Did I hear someone mention his neck.I am always available for a necking session:-)

(Judy)I think the films tanked before they were ever shown,bad press,limited distribution etc. Puhleez... RV opens in 80 theatres....Tons of media coverage SLOW opens at BFI at LFF & the Ritzy in Brixton.(I wanna medal for that one!) Billboards all over the tubes...played in Manchester, Bristol,along with London. MLSF Beeeg premiere. Even poor Cherie 'days before delivering' showed up. ...An over simplification, Pffft.

Evelyn,Pffft. Ditto My area MLSF no show (Cherie's presence is not going to pull the crowds in)If its not shown in a main city like Manchester thats not going to help either RV 2 weeks only SLOW 1 week only What publicity there was put people off! Plus & I don't like saying it CF's apathy over interviews etc ,he's not that well known to everybodyapart from his fans.

,he's not that well known to everybody apart from his fans. Wot? Ten million people watched the last episode. Ten Million f******people ;-) ;-)

I'm afraid that people easily forget especially in a nation of TV watchers where unless you're seen regularly you soon become a distant (but pleasant) memory.In those films that did well over here,TEP & SIL,people weren't always aware he was even in it because he looked so different from Darcy:-) I've talked to friends abouts CF & all they can say is who?When I reply Darcy its a case of oh he was gorgeous but he's not done anything since.I could scream & so probably could you but then we're on thesame side even though we like to exchange our different views:-D

*the following is all in a nonaccusatory tone* (Judy) What publicity there was put people off! What do you mean by this? And for which movie? RV had tons of publicity for a British film. They pulled out all the stops on that one. CF's apathy over interviews etc ,he's not that well known to everybodyapart from his fans. Granted, Colin doesn't appear on your morning talk shows, but he did all those print interviews at the time of MLSF's and RV's premieres and the full-color spreads of him in the Observer, The Times (cover of mag), The Telegraph, The Guardian, and Evening Standard couldn't have been any bigger or better looking!

They were hardly rave reviews,there might be the odd decent one but most were dicey.RV's publicity was due in part to the Julie Andrews factor. SLOW probably had the least publicity of the three, Opinions like"Shown on Sunday night television it might pass muster for its attractive Scottish scenery" & "But Colin Firth is stiff (appeals to me!) uneasy and miscast" didn't help MLSF. As for the papers you mentioned they don't have a massive readership against the tabloids so the publicity wasn't as wide reaching as it could have been. 'nonaccusatory tone' LOL we were only having a friendly discussion weren't we Evelyn?

Re film publicity I agree with Judy this has not been good over here. Even though I am a great fan until I was logged onto the internet sites I had great trouble tracking down his films. Obviously there was no problem with TEP and SIL but others........ Even missed the first showing of 3DOR because it was not publicised widely enough; eventually heard of it via my friend in Australia when it was all over!! Tried to get to see ATA in London but the run was so short and could not get any info about any other showings. Same with SLOW. Was lucky enough to see MLSF in London but again very poor publicity and not enough exposure in the regional cinemas (although it certainly desrved a wider audience, even my husband said how good it was and could not understand why it was not shown nationwide. As for RV, I was lucky and saw it 3 times, once at the premiere and twice locally. However, my daughter who also wanted to see it did not have it showing anywhere near here and being in the last stages of pregnanc was not able to travel too far afield.

Forgot to say that in respect of RV (alsoSLOW and MLSF) no publicity in the underground by way of posters. I believe it was mentioned somewhere this was because of the tight budget. Great mistake. I mean what else have people to do while going up and down the escalators but look at the posters!!!

Ah thanks Jennie they were beginning to pick on me *giggle,giggle*

and I'm sorry guys, but Jennie and Judy are right, Colin "who" my friends say, it is probably his chameleon qualities but people just do not recognise him. he is too good an actor, not just playing himself over and over again like some actors I could mention. Unless you are a fan you might not even notice the print interviews, he needs to do TV interviews like JE did for TYL. If he did I am sure he would be huge in the UK, who could resist that voice, those eyes, those dimples, need I go on!

LOL we were only having a friendly discussion weren't we Evelyn? Gee..I hope so...(it's too hot to fight....104 degrees F. guys, whew *wiping brow*....) Firstly TEP and SIL don't count. They weren't his films...neither will BJD. He's 3rd down .Only the "starring CF" count... Ah thanks Jennie they were beginning to pick on me Aw Judy, we don't pick on anybody around here... And my old buddie Ann W. is on your side and she knows me now for eons. (Jennie)n respect of RV (alsoSLOW and MLSF) no publicity in the underground by way of posters. You missed 'em Jenn..I was there and saw them all over the tube stations.Colin in the tomatoes...Even hand carried one back for the boss...haven't you seen it on Spring? (Jennie)Tried to get to see ATA in London but the run was so short and could not get any info about any other showings. Same with SLOW ATA...Looks 10...story/accent 3. Slow: Too bad you didn't know us in January ...Spring got a private showing of SLOW in London at Mr Young's private theatre. Twenty six of us...That was great fun...the boss arranged it.Forked over 300 UKP initally til we shook people down as they came in....hey, they even got a SLOW poster. What a hilarious day...it went on'n on too into the night. This is a baaad crowd I can tell ya ;-) Anyway...If Arami is the Court Jester...I'm the CF Film Pusher around here...I take car loads to his films...help friends get theatre tickets...cart tapes to London so Europe fans can get them converted...we even goaded poor Susan to take her life in her hands and drive to the MLSF premiere two years ago in Rhode Island. (That's on my conscience....)So you see...you're gettin off easy...;-))

Now I hate to upset any Londoners out there but it really doesn't matter how many posters there were in the underground,there is more to England than London,its a well known fact in Manchester just in case anybody is unsure where I get my info from:-) I was using TEP & SIL to illustrate my point about him being relatively unknown,BJD I agree is not his film but I do have higher hopes for it-the gd looking hero bit & all that-obviously HG's presence could spoil that,his is the better publicity machine after all. Ann.yes Colin is too gd an actor,his ability to disguise himself does seem to work against him in England.At the moment he does seem to be limiting himself to film work but that leaves us wide open to those unmentionable actors such as ex-soap stars & Robson Greene*snort* who no matter how many different programmes they are in always manage to be the same character.Unfortunately the less TV workhe does the less recognisable he becomes,TV is reallythe only way to get your face known here.

I agree, where oh where is Donovan Quick!!Quick. Armadillo will be good for him I am sure, especially with Sue B. at the helm.

If Arami is the Court Jester... LOL! we even goaded poor Susan to take her life in her hands and drive to the MLSF premiere two years ago in Rhode Island. (That's on my conscience....) She survived it, surely? Ah, the frustrations of adoring a don't wannabe a star... I firmly believe - and I jest not - that Colin would much prefer to remain semi-anonymous and be noticed mainly as a character in a film or play. "The Darcy hysteria" has seriously affected this delicate balance between the public and the private aspects of his professional life. Up until then he had considered himself a successful actor (and success can be measured in various ways) who also enjoyed a life as close to normal as possible. Suffice it to say that his private address was openly available and freely accessible on the internet up until the (relatively recent) time when he moved from Hackney to Islington. This aspect of normality can't continue any longer and he has to pay a much closer attention to protecting his privacy. I honestly don't think that he is really happy and grateful to "the Darcy episode" for this. Now, we may well cry our pretty little eyes out hoping for a mega-great fame and earth-shattering world-wide recognition for Col n but - think again (we've discussed it before) - does Colin really want it?

.... think again (we've discussed it before) - does Colin really want it? By his own admission, ...he wants the 'bread'($$$), and the big parts, and the respect....he wants it all. (Do you blame him?)...It's unrealistic to think that you can have all of that without the liabilities of fame.He doesn't like the "Darcy episode" because it put him in a purely physical stature (hunk) not admired for his acting skills. But if he's happy just sloshing along...it's OK with me. Just quit belly-aching that he's not getting the parts he wants.(RF parts).

Publicity is paid for or arranged by the movie's makers. It is not reviews, which you've cited. Publicity in the form of television adverts is the most costly form. The company that distributed SLOW couldn't possibly have paid for that. Alliance Atlantis, which had RV, did a great deal. All those interviews in the papers were arranged by the movie people as the most cost-effective way of getting their movie into the public's eye. Since the tabloids are not respected for their journalistic integrity, why would (1) anyone expect stars to agree to be interviewed for them and (2) why do you place any emphasis on what's in them? (Jennie) Tried to get to see ATA in London but the run was so short It was a crappy movie and tanked in the US, so why would you expect it to play in the hinterlands of England? (Judy) there is more to England than London I can understand what you're saying as many films do not go beyond NY and LA. If they don't make it there, they're not seen ANYWHERE (except on the shelves of Blockbuster in three months). If a film doesn't make it in London, where presumably people do read those *other* papers (otherwise, why are they still in business), they aren't going to be playing in the provinces. I look at what's in your multiplexes and feel ill. All you have to do is read about your movie Croupier. Its history is an embarrassment. Go rent it. (Judy) Unfortunately the less TV work he does the less recognisable he becomes, TV is really the only way to get your face known here. If one accepts the premise that the English do not go to movies, then I guess it's true. Sorry, but I can't accept that kind of secondary status for him. And I don't care what he's said in the past. To paraphrase Sarah in FP, "I don't want the same thing as I did 18 years ago."

(Bethan)I sometimes suspect that Big Movie producers aren't as appreciative of CF's major assets (eyes, voice etc) as they should be...!!! They seem to need to turn him into a leading man "clone". That's because most of them are men. V. huge gap between what they think women in audience will find sexy in men and what people have said they find sexy about CF. IMHO, his natural virility is not something that can be faked. It takes sexy, sensual women to spot it, and appreciate it! (Arami)Either of you - you both seem fond of fondling. Who, moi? I nevah said a word about your hand. So the Queen touched it, eh? Watch out for her fans!

Hmmm, I see the debate rages on about CF and publicity. I don't live in England, so I have nothing useful to contribute about that in particular. But Karen is right. If a film doesn't make it in a major city here, it ends up at the video store quickly. I think most people are too busy to attempt to track down a film, even if there is decent publicity. It's got to reach a critical mass before average people can "hear" it over the noise of all that other news & information. It's different if we're already fans of a particular actor or filmmaker. But even then, it's easy to miss a film with a short run. And, I have to second Judy's observation. I know a lot of people who have no idea who CF is, even though they saw P&P!

(Arami)I honestly don't think that he is really happy and grateful to "the Darcy episode" for this. Now, we may well cry our pretty little eyes out hoping for a mega-great fame and earth-shattering world-wide recognition for Colin but - think again (we've discussed it before) - does Colin really want it? I know I wouldn't want it, so I don't blame him if he doesn't. I would like to see him make some more good movies though --- and really use his talent. I think Evelyn has a point, that perhaps it gets more difficult to find good roles/be offered them if you're not seen as steadily climbing to new heights of fame. Or perhaps one could find good roles, but the $$$ wouldn't be there.

(Karen) All those interviews in the papers were arranged by the movie people as the most cost- effective way of getting their movie into the public's eye. Interesting then that they chose broadsheets as opposed to tabloids in which to publicize their film. They knew that the film only had limited appeal,Isn't that the same as preaching to the already converted I'm not saying that you don't promote a film in these papers because you don't ignore your main audience base,but neither should they ignore the tabloids.The likes Of The Daily Mail & even The Daily Express are not as bad as the Star/Sun.But in the first two the his films are, in the main,relegated to the "also showing "section.(God forbid he should ever be so desparate to do an interview in The Sun:-) Go into any newsagent/supermarket in England & the tabloids are stacked high.The likes of The Times/ Telegraph have fewer copies & The Observer/Ind haveeven less.I think it was Ann who said that his interviews weren't easily noticeable unless you were looking for them.That combined with low circulation papers doesn't help his cause. (As to how these papers survive,well some of them have struggled in the past.I'd check out their business plans for you but I wouln't know what I was looking at:-)) Sadie made a valid point 'it's got to reach a critical mass before average people can "hear" it over the noise of all that other news & information.' I think that holds true in this case.We had a glut of interviews in a short space of time & that seems to have deceived people into thinking that RV was well publicized but it didn't come across to me in thatway & I was looking for it.

(Judy) They knew that the film only had limited appeal, Isn't that the same as preaching to the already converted No. Look at the gazillions of dollars of promotion spent for the big-budget films, the Star Wars films, the Dumber Than Dirt films, etc. Their audiences are already converted and cannot wait to part with their money. RV was publicized quite a bit. Why would anyone really expect CF to be the spokesperson for the film. He had a supporting role. From my reading of the play, the character of Crestwell was larger and I would've expected Stephen Fry to be front and center. Julie Andrews was the star and she appeared on your telly shows and gave the interviews. By your own admission, you all don't go to films, especially your own, so really why would promotion via the tabloids (even the less evil ones) mean anything??

To be perfectly clear... All I want is for CF to be the lead in better movies. However, to be in those better movies, he has to be recognized as an actor people want to see. If he was only motivated by a steady paycheck, IMO he would've packed it all in and signed on to do a series on your telly by now.

Apart from TV advertising the papers are the main means of promoting films,at certain times of the year in England all the film shows disappear off screen.The main one Film 2000 is on v.late,has no set day & has one of the most annoying presenters. Brit films are mainly passed over quickly.The other film review shows are presented by people barely out of their teens & therefore tend to be watched by the same age group.Film shows don't have high audience figures so you can't rely on them for promotion. I've no idea why so much pointless money was spent on promoting Star Wars etc but RV,SLOW & MLSF needed more publicity to reach more people if TV advertising was a no-go then they did need to use the papers to spread the word.You cannot rely on a few high quality papers with low readership to do the job.If there was more publicity in the tabloids then at least more people would be aware of them. Nobody expected CF to be the spokesman for RV,I've said before any publicity was related to the JA influence.Being made a Dame at the same time gave a rather staid appearance.She did appear on some showsI only saw one,it was an afternoon show where the majority of viewers are going to be of a certain age group,who aren't cinema goers,& who are more interested in The Sound Of Music. (The other 2 films had v.little publicity,obviously JA wasn't in them) I was using the papers to back up my point that the UK fans can't be held entirely responsible for the failure of his films.If they're not aware of them,if they are not given proper distribution,if they only have short runs then bums on seats are going to be lost. *tongue hanging out* my god what do you want from me, blood? :-D

Sorry Karen I didn't see your follow on post.I too want to see CF as the male lead in better films. The 3 films we've been talking about don't have broad appeal here or I presume in America? He's an intelligent man,he's been in the business long enough so he must know that the films he chooses to do haven't got what it takes to attract the crowds or inthis the country critical acclaim needed to get offered better roles. Maybe he thinks BJD will help to resolve this problem I hope so for our & his sake. We do have a problem with critics in this country & all this early publicity is going to ensure it will be under even more scrutiny than is usual.His other films have managed to slip through pretty much unnoticed due to lack of publicity perhaps:-) but BJD won't be able to. I would be quite happy for him to do more TV work in order to make him more recognizable:-)But even then he has to chose carefully,I look forward to DQ but i'm unsure how successful its going to be.One-off dramas are easily forgotten.A series would at least keep him in the public eye for a while.

Will settle for kidney. Did you not read the cover story in the Sunday Mail about critical shortages in organ donation? ;-)

It's yours,whatever you want! Sunday Mail? I'm a CF fan I don't read tabloids:-) Only joking!

According to the Times today ITV are going to remake THe Forsyte Saga, CF would be an excellent Forsyte to JE's Irene, and that would keep him in in the public eye. Six episodes next year, six the year after and if it does well six in 2003. (The original made stars overnight of Eric Porter and Nyree Daen Porter)

Sorry just realised the scenario won't work, filming is to start early next year and JE will be on Broadway, oh well perhaps she can play Fleur, who comes into the story later on. Sorry if this is sort of OT.

CF and JE, JE and CF... This is becoming a little unhealthy.

Just to say, briefly, that I agree with all the points that Judy has made! Most people in the UK read one newspaper, if at all, don't access the Internet, and film distribution/movie mags/movie programmes on TV/Sky movies/Breakfast TV interviews etc are all geared to the under 25 market. The only films that make an impact are the big Hollywood movies, and the very occasional Brit "comedy". It would have been possible, if you didn't read the right paper, to be totally unaware of SLOW, MLSF and RV, but impossible not to be aware of Mission Impossible 2 or the latest George Clooney movie. Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Madonna make the front pages. Also our critics invariably savage British movies, so that even if awareness is raised, the movie is then killed stone dead by the "Worst movie ever made in the history of film" sledgehammer. Which is why, I think, whilst really wanting Colin to be successful internationally in the movies, we'd like to see him also taking the much safer line of doing more TV work! (Sorry to return to this yet again!!). It's just that in the UK, first-rate TV drama, especially a multi million budget series, does make an impact at par with an Oscar winning movie, and gains more popular and critical regonition for actors (internationally as well as in the UK). And TV critics are kinder and much more supportive. I'd love to see CF playing Soames, and having the opportunity to develop a character over many hours of screentime, and JE as Irene would be marvellous. 4th billing in a Mike Binder movie can't compete!! It's 5 years since Darcy..we need another fix! (I know he's playing Mark Darcy, but will Hugh Grant take a back seat?..I doubt it!)

http://www.ananova.com/entertainment/story/sm_33383.html Does this link work. Apparently George Clooney was offered the role of Will in Nick Hornby's "About a boy"...which just shows how strong the competition is for lead romantic roles in a Hollywood movie!

If there was more publicity in the tabloids then at least more people would be aware of them. My gawd, I had no idea the people in the UK only read those trash sheets. Aside from Baz, I wouldn't line the garbage can with them... I shall be v. glad as a JE fan to get The Forsythe Saga casting settled. Eighteen episodes? That's a sentence.You know how many years that puts an actor out of commission for other roles? The original made stars overnight of Eric Porter and Nyree Daen Porter) Who are these people anyway?....Never heard of them. ...gains more popular and critical regonition for actors (internationally as well as in the UK) What happened to the Ten Million f******people who watched P&P. Don't they remember? Are they idiots?

My gawd,I had no idea the people in the UK only read those trash sheets & I wouldn't line the garbage can with them... What happened to the Ten Million f******people who watched P&P. Don't they remember? Are they idiots? Have I not managed to explain enough?

(Judy) Have I not managed to explain enough? Oh yes, we understand. The Ten Million are off reading about the three-headed alien who is rumored to have fathered Madonna's newest child. ;-)

CF JE JE CF This is becoming a little unhealthy I'm sorry I don't understand, what is unhealthy in JE & CF working together again, if it worked so well the first time, I would also like to see JE work with SD again in the future, is that unhealthy as well. Two favourite actors of mine Ingrid Bergman & Gregory Peck have worked together in many films and they were excellent.

I wouldn't use the term unhealthy, but I doubt we'll ever see CF and JE working again...maybe when they're old and grey and it'll be looked on as a cute bit of PR when they're cast as Mr and Mrs Bennet in another P&P. In the past, when the studios had stars under contract, they liked to promote those pair-ups and they controlled their careers. Nowadays, the stars call their own shots. Very few like to reprise such relationships. It took 10 years to bring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere back together for Runaway Bride (and I wish they hadn't because RB had none of the charm of the first). BTW, I agree with the final line in The Times article about the Forsythe Saga. Mistake.

Soames Forsythe was an unpleasant character, IMHO. He raped his wife, and was prepotent. Do you really want ODB to play this guy?

Gi, Well yes I would like to see CF play Soames, he can't always play sympathetic characters and he is only acting and Eric Porter who played him before, is or was a very respected actor. Karen, I guess I will have to dream about CF & JE acting together again, I think you have a point.

Ann I understand what you mean about CF & JE. For a while after P&P I could imagine them working together on all sorts of different projects.But now I feel it would spoil what they created together on P&P, it's best to remember them as they were.

I guess your right Judy. BTW is it The Forsythe Saga or as in The Times, The Forsyte Saga, have no read the book?

It is Forsyte, Ann, as you and The Times (that useless broadsheet) wrote. Looked wrong to me, but what do I know... ;-)

I guess I will have to dream about CF & JE acting together again, I don't even want to dream about it. Who said: "You can't catch lightning in a bottle twice?" That's past tense. You want Colin to play Soames?....get Ruth Gemell to play Irene. Jennifer is off to the races..

Well, I see you're all had a busy weekend here.:-) Interesting discussion and some very good points made. I won't repeat what others have said, but . . . --IMO, CF just isn't doing the type of work that the general public wants to see. I'll be cautiously optimistic and say that perhaps BJD is a conscious attempt on his part to change things. --Without enthusiasm from the general public to see a particular actor, films do not get wide distribution (of course, there are a few exceptions). Without wide distribution the average filmgoer isn't going to go out of his or her way to see a film. --P&P was almost 5 years ago. Audiences have moved on. I know from fans in other places that many are simply no longer turned on by the majority of his role choices since then, and frankly I can't blame them. 3DOR gave those of us lucky enough to see it a boost. --Someone I think made the point that CF doesn't want the fame and loss of privacy that comes from higher profile work. Maybe. If that's the case, then he has certainly made a major tradeoff in terms of sacrificing professional challenge and satisfaction. Still, somehow I can't picture Colin saying, "oooh, this Geoffrey Clifton is much more interesting than Almasy--I'll go for that role." And we know he wanted to play Shakespeare in SIL. There's a big part of me still that hopes he hasn't "settled."

I think we're going to have to beg to differ here! In the nicest possible way of course. :-) I actually read the Forsyte Saga (all three volumes!) for the first time a few years ago, so it's still relatively fresh in my mind. IMHO Soames could be a terrific role...a successful lawyer, flawed, unsympathetic at first (okay he forces his conjugal rights on his wife, but you can see why he does it) but tragically lonely, and then re-finding himself through his love of his daughter. I just don't see roles like this in the cinema (certainly not current British movies!). B-u-t, I do so agree, an 18 part series is way, way too long, and very type-casting, and I don't particularly want to see CF as the older wrinkly Soames. But Soames apart,I can really appreciate why CF wants to be regarded as a character actor...that's where all the really interesting work lies. And he doesn't have to lose a stone in weight (too,too thin!) to get the parts.

(Mari) IMO, CF just isn't doing the type of work that the general public wants to see. I'll be cautiously optimistic and say that perhaps BJD is a conscious attempt on his part to change things. Agree, agree. A year ago (OK, up to a few short months ago), I was convinced CF wouldn't take on the MD role and that he'd continue his pursuit of quirky characters (i.e., masturbatory village idiots) in obscure films or TV programs which gather dust on the BBC shelves. Taking on the whole Darcy thing head-on tells me alot. Goody, goody, FP continues to play! Will take another ride down the Beltway this week. Don't want to go into FP withdrawl....hey, Ev, want to take a ride? We have Baskin Robbins around here so you can kill two birds with one stone ;-)

....hey, Ev, want to take a ride? We have Baskin Robbins around here so you can kill two birds with one stone ;-) LOL I'd love to...but it would be an plane ride..and expensive movie and a cone...but hey, I've been known to cross the ocean for not much more... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` ..that he'd continue his pursuit of quirky characters (i.e., masturbatory village idiots) in obscure films or TV programs which gather dust on the BBC shelves. You forgot to add..."And no one wants to see"....I'd rather see him carrying water for Julie Andrews.

P&P was almost 5 years ago. Audiences have moved on. I know from fans in other places that many are simply no longer turned on by the majority of his role choices since then, and frankly I can't blame them He *has* to give audiences what they want to see, and he has to do more strong dramatic roles which give him screentime (as do most actors of his calibre). He's not made a Hollywood breakthrough (and he should have...other younger British actors are being more successful., without any apparent difficulty), he hasn't starred in a major TV series, he's taking supporting roles in low budget British movies and working for peanuts for regional BBC Scotland. I'm speaking more in sorrow than in anger here....I'd hate to see it all slip away for him. BUT, he's got BJD coming up, which he must promote in the States at least by doing chat shows so that people know who he is (and some TV promotion over here wouldn't go amiss ...everyone (and I mean everyone)does it, and Armadillo (lead role), I hope, and Maid of Buttermere,(again, I hope) which is a lead role and period drama, and maybe the BBC will show DQ at Christmas (if they don't, forget it). Right, I've got that off my chest, and shall probably regret this the instant I've posted it! I just want to see him doing justice to his talents, and want to see him in contention for leading roles.

... maybe the BBC will show DQ at Christmas (if they don't, forget it). They gonna reshow TTOTS;-) ....and want to see him in contention for leading roles. Make up your mind ;-) In the last posting you want him in a supporting character role...Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane stuff... Read #136 interview with Alan Cumming. Me? I'm still holding out for Broadway. But I won't go into that because all the self-appointed Drool cops will lash out at me...

(Evelyn) But I won't go into that because all the self-appointed Drool cops will lash out at me... Aw go on you know you can take it:-) :-) I can understand why you want him on Broadway,I would if I lived in America.However it really doesn't mean anything over here,I had to search for news of JE's triumph.but theatre in general means even less than film here.I know JE's signed up for more but has her success led her to a big film role,if it has, then maybe its a route Colin should take to try & get better roles in film.Its just a thought.

Make up your mind ;-) It's leading roles really...I just try and persuade myself into accepting supporting character roles. but what I really, really want is...

This is just speculation, as I don't know how it actually might work, but if he is willing to sacrifice $$$, he could probably get good roles indefinitely in low-budget films by young lesser-known directors, who also happen to be talented. If he's getting paid a few cool million pounds for BJD alone, I find it hard to believe that he needs to worry about money. I tend to agree with Mari that his choices since P&P have, in general, been poor. It's not that they were marginal films, just that they were not great marginal films. Perhaps his problem is that he's hedging his bets, trying to do both mainstream work, such as a tiny role in TEP and more marginal work, such as past great but small films like Hostages, and HotPig) rather than choosing one direction and really focusing.

(Judy)I know JE's signed up for more but has her success led her to a big film role,if it has, then maybe its a route You poor baby...news must travel slowly to your part of England...have you heard of SUNSHINE?With Ralph Fiennes?Quite a hit here. Still playing in UK too..don't know if it reached your corner though... You missed news of the Tony awards on Teletext and the newspapers in UK? And television? LOL they gave more print space for Tony's than for their own Olivier's.She was on the front page of every newspaper....clutching her award. Wasn't she Ann?

Wasn't she Ann? Aye, she was Evelyn! Go to JE's website for the evidence.

But having said that Evelyn, Sunshine was before Broadway, I hope she gets a film on the back of the Tony's whilst she is still remembered and doesn't take 6months holiday as someone who shall remain nameless often does!! I too would love to see Colin on Broadway, but he seems quite comfortable in London at the moment.

I was enquiring whether she had landed any big film roles since her tony so no Sunshine doesn't count andno I didn't see much news about her at the time, obviously must have been asleep for the day.

Having been a wee bit critical of ODB's career choices, I can't help but wonder how much choice he sometimes has. After "P&P" he said that he was worried because work temporraily dried up. He had an offer of a TV re-make of "The Shining" from the US, and FP, which he said was the best offer from the UK (and was originally destined for TV). Not exactly a floodgate of movie offers. And after SLOW he had a longish period before doing SIL and then 3DOR. I've noticed that in interviews well-known British actors often say they have no idea what they're doing next and are sometimes "resting". IMHO, Darcy could have been a double-edged sword...he was in effect "typecast" for a while. I think now that things are more than okay...he's hopefully going to do some varied and contrasting lead roles, and I was pleased to see him mentioned in connection with the BBC politico-drama. Anyway, enough, I think, from me on this! It was Soames that set me off!

Well I've checked out JE's website but can't find mentioned articles so this poor baby would appreciate a pointer in the right direction !

Judy, I can't find any either, sorry, I really thought they were there but take my word for it, The Daily Mail, Telegraph, Times and Evening Standard definitely reported it with pictures (also Anonova PA Newagency) and no doubt you could search papers. There is however, on JE's website an article or an interview with Rosemary Harris from the Daily Mail dated 24th June, 2000 "Joy for Jennifer" which mentions the Tony Awards quite a lot, a very nice interview. There really was more about the Tonys than The Olivier Awards which does seem a little strange.

Thanks for looking Ann,I did make a point of looking in the papers at the time & saw v.little, the papers you mentioned are the ones you would expect to report on this sort of news.I did read an interview with RH but I've got it in my mind as being before the awards, but unlike CF articles.I don't keep the ones on JE so it's probably the one you mentioned. The Olivier coverage was poor I agree.

Normally, I'd put this article on 136 but... http://www.thisislondon.com/dynamic/hottx/review.html?in_review_id=306621&in_review_text_id=250631 I read this, the one about David Morrissey with his own production company, the never-ending offers made to HG and RF and shake my head.... I too am hoping that BJD will turn into something great for CF. But don't expect him to do the talk shows in the US. He will have to make an impact first, then he'll get invited as both Rupert and Jude were after they stole the show on My Best Friend's Wedding and Ripley, respectively. The stars of those movies appeared during the premiere week on the talk shows. These guys showed up a week or so later. By popular demand.

(Bethan) He *has* to give audiences what they want to see, and he has to do more strong dramatic roles which give him screentime (as do most actors of his calibre).He's not made a Hollywood breakthrough (and he should have...other younger British actors are being more successful, without any apparent difficulty)... He may not have made a Hollywood breakthrough because: a) He's loathe to work outside the UK, if does, he goes no farther than the south of France. b) He has yet to prove that he can convincingly play an American. Sad but true, the most successful British actors in Hollywood films are the ones who can play Americans. Even Ralph Fiennes played an American in "Quiz Show". I do think that CF found something disconcerting about "Darcy Mania". I think that, knowing what he knows now, if he could do it all again -- he would not play Fitzwilliam Darcy. To me, it seems he would love to have back the career he had before "Pride and Prejudice". He was a successful and respected film actor, whose chameleon-like qualities were seen as an asset. He may feel that being so closely associated with a particular role has prejudiced the way producers and directors view him. Also, a hugely successful turn in a period drama can be the kiss of death insofar as being cast in American films. It can be construed as making an actor too mannered, too prissy, and too limited in range to be for serious consideration.

It's unfortunate that ATA did so poorly, because there was a super American cast, although not big box office like Julia Roberts (or so I imagine). (Bethan)Having been a wee bit critical of ODB's career choices, I can't help but wonder how much choice he sometimes has. After "P&P" he said that he was worried because work temporraily dried up. I guess I'm wondering if doing a soso film is worse than doing no film at all for awhile? I honestly don't know. I have to say though, FP was a good enough film --- it should have done well. But hasn't it been mentioned before that those sportsy films don't do well in the U.K. I'm sure a remake in the States will rake in the $$ (especially if they make it about baseball). Dreaded thought, another Kevin Costner vehicle.

Oops, my first comment at #363 was in reference to the article Karen posted and Jude and Rupert's success.

(Judy)I was enquiring whether she had landed any big film roles since her tony so no Sunshine doesn't count andno I didn't see much news about her at the time, obviously must have been asleep for the day. I answer this on #136. This is a Colin Topic and I don't want to take up the bandwith with a topic that belongs somewhere else. (To include chat room stuff...:-D)

TRIBUTE TO MURPH For all the wonderful Colin years that you have given us... We will continue to enjoy the Colin pages that you have kept on the website. Please know that your friends at Spring want you to stay here with us. Many thanks...for the memories....XXX

To Murph Thank you so much Murph for creating such a wonderful website at which all of us have spent many pleasurable hours. I personally must thank you for all your help and encouragement and do hope that you will continue to visit us here at Drool. *hugs* Karen

I'll add my thanks to the above, Murph! You created a marvellous site and it will be very much missed. It really was invaluable. I'm now feeling *incredibly* guilty about making such a negative posting.It's obviously time I went off on holiday, which I am doing in a couple of days. I think the projects CF has coming up are all, at long last, exactly right for him, and just what people want to see him doing. And I think the fact that he's made such an effort to get into shape for BJD means that he's taking it very seriously. NH took $300million worldwide, and I read somewhere that BJD is going to be promoted along BJD lines. So should be very high profile! And I think he *will* do a chat show. He did the rounds for SIL, and he wasn't the romantic hero! Apologies again for sounding so dreadfully dreary (I feel as though I have personally prompted Murph's withdrawal!)...it's been very humid here, and I have a v. low tolerance of humidity. Off to the Lakes!

"promoted along the same lines".Can't even write...definitely need a break!

Gee, Evelyn and Karen, my own graphics! I am touched. Thanks to all of you at Drool for keeping the Colin fires burning bright. You have managed to discover interesting things to say about the man day after day, even when new news is hard to find. Speaking of new news, I feel comfortable in knowing that Karen will keep us up to date: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/news.html I will certainly continue to check in here, where I feel at home. It was time for me, but you guys keep on trucking!

Many thanks for your wonderful website from me too Murph, please keep continue to keep in touch with us at drool, and again many thanks for all your work. Bethan, I hope you have a wonderful break, that the clouds keep away, and tha you come back strengthened and refreshed.

(Bethan) And I think he *will* do a chat show. He did the rounds for SIL, and he wasn't the romantic hero! He did the press junket in the US and went to the premieres. Am not aware of any talk shows on which he appeared. Breakfast with the Arts is not a talk show.

Hot News!! AnneR has found Fever Pitch playing in Pittsburgh! Here's the not-so-hot review: http://www.post-gazette.com/movies/20000814pitch1.asp Does anybody at Phaedra know what the other is doing?

Here are the details: Cinemagic Denis 685 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15228 (412)343-7300 Showtimes at: (1:00 PM), (3:10), (5:10), 7:30, 9:30 [oooh, 3 bargain matinees]

Murph this is a sad day,yours was the first website on Colin that I ever visited & I have re-visited it everyday since so it was quite a shock when I checked in today!I wish you all the best for the future & thankyou for all your time & effort you put in for the benefit of all his fans.

(Karen) I read this, the one about David Morrissey with his own production company, the never-ending offers made to HG and RF and shake my head.... As do I. Thanks for that article, Karen; I am glad to see the young turks like Ioan and others going for it and not ashamed to say it for fear of what the home press will do to them when they return. They are all doing the "meet and greet" in LA, which makes sense; people have to know who you are. The irony, of course, is that CF is there regularly . . . (Cheryl) He may not have made a Hollywood breakthrough because: a) He's loathe to work outside the UK, if does, he goes no farther than the south of France. Bingo--that's certainly part of the problem. Actors can't afford to cut themselves off geographically; furthermore, I'd give the same advice to American actors. Few films are made on the Hollywood backlot anymore; increasingly, they're also being filmed in Canada, Australia and Europe--wherever the studios will get good crews and a hefty tax break. No actor can sit home and still get the best roles. (Cheryl again) b) He has yet to prove that he can convincingly play an American. Sad but true, the most successful British actors in Hollywood films are the ones who can play Americans. Even Ralph Fiennes played an American in "Quiz Show". Cheryl, are you talking about the accent or something else? Rafe's accent in Quiz Show wasn't that hot, but the film and his performance were so good that nobody cared. Ditto Michael Caine in Cider House Rules. I thought CF did fine in 3 DOR. Anyway, there are many many opportunities in American flilms, regardless of whether he plays American or not. Even a brief look at some American-produced films either due to come out or soon to be in production yields: --Jude Law and Joe Fiennes in Enemy At The Gates --Gary Oldman in The Contender --Winslet and Caine in Quills --Ralph Fiennes in Possession --Daniel Day Lewis in Streets Of NY --Alan Rickman, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith and --yes! Evelyn's fave, Robbie Coltrane--in Harry Potter --Ians McKellan and Holm, in Lord Of The Rings Of course, doing these requires travel to Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, New Zealand, etc.;-)

What's this? *blinking in disbelief* Murph's outta the Colin b'ness? Why, that's almost as earth-shaking as Eileen moving away from NJ! =8-0 Let me add my thanks for all your hard work over the years. (Karen) He will have to make an impact first, then he'll get invited as both Rupert and Jude were after they stole the show on My Best Friend's Wedding and Ripley, respectively. The stars of those movies appeared during the premiere week on the talk shows. These guys showed up a week or so later. By popular demand. Yes, I can see this. I can also see HG and CF initially appearing together, though I know that's rare--usually the stars split up and do the shows alone. I do think, in light of everything else that's changed about CF in the last year, he'll be willing to do these chat shows. OK, Karen, Pittsburgh is alot closer to Chicago than Virginia is. Planning a road trip? ;-)

Murph, I hardly know what to say except a heartfelt thanks for being an oasis of Firth for news hungry fans the world over, as well as a goldmine for those interested in taking a closer look at the man's work. Your site reflected your class, intelligence, good humor, and generous spirit. I do understand the need to move on, but am glad you'll still be with us now and then. MMMMWAAAAA!!

(Karen) Does anybody at Phaedra know what the other is doing? Nope. Brings to mind that well-known phrase . . . something about a posterior and a hole in the ground.:-(

(Eileen) Pittsburgh is alot closer to Chicago than Virginia is. Planning a road trip? ;-) Hmmm, if Ohio wasn't there, well, maybe. Argh! New, fresh-in-the-mail PIN for American Airlines website e-savers fares does not work, nothing available at US Air or ATA. United cannot even get its planes out of O'Hare these days, so.. Besides, why should I go? Have got brandnew factory sealed videotape of FP. Can watch on telly. Who needs to go out? ;-)

(Mari).... Evelyn's fave, Robbie Coltrane--in Harry Potter LMAO...You girls are cruel. Now if my other heart-throb Michael Gambon were only in a film....my life would be complete;-) (mari)Even a brief look at some American-produced films either due to come out or soon to be in production yields: You forgot one we were sure would go to ODB... John Boorman's "The Tailor of Panama" the british spy thriller based on the novel by John le Carre. The hypcrite...remember when we saw him at the Donmar shaking Colin's hand..."offering him a job"(we were sure...) Instead he gives it to Pierce Brosnan...John isn't so dumb he wants to make money....due out at Christmas from Sony.

(Karen)Besides, why should I go? Have got brand new factory sealed videotape of FP. Can watch on telly. Who needs to go out? ;-) You are too funny, Karen. I hope mine comes today. *evelyn who never thought she would buyanother FP, let alone get excited about it's arrival*

Thanks Ann! Just a bit of news for the UK. I had another shot about finding out about DQ. Rang BBC Entertainment who said it wasn't drama but BBC Films. Rang BBC Films and Eureka! It's listed for Autumn scheduling and will be some time in October/November.

Oh wow Bethan at last,an early,early xmas pressie. well done on the sleuthing front!

He's tall, dark and handsome, looks like Darcy,and he kisses the girl. This *is* giving viewers want they want to see! I'm glad they showing it in the Autumn schedules, where it belongs. Should come out on video, very soon afterwards.

Don't you're getting me all excited.Looking forward to lots of lovely pictures in TV mags & papers.Yes they do normally release the video more or less straight away once its been shown!

I'll have to watch quite a few times because at first I'll just be watching his wonderful face & body & listening to that voice to even notice what else is going on.

Thanks Bethan, excellent news, but I shan't believe it until I see it in the RT.

Thanks Bethan, excellent news, but I shan't believe it until I see it in the RT.

Murph, I was shocked witless to learn you are giving up your site (almost). I always admired the effort, time and talent you put into creating and updating it. I hope whatever you are going to do now gives you a lot of joy. I am glad you plan to keep visiting Drool and hope to see your posts here very often. Thank you :-)

(Bethan) Rang BBC Films and Eureka! It's listed for Autumn scheduling and will be some time in October/November. At last, at last! Suffice to say, when CF does TV in the future, I hope it doesn't take a friggin' year and a half to get the project on the air. (Karen) Besides, why should I go? Have got brand new factory sealed videotape of FP. Can watch on telly. Who needs to go out? ;-) *snort* LMAO! I'm driving to VA (it's something like 20 miles to Fairfax from here--the back of beyond ;-D) to see FP again today...though I expect my factory sealed videotape to be sitting in my mailbox when I return.

(Evelyn) John Boorman's "The Tailor of Panama" . . .remember when we saw him at the Donmar shaking Colin's hand Yep--it didn't mean squat. Besides, this would have required travel to, hmmm, lemme see . . .Panama?;-) Bethan, I'm glad DQ is finally making it onto the schedule. It deserves to be seen.

More background on AAB, from Studio Briefing: After nearly a one-year search, a bankable actor has yet to be signed to appear in the film version of Nick Hornby's best-selling novel, About a Boy. Hornby, whose earlier novel High Fidelity (2000) made it to the screen this year, has told the London Daily Express that the latest star to turn down the lead role is George Clooney. According to Hornby, Clooney told him, "You need someone average. I'm too sexy for your film." The story concerns a man who poses as a single father so that he can join a single parents' group to meet the perfect woman. Hornby says that Clooney remarked that audiences wouldn't believe he would need to join such a group. Last October, trade reports said that Robert De Niro, who is producing the film, was close to signing Hugh Grant for the role. De Niro's original choice reportedly was Brad Pitt, who also turned down the role.

Uhmm, I think, I know someone who could be...erm...average looking... ;-) So bumbling, stumbling Hughie didn't sign up? Strange. Now they're going the American route. Wonder why Tom Cruise wasn't their first choice. Isn't he everyone's?

eek! i just posted something on the BJD board about this.

Yes, the item surfaced last Friday, I believe. We'll put your faux pas down to relocation. You left the Land of the Sane and are back in LaLa Land. ;-) Quite the unattractive spin put on Clooney's supposed words by Mr. Showbiz. Gaah, all Hornby said was that Clooney didn't think he'd be believable as a guy who had to join a Single Parents' group in order to hit on desperate women. And for what it's worth, I agree. He's showing sound judgment.

Gaah!! Just realized this AAB stuff has now infected the Colin board. It's like an epidemic. Back to what belongs here: (Bethan) He's tall, dark and handsome, looks like Darcy,and he kisses the girl. And this is good? You have seen the program? Is your copy very bad? The girl is Katy Murphy, playing Lucy Pannick, who no man will shag with the lights on. ;-)

The girl is Katy Murphy, playing Lucy Pannick, who no man will shag with the lights on. ;-) LOL....Isn't she what some guy would call a "brown bagger"? ~~~~~~~~~~` Got my factory -sealed FP to day:-)Why did they photograph Ruth Gemell with brown hair..when she's a blonde in the film? And Paul's got a haircut ...doesn't look like Paul at all.What a cheap production...they can't even get the video sleeve right.

(Evelyn) Isn't she what some guy would call a "brown bagger"? Argh! I hate those terms...but she is the epitome of Coyote Ugly, especially after eating that dodgy pie. ;-) What a cheap production...they can't even get the video sleeve right. Well, I know what I'd want on the cover, but what did you expect. The UK edition wasn't all that different. Wonder what the American one will look like?

I've never really noticed the difference in her hair colour before,my copy only has a couple of small photos of her.I wonder why they didn't do the publicity photos at the time of filming ,it does reek of that cheap production you mentioned Evelyn. I couldn't see the point of the boys side/girls side videos-I just couldn't see her as crush type material. I'm not sure who Katy Murphy is,the pics I've seen aren't v.clear-anybody know what she's been in before?