IMHO Donovan wants Lucy to think herself beautiful and kisses her cmpassionately. I thought Katy Murphy was "ordinary" looking as opposed to movie star looking, but certainly not ugly. Rather gamin.

(Mari)Besides, this would have required travel to, hmmm, lemme see . . .Panama?;-) Oh, I believe they could film in Portugal ;-) (Bethan)(Lucy...) certainly not ugly. Ugly. Definitely.

Oh no, not ugly, just world-weary, and worn-out with looking after the family all those years. She has a lovely inner-self, I believe and Donovan saw it.

The reason why Donovan kisses Lucy is not the issue. Just let's not give people who haven't seen it the wrong impression. DQ is not some great romance where boy gets to kiss girl in a passionate scene. That's hardly what is going on. BTW, Katy Murphy was wonderful in the role, but gamin is hardly what I'd call the part of Lucy physically. Tired and world-weary are good, Ann. I'd add homely as well.

Bethan)(Lucy...) certainly not ugly. (Gi)Ugly. Definitely. Ditto. Nice, kind, beautiful soul....ugly.

I think Clive in DQ would have described her as suffering from "beauty deficit."

Tossing in my vote: as my DH would say, "she's been hit by the ugly stick." (Karen) The reason why Donovan kisses Lucy is not the issue. Just let's not give people who haven't seen it the wrong impression. DQ is not some great romance where boy gets to kiss girl in a passionate scene. That's hardly what is going on. Most definitely--I would not classify DQ as a romance. (Evelyn)[re: FP]...they can't even get the video sleeve right. Poster prominently displayed outside Cinema Arts Theater in Fairfax, VA is identical to video sleeve. Doesn't bother me!

(Donna) I think Clive in DQ would have described her as suffering from "beauty deficit." *snort* :-)

So can I take it from all this that's she's a dog? I don't want him to get a reputation for kissing ugly women though,he needs to be seen with the gorgeous ones as well.A strange looking Sarah,an ugly Lucy & a podgy Bridget-ah there's hope for me yet!

(Bethan)certainly not ugly I agree. Sometimes I really resent it how the artificial plastic surgery Hollywood standards seem to affect peoples� perception of things, like beauty or ugliness etc. That woman is not ugly or a �dog�, she just looks like most women of her age: wrinkles and a tired face. DQ is a wonderfully realistic film in many ways and so is naturally the heroine of it. And she�s a great actress...but I know that in the American culture good looks and good acting are the same thing ;-)

(Elena) but I know that in the American culture good looks and good acting are the same thing ;-) Sez who? Good looks have nothing to do with acting ability. Everyone knows the only thing that matters is big boobs. ;-) ;-) ;-)

Ah, c'mon, Elena. that's a sweeping generalization and you know it. Besides, nobody said she wasn't a good actress-quite the contrary. Just as a point of reference, I'm thinking back to the actresses nominated for Oscars last year: Hilary Swank, Julianne Moore, Janet McTeer, Annette Bening, Meryl Streep, Catherine Keener, Angelina Jolie, Toni Collette, Chloe Sevigny, Samantha Morton. All attractive ladies, but tell me how many you feel were nominated solely because of their looks and not their performance.

Ooof!! How we Americans view Lucy physically is precisely how she is supposed to be viewed. No more; no less. DQ (Don Quixote) sees Lucy (Dulcinea) as a beautiful lady. She is not in reality. It does take someone like DQ to show her that she can make something of her life. He showed her that she deserved to be loved and that she didn't have to settle for the likes of a Clive. OK, fess up now. [cover your eyes, Judy] Who here didn't experience a wave of revulsion just before the "park the salami" bit when Lucy went in for the kill but Donovan fortunately reared back?

Had Lucy been beautiful, the plot would not have worked.Like Don Quijote and Dulcinea...she had to be ugly in our eyes, but not in his.... Abd Sandy had to be a Sancho Panza! But it's nice to have you with us , Elena ole buddie....and we didn't even have to mention Margaret Thatcher *winkie, winkie* (Judy).A strange looking Sarah In my new video, Sarah is sorta cute....with blonde hair.(Not the brown in the poster...and he's sporting his ATA haircut.)

May I add my congratulations, Jenny. I know I am very late but the 3 or 4 days in the hospital after my hysterectomy turned into 7 days and I am 10 days behind in postings

Am lurking at Drool in the middle of the night! Clearly an addict. Once again, I have no idea what the actor being discussed looks like. A strange looking Sarah,an ugly Lucy & a podgy Bridget-ah there's hope for me yet! LOL Judy! Who here didn't experience a wave of revulsion just before the "park the salami" bit when Lucy went in for the kill but Donovan fortunately reared back? LOL Karen! Don't explain what you mean. I'm eagerly awaiting the scene. ;-)

(Elena)But I know that in the American culture good looks and good acting are the same thing ;-) Ouch! Stereotyped again! Where'd that donut go? Duh, right beside my loaded gun of course! Hmmm, goin' to haf ta git me a bigger flag... right after I buy my third vacation home and a boob job.

(Judy) 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? A few months ago she was in Nature Boy (BBC2) as a nurse to Paul McGann's character and more recently in Fish as a nanny, again with Paul McGann. (Karen) Who here didn't experience a wave of revulsion just before the "park the salami" bit when Lucy went in for the kill but Donovan fortunately reared back? Fessing up.

Mari, Elena's just looking ahead to next year. She has inside information that Carmen Electra's an Oscar shoo-in for her stand out (or was that stand up?) performance in 'Scary Movie'. Harvey's hitting the phones alreay. ;-P (Sadie) Where'd that donut go? Duh, right beside my loaded gun of course! Hmmm, goin' to haf ta git me a bigger flag... right after I buy my third vacation home and a boob job. LMBAAO*! *Lauging My Big American A*s Off

Relative Values, week beginning Aug 18: 1. Plaza, Skipton 2. UCI Merry Hill 10, Dudley 3. Sutton, UCI6, London 4. UCI 10, Telford 5. Hebden Bridge Picture House, Hebden Bridge 6. Orpheus Henleaze, Bristol 7. Hull Screen, Hull 8. Grand Cinema, Clitheroe 9. Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Sadie, Sadie . . . you violent, shallow, materialistic, vain, buxom philistine. I like your style, kid! LMBAAO! Ah, why are we here but to provide sport for our neighbors . . .or somethin' like that. My last word on the subject (maybe;-): we're not exactly drooling over a homely man here, folks. Yes, he's a wonderful actor--but so is Steve Bucsemi.:-) Off to get my drive-thru rhinoplasty;-)

Oops Karen I couldn't resist I had to take a peek but 'park the salami' yuk.Poor Colin the things he has to put up with for money.'reared back' I don't think that was acting after all that's been said abouther! Aishling thanks for the info but I didn't see it I'm not a fan of the brothers McGann. Anybody got a pic preferably with the salami parked in its own garage. BTW Sadie are we the only two not to have seen DQ? Finish your donut before you answer.

The Italian Institute (39 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NX) has a library of 21,000 books, in Italian and English translation. During its September literary season of events, many famous Italian authors (including Dacia Maraini and Alessandro Barrico) will be in London for talks with British authors. In October, Italian and British actors, including Colin Firth, will be giving a series of readings from Italian books. See www.italcultur.org.uk or phone 020-7235 1461 for a programme.

Sorry I've been remiss in answering your query Mari, as to Ralph Fiennes American accent in "Quiz Show". The accent may well have been problemic as he was playing an aritocratic Bostonian. That particular accent is very similar to a British accent, hence the problem for Fiennes. The closer an accent an actor natuarally has, very often the harder it is for him to do. That's one of the reasons why American actors from the Northeast and Upper Mid-West have a hard time learning pretty much any credible Canadian accent. RF's performance was, as you noted, very credible. In that he was believable as an American. Still, I stand by my statement that the most successful actors in Hollywood films; i.e., Minnie Driver, Tim Roth, and Gary Oldman work constantly, can and do play very believable American characters.

Thank you Murph for the time and work which you had put into your "Colin Firth: An Appreciation" website. It was one of the first CF websites I'd found. Thanks again.

(Judy) Sadie are we the only two not to have seen DQ? I'm not sure who Katy Murphy is,the pics I've seen aren't v.clear-anybody know what she's been in *on return from hols* - I'm glad I am amongst some DQ virgins still, eagerly awaiting Autumn showing. Judy, do you remember that extremely bad David Essex 'comedy' vehicle in the 80's - The River (in which ageing popster/gypsy leaves London for the totally believable job as a lock-keeper in a sleepy backwater) well she was the love/hate interest in that (believe also she was in Tutti Frutti). before?

She was in Our Mutual Friend..

(Eileen)*Lauging My Big American A*s Off (Mari)My last word on the subject (maybe;-): we're not exactly drooling over a homely man here, folks. Yes, he's a wonderful actor--but so is Steve Bucsemi. :-)Off to get my drive-thru rhinoplasty;-) LMFLAO *laughed my freshly-liposuctioned ass off, both of you!* An excellent point about our drooling, Mari. You might as well all fess up to being as shallow as me. (Judy)BTW Sadie are we the only two not to have seen DQ? Finish your donut before you answer. (Tracy)*on return from hols* - I'm glad I am amongst some DQ virgins still, eagerly awaiting Autumn showing. I have never been a member of the communist party, and I have never seen DQ (she says as she pledges solemnly on a Bible or something.) But I believe it is time that DQ Virgins throughout the world unite! The donut was particularly great after the Big Mac and the Kentucky Fried Chicken, Judy....Time to warm up my home liposuction kit. Tracy, how was your vacation. Do tell us! Pleeeeeeease!

Colin speaking Italian, Karen? My, my, my! Sort of a fantasy really. Mind immediately jumps to that really bad remake of Devil in the Flesh. Time to run out and buy a piano maybe...or perhaps that low leather lounging chair in CF's house would do for the extreme close-up scene.... BTW, I really have no idea what KM looks like either, Judy. Anyone got a good pic of her? Films mentioned don't ring any bells either.

(Tracy) I'm glad I am amongst some DQ virgins still. Can't remember the last time I could call myself a virgin without being laughed at. I do remember The River Tracy but I can't picture hersomething to do with a hairy,wrinkled David Essex floating before my eyes ( somebody please cure me,a pic of Colin would do) Fran I haven't seen Our Mutual Friend. Has she been in any documentaries? :-) (Sadie)The donut was particularly great after the Big Mac and the Kentucky Fried Chicken. Well if we're not talking about sex we may as well talk about food so make mine a McChicken Sandwich or a Zinger Burger. Sadie you keep to your liposuction kit and I'll exercisewith Colin- in,out,in,out,shake it all about -sung in Italian of course *crash*

(Karen)In October, Italian and British actors, including Colin Firth, will be giving a series of readings from Italian books. I sincerely hope he'll be reading from translations...

Oh I don't. Surely by now he's picked up a fairly creditable accent. Purely supposition, of course, but what else is new. Perhaps Moon bumped into him on her travels and can give us a first-hand account. ;-)

Karen)In October, Italian and British actors, including Colin Firth, will be giving a series of readings from Italian books. And I was concerned about what he would be doing in the fall.... Foolish Antelope ;-))

(Judy)Sadie you keep to your liposuction kit and I'll exercisewith Colin- in,out,in,out,shake it all about -sung in Italian of course *crash* LOL Judy, not sure that the words are what I want drilled at me. (But the Italian would be fine, especially if followed with a great decadent meal and some chianti.) There really are only two subjects, Judy. Sex and food. (Heide) Oh I don't. Surely by now he's picked up a fairly creditable accent. Purely supposition, of course, but what else is new. Perhaps Moon bumped into him on her travels and can give us a first-hand account. ;-) LOL Heide, I'm now wondering about the circumstances in which he practices.You just had to add fuel to my already burning imagination, didn't you? BTW, is there such a thing as Moon-envy? I guess there will be if she bumped into him! Hmmm, bumped....where'd my donut go? (Yes, that is rife with Freudian undertones.) :-D Yes Karen, he's making huge strides in his career now :-)

(Sadie)Yes Karen, he's making huge strides in his career now :-) Karen posted the news article, I'm the eternal optimist;-) (Who knows? There might be a budding Fellini in the audience;-))

Thanks for the Italian posting, Karen! As to what else he's doing in the fall, well...if it's "Armadillo" I guess that will tie him up in the London area for 3 months or so (Quality, co-US productions normally shoot for 4 weeks for each one hours screening...P&P (5 hours) took 5 months. Having just returned from a mini break in the Lakes, I hope he'll squeeze in "Maid of Buttermere"!! Absolutely gorgeous weather, magnificent scenery, and once you're away from the main tourist haunts, almost deserted. They'd have the place to themselves...just point the camera, and go! Saw no signs of any lurking film crews, but we were only in one place! This could be a marvellous film...hope it doesn't get postponed/dropped. Was reading about the "Harry Potter" film. Warner have the rights to all the books and are planning sequels. Any chance of a sequel to BJD, do you think? Did HF sell the rights to TEOR (sorry, this should be at #131, but my PC is very temperamental at the moment!)

Quick hello to all the firthful Firthettes. Just back from Italy and I find new CF and O&E topic! I am afraid I will not have time to catch up on these boards. :-( I hope to be able to join this merry group again soon. A particular hello to Mark. :-)

Welcome back Moon and Bethan! What a bummer--I don't see any sign of Londinium on the Toronto Film Fest list which was announced this afternoon.:-(

Sorry, guys, for having got your hopes up for Londinium at Toronto. :-( (Bethan) They'd have the place to themselves...just point the camera, and go! Scripts are useful things. Having started reading that Butterball novel, my initial reaction is no way, no how. *on bended knees, hoping this goes away*

RE: Londinium. Not your fault, Karen. You didn't write it, direct it, or act in it.;-) Besides hope is a good thing to have . . . once in a while . . .

It would have been a bit too soon anyway,we're used to a few years wait after all ;-)

AndWelcome Back Moon!!!

Welcome back Moon!!! Karen, am curious about the "Butterball" novel (LOL!) Is it really that bad?

Karen, are saying that the Butterball is a turkey?;-)

(Mari) are saying that the Butterball is a turkey?;-) You catch on quickly. ;-)

Hey, why go picking on poor turkeys? That was for you, Mari. Could not resist -D (Judy)It would have been a bit too soon anyway,we're used to a few years wait after all ;-) You see, here is the proof that we are not only DQ virgins, but virtuous as well.

(Sadie) am curious about the "Butterball" novel (LOL!) Is it really that bad? As I said, I haven't finished it, but it does not look v. promising and doesn't look like anything I'd want CF to be in. I must share with you this tantalizing tidbit from Butterball (FYI, the American version of a Bernard Matthews product):Christine came to collect the jug and steaming bowl He made no attempt to flirt with her nor she with him. In another mood he might have been goaded to further efforts by her extremely obvious, even insulting, indifference, but now, if anything, he was inclined to give her credit for it. He was even capable of finding some credit in it for himself: for after all, it proved that he did not have to take every apparently unprotected woman who came into his sights. There was a rough equality between them which pleased him since it ignored and slipped through the magical armour of those clothes, the possessions, the name, the title, the carriage and four, the weight of deference and the history of servility. He was amused to observe that she forced herself to be a blank when she picked up the bowl of pus and blood.Doesn't this whet your appetite for more? Is this horrid prose or what? I can only remember one book that I could not get into, let alone finish. It was London Fields by Martin Amis. But I shall plod along. Way too much scenery. IMO if you want to see the Lake District, go there or watch the Discovery channel.

Further information about the reading from JanetB that she obtained from the Institute (so much for it being in October!): Monday 13 November at 6.30pm - Colin Firth will read from Italian writer Leonardo Sciascia

WELCOME HOME, MOON Monday 13 November at 6.30pm - Colin Firth will read from Italian writer Leonardo Sciascia Thanks Karen and Janet B. a)Who knows about this author...Moon? b) Who in UK is going to go and support Colin in his new venture....hmmmm? ~~~~~~ MOB :Doesn't this whet your appetite for more? I foolishly bought the book from Amazon on the strong rumor (who was that?) Sounds like I'll pitch it...

Evidently, the Hamilton, Ontario, library has a room dedicated to him (i.e., paid for) by the Canadian Sciascia Foundation. It says: Sicilian novelist, essayist, short story writer, non-fiction writer, and dramatist, Sciascia was among the most prominent contemporary Italian authors. He wrote primarily of the pride and passion that characterized Sicilian society. His predominant theme: the struggle of the individual who seeks justice in the midst of social iniquities and official complicity.[Ha!!] While most search results are in Italian, he's listed in the Who's Who of the Radical Party. Here's something he's written on their website: "NO TO INDIFFERENCE, NO TO APATHY I think the terms that applies best to what the radical party wants and is trying to achieve with its nonviolence is the verb to 'break', in all its moral and metaphorical violence. Breaking the compromises, the gameplaying, the mafias, the conspiracy of silence; breaking this sort of alliance between idiocy and violence which is emerging in the Italian reality; breaking the correspondence between power, science and death which seems to be ruling the world; breaking everything before it's too late; and so on... As the title of Jean Daniel's recent book implies, this is an era of rupture - or quite simply THE hour. Let's not waste it with our indifference and apathy."

Welcome back, bellissima Moon! Looking forward to hearing about your travels (read: did you run into any familiar faces, in or out of revolving doors? ;-)). (Karen) Is this horrid prose or what? Hmm, reminds me of Henry James in TTOTS. He, sure, used, alot, of, commas and really, really, long sentences, which never, ever seemed to end, but of course this was perfectly acceptable back then, and it didn't seem to stop him, from becoming a revered author, but I, however, was ready to tear out my hair by the end, and it was a short book. Whew! I'm intrigued by your paltry (or was that poultry?) assessment of MoB, Karen. 'Til now I've only heard how good the book was and how perfect CF would be. (Evelyn) Who in UK is going to go and support Colin in his new venture....hmmmm? C'mon Ev, everyone will be at the movies. *ducking hurling rocks*

Karen - Am v confused (maybe I missed something somewhere or maybe I'm just thick) but is it MoB you're reading at present? I read it such a time ago I couldn't recognise the passage you quoted. I thought it (MoB) quite a good read, a bit long and drawn out maybe, and believe it would transfer well onto film/TV (with a bit of judicious pruning). But whether it's a suitable vehicle for ODB is entirely another question. (Hmm. *thinks* Seem to remember me expressing exactly the opposite opinion re suitability in the past......hope they don't notice!)

Okay, okay...now I look a complete div as my initial question to Karen now appears directly below the answer! *humph* :-(

Can't stand turkey so I'll give MoB a miss so I hope Colin does as well.I had to read the passage three times before I took it in so I'll be no good with the book-can I join your div club please Tracy? (Eileen) C'mon Ev, everyone will be at the movies *ducking hurling rocks* LOL but it'll be me ducking those rocks when I admit that I'll be unable to go to see him .

Well, I'm on the wrong side of the Atlantic to hear ODB read an author I've never heard of before. Sciasia sounds like a post-modernist. (Don't get me started on that!) Clearly not a buddhist though. Metaphorical violence to achieve peace --- indeed! Lovely use of language, lovely humanitarian sentiments, but not much of a theory. I feel a verb of my own coming on. The verb to 'pass' in all of its moral and metaphorical indifference....What is ODB about? I suppose another paper-chain thingy is to be expected soon?

(Eileen) I'm intrigued by your paltry (or was that poultry?) assessment of MoB *hee hee* So far it's been a book I have no trouble putting down. And I should've characterized the selection as "putrid prose." ;-) (Tracy) But whether it's a suitable vehicle for ODB is entirely another question. Of course, he doesn't seek my advice on his career...oops...leisure time activities. (and I noticed the aboutface) (Sadie) Sciasia sounds like a post-modernist...Clearly not a buddhist though. Metaphorical violence to achieve peace --- indeed! Lovely use of language, lovely humanitarian sentiments I think he writes detective novels. ********** From Murph, Relative Values will be broadcast on STARZ! on October 22 at 8:00 pm ET/PT for the first time and then repeated at various times throughout the month.

(Karen) Is this horrid prose or what? I'd call it . . . poultry in motion.;-) (Sadie) I feel a verb of my own coming on. The verb to 'pass' in all of its moral and metaphorical indifference LOL! Am assuming that CF is doing this reading in English--didn't the original notice mention translated texts? Can't imagine there's a big audience in London for readings in Italian, whereas an English reading would potentially expand interest in this author's work. Or not.;-) I've said it before . . .Colin reminds me of the kid in the film "Breaking Away.":-)

(Mari)I'd call it . . . poultry in motion.;-) LOL! Now you made a puny. Maid of Butterball, that's a new Harlequin title isn't it? But does she actually butter any? How racey can a Harlequin get these days? I've said it before . . .Colin reminds me of the kid in the film "Breaking Away.":-) LMAO!

re: Sciascia...he's listed in the Who's Who of the Radical Party. Uh,oh...I feel the Italian FBI getting a file on ODB :-( "Wrong crowd, Colin...."

The Italian Radical Party is the only one that battles for legalization of pot. Hmm! And they also had a porn star as a congressional representative who once sat on a desk while congress was in session and took a long leak in a squating position.

(Moon) The Italian Radical Party is the only one that battles for legalization of pot. LOL--dude! The phrase fiddling while Rome burns comes to mind;-) I do remember the, er, incontinent porn star--La Cicciolina, right? Moon, just out of curiosity, what political party seems to be in control in Italy now (though I realize that "control" and "Italy" might not belong in the same sentence.:-) Would love to hear more about your trip whenever you have the time.

Hey, Moon, I read in the 8/28 edition of People that Rupie is in Italy. Well? ;-) (Sadie) Maid of Butterball, that's a new Harlequin title isn't it? No, you're confusing it with Maid of Butterworth, in which the heroine does interesting things with syrup. (Sadie) Sciasia sounds like a post-modernist...Clearly not a buddhist though. Metaphorical violence to achieve peace --- indeed! Lovely use of language, lovely humanitarian sentiments (Karen) I think he writes detective novels. LOL!

Leonardo Sciascia has been nominated several times for the Nobel Literature Prize. Seriouus stuff. Writes historical novels, as well as detective novels and essays on contemporary issues. Translated into English. Well, despite the opposition, I still hold out for "Maid of Buttermere" and think it could tranfer very well to screen. It's a tale of social injustice and inequality (do I detect a theme?). Liked the book as well! Mike Binder has just finished shooting another movie in the UK with Alan Rickman and Juliet Stevenson. Ian Holm was originally going to play AR's role. MB certainly gets good actors. I think we'll see "Londinium" in the UK,( probably a SLOW type opening!) and it can't be worse than some of our homegrown "comedies".

Bethan, I thought you, of all people, would pick up that most obvious clue to CF's next project--Sciascia writes detective novels. Think about it. Detective. Insurance investigator. Armadillo. *cracking myself up* ;-D Encountered MB in Sex Monster while channel surfing recently. After 5 secs, it appeared he couldn't act. By 10 secs, it was obvious but I wanted to give him a little benefit of the doubt. By 15 secs, I could no longer stand it. There must be something to him as a director because he indeed keeps working with high-profile actors. His resemblence to Woody Allen, perhaps? ;-)

(Bethan) I think we'll see "Londinium" in the UK,( probably a SLOW type opening! Oh...a blink and you miss it kind of thing, Fab! SLOW never did get anywhere me, hope I don't have the same probs with Londinium :-(

(Mari), I do remember the, er, incontinent porn star--La Cicciolina, right? Moon, just out of curiosity, what political party seems to be in control in Italy now (though I realize that "control" and "Italy" might not belong in the same sentence.:-) You are quite right my dear about Cicciolina. The current potical party happens to be the Bonzo Dog Party, but we have faith that the elections in April will change something. (Eileen), Hey, Moon, I read in the 8/28 edition of People that Rupie is in Italy. Well? ;-) I did know that,(blushing), he follows me everywhere. ;-) He wants to do a movie with a fantastic Italian singer named Mina. I guess he prefers her to Streisand and Cher. ;-))))

(Bethan) Well, despite the opposition... Appear to have gotten off lightly. Thought my casual dismissal of one of England's most important writers would have stirred up another war... It's a tale of social injustice and inequality As I tear myself away from the MOB (yet again), I must admit that I haven't come to this part yet. Those edifying passages detailing the scenery, followed by hiking and more scenery, then an educational discussion about goat cheese, followed by more scenery, onto boil lancing and drainage, and more scenery, and then a detailed description of char fishing and more scenery have held me in thrall. Perhaps it will get better. Mike Binder has just finished shooting another movie in the UK with Alan Rickman and Juliet Stevenson It stars Mike Binder and Janeane Garofalo. Has there been any press for this? Haven't seen any. MB certainly gets good actors I believe Evelyn had the definitive answer for this ;-) (Eileen) Hey, Moon, I read in the 8/28 edition of People that Rupie is in Italy. Well? ;-) (Moon) I did know that(blushing), he follows me everywhere. ;-) Mama mia!! You naughty girl. On his home turf. And I agreed to lay off. Must reevaluate after truth now comes out. ;-)

Those edifying passages detailing the scenery, followed by hiking and more scenery, then an educational discussion about goat cheese, followed by more scenery, onto boil lancing and drainage, and more scenery, and then a detailed description of char fishing and more scenery have held me in thrall. LOL Karen! With such fine PR am v. tempted to rush right out and buy it (even cheap little me). BTW you edited me out. I said 'not much of a theory'. But perhaps a great plot? And I still stand by that, potential Nobel prize winner or not. However, his Radical Party compatriot's profound act of pissing while in session clearly forces me to rethink my earlier gut-reaction of oh-no, not another immature bit of "pseudo-intellectual masturbation". (Have sunk to quoting from Stranger in a Strange Land but it seemed fitting somehow.) -D

(Eileen) Bethan, I thought you, of all people, would pick up that most obvious clue to CF's next project--Sciascia writes detective novels. Think about it. Detective. Insurance investigator. Armadillo. LOL! Eileen, maybe James Bond is in the cards yet!

(Moon)The current potical party happens to be the Bonzo Dog Party Hmm . . .have distinct feeling that leg is being pulled by that minx Moon. On second thought, if weed-friendly Radical Party gets in, could change name to Gonzo Bong Party.;-) (Sadie) his Radical Party compatriot's profound act of pissing while in session clearly forces me to rethink my earlier gut-reaction of oh-no, not another immature bit of "pseudo-intellectual masturbation". Ya gotta admit, Sadie: she sounds like a real political wiz-kid.;-)

*major groaning here*

(Moon)The Italian Radical Party is the only one that battles for legalization of pot. Hmm! And they also had a porn star as a congressional representative who once sat on a desk while congress was in session and took a long leak in a squating position. Ohmygawd...it's getting worse by the day .Like I said..."Wrong crowd, Colin" These people sound base...What can we do...to save him from himself. This guy needs medical help!

Actually, I think it was the Porn star who needed medical help.... Let me see, how did those lines in Breaking Away go? (I could be making this up, it's been awhile.) "Barney Rubble*, some actor. Rember how when he hits him over the head with a frying pan, And his head goes byong, and becomes the shape of a frying pan...wouldn't that be graate?" To break, as in "breaking away". *Barney Rubble, cartoon character from The Flintstones, for Europeans who have never been subjected to it. (Mari)could change name to Gonzo Bong Party...political wiz-kid LMAO Mari! But you've got to get the word 'Bang' in there somehow, don't want to leave out their most-seen member. Geez, and I thought the U.S. was a sinking political Titanic. You know, I'm not against the Pot thing. I'm sure none of them inhale. ;-)

You know, I'm not against the Pot thing. I'm sure none of them inhale. ;-) I am starting to get ideas for DBs birthday bang... I mean birthday gong. ;-)

You know, I'm not against the Pot thing. I'm sure none of them inhale. ;-) I am starting to get ideas for DBs birthday bang... I mean birthday gong. ;-) Of course, I mean birthday bong. ;-)

can we make that a birthday bonk?

(Moon)I am starting to get ideas for DBs birthday bang... I mean birthday gong. ;-) Of course, I mean birthday bong. ;-) (Judy)can we make that a birthday bonk? LOL! Bonk the gong? Isn't that an old song or something...

it doesn't sound a gong can you sing a bit to me? Of course Moon's original idea of a birthday bang maybe nearer the mark since there's a few of us -a gang..now whats the word I want?

I believe it's "gang-ho"!

Does Mr. Firth need medical help simply because you do not happen to agree with his political views? Interesting...

Does Mr. Firth need medical help simply because you do not happen to agree with his political views? Interesting... Steve from FP thought so too....anyway that's MO. Let's go back to bonging and bonking...

(Sadie)*Barney Rubble, cartoon character from The Flintstones, for Europeans who have never been subjected to it. Oh, we have, we have...;-) Moon, good of you to remind us of CF's birthday party. Though since Her Marcianess seems to have forsaken us, I wonder whether we shall manage to throw a fitting shebang ...bong... whatever...

(Sadie) LOL! Eileen, maybe James Bond is in the cards yet! Bite your virtual tongue.

The Sunday Times has an article about how ITV is going to remake Dr Zhivago as a three-part miniseries, with Andrew Davies doing the adaptation. As a result, there's a big pic of Colin as Darcy as a hook, but no mention of him in the article. In fact, there's no discussion of who they WANT for the Zhivago, only some big name actresses for Lara. So let's not put two and two together and come up with 16 ;-) http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/sti/2000/08/27/stinwenws02004.html BTW, filming is not until summer and autumn 2001.

Still, a very nice pic, Karen. (And I only got 8)

Hmm! I saw this over breakfast, and nearly choked on my cornflakes! Huge headline, ITV in �8million remake of Dr Zhivago, and a very nice pic of CF with subheading "Romantic leads". I pur 2 and 2 together and made 64...as would anyone, before actually reading the article properly. Mentions of possible female leads, but not male. It's interesting that it's being made with the financial support of "Mediaset, the Italian media company, built up by Silvio Berlusconi,the former Prime Minister. Sounds like an Anglo-Italian production, and the most expensive ITV drama series ever (per episode).

Haven't heard this before. Got it from a Crowe friend in the UK. That old Firth cut-up!!! "I read a funny story--he said that all of the cast were a little in awe of Julia because of who she is and the roles that she has played. They were all just thinking "that's Maria Von Trapp". She must have sensed this and one day there was a lull in filming and they were all looking out of the window across the fields and he starts to sing "The hils are alive with the sound of music" *LOL* and everybody just cracked up and started laughing--it really broke the ice." Murph CF as Dr. Zhivago? Lovely thought!

Monday 13 November at 6.30pm - Colin Firth will read from Italian writer Leonardo Sciascia Seems I have booked a trip to London in the wrong month, I�ll be there in September. Sob! Wish he could inform us about his appearances early enough for his fans to plan their lives accordingly. (Evelyn)What can we do...to save him from himself. LOL! luckily there�s always a chance that it�s Sciascia�s prose and thoughts that Colin admires, not the actual politics of the Party or pot or Cicciolina;-)

...with Dr Zhivago, he is to expand on themes in the book that were not reflected in the film. Sounds like Andrew Davies'meat....would be a super role for ODB if he'll do costume drama.Thanks Karen. (Evelyn)What can we do...to save him from himself. (Elena)LOL! luckily there�s always a chance that it�s Sciascia�s prose and thoughts that Colin admires,not the actual politics of the Party or pot or Cicciolina;-) Thanks Elena....you always put things in proper perspective....and with humor:-))(You know me too well ;-))

Murph, I had read that it was Julie who started singing, "The hills are alive with the sound of music", not Colin, and the cast laughed with her. I did read about a re-make of Dr. Z in Italy but there was no cast mentioned. It will be hard for any actor to take the role of Omar Sharif. He is Dr. Z as Colin is Mr. Darcy.

exactly - but one can dream.

Moon.I think you are right. My friend got her sexes wrong on The Sound of Music Story. Saw this today. Brief mention of CF: Binder hitches series at HBO By Cynthia Littleton LOS ANGELES (The Hollywood Reporter) --- HBO is developing a comedy series with comedian Mike Binder that aims to take a look inside "The Mind of the Married Man." HBO is close to greenlighting a pilot for the single-camera half-hour project, which is being eyed as a potential companion piece for "Sex and the City." Binder will star and executive produce along with Michael Rotenberg and HBO's Stu Smiley. Binder, a stand-up comic-turned-actor-writer-director, said "Married Man" will center on four male reporters at a Chicago newspaper. The pilot is expected to be shot in October. "It's an honest and frank look at how married men are when their wives aren't around," Binder said. "It's about how guys look at life and commitment and work and sex when they're in various permutations of marriage." In addition to developing the HBO project, Binder recently finished directing two indie comedy features, "The Search for John Gissing" starring Janeane Garofalo and Alan Rickman and "Londinium" starring Colin Firth, Stephen Fry and Mariel Hemingway. Binder's other feature directing credits include 1994's "Blankman," 1993's "Indian Summer" and 1992's "Crossing the Bridge."

All: Is odds and ends still at 136?

Is odds and ends still at 136? Sure is...and will be humming a little later, I expect ;-) Thanks for the info about Binder. A TV show set in Chicago? Wasn't his home turf of Detroit sexy enough? ;-) Guy's got to pay the bills somehow. We're all in for a real treat. ;-)

From the Starz website, here are additional broadcast times for Relative Values during October (times shown are all ET/PT): Oct. 22 at 8:00 pm Oct. 26 at 10:00 am and 6:20 pm Oct. 30 at 12:30 pm and 8:00 pm

Karen-what is the URL for the Starz website? I searched, but didn't find it. Thanks.

If you put in www.starzencore, it now switches you over to their easily findable: http://www.800superpak.com/se/homepage.html What a bunch of idiots... ;-)

Isn't it about time that we heard for sure what his next project is, apart from his reading & writing of course.