Whew!....Killer smile. Same suit as he wore to the premiere? Thanks everybody for lookin' fer us :-)

Hiya, nice to see some new pix. I don't know whether anyone else has spotted a piece in August 2000 edition of Empire Magazine? It's a piece concerning the top 20 films in production and lists BJD at no8, theres a very poor picture of a scuffle...and I think I recognize the face of ODB plus possibly the backside of HG.. could be wrong though what do you think??

On second thoughts it's difficult to make anything out from that! Perhaps somebody else out there can do a better job?

That looks like Colin to me, Tracy. What a funny thought to see these two rolling around like this. The film really is changed from the book, as Karen has noted, since my memory puts this scene in EOR.

Tracy,it does look like him,in fact it reminds me of the scene in FP where he's rolling around on the floor. I also thought that this scene was in EOR ,however I thought it was MD who punched DC.

Judy, it certainly seems as if they are indeed taking references from EOR which is good news since MD features more (if memory serves)than in BJD itself..hurrah!

Tracy, I think I've found my excuse for another re-read,all in the name of research of course.

Judy, research absolutely it's only proper that we should get our facts right and do our "f*****g homework" ;-D Now where did I leave those books?

Yes, I too am going to do a reread of TEOR, as there is not a knockdown fight in first book. From what I remember, Mark punches Daniel (who drops up to Bridget's flat) toward the end of book. This was probably the scene that was being filmed when Mark (our onsite reporter) was there.

Wasn't it HF who said that no part of EOR was to be included in the film-there must have been quite a drastic re-write after she left the scene to include this skirmish and I presume other scenes from EOR. My only worry if they have incorporated EOR is have they left enough for a sequel or am I jumping the gun.

I have that scuffle on my BJD page. Scroll down to the bottom. http://www.geocities.com/firthfan/jones/bjones.html

Not really new inof, but this was in The Mirror: ANOTHER ACT FROM ARCHER AFTER Salman "Showbiz" Rushdie's cameo in the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary, we have news of another author who, bafflingly, has been asked to play himself in a fleeting appearance in the movie. Disgraced Jeffrey Archer pops up during a book-launch scene in the �20 million movie. Bridget, played by Renee Zellweger, for some reason gets over-excited on spotting the two famous authors at the launch party. Little Jeff is very keen to tell us all about his first big-screen outing: "I really enjoyed it." Rushdie snogs Hugh Grant in the film. Does Archer get to kiss Hugh, too? "Those are your words, not mine." Now, now, Jeff. It's too late to go all shy on us.

Karen it doesn't matter if its not new-its all publicityAlthough CF had better watch his back with all these celebs trying to get in on the act he might end up with only 5th billing! It seems the press pick up on any thing to mention BJD,Now mag has a small snippet about LH visiting theset to give HG a home-made packed lunch-again I don't think thats new info.

Although CF had better watch his back with all these celebs trying to get in on the act he might end up with only 5th billing! LOL, too true, Judy. Our well mannered, faithful, easygoing Colin needs a little controversy in his life to at least get him ahead of Salman.;-) Do I see a Divine moment? (Horrors!)

(Disgraced Jeffrey Archer pops up during a book-launch scene in the �20 million movie) Could someone please help out a poor, uneducated 'Merican? Who is Jeffrey Archer and why is he disgraced? TIA

Jeffrey Archer is a thriller writer and sometime politician friend of Margaret Thatcher. He disgraced himself mainly by telling lies about himself and various other things which I can't quite remember at the moment. I am sure our U.K. friends are more up to date on his shortcomings.

Jeffrey is a much more interesting character than is likely to feature in any of his rather two-dimensional, but very popular, novels. Having made a fortune from his books, he became a Conservative politician, on the strength of the money and a glamorous CV, which included claims about his attendance at Oxford University and a student athletic career that turned out not to be supported by research. Somehow shrugging this off, he became disgraced (for the first time) after the revelation that he had paid a prostitute two thousand pounds (an amount of money now sometimes known as an Archer) in cash at Victoria Station not to reveal some apparent lies about his affair with her. In the trial (the sympathetic judge famously referred to Jeffrey's wife Mary as "this fragrant lady") he was acquitted of whatever they had managed to charge him with. His next disgrace came when he was accused of insider-dealing - another trial led to another acquittal, with his story accepted that just because someone had sent him a fax advising him to buy shares which he happened to have bought later that day didn't mean that he had read the fax. Now lately, his soaring campaign to be elected London Mayor was ended when a friend of his revealed that Jeffrey had persuaded him to provide a false alibi for one of the evenings of significance in the original prostitute trial. The subsequent charge of perverting the course of justice saw him suspended from the Conservative party for 5 years, and we are still awaiting another trial. Meanwhile his books continue to sell like wildfire. Tracy, I am intrigued by the confirmation about the long-lens picture; if the fight scene happened the day I attended (elbow-pads etc), I can't see how anyone long-lensed the set, which was completely blacked off from the outside. Or could "long-lens" be used to mean someone on the set just firing off their own picture?

Either or, it would account for the darkness of the picture as (1) couldn't use a flash or (2) it was far enough away to render the flash useless.

And thanks, Mark, for the detailed account of Mr. Archer. I remember seeing the headlines of his campaign for mayor and subsequent withdrawal, but didn't read any of the details.

The Sun is reporting that RZ is officially engaged to marry Jim Carrey and is wearing a �40,000 engagement ring. Article here: http://www.the-sun.co.uk/bizarre/

Mark, the Jeffrey Archer story reads like a novel... Do you think he'll write it? ;-)

I've uploaded a scan of the supporting cast article that was in Heat magazine: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdcast.html They used that ugly sneering Jongleurs pic for Colin. Now that I see the whole thing, interesting that one cast member is missing. :-o

My, my, yes. Guess Heat figures HG doesn't need their publicity.

While its quiet on here I just give you some trivial info.I was talking to my sister about CF and Darcy (original one that is)and mentioned him playing MD 'who's MD?'aagh couldn't believe it,turns out she's never read BJD.Of course I rushed home to get my copy for her.I consider it my duty as a drooler to spread the word & promote the book & film.That's my good deed for the day. Hope you don't mind me boring you with my personal life.

This is something that I was emailed to me. It may be of interest to some of you in a Bridget-wise way. The importance of keeping up a front On the reality of single life Shane Watson Friday July 21, 2000 It seems that people who live together as couples - well the women at any rate - continue to be fascinated by the living arrangements of the single population - female, that is. India Knight's much discussed book My Life on a Plate dwells on the agonies of envy experienced by the married woman (living in a house resembling a toy repository after a visit from a family of beavers) when she visits her unmarried girlfriends who live in airy flats filled with white sofas. Because uncluttered, expensive rooms equal sexy, A1 kind of people, married females are unhealthily preoccupied with the loft-style existences of their single peers. I know of at least one woman who has left her husband and sprawling family home purely so she can live the one-bedroom-sheepskin-draped existence, devote her bathroom shelves to chunky glass products, and generally elevate herself in the eyes of her neighbours from average woman to cool-chick-with-world-at-her-feet. All this is terrific for the single female, who knows that while the married world is convinced she clips home with armfuls of white flowers and curls up under a cashmere throw before bathing by candlelight, her domestic arrangements probably have more in common with male medical students. This image of environments as they might be were they not compromised by men's things (speakers like Tardises, trophy cups, sports bags, wavy CD holders), dotted with petites cafetieres and giant pillows, is a fantasy dreamt up by girly stylists. There undoubtedly are people who live in an ice cream ad, but these are generally record producers and never, ever single females, who tend to lurch from loo paper crisis to moth infestation and never remember to light the smelly candles. Single women have simply learnt, to the letter, the mise en scene that they must present to the world. Like those raids in prohibition-era movies, when the gaming tables are flipped to hide the booze and chips, so the single girl's bachelor pad can be instantly transformed from sluttish tip to fragrant room of one's own, should the single police come calling. We know that the effortlessly fabulous environment is crucial to maintaining the facade of a measured lifestyle choice. Bottles of valium, toenail clippings, empty pizza boxes: these are things you found lying around the flats of single girls in the 80s, back before we got our act together and realised that front is everything in the battle over who is having the better time. Them or Us. The difference now is if you're having Them round you take all the crap and stuff it under your white piqu? duvet. You cannot afford to give them the ammo. Next thing you know it'll be: "I wonder if she even bothers to wash these days, poor thing." Thanks to the likes of India Knight, the scales have tipped in favour of singles over the past couple of years and the Smug Marrieds, of Bridget Jones' experience, have been forced to concede ground to those still able to sleep around and fritter away their cash. But now it looks like we may have been rumbled, and those nights of self-indulgent pampering exposed as long, lonely vigils empty of human contact. This potentially disastrous setback to singles' propaganda comes in the form of a CD featuring the sounds of household activities designed to simulate the presence of a live-in partner, including tracks such as Fry a Roast Beef in the Pan, A Bath Sounds Perfect and A Hastily Ironed Shirt. The compilation's German creator has not shied away from making this a truly authentic home-sharing experience "for those who have everything - except a life-partner", but I can honestly say that there's only one track guaranteed to make the eyes brim on a home-alone night and that's The Fridge is Finally Full Again. Nonetheless, Alone No More is a big hit (4,900 copies sold thus far) so I propose to produce an equivalent for the younger female British Single Market (Bernd Klosterfelde is a fiftysomething divorcee). This will feature The Fridge is Finally Full Again ... of Bottles, Honey, Something Tells Me You've Lost Weight (club mix), and for those of us who haven't surrendered yet, tracks to play while on the phone to attached persons such as Background Party Noises A) mixed company B) all male; Are You Ready Babe the Table's Booked featuring the voice of Russell Crowe; and Hello I'm the Man Who's Come to Sort Out Your Pension Plan, which is one for the hardest marrieds to deceive, your parents.

Judy, I did a similar thing for a friend. She had actually read BJD, but had not seen (or read) P&P2! Horrors! When I was trying to explain the whole CF playing MD -isn't that great thing, and the P&P references (and my obsession), her eyes glazed over. I immediately loaned her my P&P tapes (have the DVD now, so it's OK), and explained she must watch the series, THEN re-read BJD. She hasn't watched the tapes yet, so I don't know how it will work out.

Meredith,I was shocked to find she hadn't read BJD but am flabbergasted to hear that someone had not read/seen P&P!Where has she been and surely she must have read P&P at school?Keep us posted on whatshe thinks please. I have some good and bad news regarding the family BJD front,last night at a family bbq,my sister was engrossed in BJD,now for bad news my sister-in-law wanted to know why she was being so ignorant,turns out she's never even heard of the book let alone readit,now who's ignorant.So she is my next convert,am going to be without my copy for a while!

Sorry, I have a worse story. Loaned my P&P (from television) tapes to older sister, who eventually returned them unwatched. Said she couldn't get "into" it. Then, when I was raving about BJD and the book was finally published here, she went out and bought it. Not sure if she finished it, but was not very enthusiastic. But then again, we have very different tastes. She thought Return to Me was "great"; I thought it was a joke. Younger sister returned BJD to me; smiled and said, it was good. Not v. enthusiastic either. IMO think has to do with having read and loved P&P. It is not required reading here BTW. Older sister was all excited about seeing the Count of Monte Cristo on TV because had read and liked the book and is usually not much of a Masterpiece Theatre (or Bravo) type person. However, all the librarians I lent BJD to have loved it!! :-)

Never mind Karen they do say that you can't choose your family so we won't hold you responsible, at leastmy sister seems to be responding to treatment.As for my sister-in-law I don't hold out much hope for her asshe's not over- bright at the best of times-but that'smy brothers problem not mine. My sister is a rarity in England anyway-a 40 year old cinema goer! I forgot about it not being required reading in other countries-shame.

Any idea why once I post my words join together?

Where has she been and surely she must have read P&P at school? It was the set book for O-level English when I took the exams so I doubt whether there can be many thirty-somethings out there (in England at any rate) who haven't had the pleasure. Have to admit something terrible (which I am putting right as of now BTW) - I haven't re-read P&P since I was at school and .....dare I say this...I didn't enjoy it much the first time round *duck*. Is it safe to come out? Am I de-drooled now? In my defence I would say that this lack of enjoyment probably had to do with the way we studied it rather than the content which of course "improves of further acquaintance", so I am resolved to read it this week and I know I will enjoy it this time.

Whoops pressed submit too soon.. was going to say, maybe we could pressurise all world education boards to make BJD and P&P required reading and so achieve world domination. Ha-ha-ha! **evil chuckle**

(Tracy) I haven't re-read P&P since I was at school. That was some admission,do you feel better getting it off your chest?I think you'll have to make up for itwith extra drool!Now of course I'm a perfect P & P drooler-read it at school at 13(can still remember the lesson like it was yesterday)went to a bookshop on way home from school & bought a copy which I still have,yellowed/dog-eared and sellotaped. My own confession would be that I only read BJD when I heard about the CF & P&P connection. BJD & P&P required reading-ah your method of atonement,you've won me over.

(Judy) -I think you'll have to make up for it with extra drool! Oh dear - what a hardship, I'm just going to have to watch all those Col-films as penance....drool-city here I come. My own confession would be that I only read BJD when I heard about the CF & P&P connection A heinous crime indeed - I sentence you to watching BJD untold times at the cinema when it comes out. Just as long as you don't go out and buy yellow diamond patterned sweaters for the same reason!!

Tracy I think all droolers should wear diamond patterned jumpers as a uniform so that we would all recognize one another out and about-a sign of our secret society-or maybe just a towel? I hereby promise to see BJD as many times as possibleproviding it stays released longer than one week.

Judy, I'll wear a towel only if it's a very large one or provided MD is still in it!

If MD's still in the towel then I'm whipping it off so at least keep your knickers on.

Judy- LOL! (It does not 'bare' thinking about - believe me). It seems like it's the Jude and Trace show tonight! So given your confession about BJD, do you think you would have read it if there were not the connection? Is it your kind of thing...not exactly LOTR!

Who's following who here?Yep its just you and me! and no its not my usual thing although I would like to think that I would have read it after all the publicity just out of curiosity.I am definitely a big JA fan and have read all her books,finished & unfinished,many times and also anything about her life & times. BTW what does LOTR mean?,

Lord of the Rings sorry this abbreviating thing is a difficult habit to shake!

Thanks ,sleep tight.don't let the bed bugs bite and sweet filthy firthy dreams.

Sorry, Gi, it appears that Albufeira may have been written out of the movie, as Julio is now Julian... [Murph has info from one of the production co's websites] Renee Zellweger ('Jerry Maguire', 'Me, Myself & Irene') plays Bridget Jones, the London girl who is looking for love. She watches in horror as her mother, in mid-life crisis, leaves her father to live with Shopping Channel presenter Julian. Meanwhile her friends Jude, Sharon and Tom provide her with entertainingly hopeless advice as she embarks on an affair with her boss, sexy publisher Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Bridget's unsuccessful attempts to control her chaotic life and to develop inner poise are charted by her hilarious diary entries, as are her disastrous first few meetings with the snooty Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Gradually though, Bridget has the chance to get what she really wants - true love. The question is - will she blow it?

...as are her disastrous first few meetings with the snooty Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Oh , he is gonna go into the Mr. Darcy mode ....no wonder he viewed P&P again. Sure beats the "nerdy" mode I thought they would feature MD as. Can't wait....Thanks K.

Have thought of other problems, given up synopsis... Wonder what they've done to the book if Julio/Julian hasn't bilked all the friends of family out of their life savings. How will Mark Darcy save the day? Will we or won't we have Mark Darcy slinking amongst the hedges, hot and sweating at Christmas dinner, before whisking Bridget off to nice holiday hotel for nookie-nookie? I suppose Mum could've overdone it on the Shopping Channel and put whole family in debt with vast quantities of useless, time-savings and bargain merchandise. ;-)

(Evelyn) Oh , he is gonna go into the Mr. Darcy mode Was there ever any doubt? After all, CF's been sporting those sideburns ;-P I am all curiosity about this script. Given what we've heard so far (thanks, sleuths!) it's v.v. different than the book(s). Tsk...I was looking forward to the Tarts and Vicars party. But as long as BJ doesn't bring MD a painting of a goat playing the violin, all will be well. Hmm, youngest sis still has my copies of BJD and EOR. Will get 'em back this weekend when she visits. Thanks for the reminder!

(Karen) I suppose Mum could've overdone it on the Shopping Channel and put whole family in debt with vast quantities of useless, time-savings and bargain merchandise. ;-) I think you're onto something there, Karen. During the climactic scene, Julian threatens Mark with a Ginsu knife; fortunately for MD, the blade strikes his trouser pocket, where it is blocked by the 3-carat Diamante ring that MD wanted to present to Bridget. BJ sidles up to MD and asks, "Is that cubic zirconia in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" Using Andrew Davies' detailed stage directions, MD acknowledges that he is indeed happy to see her and they set off for the nookie nookie weekend. The police arrive to haul off Julian, who is subsequently sentenced to 100+ hours of community service during which he must rid the area's households of Fashions By Ivana and More From the Joan Rivers Jewelry Collection.;-) ;-)

LMAO...Oh Mari...Too Funny.....Welcome back...We needed you....

The info Karen mentioned is from LittleBird Films, a co-producer of BJD. Here is their web site: http://www.littlebird.ie/littleb.htm And Mari, did we miss you at all the various Firth places around here! Welcome back from the Joisey Shore!! (I'm off to Cape May tomorrow - in the pours of rain)

Thanks, ladies. It's nice to be back in such pleasant company. Murph, we didn't do Joisey shore--this was our wild, wild west trip to Nevada & Californy. Had a super time. Enjoy Cape May--one of my fave Jersey towns. All those beautiful Victorian homes, great restaurants and quirky shops--you'll have a great time, rain or shine. Thaks for the Little Bird website link; it's interesting to note that Andrew Davies isn't listed there on the BJD screenplay credits. I wonder if it's just an oversight. Also noticed that they produced Croupier (nice article and pic on Clive Owen in EW from a couple of weeks ago, BTW).

LOL! Of course, it had to be a cubic zirconia climax!! But if I see one smidgen of Joan Rivers or hear her voice, I reserve the right to pelt the screen with Victoria Principal's Principal Difference (or whatever it's called) or the beauty cream hawked by Ernest Borgnine's wife (she used him as a test case). (Mari) it's interesting to note that Andrew Davies isn't listed there on the BJD screenplay credits. I wonderif it's just an oversight. Probably because had major falling out with Richard Curtis, who kept insisting on keeping the line about "taking love heroin." (top of my list for worst line in NH)

LMAO Mari! So glad you are back. (Eileen) Tsk...I was looking forward to the Tarts and Vicars party So was I! How will they humiliate her instead? (Evelyn) Oh , he is gonna go into the Mr. Darcy mode (Eileen) Was there ever any doubt? After all, CF's been sporting those sideburns *sigh* Do you think sideburns function like "love-handles"? You know, something to hang onto during, er, intense moments? I reserve the right to pelt the screen with Victoria Principal's Principal Difference ROTFLOL, this is too funny Karen!

Wot, no Albufeira? No Julio? I wonder how else they will change the story. Of course, while Albufeira means something to the English (many do come there for their holidays) it means nothing to the US public. Is this why? I feel frustrated, however, and aprehensive as well (it started with the fight, and now this) :-( Thanks for letting me know, anyway, Karen...

I've just come over from 127 to cool down only to find Sadie at it again with sideburns as love handles but I have to agree- you could use them like velcro so where to put the othersides;- 1 palm of hands-to keep a grip for a quick snog 2 in your cleavage if big enough(no good for me then) 3 for that extra special Colin Clamping your inner thighs... now for those people who call a handle a knob*crash*

Sorry for that temporary aberration but SADIE led me astray what I wanted to say was that Jerry Maguire is showing on C4 this Sunday and as I've not yet seen our Bridget in action this is a must see for me.

Definetly watch JM, Judy. Renee and Cuba are the best parts of the movie. As for the sideburns, Sadie, I don't think Darcy (definely not Fitzwilliam, doubt Mark, too) keeps them long enough to grab. Now Mr. Hurst, his sideburns were long...eeewwwwwww...

Oh Judy, it's all Heide's fault, as I've explained on Some other board (I forget which). She got me going! Which is how hosting a board ought to go, eh? You see, it's that wonderful principle of the universe. What drool goes around, comes around! Aren't we beautiful beings *Mystical drool experience, not unlike the raptures experienced by St. Theresa after watching the Parish priest all day.* Sorry, evil demon has control of the keyboard. Blasphemy.... Velcro, I knew it was a brilliant invention. knob? *crash, thump* Ouch. (Eileen)As for the sideburns, Sadie, I don't think Darcy (definely not Fitzwilliam, doubt Mark, too) keeps them long enough to grab. Now Mr. Hurst, his sideburns were long...eeewwwwwww... eeewwwwwww is right! He's only one step up from Collins! But, you know, you have to give a girl credit for knowing what to do with short hairs.... Judy, we are going to get each other tossed out of DRool!

(Gi) Of course, while Albufeira means something to the English (many do come there for their holidays) it means nothing to the US public. Is this why? Oh Gi, I will be so disappointed if they do not include some shots of Portugal. Is main way I get to travel these days! It would be much better if they altered the story to have Bridget go to Portugal and discover MD's good deeds there. Could have very romantic scenes in manner of Shirley Valentine, but on the Atlantic (Albufeira is on the Atlantic, I hope?) and without any thoughts of "where's me tea?"

(Sadie) It would be much better if they altered the story to have Bridget go to Portugal and discover MD's good deeds there. Well, I can do without RZ in Albufeira, but I would love to see Colin there ;-)

Yes, but if RZ is there, CF would be there filming all that much longer!

Sadie tossed out or OFF now don't get me started.

(Gi) Well, I can do without RZ in Albufeira, but I would love to see Colin there ;-) I understand there are some great hotels. ;-) Speaking of filming longer, I wonder if they're done. July's almost over.

I've been wondering the same thing Eileen,everything seems to be quiet on the filming front,HG has been playing golf in Scotland not that it means filming is over of course just thought I'd mention it.

Anybody checked The Bucket's new On Location with BJD's layout lately? http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdloc.html Very creative....boss.Like the film strip and camera... I can spot a theme gal when I see one;-)

HG is on the front cover of my fave(!) magazine, "Hello", at an Elton John bash, in the company of none other than his estranged housemate, Liz Hurley (wearing a tiara!). Huggie is tanned and still has long floppy hair, a la Daniel Cleaver. I would guess they've finished by now though...it's over 10 weeks since the beginning of the shoot. I'm not sure what we're going to see...the Richard Curtis "version" of BJD?... Loveable cute sexy Daniel versus the "snooty" Mark? The Portugal episode was the part of the story which allowed us to see MD as the chivalrous male (and the most obvious parallel with P&P). I remain deeply suspicious of the fact that Huggie decided to come on board after RC's 8 week major re-write of the screenplay!!!

My guess is that the most basic plot lines will remain unchanged--BJ misjudges Darcy who eventually proves himself a hero and they ultimately fall in love; DC is the potential spoiler. Otherwise, millions of BJD fans will be horribly disappointed and so would the box office. It's how they get there, though, that has me stumped. RC can be so formulaic. If HG utters a phrase that even remotely resembles 'whoopsie daisies', I'm outta there! Seriously, we know a few things--the DC character seems to figure more prominently in the story (though on this point we could have been easily misled by all the Hugh-focused publicity); there's a substantial fight between MD and DC; the actors playing the Tom, Jude and Shazzer characters weren't happy about their screen time, and...what else?

(Eileen)the actors playing the Tom,Jude and Shazzar characters weren't happy about their screen time-I'venot heard about that can you tell me more. I'm also worried about all the HG publicity and the RC re-write I think it's definitely going to be a HG vehicle.

Oh no! Why? Why? What will be bloody point if is HG vehicle? Do these people not know what real red-blooded BJD fans want? Maybe DC is in more scenes but not for very many minutes each time? They could build up the dramatic tension with MD that way, and that would mean that HG has to be around more in filming. I am v. disappointed to hear that Tom, Jude and Shazzar screentime has been cut down. ARRGH, that RC is nothing but trouble. (The man, not the Church.)

(Bethan) I remain deeply suspicious of the fact that Huggie decided to come on board after RC's 8 week major re-write of the screenplay!!! Let's not go too nuts here... Nobody but nobody with half a brain would alter the fundamental story underlying the whole thing. If RC were fool enough to mess with the Darcy character, he'd be as vilified as Patricia Rozema was by the press and audiences. Hughie is merely a name that the international press can use to sell papers.

Eileen -If HG utters a phrase that even remotely resembles 'whoopsie daisies', I'm outta there! That's something that has worried me ever since I first saw NH and I know I'm being pedantic here but I'm in that kind of mood. Who says Whoopsie Daisies? Not even 'little girls in ringlets' in my experience, 'Whoopsie Daisy' singular perhaps. Let's have a little realism RC. Signed Ms Angry-&-Frustrated-at-lack-of-BJD-News ;-D

The "Whoopsie Daisies/little girls with blonde ringlets" is No. 2 on my list of lame-o dialogue in NH. It follows the "love heroin" line and precedes, "how far is it in yards?"

I purposely missed NH because HG is in it and after reading these snippets of dialogue I'm glad however whether this bodes well for BJD I'm not sure-only timewill tell.I only watched Four Weddings to see what all the fuss was about,It made for easy viewing but it is not a film I could watch time after time.I'm not particularly struck with HG for his acting or his looks and was quite disappointed when he was cast but maybe he will be better as a creep than a heart-throbObviously they've had trouble with the script with HF AD & then RC on board.It will be interesting to see how such a blatant womans book is adapted by a man.I suppose that's sexist and perhaps a little bit naive since RC is a very successful scriptwriter.

(Sadie) RC is nothing but trouble. (The man, not the Church.) LOL, Sadie! (Karen) The "Whoopsie Daisies/little girls with blonde ringlets" is No. 2 on my list of lame-o dialogue in NH. It follows the "love heroin" line and precedes, "how far is it in yards?" Wait a minute, wait a minute, I've got one. Here we go: "I'm just a girl. Standing in front of a boy. Asking him to love her." LAME! Still, I do think RC knows what he's doing. He's got a solid track record in making commerical hits, and we all want CF in a commercial hit, right? Daniel *does* have a much bigger part than MD in the book, so we shouldn't be surprised when we see lots of him in the film. And, face it, Hugh doesn't do thankless little supporting roles (and more power to him for having managed his career in such a way that he doesn't have to). They won't fool with the basic story structure, though, and MD will still be the hero. How that translates into a win for CF's career remains to be seen.

Everyone has different tastes in movies, but I can somewhat tolerate the "I'm just a girl et al." and the violin-playing goat thing. Judy, just to clarify, NH is a very enjoyable movie. I will fast forward through my make-me-gag lines and Emma Chambers, but will rewind that final press conference scene numerous times. Puts a huge smile on my face. There are loads of cute and clever lines that are difficult to explain out of context, like "Down boy" "well..." or anything Tim McInerney mumbles under his breath or the classic, "if I employ a wet rag, would I have to pay it as much as you?" or "You never get anyone in Wings of the Dove saying 'inform the Pentagon we need Black Star cover.'" I love the running gag about putting problems in the correct perspective and the commentary about celebrity and the role of the public/press. Nothing beats that scene of Hugh opening the blue door for sheer impact. Come on, who didn't laugh at "those carrots, they've been murdered"? or when Hugh utters the line about "getting her quickly back on the street in a nonprostitute sense" (quite the sense of humor)? There's even one shot of Hugh at the di ner table where he's all smiles that's simply irresistable (WHOA!! Incoming tomatoes!!) Do rent it. There are some bad lines, grant, but the movie overall is very enjoyable. Besides, how can any movie miss that has Bill Withers' Ain't No Sunshine? (she says, being a proud owner of the original LP)

I was just at the video store tonight, had my hand on NH, but couldn't do it! Was all unsettled. Then couldn't decide on anything! Got out The Advocate again instead. Then after I walked out of there, I thought, I really ought to stretch myself and give Hughy another chance. Like Judy, I missed NH purposely to avoid HG. But you're softening me up Karen. Now if you can tell me that he actually utters a complete sentence at least once, I may just see NH before the snow flies again (real snow, not movie snow) :-) (Tracy)Signed Ms Angry-&-Frustrated-at-lack-of-BJD-News LOL! And v. much how I'm feeling. Will the baby have all its toesies? Yes, will fundamentally be a baby, but will it be a beautiful baby? Cannot stand the waiting! How many months left of film's gestation?

(EileenG)I understand there are some great hotels. ;-) There certainly are ;-) (judy)HG has been playing golf in Scotland There are also some great golf courses near Albufeira, as Mark can tell you ;-) (Karen)NH is a very enjoyable movie Well... Julia Roberts is very good in it...

(Karen)If RC were fool enough to mess with the Darcy character, he'd be as vilified as Patricia Rozema was by the press and audiences. Sorry, I know this is slightly off topic, and I suppose this would put me in bad books at 'that other site', but I adore Patricia Rozema's films, including MP; I think she's bloody brilliant. (OOps, is one long run-on sentence --- but at least I finished it.)

(Karen) Besides, how can any movie miss that has Bill Withers' Ain't No Sunshine? Don't forget Elvis Costello's "She". I hope Trevor Jones does the soundtrack for BJD.

From Film Unlimited today: The makers of the film of Bridget Jones' Diary held a mid-shoot party to erase any doubts about Texan Renee Zellweger's British accent. Ten minutes of the film were shown at the Zeta Club in Park Lane and greeted with cheers from the cast and crew. It is understood morale was low due to rumours that co-star Hugh Grant wanted to quit the film because he thought Renee would be implausible as the 30-something singleton.

Hmmm, not sure what to make of the above report from, ahem, FU.;-) My inclination is to say it's mostly bull. Colin praised her accent, saying he couldn't tell the difference; would HG really be hearing something different? And HG walk out on his pal Richard Curtis? Oh, I don't think so. Some segments of the media seem to be gunning for this film, which is a shame. It remains to be seen whether the above is repeated ad nauseam in other publications (remember the HF brouhaha which was totally twisted and took on a life of its own with each repeat), and whether Working Title will be trotting out "the guys" again to diffuse.

Thought the same. Rumors? Really? Haven't seen them even intimated elsewhere and no one else has picked up on this story yet. WT probably sent HG off golfing.... ;-) [HG] thought Renee would be implausible as the 30-something singleton. I still think HG is implausible as a leading man. :-p

(Karen) Let's not go too nuts here... Just a little harmless speculation to pass the time, that's all. (Mari) I'm just a girl...LAME Oh, yes. *barfing sounds ensue* Sorry, Karen, can't stomach that one. Best line in NH: "I'm sure you all have di*ks the size of peanuts..." (Mari) Still, I do think RC knows what he's doing. He's got a solid track record in making commerical hits Yes, formulaic commercial hits. He does have a talent for zippy one-liners, though. If he's made BJD as fresh and funny as 4W&AF (one of my faves), then I'll gladly take back every negative thing I've said about him. Judy, I can't recall precisely where I read about Jude, Shazzer and Tom's roles (either here or at Karen's Bucket). It was a small piece containing comments from the actors playing them. As for that bit from FU, I agree with Mari.

(Eileen) as fresh and funny as 4W&AF (one of my faves) But how can you tolerate Andie McDowell? *barfing sound ensues from this end* ;-)

I'm glad you all seem to be taking it well just leave me to slip into hysteria *scream* HE thinks SHE is implausible (I agree with Karen on that matter) and half way through filming. He's a bigger creep than I thought.He's probably takenthe huff-obviously Colin's out-acted him & RZ told himthat CF is the better kisser!Yes am feeling better now, HG is having a silly tantrum.

Don't scream, Judy, it probably isn't even true. Don't believe everything you read (typically cynical advice dispensed from this ex-New Yorker). Y'know, I liked 4W so much that Andie didn't bother me--same way you feel about that fiddlin' goat scene in NH, Karen ;-P

(Judy, the Bletchley graduate) He's probably taken the huff-obviously Colin's out-acted him & RZ told him that CF is the better kisser! This is could only be the correct translation.

I thought there were reports in the early stages of BJD that quoted both Colin and Hugh saying Renee was going to be great and that her accent was fine. I feel sorry for the girl; she (or at least her voice) is going to be under the press microscope when the movie is released. My 2 cents on NH - one of my favourite parts was Spike deciding which T-shirt to wear to impress his lady friend.

Well Eileen and Karen, I hope you are both recovered from your barfing incidents earlier today? If not, then just focus on MD wearing a towel --- you know, a sort of guided meditation on the road to health. (Karen)I still think HG is implausible as a leading man. O.k., I did try a guided meditation on this, but it didn't work! Kept seeing certain scenes from The Advocate instead, which I watched early this morning! As others have said, I'm sure the HG desire to quit the film is only a rumour...Unless of course he's been reading this board regularly and is beginning to realize how little we all hope he appears in the film! :-)

I say: Let HG leave the film, re-shoot his scenes with a new actor (who was that one-take extra?), and search out the team spirit. But would he really threaten to leave the film after weeks of shooting?

Ah ha Mark maybe you've already replaced him-you've been quite for a while now.I think you're just trying to break it to us gently.

Its very quiet tonight has everybody re-lurked? I'm still doing my bit to promote BJD-my dad's now reading it!

I've been doing a bit of quiet promoting of my own i.e. getting all friends to read it so that I'll have someone to go and critique the film with when it eventually comes out. Maybe will avoid embarrassment of going to see RV on my own and only another 5 strangers in the place!

Did we ever discover who Honor Blackman is playing BTW?

I think you're v.brave going by yourself but at least you saw it.By the time my hubby was going to take meit wasn't showing.I can't see me going to see BJD with my dad tho' so if hubby doesn't take me I'm definitely going on my lonesome. I'm quite surprised at how many people haven't either read it or haven't even heard of it,Where have they been?

(Sadie) As others have said, I'm sure the HG desire to quit the film is only a rumour...Unless of course he's been reading this board regularly and is beginning to realize how little we all hope he appears in the film! :-) Speak for yourself! :-)

I could never drool about HG, but think he is very good in that comedy stuff he does, and as far as I know also in talk shows. I saw him in a talkshow on German tv and really liked him, was even impressed. [tomatoe: *splash*] He was funny, relaxed and absolutedly in charge. - I believe he's too much of a professional [*splash* *splash*] to only consider to walk out of a film, and I would rather believe that the reported comment on RZ was a misinterpreted joke. As we all now, tongue-in-cheek doesn't translate well out of context. Also have to give my 2c re Notting Hill: the script was very thin and implausible re Anna's part, but when I just took it as a fairy tale I enjoyed it a lot. The actors were better than the script, and 50% of the fun for me was that London equivalent of the village pervert played by Rhys Ifans. Note to self: wonder who else auditioned for that part? ......erm, just realize this is not the HG board, what was I going to say? Oh, yes. Just face it: ODB is rather shy, and is not a natural on the talkshow circuit, and will never be, so it is great for BJD that there's HG on board, and I guess RZ will be good at promotion, too. Another HG film, and where's ODB? Never mind - those who have eyes will see...... PS: what's the exact meaning of "waffle"? It's not in my dictionary.

(Renate) 50% of the fun for me was that London equivalent of the village pervert played by Rhys Ifans. Ah, then, you'll want to see an upcoming movie with Keanu and RI called The Replacements. Saw the trailer the other day and RI was dancing around and appearing to do something rather intimate with a flagpole. Looks like same character, but hair was shorter. ;-)

Well I'll be seeing NH next week its on pay per view so I'll splash out �2.95 just for the pleasure, yuk HG Renate by waffle I mean long-winded, using more words than necessary.

(Sadie) Albufeira is on the Atlantic, I hope? Yes, my atlas indicates Portugal as having only an Atlantic Coastline; being blocked from the Mediterranean as it is by Spain. (Sadie) Oh no! Why? Why? What will be bloody point if is HG vehicle? Do these people not know what real red-blooded BJD fans want? They don't care, as this movie is not being made for BJD fans. It is being made to appeal to the same audience which enjoyed "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Notting Hill". Do you think that people who make mainstream movies, or sometimes just movies, care about books. A case in point is Patricia Rozema's "Mansfield Park". Phooey. I thought it blew chunks. That is much less eloquently phrased than the Janeites would put it. However, that is very much their position, on which I wholeheartedly agree. My point is the makers of MP didn't care about people who love Jane Austen's novels -- so why should the makers of BJD even remotely care about the readers of that book. (Mari) Wait a minute, wait a minute, I've got one. Here we go: "I'm just a girl. Standing in front of a boy. Asking him to love her." LAME! On paper yes, but Julia Roberts can sell it, and does. I'm no fan of hers, in fact, I call her the Dread Julia Roberts. She just rubs me the wrong way, but to be fair, she isn't a bad actress. Yes, there are many better actressess, and Roberts is never better than her material. What she has in abundance is star quality. It is old fashioned star quality, at that, like the movie stars of the 1940's. No other film actor, star or non-star, of her generation has that old time crowd appeal.

(Karen)(Renate) 50% of the fun for me was that London equivalent of the village pervert played by Rhys Ifans. Ah, then, you'll want to see an upcoming movie with Keanu and RI called The Replacements. Yes, The Replacements looks like great fun. Another trailer shows Rhys doing something in the football locker room, looks like pulling at his nipples, but I might have misinterpreted it. :-) Did anyone see Dancing at Lughnasa? Rhys played the heartthrob Gerry Evans in that movie, very appealing, so it took a while for me to believe that it was the same actor in NH. (FYI, Stephen Dillane originated the hearthrob role on the London stage.) So I guess he is capitalizing on his geeky NH role. (Cheryl)Roberts is never better than her material. Agree. I have nothing against Julia, I just don't happen to like most of the movies she's in. And while we're on the BJD topic... Was JE ever discussed or under consideration for the BJ role?

Renate, they'll have to save some tomatoes for me too, because I agree with everything you wrote.:-) Hugh *is* good at comedy, and he *is* a wonderful talk show guest; he is on U.S. shows regularly whenever he has a film to promote, and the audiences love him. Comes off as appealing and always ready with amusing anecdotes. (Renate) Just face it: ODB is rather shy, and is not a natural on the talkshow circuit, and will never be, so it is great for BJD that there's HG on board, and I guess RZ will be good at promotion, too. Yes, this is not CF's "thing" (though I dearly wish it would become so). RZ--to tell you the truth, I can't ever recall her being on a talk show here, though she has done the type of brief, entertainment show "sound bites" that CF has done here. I think she is much more like ODB than Hugh--sort of shy and unassuming, not glib or quick with a snappy one-liner. She will probably (reluctantly) do the talk shows for BJD, though, since it is her film. They do need Hugh to help sell this, and he will come through. Cheryl, I agree with you re: Julia Roberts and star quality. NH is not, IMO, a great film, but with her in it, it works, even the lamest of lines. At the risk of being cliche, she literally lights up the screen whenever she is on. That's why audiences the world over flock to her films, why those films make tons of money, and why they pay her the big bucks. She's worth every penny of it.