Relative Values is still around. This week it's at these places: 1. Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal 2. Odeon Mezzanine, London 3. Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne 4. Dartington Arts Centre, Totnes 5. National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, Bradford (only on 4 Aug) 6. Chichester Cinema at New Park, Chicester

From the better late (like, really, really late) than never department: Fever Pitch has opened on the big screen in Washington DC. It's showing at the Cinema Arts Theatre. Decent review in The Washington Post, and this on Colin: "Firth is highly appealing as the scruffy, kid-inside-a-man Paul. And his hangdog devotion to Arsenal is writ clear and often amusing." Thanks to Anne R. for the above.

You're kidding! Must have been the high demand after playing at that Georgetown bar during Soccer Week. Some people have all the luck. They see it in NY, then move down to DC and get to see it again, when most of us will never see it on a big screen. :-(

(Mari) Fever Pitch has opened on the big screen in Washington DC. Hee hee! Paul's following me...will be in DC this weekend with visiting sibs. Hmmm. Think I can convince them to skip the Smithsonians and monuments for FP? Hey Karen, United has flights from O'Hare to Dulles just about every hour. ;-) Meetcha on the Mall! (KJ) Jasper Rees: "I first met Colin Firth 10 or 11 years ago when he wrote a piece for a magazine about filming A Month in the Country. I remember this, KJ, but assumed (perhaps mistakenly) since I've never seen said article on anybody's website that it was never published. So I amend my previous 'new frontier' comment to include the words 'published writing' or 'published creative writing'. Thanks for the song info, Karen. Am looking forward to this project.

Huh! I was away 3 weeks and now I had to read all posts since beginning of July (you have been busy). BTW I saw a book review of "Les Liasons Dangereuses" and the critic mentioned that best movie made from it is Valmont...Another Firth fan?

KJ interesting about that 'lost' article.Had to laugh at that'had written way too much' I can imagine that for someone who seems to have an aversion to interviews once he gets going he can waffle. Karen there you go again listing RV showings but why do you keep missing my home town out?

for someone who seems to have an aversion to interviews once he gets going he can waffle. By all accounts, he loves waffling. Not liking interviews is a completely different matter.

I've been thinking about CF & interviews and have been trying to remember the last time he did a chat show in Britain.Anybody any ideas?

Tuesday, 31 May 1988.

Is that for real or are you winding me up? If real was it the Wogan show because that's the oneI can remember.He waffled even back then.

I take it I.m back to talking to myself.Come on its late.I'm tired and I believe anything you tell me at this time of the morning.

Yes, it was the Wogan show. He refuses to do a TV interview in the UK, but you can listem to him (Colin, not Wogan) in more recent pieces which he's done for the American TV/websites. Go and see RV website... ODB has a peculiar style... endearing to us, I'm sure, but those not enamoured might find it somewhat... how shall I put it... erm...

Karen: Some people have all the luck. They see it in NY, then move down to DC and get to see it again, when most of us will never see it on a big screen. :-( What, you think this is coincidence? Do you know how much it costs to buy a movie theater these days, even an obscure suburban art house? To say nothing of what it costs to rent the damn pictures. I wanted to install a chip bar in honor of the film, but my partner (I use the word strictly in the business sense--you think I could swing a venture like this on my own?) said that if I did that he'd feel free to add a sushi bar in honor of Pokemon 2000, and I wasn't about to have raw fish stinking up the theater where MDB is playing. For those of you who can get there, the Cinema Arts Theater is not in the District but in Fairfax, Virginia, a suburb easily reachable by car but a bitch to get to with public transportation. It's located in the Fair City Mall at Rt. 236 & Pickett Rd. Movie times are 12:30, 2:30, 4:30, 7:30 and 9:30 daily. Phone 703-978-6991. Anne Ziegfeld

(AnneR)...my partner (...) said that if I did that he'd feel free to add a sushi bar in honor of Pokemon 2000 ROTFLMAO! I like your partner, can just imagine the dialogue :-D

(AnneR) Do you know how much it costs to buy a movie theater these days...To say nothing of what it costs to rent the damn pictures. Actually, I do... (how soon they forget) ;-) Am checking to see if there are any $99 flights! This cannot/will not be borne. Perhaps can convince some arthouse theater manager here that would be excellent idea to have Nick Hornby's pre-High Fidelity hit, as that is considered local underground classic.

Thank you Arami but I'm curious as to him refusing to do an interview in UK,has he actually said that.I've been looking through my old clippings for something along those lines but have come up blank. Carrying it further any thoughts as to who would be a good interviewer for CF.I suppose for a 'serious' one MP but the devil in me would love to see him 'sort out' Dick & Jude(not me Anne I'm not sure about the term chip bar(is this a London thing?) but where I'm from (reet up North) its a chippy or for those Northeners without their flat caps(I include myself in this category) its a fish'n'chip shop.Obviously I'm doing my bit to make theNorth South divide even wider.Anyway I'd better stop waffling.though not in the same style as CF.I think itsa great idea to 'theme with the film'- chips taste great out of the paper.

Hey, Anne Ziegfeld, do you think you can manage to bring Londinium to that art house of yours?;-) Good to see you back here, Anne. Regarding FP getting a showing in the DC environs: it just proves what I've always thought--when the Republicans leave town, good things happen.:-) Unfortunately, they're headed my way next week for Dubya's coronation, er, convention.:-( Karen, I have a number for Phaedra (aka, those morons at Phaedra). Let's do some agitation next week! P.S. Anne is the original Ziegfeld girl, so dubbed when she and a group of FoFs shared some quality time with CF outside the Ziegfeld Theater for the NYC premiere of SIL.

(Odessa) BTW I saw a book review of "Les Liasons Dangereuses" and the critic mentioned that best movie made from it is Valmont...Another Firth fan? Very probably another Firth fan. Also, very probably not French, as the French tend to prefer Stephen Frears' "Les Liasons Dangereuses", (aka as "Dangerous Liasons" in the US, because Americans were deemed too stupid to understand the original title,) or an earlier version by Roger Vadim set circa 1960. Christopher Hampton's screenplay for the Frears' film is generally considered to be the closest to the Chodoleros de Laclos novel.

(Cheryl) as the French tend to prefer Stephen Frears' "Les Liasons Dangereuses"...or an earlier version by Roger Vadim set circa 1960. While I can't comment on what the French prefer, I truly doubt the latter, having seen and owning a copy of the Vadim version. BTW, it too was not faithful to the book. Have something that talks about the Vadim version in passing and about how it flopped... will try to find it.

Thank you AnnR, a CF fan who owns a theatre near me, what more can a girl ask for? I'm busy rounding up friends, plan to make as many trips out there as possible. Karen, come and see FP with me!

(Cheryl) Stephen Frears' "Les Liasons Dangereuses", (aka as "Dangerous Liasons" in the US, because Americans were deemed too stupid to understand the original title,) Nope. Dangerous Liasons is the name of the film that Frears directed. Period. And it was released that way (except for maybe in French-speaking countries) around the world. And of course, it is not unusual for films to be released with translated titles that represent the language spoken in a given country rather than with the title given it in its country of origin. Which in this case is Britain. Valmont is considered the U.S. production. Films do tend to get released with titles and dialogue (whether dubbed or subtitled) that the citizens of a given country will understand. Filmmakers and studios are funny that way--they want people to understand what they're seeing and hearing.;-);-)

(Karen) ...having seen and owning a copy of the Vadim version. BTW, it too was not faithful to the book. Have something that talks about the Vadim version in passing and about how it flopped...will try to find it. That would be very interesting if you can find it. I'd love to read it. Actually, in recent years, since Vadim's death, the opinion of his "Les Liasons Dangereuses" has risen. It has a certain camp charm. It also has that icon of French culture Jeanne Moreau. I just said from what I can ascertain, the French prefer the Vadim film to Milos Foreman's "Valmont". This doesn't mean they actually like Vadim's movie; they just dislike the Foreman film more. It doesn't have a certain camp charm. It's like he started out with "Les Liasons Dangereuses" and ended up with "Gigi". Lerner and Loewe's "Gigi", not Collette's. I've read things to that effect, anyway. Christopher Hampton's adaptation is the only one of the four film adaptaions to adhere closely to the novel. I wrote that was the one closest to the novel, not the Vadim film. I, however, tend to be as clear as mud. For what it's worth, "Valmont" has risen in acclaim in recent years. Generally better things are written about it now than were at the time of its release.

Thank you AnnR, a CF fan who owns a theatre near me, what more can a girl ask for? I'm busy rounding up friends, plan to make as many trips out there as possible. Karen, come and see FP with me!

Hey Emma,don't forget to give us a report.

Lucky, lucky Emma, Anne and Eileen! I've been waiting for two years to see FP in Los Angeles and so far no go :-(. I have even denied myself watching Paul on video trying to save it up for the big screen. Sigh.... I hope you all can drum up many friends to accompany you to the theatre in Fairfax. Perhaps the hordes you recruit will convince Phaedra to open the movie in more cities. Come on girls, do it for the team :-).

(Judy)I'm curious as to him refusing to do an interview in UK,has he actually said that Not publicly - yet all the media people know that "Mr Firth doesn't do TV." This is from someone who spoke to reporters outside a London cinema during a film premiere a few years ago.

(Cheryl) For what it's worth, "Valmont" has risen in acclaim in recent years. Glad to hear that. It's one of my fave Firths. Since board is so quiet, I will boldy re-ask a Firth trivia question. Is that CF in an uncredited cameo in Frenchman's Creek? Does anyone know? He was heavily costumed but the mannerisms were so Firth-like! If anyone is willing to watch and give their opinion, it was the Tara Fitzgerald recent version that aired on T.V. last year (I believe). The actor in question appeared in a pub scene, and later, he bows with a flourish in front of her carriage. Am so curious to know what others think. I videotaped the ending, but the station cut to a commercial before all the credits had rolled!

Can't help you with that one Sadie I didn't see it but I wish I had now,anything else you want to add to my ever growing list? I wish you hadn't mentioned Valmont he was so sexy in that I've even got it taped twice just in case one copy wears too thin.

Looks like we're the only ones around to drool, eh? Another board-hopping workout. I meant to ask Karen about chat-stuff. It's so quiet around here, do you ever wonder if we've just stumbled into the future, like Planet of the Apes? Look out, there's Charlton Heston, and he's got a gun! Ah Valmont. Wasn't CF so much more believeable than John M. (I won't attemt to spell his last name)as a seducer of women! Smarmy is never charming to me. Run into that all the time in bars. Who was it that said a woman can never resist a man that's in love with her? I think CF nailed the performance with that approach. (And who was it anyway? Probably someone so famous I'll feel like a dolt for not knowing it!)

Yes its weird sometimes I wonder where everybody goes to or are they all there watching us make fools out of ourselves or maybe they've got a life? I don't even know what board I'm on half the time you know how it is- life gets complicated when you love one man and crawl several boards- oh crass Oh no here we go you've done it again-I've not seen the JM version-where's that list gone?

Hey you guys you're not alone, I've just been quietly lurking here for a while. Judy I've even got it taped twice just in case one copy wears too thin. and I thought I was the only one to do that...my faith in human kind is restored!! I saw the JM version and wasn't impressed..I have to add that I had been spoilt by seeing 'Valmont' first. I think the director was aiming at a different type of Vicomte here.... an ugly, snidey, un-fanciable type clearly ;-D (and what a success he made of it.)

Hi Tracy I'm still loitering poor Sadie's toiling away whereas I'm having a very lazy night.All these secretswe have-double tapes etc-that we can't normally admit to,all for one man.I wonder why the other actors listed on drool don't provoke the same amount of response? I admit to being completely blinkered by CF to the point that I find it hard to watch other actors without always comparing & criticizing them which isn't the best way to watch tv or film

On the subject of the character of the Vicomte de Valmont, I was lucky enough to have seen the definitive, (to me), characterization -- that of Alan Rickman. It was back when I was a teenager and it was my first Broadway show that was not a musical. Yes, I was lucky enough to have seen the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of "Les Liasons Dangereuses". Rickman was absoulute perfection, no one else has ever come near him in the part. That's just what I think, anyway.

(Sadie) Who was it that said a woman can never resist a man that's in love with her? I think CF nailed the performance with that approach. (And who was it anyway? Probably someone so famous I'll feel like a dolt for not knowing it!) Sadie, actually I think it was the Baroness Schrader in The Sound Of Music. LOL! I'm serious. After she breaks the engagement with the Captain (as she realizes that he and Maria are in love) she tells him that a man can't resist a woman who is in love with him. "And somewhere out there is a young lady who will never be a nun." Yes, folks, I am a veritable font of useless knowledge . . .;-)

(Sadie) Who was it that said a woman can never resist a man that's in love with her? 8-o~~~ Does it also work the other way around??? In that case ODB must be deeply in love with us. Happy thought indeed *sigh* Ooops, I only saw this just now: (Mari) ...she tells him that a man can't resist a woman who is in love with him. So there's hope, hope, hope! Thank you, Sadie, and Mari, you have made my day. ;-)

grrrr!

Am curious... where are all you Beltway Babes? Have you all taken sleeping bags and tents and camped out in Fairfax, Va, never to depart or to return to your computers? ;-)

Another day. But am off work early. Yippee. Happy to have drool messages to read. It's been far too quiet lately. Am enjoying bowl of fresh pasta while I read. Ah, the agony and ecstasy of drooling! Where did that wine bottle go? (Tracy) I think the director was aiming at a different type of Vicomte here.... an ugly, snidey, un-fanciable type clearly ;-D (and what a success he made of it.) LOL Tracy! (Cheryl)Rickman was absoulute perfection, no one else has ever come near him in the part. Am curious to know more about Rickman's interpetation. How did he differ from CF and JM? (But should I be asking this on Odds & Ends?) (Renate)Does it also work the other way around??? In that case ODB must be deeply in love with us. Happy thought indeed *sigh* It could get tricky, dividing him up among so many women. Where is Jesus when you need him? LOL Mari, and what a small world it is. Question: if philosophy was espoused in Julie Andrews flick, and later adopted by CF to portray Valmont in his flick, what does it mean that CF and JA are now in movie together?

(Karen) Am curious... where are all you Beltway Babes? *waving to you from exit 33* Am off to see FP tomorrow--have had too many things to do since Friday (heck, who knew FP would be playing??). I'll give your regards to Paul!

Did I dream this, but I'm sure I read somewhere that FP will be showing in LA in September. Various dates including CF's birthday. Laemelle or Laemmle (?)Monica and Sunset something. Plus some other locations.

Sounds like a wonderful dream! Wish I could help (with the facts that is).

(Renate)...ODB must be deeply in love with us. Happy thought indeed *sigh* Would we all be willing to belong to his harem together? Am curious how many would subscribe to such a fantasy... ;-) It could get tricky, dividing him up among so many women. Where is Jesus when you need him? Being lovesick obviously clouds the mind... but please let's try and refrain from dubious jokes on the verge of blasphemy. :-)

Valmont is my favorite Firth film. His portrayal is so Much better tham J. M.. I love the way he played him as a charming rogue. A man you couldn't help but love. J. M.'s Count was just vicious and blatently evil, with no charm whatsoever. To be such a well know seducer he would have to have some charm.

Another Beltway Babe checking in. In the pouring rain, there were close to 20 people at the 7:30 show. My DH liked it better than High Fidelity. He thought it was very funny, we spend the whole evening discussing the film. He thuoght ODB gave a subtle performance that was just right. As we were leaving the theatre, I asked a young woman "if she like the movie" and she mentioned that she has seen P&P at least a 100 times. However, she was not aware of any other CF films, I suggested that she go to the internet immediately ... couldn't give her anymore details since the DH was right behind us. Eileen, I'll be there for the 7:30 tomorrow...and Thurday...and...

(Bethan) Did I dream this, but I'm sure I read somewhere that FP will be showing in LA in September. Was it something posted in September of 1999? Hoorah Emma!! You go girl, and keep on going! Am so envious.

Emma...I knew FP would bring you outta the woodwork ;-)...glad DH enjoyed the show. Hey boss...when do we start the FP discussion ?Give us a date...so I can start reading n'viewing.

Was it something posted in September of 1999? Nope..I read it about a month ago (otherwise there's no way I'd remember details!). Definitely showing September 10th in LA! Check Phaedra?

I second Evelyn's call for a FP discussion it leaves me with a good feeling no matter how many times I watch it(even though I'm a Liverpool fan) Emma glad you enjoyed it my hubby thinks it's a great film as well so I've no problems with watching it time & again. Arami don't forget to put my name down for his harem

*Beltway Babe [cough] reporting as commanded* ;-P Ahh, there's nothing like seeing Paul on the big screen in all his boyish glory. I never get tired of this movie, even though I find myself reciting some of the lines along with the cast! Won't you please, please.... Evelyn, you'd have no trouble understanding the dialogue in surround sound. If you bug the sleepy gods of Phaedra maybe FP will screen in Dallas ;-). An added bonus--I was able to meet Emma, though not 'til after the movie. There were two other people (one male, I think). Waddaya want for a Wednesday matinee? I hope FP does play in LA as Bethan reports. If it can play in Montclair, NJ and Fairfax, VA there's hope.

Eileen, did you move, hon??? This I did not know:-( Truly the Garden State's loss:-( :-( I have a call into Phaedra. If they condescend to respond to my inquiry (big important busy bee distributor like them;-), I'll let you know. Hi Emma--good to "hear" from you!

Colin's Harem Membership List (First draft): No.1. (Reserved) No.2. (Reserved) No.3. (Reserved) No.4 Judy

Sorry about earlier blasphemy Arami, but am unrepentant heretic! I've always thought the harem idea sound, but the historical reality flawed. Clearly each woman should have at least three men in her own private harem. That way, woman is more likely to receive as much emotional commitment as she gives to relationship. Or at v. least, have a real good time being shallow! I'll take Mr.Darcy, Richard C., and Joseph Prince :-)

I'll take Mr.Darcy, Richard C., and Joseph Prince :-) OK, I'll take Paul Ashworth, Matthew Field and Tommy Judd.

A game that can't be played unless repeat "takes" are allowed, in which case I'll take Darcy, Geoffrey Clifton and Matthew :-)

Mr. Darcy, Joe Prince, and Geoffrey Clifton. I like guys that won't go cheating on you;-)

(Evelyn) Joe Prince...I like guys that won't go cheating on you ;-) Minor quibble. He wouldn't have to, as would just summon up one of her many personalities. Like cheating but not technically cheating. ;-)

He wouldn't have to, as would just summon up one of her many personalities. Like cheating but not technically cheating. ;-) Ah...but this is a "happy ever after film"...and we're all cured ...from now on it's just Joe 'n Cynthia and the chipmunks.No more Maura or Elizabeth!

(Arami) No.4 Judy-Okay thats putting me in my place;-)now I want to know who are the three in front of me so I can get 'em! MR D, Joe & Paul not fussed about order they all satisfy certain needs.

(Evelyn) but this is a "happy ever after film"...and we're all cured Yes, I forgot. That goes right after believing in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. ;-) [hope no one gets upset at quasi-religious references *guffaw*]

LOL Karen! Tooth Fairy is sacred stuff! Looks like Darcy and Joe Prince are, on average, the hottest choices, with Paul, Matthew, and Geoffrey hot on their heels. WHo gets to be "#1 wife", in your harem?

Oops, I meant concubine, of course. A mere moralistic slip, please forgive!

(Judy) I want to know who are the three in front of me so I can get 'em! Holy Easter Bunny! There's to be absolutely no fighting here and no questioning of seniority. And don't you all rush in together, I can't possibly manage such multitudes... Order, order! Colin's Harem Membership List (Withdrawn due to lack of interest.) =8-O

(Sadie) the hottest choices, with Paul, Matthew, and Geoffrey hot on their heels Gee, Sadie, I'm surprised a heretic like you didn't say Paul, Matthew, and Luke.;-) (BTW, Gospel last week *was* in fact on loaves and fishes!) Note to Arami: put away smelling salts;-) I think I'm about to screw up the harem averages. Will remove character as a consideraton and go purely for lust factor: Darcy in P&P; Ross in Playmaker; Jess in ATA.

Darcy, Ross, Richard. (Comparing Colin to a fish cake - now, that's heresy! ;-))

(Mari)I think I'm about to screw up the harem averages. Will remove character as a consideraton and go purely for lust factor: Darcy in P&P; Ross in Playmaker; Jess in ATA. You mean we were supposed to consider character? You realize that the acronymn for A Thousand Acres is most appropriate now that he's been working out. A*s Tight A*s. (And I mean that in a purely physical way, not meant to be a comment on character ;-) Fish cakes Arami? Why no. Nevaaah crossed my mind. I was thinking more along the lines of every dedicated Drooler receiving her fill of bread. You know, the body, the staff of life...need I go on? (Am v. glad it is 2000 A.D. and not 1500!) AND &^%*()IL. Wow, that was close, bolt of lightening missed me by that much!

Here's your weekly listing for RV. It has nearly doubled since last week. 1. Darlington Arts Centre, Darlington, County Durham 2. Odeon Mezzanine, London 3. Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne 4. UC6, Portsmouth 5. Elite Cinema, Leyburn 6. Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, Dundee 7. Plaza, Dorchester 8. The Ritz, Thirsk 9. Dartington Arts Centre, Totnes 10. National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, Bradford 11. Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff 12. Grimsby Screen, Grimsby 13. Chichester Cinema at New Park, Chicester

I was thinking more along the lines of every dedicated Drooler receiving her fill of bread. You know, the body, the staff of life...need I go on? Yeah, I know... Truly, you do need a miracle... but the Christian tradition is to pray humbly and not to yell in annoyance... ;-)

Hmm, am confused. Thought I was at Drool board, not in church listening to sermon. ;-P

Amen. ;-) and now unto topics our congregation careth about... Had wanted to be sure the vids materialized before posting, but as is posted at Pemberley now... Fever Pitch is now truly at price to purchase up in Canada. Videoflicks will be selling it on Tuesday (Aug 8) at US$14.99. They still are awaiting shipment. http://www.videoflicks.com/VF2/9996/9996141.ihtml [Fever Pitch] Another bargain is MLSF, which will be available NEW at US$12.99. Excellent deal if you weren't fortunate enough to have a Blockbusters nearby with excess copies of tape to sell. Amazon shows the price reduction to be effective September 12 and then only down to $16.99. http://www.videoflicks.com/VF2/9994/9994736.ihtml [My Life So Far]

Arami don't be a spoilsport a womans got a right to fight over her man. 'withdrawn due to lack of interest' now I'm confused I thought we were talking about HG's sex life over on 131 'staff of life' now there's something I'd like to cling to. Karen are you trying to torment me with these lists of cinemas where RV is playing?

(Judy)'staff of life' now there's something I'd like to cling to. Sexactly! (Whispered reverently ;-P )

Thought I was at Drool board, not in church listening to sermon. ;-P Drool board is a kind of worship and sermons are sometimes needed. ;-P (Besides, it's not me who started it by making audacious demands on Jesus! ;-P) Arami don't be a spoilsport Now, that's asking waaaaaaaay too much. I was a prime spoilsport when I first came to this place and I'm a person of habit (yes, long and dirty, if you must know ;-P) a womans got a right to fight over her man. Sexactly! He's not just HER man, you know. ;-) 'withdrawn due to lack of interest' now I'm confused I thought we were talking about HG's sex life over on 131 Judy, I wouldn't wish to talk about HG's left earlobe, let alone his sex life (especially that LH says he hasn't any to speak of...) The truth is that you are the only applicant for the CF harem so far. You may call that your very good luck - but surely not interest?

Hello ladies, I think I'm even more addicted. After seeing FP for the fouth time this week, I can say that FP is one of my favorite CF films and Paul my fav after Darcy. I rush over to the theatre on Wednesday to catch up with Eileen, it's always such fun to meet up with other firthettes. There were about 12 people at the Wednesday night show, and 25 at the Thursday night show. I took another couple with me, and my DH was a good sport to see it again. Evelyn, you would be proud of me, I've called up friends to tell them that they MUST go see this film. Now I have the screenplay in hand, and the soundtrack ready to go, and I'm not even a football fan.

Its a great film isn't Emma. My husband too enjoyed it and so did my son, (mind you he does support Arsenal.)

(Arami) yes,long & dirty-are we exchanging confidences here? ;-) Agree HG's sex life is not my favourite topic of conversation but at least we get a rise out of it! Emma well done you're a defininite FP addict its one of my faves as well

I don't know whether this is old news, but I just found at Choices Direct that along with the book "Speaking With The Angel" there will be published a talking tape with the following readers: Nick Hornby, Melissa Bank, Roddy Doyle, Helen Fielding, Colin Firth, Robert Harris, Patrick Marber, John O'farrell, Irvine Welsh and Zadie Smith. I suppose these will be all the authors of the stories.

Great find Nita I'm glad he's doing a reading, mmm that voice .

Great find, Nita. So all the authors are reading their own stories. Does make sense. It also says it's 4 tapes and 6 hours in length. All for only �12.99. Emma, you've gone 4 times already and YDH has gone twice. Wow!! You are setting all records. Lucky, lucky girl.

(Judy)are we exchanging confidences here? ;-) Habit - long, dirty... just an old joke - or so I thought...

Not oo late to join the harem game, I hope. Mine are Richard Herncastle because he is so eager to learn, Richard Courtois because he has nothing to learn, and Darcy because he has nothing to prove. (Sadie) You realize that the acronymn for A Thousand Acres is most appropriate now that he's been working out. A*s Tight A*s. ROTFLMNotSoTightAO Emma, contratulations. As you and Eileen keep going we'll sit back and watch those box office receipts rise in five dollar increments.

Not oo late to join the harem game, I hope. Mine are Richard Herncastle... Richard Courtois... and Darcy That's not a harem, that's m�nage � quatre.

Thanks for the feedback, Ann, Judy, Karen, and Heide, I may go back once more on Tuesday. BTW, it's $7.75 for the evening performances, certainly money well spent in this case. The theatre has scaled back the number of showings, only 3 per day this week. Hmm, a m�nage � quatre, now that's something to look forward to. I think Darcy, Paul (even when he talks such nonsense) and Richard will do just fine.

(Bethan) Nope..I read it about a month ago (otherwise there's no way I'd remember details!). Definitely showing September 10th in LA! Check Phaedra? Wot, wot, wot?!?!? Dare I hope that FP will actually come to an art theater near me? I hope you're scoop is accurate Bethan but I don't think I can afford to get my hopes up again. Too depressing when the Phaedra boys can't get their act together ;-). They promised us July of 1998 in the LA Times, then advertised again for September of 1999..... and nada. But perhaps this is our year. Heck, with the groundswell of attendance that Emma is drumming up single handedly, perhaps this will inspire them to put the film out into more cities :-).

This should go nicely together with your Sunday morning coffee: http://www.lineone.net/express/00/08/06/news/n0320-d.html

Arami thanks for the tip just rushed out(with family intow) to buy paper,yes he's a page 3 boy yummy!

mmmm muscular physique and 6-pack stomach-I see a towel scene! I probably should be over on 131? Yes.

Oooh, thanks, Arami. Interesting that Colin said, "top actor." Wonder what he means by that? ;-)

(Karen)"top actor." Wonder what he means by that? :-) I'm having trouble keeping my mind off his body so haven't given much thought to the 'serious' side of things.To me he's already a top actor but maybe he's got the big time ambition bug! BTW I wish he'd practise those press ups on me!!

"Fairly podgy as Mr.Darcy", nevah, he was perfect just right. How can they say he is overweight, in January he was as slim as a rake and I fear if he loses too much weight he will lose it off that lovely face. I thought he looked a bit hollow cheecked at the RV Premiere, please leave Mr. Darcy alone, he is just fine as he is. He may have been a bit overweight in SIL, but I am sure it was all that costume. In Fever Pitch I thought he was too thin but as Mr Darcy he was wonderful, in every way. The only thing that needs building up imo are his arms and the press-ups don't seem to have done anything for them.I just hope he is not too thin now because I am sure it will affect his lovely round Darcy face, dimples and all. sorry to go on but I thought Colin was perfect just as he was. Evelyn, my old pal old buddy, have you received my two emails?

Interesting that Colin said, "top actor." Uh-oh... did he? So says the Express, but I wouldn't know unless I could actually hear him... ;-) What I am prepared to believe, however, is that he actually said "a lifelong commitment". He has been quoted using these words before and they sound perfect Firthspeak. To me he's already a top actor Quite so. Me too.

Thanks Arami....Cornel is a miracle-worker to do that in two weeks. 400 sit-ups a day...wow. "Character actors" usually aren't as concerned with their appearance;-) Hmmmmmm....

Thanks, Arami, a very nice way to start Sunday. (Ann) "Fairly podgy as Mr.Darcy", nevah, he was perfect just right. I'm with you, CF has never been overweight, however, I would love to see the 6-pack stomach. And the exercise and better diet is certainly a good thing. Maybe he is more concerned with his appearance now because the big 40 is just around the corner.

We loved you fat We loved you thin We loved you quaffing Wine or gin. But now E Gads You're buff - a hunk! No more wine bars No more junk. 400 push ups in a day, A slimmer, trimmer girth. You know the one I envy most? That lucky Mrs. Firth. Thanks, Maria. Great find. Maybe Gladiator 2 is not as far fetched as I thought for DB. Quick, someone send Russell Crowe this trainer's name!!!!

Here's why for Russell! The only time I thought CF was really flabby was in MOTM.

Hmmm... I like the sexy new screen role in Bridget Jones's Diary part... Maybe they won't ruin the story for us after all ;-) Must make a note of that diet - pasta, poultry, fish, cereal, rice, milk and water - lost a stone, did he? Not that I can figure out *where* he could loose it... Thanks for the link, Arami! :-)

Yuk Murph how could you do that to an unsuspecting CF fan,now how about one of Colin,fat or thin,I'm not fussed,please;-) I thought he looked chubby in EP.Whoever wrote that caption"Pride & Podginess:Plump Darcy was still a sex symbol" needs their eyes testing(oops I don't mean about the sex symbol part)

How about ? How thin can he get?

Besides, what do they mean "podgy"?

Thanks Gi I feel better all ready. Podgy=short & fat! I thought he needed toning up more than anything, don't want him to lose it off the important bits!

400 push ups in a day, A slimmer, trimmer girth. You know the one I envy most? That lucky Mrs. Firth. Murph, excellent, LOL! This would make a great Firthland hymn.