the dialogue coach for Conspiracy.... fluent in Russian and French... has "facility with all accents." ... If they were doing with a standard British accent, then only Stanley Tucci would require coaching. All = German May I offer a different interpretation? (And even if I may not, I will! ;-P ;-)) I think that in case of Conspiracy a dialogue coach was needed simply to ensure that all non-English words and names are pronounced with reasonable accuracy (something that the English speaking people are notoriously hopeless at - and I say that as a non-native English speaker and a trained teacher of English as a foreign language: therefore I do hope that it is understood that no offence is meant). I sincerely hope they didn't have to put on German accents as that could reduce the whole thing to a farce. Re: Response 1696 - also see the last paragraph in Response 1656. ;-)

It's very possible that a dialogue coach was used for exactly the purpose you stated, Arami. Obersturmbannf�hrer does not exactly roll easily off the tongue, despite English and German being from the same language family. However, I don't think that talented actors acquiring a decent "English-spoken-with-German accent" would reduce it to farce. The practical reality is that Nazis must sound differently. They cannot have Oxbridge accents and be realistic villains. And an American accent in the room...Gott in Himmel! ;-) Anyway, I have emailed the guy and maybe he'll answer me.

However, I don't think that talented actors acquiring a decent "English-spoken-with-German accent" would reduce it to farce. RF did a fabulous accent in Shindler's List,got an Oscar nomination. So did Liam Neeson. They don't have to sound like Colonel Klink!

Just a little sumthin: Who is that little sumthin for, Karen? Obersturmbannf�hrer does not exactly roll easily off the tongue Selbstverstandlich! (Should have an umlaut over the a, but my keyboard refused to cooperate).

(Evelyn)I wish Hannah a boil on her ....nose!!That was uncalled for. (AnnW) As to the two reviewers who obviously don't like Colin, I really think it is unnecessary to be personal when writing up a review, write up about his performance by all means but they shouldn't make personal comments. If it's just character-trashing for its own sake, then I agree with you. But in the case of Hannah McGill, I approve. We, as most of you realize, are biased to the positive when it comes to ODB. She is a critic who admits her bias WAY to the negative on him, which is only being honest (There's no accounting for taste ... ). But when such an admission follows a statement like ... However, thanks to a wonderful performance by Murphy, strong support from Brown and Firth, a fine script and a healthy degree of black humour, it was elegant, moving and heartfelt ... then it is high praise indeed! (Moon Dreams) Selbstverstandlich! (Should have an umlaut over the a, but my keyboard refused to cooperate). You can get that with (Ampersand)aum(semicolon) or (ampersand)(hash mark)228(semicolon), each expression with no spaces. Result: ä and ä Guides to HTML equivalents for odd characters like umlauted letters or accented ones can be found at either: http://www.sandia.gov/sci_compute/iso_symbol.html or: http://www.cs.indiana,edu/elips/entities-list.html Whichever makes more sense to you.

Phoo! Both worked in December. That second one should be: http://www.cs.indiana.edu/elisp/entities-list.html But can't figure out what happened to the first. A lesser substitute that should work: http://www.ramsch.org/martin/uni/fmi-hp/iso8859-1.html Sorry. KJ

Article in The Independent on 1 Jan about the asylum-seeker situation. Is very long, so won't copy it all here. Appears to be more along the lines of an op piece by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. Here are the relevant paragraphs: Last July some of us, mainly journalists and actors - luvvies so hated by robust politicians - got together to organise a vigil to remember the young, ambitious and hopeful Chinese men and women who were found suffocated to death in the back of a lorry. We also wanted the powerful to rethink their policies. In just over a week, we had hundreds of letters and many cheques. Interflora gave us beautiful lilies and a wreath. Those who responded were hospital consultants, company directors, head teachers, theatre directors, city slickers, local authority workers, ballet dancers, photographers, pensioners, and Jewish, Muslim and Christian organisations. Supporters included Harriet Walter, Colin Firth, Maureen Lipman, Arlene Phillips, Adrian Mitchell, Ian McShane, the Redgraves, David Suchet, Phyllida Law, Ahdaf Soueif, Tim Piggot-Smith, Jo Brand, Jeremy Hardy, Sophie Thompson, Maria Aitken, Sam Mendes, Laurie Taylor, Richard Briers, the Goodness Gracious Me team, Will Self, Andrew O'Hagan, Linda Grant, Francis Wheen, Annette Crosbie, David Yip, Steve Bell, Frances de la Tour, Linda Smith, Lisa Jardine, Sheila Hancock, Maggie Steed, Juliet Stevenson, Kevin Whateley, Billy Bragg, Malcolm Tierney, Tom Paulin, Alan Rickman, Barry Morse, Jack Rosenthal, Saskia Reeves, Ian Wright - no sleight is intended at all, but there are many, many more such names. Ordinary people from Kent, Sussex, Norfolk - Middle England, if you will - joined in to reject the methods and messages of politicians on an issue that touches deep historical memories for many in this country.

Selbstverst�ndlich! That's better. Thank you, KJ and Karen. :-)

(Moon) Who is that little sumthin for, Karen? Why you, of course! I know how much you love those black trainers with white laces. Did you want to see the rest of it?

For a minute there, I thought we were going to debate his shoe size again.;-) Looks like Conspiracy is now scheduled to air on HBO in May--interesting article from the NY Times (thanks, Bobbie): Serious Films by Cable Networks Fill a Void Left by Hollywood http://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/03/arts/03CABL.html

I know how much you love those black trainers with white laces. Did you want to see the rest of it? Thanks, but I have seen it. As you know, I prefer the one with the black lace-up shoes. ;-) Thanks, Mari!

Great article, Mari & Mari.These TV films also have the advantage of getting country-wide release, instead of coastal.Notice Toby Stephens in "The Great Gatsby". ...(Miramax)" citing some forthcoming projects like "Hamlet," with Ethan Hawke," This makes Hamlet #4 coming up. "...A&E, which appeals to older, well- educated audiences,..." This age group are also notorious "renters".

Italics gone...

You're a gem, Emma. What a find. Can't wait to get it...

(Moon) but I have seen it. Really? I would say, 'are you sure?' but... Emma! What a riot and such a bargain find! *waving hands in front of eyes - in Madame Eileen's absence- I predict a major resurgence of interest in Carlo Franci's work and a quick sellout of existing stock for Berkshire... oh, the vision is fading as credit card info is input ;-)

Really? I would say, 'are you sure?' but... Well... one can never be too rich, too thin or too sure. ;-) Sock it to me Karen! ;-))))) Emma, great find, thanks.

You'll find the rest here: http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/scotsman122200.html

Dang if she hasn't surprised us! We've seen another, unsmiling shot from that photo session, but not this one, which I prefer. Just adorable. Thanks, K! Good find, Emma. 1998, eh? Wasn't that the year he did SIL, then disappeared for the length of a Bible?;-) Now we know what he was up to.

disappeared for the length of a Bible?;-) All for a 5 minute recording, must have been a lot of takes :-)

(Echo)... a trained teacher of English as a foreign language I guess this explains your urge to correct what you see as wrong assumptions :-) I don't have the same excuse and must bite my tongue a lot ;-) The issue of refugees is a tough one and, IMHO, not to be reduced to simple cokmpassion or lack of it. I was very moved by an exhibition of the photographs of Brazilian Sebastiao Salgado early last year, which portrayed many aspects of such migrations. Here's an example: another one: You may want to check the site:Sebastiao Salgado

(Gi) I guess this explains your urge to correct what you see as wrong assumptions :-) I don't have the same excuse and must bite my tongue a lot ;-) I bite my tongue more than I care to admit... And I do vent my "urges" in a far more suitable way and not normally in this place...:-) and since you mention it, may I just clarify that far more than correction, my aim was to turn an odd typing slip-up into an incidental jest among friends... I am, of course, mortified that malice was suspected.

(Gi)I was very moved by an exhibition of the photographs of Brazilian Sebastiao Salgado early last year, which portrayed many aspects of such migrations Very impressive pictures, Gi, and great photography.

Re post 1519..where it was mooted that ODB was in the running for the "blockbuster" version of Dr Who. According to the Metro today we can all breathe again as it seems that Sean Bean (Sharpe) is in the process of signing. So we can sleep safe in the knowledge that headlines such as "Darcy and the daleks" will not be a reality ;-)

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,62-62377,00.html THE TIMES FRIDAY JANUARY 05 2001 ARTS The shows to see, the music to hear in 2001 FILM: James Christopher scans the treats on offer for 2001, from J.R.R. Tolkien to Harry Potter via Bridget Jones three years to plan, 438 days to shoot, employed 20,000 extras, 300 crew, and obliterated a $260 million budget? George W. Bush�s election campaign? Not quite. The answer is even more preposterous. Think Lord of the Rings. Peter Jackson, clearly in a competition to find the most insane director in Hollywood, has done what civilised people would consider either impossible or pointless. He has distilled J. R. R Tolkien�s mammoth Middle-Earth epic into three live-action films to be released over the next three Christmases. With an estimated 1,200 special effects shots and a raft of mostly British stars (adopting West Country and Scottish accents), the film � or at least the first instalment, The Fellowship of the Ring � is destined for some sort of greatness. Apparently Elvish is to be subtitled. It may well be the crowning moment for such stalwarts as Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins), Elijah Wood (Frodo) and Cate Blanchett Galadriel). Between then and now there are several thousand reels of thrills. An awful lot of dough is riding on remakes and sequels. Two of the oddest must surely be remakes of the classics Planet of the Apes (August) and Rollerball (July). Why? Presumably to fill them with fresh faces. Mark Wahlberg (not very fresh at all) slips into Charlton Heston�s loincloth in Tim Burton�s remake of the 1968 talking-ape movie, which also stars those equally fresh British actors, Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Roth. And John McTiernan puts Chris Klein and that well-known athlete LL Cool J on rollerblades in the ultraviolent remake of Rollerball, the film that turned James Caan into an icon in 1975. Comparisons are inevitable, as are, presumably, monkey suits and motorbikes. The big sequels are more predictable. Joe Johnston takes over from Steven Spielberg to direct more deranged dinosaurs around Jurassic Park III (August). The usual incompetents, led by Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and John Hannah, return to take on the bandaged one in The Mummy Returns (June). But the sequel most horror fans have been dribbling about is Hannibal (Feb 16). Anthony Hopkins sinks his teeth into a Thomas Harris/David Mamet/Steve Zaillian script with a cast that includes Gary Oldman and Julianne Moore as Agent Starling. Rumour has it that the shoot was as difficult as the endless fiddling with the script and the doomed negotiations with Jodie Foster. Enough thrills. What about the spills? Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe�s affair on the set of Proof of Life (March) was probably the least rocky feature about a film dogged by mud slides, volcanoes and the death of a stunt double. Shot in the Andes, the film charts the intense relationship between a hostage negotiator and the wife of a kidnap victim. Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, and James �Soprano� Gandolfini provide equally exotic company on the road in Gore Verbinski�s gangster movie, The Mexican (March). Here, one last favour for the boss involving an antique piece of weaponry starts and ends in chaos. The usual dollops of love and comedy are to be found in some mighty unexpected places. Tom Cruise is stalked by Cameron Diaz in Cameron Crowe�s barmy New York love story, Vanilla Sky (November). Cruise plays a serial womaniser whose life turns upside down when his girlfriend (Penelope Cruz) tries to commit suicide. Whatever happened to the good old courtly love triangle? Answer: try Pearl Harbor (June). While the Japanese are blowing the American fleet into bits of painted plywood, fighter pilots Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett squabble over who has first crack at nurse Kate Beckinsale. Michael Bay directs this $140 million throbber. Alec Baldwin and Ewen Bremner look on, agog. Then there are the real curiosities. The voluptuous Angelina Jolie hogs two juicy roles: action woman Lara Croft, in Simon West�s Tomb Raider (June), and a femme fatale in Original Sin (August). The animated, and yes, barely dressed Ms Jolie is let loose on Iain Glen, Daniel Craig, Leslie Phillips(!) and Jon Voight. Not so Antonio Banderas in Michael Cristofer�s steamy Original Sin. Banderas�s healthy obsession with the sultry one reduces and seduces him into a dangerous game of lies and intrigue. Despite these temptations, I suspect this will be the year of the literary adaptation. Book clubs around Britain will be in ecstasy when Captain Correlli�s Mandolin is released on May 11. Nicolas Cage � reputedly on superb form � is the Italian officer, posted to a small Greek island, who falls for a betrothed local beauty, Penelope Cruz. John (Shakespeare in Love) Madden�s adaptation and direction of Louis De Berni�res�s potboiler is tipped for Oscars. You can�t argue with Madden�s choice of venue � the beautiful island of Cephalonia � or his casting, which includes Christian Bale, John Hurt and the magical David Morrissey (now a happening director in his own right). The queues for Bridget Jones� Diary (May), based on Helen Fielding�s newspaper columns, will provide fascinating anthropological insights. Will there be squads of drunk, lonely, fat, thirtysomething, smoking alcoholics heading for the cinema? Of course there will. Ren�e Zellweger as the neurotic Bridget is clever casting. But Colin Firth as Bridget�s Mr Darcy (cf Pride and Prejudice) is a brilliant choice by director Sharon Maguire. Whatever magic Maguire can conjure, her film will be dwarfed by Harry Potter and the Philosopher�s Stone (November). Given the massive popularity of the books, this celluloid experiment is akin to minting your own cash. Daniel Radcliffe�s Harry plays the pubescent wizard who zaps, in no particular order, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Emma Watson and the biggest ears in the business, Ian Hart. But never ever underestimate Spielberg. The picture A.I. (September/October) is a project hatched years ago between Kubrick and Spielberg, based on Brian Aldiss�s short story, Super-Toys Last All Summer Long. Kubrick � the visionary � spent 18 years waiting for the technology to catch up to allow the filming of the story of a robot who longs to be human. Spielberg � the maestro � wrote the screenplay after Kubrick�s death. Jude Law and Haley Joel Osment star. I�m beginning to like this year.

Not Dr Who. Thank goodness. Not a good career choice. Although it may be a great commercial success. Or flop? Seems terribly dated to me after all the $100million Hollywood blockbusters. But the BBC love it. I hope that Mark Darcy will open the doors that P&P didn't. It will be the first time that worldwide audiences will see him in a contemporary lead romantic role. And playing a successful lawyer in a tux/dinner jacket will help. It's not a bad sort of role to be "typecast" in!

I have seen the previews to many of those films and I must say that Pearl Harbour is the most interesting. The cinematography is superb. The Mexican and Hannibal can be a rental. My boys are waiting for the Tolkien much more than the Harry Potter.

In the "Lord Save Us" Department: From The Guardian: "Actor Sean Bean has denied yesterday's reports in the Daily Mirror that he is to star in a big screen version of the TV series Doctor Who ."

Continuing in the same vein... surely there must be a part for CF Bevy of Top Actors Line Up to Star in Altman Movie PARIS (Variety) - Jude Law, Emily Watson and Kristin Scott Thomas are among a bevy of top British actors lined up to star in Robert Altman's upcoming period picture "Gosford Park." Helen Mirren and Michael Gambon also could be in the 20-strong cast of what will be Altman's first British ensemble piece. A spokesman for the director said Wednesday, "Lots of actors want to be in the film, but it is a question of fitting it into their schedules." Shooting is due to begin in March at Shepperton Studios, Middlesex, and outside London, although financing has still to be finalized. In an interview with French daily Le Figaro Wednesday, Altman said the sreenplay, about the relations among different social classes in 1930s Britain, takes its inspiration from Renoir's classic "La Regle du Jeu." "It is the story of a hunting party, with a murder in a house where the masters are surrounded by numerous servants," Altman said.

Also, would someone be on the lookout for another review by Michael Collins from The Independent but this time for "Traffic." If you'll recall, he was the one who wrote this about DQ:When Donovan Quick (Colin Firth) retreated to the memories of his past as the businessman Daniel Quinn, the screen lit up like an Eighties video for an electro-pop duo, with his past returning to haunt him in hues of blue and white.Well, Traffic is full of the same effect. Michael Douglas is a study in Daniel Quinn blue, and the scenes in Mexico are done in sepia tones. Since I haven't read the reviews, is Soderbergh being criticized for using this technique to differentiate the three plotlines?

(Karen)Well, Traffic is full of the same effect. Michael Douglas is a study in Daniel Quinn blue, and the scenes in Mexico are done in sepia tones. Since I haven't read the reviews, is Soderbergh being criticized for using this technique to differentiate the three plotlines? Based on the several I've read, the critics seem to like the technique. I thought it was effective in DQ. So where's your Traffic report, Karen? Evelyn has given us hers on Odds & Ends.

Tolkien, is it? I hope it will be good. I loved the books. Interesting year ahead :-)

I got an answer from the dialogue coach.

and!!!

Since the subject came up . . .From today's Ananova: Tolkien's family fear release of film trilogy The family of JRR Tolkien fear the making of a film trilogy of The Lord of the Rings will force them into hiding because of overzealous fans. The late author's son says the family is dreading the release of the first of the three films, The Fellowship of the Ring, starring Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Ian Holm, Cate Blanchett, Liv Tyler and Sean Bean. Father John Tolkien, a retired Catholic priest, says his family is constantly harassed by fans of his father's work and fears anyone with the Tolkien name will have to disguise their origins because of the films. The 83-year-old said: "The Tolkien family is under perpetual abuse of one kind or another. It goes on all the time." The claims, made to The Sunday Telegraph, follow rumours of a rift between the Tolkien family and New Line Cinema, the makers of the film. The newspaper reports members of the Tolkien estate have refused all offers of involvement with the production and, until now, have declined to give a reason. JRR Tolkien, who died in 1973, opposed the commercialisation of his work. Fr Tolkien said many of those harassing the family were after money, and others were obsessed fans wanting to catch a glimpse of their idol's relatives. He said his brother Christopher is already in hiding and has wild boar in his garden to keep intruders away.

So, what did the dialogue coach say?

JRR Tolkien, who died in 1973, opposed the commercialisation of his work. So who commercialized it in the end?

Answer: none of the above. ;-) Actually, he said that he was called in at the last minute, as they had been trying to do German accents and no one was pleased with the result. So, he gave them a formal "style" of speech to use instead, which he thinks works well. He also said ST "neutralized" his American accent, whatever that means???

ST "neutralized" his American accent,whatever that means??? Would that mean going into the "trans -Atlantic"mode which they all do well. Thanks Karen. Sounds like they are really refining the fine points of this production.

they had been trying to do German accents and no one was pleased with the result Which might suggest that it sounded sort of... erm... farsical? ;-)

Farcical...as in Colonel Klink?

They are accomplished actors...I don't think we are giving them enough credit. Had a dialogue coach come in early, IMO they could have pulled it off. With proper training, I have great confidence in their ability.

I'm surprised they were trying to wing a German accent without a dialogue coach; no wonder they weren't satisfied with the results. They should have brought this guy in from the start. I'm sure whatever they decided upon will sound fine.:-)

I'm surprised they were trying to wing a German accent without a dialogue coach; no wonder they weren't satisfied with the results. They should have brought this guy in from the start. I think the Firthettes can run a film company. But we know that don't we. ;-)

Please: to act to the pleasure or satisfaction of Synonyms: content, contented satisfied, happy... Antonyms: discontented, dissatisfied, disgruntled, unaccepting, unaccommodating, displeased, disappointed, unsatisfied... Do not see farsical or farcical (in my dictionary).

Karen, farcical: belonging to or of the nature of a farce: appropriate for farce; ludicrous, absurd, burlesque (Webster's Unabridged Dictionary)

If the dialogue coach said they were not "pleased" with the result, it does not logically follow that it was farcical. It could merely be that the result was not realistic enough or believable. I am not jumping to conclusions, nor should anyone else as we won't get confirmation either way.

Patience key to 'Patient' pay The waiting for payment continues for the filmmakers and cast of "The English Patient," which swept the 1997 Academy Awards for Miramax Films. Producer Saul Zaentz, director Anthony Minghella and the cast--including the studio's current "Chocolat" star, Juliette Binoche--deferred fees to get the picture made in 1996 but have yet to be paid by Miramax more than four years later. An audit of the film has been ongoing for the past three years, during which time Miramax won an arbitration against two South Korean distributors that were found to have underreported boxoffice and television revenue on the film, which grossed $231.7 million worldwide. The Hollywood Reporter has been checking in on the situation periodically. Right after "English Patient" won nine Oscars, Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein gave those involved a $5 million advance, which was divvied up, but the well has been dry since. "We have made all required payments," Miramax spokesman Matthew Hiltzik said. "We're cooperating with the ongoing udit, for which (Zaentz) has yet to submit a claim." Zaentz told THR: "We have lawyers now trying (to secure payment), but we're not done yet. The audit has been done for what papers they could find."

I am not jumping to conclusions, nor should anyone else No one is jumping to anything... ;-) How about musing, wondering, speculating, mulling over possibilities...?

Karen and Echo, will you please please stop it? Karen, are you perhaps jumping to the conclusion that Echo wants to fight whenever she posits a different POV? Or am I being naive? :-(

I notice that in one of the recent interviews Colin mentions book signings. Does anyone know if these have taken place or if they are going to take place and, of course, the all important issue - if they are planned, where will they take place?

The only book signings I've heard about involved Nick Hornby. Going back to the article, it read as though he was interested to do them, but not that he had done so. Perhaps, he signed some books at that fundraiser with the band.

AnneR sent me a whole slew of DQ or CF related articles. Here's the first: The Herald (Glasgow, Scotland), 12/26/00 On the buses with a natural optimist by David Belcher Among a wide range of joys to be derived from Donna Franceschild's latest feature-length TV drama Donovan Quick, starring big-screen heart throb Colin Firth and pawky Everywoman Katy Murphy, there's a pleasing note of transatlantic Scottish-American symmetry. For friendly Scots rescued Franceschild from a lonely existence in London 25 years ago when she first came to Britain from her native Los Angeles. It's therefore somehow extra fitting that Donovan Quick - a thoroughly modern, thoroughly Scottish reinterpretation of Cervantes' Don Quixote, filmed in and around Bowling and Dumbarton - has begun to make an impact in American cinema circles now that its author is firmly settled in Argyllshire. You'll be able to see Donovan Quick on the telly on Thursday night. Meanwhile, following Donovan Quick's recent success at a number of major international film festivals, including Chicago and Nova Scotia, its BBC Scotland backers are seeking an international movie distribution deal. The story of a group of self-doubting Scottish underdogs who tilt at the uncaring corporate might of the Windmill bus conglomerate, Donovan Quick also manages to blend elements of two disparate movies from either side of the Atlantic. For it's a film that's subtly informed by the frank Scottish social realism which loosely underpins Trainspotting along with the Hollywood feel-good factor evident in Forrest Gump. Thankfully, though, Donovan Quick is neither a crude cartoon, like the former, nor a bathe in tepid syrup, like the latter. Set on a fictional Scottish bus route, Donovan Quick will surely travel the world, picking up appreciative audiences en route. 'We got a rave review in Variety [ed: When??? Been looking] - the real weekly American one,' chuckles Franceschild with what proves, during the course of a lunchtime foray into Glasgow from her lochside home in Tarbert, to be a trademark air of vigorous optimism. 'When we screened Donovan Quick in Chicago, I was expecting that the Americans would need subtitles - it's a Scottish film, after all - and so on the opening Saturday night I sat there awaiting non-comprehending silence. 'But they laughed at the jokes! Before the next day's screening, at four in the afternoon, I was taken aside and gently warned not to expect much of a crowd, as 4pm on a Sunday is always a poor slot, plus people would have to pay to get in. 'But the place was packed, and it could only have been by word-of-mouth recommendation. And then at the end of the film, all these people kept coming up and hugging me in congratulation.' In contrast, London had not warmly pressed Donna Franceshild to its collective bosom when she first pitched up on these shores. Back then, she was a UCLA sociology graduate who wanted to be a writer. Living in LA, however, she'd found that being a sociology graduate led only to employment as a telephone operator. 'I knew from a very young age that I wanted to become a writer,' says Franceschild. 'I figured that as London had a theatre scene, I'd be able to write there more easily. But London was cold and lonely and horrible. Luckily, I was hanging out in folk clubs and I met a Scottish guy who became my boyfriend, and there was this sudden wonderful realisation that you cannot ever meet just one Scottish person. Unlike English people, who'll introduce you to all their individual, socially separated friends, Scots seem naturally to introduce you to everyone they know. It's exponential - suddenly you have loads of friends.' It was thus not unnatural that Franceschild should wind up living in Scotland, although it took her a while, and she did wind up bringing an English husband northwards with her instead of a Scottish one. 'Inexplicably, I was appointed a creative writing fellow by Glasgow University for two terms in 1983,' she recalls. 'By this time I'd figured that my own writing couldn't be about the US - I'd been away too long, and it felt America didn't need me to write about it.' Franceschild eventually relocated to Scotland full-time with her family in 1996, following five years of increasing TV success, most of it accomplished in partnership with Dumfriesshire-domiciled director David Blair. After the Bafta-winning Takin' Over the Asylum, the duo created A Mug's Game. Donovan Quick emerges under the aegis of their jointly formed production company, Making Waves. However, while Donovan Quick's genesis was relatively simple, its delivery was accompanied by prolonged and painful birth pangs. 'David asked me what I wanted to do after A Mug's Game,' says Franceschild. 'He's a real anorak about trains - 'A railway enthusiast' he calls himself, not a trainspotter. 'So he was keen to do something about rail privatisation and bus deregulation. I couldn't see it myself, but it was something David felt strongly about. Eventually it hit me: 'What if we do it as the Don Quixote story?' I left David a note, hoping to annoy him: 'I've got your choo-choo story'.' Having been commissioned, in part thanks to box-office draw Colin Firth's enthusiasm for Franceschild's writing, the choo-choo story then went off the rails over the next three years. 'I had a hard time writing it. I got writer's block. I'm jealous of people who write loads of good stuff. 'In 20 years as a writer, I've actually only written for 10. In school, I was what they called a low-potential high-achiever. I get along by working hard. And Donovan Quick just wouldn't happen, no matter how hard I worked. I also slowed things by taking a break to adapt Robert McLiam Wilson's novel, Eureka Street, for TV.' I proffer Franceschild my Donovan Quick-is-kinda-like-but-better-than-Trainspotting-and-Forrest Gump analogy, and hope she won't be offended. If she is, she's gracious in hiding it. 'My worldview accepts things in their brutal reality, but I also have this socialist optimism which encourages me to believe that we as a society and as individuals can choose to be better than we are. I don't write to depress people. 'But David's a pessimist, and he tempers my optimism, ensuring that everything doesn't come out all sentimental. He often treats my writing in a starker way than I'd pictured, which is the good thing about the collaborative medium of film. We're heading in the same direction, but we impose checks and balances upon each other. 'I reckon if David were to work with a pessimistic writer the gloom would register off the scale. And if I were to work with a happy-happy director, we'd wind up cloyingly sentimental.' [...] When The Key finally airs, it is certain to join Donovan Quick in earning marks of 10 out of 10.l Donovan Quick, Thursday, BBC1, 9pm.

Another from AnneR. This is cute...but sad! Wonder what it might have been in 1995??? [my guess: Kiss the Girls from 1997; Cary Elwes had second lead] Actor James D'Arcy, who is being heralded in Britain as the next national heartthrob, was interviewed by several newspapers. Part of the interview reads: In particular, he has revealed how shortly after landing his first TV role in Dalziel And Pascal, he received a Hollywood film script and a letter asking him to star opposite Morgan Freeman. 'I thought, 'Wow! How have these Americans heard of me?' I started reading the script and it became apparent that it was written for a 35-year-old man with a fantastic body. I rang my agent and asked, 'Why have they sent me this script, what's going on?' 'He had no idea either. I had nothing to lose by auditioning so we sent them a photograph of me. We waited to hear more but heard nothing. 'Then it dawned on me - Pride And Prejudice had just come out in America and the casting director had obviously said, 'How about that Mr Darcy guy?' I'd got a script that must have been intended for Colin Firth.' So, Hollywood IS going after Colin for big parts. Interesting.

'When we screened Donovan Quick in Chicago, I was expecting that the Americans would need subtitles . . .'But they laughed at the jokes! . . .And then at the end of the film, all these people kept coming up and hugging me in congratulation.' Oh, sure. We coulda had subtitles, but noooooooo. Somebodies had to tell her it was fine as is.;-) ;-) LOL! Love this. Karen and Evelyn, I'd say you helped make an impact! I'd got a script that must have been intended for Colin Firth.' Yeah, and then his agent forwarded it to Colin's agent who said, "we can't comfirm anything . . .lots of irons in the fire." ;-) ;-)

'But the place was packed, and it could only have been by word-of-mouth recommendation. Ahem....or some of them came twice;-) And then at the end of the film, all these people kept coming up and hugging me in congratulation.' (Mari) LOL! Love this. Karen and Evelyn, I'd say you helped make an impact! Yeah! we walked over women and children to tell her how much we liked it and CF!!

its BBC Scotland backers are seeking an international movie distribution deal. Aha! Due in part to an enthusiastic response from the US!! Karen and Evelyn, I'd say you helped make an impact! Definitely! Phone Lola Films. Our fave movie "Maid of Buttermere" is still "on" (in development). No details available as yet. Cuaght the tailend of a news item on the radio about the search for a new James Bond circa 2002 (is Pierce Brosnan quitting?). They're allegedly looking for a 40 something Englisman, and one of our major bookmakers have started taking bets as to the likely actor. CF's name was mentioned (along with half a dozen others, or more). RE German accent. What is a "German accent"? Whenever Gerrman speakers are interviewed on TV, especially young people, they often don't seem to have an accent. They certainly don't say "Vot iz dat?" For authenticity, go for German speakers and subtitles, or English speakers with a neutral accent, not "Germans" speaking English with a fake accent.

... English speakers with a neutral accent,... Vot iz dat?

Here's another oldie but goodie that I'm pretty sure wasn't posted before from AnneR. Colin talks about driving the bus! :-) Birmingham Post (December 23, 2000: Christmas Television: Tackling pride and prejudice - from a bus It's not easy to imagine Mr Darcy working on public transport, but you can see it for yourself in Donovan Quick. Graham Keal talks to Colin Firth Talking to Colin Firth about his BBC1 Christmas film Donovan Quick had a slightly surreal quality. Here he is the actor who, as Mr Darcy, wrapped his manly thighs around a gleaming chestnut horse with more pride and purpose than any TV hero had mustered in years, and we're discussing the finer points of bus driving. Firth, despite a long, varied and often distinguished career as one of our most thoughtful and intelligent actors, will be forever remembered as the dashing Darcy, haughtiest of heart-throbs, in the BBC's triumphant Pride and Prejudice. But now he's taking the title role in this BBC Scotland film from the inventive word processor of Donna Franceschild. Donovan Quick is a funny, moving, engaging modern fable translating the chivalrous 17th-century adventures of Don Quixote into a story of bus wars in a fictitious Scottish town. No wonder he'd never seen a script like it before: 'It was utterly unique. . . And one of the things that appealed to me most was the contrast between the banality of a transport problem and this chivalrous, heroic tale of gallantry. There's something comical in that as well,' says Firth. 'I mean, you don't pitch a movie in Hollywood by saying you're going to make a movie about public transport.' Don Quixote, literary types will know, was a misguided would-be knight who defended the weak, rescued maidens and tilted at windmills because he thought they were dragons. Donovan Quick is a mystery man who moves into 'Port Clyde' (most of it was filmed in Glasgow) to take a tilt at the home of giant bus and train company Windmill Transport. See Windmill, think 'well-known coach company', and you may not be far wrong. He takes a dingy room with a seemingly shrewish landlady (Katy Murphy in great form) driven to drink by disappointments in love and by the burden of looking after her half-dressed, near-demented gran (The Royle Family's Liz Smith), her slow-witted brother Sandy (David Brown) and her tearaway son (Paul Doonan). When Windmill axes the service that takes Sandy to his day centre, Donovan buys a 40-year-old bus, promotes Sandy to conductor and gran to booking clerk and hits Windmill Transport where it hurts: in their own backyard. It's a noble cause, but not quite what we expect of Colin Firth. So did he take to driving a bus as easily as he took to riding a horse? 'Oh no, I found it shockingly difficult really - all the elements - judging width, speed, braking time. I mean it was all completely new. 'Judging the width across on the left side with those wing mirrors is very, very deceptive, and reversing is particularly difficult. It's very easy to misjudge and you need a lot of experience.' But he did take lessons and you do see him doing the business with a bus-load of passengers. There's even a bus chase - though Colin steered well clear of the stunt driving. Steering clear of trouble proves more difficult as Donovan continually gets into fights to defend his landlady, his conductor and his bus. Unusually for a hero, he always loses: 'He's full of confidence that he can handle himself but he actually just crumbles on the first punch - very like Don Quixote.' Watching mentally handicapped David Brown play the victim when thugs wreck the bus and attack Sandy was particularly arduous. David had won the hearts of the entire cast with his cheerful dedication: 'David has the same disability as the character he plays - I have no idea what terminology to use but I think you'd call it 'learning disabled'. I found it very uncomfortable seeing this wonderful man getting beaten up . . . He was so convincing, it was gut-wrenching,' says Firth. Director David Blair discovered David Brown in an Edinburgh drama workshop and his performance in the film inspired the rest of the cast, Firth included: 'He's passionate about film, he knows about film actors and he was dying to act. I found him a very moving person to work with as well. He was so committed and indefatigable.' Firth talks freely and engagingly when you stick to the production, but stray into his personal life and he is much more guarded. He confirms he will spend Christmas with his wife, Livia, and at some point 'very soon' he will be seeing his son by a previous liaison, William, who lives in America. As for still being a heart-throb at 40, he's quite dismissive about that. He never set out to make Darcy such a fantasy figure for female fans in any case, so is he dismayed to find the character still lingering in people's minds five years on? 'No, I've never been dismayed by it. But it doesn't feature in my life at all - until I talk to the press. My friends don't mention it because it's a long time ago now. My wife doesn't mention it. To be honest it goes out of my head altogether. And then if I do a day of press interviews, suddenly I realise how alive it is.' But Darcy certainly didn't damage or limit his career. Firth is already making his next film - The Conspiracy: The Meeting at Wannsee. He stars with Kenneth Branagh and Stanley Tucci playing one of the senior Nazis who met in a Berlin suburb in 1942 to plan the extermination of the Jews. 'It's an extraordinary piece. The film is the same length as the meeting. A group of Nazis arrive, sit down, decide to kill the Jews, have a slap-up buffet and go home.'

"Germans" speaking English with a fake accent... Vot iz dat? Still farCical. ;-) P.S. I believe that the story about confusing D'Arcy with Darcy was already published before (years, rather, than months ago).

Some Media News. CF mentioned: Overseas Filmgroup Changes Name to First Look Media To Reflect the Widened Scope of Its Business and Adds Two Divisions New Divisions First Look Artists and First Look Internet Together With Overseas Filmgroup, First Look Pictures and First Look Home Entertainment Create Expanded Multimedia Organization NEW YORK and LOS ANGELES, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Overseas Filmgroup --one of the truly independent worldwide film companies specializing in the acquisition, financing, packaging and distribution of independently produced feature films -- has been renamed First Look Media, co-chairmen Robert Little and Chris Cooney announced today. ...FIRST LOOK HOME ENTERTAINMENT is quickly establishing itself as one of the premier independent distributors of home video and DVD under the leadership of Bill Bromiley. The current home video release schedule includes ``Lover's Prayer'' (starring Kirsten Dunst, Nick Stahl and Academy Award-nominee Julie Walters), "Relative Values" (starring Julie Andrews, William Baldwin, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Colin Firth), ``Full Disclosure'' (starring Fred Ward, Christopher Plummer, Virginia Madsen and Penelope Ann Miller), ``The Wedding Party'' (starring Academy Award-nominee and Golden Globe-winner Cate Blanchett, Richard Roxburgh, and Frances O'Connor II), ``Just One Time'' (starring Joelle Carter, Jennifer Esposito and Guillermo Diaz), ``Bongwater'' (starring Luke Wilson, Alicia Witt, Jamie Kennedy, Jack Black, Andy Dick, and Brittany Murphy), ``Chopper'' (starring Eric Bana), and ``Bread and Tulips.'' The division has previously released ``Quiet Days in Hollywood'' (starring Academy Award-winning actress H lary Swank), ``The Designated Mourner'' (featuring legendary director Mike Nichols in his highly acclaimed on-screen acting debut), and ``Alegria'' (a film co-financed with the world famous Cirque du Soleil, and featuring the Cirque's acrobats). First Look Home Entertainment plans to release 20 new titles a year through the rental market. These titles are also available via a sell-through catalogue.

Sorry, full story here: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010110/ny_ca_over.html

Thanks, Murph! I think Hollywood is making way too many films. ``Bongwater'' What is that? ;-)

Darcy vs. D'Arcy - v. funny. Interesting piece about Colin's bus-driving too :-)Thanks, Karen.

Since this film project was mentions, here's the latest from Popcorn. Seems to confirm that Hugh Laurie would be the one. Roach Talks 'Hitchhiker's Guide' 'Austin Powers' director Jay Roach has spent the past several years trying to make a movie based on Douglas Adams' 'The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy'. While it's still proving difficult to persuade a studio to fund the project, Roach remains hopeful, to the extent that he's already thinking of actors. Speaking to Popcorn, Roach reveals that his perfect Zaphod Beeblebrox would be none other than Jim Carrey. He explains: "We've always thought Jim Carrey would be a good Zaphod and Douglas [Adams] has always wanted Hugh Laurie for Arthur." While it's too soon to expect any confirmed casting announcements, Roach does say things are going well, with Adams playing a very active role in the project. "He's doing the adaptation himself and producing the film too. So it'll be a Douglas Adams authentic production," says Roach. Good news for the hordes of 'Hitchhiker' fans. Studios are proving a little less eager to put their money into the project, but Roach remains undeterred. "The challenge is to keep the quirkiness and visionary irreverence and still allow it to be commercial," he believes. "The studios recognise that it's an expensive film, so I have to make it funny and cast it well." Back on the casting front, the director says he's "hoping it's an international cast", adding it "would make more sense since they are supposed to represent the entire universe".

There's a whole fansite somewhere devoted to HitchHiker's Guide, with updates about the movie. It seems to have been development for years. The latest news (november-ish) was that the movie was in "turnaround", ie the studio backing it had pulled out. Too expensive ($100million, why so much?), and also it was thought that the English "hero" would not be acceptable to US audiences as he was too much of a loser. Douglas Adams has always wanted Hugh Lawrie, but is he a box office draw in the US? Specialises in playing nerds and twits. After BJD I would thnk CF would carry more clout. But this does seem to be a very on-off project. (Was originally a BBC radio series...why doesn't the BBC do this instead of "Dr Who"?!!!

#1 US Box Office draw is Hughie for comedy. #1 drama Pierce B.& Rafe.Jude Law , Ewan McGregor gaining. Not even Jeremy Northam despite all his US films and good American accent can draws them in.

Hugh Lawrie, but is he a box office draw in the US? Specialises in playing nerds and twits. He was very sweet as Daddy in Stuart Little... (apologies for OT!!!)

#1 drama Pierce B.& Rafe.Jude Law , Ewan McGregor gaining. Also apologies for OT. I remove Pierce B. Forgot that he is seeking US citzenship. Leaving RF and possibly Daniel Day Lewis. (Anthony Hopkins is now also American) But to the gaining list, I add Dougray Scott. (crossing fingers for CF next year:-))

BTW, any news of "Londinium"? I've been assuming that we won't see ever this...and then I thought " and why not?", especially when I read the reviews of the movies that do find distibutors in the UK (90% gangster movies... like we're over-run with gangsters, huh!). It sounds pleasant enough, London is sunny, and I'd like to see CF and IJ together. Even straight to video would be okay! Was it ever shown to possible distributors in the UK? I found a reference to London MIFED, and "Londinium" was listed as starring Mike Binder and Peter Firth....which would really draw in the punters!!! Big fat zero for marketing!

According to "Shadows on the Wall" a UK film website, in their recent news section," COLIN FIRTH or Sean Bean are tipped to play DR. Who in the forthcoming BBC film".!! Well the BBC have denied that SB is to play Dr. Who which leaves "you know who", please tell me it isn't true. Filming is to start in the Autumn.

But Ann it could be great fun. Its always played tongue in cheek - look at some of the past Doctors. But I doubt very much if it is true - we can only wait and see. I confess I have always been a Dr. Who fan since my son was two. He is now 39! Thus it doesn't worry me too much. He wants to diversify too well why not Dr. Who. (sorry for the pun).

Impossible. Why Oh Why would he want to commit to that when BJD might open better starring role possibilities for him.

Because he is an independent thinker maybe and walks to the beat of a different drum[?}

Could someone tell me what is Dr. Who and why would it be so terrible if He plays him?

Filming is to start in the Autumn. Excellent transition into Hamlet, don't you think? ;-D Bring back Butterball!

Karen. Bring back Butterball! Here, here! Still they can't say he isn't versatile, Dr. Who to Hamlet. Bethan can you explain Dr. Who and the Tardis to Odessa?

Bring back Butterball! Nah! Bring on the Sprint commercials;-) (Psst, Colin....no chat shows)

Versatility? Nah, I think his motivation is obvious. He wants a younger fan base. ;-)

Odessa, it's a sci-fi thing. Here are a few links to help you out. BBC's official site, which even has a News section dismissing the Sean Bean rumor: http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/doctorwho/ Also a fansite that has a detailed FAQ and another just for newbies: http://nitro9.earth.uni.edu/doctor/newbie.html Suffice to say, the series has been around for a long time with about 7 actors playing Dr Who and has a huge cult following. I'm sure it will generate a lot of interest in the AICN movie geek crowd for whom Lord of the Rings and Star Wars are a reason to live. ;-)

Hmmm Well, Dr Who (in a nutshell) is a timetraveller in a long running Sci-fi BBC TV series, with legions of (largely male) devotees (voted 3rd best programme ever in the recent poll, (P&P didn't even make the top 100).) Lots of fansites. One has news of the movie...(allegedly) a �40million budget, and a collaboration between Disney, Mutual Film Co (who did Primary Colours) and the BBC. Greg Dyke, Chairman of the BBC, says that the Doctor has to be played by a well established Brit actor with a wide range. The character will be based on the 6th Doctor who was very moody, and given to emotional swings. The Daily Mirror reported that Sean Bean and Tara FitzGerald had the leads (the Doctor always has a lady companion), subsequently denied. I'm now developing an open mind on this...the role will probably go to Sean Bean anyway (after "Armadillo" will no longer have hopes about anything until 110% confirmed!!) ...but actors taking roles in The X-men, Star Wars etc haven't exactly damaged their careers. And it would subsidise "Hamlet"... he won't earn a penny for several months. Someone asked ages ago about what being a patron could mean for the "Out of the Blue" group (for inclusion in drama for young people with disabilities) As it's based in Poole, which is literally just half an hour's drive from Winchester, I would guess it's more hands on involvement.

P&P didn't even make the top 100 I think it was No. 100? reported that Sean Bean and Tara FitzGerald had the leads ... subsequently denied. Meaning they are probably still negotiating. what being a patron could mean for the "Out of the Blue" group... As it's based in Poole, which is literally just half an hour's drive from Winchester, I would guess it's more hands on involvement. And I would guess that he was asked to do it by someone like a friend of his parents'. I doubt if he has time to go there often, but even simply attaching his name to a project like this gives it a higher profile.

(Karen)I think his motivation is obvious. He wants a younger fan base. ;-) To compete with Colin Farrell, Jude Law,Dougray Scott....;-) Hearty...Ha, ha, ha. He's better off with the "old ladies"...*winkie* (allegedly) a �40million budget, and a collaboration between Disney, Mutual Film Co (who did Primary Colours)... It tanked...Big Time. Thanks for Dr. Who website. I'm not buying the book. It sounds hideous.

Look what happened to Paul McGann!! And who remembers Sylvester McCoy now? Beware of the curse of the cybermen Colin. We know you look good in kohl but this isn't this carrying it a little far? Stick with the "Oldies not Nerdies" fanbase.

And do not worry, Colin, there are also some young ones in there. :-D Lord of the Rings has more of an international appeal whereas Dr. Who sounds limited in scope. (I had never seen or heard it before and I am a fan of science-fiction) If his motivation is earning a huge salary and then doing Hamlet, well there it is. But anything can happen after BJD opens. Another part may come his way and Hamlet may be put off for years. I believe someone mentioned James Bond might be up for grabs in the future. ;-D

Any UKers catch the double dose of ODB last night on TV?....nah me neither. My family kindly informed me after the event, (sheesh - have they not heard of phones!), that he featured in ITVs "The Way They Were" in which they showed a clip from Dutch Girls or as aged parent would say "a thing with him prancing about in a pink blazer" and later on C4 repeated the "100 Best TV Moments" which featured that shirt moment at I think No.26

Would prefer Bond, no contest!

Great to see you back online, Lizza, and I echo your concerns. Who are those guys? I would also worry if CF was a Dr Who fan in his youth, but we all know he didn't watch television. ;-) (Tracy) "a thing with him prancing about in a pink blazer" When did he prance? ;-o And I kept waiting for poor baby Neil to pounce, but he didn't do that either. (Moon) I believe someone mentioned James Bond might be up for grabs in the future. ;-D Aside from the fact that he's totally unsuitable, there would be IMO no likelihood he'd accept it as: (1) it's a multi-year commitment, (2) each film requires about six months or more of location work all over the world, and (3) the actor is not only in the public eye but must also promote it big time! In other words, it wouldn't fit into his schedule. ;-)

I think he'd be a smashing James Bond:-))) *sigh*

Tracy, I seem to remember that he was no 24 when it was first shown! Still, what's a couple of places between droolers?!

I think he'd be a smashing James Bond:-))) *sigh* Yes. Something to dream about. I see you point about the commitment, Karen, but he would be crazy to turn this down and at the same time want to do Dr. Who. And that is my very HO. ;-)

(Moon)I believe someone mentioned James Bond might be up for grabs in the future. ;-D (Bethan)Would prefer Bond, no contest! (Karen) he's totally unsuitable (Evelyn)I think he'd be a smashing James Bond:-))) *sigh* Wow... I'm totally pro-Bond here ;-)And Karen, apart from the logistics, I bet you'd be quite happy too :-)

Who would you like to play the female lead? Any nominations? Droolers need not apply :') tee hee!

Who would you like to play the female lead? In Dr. Who? Katy Murphy In Bond? Catherine Zeta-Jones.They were good in Deep Blue Sea eons ago.

I think he'd make a good Bond, as in the Bond of the original 1960's Ian Fleming novels, which, compared to the recent special effect laden action packed Bond movies, are almost old-fashioned, rather low keyed. Bond likes to gamble, is a connoisseur of good food, wine and women, likes to travel, is well-educated etc. Lots of humour as well. But I can't see him in a Mission Impossible type Bond movie....but a few steps up from Mark Darcy in a dinner jacket, yes!

...but a few steps up from Mark Darcy in a dinner jacket, yes! You mean like Geoffrey Clifton? Or a straight Peter? Uh, uh...no one would go to see it.He's gotta jump from one speed boat to another, plus a little rumpy-pumpy on the side;-)

He'd be a perfect Bond--cultured, sophisticated, good-humored, drop-dead gorgeous, and a wry delivery. Also think it would never happen due to the reasons Karen outlined. Plus, from what I've read, there is no shortage of actors actively campaigning for the role--everyone from Rupert Everett to Dougray Scott to Hugh Jackman to Ioan Gruffudd. Our Colin is not a campaigner.:-(

That reminds me - was it Ioan Gruffudd who recently told an interviewer that two ladies "in their 40s" knocked at his door at about 11.30 p.m. and he opened wearing only his boxer shorts? Apparently one of the ladies - from L.A. - later emailed the reporter in question and said that it had been 9.30 p.m and he was fully clothed... and also that the ladies aren't in their 40s... and he invited them inside and they had a 45 mins chat. So, I've been thinking - is there anyone else (age immaterial) who would like to join me in trying to knock on Colin's door, maybe a little earlier in the day? Oh, and you need to be nimble on your feet in case Livia answers... ;-D

(Evelyn) Who would you like to play the female lead? In Dr. Who? Katy Murphy LOL! I think you are on to something:-) But I think that is as likely as Colin in James Bond or Dr Who. Neither seems quite his thing. Whoever plays Dr Who would have to have some sort of street cred amongst the legions of Dr Who geeks and as for James Bond...well I like Colin because he is the sort of man who is miles away from the macho style Mr Bond.

So, I've been thinking - is there anyone else (age immaterial) who would like to join me in trying to knock on Colin's door, maybe a little earlier in the day? Oh, and you need to be nimble on your feet in case Livia answers... ;-D I would join you anytime, but do you know which door to knock on? ;-)