Murph ..thrilling to see the scanned hard-copy headlines from Variety... "Working Title Pens Firth into Diary" in BIG letters.Not hidden in the bowels of an article. ~~~~~~~~ Karen...."Singleton's Celebration Essentials"...a hoot.... Did ya' save the box of the Jaffa Cakes I brought you in November in wait for this event? Silk Cuts, Milk Tray and Chardonnay...what else would a girl want? v.v.g. girls.

(Mari) Somebody had a sense of humor. Too bad none of the reports used it; I hate seeing wit go to waste.;-) See, if you wade through the boilerplate, you hit gold. Amazing, you never see stuff like that in a PR. Thanks, Mari. Am having a ball with this one. Hey, Heide, the wig is their but it's more brownish. You didn't think Colin sprouted a new head of hair, did you? ;-) (maybe Gi's been working on him) ;-)

I'm not sure how many more announcements (regurgitations) people want to read, but at least the FilmUnlimited people added "content": Grant and Firth to star in Bridget Jones adaptation Thursday April 13, 2000 Ending weeks of speculation, British actors Hugh Grant and Colin Firth have been confirmed to co-star in the forthcoming adaptation of Bridget Jones' Diary, alongside American actress Renee Zellweger, who will play the eponymous sad singleton. Firth, who played supporting roles in The English Patient and Shakespeare in Love, will play Mark Darcy, the romantic lead opposite Zellweger, with Grant the good for nothing Daniel, who beds our heroine, and unceremoniously dumps her for someone thinner and blonder. Firth's casting is a case of life imitating art, and its irony will not be lost of the millions of Bridget Jones fans, who will know that Colin Firth's portrayal of Mr Darcy in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, fuels numerous fantasies for Bridget Jones. Zellweger is perhaps best known as Tom Cruise's love interest in the 1996 hit Jerry Maguire. Diary, produced by Working Title Films and helmed by first time director Sharon Maguire, starts shooting later this month, financed by Universal Pictures and Canal Plus.

Gee...with Firth's track record for being in Oscar winning films...

Have just been out and perused a few papers. Can find nothing! Even Baz B in the Mail says nothing about BJD. I did not look in the Daily Express, another likely source. Will try and check later. Maybe the Sunday papers will have more?? They could not have much less.

Great job, Karen, loved the pix! The Miami Herald reported it all yesterday. This is the film that will brake CF to the masses. Are we ready?

I somehow think that CF will still remain anonymous even after this "breakout" role. It's his will, right? He doesn't go for that pomp & circumstance, he'll play a role, downplay it as, "the script was perfect, the cast is amazing, and hey, it's Bridget? I mean, I know her personally..." ;)

(Allison) Have just been out and perused a few papers. Can find nothing! Probably too concerned with Sir Anthony. Here is Empire's article (nothing new): http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?2229 Love mistakes. This is from CNN:Firth, who played the arrogantly possessive Lord Essex in "Shakespeare in Love," is to play the romantic lead opposite Zellweger. Grant, the bumbling, blue-eyed bookseller in "Notting Hill," is to portray his rival.

(Karen)...the good for nothing Daniel, who beds our heroine, and unceremoniously dumps her for someone thinner and blonder. Yeah... I wonder whom they'll find that's thinner and blonder than Zellweger ;-)

Now that we can all breath a sigh of relief that Colin has been cast as MD, how about some specualtion as to the rest of the cast. I think I have had an inspired thought, how about Joan Collins for Bridget's Mum, any thoughts anyone?

It's finally official. Hurrah! Hurrah! Despite my well-documented mixed feelings about his casting, it is *very* exciting to see Mr. Invisible Man's name in the headlines. I was away from the computer all day yesterday and watched ET and AH in hopes of a mention, to no avail. Apparently it's more important that American audiences learn about the rumored Ted Turner-Bo Derek liaison. It's nice to see the film's budget increase but IMO most of that's gotta be going to Hugh. He doesn't work cheap. Speaking of the budget, I've heard that a team is already hard at work on an aggressive BJD marketing campaign in manner of Godzilla and Phantom Menace. Here's a sneak peek at a few of their preliminary ideas. 1. Dolls. BJ doll will come packaged in a flat with a removable hole in wall (in anticipation of EOR sequel). Doll will come dressed in micro-mini. A variety of outfits available for additional purchase will include black coctail dress with kitten-heel shoes and bunny girl costume. Accessories include tiny packs of Silk Cut, boxes of Milk Tray and telephone with 1471 feature. Handsome MD doll comes dressed in (what else?) fugly diamond-patterned sweater and bumblebee socks. Additional outfits include barrister costume and wig (see Bucket for specs). DC doll comes with leash (attached to Elizabeth Hurley), very long arms (for feeling up BJ) and TV set accessory (for watching cricket). Julio doll looks amazingly like a certain Drool-frequenter's husband. 2. Seagram's Vintners, heretofore an unknown subsidiary of the conglomerate, announces its new BJ Chardonnay. 1996 was a *very* good year. 3. BBC/A&E will re-release their 'BJ Edition' of the P&P2 video. The boxed set will feature the original five-plus hour running time but will consist of repeated shots of Mr. Darcy diving into the lake and walking to Pemberley in his wet shirt. 4. Barnes & Noble, Borders and Amazon.com will stock 'Pam Jones's Guide to Motherhood', ghost-written by Dr. Laura. The book will analyze and expand on Pam's seminal tips ('don't say what, say pardon' and having one's colors done). The front cover will feature the Hakuna Matata family crest (once again, in anticipation of EOR sequel). 5. Weight Watchers will announce their 'BJ Diet Plan', aimed toward men and women who don't need to lose weight but think they do. Watch for TV ads featuring Fergie proclaiming "last year I lost 70 pounds...and gained 71!"

LOL, Eileen! (Gi), Yeah... I wonder whom they'll find that's thinner and blonder than Zellweger ;-) Gwyneth Paltrow of course!

...And Gwenneth Paltrow is v. tall, as well.

Um, I'm thinner and now blonder.... just a thought;)

(Ann) I think I have had an inspired thought, how about Joan Collins for Bridget's Mum, any thoughts anyone? Hmm, I don't know, Ann. Saw Joan on ET last night (part of a riveting *cough* story about George Hamilton breaking up with Danielle Steele). IMO she's too glam. Has definitley been nipped and tucked--looks like a 30 year-old. Don't know about Joan's range, either--seems to be at her best mud wrestling with Linda Evans.

Argh! Have we heard _anything_ about supporting roles? Now that the biggest agony is over ;-)

Can someone help a fashionably impaired member: just what _is_ a "kitten heel" shoe?

How about Tom Hollander for her gay friend "Tom"? maybe he is not very well known in the US but he was in Bedrooms & Hallways with JE and was very funny.

Nothing in the Express, either, chaps. Hey, Karen, that wig should be lighter: British lawyers' wigs are made of white (grey) horses' hair. :-) As for the increase in budget: when they finalized with Hugh, along came Colin and asked for the same amount... I hope!

(Eileen) The boxed set will feature the original five-plus hour running time but will consist of repeated shots of Mr. Darcy diving into the lake and walking to Pemberley in his wet shirt. They are years too late with this one; most already have this, albeit homemade. ;-) Don't know about Joan's range, either--seems to be at her best mud wrestling with Linda Evans. LOL!! You are in rare form. Agree Joan is too glam. Can't picture her overloaded with carrier bags (from nondesigner shops) and wearing Country Casuals (????) Needs to be closer to that Hyacinth person, but not exactly. (Meredith) Have we heard _anything_ about supporting roles? Have asked a couple of times when info would be announced. So far, nothing. Wonder if they will get back to me before filming is completed. ;-) And that kitten-heel thing has been asked several times.... Didn't Mark answer it before? Plenty of actresses taller and blonder than Renee Zellweger. Uma and Cameron come to mind. I like Tom Hollander for Gay Tom. In the two things I've seen him in, he does go OTT quite a bit. But I'm sure he can dial it back. that wig should be lighter: British lawyers' wigs are made of white (grey) horses' hair. :-) bitch bitch bitch ;-) Now something to ogle at - the real Telegraph article that confirmed the casting. Please note the pictures: position and size. I will link this to my BJD page but take a looksie: http://www.spring.net/karenr/cfimages/bjd/tel413.jpg

LOL, Eileen. Can't wait to get dolls of my very own, but will not share the MD doll with my daughter. Mine, all mine. It seems that each of us realizes that the announcement that CF has finally agreed to play MD is REALLY TRUE, when (s)he reads it in their own favorite "official" publication. My realization came this morning during the ride to work when I heard the short blurb on radio station PST's "Entertainment Buzz" (a relatively small central NJ station). It was more the way it was said, than what was said. Although it was merely a 3 sentence capsulization of the Variety story, when she said (parapharasing) "Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, and Renee Zellweger are set to star in the upcoming film version of BJD...Colin Firth will play the romantic lead opposite RZ.." So matter of factly, as if everyone knows who CF is. And hearing it said out loud, it really became official in my mind, no longer speculation, rumor, or wish. Fortunately, I was driving alone along a desolate back road, so no one could hear me cheering YES! YES! YES!

bitch bitch bitch ;-) ???

I haven't been online for couple of days ...it appears all that Ommming has worked (though we secretly knew this would HAVE to be the right decision anything else would have been treachery)personally I'm glad it's all sorted as my fingers have almost fallen off through being crossed so long! All we have to do now is see whether our other suggestions come to fruition! This news is so great...I'm as happy as an extremely happy thing that has just taken a happy supplement ;-D *big cheesy grin here*

Nice to see you back, Mark. Probably couldn't stand our whining, crying and overall infantile behavior. ;-) (KJ, you can come back now too!) Yes, nice to see you back , Mark. I'm back at last too. I would have joined in the overall celebration with y'all, but I only found out about the "officialness" of it last night. Not that I was surprised, mind you -- it was only as expected. Just a great sense of satisfaction that all the drooly kittens were now purring pretty much uniformly, and that all the previous hissy-fits over this particular subject have been forgotten (for the time being, anyway). I'm beginning to feel like Eileen ... I must leave in order for anything of import to occur. :-D I just got out of hospital yesterday afternoon, and despite my weakened state, headed to the Library for the last 20 minutes of its open time to get caught up. I've been dining on water, Dextrose and Potassium salts through my arm for the past 5 days. I would suggest that my bile duct get blocked more frequently if that is what it takes for this sort of news to break, but to be honest, I'm too much of a coward for that -- my pain threshhold is a tad too low for me to truly desire to repeat that particular experience. I'm just going to have to figure out some other excuse to be away next time. Knowing how often the Library computers go offline, being incommunicado shouldn't be that difficult. Still, **Heehee** and all that. Very shakily delighted, believe me. And as Smug Laura never ceases to remind us: I told you so TOO! ;-) P.S.: Do not let me put you off your usual game: all that whining, crying and overall infantile behavior is often my only source of daily entertainment. ;-) KJ

Great to have you back, KJ, take care.

Sorry if this has been posted/discussed before: http://www.ew.com/ew/daily/0,2514,2700,whybridgetjonesdeserves.html Crossing That Bridget Why Bridget Jones deserves a smack. Rebecca Ascher-Walsh says the self-absorbed diarist gives being a woman a bad name I admit that I was one of the two people who didn't love ''Bridget Jones's Diary.'' That wasn't safe to cop to when Helen Fielding's ode to the single girl was first published and heralded as the defining voice of modern womanhood. Saying aloud that this obsessive, compulsive, neurotic protagonist would be better off spending her time in a Dieters Anonymous meeting than regaling the reader with her daily calorie intake might have seemed, I thought, mean spirited. But now, with Fielding's follow-up, ''Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason,'' I'm coming out of the closet. Because this time around, Jones (and Fielding) have pushed ME beyond the edge of reason. In her first incarnation, Jones, I will say, did have a winning spazziness about her; while she could never quite get her act together, she was a likable working woman doing the best she could in the face of life's ridiculous circumstances. Now, however, under Fielding's best-selling pen, Jones has metamorphosed into the kind of woman that makes you ashamed to be one: totally dependent on men, undone by the smallest affront, and unable to travel somewhere without getting herself thrown into jail (if that weren't enough, Jones then tells the readers that jail in a third world country represents a good weight loss opportunity). Jones has been compared to Jane Austen's heroines, but there is a crucial difference: In Austen's day, a woman was dependent on a man, and even so, the author's heroines fought mightily against that truth. Fielding, on the other hand, has presented us with a character incapable of doing anything succinctly except counting calories -- and that, as far as I'm concerned, is no heroine. What Jones needs isn't a good snog -- it's a good smack. The critic's name is no surprise for Bridget's friends: Rebecca. She may be using Karen's portrait out-takea as disguise, and pretend to be a senior writer for Entertainment Weekly, but she can't fool me. ;-)

out-takes! I meant

Let's see how to use my jellyfisher-like skills in response... (1) and heralded as the defining voice of modern womanhood. By whom? Was only supposed to be a funny novel. (2) I'm coming out of the closet. Really? The where is the notice that Entertainment Weekly, a publication of Time Inc, has mandated that all its writers pan HF's books? I'm betting that one of Time's publishing arms tried to sign Helen and she went with a competitor. Hate to think what it will say about the movie... (3) I will say, did have a winning spazziness about her Oooh!!! Literacy strikes again!! "Spazziness" I haven't used that word since I was, like, 11 years old. (4) a character incapable of doing anything Rebecca here probably didn't read to the end, where Bridget's work contributions are recognized and she's rewarded appropriately. Gaaa!! These Time people are ridiculous.

Glad to see you back, KJ. Sounds like you've had an awful time. Now back to our regularly scheduling whining. ;-)

A note from FoF pal Rai (which she deliciously titled "Irony Deficiency"--snicker, snicker;-) From THE DAILY TELEGRAPH(LONDON) April 15, 2000, Saturday SECTION: Pg. 21 HEADLINE: Saturday Premiere: BYLINE: By Nigel Reynolds IT IS sad, but it is no longer possible for celebs to make jokes. Helen Fielding, author of Bridget Jones's Diary, is seething at a silly report that she opposed the casting of Renee Zellwegger as Bridget in the coming film version. On a recent book signing tour in the States she was asked about the casting. "I quipped that I was very insulted that no one has asked me to play the part." That soon became the headline "Author throws hissy fit at lack of consultation". Fielding tells me: "One should know better than to be ironic."

Fielding tells me: "One should know better than to be ironic." At least she didn't add "...in the United States." Come back to drool, dear, where irony is (almost always) understood. ;-) Thanks for posting the review, Renate, but sheesh, must all books written by single modern women about single modern women represent us all? Get a sense of humor! On the other hand, a sense of humor about reviews is also necessary. Shall work on that. KJ, take care of yourself. Watch that bile duct.

(Heide) At least she didn't add "...in the United States." She wouldn't need to. It was the British press that put two and two together and came up with five. ;-)

(Renate)Excerpt from "Crossing That Bridget" by Rebecca Ascher-Walsh "I admit that I was one of the two people who didn't love 'Bridget Jones's Diary'." I'm the other one. Before I put on my virtual asbestos suit and get into my virtual shark cage, I have something to say in my defense. To paraphrase and edit Voltaire, "I disagree with everything Bridget Jones stands for, but I will defend all of your rights to read and enjoy her." KJ you're back! Sorry to hear about your bile duct trouble. Hope that you are feeling much better. Casting suggestions on Bridget's mother. How about Joanna Lumley, Mel Martin, or Linda Thorson?

I think the woman who'd be a brilliant BJ's mom is the woman who played the mom on ABFAB, she's clueless, but sweet. Just like BJ's mom.

For BJ's mum: Brenda Blethyn would get my vote. One only has to recall her Mari character (love that name;-) in Little Voice to see that she'd be perfect!;-)

...Telegraph article that confirmed the casting. Thanks for scanning that article , Karen. (Love to see hard copy even if I can't read the print!!)

Cheryl-I admit that BJD made me laugh, but OH, she made me cringe, as well. She is one character which I would go out of my way NOT to meet, hang out with, etc. Totally pathetic, along with her friends... I will, however, be the first one at the movie theatre door when it opens .

Stay well, KJ. I was sorry to hear about your troubles. I finally bought the book at $12.50!!! So DH could not object. I am still hiding out to read it. ;-) I know Brenda Blethyn always over-acts and that might just fit for Bs mom, but I can not tolerate her voice and I will already have to tolerate RZ voice which is just as horrible. I can not imagine a good British accent coming from her, but I will give her the benefit of the doubt. What abiout Vanessa Redgrave for her mom? She can do anything!

Thanks all for your good wishes. Still noodle-kneed but cheerful. My biggest setback was that I had intended to use that hospital - stay week to do the taxes but wasn't released until the 14th. Good thing I don't make enough to make the process complicated ... it'll be out by Monday ... I hope ... and they will owe me! (Moon) I finally bought the book at $12.50!!! So DH could not object. I am still hiding out to read it. ;-) I was pleased to see that the Library system had ordered mucho copies of EOR, but they all still seem to be "in processing" ... so I still twiddle my thumbs with impatience with the book "on hold". Thanks, Karen, for the copies of the old columns. I had always had trouble getting them, so I appreciate the favor deeply.

Moon, I'm with you with Brenda Blethyn, he voice is annoying!!! I kept cringing in Secrets and Lies! Vanessa Redgrave???? I don't think so.

Moon, I'm with you with Brenda Blethyn, her voice is annoying!! Yes, it is...very annoying...as in Secrets and Lies and Little Voice. But she looks right (when she's not dressing trashy) and could act like the suburban wife on the run, who is concerned about lumps in her gravy. I'm sure she can do a voice appropriate to the role.

Hmmm . . .could sooner see Lynn Redgrave than Vanessa. Still prefer Brenda B.--and isn't Mrs. Jones *supposed to be* annoying?;-) That's the point.

For Gay-Tom how about James Dreyfus who played Martin (also gay), Hugh Grant's bookstore assistant in Notting Hill. For Bridget's mom how about Patricia Routledge who plays Hyacinth on "Keeping up Appearances".

How about the actress who plays Daisy on Keeping Up Appearances.

Someone who really IS apparently up for the part of Pam Jones. From The Independent (17 April 2000). It's a very long article so I'll excerpt, but here's the link: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/People/Profiles/2000-04/lost170400.shtml The art of getting lost by Deborah Ross Penelope Wilton claims that she took to the stage 'because I'm so uninteresting. I wanted to disappear into other people.' From childhood on there was never any doubt about what she would choose as a career. But how did she manage to become one of our finest actresses? Having just that morning heard the brilliant news that the great soap Crossroads might be coming back, I arrive to meet the actress Penelope Wilton in a state of enormous excitement. "Get your CV in now, girl," I tell her. "Before Maggie Smith beats you to it!" "I will, I will," she exclaims. "Forget all that gloomy, boring old Chekhov rubbish. You could be the Meg Mortimer of the new millennium, dispatching Benny to mend the shower head in chalet 13." "Was Benny the one in the wheelchair?" she asks. "Penelope," I gasp. "I'm surprised at you. That was Sandy!" "Oh." I'm not sure Penelope knows her Crossroads as well as her Chekhov, frankly. Still, I think I've brought her round, which is marvellous. I love Crossroads. I love Penelope Wilton. I've always had a thing about her. I could watch her in anything. I could watch her recite the menu from Pizza Hut. Yes, OK, it's a crush, if you like. But I'm not into any of that lesbian stuff! Sorry, but it's just not natural, is it? I mean, if it was, God would have created Martina and Eve, wouldn't he? Still, she is my absolute favourite actress. She's never showy. She never seems to hit a false note. Her performances just always seem to be so watchably true, somehow. She was even wholly believable as the put-upon wife in the otherwise rather limp TV sitcom, Ever Decreasing Circles. Even though she's done Rattigan and Osborne and Bennett and Ayckbourn and Pinter and everything, it was this that got her known. She thought it funny. "While it was on, my sister and I were going around Budgens, where everyone recognised me. `Oh, Penelope,' said my sister, `they've obviously all seen your Raynevskaya!''' [...] We meet at the Kensington Hotel, around the corner from where she lives with her second husband, the actor Ian Holm. (I am quite a fan of Mr Holm, too, actually. I wonder, would he be up for Adam Chance?) She is very pretty, with long dark hair and a marvellously expressive face. She says "my mother used to say to me she could tell what I was watching on telly, just by watching my face". [...] She's not sure what's coming after The Seagull. She is up for the part of Bridget Jones's mother in the film adaptation of the book, "although I haven't heard anything yet." ~~~~~~~ If the name doesn't ring a bell, pop in your tape of The Deep Blue Sea. She was our suicidal Hester. Here's the roles project page from The Deep Blue Sea, but most of the snappies don't show her face. Wonder why? ;-) http://members.tripod.com/~firthpage/rolespage/dbs.html

I just checked, and I'm glad to see that the casting of RZ vs. CF doesn't violate my 12-year rule (that is: if the leading lady is 12 years or more younger than the leading man, I won't see the film). He is going on 40 she turns 31 a week from Tuesday, so they're only 9 years apart in age. :)

For Gay-Tom how about James Dreyfus who played Martin (also gay), Hugh Grant's bookstore assistant in Notting Hill. Yes!!!! I absolutely agree. He was my choice too. Thought he was so good.

Penelope Wilton would be an inspired choice! She can do both serious drama and comedy. Brenda Blethyn...absolutely not, just too irritating. James Dreyfus...another yes, definitely! Isn't RZ the same age as Livia? I saw the news item in the Telegaph...very prominent, and the photos were all in colour (the only colour photos, apart from the front page!)

Brenda Blethyn / Penelope Wilton / June Whitfield (AbFab) are all the standard mother-figures in British TV, so would all be fine (if a bit predictable) for Mrs Jones. You could throw Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth), Lynda Bellingham (Oxo) and a couple of others into that mix too. James Dreyfus must be close to a cert for Tom owing to his monopolisation of camp characters with this particular in-crowd. (Maybe casting him would be a bit unimaginative, even?). I wonder if Timothy Spall could act young enough to get a crack at Vile Richard in the same vein? I can't figure out what sort of actresses will get Sharon & Jude, the two other main roles not yet cast. It could be perm any two from Rachel Weisz, Julia Ormond, Minnie Driver, Catherine McCormack (maybe even HBC or JE); but again I hope the casting people think a little deeper. Maybe another American? Isn't the thinner-and-blonder-than-BJ person the sex-goddess who only appears naked on Daniel's roof? I don't think I'm pencilling in Gwynnie or Cameron! "Kitten-heel": low, tapering heel, normally on a fairly dressy shoe. Always happy to reiterate definitions for newbies, but bear in mind I've got these fashion things completely wrong before! :-)

I found two DBS pics that show at least a bit of Penelope Wilton (Hester): Murph

The only problem with Penelope Wilton could be one of commitments... As it says in the article, she's appearing in The Seagull and, from a theatre website, it runs through May 13. That may or may not be an issue. (Mark) I don't think I'm pencilling in Gwynnie or Cameron! She's also described as a "giantess." This is definitely a cameo-type appearance a la Alec Baldwin in Notting Hill. Could be a major star/celebrity. Actually, think it would be funnier to have Liz Hurley (hair dyed blonde, of course) in that part. She has the rep for showing up people and could pull off one line. ;-) I doubt Jude and Sharon will be big name actresses; they can't upstage Renee. Besides, WT doesn't have the budget for those other names.

Thanks, Murph. The Independent article now has a picture of Penelope (albeit bad).

Like the Liz Hurley idea, Karen - I had been wondering whether the part of Rebecca would overtax her acting skills (being observed at parties & in taxis mostly). Your idea is better. I expect the UK will know the actresses for Sharon & Jude - bear in mind director Sharon Maguire will want to have someone wonderful to represent herself! And won't they get more screen time than either HG or CF (subject to a big re-write)?

Karen or Anyone: Does anyone want to update the BJD page at IMdb? I would, but I'm not very good at it. Now that we have definite information, an update there would be helpful. Thanks. Murph

(Mark) I had been wondering whether the part of Rebecca would overtax her acting skills (being observed at parties & in taxis mostly). Ah, but that's second book material. Rebecca barely makes an appearance in the first book. She's mentioned and then does a bit where she acts hurt because "big television star Bridget" doesn't RSVP to her party (as invite is under her doormat. Another thought, since the Nordic giantess is supposed to be American, wonderful opportunity for one of those hugely talented and v. tall Victoria Secret models to break into the biz. What are their names again? ;-)

Here's something interesting to check out. It is described as: Meet Caroline. Snoop around her flat, email her, then send her flowers David Teather on Freeserve's new interactive online soap: www.onlinecaroline.com She's 27, a travel writer, has a fashionable pad in west London, likes a drop or two of vodka and wants to be your friend. Meet Caroline, the Bridget Jonesesque star of a new 24-part drama made for the internet and coming to a PC near you. Online Caroline is the first original programming of its kind to appear on Freeserve, Britain's biggest internet service provider, and tells the story of our eponymous heroine and her increasingly menacing boyfriend. The story, making a self-conscious nod to the milieu, is told through a simulated webcam set up in Caroline's fictional flat. The article url: http://www.guardianunlimited.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4008734,00.html

It seems many of the Victoria's Secret models tend to be European. Stephanie Seymour is American, but she has brown hair. Although not really a VS model, how about Claudia Schiffer? As she is now seeming to concentrate on having a career in films.

Oops, I forgot about Rebecca Romijn-Stamos; used to be in Victoria's Secret catalogues, now turns up on tv sitcoms. She is both blond and American.

I submitted the casting info to the IMDb, but I have no idea if I did it correctly or if it will be accepted. We'll see if it appears next week. Once the title is there, then maybe I can figure out how to add the other known credits. Way too hard for me and I did read the instructions...sort of.

MarkG - Brenda Blethyn / Penelope Wilton / June Whitfield (AbFab) are all the standard mother-figures in British TV...... You could throw Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth)......into that mix too. Talking of "Keeping up Appearances" ladies here - my suggestion as someone for Mrs. Jones (completely from left field) would be Josephine Tewson (she was also in "Clarence", a few of the "Two Ronnies" sketches and "Shelley") she has been around for ages and I think she could play the maddening Mrs J to a tee!

Ooh, ooh, ooh ....have just thought of someone who'd be brilliantly mad! Julie Walters (Educating Rita, Dinnerladies etc etc etc)!

Tracy - Julie Walters would be great. Karen - Re IMDB: I can never figure out exactly how to do it. I was surprised that they didn't even have the title up there yet. Thanks for the effort. Here are pics of some of the Moms mentioned already: Murph

(Tracy)...thought of someone who'd be brilliantly mad! Julie Walters (Educating Rita, Dinnerladies etc etc etc)! She is a wonderful actress. I've always enjoyed her work. As suggestions are running riot, how about Carol Cleveland from Monty Python? If she's still around.

Murph, have submitted more info. The emails are flying fast and furious as my data keep getting rejected and I must correct some syntax error or another. I suppose if I just read the instructions... naw ;-)

Murph, have submitted more info. The emails are flying fast and furious as my data keep getting rejected and I must correct some syntax error or another. I suppose if I just read the instructions... naw ;-) ] LOL, oh, Karen... ;)

TracyT: have just thought of someone who'd be brilliantly mad! Julie Walters Perfect!

LOVED Julie Walters in Educating Rita!!!! What about Brenda Fricker?

How timely! From the Hollywood Reporter: British actor James Dreyfus and Lindsay Lohan have been cast in "Bette," Bette Midler's series for CBS from Columbia TriStar Television. In the story, which revolves around Midler's character -- a larger-than-life diva -- Dreyfus will play her musical accompanist. Lohan will portray Midler's daughter....Dreyfus played Hugh Grant's book shop co-worker in "Notting Hill." He has starred in BBC series such as "The Thin Blue Line" co-starring Rowan Atkinson.

As a tot my oldest boy used to play with her daughter at a park in Beverly Hills. Bette used to bury her in the sand up to her neck in the tot lot as if she were at the beach (nothing I would ever do with my boy). We always had a fun time with them. She is v. funny!

James Dreyfus is hysterical! Loved him in "The Thin Blue Line", didn't realize that was him in "Notting Hill"!

On the "Hollywood Power List" Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner are #94. The Co-chairmen of Working Title are the Brit producers with global view, releasing big flicks.."Notting Hill" through Universal...... "Had to share $40. Million Nic Cage-Penelope Cruz WW II romance 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' and Bridget Jones's Diary with Miramax in order to get John Madden to direct 'Mandolin'." [Ran out of cashola? John Madden's sticker price must really have gone up...]

(Evelyn) John Madden's sticker price must really have gone up...] Either that, or he has sold his soul to the devi--oops, I mean Harvey Weinstein. ;-)

Since you were discussing IMDB earlier, I have a question. Does the information actually come from interested parties, like ourselves. I notice that BJD does indeed have a page with a bit of information. Is that as a result of your input? I notice-ahem-only one star's name mentioned so far, which leads me to believe input from here is NOT used. But, the names of the writers are there...

I noticed that too... I'd been looking regularly there for any hints as to casting but it is only since you know who has been confirmed that a BJD page has actually appeared. Even RZ isn't mentioned! Perhaps we should all submit additions to the page so they'll get the message that there is another male lead and update it!

I submitted most of the details (actors, writers, producers, director, location, film co, etc.) a week or so ago, including having HF and Sharon Maguire) added to the database. Then they had the title wrong (Bridget Jones' Diary), so I submitted corrections and emailed a human being, who supposedly coordinates new submissions. The title has been corrected, but I don't know why only one actor shows up. I've resubmitted Colin and RZ and all their characters' names. I see that Lisbeth got her site listed as a Miscellaneous link, but mine has not gone it. Grrrr!! Also, one producer is missing.

Today is RZ birthday, she is 31. A taurus with a virgo is a good match!

Karen, fight for that link! It should be there.

Any news of the other roles (Jude, Shazzer, Bridget's Mum etc) ? They'll be starting shooting in four days tim so they must know!!! Perhaps the only way to find out is to go walkabout in Notting Hill!

I expect they'll start with studio work until the weather has less chance of rain. Then, Tracy, you can hit the streets during your lunch hour or even after work... I can tell you from experience...nothing goes on too early, except in the makeup vans.

Attention Angelenos and all CPFoHF: BARNES & NOBLE CELEBRATES THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS Barnes & Noble, Inc....announced it will host a series of readings on the UCLA Campus, Hilgard and Sunset Boulevard, on the Barnes & Noble stage from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Saturday, April 29th, and from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Sunday, April 30th. This year's lineup features authors Sherman Alexie, Giocanda Belli, Julia Cameron, Mark Danielewski, Joie Davidow, Chitra Divakaruni, Maria Escadon, Helen Fielding, Aleksandar Hemon, Ha Jin, Chang-rae Lee, Edna O'Brien, Michael Palin, Francine Prose, Rachel Resnick, Elissa Schappel, Cybill Shepherd, Nicholas Sparks and Ilan Stavans. [yadda yadda lots of pr crap] The schedule of author readings is as follows: Saturday, April 29th: 10:00a.m. Frank McCourt makes a special appearance at the Inverted Pyramid at Franz Hall to sign copies of his internationally acclaimed bestsellers, Angela Ashes and 'Tis. 11:00a.m. Michael Palin 12:00Noon Cybill Shepherd 1:00p.m. In Las Mamis: Favorite Latino Authors 2:00p.m. Sherman Alexie 3:00p.m. Chang-Rae Lee 4:00p.m. Helen Fielding has captivated readers all over the globe with her bestseller, Bridget Jones Diary. Join Ms. Fielding as she reads from the sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, a wildly entertaining account of the life of Bridget Jones, a single girl on a seemingly doomed quest for self-improvement. Sunday, April 30th: 10:00a.m. Mark Danielewski 1:00a.m. Ha Jin 12:00Noon Nicholas Sparks 1:00p.m. Edna O'Brien 2:00p.m. Chitra Divakaruni 3:00p.m. Julia Cameron 4:00p.m. Francine Prose, Rachel Resnick, and Aleksandar Hemon

There's an article on Penelope Wilton in today's Standard. Just mentions that she's still waiting to hear if she got the role of BJ's mum. Is it just me, or does it seem that they've been jerking people around horrendously long throughout this casting process? I rented One True Thing the other evening--hadn't seen it since it played in theaters. RZ is so good in this, and shows a tremendous range. I highly recommend the film if you're looking for a good rent. Anyway, there's a scene in which she and her mother (Meryl Streep) are discussing a book. It's . . . Pride & Prejudice.:-)

AHA! You know where I'll be this weekend! Will make sure I bring the right resume this time(and not my facialist's).

Harumpf.... I just got word that HF was on the Donny & Marie show today. They showed a pic of RZ but no mention of the other cast members...whoever they may be.

winter - AHA! You know where I'll be this weekend! Will make sure I bring the right resume this time(and not my facialist's). That still makes me chuckle when I think about it! Best of Luck! Karen - Then, Tracy, you can hit the streets during your lunch hour or even after work * grin* Familiarizing myself with those pages of the A to Z as I type!

We expect you to be our on location reporter, Tracy! Winter, you know we expect a full report. Now, what can we do to get a BJD cast list? Karen?

(Tracy) Familiarizing myself with those pages of the A to Z as I type! Very simple. We've got Notting Hill down pat. Just hang out on Kensington Park Road between Blenheim Crescent and Elgin Crescent. They will at some point *have* to shoot there, although Mark Darcy wouldn't be there. :-(

But if MD is not there... who cares? ;-)

Most of Mark's scenes are indoors or at surburban homes (Alconbury's, cocktail party, Jones's house, etc.) If they are true to the book, there are really two possibilities. Bridget runs into Mark when she's trying to an interview Mark's client (who she doesn't know is Mark's client) and they meet in a shop. Don't know if they would really bother doing that on location, but technically that would be in the City around the law courts. But wouldn't have to be. The other is Mark's house in Holland Park. Most is interior, except the backyard dance scene.

Just for you, Meredith, this is from an article in today's Times about some BBC television show: If the guys on Castaway really were survivalists - thrown from a BBC boat and forced to swim to Taransay with their belongings strapped to their heads - then fair enough. But given the helicopters, specially built accommodation pods and fortnightly supply-boat laden with post and Jaffa Cakes, it's never intended to be Ray Mears Builds A Village. See if your grocery store carries the LU line (those biscuits with the deep chocolate on top, Little Schoolboys or something like that) and their Pims (orange ones) are just like Jaffa Cakes (actually better).

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Helen Fielding, who is adapting her bestselling novel ``Bridget Jones's Diary'' for Miramax and Working Title, has signed for representation with Creative Artists Agency. The firm will represent her in all areas except publishing. Her publishing agent is Gillon Aitken at U.K.-based Aitken & Stone. CAA will share representation for her in the U.K. with Peters, Fraser & Dunlop.

The firm will represent her in all areas except publishing. Is she going into acting too? ;-) She sure is represented. MD will problably find himself with a wet-shirt scene somewhere in London. It is just a feeling I have. Davis might have added that to the script.

(Moon) Is she going into acting too? ;-) The lecture circuit? Scripts? Television appearances? Commercials for Cadbury? ;-)

My guess is that HF is going for magazine articles and perhaps another newspaper column. Maybe a screenplay.

My guess is that HF is going for magazine articles and perhaps another newspaper column. Maybe a screenplay. That is non-literary but BJD is??? Major semantics here.

(Mari) perhaps another newspaper column Truly doubt this one. The stress was much too much for her to crank that out. Will be watching out for her on Hollywood Squares, sitting just to Whoopi's right. ;-)

How about a sequel...Bridget and Mark (plus assorted visiting buddies and family) in the States?. Readers' comments about "The Edge of Reason" at amazon.com are very enthusiastic ("want more")...far more so than at amazon.co.uk! She's very good at observing the minutiae of social behaviour...could be lots of new material in the US!