You're right Evelyn, they did exploit CF. He was used! The ignonomy of it. Seriously, he does deserve better. Well "Donovan Quick" was better. It was a terrific role, very dramatic -- which is his greatest strength. Possibly the best part he's had to demonstrate his ability as an actor since "Apartment Zero".

Well "Donovan Quick" was better. It was a terrific role, very dramatic -- which is his greatest strength. Possibly the best part he's had to demonstrate his ability as an actor since "Apartment Zero". Hooray for our side , Cheryl.Thanks to DQ, I will no longer have to say:"He did his best work ten years ago".

Did I start all these italics? Oops!! He shouldn't take cameo roles like this...it weakens his CV. Agree! They exploited him. Agree! (Hope he learns from this experience! Or his agent bins all offers of cameos!) It was a terrific role, very dramatic -- which is his greatest strength. Agree.... strong dramatic roles suit him. As some one on RoP said, Henry James should be read ( I read it twice)not filmed.(I have the same feeling about BJD) Rather reluctantly, I think I might agree with you about BJD. Sometimes, I'm very, very enthusiatic, and then I have my doubts.

What I like about CF is that he is completely modest, if the story calls for him to look gorgeous(P&P & SLOW) then he can looked gorgeous but if he has to have pouffy hair then pouffy hair it is even if it does him no justice, if he has to look scruffy and like an unmade bed(FP) then so be it, scared and war weary (Tumbledown), heavy and bumptious (SIL) and so on, he cares not for his personal looks as he has said in many interviews his face can be improved or not depending on the role, sorry to go on but I have so much admiration for this man and he is so under-rated.

The same scene between the Master and Miss was shown in The Innocents. Michael Redgrave played the Master. There was no sexual tension or seduction in that scene. He was as a reserved, disinterested type. Personally, I didn't like The Innocents. Deborah Kerr was much too old to be believable in that role. I replayed the ending and watched it again with closed captioning. Miles saw absolutely nothing. He even asked "if it was Miss Jessel because Flora told him that the Miss had said she'd seen her." Then Miss says, "Who is He?" Then Miles starts yelling "Quint, Where are you" But the best part of the closed captioning is how they categorize the noises. It is Miss is "panting" and "groaning" and "moaning." There are more sexual references in the closed captioning than by Jodhi.

As much as I personally like "The Innocents", it was still a flaw in that film to show the Master. It still is one of the smartest scary films I've ever seen. But as Karen noted it does have its faults. Yes, Deborah Kerr would never see 40 again and was too old for the part of woman Henry James describes as being 20, but she played the role beautifully. Those are the only things I find fault with in "The Innocents": Kerr's age and actually seeing the Master. Overall, I felt that adaptation mantained the aura of ambuquity.

Hey, I liked TOTS. Yeah, I know, there's always one. It's doubtful I'll watch again but for the first few minutes and I sure won't buy the video but it was beautiful to look at. Unfortunately can't say the same for dear Colin. He had one golden moment at the window, I thought, and that was that. I had a better time with the rest of the story. Having just finished reading it a few days before, I have no trouble saying that the Miss became mad as Miss Ferris had before her and the children were innocents - they saw no ghosts. But all is best to be left to your own interpretation. The program allowed the same interpretation but with a little more mercy than James's story.

(Heide), I have no trouble saying that the Miss became mad as Miss Ferris had before her and the children were innocents - they saw no ghosts. But all is best to be left to your own interpretation. The program allowed the same interpretation but with a little more mercy than James's story. Agreed. Another script error was that we did not get to feel anything for the characters and that lessens the impact at the end. Unfortunately can't say the same for dear Colin. He had one golden moment at the window, I thought, and that was that. I found his performance rather awkward, as if he were unsure of it himself, those smiles? Even that part by the window were he goes and smells a flower was like, "I am here by the window and the flowers are here, I should smell one." Not happy with this one. :-(

(Bethan)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. I found it lacking, especially in the infatuation department. (CherylB)We should have never seen the Master at all. His presence should be implied... (KarenR)(Tom Howard, TimeOut) Sexual tension between the Governess and the Master is hinted at in the opening scene, yet this is then virtually ignored. (Not having read the story) I'm okay with the Master appearing in the beginning, and think we should have had flashbacks all through - Miss's fantasies, shall we say. (Heide)the children were innocents - they saw no ghosts They saw no ghosts, but were they innocents? Aren't we supposed to wonder about this. There's a scene where Miles appears as not innocent at all but aware of some power he has. Unfortunately, I think he was not convincing. (Moon)I found his performance rather awkward, as if he were unsure of it himself, those smiles? Perhaps Colin was, but the Mastwer wasn't. I think he laid the charm rather heavily (well, he didn't have very long to do it...). It would have put me off, but then I'm not a 20 year-old 19th century children's teacher.

I had to spend this afternoon waiting for the Gas engineer to come to service our central heating...and so I thought I'd use the time to check up on a few things! 1. DQ (am still resisting the temptation to watch it! I hope to experience it "live") On the assumption that when it is shown on TV, it will receive some advance publicity, I phoned the BBC Drama Publicity Department (yes, they do have one!). Conversation went as follows: Could you tell me when DQ, produced by BBC Scotland, will be shown? Reply- How did you hear about it? Are you from the Press? No, I'm a member of the public. I read about it on the Internet. It's already been shown in Australia, so I was wondering whether we'd see it in the UK. Reply (annoyed) In Australia? How did that happen? Yes, it will be shown here, in the Summer. When in the Summer? Reply - June, July Make of this what you will. I wish I'd asked why they are not showing it now (just before the BAFTAs!) rather than the holiday period. 2. SLOW..... I rang my nice helpful independent video shop to ask about SLOW, and yes, they are getting it and they'll reserve a copy for me on Monday. But Blockbusters hadn't heard of it and said it wasn't listed. 3. BJD. I rang Working Title to ask when they were atarting filming , and was given the number of the BJD production office which is now in operation. When I rang the office, they couldn't/wouldn't give any info...just said that production was in the "very early stage". And then the Gas engineer arrived! Mixed bag of "news". But I'm looking forward to seeing SLOW again (which I genuinely liked!!). Particularly want to look at the so-called "amateurish" acting by the Nigerian cast...I thought that they were just as I remember from my days in Nigeria...their delivery and intonation is much more emphatic.

(Bethan)so-called "amateurish" acting by the Nigerian cast... They were pretty good IMHO... And Evelyn said they were not Nigerian (but for the actress playing Nimi's mother)...

Good luck with the Gas engineer. Don't let him open holes in your walls ;-) I swear this is to be taken only in a BJD-like context

Re: Sniffing the flowers in TTOTS......they're white lilies, I think. The Governess is subsequently shown looking at the same flowers on the country estate, and then (by association - thinking of the Master?) has her first "vision" of Quint. One reviewer described the vision of Quint as "representing the Master paying the wages of sin". (I couldn't follow this one) Also, why did Miss Jessel commit suicide? Was she pregnant? Was that such a dreadful crime? Wouldn't her erstwhile employer have helped her?

(Bethan)Also, why did Miss Jessel commit suicide? Was she pregnant? Was that such a dreadful crime? Wouldn't her erstwhile employer have helped her? I don't think he would have. Getting pregnant while in his employment and taking care of two children? She would have been dismissed in disgrace, and even if Quint would have married her she would have had to go.

(Gi) Unfortunately, I think he was not convincing. I didn't think the children in this version to be creepy enough. The ones in The Innocents were more phonily sweet and acted as though they had lots to hide. These didn't. I remember the other Flora did seem like she might have been possessed, and Miles was more charismatic and creepy. Bethan, busy day at the telephone. :-) Isn't BBC's reaction (where did you hear about it?) amazing! Did you try the Drama Department? (Bethan) the so-called "amateurish" acting by the Nigerian cast Only the mother is a Nigerian actress. The rest are British actors.

At least your afternoon was productive, Bethan. Reply (annoyed) In Australia? How did that happen? This is the second time I've read that someone at the BBC was 'annoyed' because the film has been aired in Oz. Since BBC Scotland sold its international broadcast rights (correct, Karen?), how come 'big BBC' is annoyed? Anyone know? Or are these folks too far down the food chain to have an adequate understanding of the situation? Re: BJD--sounds like a reasonable answer, since they've only cast one part and they're moving at the speed of fossilization.

Bethan - reply June,July these are nothing months, what a waste, I think I'd rather wait another couple of months and have it in the winter schedules, nobody is going to see it in June/July - but why aren't I surprised!

*slapping Ann's wrist* Since BBC Scotland sold its international broadcast rights (correct, Karen?), how come 'big BBC' is annoyed? Yes, broadcast rights are being sold on a country-by-country basis. And we've all received responses via email from BBC or BBC Scotland to the same effect: surprise that the show has already been shown in Australia and that BBC Worldwide (what they have to do with anything) was going to be checking into things. I'm going to make a call tomorrow to see what I can find out.

ouch!!

Particularly want to look at the so-called "amateurish" acting by the Nigerian cast...I thought that they were just as I remember from my days in Nigeria...their delivery and intonation is much more emphatic. No one in this group said they were "amateurish".The portrayals were done v. well and should have been.... two are from the RSC .Sammy lives in Sussex. All are British actors, except for Nimis' mother..And I'm still bitter about the poor reception that the British public gave that film. So much for UK CF fans who do a lot of grandstanding and don't go to the Box Office.

ouch!! Sorry, had a bad case of the Italics. Am walking around all slanted. ;-)

(Moon)where he goes and smells a flower was like, "I am here by the window and the flowers are here, I should smell one." Very iffy I thought and to be honest the lines didn't help, they weren't great were they, that wonderful voice tried its best with the shoddy material but I thought (and I'm ducking under the duvet to avoid the stones being thrown) that at times the delivery was a little too deliberate. Perhaps he was dragging it out to get a bit more of an earner, they do say time is money:-D

I found it lacking, especially in the infatuation department. Not having read the story) I'm okay with the Master appearing in the beginning, and think we should have had flashbacks all through - Miss's fantasies, shall we say. (Gi) I thought the opening scene should have been shot at a much more leisurely pace, perhaps showing the gauche young girl entering the palatial house, waiting in an entrance hall, being taken by a servant to see the Master in a more formal setting , and then a longer conversation, with pauses, and finally the Master accompanying her back to the entrance hall, taking her hand and smiling...that's how I would have directed it! Also, if I had been the director, the minute CF appeared on set, I would have smacked his bottom and sent him home to change...well, at least back to the Wardrobe Dept! Change the frockcoat, the loose fitting collar and shirt, the floppy tie, the trousers...well fortunately (unfortunately?) we didn't really see them, but I'll bet they were baggy! :-) I don't think he is at all aware of how he looks (this is not a criticism!!)

Now Karen - don't you go blaming me for this slanty business. It was Ok when I looked at my posting honest (if you don't believe me check out Wordpad!) (Bethan) - SLOW..... I rang my nice helpful independent video shop I wish I had a pet independent vid shop near me. Nobody I've asked Woolies WHSmith Blockbuster OurPrice etc etc etc seem to ahve heard of it...I may as well have been speaking Tharg-ish if you had seen the gormless expressions I got in response

No one in this group said they were "amateurish".The portrayals were done v. well and should have been.... two are from the RSC .Sammy lives in Sussex. No, it wasn't comments from the group, it was from a couple of the hostile youthful "reviewers"...quite uncalled for, I thought. I liked the performances, and, as you say, they were all professional actors. Aryon Bakaye (?) received a BAFTA nomination a couple of years ago.

..I don't think he is at all aware of how he looks (this is not a criticism!!) In the book Making of P&P ; "Colin Firth had a genuine interest in getting the wardrobe for Darcy right, which was a tremendous help." They had all color coats for him."...half way through the filming he told me 'I think I would now like a black coat'..." p.52

I didn't start the italics...but I'll close them now.

I may as well have been speaking Tharg-ish if you had seen the gormless expressions I got in response I had to spell "laughter" for the assistant at Blockbusters! SLOW may not be easy to track down. If you have problems, ring Hiflighers, who are distributing the video. Phone 0181 7422023

There has to be an exception to every rule, and boy was P&P exceptional!!, and so was CF as was the entire cast, nothing has quite lived up to it since, but generally speaking I think Colin is not too aware of his appearance, if only he knew how good he looked in period costume, oh well.

I will remember to close all my tags. I will remember to close all my tags. I will remember to close all my tags. I will remember to close all my tags. I will remember to close all my tags. You can tell I went to catholic school, can't you?

Bethan, good try at directing, but the script would be the first to be worked on IMO. Colin should really start to get a clue on wardrobe and give them some helpful hints such as: the shirt is too big for this jacket, the cut is all wrong on this coat etc.

Well the costume designer in TOTS should have been sacked for letting him go on looking as if he were wearing someone else's clothes. IMO he was miscast, anyway, he can't do swarmy and that's what the director seems to have wanted.Greg Wise would have been better.

"(bethan) I had to spell "laughter" for the assistant at Blockbusters! " ROTFLOL - I suppose they thought it was larf-ter.. in a 70's CarryOn stylee *grin* Oh the yoof of today, they weren't brung up and skuled like wot we wuz, guv'nor. Thanks for the 'phone number, I may have to use it as I think procurement of said item for me is going to be way beyond the capabilities of stores on Planet KentBackwater aka Sittingbourne. ;-(

Thanks for the 'phone number, I may have to use it as I think procurement of said item for me is going to be way beyond the capabilities of stores on Planet KentBackwater aka Sittingbourne. ;-( Poor guys at Optimum, they won't even get their money back on the videos at this rate.

"Colin Firth had a genuine interest in getting the wardrobe for Darcy right, which was a tremendous help." Evelyn, I was posting at the same time. Interesting. I can not believe that he is still taking an eager interest in his wardrobe. And that goes for his wedding day as well. Otherwise, I must assume he needs glasses.

Oh dear, all these italics, was it me? Poor guys at Optimum, they won't even get their money back on the videos at this rate. We are a nation of video renters. SLOW has an attractive cover and it should do well, provided it's available! ATA, believe it or not, is still going strong at our local Blockbusters! I think there could be some other light at the end of the tunnel for SLOW. I noticed the other day that the BBC were screening "The James Gang" which, along with SLOW, was part of the final slate of movies produced by Handmade Films. Like SLOW, it was part funded by the Arts Council and the BBC. It was picked up by Miramax (huh!), got a nationwide 200 print distribution (huh again!) and flopped totally (hah!). But any film with some funding from the BBC should be sreened at some point by the BBC and could reach an audience of several millions. (BTW I watched part of "The James Gang" and found it shallow and feckless...I guess Miramax thought it had yoof appeal!). I wish I had a pet independent vid shop near me. Nobody I've asked Woolies WHSmith Blockbuster OurPrice etc etc etc seem to heard of it. According to dim assistant at Blockbusters, they only get advance notice of mutiple copy-type videos, but if there are only one or two copies provided, the title isn't listed. SLOW may fall into this category.

Like SLOW, it was part funded by the Arts Council and the BBC. Art council, yes.Like you I thought BBC had funded it too, but when I saw it at Mr. Young's Theatre,neither Karen or I saw any BBC credit.Nor was it listed in the production notes.Though I swore Missan said that Saturday night in Brixton that it was BBC who had first wanted Whitney Houston.

Why when Colin was speaking did they keep the camera on her. It would have been much better if the had been on him. She just sat there with her mouth open for the most part. They showed very little of him. I love his voice but would like to have seen his expressions when he was talking.

Hi All: Re TOTS: I asked Clive about the painting on the staircase, and here is his reply: ************************* I'm pretty certain the picture of Colin on the wall of the Bly staircase was a real oil-painting painted specially for the film, either by the Graphic Designer or by one of the people who specialise in such work. As it was there before we shot Colin's scene. I'd guess the artist used a photo as a model. If I can find out any solid facts about the portrait I'll let you know, of course. ************************* Clive has been chosen to be on one of the juries for the BAFTAs. It is a big honor and I am so proud of him. I'll have to ask how it works as opposed to the Oscars. Or can one of you tell me? Murph

(Murph) As it was there before we shot Colin's scene. I'd guess the artist used a photo as a model. Thanks for the insider info, Murph. To me, the portrait in TOTS is a dead ringer for the photo we've seen from P&P in which Darcy is standing on the steps, outside Pemberley I assume. Does anyone know which one I'm referring to? I recall it clearly as it was the first pic I saw of him in People mag the week after P&P aired here, when I was on a desperate hunt for anything about this man!;-) Nice news for Clive re the BAFTAs. It looks like the BAFTA noms were announced today, with American Beauty picking up a ton of them. If anyone can find the full list of noms, please post on 127. Thanks.

Donovan Quick: For those who bought the rights to DQ, it was permissible after November 1999. Emails, letters or calls to HBO, WGBH, Bravo, and A&E would help as they are currently reviewing it. Make sure you tell them you wish you could see more Scottish productions, have no problems with the accent (think it's cute) and admire all the films coming out of that area. ;-)

(Evelyn)IMO he was miscast, anyway, he can't do swarmy and that's what the director seems to have wanted. What do you mean, he can't do? Can he not do anything? Heresy! ;-) (Moon)I must assume he needs glasses Yeah, rose-tinted ones. I'm glad he has some ;-b (Murph)I asked Clive about the painting on the staircase Does he think they would sell it? :-)

(Karen) Emails, letters or calls to HBO, WGBH, Bravo, and A&E would help as they are currently reviewing it. I wonder if they're referring to the American Film Market (which ends today), though I don't see DQ or any of CF's films listed on the schedule. (You'll like this, Karen: Binder is there with The Sex Monster--I guess he's trying to find a foreign distributor.) Interesting article in today's L.A. Times about a guy who has organized an auction for 15 films that haven't found a distributor. Sobering stat: of the 2,500 indie films made each year, only 50 get a distributor--anywhere. I'll post it at 127.

Like you I thought BBC had funded it too, but when I saw it at Mr. Young's Theatre,neither Karen or I saw any BBC credit.Nor was it listed in the production notes.Though I swore Missan said that Saturday night in Brixton that it was BBC who had first wanted Whitney Houston. (Evelyn) Actually, in retrospect, I don't remember seeing the BBC listed in the credits either, although I wasn't specifically looking out for it at the time. Shame! So it looks as though SLOW will only be seen via video rentals/purchases. I'm hoping to persuade the owner of my nice little corner video shop to put a poster of SLOW up in one of the windows! The shop is a veritable treasure trove...not your conventional blockbusters only store. Donovan Quick: For those who bought the rights to DQ, it was permissible after November 1999. Thanks for checking Karen, but now I'm even more puzzled by the BBC's failure to screen DQ. Any time January-March would be fine, especially with the BATFAs in April. The Drama publicity person I spoke to said that DQ would be shown "June, July" but that it hadn't actually been scheduled as yet. June/July is a graveyard for creative programming...lots of sport, people on holiday, no-one really watches TV etc. And normally programmes are automatically scheduled on completion (or before completion) and shown within a few months. It's a very straightforward process, unlike movie distribution. Nothing adds up here!!! IMO he was miscast, anyway, he can't do swarmy and that's what the director seems to have wanted. (Evelyn) He's more ideal husband material....it's surpring how many times he's married, about to get married, or actually gets married (on screen, of course!) I can not believe that he is still taking an eager interest in his wardrobe. And that goes for his wedding day as well. Otherwise, I must assume he needs glasses. (Moon) LOL! Although didn't he say that Joe Fiennes was the lucky one because he got to wear "dignified" trousers and an open-necked shirt. Now if Wessex had been slightly less buttoned up, it would have been a different movie!

RE. the Scottish accent in DQ...didn't the mega successful "Trainspotting" have subtitles?

(Mari) I wonder if they're referring to the American Film Market No, they weren't selling it the AFM. Besides, they had told me a month ago that they'd contacted WGBH and A&E. Yeah, I saw Sex Monster listed for viewings. :-( It's also on the shelf at Blockbuster in case you want to see it again. (Bethan) RE. the Scottish accent in DQ...didn't the mega successful "Trainspotting" have subtitles? Only during one scene in a club. DQ is not going theatrical and to arthouses - it was a financial decision. Therefore, television is a whole different thing. They have to play to the masses, who think MLSF is hard to understand. Right, Evelyn? ;-) Correct me if I'm wrong, but Bravo and the Independent Film Channel might be the only ones who show subtitled films on cable. Trainspotting will be on Bravo this month for the first time. Not sure about other "premium" channels like Cinemax, TMC, etc. Bethan, maybe the next time you call BBC you can remind them of this article in today's Hollywood Reporter: LONDON -- The government has warned the BBC that it must make more original programming and show fewer repeats if it is to justify the annual �200 million ($324 million) in additional annual funding pledged last week (HR 2/22). Culture Secretary Chris Smith said Tuesday that BBC chiefs were told the practice of showing endless reruns of classic comedies and rebroadcasting recently aired shows must end and the pubcaster must instead invest in new programming for both its main channels. Smith said the improvements were expected in return for the pubcaster's 10% increase in annual funding, which is designed to boost the BBC's presence in the digital era. The new financial settlement will give the BBC about �2.4 billion ($3.6 billion) a year and is guaranteed until fiscal 2006-07. ~~~~ Tell them to stop sitting on the original programming they have already funded and to show it!! ;-)

(Bethan) RE. the Scottish accent in DQ...didn't the mega successful "Trainspotting" have subtitles? (Karen) Only during one scene in a club. I don't recall any, but will bow to Karen's memory. In any event, you might be interested to know that Ken Loach's films get subtitled here--at Ken's insistence.

Bethan, did you tell whoever at the BBC Drama Department, that DQ was very well received by both the critics and fans in Australia. I agree I just don't understand the BBC not screening DQ, it is a sure-fired hit and would make many more CF fans in the UK, very hard to fathom their thinking.

One scene was subtitled in Lock Stock & 2 Smoking Barrels, but all of Ratcatcher was. None of The Big Tease was subtitled, yet the audience laughed.

A little piece of good fortune came my way this weekend, although when I relate the circumstances I'm sure that it will send shockwaves in the Firthdom about the perception of ODBs work. Always with an eye for a bargain I went into a store which is in the throes of closing down - [The chain (John Menzies)has recently been taken over by a larger one (WHSmith) and we already have a Smiths in town. Imagine my glee when I noticed that they were selling all CDs for �1 yes �1 and videos �3 ...baaaargain! Inspecting the CDs made me realise that all the good stuff had already been taken to the other store and the dross was left behinbd (with the coverless, caseless, broken residue of the good stuff) and so I assumed the same would be true of the videos..and it was but for one shining exception. There amongst the -1001 things to do with parsnips and Bobby Charlton on Hairstyling efforts was.......Nostromo. Seemingly in perfect condition, I opened the box..2 sealed cassettes part 1 & 2 present. Odd. Priced at �19-99 but selling for �3. I had half a mind to stop an assistant and demand it be taken to the other store and sold full price immediately *grin* but I didn't I profferred my 3 quid and gambolled away with my prize. Courage dear ones I'm sure it was an oversight - surely no-one could fail to see that they'd be turning up in droves to purchase this meisterwork ;-D

LOL! I am sure it was in the leftover/reduced bin mainly because of the BBC label on the box. You have hit "silver."

Karen -LOL! I am sure it was in the leftover/reduced bin mainly because of the BBC label on the box LOL also! You could well be right. Not that we have a downer on dear old Auntie at the moment noo,noo,noo,noo,noo *Scots accent* perish the thought!

(Evelyn)IMO he was miscast, anyway, he can't do swarmy and that's what the directorseems to have wanted. (Gi)What do you mean, he can't do? Can he not do anything? Heresy! ;-) (Bethan)..He's more ideal husband material Agree with Bethan. Even in SLOW when you know he's looking for a chick to have an affair with, he never comes across as a sleaze ball. Ya sorta' side with him.In SIL he was not swarmy..ambitious, yes. But one never disliked him. (Sorry to disappoint you kids, I've never believed he could do "Heinz 57". But what does best is unparalleled.) ~~~~~~~~~~ (Karen)Make sure you tell them you wish you could see more Scottish productions, have no problems with the accent (think it's cute) and admire all the films coming out of that area. ;-) OK, OK, for you and Colin...anything. But God forgive me for lieing

Bethan, did you tell whoever at the BBC Drama Department, that DQ was very well received by both the critics and fans in Australia. I agree I just don't understand the BBC not screening DQ, it is a sure-fired hit and would make many more CF fans in the UK, very hard to fathom their thinking. Ann, I'll ring back again in a couple of weeks and ask specifically why they're delaying until "the summer", when we're all watching Wimbledon or heading off for two weeks in Lanzarote! I agree it's a puzzler. I always thought that because of the track record of the director and screenwriter, DQ would have an excellent chance of a BAFTA (TV) nomination for Best Single Drama, if it was up to standard (which by all accounts it is!!) And that's what really puzzles me...the BAFTA run-in season (for movies and TV) is October thru' February. DQ has been in the can since September....all they had to do was show it!! (Like, tonight...there was absolutely nothing on the BEEB tonight! Is there ever?) It's a mystery! (Sorry to disappoint you kids, I've never believed he could do "Heinz 57". (Evelyn) Me neither! What was that Anthony Minghella word..."uxorious"? Seems more appropriate!

As for CF not being able to do swarmy, or was that smarmy? Well he can do a lowlife; let us not forget Ross in "Playmaker". And although well-born, the Vicomte de Valmont was pretty sleazy, in an upscale sort of way.

And don't forget that Master of Sleeze, Simon Westward! Murph

Absolutely. He was a low form of life -- like cyanobacteria, better known as pond scum.

Alan in Out Of The Blue was rather smarmy, as was CF's character in The Deep Blue Sea. And who could forget good ole Charlie Holroyd.;-) RE: the BBC's scheduling (or lack therof) of DQ. Maybe a stupid question (but hey, if I don't know, I ask;-)--would the average English viewer have any difficulty with the Glaswegian accent? Certainly, you'd have more occasion to be exposed to it than we in the U.S., but I was just wondering . . .

(Cheryl)As for CF not being able to do swarmy, or was that smarmy? Well he can do a lowlife; let us not forget Ross in "Playmaker". And although well-born, the Vicomte de Valmont was pretty sleazy,in an upscale sort of way. (Murph)...Master of Sleeze, Simon Westward! Yes, I know all those roles were supposedly smarmy(thank you Cheryl) in the script, but he never convinced me.He always played these characters in such a plausible way,that I commiserated with them."I felt their pain";-) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ (Bethan)What was that Anthony Minghella word..."uxorious"? I think it's "unctuous".("Uxorious" has to do with being submissive to a wife!) Let's use that word...it sounds so erudite!Just like Mr. Minghella:-)

(Evelyn)he never comes across as a sleaze ball. Ya sorta' side with him.In SIL he was not swarmy..ambitious, yes. But one never disliked him. Don't you think that's because we are just a tiny little bit prejudiced in his favour?

Mari: would the average English viewer have any difficulty with the Glaswegian accent? Generally English viewers can handle all UK accents: bear in mind that sometimes scripts are written to ensure that local dialects aren't used to the extent that other UK viewers wouldn't follow them. Occasionally, an accent is used deliberately to confuse; a whole BBC series was based around the filthy Rab C Nesbitt, a comic character with a Scottish accent so impenetrable that some viewers would only catch about 20% of the words/sentences. And a recent ad I saw in Geordie was obviously pitched beyond the understanding of Southerners.

(Nita) Don't you think that's because we are just a tiny little bit prejudiced in his favour? I agree, Nita. To the world at large (excepting us loyal Firthfans ;-P), Wessex was your requisite bad guy. I saw SiL in the theater several times and that's how he was perceived by those around me. I think that's why the US critics ignored him, too. I enjoyed the performance. Despite some familiar moments, it was "fresh" and of course there's my favorite line, "now, pay attention, nursey..."

SIL had some classic moments - CF as Wessex ran the gamut of film styles, a bit of swash buckling (never was a swash so ably buckled or should that be buckle being swashed), musical -who can forget the exceptional vocal talent (strange warbling sound like David Bowie on horseback!)and even a bit of stapstick...moment after wedding when playbill blows into Wessex's face - all of which were played to great effect. Despite casting him obviously as "the Baddie" I believe that SIL was a better showcase than FP (which has its moments) for his comedic talents - what say you?

Interesting question, Tracy. SiL was a better showcase in terms of worldwide audience, that's for sure. I thought one of the funniest parts was when Viola starts to greet Wessex with the mustache still on, but the laughs were appropriately hers. It's hard to beat the scene in FP in which Paul sets the napkin on fire. He played it so perfectly!

SLOW on video in UK This month, SLOW is released on video for rental. (That's why to buy it now would cost over the odds at the moment: the price will go down in due course.) The fact was greeted in a number of magazines: I had a quick look through some of them and can report as follows: Total Film, April 2000 (btw, why are those magazines dated well over a month ahead of the actual sale time?): no review, the title is just listed among "other releases". Time Out (London weekly, current edition): A tiny pic of Matthew and Sammy on the wall accompanies a short so-so summary and the names of the stars. Empire, April 2000: again, a so-so rating due to script weaknesses - despite of the colourful community interest and beautiful scenery - however, "Firth is charismatic (and Long believable)". Radio Times (a radio and TV weekly owned by the BBC), current edition: the film gets the prominent top place on the "Video" page, the main headline: "Love lessons: Emma Norman enjoys seeing Colin Firth in a romantic role", a large photo of Matthew and Nimi smiling at each other in bed: three stars rating and the following encouraging conclusion: "Firth leaves the rest of the cast at the starting gate in the acting stakes, but with such great vibrancy, colourful costumes and humour, it pays to overlook the film's shortcomings."

talking of accents. I once went out with a boy from Glasgow - I am from Surrey, Southern England it was disastrous, neither or I understood a word each one said! But then I got to know some others and gradually got used to the accent. As for Geordies, I worked in Immigration in Aust. and was one day at the counter - a man came in and asked something or other - I understood not a word. I called one of the others over who could speak various languages and when he came back to the inner office came over to me laughing himself silly. But your a pom, he said, the man came from Newcastle and you didn't understand him!!!!!!

(Mark) Generally English viewers can handle all UK accents: bear in mind that sometimes scripts are written to ensure that local dialects aren't used to the extent that other UK viewers wouldn't follow them. Thanks, Mark--that makes sense. Anne, I enjoyed your anecdotes also; reminds me of the saying about "countries separated by a common language." :-)

Arami, thanks for scanning the SLOW video reviews. The "Radio Times" review is very heartening....obviously Emma Norman likes Colin (and why not?)! But I'm sure a lot of CF fans read the "Radio Times", more so than any of the other film and TV mags, and will be keen to see CF in a romantic role. (Blockbusters, take note!!) Re DQ and the accents...I agree with Mark. And also we are accustomed to seeing Glasgow-based drama on our screens. The Clyde accent can be difficult, but once you're tuned in, it's okay. SIL... I enjoyed the performance. Despite some familiar moments, it was "fresh" (Eileen) I saw SIL when it first came out, but have only recently acquired the video. And after "studying" the video, I really appreciated his performance...he makes the most of the material. Have to say that I'm also prejudiced in favour of Wessex. Okay, he was rather cash-strapped and regarded marriage as a business contract (which it was in those days). But he was understandably annoyed when his fiance started dallying with another man and was also anxious that she made a good impression on the all-powerful Queen of England. Otherwise he seemed enterprising (sound business interests in Virginia),wasn't entirely humourless "Bless me, and I thought that was a horse", didn't have a wife tucked away somewhere, and seemed genuinely perturbed at the end.. "what is to be done?". Even Viola seemed quite pragmatic about it all "If not you, why not Wessex?" If he hadn't drowned, I think they would have been quite happy together! Hardly an A-list Baddie!

If he hadn't drowned, I think they would have been quite happy together! Recalls Murph's sequel. Do you still have that one tucked away somewhere, Murph? ~~~~~~~~~~~ Re: Films with Glasgow accents...they are made obviously for UK audiences. I only watched DQ because of you-know-who.Otherwise, I steer clear of them like the plague.

Carrie must be starting up a new website. There's a pic on her main page of Colin I've never seen before. Anybody? http://www.firthfrenzy.com/

Karen, that's the photo from the infamous Tatler interview. September of '96, I think. RE: Wessex. He didn't actually drown, just in Will's imagination.

Just a little snippet from the Baz Bamigboye column today,with the lack of Firth news at the moment, any little bit is welcome. "Watch out for... Julie Andrews, who displays marvellous comic timing in the film of Noel Coward's Relative Values. That's the one about a title oaf (EA) who brings home a Hollywood starlet (JT) to meet mummy (Ms. Andrews), at the family pile. Director Eric Styles gives the film which opens in the summer, a glossy lustre and peppers it with Fifties songs. Sophie Thompson, Colin Firth and Stephen Fry are also spiffing. ...." Hopefully we will get some news soon as to future projects.

I think that CF can do very well at playing villains. Remember the baddy very often gets all the best lines. It's just that we, as his loyal fans, give his character the benefit of the doubt. He's not bad, he's just misunderstood. We may even entertain the fantasy of reforming the bad boy.

There's a pic on her main page of Colin I've never seen before. Anybody? (mari) that's the photo from the infamous Tatler interview. September of '96, I think. You like that pic? Looks like something out of Madam Tussaud's .

The pic at Firthfrenzy: Oh, yes, the famous Byronic/Hamletic pose, with lots of make-up ("Im a real queen about this", surely you must remember?) and modelling some expensive garb. Lower down, one of the huge, brand new, shiny Gucci boots is showing the sole and I was the firth ever in the world of Firth frenzied to decipher the shoe size therefrom. It has been since confirmed, not least from nearly pressing one's face against his boots during the opening scene of Three Days of Rain at the Donmar... ;-D

Mari: Karen, that's the photo from the infamous Tatler interview. September of '96, I think. ********** People either love that one or hate it. There was discussion I remember about how hostile the interviewer was to CF. It must be up somewhere - perhaps on Meluchie's articles pages. I personaly liked the picture. It made him look, as Arami says, byronic and brooding -- so totally unlike the real man. I always want to put an Edna St. Vincent Millay sonnet next to it. Today, it would be Jude Law instead of Colin in a pose like that. Talk about press!! Law deserves it though, IMO. Murph

If I were a website editor, I would feature the pic of Colin on the beach in Santa Monica..the one barefoot,with the biiiiggg grin (Harper's?) right on the front page... With the caption.."Hold on to your hat, you ain't seen nothin' yet...."

The article is up on Meluchie's site, but the picture isn't there. http://members.xoom.com/firthfiles/articles/96TatlerUK09.html BTW, I don't think the interviewer was at all hostile. Harriet was in "deep drool" The woman was falling apart: He laughs, devastatingly. Odd. My legs appear to be turning to jelly.

Director Eric Styles gives the film which opens in the summer, a glossy lustre and peppers it with Fifties songs. Sophie Thompson, Colin Firth and Stephen Fry are also spiffing. ...." (Ann) RV is getting a reasonable amount of pre-publicity. I wonder what sort of release it will get? Selected nationwide perhaps? I've not seen any mentions of MLSF...from what I can make out this will be a strictly art house release. I had a final shot at getting some info about a release date fot DQ. Quite bizarre, really. I phoned the Drama dept of BBC Scotland. Was told initially that it had no transmission date as it was in post-production but we'd probably see it in the summer or "sometime this year" (thanks a bunch!). I asked "why 'the summer' as this is normally the dumping ground for material that isn't very good." Reply: "Oh, it's still being edited, so we don't know how good it is. I'm sure it will be good". A-aargh!! I'm not an investigative reporter, or I suppose I should have gone for the jugular..." You lie, madam!" But why they can't set a date is beyond me. There has to be something more to this. David Blair, the director, has won two BAFTAs in the last three years in the Best Drama category. The closing date for this years BAFTAs (TV awards) is mid-April. DQ should be shown now. But surely the director, producer, the BBC itself, should be promoting it? Not me!

Sorry! Have I closed the italics?

Good try, Bethan, and why does it still need editing, if it can be shwon in Australia why not here?

(BBC stooge) Reply: "Oh, it's still being edited, so we don't know how good it is. I'm sure it will be good". (Bethan) I suppose I should have gone for the jugular..." You lie, madam!" The polite response should have been: "Would you like me to send you the review from the Irish Times or those from the Australian papers, when it was broadcast there in January? Now give me somebody who knows their !@#$ from a hole in the ground! ;-) About RV, it looks like there will be huge publicity for this film. Julie Andrews is really being showcased and will be trotted out to appear everywhere. While the Teletext said it will be released in May, I've been told it's been pushed back to June because of Cannes.

Evelyn asked if I still had my version of what happened to Wessex and Viola. I do, and you can start the tale here. It begins down toward the bottom of the page. There are several parts: Viola and Wessex In The New World Murph

Thanks Murph. It's a lovely story ,and I wish it were archived someplace.

I like that picture too, Murph. He did come of a bit conceited in that interview. Did anyone else think so? And, he put his feet up on the table at the chintzy St. James. What was that about? the Lady in me was a bit put off

(Moon) He did come of a bit conceited in that interview. Did anyone else think so? I didn't think so...a lot was made about his demeanour, it is well documented - his hatred of being interviewed so perhaps he had had just one interview too many that day! It was probably all a reaction to the woman interviewing who seemed so be somewhat schizophrenic in her approach. She seemed to alter her stance from outright hostility to fawning in the extreme. If this was "deep drool" then what stage are we in then....drowned I think! Has anyone caught the wavfiles on firthfrenzy? There were a few I'd not heared before and one in particular which is taken from the A&E interview where he is talking about P&P he comes across as so amiable - a stark contrast to the "posing, stuffy reserve" portrayed by Tatler. (I would attempt a link here Karen-- but I'd probably end up attaching the entire web ;-D ..I know my limitations).

Heres the full Empire (April) write up on SLOW: "Its the old Romeo and Juliet scenario - boy meets girl, they fall in love, but their families think it's an unsuitable match � but this time set in the South of France. Garden designer Nimi (Nia Long), a member of a claustrophobic Nigerian community falls for Colin Firth�s British (and married) comic book writer. While It�s hard to fault either of the leads � Firth is charismatic, Long is thoroughly believable � what�s missing is chemistry, coherent plot and a reason to have shifted the action to such an unusual location. Not bad, just a bit dull. ** (Fair)"

DQ...The polite response should have been: "Would you like me to send you the review from the Irish Times or those from the Australian papers, when it was broadcast there in January? Now give me somebody who knows their !@#$ from a hole in the ground! ;-) (Karen) Next time, I promise! All I want is a date!!! Just tell me September 2001 and I'll be happy! Seriously though, I just can't understand why "no transmission date" has been set and why they need to lie about it. Very "iffy". Programmes are always given a transmission date, normally within two or three momths of completion, For example, Channel 4's "Anna Karenina", completed January, is being shown in May. Normal procedure. All I can suggest is e-mailing the BBC at regular intervals..."Show us DQ...made with tax payers'(ie our) money!! I'll stop going on about this (bo-o-ring, I know), but I thought that after the blips of MLSF and SLOW, DQ was one hundred percent, cast iron, foolproof,"let's get it in to screen". Perhaps they want to promote the video sales, by putting it to video first before screening?? (This has happened in one or two rare instances) Thanks Murph for your romantic sequel.... beats the original! About RV, it looks like there will be huge publicity for this film. Julie Andrews is really being showcased (Karen) Goody!! There are so many movies around that publicity and hype do matter! Moon) He did come of a bit conceited in that interview. Did anyone else think so? More tense and ill at ease, I think. There was some comment about him lighting up a cigarette and then becoming more relaxed. The power of nicotine (hopefully no longer needed)! This was the first article about CF that I'd ever seen. I remember it well, because we were on holiday in Dublin and browsing in the newsagents I spotted his name on the cover of the Tatler. Eureka! And the very next day I discovered the Internet. We were staying on the UCD campus and my sons went to a half day "Fun on the Net" course. I joined them at the end, and typed in "Jane Austen", and then, (greatly daring!!) "Colin Firth". And WOW! The man existed! :-)

Question...if Firth is "charismatic" and Long is "thoroughly believable" what chemistry is missing? And, as I've said before, there is a strong West African community in Marseilles and the Southern France seaports.

if Firth is "charismatic" and Long is "thoroughly believable" what chemistry is missing? The one needed to make the reviewer's brain work, obviously.

(Tracy)A&E interview where he is talking about P&P he comes across as so amiable - a stark contrast to the "posing, stuffy reserve" portrayed by Tatler. The Tatler interview was in Sept. 96 and the A&E TV interview was in Nov.'98. We all know that he changes his views often.Particularly about P&P.

(Arami) The one needed to make the reviewer's brain work, obviously. LOL. I have yet to see the piece sp can't really pass comment..tomorrow is THE day it gets released over here to rent so perhaps, if I badger Blockbusters enough, by Christmas I may have seen it ;-)

(Bethan) Have to say that I'm also prejudiced in favour of Wessex/.../wasn't entirely humourless "Bless me, and I thought that was a horse", didn't have a wife tucked away somewhere, and seemed genuinely perturbed at the end.. "what is to be done?"/.../Hardly an A-list Baddie! (Cheryl) It's just that we, as his loyal fans, give his character the benefit of the doubt. He's not bad, he's just misunderstood. Have to agree with Cheryl here. We're prejudiced toward Wessex but to the audience-at-large, he was a) trying to kill the hero and b) taking Viola away from her true love--A-list baddie all the way, right or wrong. As was pointed out, Wessex did have some great lines. Unfortunately, 'bless me...' is so hard to hear the effect is diluted. There are plenty of other laughs, though. 'That dog!' Re: The Mystery of BBC and DQ--sounds to me as though the staffer Bethan spoke with was working with old information. Either that, or they're editing (dubbing) some of the dialogue?! (Tracy)A&E interview where he is talking about P&P he comes across as so amiable - a stark contrast to the "posing, stuffy reserve" portrayed by Tatler. (Evelyn) The Tatler interview was in Sept. 96 and the A&E TV interview was in Nov.'98. We all know that he changes his views often. Particularly about P&P. Very true. Colin was quite charming in the A&E interview (nose pulling aside). Two years after the fury, who wouldn't have developed a clearer perspective (and a consistent, pleasing answer to the inevitible question)? When I first read that Tatler article, I thought the author had an ax to grind. It was so different than the scads of other stuff written about him at the time, which was surely the objective.

Just thought I'd let you know the Career Timeline site has a new DB pic and link to Dolores' TOTS page. Lots of bouffanty hair, Elvis sideburns and outsize suiting going on here and a shot of the portrait referred to in response 281 (Murph). If you can discount the apalling costumery there are some really nice smiley pix of the Master here (and unfortunately one or to of JM - who is displaying her full range of expressions here i.e. mouth closed and mouth open ;-D)

Someone should tell that webmaster how to spell "Persuasion".

SLOW is in Blockbusters - no problem. I like it! Lots of dialogue I missed first time round. CF and Nia both charming. Sammy very sweet and innocent. Supporting cast good. My second-time round impressions more favourable (and I enjoyed it the first time). Only problem...the video tape label came off and my VCR jammed and now, most annoyingly, won'tplay any tape. GRRRR!!

(Bethan)Lots of dialogue I missed first time round. I bet it didn't improve.(I've seen it 3 times) ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bethan, can we hope to get a report of the MLSF UK premiere at the Bradford FF tomorrow night?Since it's taking place in your own backyard? How lucky can you be!!

I've been meaning to ask, what was the name of the town where the family traveled to in East is East? The town where the father took the family to arrange his son's marriages? For some reason Bradford sounded familiar...and there was that sign. Bradistan or something like that?

My second-time round impressions more favourable (and I enjoyed it the first time). Only problem...the video tape label came off and my VCR jammed and now, most annoyingly, won'tplay any tape. GRRRR!! LOL, Bethan! To think how much you suffered for SLOW before you finally saw it, and now this! Exchange that tape!

Karen, I'd answer your qustion but East is East hasn;t come out here yet. GAAAH! Tracy, I've been trying to get a hold of you, but your email address doesn't seem to take the messages I send. Email me at jesperan@ucla.edu Thanks!