(Mark) Assuming my brother (older) rejects the chance to play me in my life-story Before your brother is given the chance to play you, we must review his resume. Has he any... Experience with costume drama? Experience with fairy wings/bright blue eyes? Sort of a passing resemblence? If the answers are 'no', I'm afraid he's out of luck.

Could someone please check the latest issue of Heat magazine. Apparently there is a mention about the movie.

Hi Karen, I have the latest Heat magazines, 3-9th June, with the cast of BJD which I reported a way back and the one beginning 10-16th June with just has a small snippet about RZ eating snickers and drinking milk shakes to put weight on, that is all.

Was the following from the first article that you reported? Stereotypically gay Tom is bitchy, gossipy and supportive in the way that only gay friends can be. He has a pretentious boyfriend called Jerome. James Callis played long-haired Wolf in TV's Sex, Chips and Rock 'n' Roll.

Only if offend is the new definition of the word "delight". *sigh of relief* Only those who have met me (sadly too many here) can know how truly disparate people with the same first name can be. Mark D: nice enough to travel to Portugal to help Bridget. Mark G: nice enough to travel to movie set to report to Bridgettes/Bridgeteers. "I must speak as I find." :-) (Moon) At this point I think we are working on smelling the frappe. LOL! (Eileen)Experience with fairy wings/bright blue eyes? Wot?

(Karen) Stereotypically gay Tom is bitchy, gossipy and supportive in the way that only gay friends can be. Interesting quote, Karen. I didn't think Tom was bitchy, or so easily reduced to a stereotype. And what does the person mean by the way only gay friends can be? "Why was [s/]he to be the judge!"

Hi Karen, yes that was from the Heat magazine (2-9th June) that broke the news about the cast and is one of the cast profiles.

Thanks for double-checking, Ann. Hate to miss anything REALLY important! ;-)

(MarkG) "I shall have to work out whether I'm smelling the coffee enough to take it on. Don't forget Mark, before you even think about the whole coffee/frappe/ mocha sniffing scenario, you must be in possession of: A) A Henry! B) an ancient beaten-up Nissan and C) a parka with the pocket hanging off! Then you can attack Upper Street with head held high and caffeine smelling abilities rejuvenated!

From uk press association. Note 6th paragraph.;-) British actress Joanne Whalley has beaten off US stars to land the role of the former First Lady of America Jackie Kennedy. The 35-year-old star has signed up to do a four-hour mini series Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Life, which is being filmed this summer. The actress, who rose to fame in award-winning BBC drama Edge Of Darkness, made a splash in the US when she took the title role in the Gone With The Wind sequel Scarlett. Formerly married to Hollywood hunk Val Kilmer, Whalley's screen roles have been scaled down over the past few years, although she appeared with Bill Murray in The Man Who Knew Too Little. The series is being screened in the US in November. A Brit landing such a prime American role mirrors the casting of US actress Renee Zellweger in the British film Bridget Jones's Diary. The Jackie series follows Jackie's childhood, her marriage to John F. Kennedy who went on to become US president, her time as First Lady, her career as a book editor and the last years of her life.

Who comes up with this stuff? *shaking head*

From July's "Movieline" The veddy British 'Bridget Jones's Diary' didn't seem veddy British when Renee Zellweger was cast in the lead role, but it's looking a bit more British now that super Brits Colin Firth (Darcy from A&E's "Pride and Prejudice") and Hugh Grant have been cast as the gents who vie for her affections

It took a little while for the RZ-BJ story to break over here in the provin--er, States. Now it seems to be popping up all over. I like that Movieline mentions ODB before HG (as it should be ;-)).

(Eileen) I like that Movieline mentions ODB before HG (as it should be ;-)). Exactamundo! (and he's listed second at the IMDB)*she takes small bow* ;-)

Eileen) I like that Movieline mentions ODB before HG (as it should be ;-)). Exactamundo! (and he's listed second at the IMDB)*she takes small bow* ;-) These guys aren't making this up....think this is how the press agent is putting it out? MD part being expanded??:-))

Lookie here! Mark's reports from the set are now on the Renee Zellweger site: http://www.townecryernews.com/bridget/bridget.html (on the set 1 and 2)

Karen and all: Wanted you all to know that I had nothing to do with Mark's reports getting there. Karen alerted me to this yesterday, and I have written to their web guy telling him to please remove them. Here again is the danger of having someone do you a nice turn on the web. You really have no control over what happens. Mark, I apologize, and will keep after this person.

So will I become a writer or an actor? Hmmm.... No apology needed, Murph, clearly not your fault and I don't mind, especially while they don't name me. Don't start any wars on my behalf. Well spotted, Karen. The RZ people must have been sad I didn't say more about her and less about me!

Why not be both Mark? A sort of post-modern Woody Allen, but not like Woody Allen... More like Mark D. :-) Yes, well, I know, Mark D is brilliant social justice lawyer...and Mark D is fictional character, not real. NOT REAL...But, you could be brilliant writer/actor (who stays far away from mast**batory characters, and sticks with romantic costume drama leads) yet is nevah-the-less terribly, terribly concerned with social justice issues, and makes clever paper-chain thingys at protests.

Another castmember From The Hollywood Reporter (June 9-11, 2000): Embeth Davidtz ("Mansfield Park") has signed to star opposite Thora Birch in the indie thriller "The Hole" for director Nick Hamm. She has also landed a role in Miramax's "Bridget Jones's Diary" for director Sharon Maguire.[...] "Bridget," starring Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger, is based on Helen Fielding's best-selling novel about a thirtysomething single woman living in London. Davidtz plays Grant's girlfriend. ************** While Davidtz is American (although grew up in South Africa), she's only 5'8" so she could hardly be considered a "blonde giantess." Doncha think she's better suited to be Natasha, especially given her role as Mary Crawford? Wonder if they just got the "Grant" part wrong....

Perhaps, Embeth is Rebecca????

Another fine signing, IMO. Embeth Davidtz (what a peculiar name for a girl born Gretta Milano to choose) was good in Mansfield Park - and also convinced me she was English. I bet the report is right, and that a thorough re-scripting will portray Daniel as cheating on his girlfriend to sleep with Bridget. If the report's quite wrong about the role, then there's Rebecca, Natasha, Magda, or the annoying Sloane girl in Bridget's office (Henrietta?, no, begins with P...) or Patchouli.

Perpetua!

(what a peculiar name for a girl born Gretta Milano to choose) Think that might be an IMDB error, as it is also her character's name in the 1998 movie Fallen. None of her fanpages mentions a name change. Also seems to be another mixup (such poor proofreading) involving her place of birth. Is Indiana, but then moved to Trenton, NJ, and onto S. Africa. However, one site listed it as India! This one appears to have the most complete and accurate info: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Lot/6742/bio.html

Just checked Vanity Fair with RZ on the cover. There's no pic of Colin in it, I'm afraid.

Speaking for the NJ contingent here, we will be glad to claim Embeth--unless of course Indana or India comes forward.;-) I have the Vanity Fair article here and am skimming for anything interesting. The interview was clearly done before filming started, not surprising given the production lead time required of magazines. Given that Me, Myself & Irene opens here this month, there's a surprising amount on BJD. Finally, some accuracy for Helen Fielding: article calls the reports of her opposition to RZ's casting "erroneous" and says "It turns out the 40-ish Fielding, a jaunty sort, has said she was outraged that she herself hadn't been cast in the lead, opposite Hugh Grant and Colin Firth."

More from Vanity Fair: RZ is working with the same dialogue coach as Gwynnie used for SIL, Barbara Berkery, who encourages RZ "to stay in accent as the filming of BJD looms." Part of the interview was done at Picador, while RZ worked there. Part of the job is scanning the newspapers for articles about Picador books (publisher of BJD). "Several tabloids are spread across her desk. The irony is thick, in that these publications are ardently covering her. 'Yeah, it's weird,' she says, flicking through pages which have been chockablock with rubbish, including one report that she had rented 'clown strippers' for Jim Carrey, or that she has a wedding ring or that she's preganant or that she's a 'Texan comic.' That last jab, which she finds particularly bemusing, stems from the British media's predictably whiny backlash against the hiring of an American--a Texan, no less--to play the effete Bridget Jones."

Embeth resembles Liz Hurley. I always thought LH would end up with a part in BJD. Maybe HG did not want her. Thanks Mari, for that bit from VF. It is v. hard to believe that no one knew who she was.

RZ is scheduled to be on Entertainment Tonight, er, tonight.;-) I'd imagine it will be all Me Myself & Irene press junket stuff.

Mari, have you got the NY magazine review yet, sorry to keep on.

sorry, wrong topic, should have been 127.

(Sadie)yet is nevah-the-less terribly, terribly concerned with social justice issues, and makes clever paper-chain thingys at protests. LOL! I always thought LH would end up with a part in BJD. Maybe HG did not want her. Yeah. Besides 'blonde giantess' would lose some impact if she was sporting a pacifier in her mouth. Part of the [VF] interview was done at Picador, while RZ worked there. It's stuff like this that makes me wonder about Renee's 'undercover' stint at Picador. What entry-level go-fer gets interviewed on the job, unnoticed? Or is the VF article's author on staff at Picador?

What entry-level go-fer gets interviewed on the job, unnoticed? I always wondered about that comment that she had a bunch of job offers at Picador. It is tough finding competent people to xerox and open mail these days. ;-)

(Eileen)Yeah. Besides 'blonde giantess' would lose some impact if she was sporting a pacifier in her mouth. LOL right back at you! Thanks for the ET tip Mari: when you're hot, you're hot! Thanks for the info on Embeth, Karen. I really liked her in Mansfield Park, and I'd like to see more of her work. (Moon)Embeth resembles Liz Hurley. Embeth has the type of brown eyes I always imagined Elizabeth Bennet would have; it will be interesting to see which character in BJD she does play --- can't picture her as the blonde Giantess. I think she'd make a great Magda. Too old to be Patchouli though --- need an annoyingly thin Ali M type, but twenty-something. Barring Magda, bet Embeth would covet Perpetua, (I would) although I keep thinking Perpetua is a big, big woman physically. What was the description of her, anyone remember? Personally, I'd be too bored playing Natasha, and rejected by MD too! I'm thinking: not fun.

Forgot this earlier: "Bridget Jones" is mentioned on the cover of Vanity Fair as part of the RZ article, and the BJD film is in the writer's lead sentence. When the time comes, this film will get *lots* of attention. Was also mentioned on ET tonight. Now *here's* an interesting tidbit from the VF article: RZ's "amiable" London driver's name is . . .Mark. Hmmm, has someone on this board been less than forthcoming on *all* the details of reel life?;-) ;-) Seems he's one part bouncer too, as he playfully threatens the writer when yet another Carrey question is raised. "Have you ever tried to walk with no legs?" This is over lunch, where the dialogue coach "exaggeratingly mouths silly linguistic phrases--'I dahhnced awwwll night,' 'browwwn caaahhr'--because, evidently, British and American people use different facial muscles when speaking." RE: working undercover: "She is under the impression that, apart from one or two insiders, no one here knows her real identity--which, given the hothouse nature of publishing offices, seems overly optimistic." "The novel's publisher, by the way, was Picador. And so, Zellweger finds herself sitting here, in her little cubicle, cutting out, highlighting, and copying every single Bridget-related article. Then again, she is not without recourse. "Crap!" she scrawls above each tabloid report. "Absolute crap!" Her "boss," head of publicity Camilla Elworthy, has been indulgent. "She hasn't yelled at me because I think she's too smart to put anything like a real author's well-being into my hands," says Zellweger/Cavendish. "I was an English major and I love it. Went to a staff meeting yesterday and they were deciding where to 'slot' each book." Did she say anything at the meeeting? "Yeah," she replies. " 'Does anybody want coffee?' What else could I say? 'Cream and sugar?'" On the need to gain weight for BJD: "It should be noted that the fictional Bridget Jones is not fat--in fact, she's described as "slender"--but Zellweger is nevertheless "porking up" in order to conform to the character's jaundiced self-image." RZ says: "To be self-deprecating but have no reason to be self-deprecating (about the weight) --I would think that would be annoying to watch for two hours. You'd go, 'Stop talking about her chubby thighs!'. It would be ridiculous, and even unlikable, as a character."

(Mari) --" .. the British media's predictably whiny backlash against the hiring of an American--a Texan, no less--to play the effete Bridget Jones."    effete?!?! Really?? (Sadie) -- Barring Magda, bet Embeth would covet Perpetua, (I would) although I keep thinking Perpetua is a big, big woman physically. What was the description of her, anyone remember? She was described as never having to go on a diet (because she was socially well-fixed) and had a "bulbous bottom", if my memory hasn't failed me altogether.

UK droolers - Eric Sykes is on Steve Wright in the afternoon today (Radio 2), perhaps he will talk about his role in BJD, I am dying to know who he is going to play.

In this week's Heat magazine, 17-23rd June, "Jim visits Renee on Bridget set", caption "Carrey's heart warmed at the sight of Renee with Tesco carrier and frumpy coat". "RZ didn't look entirely overjoyed when she was snapped in King's Cross on the set of her new movie, the long-awaited adaptation of BJD. Perhaps she was fed up listening to co-star HG moaning about his split from LH. At least she had a visit from her current beau, JC, to cheer her up. Zellweger, who starred opposit TC in JM, was filmed in the middle of a specially-created wintry scene for the4 movie, which also stars Colin Firth. Zellweger has been eating like a horsein order to pile on the pounds for her role as the weight-obsessed book publisher. During a recent magazine cover shoot she ate her way through a large portion of garlic bread, pasta, ice cream and a glass of beer." She does look a bit frumpy but I can see that she could easily go from the "Ugly duckling to th beautiful swan".

Mean't to say can't see Mark in the crowd, damn.perhaps next week.

Mari: Mark. Hmmm, has someone on this board been less than forthcoming on *all* the details of reel life?;-) ;-) Seems he's one part bouncer too... LOL, Mari; surely people who have met me know that I am neither amiable nor physically awe-inspiring; but any more revelations like that and I'll break your legs. :-) There's just a lot of Marks around: me, the driver, Mark Darcy... Eileen: It's stuff like this that makes me wonder about Renee's 'undercover' stint at Picador. What entry-level go-fer gets interviewed on the job, unnoticed? I completely agree. The whole thing has the whiff of week-old mackerel. KJArt: Perpetua had a "bulbous bottom" Someone else may be "porking up". Note to self: always check with Karen before believing the IMDB. Some people do. their. f******. homework.

Ann, can you scan in the pic from Heat? Frumpy coat? Bridget? (Mark) but any more revelations like that and I'll break your legs. :-) Think someone has spent some time in US, more specifically, the East Coast. (will wait for Eileen or Mari's more phonetic spelling of above)

(will wait for Eileen or Mari's more phonetic spelling of above) I was just going to say that! LOL!

For Mark, who may want to get in more screen time and be with La Lips: Wannabe With Angelina? It's the dream encounter of many a fevered fan's mind - the chance to appear on screen with Angelina Jolie. And now that dream could come true, if you can persuade the lovely people at Casting Collective that you're the diplomatic type. [Absolutely!!] The British-based casting company is looking for extras to appear as 'international diplomats' in the production of Tomb Raider, currently filming in the UK. Those in with the best chance of sharing screen space with La Jolie need to be in possession of some smart clobber. People of all nationalities are welcome to apply, but the company is particularly looking for Japanese businessmen to take part. [might have to work on that] If you think you meet the criteria, fax, e-mail or send photographs and contact details as soon as possible marked for the attention of Rosie, to: The Casting Collective 5&6 Olympic House 317-321 Latimer Road London W10 6RA Fax: 020 8962 0333 email: enquiries@castingcollective.co.uk

Karen, there are 3 pictures of RZ with the article, one quite big one, I will ask James if he can scan it and send to you but we have not been very successful so far. I could always send you the article and photos. In one photo she is smoking heavily and it looks as if it is snowing.

Those in with the best chance of sharing screen space with La Jolie need to be in possession of some smart clobber. As in 'I can brake both your legs'. ;-)

LOL! Mark: you can drive cars, you can break legs, you can walk down streets! What more need a diplomat be able to do? Yes, Perpetua's bulbous bottom! Well, if they can pad up Michelle Pfeiffer for Cat Woman, they can make serious bulb for Embeth. (Hmmm, didn't intend all that alliteration and ASSonance)

(Mark) but any more revelations like that and I'll break your legs. :-) Ok, I hadda 'nuff outta youse guys awready! ROTF, Mark! If the Recon Man/Hollywood extra/Japanese businessman/driver slash enforcer to the stars gig doesn't work out, my cousin Guido can use you in his, ah, collections business. Have you ever worked with cement? Had the urge to craft shoes? Repeat after me: FUGGEDABOUDIT (Drop the r's, and change the t's to d's except for the last one.) Ladies and gentleman, I give you . . .Markie Blue Eyes.:-)

Hmm...in NYC, we'd say "I breaka you face." Never mind the legs. ;-D If Renee goes on to need a full-time bouncer, the actor who played Big Pussy in the Sopranos might fit the bill. Since his character went to sleep with the fishes last season, he could use the work until the next Mickey Blue Eyes comes along. I missed the ET story on Renee last night, but caught a glimpse of her just at the end. She's been very successful at porking up. Her face looks quite full.

Ladies and gentleman, I give you . . .Markie Blue Eyes.:-) LMAO....I'm gonna tell;-)

*sudden snort lol * Mari, you could be charge for dialogue coaching: you know, advertise in the English tradepapers. Nevah know you might get to, er, train!

PS, you could also help me write coherent English sentences. I'm getting trigger-happy. Omit the 'be'.

write coherent English sentences Depends on where you live. Lots of people 'round here use extra *be's* in their sentences, as in "I be going..." ;-)

Mark..There's just a lot of Marks around: me, the driver, Mark Darcy... That's what comes of having such a common name ;-D "Ooh Hello Mr Kettle I'm Ms Pot....you want to break my what? Wait a mo me ol' china an' oil jus' dance aroun' me 'andbag in me white stillettos" [big apologies to those not conversant with the whole Sharon/Tracy Essex-Girl references] Karen -Depends on where you live Lots of people 'round here use extra *be's... And over here too! Wur am vrum we be tawking lyke thas m'dear. 'Ow be 'ee me luvver? (translation from West Country dialect to my present Home Counties accent ..Where I am from we tend to talk like this my dear. How are you old bean? ) Not quite New Joisey - but I thought I'd try and redress the balance! Do you reckon they might need someone in the part of first yokel for a "mini--break" scene??

BTW, found an interesting quote of Helen Fielding's from an old article in the Electronic Telegraph, 7 Nov., 1997: 'Occasionally, Helen admits to a temptation to claim that she is Bridget. "I'm afraid it has all gone to my head and I have become an embarrassing show-off: She has only played her for real once, when interviewing Colin Firth, and says she found the experience liberating. '"I could ask all sorts of questions I'd never have dared to if I'd been me, like whether being called Colin was a disadvantage and whether, instead of his Italian fiance, {now wife} he shouldn't be going out with someone who was English and more his own age." 'It is precisely this kind of straight talking which has made Bridget more famous than her creator but Helen insists she has only been jealous once -- last year, when Bridget was sent 13 Valentine cards while she only got one. "Otherwise, I am incredibly grateful to her."'

What is it with Bridget (HF) and Valentines day. Get over it, it is all commercialized. If he loves you everyday is Valentines day! *hic* ;-)

RZ on Today, today... Coming up! Turn on your TV...

From Popcorn (6/16) Jim Carrey Defends Girlfriend You couldn't accuse Jim Carrey of disloyalty, at least not when it comes to his celebrity girlfriend Ren�e Zellweger. She's currently over in Britain filming 'Bridget Jones' Diary' and her beau tells Popcorn that she is going to be "brilliant". The Texan-born actress faced a lot of criticism when she was cast in the 'ever-so' British part but has thrown herself wholeheartedly into the process of becoming English. Carrey says she's been doing "a lot of research", which as far as we are aware involves perfecting the accent, eating junk food and working in an office. Despite all that, Carrey says "she's having a blast and she's done a great job too". There may be a teensy-weensy touch of bias in his words but he maintains that despite the "flak" she got for taking the role, "people have got to have some faith in her because she'll do you proud." And while he may be proud of his woman, Carrey isn't too happy about the locations, saying, "She's lived there [London] far too long as far as I'm concerned." So much so that he travelled over to visit her on set recently. Click to hear Jim Carrey's comments in full: http://www.popcorn.co.uk/multimedia/audio/news/realaudio/jim_carrey1.ram

A mission for Moon: we count on you to translate, please. ------- Star maschili del film tratto dal bestseller di Helen Fielding: Hugh Grant e Colin Firth Bridget Jones sposa Hollywood di TERESA SERRAO ROMA - Lei, Helen Fielding, autrice forse suo malgrado di uno dei bestseller della fine anni Novanta dedicato alle ultratrentenni single, in carriera e un po' depresse, aveva un uomo nei suoi sogni. Era proprio lui il Mark Darcy del Diario di Bridget Jones, l'attore britannico Colin Firth, amatissimo protagonista di una fiction della Bbc, adattamento di Orgoglio e Pregiudizio di Jane Austen. Ora, quasi per incanto, Colin sar� davvero Mark, eroe della ragazza Bridget, nella versione cinematografica del libro che si appresta a diventare una commedia sul fil rouge di Quattro matrimoni e un funerale e Notting Hill. E a rinforzare l'evento, la notizia che l'altra star del film, a interpretare Daniel Cleaver, sar� il simbolo dei movie del genere sentimentale, l'altro britannico doc Hugh Grant. Le riprese partiranno quest'estate a Londra e il team sar� proprio quello di Notting Hill. A rompere il "made in Britain" la protagonista femminile, Ren�e Zellweger, texana, star di Jerry Maguire. Nelle due commedie sopracitate Grant non era stato soltanto uno dei protagonisti, ma aveva lavorato insieme all'aiuto sceneggiatore Richard Curtis. E cos� si suppone sar� anche per questo film. La maggior parte delle scene del Diario di Bridget Jones saranno girate proprio a Notting Hill. L'accordo principale preso con l'autrice del bestseller � infatti che il film non venga in alcun modo americanizzato. Come dire, passi per la protagonista texana, ma � l'unica eccezione. Quanto alle colorite espressioni del libro pare che avranno la stessa voce della Fielding, forse preoccupata degli accenti di Hollywood. (26 marzo 2000) ---------- Pic of Colin and RZ each. Link to the Roles Page project, too. http://us.f5.mail.yahoo.com/ym/login?.rand=8qjtqp2jja0a4

BTW, I *know* Moon has already read it. ;-) Here's the link to the actual article: http://www.repubblica.it/online/spettacoli/bridget/bridget/bridget.html

The Texan-born actress faced a lot of criticism when she was cast in the 'ever-so' British part Vanity Fair refers to this as : Bridgetgate;-) ~~~~~ What a drag...the Republica website doesn't even mention his Italian heritage or that he's married to Livia Giggoli;-) Write and tell'em, Moon.

his Italian heritage His? Sorry, but that's too upper class for him to acknowledge. ;-) Where's Markie Blue Eyes? Working hard on the set? Wonder if he'll get higher billing than Colin. ;-)

His Italian heritage? Did I miss something? I thought he was as English as steak and kidney pie. (And that isn't kidney beans, is it? Feeling queasy.) :-D

But he really, really wants to be Italian. :-) The article is basically a repeat of what has been written in English. It stresses the fact that HF always had CF in mind for the role of MD (because of P&P), and that he got it. The usual thing about RZ being a Texan BJ and the misgivings. And the return of HG with RC. They did not mention the fact that CF is married to an Italian, but I feel very strongly that it is one of the reasons the article was written. CF is not known in Italy, and I feel a PR person is behind this.

(Sadie) I thought he was as English as steak and kidney pie. (And that isn't kidney beans, is it? Feeling queasy.) :-D Gee...don't want you to get sick or anything...but didn't he mention in an interview last year that some family member had traced his lineage and ther is is Italian and Portuguese heritage in his background.... I know, I know...we can't believe what journalists write. The author probably made it up...;-)

I'm sure no Portuguese journalist would leave that out ;-)There's never a mention of Sam Mendes here that doesn't say "of Portuguese descent"...

Oops, I wasn't too clear here. When I meant that I felt queasy, it was at the thought of eating steak and KIDNEY pie, because I'm wimpy about organ meat (no offense to people who do). And if CF has Italian heritage, that would be great --- but, if it were a strong heritage, wouldn't he dress better? :-D *imagining CF in well-cut suit, sitting in a piazza, sigh*

KIDNEY pie, is beans, not real kidneys. Kidney beans;)

So Mark, are you going to leap at the chance to play a diplomat as background for Angelina Jolie and her lips? Will Jolie be using an English accent for playing Lara Croft? The Tomb Raider is supposed to be a Brit. Intially, she was named Laura Cruise, but that was deemed as sounding "too American." Then the name Lara Croft was suggested and the rest is history. How can anybody eat kidneys? Shudder. I mean when you know what it is they do.

E!online had to report on the RZ pigout stuff too, which starts out with the great lines: "Don't walk away Renee, you still have a Ring-Ding left. We're glad to see not every actress in Hollywood is on the Calista Flockhart dryer-lint diet..." You can read it here: http://www.eonline.com/Gossip/Soup/

and with all this discussion about accents... thought this final paragraph from The Observer's review of "Return to Me" was particularly nice to see:Oh, and one more interesting thing. Minnie Driver is English, but plays Americans time and again in a flawless accent. Joely Richardson here does the same. Samantha Morton and Emily Watson both have their Hollywood outings this year. Meanwhile, Gwyneth Paltrow does English English to the manner born and Renee Zellweger is Bridget Jones. We may not have noticed it and we may not understand why, but Britain, for actresses, is already the fifty-first state.

Jeez, I hope Renee doesn't overdo it piling on the pounds. To my way of thinking, Bridget's just a little squishy, not obese. But then, it's probably the journalists who are expanding the truth... (Evelyn) I know, I know...we can't believe what journalists write. The author probably made it up...;-) There are so many insider jokes around here, that one went right over my head. ;-) (Laura) KIDNEY pie, is beans, not real kidneys. Kidney beans;) Hmmm, well maybe in Boston, Laura. Like that last Observer paragraph too, Karen. Maybe it will put the controversy to rest once and for all. Holding my breath.

http://www.pierecipe.com/az/SteakandKidneyPieII.asp http://www.thefoodweb.com/Recipes/steak_and_kidney_pie.htm http://www.cdkitchen.com/rfr/data/920311583.html Maybe in Beantown, everything has beans in it? ;-)

O.k.! Got it: beans in Boston, ox, beef or lamb across the ocean. Thanks Heide and Karen, for clearing up one of my cross-cultural confusions. The recipes look v. tasty. I fear tofu would lack something as a substitute? Tofu-de-beasts roaming everywhere here! True confessions of a lazy vegitarian: secret passion for lamb, but hardly anyone eats it around here. Is strickly a MacDonald's and KFC culture. But Bridget is universal. I read somewhere (from link on this board)that RZ is intentionally gaining more weight to 'legitimize' Bridget's weight obsession. Not sure how I feel about this. After all, if she's only "a little squishy" (I'm with you Heide), makes a v. strong point about how we torture ourselves because self-perception is skewed, and the ideal so unrealistic. That's the insecurity I relate to! Of course, a v. heavy self-condemning Bridget also makes an equally valid point.

Here's a link to the interview where he says he is "Dutch, Portuguese, Italian" It was done during the promotional junket for SiL: UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE I don't think we have a reserve on understanding Shakespeare. Quite the contrary, actually. I think the Americans have just as much authority to represent him as the English do. I think it's very healthy to see Shakespeare in the hands of another nation. We've really fossilized [Shakespeare] or in great danger of doing so. [His time] was in 1592 or so. Many of the people that went to see his plays ended up here [in America]. You are the descendants of the people going to see Shakespeare's plays. My family is Dutch, Portuguese, Italian -- I may not have a descendant who ever saw a Shakespeare play and yet [the English] still have the sense of, "He's ours, he belongs here." I think it's been damaged. I get lectures on the way to do Shakespeare and a lot of that is very arch, very pompous nd it doesn't let it live at all. I think there's an argument to the English putting Shakespeare away for a few years and then just coming back to it. Read full article here: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Theater/5640/interviews/shakespeare/firth.html

... My family is Dutch, Portuguese, Italian .... Thanks Mari (who knew where he had said that)...and Karen who found it. Around here ya' gotta give 'chapter and verse' ;-) Now Gi you can tell the Portuguese journalists that they can add ODB, along with Sam Mendes, to the list of Portuguese heritage....;-)

Unfortunately, Evelyn, I'm sure they'll ask "Colin who?" :-(

Yes, thanks for that link! I hadn't seen that particular paragraph before, although I recognized other parts from the interview. (Evelyn) Around here ya' gotta give 'chapter and verse' ;-) I wasn't doubting your info, Evelyn. I was just surprised and curious. Sounds like CF has an interesting family history.

There's an interesting article about RZ at http://us.imdb.com/NewFeatures/reneez Mentions starring with CF (not HG!)

Try again! http://us.imdb.com/NewsFeatures/reneez

(Bethan) Mentions starring with CF (not HG!) Yeah! URRRAH! Go Colin! Kick it. Kick it in the net...and he's down, HG has fallen over his...v. sorry, CF is actor, actor...MD in sweaty jersey...MD with sexy bruise on cheek...Yes it's the Drool zone, where Sadie gets all confused about soccer, CF-Darcy, and being a Bridgeteer.

MD in sweaty jersey...MD with sexy bruise on cheek... Have always preferred MD striding around room in barrister mode, only clad in towel, but can get into this as well...

He could compromise for us, and play "indoor rugby".

Empire has posted *exclusive* pics from the BJD shoot. Unfortunately, two are of Hugh Grant arriving on set and the other is Salman Rushdie (I kid you not). Here's the news blurb and go to the link for the pics: Exclusive Pictures From Bridget Jones Set Finding the location of the Bridget Jones' Diary crew currently shooting in London wasn't a particularly difficult task for Empire Online - the signs saying BJD LOC kind of gave the game away. Both Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant were on set today, filming in a building in central London belonging to the HRH The Queen. Staff in the building have been asked not to approach the actors - 'they're very busy' one office worker was told. Although the crew were keeping tight-lipped about which scenes were being filmed, Empire Online did spot someone in the crowd who hasn't been on any official cast list - Salman Rushdie. Whether he happened to be there on business or as a cast member is anyone's guess. Working Title weren't available to comment at the time of writing this story, but we'll keep you up-to-date if we hear anything. Click on the links below to see our exclusive pictures from the set. Go here: http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?2320

No further clue where this "building in Central London" is specifically? Doesn't sound like Kings Cross (an area I wasn't planning to go loitering in, in hopes of finding the set - it's a little too "divine", I hear, in that part of town) - I await Karen's usual map-provision service.

divine, huh? *hee hee* Thought Horse & Hounds would've gotten the scoop as its Ace Reporter rubbed shoulders with Rushdie at TEOR launch party. Am guessing that the cameo will show Rushdie visiting his publishers. Will check to see if Rushdie is with Picador/Macmillan or maybe he is just a Bridget fan? I await Karen's usual map-provision service. Oh my...the pressure... ;-)

Write to Empire Editor, boss, and tell her we want pics of ODB...never mind wats-hiz-name. I await Karen's usual map-provision service. ROTF. Mark, she has several assignments from me too....

Thanks for the pics and news, Karen, very interesting as usual.

(MarkG on Kings Cross) it's a little too "divine", I hear, in that part of town I had the misfortune to be working there last week...er I mean...mmm. (Dash it, the secret of my recent career success is out ;-P). Seriously, the area (Pentonville Road at any rate) is not to put too fine a point on it..NASTY.. lots of unsavoury characters hanging around peddling various...er wares! Very Divine. It is so bad there that colleagues (male and female)leave the office in groups rather than walk alone to Kings Cross Station itself! Mark don't go there! *showing my palm to your face in a Jerry Springer stylee*

Maybe Salman Rushdie is a guest at the glittering literati party attended by Bridget (and Perpetua, Mark D and Daniel). A sort of in-joke...he'd be instantly recognisable. More so than Julian Barnes.

Mark!!! Go read your email. Have sent you coordinates. ;-)

and Bethan, don't think it would be the party, as the location is an office building and they are using the *office sets*

I await Karen's usual map-provision service. Oh my...the pressure... ;-) But how she responds! I shall try and have a look after work, but if it's a building, it's probably a closed set (oh, see how I bandy these technical terms around these days) Will check to see if Rushdie is with Picador/Macmillan or maybe he is just a Bridget fan? I'm sure he has made comments published before that Bridget is a very funny & very important character in English fiction, or similar... Tracy, hope it wasn't one of those "promotions" that means you get to work in Kings Cross every other week. The life of a working girl...

Netscape's news has an interview with RZ that was done for Entertainment Tonight, snippets of which were shown last night on TV. It's about Me, Myself and Irene, Jim Carrey, etc.: http://etonline.netscape.com/etonline/interviews/reneezellweger/irene_reneezellweger_int.html but if it's a building, it's probably a closed set didn't it say something about shooting outside as well? ;-) Good luck, Mark. Hope to see your report tomorrow from the set.

Exclusive: Salman's 'Bridget' Cameo 22/06/2000 Salman Rushdie has nabbed himself a role in the film of Bridget Jones's Diary. However the Satanic Verses author, who Empire Online pictured on the set of Bridget (click here for the pictures), will be spared having to stretch his acting skills. 'He plays himself,' the film's publicist told us, 'in a scene set at a literary party.' Fans of the book won't be surprised to see Rushdie linked with the film, given that the paperback version of Bridget Jones's diary featured a positive quote from Salman on the cover reading, 'Even Men will Laugh.' In the meantime, filming continues apace in central London - click on the links below for today's pictures of Renee Zellweger on the set.

From the Telegraph's Peterborough column (6/21/00): TWO of Britain's foremost writers and self-publicists - Salman Rushdie and Jeffrey Archer - have pulled off a coup: they are to appear, playing themselves, as extras in the forthcoming film of Bridget Jones's Diary.

'in a scene set at a literary party.' You called it, Bethan! Where's that from, Mari, as it refers to new pictures?

Never mind. I see it is Empire again! signed, Emily Litella

If it's the party in the book, then Colin would be there. Where are the pictures of him????? Maybe tomorrow. ;-)

Wow, great scoop on Rushdie. Thanks to you Karen, for first noting it, and you Mari,for finding that exclusive. I have a nosy question. Is there still a price on his head? (TracyT)I had the misfortune to be working there last week...er I mean...mmm. (Dash it, the secret of my recent career success is out ;-P). Lol! "The Secret of My Success" eh? (MarkG on Kings Cross) it's a little too "divine", I hear, in that part of town. But a rising celebrity, diplomat and, well, wise guy (I know nothing really, so just keep the cement to yourself) has got to do what he's got to do.