Viewers can be very fickle. I personally don't think he'll ever do another costume drama. I also think that he also would have expected DQ (completed in April) to be shown before TTOTS (completed in August and not intended originally for a Christmas slot) As it is, I think TTOTS may have been one cameo too many for him....after Darcy, viewers would expect to see him in a starring role. No more cameos, please...EVER!!!!

Well not much to add to the TOTS review except to agree on the Liberace big hair on Colin and those sideburns by Sally Hansen. I also hated way the director had him use the "thin grin" throughout his microwave performance. I think that gives him a weak look as though he has no lips. Good grief they had him in and out so fast I am surprised he wasn't conducting the interview during the opening credits. All I could hear in my head was the Darcy proposal in P&P- I could not even see this character. Too Deja Vu.

Actually, Mickie, I have to disagree, I don't think he was at all like Darcy, too much smiling and although I didn't like the hair the sideburns or the clothes I thought he was fine in his portrayal of the Master, too bad about the rest of it. CF is the only actor I know who is so different in every part, he can look so different and if it weren't for his voice or his familiar gait, helf you wouldn't know it was him, I guess that is his problem he is too good for his own good, and people don't recognise him, unlike RF, or Rufus Sewell or KB or R. Everett and many many more who just play themselves. Apologies for any fans of the aforementioned, only my humble opinion.

Everyone: The newest issue of Premiere (with Luscious Law on the cover) is dedicated to "Screen Lust," and they have a page on the best, the worst, the kinkiest, etc. One of the categories is "The Moment DVD Was Invented For." In it are listed moments like Gere bottomless in American Gigolo, Sharon Stone's flash in Basic Instinct. Why did I immediately think of Playmaker???? It's actually a neat page, running the gamit from Beauty and the Beast (Gene Wilder and sheep in "Everything You Always Wanted..,") to sexiest entrance in a film (Marlon Brando in "Streetcar" and Marilyn in "Some Like It Hot.") TEP outside the Christmas party won for "Best Quickie," and Joan Allen and Jamie Sheridan for worst quickie in The Ice Storm. We could do a whole Firth Lust Thing on this: 1. Sexiest Entrance 2. The Funniest 3. In Praise of Older Women 4. Sexiest Scene That Didn't Involve Sex 5. Gourmet Sex 6. Best Kiss 7. Great Moments in Voyeurism 8. The Moment DVD Was Invented For Wanna Try? Murph

Hello and welcome Liz. Your mother also like Colin Firth, my mother has no idea who he is and couldn't possibly care less. The sideburns, well they weren't really correct to period. They should have been larger, great honking muttonchop whiskers. Sorry ladies, it was the fashion -- or lack thereof. The costuming for the entire cast overall was exceptionally good -- upholding the reputation for British television drama period costume design and research. The film was not comparable to "The Innocents"; I hadn't expected it to be. "The Innocents" is still one of the most frightening movies I have ever seen. It is a very intelligent and psychological horror film. However, I had hoped this new production of "The Turn of the Screw" would have been better, since I do like the Henry James novella so much. I'm going to duck for cover after making this statement. We should have never seen the Master at all. His presence should be implied, in essence his presence is emphasized by his absence. Spoken of, but never seen, if you will. We should still percieve his implied presence as acutely as if it were a physical presence. But should never see him. Aside from that gaff the script was very good, actually quite accurate to Henry James. And I have read the story. The real problem with this production was the direction. The director appears to have spent all the time working with the children. They and their scenes were the high points of this production. Flora and Miles were innocents, they give the impression of possibly being in the thrall of evil, yet they could simply be nothing more than spirited children. Innocent in the sense of lacking the experience and knowlege to comprehend the extent of the corruption the may carry. Again it is implication. That was something the production did right. What was wrong with it? The tone. The film lacked a sense of ambuguity, or of psychological complexity. The characterizations were off. Mrs. Grose was physically a formidable women, but she lacked strength of personality and that was wrong. The performance was one of hand-wringing. The housekeeper was unlettered, but she was a country woman who was certain what she knew, and she was tough. As for Miss -- yeee -- well where to I start. Wrong, wrong, wrong. The Miss's sexual hysteria is an important component of this story, but it should have been repressed. No High Victorian household would have employed a young woman for any appreciable length of time to be in charge of children, when she was just so -- flighty. She should have had the outward demeanor of being sensible and controlled, but inwardly seething with religious conviction and sexual repression. The strength of "The Turn of the Screw" is its dichotomy. We should never be sure if there are ghosts afoot, or if the governess's own obsessions are the evil in question. Or both. In short, it was an oversimplification of one the most stunningly, pschycologically complex stories ever written.

I have to agree with AnnW, the Master did not remind me at all of Darcy. He was smiling way too much and trying to charm her. Darcy never tried to charm anybody. He never practiced enough. ;-) Bethan, as I recall, the reviews were very mixed in the UK on TTOTS and I have them up on The Bucket's page: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/tots.html#Reviews Most of the early December ones were very much based on the publicity materials sent around. The others nearer to the broadcast date seem to have really seen the program. How else do you explain such dead-on critiques as: (Paul Hogart, The Times) Perhaps it was because Jodhi May as the Governess went through the film with her mouth ajar and was clearly bonkers, but the hairs on the back of my neck refused to stand up. Her anguish was plain. Was she really seeing ghosts? Were the children possessed? "For heaven's sake, woman," I shouted at her, "phone a friend!" (Tom Howard, TimeOut) Sexual tension between the Governess and the Master is hinted at in the opening scene, yet this is then virtually ignored. Her increasingly unhinged behaviour seems absurdly melodramatic. The background to her character and the motivations for her behaviour are thin on the ground, and Jodhi May is not a good enough actress to suggest any. Ultimately, her blank bewilderment becomes increasingly irritating. (I won't do the ones about gaping jaws or cetaceans.) But there were quite a few positives, in their defense.

I have to disagree, I don't think he was at all like Darcy, too much smiling and although I didn't like the hair the sideburns or the clothes I thought he was fine in his portrayal of the Master I agree with you, Ann. He's first and foremost character actor, who looks different in every role, and is often not recognised until the credits roll. Which is why he'll never be promoted as a Hollywood movie star a la the pretty boys Jude Law, Rupert Everett, Joe Fiennes etc. I can't say I liked his hair, but that sort of extravagant bouffant style was very much in style in the late Victorian era (check out photos of Disraeli and Prince Albert), and certainly would have been appropriate for a rich and irresponsible bachelor, charming but very superficial.(Nice smile at the end though!) It was costume drama but it wasn't romantic and he wasn't Darcy. I guess what irked me most about TTOTS was the way it was promoted in the media, expressly to boost viewing figures to gain ITV executives their annual bonus. CF was "used". He must have seen it as just a reasonably well-paid one day's work, to offset the fact that post-August he wouldn't be earning anything (or just enough to pay his taxi fare!) But unfortunately something in which he is incidental was given more publicity than, for example, his role in 3DOR. And the public's perception (at least those who don't have the Internet!) may be that he's not getting offers of leading roles. Right, I've had my say! Not too serious, I hope! :-)

(I won't do the ones about gaping jaws or cetaceans.) That was Paul Hoggart of the Times, again,...he shot it down twice! Most of the early December ones were very much based on the publicity materials sent around. The others nearer to the broadcast date seem to have really seen the program. No, all TV previews are based on seeing the complete programme, not just publicity material. Reviewers get advance showings. Enough, I'll bow out of the discussion!

.basically most of ODBs performance and then rolled about on the floor it fits of hysteria at his wonderfully earnest line. "Let me place my confidence in you!" Closer to a seduction...as some reviewer put it. Did master's interview a governess in that manner?He lunged for her hands...I bet considered groping in that era. He must have seen it as just a reasonably well-paid one day's work, to offset the fact that post-August he wouldn't be earning anything (or just enough to pay his taxi fare!) Half day's work he said in his interview , Bethan. He shouldn't take cameo roles like this...it weakens his CV. And Bethan, I have a soft spot in my heart for the TIMES who panned TOTS..aside from being the only UK newspaper that has a world-wide reputation...they gave SLOW a very good review, when all the others were pretty disparaging. Jodi May was a caricature. But the house and grounds were gorgeous. As some one on RoP said, Henry James should be read ( I read it twice)not filmed.(I have the same feeling about BJD) Have to agree with Cheryl, the master never should have been shown...but then who would have looked at TOTS on Boxing Day without CF.They exploited him.