(Ann)do you know who we should telephone regarding the Premiere for MLSF, then perhaps Bethan and I could try and find out a few details. Bethan going to a Premiere in London?? You gotta be kidding.... Watch your email....

Newport Film Festival (6-11 June 2000) is taking volunteers. No other info at their web site www.newportfilmfestival.com at this time.

You are putting far too much stock in what the person at the agency said. Armadillo seemed the most likely to be a "real" project and it was supposed to be done during the summer. (Karen) Oh I dunno, call me an optimist but I think that both "Armadillo" and "Maid of Buttermere" will eventually happen. We just seem to work to more unpredictable timescales in the UK...just look how long it's taken for BJD to be up and running...they were going to start shooting last summer. Postponements and blips are the norm. Both are ideal projects for CF, and good projects are ve-r-y thin on the ground for Brittish actors who like to work in the UK!! Just watch this space...:-)

British...I can spell, can't type!

(Bethan) Just watch this space...:-) For what? What do you know that you aren't telling us? ;-)

....and good projects are ve-r-y thin on the ground for Brittish actors who like to work in the UK Is that another limitation?..Does he have to work justin the UK?

(Evelyn)Does he have to work just in the UK? No, he doesn't have to -- it would seem that lately he prefers to do so.

Just watch this space...:-) Yes, I've been watching this space - getting smaller and smaller. CF will be extremely pleased, his ears must be burning much less these days.

From today's Hollywood Reporter (last paragraph): Lola Films U.K. on an Endeavor By Cathy Dunkley Endeavor has signed Lola Films U.K., Spanish producer Andres Vicente Gomez's ("Belle Epoque") London-based sales and production company, to represent the North American distribution rights to its first four English-language films and act as a general consultant for the company. Sergio Aguero, the Endeavor agent who specializes in international affairs and indie financing for the company, said the deal was indicative of the company's desire to grow its international division and called its business plan "the most ambitious film program ever by a Spanish company." Lola Films U.K. was set up last May to produce bigger-budgeted, more commercial English-language films. Lola Films is Spain's leading independent production company. Endeavor will rep domestic distribution rights for Lola Films U.K.'s "Girl From Rio," directed by Christopher Monger and starring Hugh Laurie; "Off Key," the $10 million-budgeted parody of the three tenors to be directed by Spanish director Manuel Gomez Pereira and starring Joe Mantegna and Danny Aiello; "The Dancer Upstairs," to be directed by John Malkovich and starring Spanish heartthrob Javier Bardem in an 800 million-peseta ($5 million) production based on a script by Nicholas Shakespeare; and "Gaudi Afternoon," a 900 million-peseta ($5.6 million) comedy long in the works, with Susan Seidelman at the helm starring Judy Davis, Lili Taylor, Marcia Gay Harden and possibly Juliette Lewis. Other English-language films in the works include Carlos Saura's "The Maid of Buttermere," a romantic period piece set in England at the turn of the 19th century, written by Raymond Khoury and starring Colin Firth.

Now who will call his agent for a confirmation? ;-)))

Oh goodie, I love the sound of this movie. What does "in the works" mean Karne, has he signed do you think?

sorry about the spelling of your name, Karen, I am all excitement!

(Ann) What does "in the works" mean You won't be seeing it shortly. ;-)

Probably means that he's read the script and indicated an "interest." Nothing more.

I hope they don't pay him in "pesetas" ...he'll have to bring a duffel bag!

(Evelyn)I hope they don't pay him in "pesetas" ...he'll have to bring a duffel bag! Hahaha :-( As long as they pay him, why should he care?

I'm agog at that line about The Maid! I took the page off, believing it would never happen. To me Armadillo has more of a chance - Sue Birdwhistle and all. Thanks again for the scoop, Karen. HAPPY Passover and Easter to all here. You are all the greatest! Murph

and to you too Murph, and all fellow droolers.

There's a very good website for Lola films at http://www.lolafilms.com Check out Projectos y rodayes, Internationale and Email. The Hugh Laurie film "Girl from Rio" seems to have already been shot/or will shoot from November. There are contact emails for the London office....why not ask them if CF is indeed starring in MOB? If they get a few email enquiries, someone may strike lucky and get a response! And Lola films will know that there's some enthusiasm for the project. I think this is a terrific leading role...if I had to chose between Mark Darcy and John Hadley/Hope, I'd go for Hadley...but I hope to see both!

Bethan, the Lola site is also in English. BTW, Maid has been listed there since December 1999 as a future film in preproduction.

(Murph) I took the page off, believing it would never happen. This is no more information than was available before. So let's not get too excited.

Confirmation of CF's actual involvement in projects seems to happen about a week before filming starts! I think the signs are very positive for MOB, but, as with BJD, maybe a little patience will be required. :-)

(Bethan)if I had to chose between Mark Darcy and John Hadley/Hope, I'd go for Hadley...but I hope to see both! There's a better chance of your seeing MD (and he getting paid!). Lola Films??Might be a little problem in distribution.! I hope this is a television film (like DQ)...better chance of people seeing it. Ole!

happy easter to all. Lets hope its a good one, and the Maid of Buttermere will happen.

From The Times: Lottery cash fails to lift British films MORE than 200 British films, including Mansfield Park, Love and Death on Long Island and Metroland, have been made with the help of National Lottery finance. But less than five per cent of these have been hits, an official analysis of UK box office returns suggests. One of the worst performers has been Stephen Poliakoff's Food of Love, released last October by Film Four Distributors. The film cost �2.1 million to make and had an �800,000 grant from the Arts Council. So far the film has taken �1,507 at the box office. ~~~~~~~ Phew!! *wiping forehead in relief*

Yes, I agree, at least it wasn't Slow. I wonder why so many have failed. We havn't done so well in Oz. either. I suppose nothing about them appeals to the 18-25 male. And yet apparently MLSF is still showing in Adelaide and it was here in Perth for nine weeks with a good attendance. Its a mystery!

(Bethan) I think this is a terrific leading role...if I had to chose between Mark Darcy and John Hadley/Hope, I'd go for Hadley...but I hope to see both! Agreed. I love CF in really dramatic parts; I think that they allow him to display his greatest strengths as an actor. That's just my view though. Yet the chance to see him in both projects would be even better. More of CF in the movies is always a good thing.

Have reproduced the Observer article from April 9, 2000, complete with pics. It's a beaut. As Bethan said, there are a couple of new pictures aside from the one from Relative Values. I'd say that first one was shot when the reporter visited him on the set of Donovan Quick and we know how incredible he looked in that one. Haven't got a clue about the b&w serious pose though. Observer article

Agreed. I love CF in really dramatic parts; I think that they allow him to display his greatest strengths as an actor. Yep! Definitely! Thanks for reproducing the Observer article, Karen! I'm hoping there'll be something about MLSF in the monthly magazines and daily papers in the next two weeks (but why are all magazines all "wrapped up" these days...can't browse!) There was a preview of new films on Radio 5...they actually mentioned MLSF, gave it a good review..."excellent performances from Robbie Norman, and from the cast of adults MEM, MMcD, RH and IJ". But NO MENTION of CF!!! He is the lead, right, and it's a good performance, yes? Why do the reviewers keep on doing this? I honestly think it's irresponsible and prejudiced reporting. I remember one (tabloid, male) reviewer described CF's performance in SLOW as "the most insipid peformance ever seen on screen" and then made some crack about how without his wet shirt, "Mr Darcy's" attractiveness was nil. I don't see this kind of malicious "reviewing" in the US or Australia!

Whew!! Sorry, I'm still fanning myself. Those pictures are...well, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. He looks like an angel in the first one and that Darcy photo? Shows damp Mr. Darcy at his finest. Thank you, Karen, for lifting my spirits on this dreary Saturday.

WOWThat's some pic. Thank you Karen, Thank you Observer!! What a nice surprise from the Easter Bunny! Two of those pics are new. Livia's isn't...SIL premiere in NY?It's his premiere suit, anyway. What's with the 3/4 coat? Moda Italiana? Maybe he's been modeling for Gucci;-) I looked all over The Bucket for it. Are you going to post it there too?

Maybe our male reviewers resent his good looks!! Would explain their apparent reluctance to even mention His Name! Although I think that many male actors get a very bad press in the UK....Ken Branagh, Hugh Grant (pre-Notting Hill) and Rupert Everett (better press recently) have all been regularly savaged by the reviewers. One nice thing I heard on the radio (good source of info these days!) was part of an interview with Richard Curtis, in which he said that he thought that BJD was going to be even more successful than 4 Weddings and NH...said it had all the right ingredients and was delightfully entertaining. Something to look forward to!

Thanks for The Observer spread, Karen. The top pic is actually from another Observer article (by Andrew Billen) that ran in March '97, around Fever Pitch time. The black and white one with the longish jacket is yummy--looks to me like it may be from the same photo shoot as the Italian L'Uomo spread; I call it The Hard Day's Night photo shoot as it's all black and white and in some of the pics it looks like he's being chased down the street!;-) Do you know the one I mean? He looks very boyish in RV. The SIL premiere pic with Livia looks like a slightly different pose from one I've seen; very sweet pic of the two of them.

.Ken Branagh, Hugh Grant (pre-Notting Hill) and Rupert Everett (better press recently)have all been regularly savaged by the reviewers. Add Rafe Fiennes and the High Fidelity director.

I bow to your vastly superior skills in photo identification, Mari. However, was said picture 13-1/4" x 14-1/2"? Mmmmmmm L'Uomo? Looks right. The SiL premiere one is a different pose. In some cases (DQ, TEP, wetshirt, and the Meg one), I didn't need to scan them, but the SiL one was slightly different from the one I had. Evelyn, I will put a link in from the Bucket. Have been working on some stuff.

And Joe Fiennes, and Alan Rickman, and Stephen Fry, and Anthony Hopkins...well, the list could go on and on! I think a lot of British actors prefer the US because they don't receive needlessly destructive criticism and that's why they leave the UK. Several Brit actors won't do theatre any more because of the severity of the reviews. I actually hope that CF really succeeds in the US, maybe through BJD, and perhaps does some theatre over there if he can get a work permit. I'm sure he'd get a much warmer reception...it pains me to sound unpatriotic, but critics and the press in the UK really do seem to enjoy putting the boot in. Strangely enough, actresses get much more civilised tratment!

From The Sunday Times: Greg Dyke really does intend that the BBC eschews classic adaptations and opts for the new. The self-styled queen of the bonnets, Sue Birtwistle, who made television dramas of Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Wives and Daughters, is to produce a drama based on William Boyd's novel Armadillo. Boyd himself will adapt his darkly comic contemporary book about London for the BBC. I hope Dyke gets to see it. He recently told me that his kids controlled the zapper in his house and were forever changing what dad was watching. Don't they know he's the director-general?

Ah! Thanks a million, Karen! How come you spot all the good news, and whenever I hear/see anything relating to CF, I always get so-o-o annoyed (he's been left out again, he's not appreciated, etcetera, etcetera.) In future, I shall close my eyes and ears, and check only The Bucket!!! Seriously, despite Colin's agent ("Armadillo...never heard of it"), it seems to be definitely on, and I'm sure that SB and WB will have been chatting to Colin. He's an Ideal Lovely Lorimer! And it is a strong dramatic role...very funny too. Can we hope for a series...or at least a 3-4 hour adaptation! Good for the Beeb! Happy Easter everyone...I've a busy few days ahead, and hope that everyone has a very nice break!

Thanks Karen, for the Observer treat. Great presentation, and the clearest RV picture I've seen so far. Here is another L'Uomo pic - the smoking one: Happy Easter! Murph

Mari and Murph, I've been looking at the L'Uomo pics and I don't think the one in the Observer is from that shoot (backdrop, shirt, hair all different). Interestingly, most of the articles in the Life magazine identify the source of the photos, but Colin's article does not. (Bethan) He's an Ideal Lovely Lorimer! Agreed, this part is perfect for him and I'm positive that he has committed to appear in it for SB.

(Bethan) Although I think that many male actors get a very bad press in the UK....Ken Branagh, Hugh Grant (pre-Notting Hill) and Rupert Everett...And Joe Fiennes, and Alan Rickman, and Stephen Fry, and Anthony Hopkins. So many of these names you mention have been in films with Colin. Does anyone else play the Degrees of Separation to Colin game when watching a film? As I was (barely) watching Dunston Checks In yesterday on TV and saw Rupert Everett make a fool of himself, I was also busily counting how many diverse performers have just a one degree separation from Colin...Jason Alexander, PeeWee Herman and Faye Dunaway to name just a few. Anyway, a fun way to spend time while watching a bad movie.

Thanks Karen....I too think "Armadillo" will be a great role for him ..perfect casting. And I'm glad it's not another costume drama ..get outta that stuff, Colin nobody goes to see them! ~~~~~~ (Bethan) In future, I shall close my eyes and ears, and check only The Bucket!!! Good luck. She posts the stuff here and then I can't find it later;-) What happened to that NEW button you had, Karen? ~~~~ I too don't think the new pic is from L'Uomo.Sideburns longer in old one. Nor the first pic either.He looked younger in FP ones...hair curlier. New one more mature...yum:-)

(Evelyn) then I can't find it later;-) What happened to that NEW button you had, Karen? What can't you find? Anyway, I've added the New button to the main page that links to a summary type page of additions, which is still a work in progress... Isn't everything?

Thank you ..I like the table of contents by projects,the "New" button on front page and the separate News Page. Now, I'm all set :-D

Mari ..Looks like E!Online expanded and updated its Firth file after the BJD announcemnet. It's times like this that I really miss Helen's FAQ. I went back to an old printout from maybe late 1998 and she had listed 2 more personal awards for CF not mentioned by E!Online, plus 19 awards for the productions he had been in. Had even mentioned & quoted the hymn in the host segment of "Starfighter's" as episode # 612, shown in 1994. (and that Stephan Dellane had played with Colin in 'Hostages" and "Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd"!) What a resource that was! Wish there was a way to revive it! (did Helen go to London by any chance?)

Great job, Karen! I too don't think the new pic is from L'Uomo. I agree. I think it is a later picture. The one with Livia is from the LA SIL premiere. Looking forward to RV. Have they confirmed the opening date? Is Armadillo confirmed for CF? I love that picture, Murph, very sexy. :-) KJ), It's times like this that I really miss Helen's FAQ. She was my first source of CF info years ago. Helen, if you are reading, you did a great job. It is thanks to you that so many of us were able to search out his other films and become such afirthionados.

Thanks for reproducing the Observer article, Karen. (Evelyn) Nor the first pic either.He looked younger in FP ones...hair curlier. I agree with Mari. This pic's [the first one] been around for awhile. I've definitely seen it before. It's from his brown phase. ;-) Is Armadillo confirmed for CF? No. (KJ)(Moon) It's times like this that I really miss Helen's FAQ. Wasn't it Ellen's FAQ?

Wasn't it Ellen's FAQ? Quite right, Eileen. We become so good at copy/paste, that we sometimes overlook major details. (Evelyn) Nor the first pic either.He looked younger in FP ones...hair curlier. (Eileen), I agree with Mari. This pic's [the first one] been around for awhile. I've definitely seen it before. It's from his brown phase. ;-) Wow! He had brown phase! I liked his open white-shirt phase best. ;-)

Sorry, we appear to be a little late. :-( FILM NOTES; Film Footy Fetish The Washington Post; Washington; Apr 14, 2000; Desson Howe MOVIES AND SOCCER are, let's face it, two of the greatest pastimes in life. All right, fine, in my life. So imagine my bliss--and hopefully yours--at the prospect of watching a film festival about soccer this weekend. I refer to the Footy Film Festival, a Sunday night (showtimes always at 7) series through May 14, which will be held at the two best soccer-watching bar havens in the Washington area: the Rock in Chinatown (717 Sixth St. NW) and Lucky Bar, just south of Dupont Circle (1221 Connecticut Ave. NW). Soccer aficionados congregate regularly at these bars--festooned with wall-to-wall video screens-- to watch live soccer from around the world. Footy kicks off this Sunday at Lucky Bar with 1997's "Fever Pitch," an adaptation of Nick Hornby's other cult novel (you've heard of "High Fidelity," I trust). In David Evans's English-made movie, yet to be released in the United States (for shame!), Paul (Colin Firth) is obsessed with his favorite soccer team, the London club of Arsenal. But when Paul meets Sarah (Ruth Gemmell) he discovers that, unlike soccer, relationships aren't played out in seasons. Also showing with the movie: "Goal: The Story of the 1966 World Cup," a compilation of the highlights leading to England's ultimate World Cup victory. I don't think I'm giving anything away there. April 23 at 7 at the Rock, it's Mary Giese's "When Saturday Comes" (1997, 94 minutes), in which a working class lad (Sean Bean) from Sheffield, England, gets the chance to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a professional footballer. But he's beset by a cynical, unsupportive father (Pete Postlethwaite), hard-drinking friends and a lifetime of bad habits. The movie's shown with "Gole! Story of the 1982 World Cup." (England didn't win that one.) The rest of the schedule: April 30 at the Rock: John Huston's "A Minor Miracle" (1982, 87 minutes), which stars Brazilian soccer star Pele in a sad tale about an orphanage threatened with closure. The movie is shown with "The Boys From Brazil: Brazil World Cup teams 1930-1986." (Come to think of it, England didn't win that one either.) May 7 at Lucky Bar: Bill Forsyth's "Gregory's Girl" (1980, 88 minutes). In this Scottish charmer, teenage footballer Gregory (John Gordon Sinclair) loses his star position in the school soccer team, and his heart, to Dorothy (Dee Hepburn). He is demoted to goalie. The movie's shown with "Argentina Campeones: The World Cup 1978." (Okay, fine, rub it in: England fell a bit short.) May 14 at the Rock: A cult classic! In John Huston's "Victory" (1982, 94 minutes), set in a POW camp inside Nazi Germany, the new camp commandant (Max Von Sydow) challenges Michael Caine's allied prisoners team to a soccer match. The captives see the game as an opportunity to hatch a daring escape plan. Team members for the Allies, include real soccer stars Pele, Bobby Moore and Osvaldo Ardiles. And keep your eyes peeled for Sylvester Stallone. Also shown: "The World at Their Feet: The World Cup 1970, Mexico." (Um, you know.) A festival pass is $10, which includes snacks and admission to one or all movies. Only a limited number of passes will be available. Seating is first-come, first-served. For more information, check www.soccer-nation.com, which not only gives you festival times and film descriptions, but also provides a whole world of information about international and domestic soccer league and cup games. Calling busboys or bartenders at the Rock (202/ 842-7625) and Lucky Bar (202/331-3733) will only be useful for directions. ~~~~~~~~ Can you imagine watching Fever Pitch at a bar! Would be fun. :-)

Fever Pitch and Gregory s Girl together would be fun.

KJ)(Moon) It's times like this that I really miss Helen's FAQ. (Eileen)Wasn't it Ellen's FAQ? Sorry, my memory for names has always been bad, but in the past few years, it's become atrocious ... Ellen Armstrong, of course. Thanks, Eileen. There is still a useful site with her name on it, but now consists mostly of links to other CF pages. I always just wondered how she got such widespread info. Rivaled your fantastic skills, Slouth Karen. Hey, how about a *Karen's FAQ?* (Kidding ... just keeping that thing updated must have taken enormous amounts of time!!!)

"Karen's FAQ" -Still its a very good thought, KJ!!

(Eileen) This pic's [the first one] been around for awhile. I've definitely seen it before. It's from his brown phase. ;-) I printed it down from the FoF Scrapbook last Sept. Meluchie lists it as from The Independent on Sunday but with no date. (The URL image name implies it's from the Observer, though) Brown-phase Colin It's source is labeled on the second page of the offscreen images collection: Offscreen Images, p.2

Are you sure you people didn't work for the CIA?? ;-) ~~~~~

Just to update you all, Ellen Armstrong is battling cancer at the moment, so keep her in your prayers. She took down FAQs when Colin had been quoted in a paper about the intrusions of fans - Something about someone even knowing where he lived, I think. Someone else refesh my memory here. Anyway, Ellen felt he would not have approved of her site, and so removed it, much to our sorrow. She still has a Faq page for Steven MacIntosh. Murph

CIA??;-) Noooo... Like Eileen, the image rang a bell. You people will only find out about it if I have the time [and consciousness] to: a) search my own files b) check to see things are still there c) compose a post and d) have access to an online computer. (obviously, today, I had all 4). ButIgottagetsomeworkdone. ;-) (Ann W)"Karen's FAQ" -Still it's a very good thought, KJ!! It may be a very good thought to you and me, but more importantly it would have to be a good one to Karen herself -- and I am NOT making a request; only selfishly expressing some wishful thinking which logically led to comparing their skills and usefulness! [Neck and neck, I think] **Heehee** KJ

I am so sorry to hear she is so seriously ill. She had done so much for Colin in her time. I'll think of her. Thank you for letting us know, Mary. Mary Murphy ... Ellen felt he would not have approved of her site, and so removed it, much to our sorrow. For the longest time, the site contained only the quote to which she was reacting (it still does...), but she later refurbished it with an excellent list of hotlinks to other sites: Ellen Armstrong's Colin Firth FAQ   Colin.Firth.Com links to Ellen's FAQ on their own links page: Firth.com Links:

Have run across a really interesting (and funny) article from last March (pre-Oscars) about the making of SiL, going back to its inception and through its Julia Roberts phase. Perhaps some have already read it, but I don't recall it. The article mentions Colin during the first go around in casting for the lead and really reinforces who wrote it (the Norman vs. Stoppard thing). http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/newsday31499.html

I have never read this article.Wonder where it appeared originally? Thanks Sleuth. LOL at Joe Fiennes quote:"Wonder who will see this movie"? We all wondered the same thing before it opened...remember?

It was in Newday on March 14, 1999. Ran across a writeup of Colin's appearance in Winchester on behalf of asylum-seekers in 1999. Not sure if it's been posted before. Since it is shorter, I'll put it up here, but here's the link: Asylum article Colin Firth highlights asylum-seekers' plight Colin Firth, the actor who played Mr Darcy, in the TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, was in Winchester on Saturday to highlight the plight of asylum-seekers. He took a high-profile role in Voices in a Strange Land, an event organised by the Winchester Action Group On Asylum Seekers, (WAGAS) at King Alfred's College. WAGAS has successfully campaigned for the release of 20 asylum-seekers from Winchester Prison. The Winchester actor became passionate about the subject seven months ago after reading an article in a national newspaper about a 19-year-old asylum-seeker who had fled torture in Nigeria. He was then held in a British detention centre where he alleges he was tortured by Group Four. Said Firth: "It is disgusting that we have a gap in our system where this kind of thing is possible, where the authorities can do this with impunity," he said. "These people are not all freeloaders. If you have an Iraqi dissident who's had the guts to get out of Iraq and come over here, does that sound like a sponging freeloader to you?" The three-hour event was packed, with latecomers turned away. They were treated to poetry readings by Yugoslav writer Miroslav Jancic and former Nobel Prize nominee Esmail Kho'i, as well as dance from the Congo and Kurdistan, and singers from Somalia and Iraq. "It is a drop in the ocean," said Firth, "But we are just trying to raise awareness."

.....19-year-old asylum-seeker who had fled torture in Nigeria. He was then held in a British detention centre where he alleges he was tortured by Group Four. Who is "Group Four"? They sound violent...

Evelyn- Who is "Group Four"? They sound violent... Far from it Evelyn, they're a private security firm who used to be content with driving about in armoured trucks delivering cash to banks, more recently they've gone into the "detention" business over here in the UK and I believe are responsible for our first privately run prison. They are especially well know for their ineptitude..having lost (as in letting escape!!) a few potential inmates on the way to jail! I've not heard any torture allegations before..but that doesn't necessarily mean it didn't happen!

Is Armadillo confirmed for CF? (Eileen) No. Depends what you mean by "confirmed". If you mean "confirmed" as by his very cautious agent, then no , but Baz B. in the Daily Mail is always very accurate, and if he says that Colin has agreed, and SB wants him, I think it's a cert. And it is an ideal role for him....the narrative focuses entirely on him (so we'll see a lot of him!), it's funny, poignant and there's an abundance of interesting character parts....ideal for a TV series. IMHO, CF has got a very good trio of projects lined up....BJD which will be popular/entertaining multiplex fare and will be released worldwide, MOB will will give him the opportunity (long overdue) for a strong dramatic role ( the sort of role that normally goes to RF!) which could get critical attention and awards, and then "Armadillo", which will reach a huge TV audience, especially if it's advertised as re-uniting the P&P team of SB and CF. Thanks for the account of the Refugee event in Winchester, Karen. Wasn't it organised by Colin's mum?...I'm sure I read that somewhere!

As you can tell by my original response, I don't use the term 'confirmed' as it relates to the author of a gossip column (accurate or not). Of course, everyone is free to believe what they want. After Flashman (we were told TV Times was also very accurate), I've become skeptical about any of CF's projects until they are reported by parties more directly connected to the project. Once burned... Thanks for these articles, Karen. Too bad the Winchester Asylum article didn't mention what CF did--only that he took a high profile role. Hmmm--could he have read from the phone book? ;-D (Tracy) more recently they've gone into the "detention" business over here in the UK and I believe are responsible for our first privately run prison. Uh-oh, the trials and tribulations of privatization. If the allegations are true, perhaps Group Four staff were trained by the NYPD.

(Bethan)IMHO, CF has got a very good trio of projects lined up.... BJD,A,MOB... (Certainly more impressive than the last batch....TOTS, BL,RV, L.) I'm proud of you Bethan...on the strength of your optimism I've ordered MOB.

As you can tell by my original response, I don't use the term 'confirmed' as it relates to the author of a gossip column (accurate or not). Of course, everyone is free to believe what they want. After Flashman (we were told TV Times was also very accurate), I've become skeptical about any of CF's projects until they are reported by parties more directly connected to the project. Once burned... (Eileen) I wouldn't describe Baz B. as a gossip columnist...he's a well respected journalist who writes about entertainment, and he normally gets his information straight from the horse's mouth. So if he quotes Sue Birtwistle, I'd be pretty sure he's spoken to her and it's an accurate report. I firmly believe CF will do "Armadillo"...no prospect of burning here! :-) Now, even "Flashman"....I'm not holding my breath over this, but the reports had to be more than just conjecture. There was definitely an ongoing "Flashman" project, although I read somewhere that it had been "shelved". The production company mentioned - Carlton - had produced "Sharpe", also 19th century military history, and the locations cited seemed feasible - Wales (Snowdonia often doubles for Afghanistan) and across Europe. Joanna Lumley would be great casting. It's obviously a hugely expensive project for television, and sometimes projects do take years to get off the ground! I'm stretching my optimism here, but it could still happen...2001? I'm proud of you Bethan...on the strength of your optimism I've ordered MOB. (Evelyn) Ah! Optimism is infectious! One reason I feel very hopeful about this, is that it's completely right for CF, and there are so few roles like this. And anyway MOB is a very good read, whatever the outcome! (Certainly more impressive than the last batch....TOTS, BL,RV, L.) What's BL? :-) I think "Londinium" was definitely a "hey, I want to stay at home and put up some more shelves for Livia" choice. But (perhaps?) it may be better than we think ...and I definitely want to see CF and the beautiful IJ falling for each other (compare MLSF!) RV will be lightweight, but I'm sure the cast will put a lot of gusto into the performances...it has to be very watchable!

(Bethan) I wouldn't describe Baz B. as a gossip columnist Then one of your fellow countrypersons did. I read that term here--I don't know Baz from a hole in the ground. Whatever, believe what you will. Different strokes for different folks.

(Bethan)What's BL? :-) 1.BL is my term for Blackadder. Have you seen it? 2 L: Putting up shelves for Livia should not be a criteria for a serious actor to select a project.And I have seen "The Sex Monster"...have you seen it? I have seen MLSF...and L. will not be MLSF...have you seen it? 3.RV will be good , but he will not have the billing stature as in the new projects. evelyn*who travels far and wide to see his films*...even the bad ones;-)

Any word on a London premiere for MLSF?

I've not read anything about MLSF...but I don't see the same range of papers that I used to see. The promotion (and premiere, if there is one) normally seems to occur a couple of weeks before the opening. So perhaps there may be some interviews/articles this weekend. Or maybe the Observer article was "it". 2 L: Putting up shelves for Livia should not be a criteria for a serious actor to select a project.And I have seen "The Sex Monster"...have you seen it? No..the title is rather offputting! But I did see a series (on BBC2) that Mike Binder directed (didn't write though), and liked it..."American Gothic". I'm joking about the shelves...I hope he really liked the script...but the chance to be home-based may have tipped the balance!

Been briefly in touch with Nan over Easter. She sends her love to all droolers. Hope you still remember Nan, oldtimers? For newbies, Nan is/was one of our hosts (moderators) and a ferocious drooler herself. She is nearing the end of an extremely tough computer technology course at the NYU, for which she has given up drooling for two years... Hopefully she'll be back among us later in the year.

Does anyone know what's happening to MLSF in the UK? I received the May programme today for the Bradford NM of Film & Photography (where they held the Film Festival). No mention of any showing of MLSF, although I had been assured that it would show in May. So, showing initiative, I phoned the Curzon Mayfair (thought I'd ask about a premiere and confim the opening date) I was told that they "had thought that they were getting MLSF" but there's "a question mark" over it. It's not listed, and the Curzon are showing "Sunshine" and something else throughout May. Huh! I thought the Miramax spokesman said the reason they postponed the release of MLSF for nearly a year was to secure an opening at the Curzon Mayfair!!!! Thoroughly downhearted, I phoned two other independent cinemas in Leeds and Manchester, which normally get all the art house releases...and MLSF is not being shown in May or June. So what's happened?? If anyone can confirm it is opening on the 12th and where, I'd be eternally grateful! :-)This is one disappointment too far!!! Glad to hear news of Nan...I hope all's going well with the course!

Has anybody called Miramax or Buena Vista Intl (the UK distributors)?

I'll give BVI a ring tomorrow.....:-) It was too late to contact them today. Hopefully, all will be resolved!

Sorry to hear about Ellen's illness, I hope she wins this fight. And glad to have news of Nan, please tell her, Arami, how happy we'll be to have her back :-)

I cannot believe they have postponed MLSF yet again - it has been shown all over Asia and has been popular here in Australia - in fact I heard it was still showing in Adelaide. It is coming out on video here in a couple of weeks - it just does not make sense. I watched SLOW last night - I have converted my sister-in-law!!

According to popcorn.co.uk it is still scheduled to be released on the 12th May, fingers crossed.

From the horse's mouth... I've just phoned BVI and asked about MLSF.(Better to find out than to jump to conclusions and get irritated, which is what I normally do!) It does open on May 12th, but it's London only and Scotland. I asked which cinemas and was told that "one hasn't been booked yet (only one!!!)..check your local listings." I said I thought it was the Curzon (although I don't think it can be) and the reply was "well, it may be". I asked about a nationwide release....reply was "no" but "after 2 or 3 weeks perhaps some rep theatres may be interested in booking it...it's up to them". Now the good bit...I asked where it was opening in Scotland...reply "everywhere". Perhaps to a Londoner, Glasow and Edinburgh is "everywhere", but hopefully MLSF may get more exposure north of the border! There's no premiere, and no money budgeted for promotion. But I'm wondering if it may have an informal gala type/charity opening in Glasgow...it's a possibility, yes? Anyway, there you have it! Could be worse. But I'm surprised that BVI aren't trying for the rep theatres...perhaps there aren't enough prints!

Hi All: Mickie called Colin's agent yesterday, and was told that though he hadn't yet signed on the dotted line, Armadillo is still very much under consideration. Murph

Murph, as there isn't a script yet, Colin wouldn't have signed anything. However, Baz's info would likely still be accurate about Colin committing early on to the project. That's done without a formal contract and gets the higher-ups interested in a project, gets it funding, etc. Bethan, that's the crummiest news yet. (putting it nicely) What is going on? They don't even have the confidence to give this movie a decent opening. I'm... speechless... :-(

so am I, looks as if I will be meeting up with Aishling again in London, seeing Sunshine tomorrow.

(Bethan)...perhaps there aren't enough prints! How many did we think were doing the US tour? ;-)

There is an ad in today's Evening Standard to win free tickets to the premiere of MLSF to be held at the ABC Shaftesbury Avenue on Monday 2nd May!!! Phone 0901 111 0152 if you want to win a free ticket. "CF in wet shirt will be attending" !!!!!

That should be Tuesday 2nd May!!!

Wot! And just after I'd had that miserable conversation with BVI..."no premiere, no promotion, no money, haven't booked a cinema, etcerea" Well, that was totally accurate, wasn't it? And the ABC Shaftesbury Avenue...that's an excellent venue. In the heart of the West End and bigger than the Curzon, I believe. This can't compare with Allison's news, but the National Museum of Film and Photography in Bradford are showing a special screening of "Lost Empires" in TV heaven, a special theatre (seating about 40) for viewing archived TV drama. It's on June 15 and free. I'll check if it's the CF version...I don't think there's been any other adaptation.

"CF in a wet shirt!" LOL! He should be in Mark Darcy mode though, as they'll just have started shooting BJD!

Wonderful news, Allison! So who has phoned and gotten their tickets? :-) Special screening of Lost Empires? My oh my. Must be an all-day event with a break for lunch/dinner. It runs... what... 6 hours??? There couldn't possibly be another version. Has to be Colin's.

"CF in wet shirt will be attending" Is this your quotation Allison, or was this part of the Ad? LOL! I hope you go even if you do not win the tickets. It is worth it.

Go to Empire Online. At the upper left is an ad for asking questions of Stephen Fry. When you click on it, this is what you will see (also a pic from Londinium. The next subject of Empire's Public Access interview - the one where you the readers get to ask the questions - is none other than the prince of the withering one-liner, Stephen Fry. Fry, the star of stage, small and big screen, raconteur, renaissance man and web head, has accepted the challenge to answer questions from Empire readers. So if you've ever wanted to know what he thinks of Hugh Laurie's Hollywood success, whether his most recent co-star, Julie Andrews, has any deep dark secrets or how he knows so much about the internet then this is your chance. The best questions will be put to the man himself when we interview him in a couple of weeks time and Fry's answers will feature in an upcoming issue of the magazine, as well as here at Empire Online. Send your questions to: empire@ecm.emap.com OK, ladies, this is where we will shine. Julie Andrews' deepest darkest secrets? Who cares! Moon, your prayers have been answered. Let's get this rolling... ;-)

Here's the url for Empire Online, but you need to send the questions to the email address above. http://www.empireonline.co.uk/

(Karen) Wonderful news, Allison! So who has phoned and gotten their tickets? :-) I'll be phoning as soon as I've stopped typing this! ;-D *fingers crossed*

(Karen) Wonderful news, Allison! So who has phoned and gotten their tickets? :-) I'll be phoning as soon as I've stopped typing this! ;-D *fingers crossed*

Arggghhhh! "I'm sorry all lines are now closed" ;-(

Good for you Tracy, I am afraid I can't make the Premiere but if it is only playing in London,and who knows Bethan, even that may be wrong (incidentally I think it was disgraceful that BVI misinformed you so badly, obviously the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing), then I will certianly go to London to see it, in the first week just in case it disappears after the first week!!

Well - time for me to think about a trip to London again... :-)

"I'm sorry all lines are now closed" Are you sure you dialed the right code? ;-)

From the weekend Financial Times, "Unmissable Events" Tuesday, May 2 I do not pretend to be an oracular source of information on the novels of Jane Austen. However, I do not recall her having written many novels set in Bermuda. Nevertheless, her sailor brothers did make it over to this pleasant island; so what better, or sunnier, place to hold a Jane Austen summit? Today is the start of a week-long, mid-Atlantic meeting of US and UK Jane Austen fanatics. Indeed, if the heritage TV mob run out of Jane Austen novels in which to cast Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, they might like to look at the life of Jane's brother, Charles, who married the governor of Bermuda's daughter. This should offer plenty of scope for smouldering glances beneath the swaying palms. UK Jane Austen Society, 01420-562469. Talking of Colin Firth, you might catch him at the premiere tonight of My Life So Far. It is the first film by David Putnam and Hugh Hudson since Chariots of Fire, and is a poignant period drama set in Scotland during the first world war. My Life So Far premiere, ABC Shaftesbury Avenue

(Arami) time for me to think about a trip to London again... :-) Yes, yes. Go, go. Colin at the premier? Even if he's in a dry shirt what an event! What possessed him to finally do something regarding this film, d'ye think? Good luck ladies. (Ann) (incidentally I think it was disgraceful that BVI misinformed you so badly, obviously the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing) Yes, and his agents, located in the brain that's in the tail we all sit on, don't know anything at all. I'm sorry but after reading Mary's report from Mickie, they're even easier targets than before. ;-) Thinking of my question for Mr. Fry that doesn't have anything (or very little) to do with Julie Andrews. Thanks, Karen, for the url.

(Heide) Thinking of my question for Mr. Fry that doesn't have anything (or very little) to do with Julie Andrews. Don't think we should ask, "is Peter gay?" Right? ;-)