how can it not have been edited if it has already been shown on Australian TV. Go to it Bethan, we are with you in spirit!!

Not finished editing!! We saw the film in January and there was no way it needed editing (expect the Glaswegian accents!) If they mess it about they will ruin it. The BBC want their heads read. Please continue to complain - it was such a well made and well acted film I cannot believe they are holding up on this. Interesting the recent head of BBC Scotland has just become head of the ABC - I wonder if it had anything to do with us seeing DQ.

I have emailed BBC Feedback twice already asking about it. The first time about a fortnight ago. No response. An acknowledgement, yes, but no reply. Next I think we should email all known UK showbiz gossip columnists with the bare facts.

Well, I 've had a shot at getting info on DQ (and BJD see #80). I have to say that my job (or at least part of it) involves getting information, sometimes media related...and compared to everyone/thing else, CF is brickwall territory. Breaking into the Pentagon would be easier. I tried BBC Productions who first of all just gave me the General Information number (useful for fobbing off enquiries). I said that Information couldn't help me, and surely they had up to date info on their drama productions. Nope, they didn't, not on DQ anyway. She then gave me another number which turned out to be BBC radio (!) and then I got the number for BBC Scotland Drama. I asked about DQ's scheduling (didn't have to explain what DQ was) and was told it was listed as pre-transmission. Why hadn't they scheduled it "oh they must be looking for a suitable slot for it" (Absolute rubbish...it's just a one off programme...they can find slots for everything else apparently). I turned a bit bolshy then and said something about unnecessary delays and it looked as though it was being dumped. Reply "there is nothing sinister about this". Again asked if I was from the Press. Finally I tried BBC Drama (Publicity)...I asked about the scheduling of Donovan Quick. Obvious instant recognition. Curt response "Mmm, it's moved to the Autumn" "Any date?" "No". End of call. Not exactly customer friendly.

Oh well, you tried Bethan. If it were Robson Green or John Thaw, it would be shown within weeks of being completed, oh well, I guess that's the fun of being a CF fan, we really have to wrok at it, but it's worth the wait in the end.

In addition to Bethan's information, I've been told that it will definitely not be on during the next three months and that they are hoping it too will be slotted into the fall schedule. Working on a couple of other DQ-ish things. ;-)

At least autumn is the right time for quality drama - but what a ridiculously long wait! And why?

No one can answer the "why" question. But you're not going to get a lot out of BBC now. Didn't I just read a day or so ago that a reorg is in the works and pinks slips are going out? Can you really expect people waiting for word on their jobs to even care or be civil to you on the phone? Hardly.

Bethan, British Telecom should recognise you, even if the BBC doesn't ;-) I know many have pondered over why we (Australia) got DQ and nobody else, but it really is a mystery. We usually get BBC programs, but well after they have aired in UK. If you change your mind about wanting a copy, I can help.

No one can answer the "why" question It was rhetorical. :-) many have pondered over why we (Australia) got DQ and nobody else, but it really is a mystery. We usually get BBC programs, but well after they have aired in UK. Could it have been some monumental slip-up or some such thing?

Monumental slip up! Perhaps our new head of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (late of BBC Scotland) brought it out surriptiously for the joy of C.F. fans in Australia!!!!!

I like Ann's assertion. Perhaps the head of ABC, when he was at BBC Scotland viewed DQ as a project he for which he was very proud. Since DQ was getting such a runaround from the BBC; he felt that since he'd had a connection to the film, he'd now use his position at ABC to get it aired.

The info below is from Pam of the FOF. She called CF's agent. This means, I think, that we have no idea right now what project he is going to do, including Armadillo. The End of April makes a May 1 start to the filming of BJD a little tight! - Murph ******************************* 3/22/00 - According to Colin's Agent: There are 3 projects being considered at the moment, but NO contracts are signed at this time. They do not expect to be able to announce anything until roughly the end of April. As to Armadillo, and the reports in the press, the reply was "what is Armadillo? I've never heard of it !!" and when I asked if the press were wrong about this, the answer was "yes ", as....NO CONTRACTS ARE SIGNED.

What? No lucid dreaming, no man in armour, no swashbuckler? This is not to be borne! I thought Armadillo was an official announcement! What happened? :-( Thanks again, Murph.

All I want to say is that the first contract he should sign right now is with a new agent!

From what I recall about the report on "Armadillo" it said that Wiilliam Boyd was writing the screenplay at the moment. Baz B. is usually reliable. It could mean that Colin has agreed informally with Sue B. to do it (I mean, there was a report 2 years ago that HF was deloghted because CF had "agreed" to do MD. Having the actual contact on the table means there must be three projects with the completed scripts..and just the business side that needs tying up. I don't think CF's agency release info until he is actually on the set!

Perhaps CF is supersticious... Doesn't like to talk about things before they really happen - contracts signed, schedules agreed, ecc. I know I am like that.

Sorry, but it's not Colin's agent's job to announce his signing onto a new project and then naming it. That belongs to the company producing the project.

(Karen) it's not Colin's agent's job to announce his signing onto a new project and then naming it. Very true. They're not going to give a caller info before a project is announced to the press. But I do think their info on timing is credible. So, if they say we're not going to hear of a project announcement for at least another month, I'd tend to believe it. And if that's the case, it does make for a tight BJD schedule, as Murph said.

"until roughly the end of April." When on your calendar does "roughly" begin? ;-)

When on your calendar does "roughly" begin? ;-) Depends what kind of week I am having. ;-) it's not Colin's agent's job to announce his signing onto a new project and then naming it. That belongs to the company producing the project. True. But he can always be informative and say please contact the company for the details or confirmation. The agent benefits when an important role for one of his actors is announced because it very often leads to more roles. He could call another company and say Colin has been signed to do this film (name), which should do very well and he is interested in working on your future project (name), etc.

It is not unheard of for contracts to get signed AFTER all the shooting is incomplete (see the South Bank Show profile of Ian McKellen). c

Sorry, let me try that again: It is not unheard of for contracts to get signed AFTER all the shooting is COMPLETE (see the South Bank Show profile of Ian McKellen).

In addition to Bethan's information, I've been told that it will definitely not be on during the next three months and that they are hoping it too will be slotted into the fall schedule.....Working on a couple of other DQ-ish things. ;-) (Karen) Sounds promising! Do let me know. I've given up on this (at least until October, when I shall return to the attack!} But several things puzzle me. Even at pre-production stage, the BBC must have known they had a good project on their hands...BAFTA winning team plus CF. Why didn't they automatically slot it into the Autumn 99 schedules? And what is all this problem about "slotting it in"! ("hoping" sounds very tentative). It's a 100 minute drama, for goodness sake, not a 20 episode version of "War and Peace"!! I've also wondered how it was shown (and why it was shown) at the Cork Film Festival. Was there a special print? Are they showing it at London and Edinburgh FFs? Have to say I'm very disappointed with the BBC over this. Keeping DQ on the backburner for 18 months is ridiculous. TOTS was made in August and scheduled almost immediately for a prime time slot on Boxing Day. Absolutely no problem. Keep on emailing, Arami! True. But he can always be informative and say please contact the company for the details or confirmation. The agent benefits when an important role for one of his actors is announced because it very often leads to more roles. He could call another company and say Colin has been signed to do this film (name), which should do very well and he is interested in working on your future project name), etc. (Moon) I do so agree, but this is Colin's agent we're talking about!! I think that information on CF's projects is always last minute (for some reason). But it's good that he's got three projects which he must consider worth doing. I'd also be pretty sure that "Armadillo" is a distinct possibility. It may just be at the "chatting with friends" stage, and SB and WB are both mates of CF. Saw WB on TV the other day..he's a very nice bloke. Very articulate and pleasant. Sometimes writers like to have an actor in mind when they work on a script. (Didn't Andrew Davies say that CF would be a marvellous MD...let's hope his screenplay prevails over RC's!) Finally, spotted a good (but brief) review of MLSF after its Bradford FF showing. Praised for its insight, warmth and humour, and as proof that the British film industry is isn't dead yet. Several of the bigger movies got less favourable reviews. Actually the British film industry is almost dead...a company set up by the Government to raise �150 million for film finance collapsed after 4 months, causing a lot of projects to grind to a standstill. If CF has three on the go, he'a a lucky bunny. (Sign for all three, Colin!)

Carrying on briefly in news reporter mode, but more on the the "real" world. There's been a lot in the press recently about refugees in the UK, and some distinctly hostile reporting ( "send 'em "home") on occasions. The problems faced by most of the refugees are undoubtably real...they're not freeloaders...but apparently in some areas of London there is a growing hostility towards them. A volunteer aid worker has been beaten unconscious in South Hackney, and, increasingly, refugees are being threatened with violence.

....Actually the British film industry is almost dead.... ...If CF has three on the go, he'a a lucky bunny.(Sign for all three, Colin!) I don't mean to rejoice in the demise of an industry , but this might mean that he'll do more stage work in the West End (which pays more than the Donmar) along with TV.

Keep on emailing, Arami! I've still had no reply. I'm seriously considering giving the details to the "gossip" editors: Bethan, if you agree, could you help me with the relevant e-mail addresses? Baz? Who else? The might just feel like making enquiries or at leat public comments about this "mystery". There's been a lot in the press recently about refugees in the UK, and some distinctly hostile reporting Someone has been assaulted by a foreign beggar who was annoyed by a refusal to contribute... TV reporters have filmed organized gangs of cheats operating as beggars... Some other refugees have been caught selling contents of their comfortably equipped flats provided by local councils. There are also reports of groups and individuals specializing in smuggling illegal immigrants for money. These cases make headlines and there is an inevitable backlash. It must be a great worry for the Refugee Council and their volunteers.

Not sure if this has ever been posted here. Thanks to Kay and to Carrie: From Big Issue, Sept '99, 8th anniversary issue. 8 of Colin's favorites: Album: 'Return of The Grevious Angel' - by Gram Parsons CF says: "Emotional laxative for an Englishman" Film: ' Goodfellas' CF: "Banal characters made riveting, a real achievement" Book: 'The Sound and The Fury' - by William Faulkner CF: "The spell of this story is partly in the way it reveals itself so slowly. You start out totally confused and end up completely captivated by its beauty." Holiday: Loch Fyne in Scotland CF: "It's impossible to get uptight there. Friendly people and fantastic Kippers" Politician: CF: "Nelson Mandella" TV Show: 'The Larry Sanders Show' CF: "Retort to anyone who thinks Americans lack irony" Food: Moulakhie CF: "It was cooked for me by a Palestinian friend. I don't know what it is but it's green and I can't get enough of it." Football Team: CF: "Arsenal"

NEWSFLASH Colin is Mark Darcy! According to The Observer, CF is Mark and Hughie is Daniel. Will post the article at #80.

(mari)Not sure if this has ever been posted here(...) From Big Issue, Sept '99, 8th anniversary issue. 8 of Colin's favorites I at least had never read it, great fun, must try some of those ;-) And thanks for the newsflash, it helped make my day! :-)

It made my week! 8-D

Is anyone planning to go anywhere near this place between June and the end of August? You may want to pop in to ogle Colin's Darcy pants. ;-) Period Costume from Film and Television at Paxton House Northumberland, Scottish Borders, Berwick-Upon-Tweed http://www.paxtonhouse.com 28 May 2000 - 28 Aug 2000 A stunning display of costume worn by Kate Winslet, Nicole Kidman, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Colin Firth and others in the most popular period films and television drama of the past decade. On display for the first time in the north.

Bridget page is up at the Bucket: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjd.html

Terrific page, Karen!! Murph

Thanks, Murph. Now, if we only had a little more info. ;-)

(Arami)Is anyone planning to go anywhere near this place between June and the end of August? You may want to pop in to ogle Colin's Darcy pants. ;-) Thanks Arami... Did I read it right? Is the exhibit called....."Hidden Assets"? ;-)

I thought they were quite apparent.

Hi all, does anyone know what has happened to topic 126??? It appears to be missing, or I need my eyes testing. Thanks for the info on BJ Karen, isn't is exciting that we will actually get to see him as a modern day Darcy???? Wish I lived in Notting Hill!!!!!

(Maureen)Hi all, does anyone know what has happened to topic 126??? It appears to be missing, or I need my eyes testing. As far as I know, it is still there, only no one has posted in it in the last few days.

It's there, Maureen. Go to your address at the top of this screen and just change the number from 129 to 126. Hit Enter and then go post something there. I like to see a lot of action.

You might think this item from The Times has nothing to do with Colin. Think again. ;-) ANTHONY POWELL, acclaimed as one of the greatest English writers of the 20th century, died yesterday at his home in Somerset. He was 94. Powell wrote more than 20 novels, but his fame rested principally on his 12-volume sequence, A Dance to the Music of Time, published between 1951 and 1975. It told the story of an English aristocratic family from the First World War to the 1970s, centring on the character of the ruthlessly ambitious antihero, Kenneth Widmerpool. Powell's death removes the last link with a generation of writers born the decade before the First World War and sometimes referred to as the Brideshead Generation. [...] [about A Dance the Music of Time] With its witty covers by Mark Boxer it was a special work about a special world - the world where Bohemia met Society. But this was a real and richly comprehensive English world, full of soldiers and musicians, mad socialist peers and arts dealers, girls, girls and girls. The two Powells of which this universe spun were the narrator, Nick, a man of loves and sensibilities, and the other extreme of human character the utterly unselfconscious bully Widmerpool driven by the grotesque force of will but of all the characters the most wordly successful. ********* So, has everyone figured it out?

No. I'll come back tomorrow when I'm sure someone will be able to tell me. I'm not very good at thinking ;-)

So, has everyone figured it out? Not a clue, though I loved DTTMOT. Wildmerpool was one of literature's great creations but what has he or it to do with ODB?

I watched that series, and thought it brilliant - but to do with Colin - no idea, I have pondered long and often during the day and have to admit to being flummoxed.

It would not have something to do with an old thing he did for television, would it?

The only link that I can see - in the Television version Stringer, I think it was, was played by Paul Rhys who was with CF in Tumbledown.

Wasn't Anthony Powell at Eton with the spies Burgess and Maclean (sp?) on whom the main character in "Another Country" was based? You've really got us thinking!

Yes, it's pretty obscure, but I don't think more so than your connection, Allison! *hee hee* Anthony Powell's name was actually posted here at Drool. I will go find the actual message and post it at 98. Old Eagle Eyes herself should know this one. ;-)

The only link that I can see - in the Television version Stringer, I think it was, was played by Paul Rhys who was with CF in Tumbledown It can't be that. Everybody and his dog was in the television production of DTTMOT! I'm sure I could come up with 3 names without breaking a sweat. That list would begin, of course, with Julian Wadham (TEP). Looking at the IMDB I also see Joanna David (P&P), Harriet Walter (HoTP), Carmen du Sautoy (LE), and Rupert Vansittart (P&P). But since that's not the answer, what is?? c

Ah! But I did it without looking up IMDb:-) Karen, I now have to go away for almost two weeks not knowing for sure if CF will be MD or what is the CF link with Anthony Powell.

Ok, I've posted the link on #98.

Review of My Life So Far at the British Shadows on the Wall website. Not so hot. Only 2 stars. Reviewer cannot relate to that lifestyle or life. :-( http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/rcline/swmylife.htm However, great review of the Blackadder Back and Forth film (3-1/2 stars), which I've had linked from my Bucket site in case you hadn't seen. http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/rcline/swblabac.htm

Review of My Life So Far at the British Shadows on the Wall website. Not so hot. Only 2 stars. Reviewer cannot relate to that lifestyle or life. Really? What a sad life he/she leads. I am sure they will have no problems relating to all that "trailer trash" the UK seems so keen on lately. ;-)

From me to the BBC: "About a couple of weeks ago I emailed BBC Feedback asking about BBC Scotland feature film "Donovan Quick". I'd like to know when this film is going to be shown in the UK - since it has already had the world premiere on the Australian TV. I had a brief acknowledgement from you and a promise of a reply to follow soon, but I have not heard from you further." From info@bbc.co.uk to me on Wed, 29 Mar 2000: Dear Ms [NAME MISSPELLED!] "Thank you for your e-mail regarding 'Donovan Quick'. Please accept our apologies for the delay in replying. We know our correspondents appreciate a quick response and we are sorry you have had to wait on this occasion. This drama was made in conjunction with Pandora Pictures who also have the distributing rights for the programme and that is why your friends have had the opportunity to view it. There are no plans to broadcast the programme within our current schedules. However, please be assured I have registered your interest. Thank you once again for taking the time to write. Regards Damian Whyte BBC Information

Thanks for trying Arami, about as helpful and informative as the reply I received, I just wish they would tell us WHY it is not scheduled to be shown in the near future!!+

This drama was made in conjunction with Pandora Pictures who also have the distributing rights for the programme But what about BBC rights.....if that was my tax money, I'd be hopping mad. Don't you have a representative"congressman"....have them call BBC for you...I guarantee you'll get an answer.

The reply was obviously prepared (inexpertly) by an office junior using a standard reply form. Representatives of the people in UK (members of Parliament) would not consider such a complaint as particularly serious or important compared with other, more pressing matters. There are various other consumer/viewer/taxpayer bodies, associations, committees, which are more appropriate for such enquiries. I might perhaps continue this game for a little longer if I had nothing else to do, but as it is, I don't think this particular approach is worth the trouble.

Representatives of the people in UK (members of Parliament) would not consider such a complaint as particularly serious or important compared with other, more pressing matters Ours have big staffs who sit around doing nothing...some of them interns who would be v. eager to give PBS (our BBC) a call.They like causes;-)

I'm pretty sure we'll see DQ in the Autumn (that's what BBC Drama Publicity told me). To be honest, that's the *only* time for good drama, especially the 9pm slot on Sunday. I'd much rather it was shown then and made an impact. Arami, you're very favoured to receive a reply to your email! I think I'll email the Beeb (again) and suggest that they show DQ on the 5th anniversary of the first showing of P&P. (Not a bad idea, actually!) Doesn't time fly!! I'm hoping that CF may lift his head above the parapet in the UK in April. If MLSF opens early May, it should be getting some promotion soon (and he's the one to do it!). BJD and MD would be an added PR bonus, plus RV in Cannes.

Bethan, Perhaps they have had another look at DQ and realise that they have a "hit" on their hands and having delayed it for so long have now decided to air in the Autumn months which as you say are the best for good drama and I like your idea of suggesting they show it on the 5th Anniversay of P&P. (What an impact that series has had that people are still loving it and discussing it 5 years later).

But what about BBC rights.....if that was my tax money, I'd be hopping mad It is! Well It's my licence fee...and I am quietly seething in a very British stiff-upper-lippy kind of way! Bethan - I do agree, Autumn would be a better time for scheduling it especially that 9.00 Sunday slot! Has it really been five years! It just shows you how quality lasts!

Hi All: Go to #80 for some NEW news on BJD. Murph

Arami, you're very favoured to receive a reply to your email! I actually emailed them twice: the second time to the complaints dept! quietly seething in a very British stiff-upper-lippy kind of way Yes, most Brits aren't very good at banging their fists on the table... Has it really been five years! It just shows you how quality lasts! Yes, and still the one thing they remember best is that wet shirt and breeches... A few days ago I found another reference to Colin/Darcy's wet garments in a paper - we must accept now that this particular image has irreversibly become a yardstick of well deserved popularity every time there's a reference to TV costume drama.

The wet shirt and breeches have shown up quite a bit in articles about the BBC's forthcoming broadcast of Madame Bovary, i.e., the Frances O'Connor and Greg Wise outdoor romp.

Thats an interesting thought - re they have got a hit on their hands. I have talked to quite a few people re - D.Q. and have not yet heard an adverse criticism of it. Perhaps the BBC got a good report from our ABC!!

we must accept now that this particular image has irreversibly become a yardstick of well deserved popularity every time there's a reference to TV costume drama. P&P as a costume drama has become the epitome and yardstick to which every other one is compared. The Dallas Morning News in their TV reviews about forthcoming costume dramas (The Aristocrats, VF,Madame Bovary...)...invariably says: "..don't expect this to be another Pride and Prejudice."

(Bethan) I'm hoping that CF may lift his head above the parapet in the UK in April. Hee hee! It's been a long few months, hasn't it? I selfishly hope he's well-rested and ready to work, work, work for the rest of the year!

Hi: That photo I mentioned a week or so ago - the one the new FOF took of the P&P Darcy portrait? Well, I received and scanned it today. It is up here: http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/portrait.html Arrow down to the last two pictures. Murph

Thanks Murph...think Colin posed for it?Hardly resembles him. The crotch looks padded....

Kept an eye on the papers last week....no real news, but a few tidbits. Sam Mendez has turned down an offer to direct a mega million Dreamworks production, as he wants to work with his "family", the Donmar. Instead Dreamworks are investing in the Donmar theatre and in a new production company Donmar Films. Mendez' next production is "Twelfth Night", with a "homegrown" British cast. Also, a lot in the press about how the globalisation of the movies means that Brit actors are very unlikely to be cast in lead roles, even when the role is English, or Scottish. I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for MD and BJD (although I'm sure he's got it). I think, without being too cynical, that they may have brought HG in as "insurance" because CF doesn't have a big enough "name" for the global market or to head the billing. I wonder what CF's other projects are. Despite the delays over DQ, I still think there's a lot to be said for quality primetime TV. There are just far too many movies out there, and, (in the UK) too small an audience.

Bethan, are you no longer reading #127. The Mendes info was posted there.

Thanks, Murph, for showing us that portrait (and need I add that lovely fellow in the damp white shirt). I agree, Evelyn, the more I look at it, it looks less and less like Colin. Definitely not painted by Reynolds. ;-) I still think it would be fun to search out. It's not a bad idea to post Colin-related news here as well. Not everyone goes to 127. Keep digging up the news, Bethan, et al. One of these days it might actually be good.

Thanks Murph! Imagine her surprise to see the portrait in a shop window?

The portrait of Darcy - the actual prop used in the BBC TV adaptation - was acquired by Sue Birtwistle at the end of the filming. So now the mystery has finally been unravelled. Contrary to various surmisings, Sue did not hang it over her own mantelpiece... but obviously gave it to Colin's mum.

Article in the Sunday Telegraph...The BBC is to set up a new Film unit, so that the BBC can become a world player in making successful movies. The unit is to be headed by Alan Yentob, will have a large budget, and will harness the talents of Sam Mendes and Anthony Minghella. The Telegraph mentions that Alan Yentob is a friend of Richard Curtis and that he (AY, that is) will have full creative control. As Alan Yentob went to see CF in 3DOR, and CF has worked/is friendly with all the other names mentioned, maybe there will be something in it for him. In the next month or so, we'll have the chance to see CF in two movies in the UK, which hopefully will both get some publicity (absolutely crucial these days...unsung is unheard) and remind people that he has a movie career!! The BBC have apparently made two films recently, "Mansfield Park" which has not had good reviews, and "Love Honour and Obey" with Jude Law. I've seen a couple of reviews for "Love Honour and Obey" and they're absolute stinkers (SLOW looks good by comparison) but no doubt it will get a lot of promo and a national release. I'm coming to the conclusion that in the UK it's not the quality of the film that matters but the amount of publicity it and the "stars" receive. Some blowing of one's trumpet is a "must"!!!

The Telegraph also says that Alan Yentob will have authority over the BBC's drama and entertainment programme (and for the first time will have a seat on the BBC's Executive Committee, which gives him a direct say in running the BBC.) This means that DQ will be on his "slate". By all accounts he's a very likeable and accessible man (unlike some others in the BBC hierarchy), rather disorganised (wears odd socks and jumpers inside out!) It might be worthwhile emailing him (presumably ayentob@bbc.co.uk) to ask about DQ (UK and USA) and perhaps mention that you'd seen CF in 3DOR, were impressed by the performance and how pleasant he was etc, and it's about time we saw more of him on the BBC. The article mentioned collaboration with the US, so the US and other overseas markets are important. There may well be no response, but it can't do any harm. I just feel that UK drama is being hi-jacked by yob trailer-trash culture/Hello magazine "celebrities" at the moment!!

(Bethan)(wears odd socks and jumpers inside out!) That makes Colin look positively dandy by comparison ;-)

Sunday Times' article about the BBC reorg (to be announced tomorrow) has a pic of Lizzy and Darcy at the top. The Telegraph must have a scoop on the film unit, as the Times' mention of Yentob is more in keeping with what's been written for the past few weeks, i.e., being moved out of the day-to-day running, while he contemplates outside offers. ;-)

I'm coming to the conclusion that in the UK it's not the quality of the film that matters but the amount of publicity it and the "stars" receive. Not just the UK, Bethan,All Over!!No matter who is the star...he/she has to get out and plug it(at least go to the premiere;-)).Lots of good films never even get seen....ask SD...he's got several we've recently discovered.(He's another one who hides behind the "privacy mask".)

I'm coming to the conclusion that [...] it's not the quality of the film that matters but the amount of publicity it and the "stars" receive. Where have you been all your life, Sleeping Beauty??? ;-) ;-) ;-)

The New YorK Times today has this story on its front page. I have only excerpted part of it. I bet Colin is up in arms! See the last quoted paragraph - The Refugee Council's Nick Hardwick. - Murph ********************************** April 3, 2000 Britain Raises the Barriers High Against the Asylum Seekers By SARAH LYALL LONDON, April 2 _ In the latest effort by a West European government to stem the tide of immigrants flowing into the region, many of them from war-ravaged, post-Communist Eastern Europe, a sweeping law takes effect in Britain on Monday that aims to make the country far less attractive to asylum seekers. Last year, more than 70,000 people applied for asylum here, compared with about 5,000 just before the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. And with a backlog of more than 100,000 people and their families waiting to hear whether they qualify for asylum, the Labor government has been under intense pressure to act decisively, even to the point of including provisions in the new law that many of its members might well have criticized as draconian a decade ago. Under the law, asylum seekers will be given vouchers redeemable for goods worth about $58 per person per week, instead of cash welfare benefits. Instead of being able to settle where they want, asylum seekers with nowhere to go will be sent to one of 13 designated areas around Britain, some far away from refugee support networks. The government has also pledged to speed up the asylum process, and to close most avenues of appeal for rejected applicants. And it is imposing steep penalties, of about $3,300 per passenger, on drivers caught with foreign stowaways on their cargo trucks.... ....Although the Conservative opposition has continually attributed the increase to what it contends is a too-soft immigration policy, proposing that many illegal immigrants should be automatically detained and deported, refugee groups point out that the reality is far more complicated. "The figures are higher than last year but so are the instances of human rights abuse, political persecution, internal conflict and turmoil raging around the world," Nick Hardwick, chairman of the Refugee Council, a London group that works on behalf of refugees, said recently. "This period also contains a European war described as the greatest humanitarian disaster since the end of the Second World War by the NATO spokesman, Jamie Shea," he added, referring to last year's conflict over Kosovo. The full story is here: http://www.nytimes.com/library/world/europe/040300britain-immigrate.html

Hey...the Okies from Fenokies will take'em...we need people;-)

The BAFTA craft award shortlist was announced. I can understand why the costumers and hair stylists from TTOTS were not nominated. ;-)

Do you think it was the press-on sideburns which had the unfortunate look of being some kind of pair of matched millipedes? Or could it have been that ill-fitting frock coat, that no man of the Master's social class would have taken out of the tailor's shop?

Perhaps the costume designer was striving for the category: Best Designer for the "One Size Fits all Costume";-)

Since things have been pretty quiet, here's a publicity pic that I ran across just recently and it's for Fatal Woman (really, that's what is printed on it): Yummy though. ;-)

He looks a bit grey-green here.

Don't ask me how I know this, but Playmaker will be on television in New Zealand on Thursday at 1.30 a.m. on TV2. Here's the description: Made-for-TV erotic thriller about a struggling actress (Jennifer Rubin) under the influence of her acting coach's (Colin Firth) bizarre training methods. Gets more interesting as it goes along. (1hr 50min)

That's a pretty pic. His chest does look a little mossy but the face is just fine. Don't ask me how I know this Why? Too embarrassing to admit typing PLAYMAKER in the Search box? Made-for-TV It was? Surely not for USA TV. Gets more interesting as it goes along. Oh yeah. I was hooked by the time she donned that lousy disguise.;-)

(Heide) I was hooked by the time she donned that lousy disguise.;-) That was a disguise? I thought she had been accosted by a crazed milliner.;-) Sorry, I like this flick. It's so bad that it's wonderful in a campy way, and CF does a good job despite the story's shortcomings. He gives great shower.;-) ;-)

Playmaker was made for tv. Cable TV (as no major studio would pick it up?) I thought it was better in the beginning, tanked towards the end. (but then again, I always watch it drunk!)

(Laura)(but then again, I always watch it drunk!) So it's you who has been in the Chat Room under a pseudonym;-) Actually, I thought Playmaker had been released as a film in the US ...limited, I am sure.I met the producers at the "Wilde" Premiere.... Did not mention..."Oh, I've seen a previous production of yours....";-)

(Mari) He gives great shower.;-) ;-) LOL! Wasn't it you who said Ross had "nice auburn curls. Nice head hair too"? (Evelyn) I met the producers at the "Wilde" Premiere.... Did they have paper bags over their heads? Did not mention... You didn't ask about stand-ins, stunt doubles (in the riveting mountain bike scene) and so forth? Shucks. P has its moments, though, doesn't it? ;-) I like it better than coughcoughCamille.

(Eileen) LOL! Wasn't it you who said Ross had "nice auburn curls. Nice head hair too"? Yup. Busted again!;-)

On the topic of hair in "Playmaker", I'd describe the hair on his head as being auburn. As for the other curls in question, they were more of a chestnut color. Oh nuts -- I just couldn't resist the bad pun.

ROTFLOL, Cheryl - methinks you've been watching this movie far too much ;-D

You didn't ask about stand-ins, stunt doubles (in the riveting mountain bike scene) and so forth? Shucks. Am I glad this crowd wasn't around at that time....you guys would have drawn up a set of questions and had me bring the P. discussion folder!!

hee hee, at least it would prove to him that we aren't just fixated on Darcy. ;-)

(Evelyn)you guys would have drawn up a set of questions and had me bring the P. discussion folder!! You betcha!:-D