(Karen) Shoot! Should've searched on "news" and not "events/venues." I hate the LA Times' setup. You should try reading the hard copy paper without the searching capability :-(. I scoured the entertainment section looking for FP news and found nothing. Then I saw Anne's message so had another go. I finally found the FP blurb buried in the once weekly listing of all the movies playing in the entire southern California area. This weekly listing is three to four pages of tiny, tiny type that lists all the films in alphabetical order with a tiny description of the film. FP is listed under "Special Screenings Saturday" and says only the following. "World Cinema 2000 (Monica 4-Plex [310-394-9741]) Fever Pitch (1997). An obsessed English football fan's life becomes complicated when he meets a woman. Based on Nick Hornby's (High Fidelity) novel. 11a.m." Now with that exciting description and eye-catching publicity, doesn't that make you want to rush out and see it? Somehow I doubt Phaedra is going to get an audience with this pathetic effort at advertising. There is no mention of it playing again on Sunday, no mention of playing at any other venues in following weeks and the movie is not listed anywhere on the listing for the movie theater where it is showing :-(. The on-line search capability is all well and good, but unless you already know about the movie you're not likely to find it by searching. Most people I know choose what movie to see by looking at the movies listed at each theatre so it's quite a shame that FP doesn't show up there. I'm also v. disappointed that the only times it is showing is three Saturday and Sunday mornings which is not exactly a convenient time to go to the movies. Not to mention that it's the most difficult time for me to try and sneak away from the DH to see a CF film ;-).

I just realized that the previous post sounded more peevish than I intended. Sorry to take out my frustration on all of you! It's just that Phaedra has been promising an LA showing of FP for two and a half years now, and let's just say that this is less than I hoped for. Sigh.

Perfectly understandable, Jana. Where else to vent your frustration about this lunatic strategy than here...the Peeved and Vexed board. (kidding, kidding - venting is healthy). Chin up. Give the hubby a long grocery list, take that shrink wrap off your new video and pop it in the machine. Paul will chase those Phaedra blues away.

Attention anyone in the Boston area: RV is playing in the Boston Film Festival today (7:15 pm and 9:30 pm) and tomorrow (11:45 am, 2:15 pm, and 4:30 pm). Brief, lukewarm review in today's paper concludes with: "Andrews exudes a starched warmth, and there are first-rate, crisply British comic turns by Colin Firth as a foppish nephew and Stephen Fry as a wizened butler."

Gorgeous pic of our birthday boy on the Entertainment Tonight website. Go to: http://www.etonline.com and click on celebrity birthdays. Looks like it's from a premiere, Livia in background.

Where else to vent your frustration about this lunatic strategy than here...the Peeved and Vexed board. (kidding, kidding - venting is healthy). That's news to me...I thought we were supposed to keep our frustrations under'lock and key'... *winkie*, *winkie*..... Psst... evelyn,,,that's just selective frustrations ;-))

(Heide) the Peeved and Vexed board LOL! The P&V board alternates with the Dancing with Joy board. Thanks for the ET link, Mari. Looks like it's from a premiere Yes, that's his copyrighted LA premiere suit ;-). Pic looks to be from LA SiL premiere.

Sunday Express had a page and half devoted to the birthday boys, "Colin and Hugh: Who's Top at 40?" Various categories. End result: Colin Fanciability Rating: With breeches - 10/10 Without breeches - 6/10 (obviously, woman writer hasn't reread what she wrote) ;-D Grant Fanciability Rating: 5/10 Black and white pic of Colin and Livia from some premiere/party. Same one as done before (red and black dress), but much larger and clearer. V. large pic of Hugh and Liz (in full color), with her wearing red and black see-through, cut up to waist dress) Am putting together and will post in its entirety. BTW, on p. 4, which highlights articles in Monday's paper, is notice for one on Jonathan F: 'Wasn't the Traffic Bad this Morning' Jonathan Firth on how small talk gets him through TV sex scenes.

Without breeches - 6/10 (obviously, woman writer hasn't reread what she wrote) ;-D HotPig and P were pre-abs, of course ;-D Am looking forward to reading the whole. Thanks for posting, Karen.

Am rethinking whether need to post, as is shoddy piece of tabloid reporting, absolutely nothing new, partial quotes that we've all seen before...

Please post Karen,we're used to shoddy reporting,it gives us something to get our teeth into:-D

Prompted to have a quick surf at The Mirror's site http://www.mirror.co.uk/(couldn't find any HG/CF billing debacle story) I happened across an interesting little button....search Mirror picture library - filled in the box, clicked go and 'Lo and behold' found to my sheer delight about ten shots (some of which I hadn't seen before) of ODB with/without Henry/Livia/Meg etc. This may be old news to many seasoned droolers for which I apologise...but couldn't deprive the non-enlightened of these great pix!

OK, here it is: http://www.spring.net/karenr/articles/express091000.html Not sure I'm going to link it or keep it up. The HG/LH pic is not the one in the paper. Can't find the longer shot on the web. But I know you don't really care. ;-D

Thanks Karen! I enjoyed reading that....as tabloids go, it's quite respectable. And much more favourable to Colin than Hughie! BTW the info on "Speaking with the angel" was from Choices Direct, a UK mailorder company for videos and talking tapes. I rang up for information. They were the ones who told me that the tape was to raise money for the charity for autistic children. I asked who was actually reading...and the salesperson reeled off the list of names. Also said one story had a "bad languauge" warning!

Thanks, Bethan. I remember you or somebody else had posted that Choices Direct had that info, but none of the other sites has posted it yet. And much more favourable to Colin than Hughie! CF is the clear winner.

Thanks, Karen! Now they have Livia listed as a script writer. I guess we will never know the truth.

Hey Bethan, on your suggestion I left a comment re DQ on the BBC website and guess what I received a reply today. Nothing new I am afraid and full of inconsistencies. They say there are no plans to screen DQ this year and I must appreciate that they only plan two weeks ahead, if that is the case how do they know it won't be screened this year. I said that if they had no intention ever of showing DQ would they please say so, have yet to hear a reply to that.

Thanks Karen...flattering article for Colin. Livia Giuggioli, a beautiful Italian scriptwriter,... That woman has more career changes... However, a recent survey for Company magazine of the 100 most sexy men in the world put Grant at a pathetic number 87, miles behind the top choice, Robbie Williams. Now that's embarassing....but who is Robbie Williams?

Re: Writing to the BBC These are letters to The Times: BBC squanders its classics goldmine From Ms Irene Shubik Sir, I was particularly interested to read your coverage of the BFI poll of top TV classics (report, September 6), as I was responsible for two of the programmes listed, Edna, The Inebriate Woman, which I produced on Play for Today, and The Jewel in the Crown, of which I was the deviser. Some months ago I suggested to the BBC screening a repeat season of Play for Today classics, accompanied by interviews of the key production people involved. The response to my idea, which eventually landed in the documentaries and history department, was quintessentially Birtian. It consisted of a bland few lines from two typed names in the "Development & Strategy Unit", first telling me that they were not interested, then giving the following warning: "Even if in the future we produce or commission a programme which you believe is the same or similar to your suggestion, but which has come coincidentally from another source, we cannot compensate you." I subsequently wrote to Greg Dyke, who had recently taken over at the BBC, forwarding the letter and wondering what happened to newcomers trying to put ideas to the BBC if someone like myself, who had produced for 14 years there, received such a response. My reply came not from Mr Dyke but from his correspondence secretary, who told me to communicate in future with her. At that point, needless to say, I gave up. Coincidentally, at the same time, I was commissioned to update my book on producing Play for Today for a new edition because of the ongoing interest in classic TV. Yours sincerely, IRENE SHUBIK, September 7. From Mr Gavin Wilson Sir, The BFI's list of many wonderful television programmes serves only to highlight the BBC's squandering of its magnificent archive. Masterpieces such as Pennies from Heaven (No 21), Blue Remembered Hills (No 36) and A Very Peculiar Practice (No 89) have never been available on video or DVD. Indeed, the BBC's failure to capitalise on the DVD explosion is a national disgrace. So far the BBC has only a paltry eight titles in its DVD catalogue, when some film companies already offer more than a hundred. What sort of government would grant the BBC a licence fee increase above the rate of inflation when the corporation is sitting on such an unexploited goldmine? Yours sincerely, GAVIN WILSON, September 6.

Hmmmm, lots of interesting stuff mentioned. BBC still a big wet blanket in the CF fan's life. Who is Robbie Williams? They can't mean Robin Williams, even if he is a sweetie. I always care about longer shots, Karen! I did read the whole Tabloid article too. Thanks for link to pics Tracy. I followed your instructions and viola! I still don't think it makes sense for a non-Brit to protest no BBC airing of DQ when I don't get BBC, but glad people are stirring the pot.

I followed your instructions and viola! I couldn't see any viola, though... I still don't think it makes sense for a non-Brit to protest no BBC airing of DQ A non-Brit can always express a surprise and commiseration on behalf of Brit friends... also anxiety if delays in British airing of programs mean that the American fans of the Beeb productions will be deprived. And there are Brits visiting Spring, of course.

I followed your instructions and viola! I couldn't see any viola, though... I still don't think it makes sense for a non-Brit to protest no BBC airing of DQ A non-Brit can always express a surprise and commiseration on behalf of Brit friends... also anxiety if delays in British airing of programs may mean that some foreign fans of the Beeb productions will be deprived. (Doesn't always apply to the Australians, lucky things!)

Robbie Williams is an English rock singer. Very handsome, talented too (IMO:-) Biggest hit so far I guess would be Millenium, out late last year. Has a new one out that I heard the other day; don't know the name of it yet, sounded great though.

Thanks Mari, it's ringing a bell now.

Hmmm, I of course meant "voila", and simply made a typo. I appreciate that most droolers don't find it necessary to correct or point out these little human occurrences.

(Ann) I left a comment re DQ on the BBC website and guess what I received a reply today. Nothing new I am afraid and full of inconsistencies. They say there are no plans to screen DQ this year and I must appreciate that they only plan two weeks ahead, if that is the case how do they know it won't be screened this year. *snort* Have had another brainstorm about BBC communication strategy. For each day of the week, there is a single, universal response to any inquiry about any program. Bet they just hit a button and all the e-mails say the same thing. Let's see what Wednesday's response is! ;-D

I appreciate that most droolers don't find it necessary to correct or point out these little human occurrences. Oh, lighten up. For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?

...Sounding fareley crankie today. Did some one get up on the rong side of the bed? Besides, knot awl of us subscribe to Mr Bennet's filosophie of life.

BTW, Colin did not get a birthday mention (again) at ET this weekend. Taped the show and they mentioned Hugh's for Saturday, but only Ryan Phillipe and Amy Irving's for Sunday. Maybe next year...

knot awl of us subscribe to Mr Bennet's filosophie of life. I see. Fiddlesticks, but no viola... ;-P

Thanks Karen,a fun article really & more publicity for BJD.CF does come off better but we know that already. I received my reply from the beeb today, sounds very similar to Ann's, apologizes for irritating me & then irritates me more by referring me to RT mag for info on listings.Since our emails to them don't seem to be having any effect maybe Sadie's idea of some sort of group effort would work. (Do hope my spelling is up to scratch *snort*) Synchro?

Sorry to hear of your frustrations when dealing with the BBC ---Ann & Judy. Just let me know when you want to start the revolution! (Eileen)Bet they just hit a button and all the e-mails say the same thing. Let's see what Wednesday's response is! ;-D LOL Eileen, sounds like American political campaigns! (Karen) BTW, Colin did not get a birthday mention (again) at ET this weekend. That's disappointing! I caught mention of RZ on ET (I forget which night) though no mention of BJD. Arami, Mr. Bennet is no model for how to win friends and influence people, and let's just leave it at that. In other words, let's just agree to steer clear of each other, ok?

Hi everyone Thanx for all your welcoming words at Colin's birtday celebration. It was a fabulous idea and very well done...funny as hell too ! Is this the topic we use for current Colin meanderings ? Karen e mailed me (thanks Karen ) a listing of the Colin Drool topics. However, I have a really crappy/slow computer and its hard for me to jump from topic to topic and I do want to keep up to date with you all. If I want to jump from this one to the Bridget Jones topic, for example, whats the best way to do it ? The only option I curently have, is to click on the Prev Topic button. That gets me to the BJ topic ok, however it takes me to the very first posts from 2 years ago and, I then have to spend AGES scrolling thru all the poss to get to the most recent. Any tips, fellow Firthians ? Was just reading some old posts about Colins weight. I think its a load of rubbish. He may have worked out to get in BETTER shape then he was in, but he was NEVER, EVER flabby. The nerve !! However, he does have a wide, somewhat fleshy face that will probably get jowely ( I know I've spelt that wrong, but you know what I mean ) as he gets older. So I suppose, his face can look abit porky in pix, but to me, it just adds to his rugged charm ( sigh ....) I've always thought he had a very distinctive, expressive face, not bland, or "neutral" as some interviewers describe it. I think thats what I love so much about his face, theres nothing of the "pretty-boy" about it....just pure character....yum !! It's an interesting face, dontcha' think ? I'd better shut up now, I'm starting to ramble. Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to get my monies worth. Who knows when I'll be able to post again with my rotten computer ? See ya Bethanne

Good, Bethanne, you finally made it over. If the "new" setting can't work for you because there's too much out there that is "new" for you, try the "week's worth" setting. For the main page is: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/browse/drool/all/since/-7 For Colin: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/134/since/-7 For Bridget: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/131/since/-7 Then you can use the "new" settings. Bookmark these: http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/131/new http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/134/new

(Sadie) let's just agree to steer clear of each other, ok? Oooh, pushy little number, aren't you? ;-P

Tracy, thanx for the link to the CF pix on the Mirror's website. I have read several references in CF interviews/articles to the famous "vacume" tabloid photos, taken when P&P fever was in full flight back in '95. Tabloid journalists were staking out his home and these pix seeemd to represent the national obbsession with CF at the time. I have been just DYING to see them ever since. So thanks for the link. Pity the pix are so small though, any ideas on how to enlarge them ? Beth.

Bethanne: Navigation suggestion: Once you become a regular visitor to drool, keep your handy little notebook by your side and note down the last response number for each topic you visited. (Ex: this would be 134.637 -- =Topic 134, response 637). Then next time you come in, just type into the address bar above the last place you were in (i.e.: "... drool/134.637") and "enter" -- you go right there and load only the new messages. To jump from topic to topic, just go up to the Address bar and type in the next Topic and response you want. (Using "new" is fine, but it has a disadvantage: it doesn't allow you to print down what comes up and in order to print, you'd have to note down the first response number and enter it into the address bar anyway). If this confuses, just ignore it. ;-)

Great idea....thanks ! 'Scuse my ignorance of navigating the drool rooms, but I only recently aquired my own PC, so I'm still learning the ins and outs of the internet....still, better late than never !!

(Judy)Synchro? LOL! If I understand you, yes, today. Welcome Bethanne! I was only able to pop into the B-day party quickly, and didn't have a chance to greet you there. he was NEVER, EVER flabby....So I suppose, his face can look abit porky in pix, but to me, it just adds to his rugged charm ( sigh ....) You've touched on one of my fave subjects --- Colin's face. I too don't care for pretty boys and much prefer CF's looks. I don't think the camera always does him justice --- maybe loses some of the subtle contours of his face. Have you noticed how amazing he looks in extreme close-ups where nothing is lost? I'm thinking of that P&P scene when he's in the carriage travelling from Pemberley to London to find Wickham. And those sideburns, sigh. But that's another subject....His face doesn't look at all fleshy then...or when he's sitting by the pond, skinting, looking damn sexy....I could go on and on, but I try to restrain myself these days. You should come by Darcy Drool --- that's where we discuss him endlessly in great detail.

hmmm, I meant "squinting" of course. Fingers slipped on the keyboard. Must remember to wipe drool.

Those cheeks were made for pinching ( Sadie) Ha snap!!

Anne R found a new interview with Jon Firth in a Scottish newspaper. Link here: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Theater/3782/stone2.html A lot of Colin too. They are not the closest of brothers, IMO.

Interesting article on JF. I dunno about the "closeness" of the brothers bit. There are seven years between me any my brother and its really, really hard to be close to a sibling with a big age gap. One is already an adult and getting on with his life, when the other one is still a child. It makes any real closeness tough. I think there is another JF interview at the same site, talking about CF letting JF stay with him for long periods of time while J was still a struggling young actor. They apppear closer in that interview. I don't believe that he isn't just a wee bit jealous of his brothers success. How could he not be ? Sadie, glad you agree with me on Colin's delectable face. You used the perfect word...contours. I think thats the reason George Clooney and Brad Pitt don't do anything for me. I know they are very goodlooking men, but my stomach does not do the somersaults when I see them on screen that happen when CF is up there. Their faces are just too smooth and bland to draw my interest. There is a fabulous pic of Colin at one of his many websites, it may be Firth Frenzy or Colin Firth:Faces. Anyway, go to their photo gallety and look at the black and white photo from Empire Magazine. Its just an amazing picture. He is looking down at something, with his head bent. The camera portrays the beautiful play of shadows on his cheekbones. As it's a black and white and not a colour pic, the play of light on the planes and angles of his face is beautifully accentuated. Check it out !! Gotta go now, I'm drooling so much I'm making a mess onm y keyboard. O yeah one more thing, whats the Darcy Drool you are referring to ? Is this different to topic #134 where we are are right now ? See ya

Yes, Darcy Drool is at #112 where we drool about CF as Darcy, as opposed to drooling about CF as Colin (such fine distinctions, eh?) At BJD though, you can drool about Colin as Darcy because he is Mr. Darcy, v. confusing. -D

Quick catch up.. Just to say that I also had an email reply from the Beeb re DQ..."no plans to show the film DQ at current moment but they're sure I'll be happy (I'm ecstatic!) to know that DQ the series will be returning in 2001." (Same reply as Anne's) Sheer codswallop, to put it politely! Have now absolutely no faith in any of the BBC's utterances! ButI see that in the latest news on Lisa's Timeline website (always v. accurate) she's got news that DQ is scheduled by the BBC for the fall, and a precise date for "Blackadder".Here's hoping she has a reliable inside source! RE junior bro, I remember reading (and don't ask me for the source, probably something I read at the hsirdressers :-)) a comment by Helen Fielding, that she went to watch Arsenal with NH, Colin and his brother. And something about them having the same sense of humour. (this was before CF was married). Article in "Timeout" about a demonstration planned in London about plight of asylum seekers in UK and increasing racist attacks and racist agendas in the media. It's on Nov 4th, and there's a march to the Home Office from the Embankment in the morning, followed by a public rally in Trafalgar Square.

Bethan, I had a second email from the BBC today and they say that although DQ is not scheduled for this year it is earmarked for sometime in 2001, we can only hope and they do seem to be talking about the one-off drama DQ and not the series whatever that is.

Bethan, hate to burst your bubble, but the Timeline info (Blackadder date and DQ airdates) came from here. Perhaps you skimmed over those posts long ago. Actually, I think the fall DQ airdate was one you had posted ages ago. *hee hee*

Well, I went ahead and emailed the BBC using that form. I only hope they're not too rude when they tell me it's none of my business and call me a typical interfering American.

(Bethan)ButI see that in the latest news on Lisa's Timeline website (always v. accurate) she's got news that DQ is scheduled by the BBC for the fall Bethan...many of those CF website editors are Spring lurkers and get their info here, then post it on their websites without giving Spring as the source. We are always pleased to have them, however...just wish they would give us the credit;-)

Actually, I think the fall DQ airdate was one you had posted ages ago. *hee hee* I did wonder about that! Going round in circles.....oooooooooooo. I *was* told "October/November" :-( although DQ is not scheduled for this year it is earmarked for sometime in 2001.. Sometime? Well, what's two years. And ratings for the Beeb are at an all time low, the Controller of BBC1 has been "removed" from his post, the Director General is apologising for the lack of good drama (no money!). Cloud cuckoo-land!

(Evelyn) many of those CF website editors are Spring lurkers and get their info here, then post it on their websites without giving Spring as the source. Well, we can always coax them out by posting pictures from their sites here ;-). Am disappointed the Beeb can't come up with anymore creative run-around lies *oops* I mean responses to DQ inquiries. They seem to be alternating between these two stock replies--completly shoots down my two theories about their communication strategies. Rats. Thanks for JF article, Murph (good thing CF was referenced or OT police officer [aka spelling police] would throw you in jail). LOL about all the sideways references to Leprechauns (assuming he hasn't done many other American projects).

(Eileen) completly shoots down my two theories about their communication strategies. Rats. But have you forgotten the others? "Don't know anything about it." (which is tried first) and "Check your RT to see when it will be broadcast next" (a fairly new approach) That 4 stock responses. Surely there was another, so that your day-of-the-week theory holds.

Well, I went ahead and emailed the BBC using that form. I only hope they're not too rude when they tell me it's none of my business and call me a typical interfering American. Thanks for your support, Sadie! I'm all for the "interfering" approach, and plan to carry on interfering about this until I get a definite answer! It's good that Timeline has highlighted DQ.....might prompt more complaints to the Beeb. Welcome Bethanne! I agree with you about the delectable face. Hopefully after BJD hits the screens, there'll be a global appreciation.

Is anyone taking the DQ "conspiracy" theory to the papers? I would add that BBC is spending money on developing that Blair project... Will that be shelved too as too political or does BBC have a political bias that should be exposed? (an anti-Thatcher cum Brian Souter parable is not OK, but a Blair expose is?)

(Karen) Is anyone taking the DQ "conspiracy" theory to the papers? To me, that's the most effective way to go, starting with contacting that Scottish journalist because a) DQ is already on his radar screen and b) he already raised the issue of political controversy and DQ. A sympathetic ear, IMO. Have not had any luck trying to contact various phone numbers for info on the London Filmfest--could someone local give it a try? I was able to talk to someone at Sunlight Productions in LA (Binder's company) who told me that Londinium is "still being considered" for showing at the Fest. So, maybe the full program isn't available yet. Anyway, Londinium is not, as it stands now, being shown at any other fest. They are "showing it to exhibitors," trying to get distribution.:-(

I agree wth Bethan,Sadie 'interfer' as much as you want.I still think Sadies idea is a good one,a group effort,maybe we could do a joint one highlighting the some of the varying replies we've been given.I'll be interested to see what reply they give Sadie,if they tell her to read the RT then I'll know they're not reading the emails properly.Also we need to make a point of the series business,they didn't mention it to me.My reply was from Richard Carey,anybody else? A Blair expose - well he's giving us enough ammo to make it interesting,I have mixed feelings over Colin playing a Blair type figure.

Mari, see 136 re: film fest As I've said, writing the BBC is IMO useless, falling on deaf ears, as they say. Unless you mention the conspiracy/coverup aspects and say you are taking this to the press, you'll get no where.

Judy and Bethan, I was wondering if you have been communicating with the same person as I have. I have had two emails from a Damian Whyte, BBC Information and the second was much more positive, "ear-marked for 2001", is the most definite answer we have received, I think. Not sure about going to the papers Karen, we may be making a mountain out of a molehill just because it is CF. BTW much as I love to hear that JE & SD have two projects each lined up when oh when are we going to hear something about Colin, has he disappeared off the face of the earth since BJD finished!

Ann,Richard Carey is from BBC info as well.Had you sent another email or did he send it of his own accord? I am going to email back because I wasn't impressed with his reply. Agree its about time we heard what he's doing next.

Judy try writing to Damian Whyte at BBC info, he seems to know what he is talking about. Both emails were in response to mine but I did make a point in the second one that I thought not showing DQ was a real shame and a waste of license payers' money!

Damian Whyte knew that DQ was made in conjunction with Pandora Films who had Distribution Rights and said that was possibly why fans in Australia had already seen it!!!

I'm glad I have my copy of DQ..I doubt it will ever be shown in the US unless they use sub-titles. I have been writing to the BBC off'n on for over three years now on various projects....they never know what they're talking about..nevah!Hopeless!

The e-mails I received from the BBC was written by Cathy McNeill - yet another one eh! They certainly do have stock answers cause mine were the same as Ann's Interestingly the Director of BBC Scotland took our ABC over at the end of the last year and January we got D.Q. couldn't just be coincidence could it!

Sunday Express article CF beats HG! Just wait 'til MD beats DC in BJD. Our boy's gonna come out smelling like roses. Cute find, Karen. Gah! Susan thanks for the info on the Boston Film Festival. Not a word since. Guess that means no one made it. Unless it's been posted elsewhere. Sorry, not finished checking. Sounds like they're slipping these films in at the last minute. Bad for us. (Evie) .I thought we were supposed to keep our frustrations under'lock and key'... *winkie*, *winkie*..... Hey, you never heard that from me. I vent with the best of them, just different subjects, and you know I'll never put a muzzle on me. ;-) (Bethanne) I dunno about the "closeness" of the brothers bit. .. its really, really hard to be close to a sibling with a big age gap. One is already an adult and getting on with his life, when the other one is still a child. Good point. I think their closeness depends on which tack the writer wants to take with his article. I don't believe that he isn't just a wee bit jealous of his brothers success. Well if one of your recent roles required you to wear a blonde wig and put on fairy wings, you might be a little jealous you didn't get to play the Master role in TOTS too. ;-) And that was a cheap shot and totally beneath me and should be deleted immediately. (Sadie) Darcy Drool is at #112 where we drool about CF as Darcy, as opposed to drooling about CF as Colin (such fine distinctions, eh?) At BJD though, you can drool about Colin as Darcy because he is Mr. Darcy, v. confusing. -D You explained it all very well, you clever girl. I went ahead and emailed the BBC using that form. I only hope they're not too rude when they tell me it's none of my business and call me a typical interfering American. Now what do you care? We wouldn't be American if we weren't interfering. Good girl and I shall follow suit. It's for personal satisfaction if nothing else. (Bethan) Article in "Timeout" about a demonstration planned in London about plight of asylum seekers in UK and increasing racist attacks and racist agendas in the media. It's on Nov 4th.. Good find. Please keep eyes pealed for us. (Evie) I'm glad I have my copy of DQ..I doubt it will ever be shown in the US unless they use sub-titles. LOL! I'm with you there. (Eileen) Well, we can always coax them out by posting pictures from their sites here ;-). Make that a double snort for me.

Whats the scoop regarding the Sunday Express article about CF beating HG in the last post ? Is this the story from last week, about Colin being ticked off at HG getting billing over him ? If this is a new story, can you post it in its entirity, pretty please ? If it's the same billing feud story, just ignore this post. Thanx.

Same story from 131. Wouldn't want anyone to be ignored.

(Karen)That 4 stock responses. Surely there was another, so that your day-of-the-week theory holds. Yes Karen, fifth response is: There's no DQ here. We've just been wasting your time. They are actually the Monty Python crew enjoying a reunion, and have rewritten the Cheese Shop skit as "Cheesy Snots Skit". I have not received an answer yet from them, but at least I'm in good company. ;-) Thanks for your comments both Bethan and Judy. I feel better knowing you perceive it as support. I think it's time we opened up Pandora's box! What about going to the papers and contacting other CF fansites to get them involved in effort? The reason I think our own e-form dumped into their email would be more effective is 1) they would be forced to look at it; 2) they would realize that we are organized, international and complaints are not just a random occurence. (We are everywhere! suspense music here) What if we dumped emails into newspapers as "open letters" to the BBC? It doesn't really matter what their reasons are for hedging. Point is they are hedging, and we want DQ now! (Ok, so am just a rebel looking for a cause -D) (Heide)Well if one of your recent roles required you to wear a blonde wig and put on fairy wings, you might be a little jealous you didn't get to play the Master role in TOTS too. ;-) And that was a cheap shot and totally beneath me and should be deleted immediately. Wicked woman, I'm glad you didn't. Regarding email: Go to it! (I've been waiting for opportunity to say that.)

Okay rebel I still think that e-form is the way to go 'not just a random occurence' loved that,wonder what they think of all these DQ e-mails coming through. 'Go to it! (I've been waiting for opportunity to say that.) *applause* (couldn't resist)

Hey if there is some mass e mailing to the BBC that we can do, to ensure DQ makes it to our screens post haste, just let us all know and we can all take a crack at it. I'd love the Beeb to broadcast it so that my Mom in Ireland, can tape it for me. I'm dying to see it. CF loooks yummy in the snappies I have seen so far. After the limp characters he portrayed in My Life So Far and Relative Values, it will be nice to see him play a strong character again. Yum ! PS I rented Another Country at Blockbuster a few days ago. If any of you haven't yet seen it, do yourselves a favour and check it out. It's CF's very first film role and the assurance and confidence emminating from the 22 year old fresh-faced boy, is just staggering. In the movie, he plays a character who is very contemptuous of everyone and everything around him. Remind you of anyone in particular ? It's facinating to see CF as a sneering, mocking school boy and then fast forward 13 years later to the sneering, mocking, adult man from P&P. Rupert Everett has a much louder, brasher role than CF but its Colin who I can't take my eyes off in all of their scenes. He even keeps all his clothes on throughout, fancy that ! Anyway, check it out. PPS Major drool fest happening at #112 right now. It's hot stuff, but wear yer' wellies or you'll get soaked !! See ya

While having had the pleasure of seeing Another Country, I've never had the pleasure of seeing it stocked at my local Blockbusters outlets. The only CF film ever available from them was Valmont. Since My Life So Far and Shakespeare ... there are two films on the Colin shelf. Not that they display them that way but there's a thought. Colin's played a lot of flawed characters recently, hasn't he. But here Tommy was a model of integrity. Still you could see the turmoil and conflict he felt underneath. But oh! that hair, Louisa. That great thatch of pouffy hair was the first thing I noticed. Just as his teeth were the first thing I noticed in Valmont. ;-) If you like seeing our boy as a teenager, Bethanne, you should try Dutch Girls, if you haven't already. Though Another Country's not there you might also have fun checking out Film Discussions at colinfirth.com that Karen and Kirsten culled from our topic 98

And of course 1 + 1 + 1 = 3, not 2. Sorry I can't add, but do we really care?

(Heide) Gah! Susan thanks for the info on the Boston Film Festival. Not a word since. Guess that means no one made it... Sounds like they're slipping these films in at the last minute. Think you're right about the last-minute scheduling -- this one totally blindsided me. Didn't hear anything about RV being on the schedule till the day it was to be screened, and wasn't able to line up a babysitter on such short notice. Sorry:-(

(susan)Didn't hear anything about RV being on the schedule till the day it was to be screened, and wasn't able to line up a babysitter on such short notice. Sorry:-( Listen Susan....No need to apologize...you earned your stripes with MLSF two years ago.You're my hero:-) Besides...it's gonna be on the telly next month;-)

Totally agreed. Unless RV were playing close by, I wouldn't bother, given its immiment airing on TV. No need to feel bad, Susan.

Regarding Another Country: I think it's the first time I found a plaid bathrobe sexy. CF really emits a great deal of virility too --- and he's so young! I also think he makes communists seem v. sexy. -D (Heide)And of course 1 + 1 + 1 = 3, not 2. Sorry I can't add, but do we really care? Not me! I didn't even notice. Why nitpick when we can drool? Susan (hello btw) I'm just impressed that you knew about and were tracking the film festival.

Bingo on the Another Country bathrobe, Sadie. 'Wot about the the striped PJ's as well ? I aslo love the glasses that keeps taking off and putting on in exasperation. His character is VERY verile, if you ask me, physically and emotionally. His mental strength of character and dogged adhearance to his convictions (especially when subjected to the ridicule of his peers ) is O so attractive , when seen beside the rather effette, wishy-washy Rupert Everett character. Astonishing performance in somone so young, dontcha' think ?

Sure looks like RV is doing the festival circuit internationally. Would definitely pay to check out all FFs even in the US before the 10/22 airdate. Ben Elton�s Maybe Baby opens the Dinard Festival Of British Film, which runs October 5-8. In the competition section, Guy Ritchie�s Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels� follow-up Snatch will square up to another much-anticipated, low-budget UK crowd-pleaser - Stephen Daldry�s Billy Elliot. Also up for the Hitchcock d�Or at the Brittany-based event are Peter Sheridan�s Borstal Boy; Paul McGuigan�s Gangster No. 1; Simon Cellan Jones� Some Voices; and Aileen Ritchie�s The Closer You Get. Other films screening at the event include David Kane�s Born Romantic, Ken Loach�s Bread And Roses, Kevin Liddy�s Country, Julian Kemp�s House!, and Dominic Anciano and Ray Burdis� Love, Honour And Obey. Mark Herman�s Purely Belter also makes an appearance, as do Eric Styles� Relative Values, Khalid Al-Haggar�s Room To Rent and Nigel Cole�s Saving Grace. Rounding out the main section are Jamie Thraves� The Low Down, Marleen Gorris� The Luzhin Defence, Genevieve Jolliffe�s Urban Ghost Story, Gurinder Chadha�s What�s Cookin� and Declan Lowney�s Wild About Harry. Director Julien Temple is expected to attend a tribute section showcasing his work. Films screening in the sidebar include Absolute Beginners, Pandaemonium and The Filth And The Fury. The Late Oliver Reed and Alec Guinness get tribute retrospectives Here's the website for the fest, although is in French: http://www.festivaldufilm-dinard.com/

(Sadie)I also think he makes communists seem v. sexy. -D And Socialists!

(Sadie)I also think he makes communists seem v. sexy. -D (Evelyn), And Socialists! That is a very thin line. ;-)

What he makes attractive is the form, not the content. I.e., not communists or socialists as such - but all idealists in general. (Bethanne)Astonishing performance in somone so young Exceptionally accomplished and effortlessly confident. A born actor.

Francoise from the Firth list posted this yesterday. If CF is in this, my heart might start to beat faster again! **************************** I found this on the Lola Film site. No mention of Colin. Fran�oise. _______________________________ In pre-production are "Gaudi Afternoon" to be directed by Susan Seidelman and starring Judy Davis, Marcia Gay Harden; the Carlos Saura directed English language period drama "The Maid of Buttermere" to be shot in the British Lake District, and the next Manuel G�mez Pereira Film, the English language comedy "Off Key".

Sorry, Murph, but that writeup at Lola is very very old. They've redesigned the website, but the page is ancient, probably from December 1999. Can tell from the status of the other films. Not only is Gaudi Afternoon not in preprod, but it is screening at film fests. Thanks for thinking of us. *sometimes I feel my lot in life is to squash rumors about MOButterball* ;-)

(Bethanne)Astonishing performance in somone so young, dontcha' think ? Indeed I do! Loved the glasses observation BTW. (Evelyn), And Socialists! (Moon)That is a very thin line. ;-) True, although having myself been both at one time or another, I think generally, the socialist men had a better sense of humour, but the communists were better l -- sorry, too much information! ;-D (Karen)*sometimes I feel my lot in life is to squash rumors about MOButterball* ;-) LOL Karen, turkey and squash go well together. And soon turkeys will be flooding grocery stores for December holidays too! I recommend special virtual glasses which run fave CF film when this occurs. (Or, fave sections from Possession?) -D

Girls, girls, girls, shame on you !! How could you say such nasty things about turkeys ? They are fowl without fault ! Remember, Bridget Jones ? The topic of Mark Darcy ( sigh, drool, slobber ) is first brought up at her mothers post-Christmas turkey curry buffet. Please, I will not have the bird responsible for all the lust filled thoughts that we have about a certain movie being released next April, insulted in this manner. If shagging Mark Darcy at a turkey curry buffet is good enough for BJ it should be good enough for us too ! PS Why do you all love Posession so much ? I read it s few years ago and thought it a pretty tedious read. Am I wrong ?

(Sadie) And soon turkeys will be flooding grocery stores for December holidays too! Sooner for us, as the big Turkey Day is in November. (Bethanne) If shagging Mark Darcy at a turkey curry buffet is good enough for BJ it should be good enough for us too ! "Shagging over" is one thing. Appearing in one is quite another. ;-D Re: Possession - we're talking about it on 137.

RE. Maid of Buttermere, I think there's more up-to-date news (I think!) at http://www.lolafilms.com .... if you check Lolafilms UK and Production. "Gaudi afternoons" is mentioned as in post-production, and MOB as part of a large slate of (ongoing) projects.

Same source, Bethan.

Evelyn), And Socialists! (Moon)That is a very thin line. ;-) (Sadie)True, although having myself been both at one time or another, I think generally, the socialist menhad a better sense of humour, but the communists were better l -- sorry, too much information!;-D Hey...wait a minute....I was just joking....I don't care what anyone is.Don't want to start an argument here;-))

The Italian Cultural Institute has updated its website and has a page for the program. It says the following about Colin's appearance: monday 13 november - 6.30pm Colin Firth reads Leonardo Sciascia (in English) One of the best known and popular actors working today, reads from the Sicilian author's works: "The Day of the Owl" and "Council of Egypt". Also says that Judi Dench will be doing a reading Cesare Pavese (in English) on November 27 http://www.italcultur.org.uk/futeve.htm

Does anybody know about the ticket availibility for CF's book reading on Nov 13 at the Italian Cultural Institute ? I saw on the website that it is free, so are tickets even for sale ? I will be visiting my Mom in Ireland some time in October or November and, I might just scoot over to London town for the day, to see our Darling Boy. However, I'm not going to go to all that trouble and expense, if I can't be absolutley certain that I'll get in. Could any of our wonderful UK based droolers call them up and find out if will it be on a first come, first served basis on the night of the reading, or do you need a a ticket in advance, to get in. Thank you so much !! PS Anybody else thinking of going ?

(Evelyn)Hey...wait a minute....I was just joking....I don't care what anyone is.Don't want to start an argument here;-)) Well, I was just joking too...and only speaking from my own limited experience. Notice I had nothing to say about Republican men -D *ducking* But then, CF has nevah played an American Republican. *Sadie's mind staggers at the thought*

Go to it Bethanne. And you know we will expect a full report. You may only have to R.S.V.P. You might try emailing them directly. To think that my DH will be there during that time. If only! :-(

Well, its not a done deal yet. I'm only going to do it if I can be 100% certain that I can get in. I mean, can't you imagine the hordes of lust crazed women beating a track to their door on the night ? Plus, the airlines need to have some pretty cheap seats on offer, before I can do it. Keep your figers crossed for me.

can't you imagine the hordes of lust crazed women beating a track to their door on the night ? It won't happen, you have nothing to fear. BJD is not out yet. ;-) I think Mark is on holiday now, but maybe we can talk him into going?

Bethanne, my understanding is that the response to the Sciascia reading has been so heavy that it's likely you will have to be a member of the Italian Institute to get in. But not to worry, it's easy to join!:-) 30 pounds per individual, or 40 pounds for family/friends which entitles entry for up to 4 people. Normally these readings are free, but because of the high interest (wonder why?;-) they may have to restrict it to memebers only. If you're serious about going, I'd call them as soon as possible. There also is a possibility that they may make audio tapes of the reading. Many thanks to the FoFs for the above info.

Normally these readings are free, but because of the high interest (wonder why?;-) they may have to restrict it to memebers only. Really? I doubt that the place will be filled with Italians. Must be those Volvo ladies (the new members), doing lunch. ;-)

Thanx for the info, Mari. I just came from the FoF website but I didn't see anything about this book reading there. I clicked on "new projects" and found nothing, then I went to "news" and the most recent newsy item is about Fever Pitch. Where do they have their CF/ICI info ? Thanx.

Now that I've got your attention.... Spring needs money in order to operate. There are many different kinds of expenses we incur at Spring. Some are one-time only and others are ongoing. Right now, we are raising money to pay for the very specialized software (Yapp) that makes these discussion boards very unique. We need a larger license to accommodate all the people who visit these boards, whether they post or not. If you are a lurker and visit here and just read, you are still creating a "hit," and the license we have is not sufficient for the number of visitors we get on a daily basis. When we exceed the license limit, the conference boards shut down automatically until Yapp determines that a new day has started. To keep Spring alive, we need to raise $1,000. In the past, a handful of people have kept Spring afloat. Many of our Drool supporters in the UK have taken advantage of get-togethers with US friends in order to pass along cash contributions. So for this fund-raising effort, I have put out the call for everyone to do what they can. For those in the US, payment can be made by check or by an electronic transfer via the PayPal system. In the UK, we will have a person who can accept your payments (by cheque or bank draft) and see to it that the monies reach us. For those of you in other countries, please email me. No addresses will be posted on these boards. Please email me for details.

The play Another Country is again being staged in London. There's an interesting article in The Independent. While it mentions Colin, liked the discussion of how the movie/play differed. When it was first seen in the early Eighties, the play helped launch the careers of Rupert Everett, Kenneth Branagh, Colin Firth and Daniel Day Lewis. One of the reasons Julian Mitchell is glad to see it revived is that he hopes it will "get the film forgotten-�even though I did the adaptation". A powerful aspect of the theatrical version is that no member of staff is ever seen: the only adult character is Vaughan Thomas, a sexually ambivalent literary intellectual who comes, as the guest of his nephew, to have tea in the Fourth Year library. The invisibility of members of staff brings home forcefully the frightening amount of discipline that was delegated to the prefects. Despite the panelled rooms, it feels at times almost like Lord of the Flies, the atmosphere charged in the panic that follows the suicide of one of the boys found in flagrante delicto by one of the masters. Required to "open up" the movie, Mitchell had to lose the eloquence of this pupils-only angle. But though teachers hoved into view on screen and there were new episodes depicting the young Guy Bennett's passionate crush on Harcourt (Rupert Everett and Cary Elwes shyly batting their beautiful lashes at each other), Mitchell was forced, ironically, to drop Vaughan Thomas (and his pacifist perspective of honest doubt) because the film medium can't tolerate much discussion of ideas. Then again, to satisfy the international market, the movie had to include an explanatory framework. Guy Bennett was first seen as an old man being interviewed in exile in Moscow, the body of the film a long retrospect. But, as Henry argues, the play version is more effective because it bides its time before springing its surprise-�that it is decadent Bennett and not Judd, the romantic Marxist and respected school joke, who will end up working for the Russians. Only towards the close should the various images that we've seen of Benne t-�gazing through binoculars, say, at the sexual talent in the quad-�be recalled as spooky premonitions of espionage. Full article here: http://www.independent.co.uk/enjoyment/Theatre/Theatre/2000-09/anothercountry200900.shtml

*Delurks* Hello, everyone...have been lurking here for ages (thanks for letting me read you over my morning cofee--this is far better than the morning Post!). Anyway, wanted to throw in a few words about the reading. First, I've exchanged a few e-mails with the Institute. I sent off another one this morning, regarding whether membership or an RSVP is necessary--as soon as I get my reply, I'll pass the info on. Second, I'll be in London for the reading (fortunate vacation planning on that one). I'd love to go with a fellow drooler, as my knowledge of Sciasca's works is appalling (and really, it's not like I'm going because of who's being read!) Back to being fully cloaked...