Jennifer Naw!! Don't put that cloak back on...especially when you may have an exciting Drool item to relate in the near future. As you probably know, many people here would pay to hear THE MAN read the telephone directory; we live for tales of near-CF encounters. Yes, please let us know what the Institute has to say regarding admission. I have some info about Sciascia's book, which I can email to you, but really, who cares about the text! ;-D

Wow, did I ever get a quick reply. Based upon the latest Institute e-mail, it looks as though you're going to have to be a member, and RSVP, for this one. I've just spent a very frustrating hour trying to ring the Institute to verify this. (for anyone who actually knows how to dial internationally, the number is (020) 7235 1461) It looks like I will be joining and will most likely go for the friends and family option, meaning I will receive three guest passes. Anyone who is planning on attending and doesn't want to fork over the 30 pounds, feel free to e-mail me and I'll see if I can use my passes for the event. Still quite vexed over my inability to dial internationally...grrrrr.

From the US you would dial: 011 + 44 + 20 7235 1461 Intl access code+ country code, then we drop that first zero in their numbers. Is only used within UK.

Welcome Jennifer! So happy to have you join us and with such good news! We will be awaiting your report. Our own (if I may be so bold! ;-), Mark G. might be up for one of the passes. He is on Holiday now, I think.

Welcome Jennifer! Cant wait to hear all about the reading -Pay close attention cause we're going to want lots of details! :-)

WELCOME JENNIFER !!!!!!! Don't you dare get back in that closet. The world needs more dedicated droolers and we now consider you one of us, so its too late to turn back now. Thanx for the info regarding CF and the book reading. I would love to be able to commit to going now, but I won't know until mid November if I'llhave the time off work to make the trip.... Grrrrrrrrrrr Hope you have better luck dialing internationally. When I call my Mom in Ireland I dial 011-353-1 and then her phone number. 353 is the Ireland code, so just substitute the UK one for 353, 1 is the number for Dublin, so in Londons case, you would put in the area code for London. I'm sorry, this is probably no help at all. Anyway, welcome aboard.

Looks like fall is a much better time for Coward...25 cinemas this week: 1. Strode Theatre, Street, Somerset 2. South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell 3. ABC Cinema, Gerrards Cross 4. UCI 10 Parc Tawe, Swansea 5. Rex, Elland 6. Curzon, Eastbourne 7. Caledonian Allanpark, Stirling 8. Stevenage Cineworld The Movies, Stevenage 9. Wakefield Cineworld The Movies, Wakefield 10. Bexleyheath Cineworld, Greater London 11. Cineworld, Chesterfield 12. Rex Cinema, Wareham 13. Luton Cineworld, Luton 14. Swindon Cineworld, Swindon 15. Ashford Cineworld (Eureka Leisure Park), Ashford 16. Cineworld, Weymouth 17. Cineworld, Runcorn 18. Shrewsbury Cineworld Multiplex, Shrewsbury 19. Wolverhampton Cineworld The Movies, Wolverhampton 20. Milton Keynes Cineworld, Milton Keynes 21. Cineworld, Huntingdon 22. Stamford Arts Centre, Stamford 23. Cineworld, Newport, Isle of Wight 24. Cineworld Wood Green, Greater London 25. Cinema 3, Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury

Thanks Karen for the info...looks as though Cineworld has picked up RV. Thanks also for the posting on Spring funding. Will email you re. this.

Welcome Jennifer

Is there any information as to the casting of the current production of "Another Country"?

Welcome Jennifer (or Jen-Jen? I kinda like that too). A first-hand report of the reading would be most welcome. Hope someone can go though I know it would be a tough job for most of us to appear serious in the work of Sciascia and not the reader himself. Perhaps glasses, an all-black ensemble and a large piece of tape for the mouth to prevent reflex squealing would do. Interesting info on Another Country. Think the near absence of adult figures in the play to be very artful. The opening of the film is disconcerting for me only in Rupert's dreadful makeup to portray him as elderly. Would enjoy seeing the play though would prefer to go back in time, oh 17 years or so, to see our boy as Guy.

Personally, if I attended the reading, I think I would be in more need of a large piece of rope to tie me into my chair, as I doubt my own abilty to stay upright for very long. I think I would probably slink into a mushy pool of drool on the floor, as soon as he opened his mouth. This would also save Security, the hassle of having to continually pry my hands away from my iron clad grip of his legs, as I hurl myself repeatidly at the podium/stage. Srtaight jacket, anyone ?

I managed to drag myself over to Pasadena this morning to see Fever Pitch at the theatre during it's extremely limited Los Angeles run. It was fun to see it on the big screen, although I use that term losely since the screen it was showing on wasn't all that much bigger than a big screen TV. But it was bigger than my TV, and it was still a treat to see Colin at the movies in a film I like so much. There's that thrill when the lights go down and his name flashes up on the screen. Also as many of you have said, it was much easier to pick out the details (such as the teary face after the people are injured at Liverpool) then it is on my video copy. The copy of the film wasn't too great unfortunately as there were lots of static-y flaws popping all over the screen, but Colin looked great. Seeing the film at the theatre reminded me of why I love Paul :-). The crowd was very light, but actually bigger than I expected given the fact that there was no advertising at all for the film and it was showing in the morning before the theatre opened for regular business. There were nine people including me - six men and three women. Two of the men laughed a lot and loudly all the way through the movie which was enjoyable. I've seen it so many times it was fun to see how newbies reacted to it. I doubt we did enough business in LA to propel Phaedra to getting the film released in other cities, but it sure wasn't easy to get an audience there without any advertising!

"Blackadder" movie is on Sky1 next Sunday, 9pm. Brief item on radio arts programme about William Boyd mentioned that he "had written" a screenplay adaptation for his novel "Armadillo".

Thanks Bethan,keping fingers crossed for Armadillo. Sky have been showing clips of Blackadder all week including Colin's part,but haven't said when its on.

*sitting here, envious of you, Jana* So glad you finally got to see FP on the big screen. Speaking of FP, all of the online video sellers (amazon, buy.com, etc.) are showing the US release of the tape for November 21; it's at a "rental type." But the more important news is that there will be a DVD too for about $15. No pic of cover yet. (Remember, for those who want to buy the vid, get it from Canada.) So you could see FP at Blockbusters in about two months. (Judy) Sky have been showing clips of Blackadder all week including Colin's part,but haven't said when its on. Ha! More misleading advertising, I see. Sky must be taking its cues from the advertising for Turn of the Screw. Colin is in Blackadder for less than TOTS. Blink and he's gone.

Karen you're not kidding when you say 'Blink and he's gone.' I heard his voice first but when I looked up ,it was all over,with patience I've learnt which part of the screen he's on so when the trailer starts I stare at it *baa,baa*

Is there any information as to the casting of the current production of "Another Country"? (Heide) Would enjoy seeing the play though would prefer to go back in time, oh 17 years or so, to see our boy as Guy. He's the only reason I ever see AC...but if there is that much interest in Drool over the current production ,I'll take myself over to see it and give you a report.

If you want to read the entire Colin part in Blackadder, go here: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/BA.html There are also three pics from the booklet.

Anybody know if Fever Pitch is showing in Atlanta, or is it just a LA/New York release ? I've checked my local paper, but I haven't seen anything.

You're not going to believe this, but *my* prayers have been answered!!! Donovan Quick is in competition (for first and second time filmmakers--not the major prize) at the Chicago Intl Film Fest http://films.site9internet.com/scripts/WebObjects/filmfest.woa/wa/film?film=31 It is showing on Saturday, October 14, at 8:30 pm and Sunday, October 15, at 4:00 pm Says that Franceschild came from Evanston...even better!! ;-D

Oh that is wonderful Karen, I am so pleased for you and you get to see it on the big screen and it is showing at prime time as well, oh lucky you. (wish I lived in Chicago!!)

Good news, Karen! Would love to hear the audience reaction. ;-)

(Karen) You're not going to believe this, but *my* prayers have been answered!!! Woweee! Someone pried it off the BBC shelf just for you, Karen! Hmm, seems a *very* timely present...;-D

Yes - WOW. Great news Karen

Super news, Karen! I have every confidence that you can more than ably conduct the requisite grilling of your homegirl, Donna F. :-) I like the pic they chose for the DQ page. Karen, didn't they say at one point that it wasn't "shot" for the big screen (for some techie reason beyond me). Was looking at the Fest's list of sponsors and BBCAmerica is one of them. Bethanne, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for FP to come to your town, since a)the video is due out soon and b)Phaedra are numbskulls. :-( Jana, glad you got to see it on the big screen!

(Mari) didn't they say at one point that it wasn't "shot" for the big screen (for some techie reason beyond me Yes, was not on right film type, although some fests accept Betacam Spand/or Digi Beta as this was shot on. Was wondering if this signals a change in strategy and are going for theatrical release instead of television. So many more British films are coming to market that maybe they think we might go for this one. Will do my best to find out. Right now, am composing my rave comments for jury to overhear (as will sit in row behind them). So far, I like these: "Best film to come out of Scotland since Ratcatcher." And, "Get so tired of those super dreary ones like Trainspotting; this was brilliant and politically incisive. What incredible writing and acting!!" (and as Lizza well knows, I will say these things as did in Donmar refreshment area in front of influential media people)

(Karen) What incredible writing and acting!! Ooh, say this one first. Alternate suggestion: 'Wow, that Colin Firth is one super/brilliant/wonderful [pick one; don't want to sound too effusive ;-D] actor. He should do more British TV.' That last part was for you, Evie ;-)

Way to go Karen.......looking forward to hearing if you are able to remain calm and composed through out the showing, or will you just disolve into one soggy puddle of drool. If the gorgeous DQ snappies are anything to judge by, they will have to pour you out of the cinema. I am soooooooo envious Anyway...........YOU GO GIRL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Karen) Was wondering if this signals a change in strategy and are going for theatrical release instead of television. But . . .if not on right type film is this a possibility? Or do they just have to be careful where they book it? Would be wonderful if it is. Admittedly, I know *less than nothing* about this. I like your rave comments for jury to overhear. Yes, this is in good hands.:-) As another alternative, suggest: "And the dialogue is *so* much easier to understand than Ken Loach's films." ;-)

Karen, am very happy for you. Must be all that good Drool karma....

(Mari) But . . .if not on right type film is this a possibility? Ah, but the reason (aside from screening the film for DF's family and friends) it is being shown on the festival circuit is to get a distributor. (v.v. important question that is always asked if filmmakers attend and take Q&A) The distributor would pick up the costs for transfering it to the right film stock. Besides, with all the digital stuff out there (Timecode) perhaps has less relevance. "And the dialogue is *so* much easier to understand than Ken Loach's films." ;-) All depends who is talking? ;-D But I'll definitely put that on my crib sheet.

forgot to add to this: But I'll definitely put that on my crib sheet. As Paul would say, "you have to vary the answers."

(mari)--Bethanne, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for FP to come to your town, since a)the video is due out soon and b)Phaedra are numbskulls. :-( Jana, glad you got to see it on the big screen! I just got an email from my friend at the Pasadena Playhouse. Thought you'd be interested in his reaction to FP:    ~~~~~~~As I indicated to you last week, on this past Saturday I went to see FEVER PITCH at the Laemmle theatre around the corner from the Playhouse. As I think I mentioned, I would have completely missed it, if it hadn't been for my friend ******, who works in the box office of the Playhouse, and whom I had told that I wanted to see the film. There were only 2--count'em, two!--showings at that theatre, since they were part of the Laemmle's World Cinema 2000 program, which are special showings of films that happen so quickly that they don't even put the names of them up on their marquee. You have to either catch the name in the movie listings in the paper, or else have gotten a copy of their flier, or, as in my case, have a friend who happened to catch it in the paper's movie listings.    Anyway, I found it a very enjoyable and well done film, frankly better (in my opinion) than many films that get much longer runs at movie art houses. And that's something, coming from someone who is not much of a sports fan. Colin Firth just made the character so appealing, that I couldn't resist him. Since the film actually was released in 1997, the print we saw showed quite a bit of wear and tear; apparently there aren't that many copies of it, so it gets shown a couple of times at one theatre, then passed on to the next one. I would imagine that when you get a video copy of it (I haven't checked, maybe it's already available) it will be made from a much cleaner print than the one I saw.    I'm glad you told me about the film. I hope you get to see it soon.~~~~~~~~ Who knows, Jana, he was probably in the same audience as you!. ;-) (As to my seeing it soon in a theatre near me... fat chance!) :-D KJ

Wow, that came from out of the blue. Great news and how fitting it's showing in Chicago. You must have been a very, very good girl for this reward. What a great (just a bit late) birthday present for yourself. Right now, am composing my rave comments for jury to overhear (as will sit in row behind them). Great idea. Just make sure you're not sitting by yourself. ;-) Tell us more when you can.

Couldn't happen at a better FF than Chicago.Our Girl Karen will not dissolve into mush of drool...believe me. Made of better stuff;-) Will have her script and strategy mapped out. DQ deserved more than just a BBC TV viewing. ( Had to get my dig in, ya' know ;-)

Great news for you, Karen!! But the mystery deepens. Is this a breakaway movement (aka Australian TV) by Donna Franceschild, or is there a change of policy by the BBC? All the other UK films showing at the Festival are film-films (as opposed to TV films) ("Hotel Splendide", for example, went on general release in the UK last week.) But if so, why not show DQ at the London/Edinburgh Film Festivals (it showed at Cork)....it's the right kind of film for the reviewers. And the format seems okay for a single screen showing. Puzzled.

Here's a real treat--Colin being interviewed at the RV premiere. YUM! Thanks to FoF Fran for finding and sharing: http://www.virtueinteractive.com/film/events/relativevalues/index.html

Thanks, Mari! I am stuck with Network congestion before they got to Colin. In all hopefulness I will be able to see it later.

The Real Player one takes a long time (with normal dialup) connection to see and Colin is last. It will stop and do a lengthy buffering about 5 times before you see Colin...but, need I say, his is the very best. Looks mah-vel-lous and gives the best answers of the bunch. Makes the "hills are alive" crack. The Windows Media player option is more like a slide show of stills. Not v.g. in comparison.

He's the best one by far. And did you hear the crowd shouting "Colin"!! Love his hair for Bridget.What a treat. Thanks Mari and FoFs.

O my, thanks for the RV link Mari. That was just wonderful, his short BJ hair, his BJ/top lawyer suit....Mmmmmmmmmmmm !! Wasn't it polite of him to apologise to the media for being late ? Very few other actors would bother. Anybody hear what the question was that he replied " I never really noice what I'm wearing " ? I couldn't quite make out some of the questions, but anyway, who cares as long as we got the answers, right ? He sounded mega posh I thought, a la Mr Darcy. Karen, I thought in one of your e mails to me, you said he didn't speak like that for real. Whaddaya' think ?

(Bethanne) He sounded mega posh I thought, a la Mr Darcy. I thought he sounded a like Paul when he said 'I've done alot of it [think the question was about costumes??], haven't I?'. Thanks, Mari.

No, he speaks in RP, although he didn't use a "daren't" as on this vid. Think I said he doesn't dress like Mr Darcy IRL - as far from it as possible. And his buddies didn't look like anyone Mr Darcy would know, let alone hang out with. ;-D

I don't know if this is new news or if, as usual, I spot things after everyone else, but if you've got a healthy bank balance, you could have a lot of CF in November in the UK! http://www.choicesdirect.co.uk have full details of "Speaking with the angel" talking tape. 10 stories raed by the authors. 4 tapes in all. Running time 360 minutes (36 minutes of his master's voice!) Available 02 Nov �10.39 http://www.blackstar.co.uk have details of My Life so Far ....available to buy 23 Nov at �53.59 Relative Values....available to buy 20 Nov at �59.19 I'm hoping that this means they'll be avialble for rental on these dates as as well (as happened with SLOW...still �66 to buy!)

Karen - Wot' were his friends like ? Remember, I didn't get to go to the Donmar. Details please, details !!!!!!! Holy S**t !! 60 quid for RV....thats insane !

(Karen) Donovan Quick is in competition (for first and second time filmmakers--not the major prize) at the Chicago Intl Film Fest wow, Wow, WOW!!! Great news, Karen. Couldn't have happened to a more deserving fan of this film or to one who could make more of the opportunity than you will. It seems poetic justice that it should land smack dab in Chicago, just like Dorothy's house. (OK, OK, I know that's Kansas but you get the idea.) I just can't get over the fact that after all the mis-information and stonewalling circulating about this project that it pops up at a film festival. V.v.g. news. (KJ) Who knows, Jana, he was probably in the same audience as you!. ;-) You're right -that's the same showing I went to! I'm sure I saw him since a) the theatre was very small; and b) I was sitting there by myself and people watching because I was early and the movie started 10 minutes late. My DH opted not to get up early and drive across town to see a five year old CF movie - go figure ;-). KJ, your friend was right - the copy of the film was pretty bad, but I'm really glad he enjoyed it. Maybe he was one of the gentlemen I could hear laughing at all the good lines. I especially liked this comment that he made: Colin Firth just made the character so appealing, that I couldn't resist him. An excellent summation of this movie, if you ask me :-). (Evelyn) He's the best one by far. And did you hear the crowd shouting "Colin"!! Loved that part, but what the heck was up with that screechy music between the interviews? Had to keep turning down the volume during that. But the material point is Colin looked gorgeous. V. promising for Mark Darcy :-).

ATTENTION UK FANS I shall be meeting Ann W. at Brighton on Saturday. Please send your Drool Donations to Ann ASAP so I can bring them back to Karen and thereby not have to pay the conversion currency fee. Email Karen for Ann W's post address.Any amount....whatever Drool means to you...will help meet the goal.Let's make this a real Drool Team Effort... Went to Donmar last night. Report on 136

From Screendaily (9/26) - Looks like Carlos Saura's next project is ready to roll and it isn't... Altavista boards Saura�s Bunuel fantasy Growing Mexican production outfit Altavista Films is one of three international partners to board veteran director Carlos Saura�s forthcoming feature Bunuel And King Solomon�s Table (Bunuel Y La Mesa Del Rey Salomon). France�s Les Films Sans Frontieres and Portugal�s Hora Magica have also joined Spanish producers Rioja Films and CPI to back the much anticipated film from one of Europe�s premiere directors. Saura and producers Jose Antonio Romero of Rioja Films and Ferran Llagostera of CPI were on hand at the San Sebastian International Film Festival to present the project, a fictional adventure tale incorporating three legendary figures of Spanish culture: Luis Bunuel, Salvador Dali and Federico Garcia Lorca. The veil also was finally lifted on the actors who will play the leads: El Gran Wyoming as the old Bunuel, Pere Arquillue as the young Bunuel, Ernesto Alterio as Dali and Adria Collado as Garcia Lorca. The $4m film will shoot entirely in Spain for nine weeks beginning next month. International cast is expected to be announced in the interim.

Reposting of Bethan's message from above as do want to lose relevant information: Thanks for the posting on Carlos Saura, Karen! His latest film "Goya in Bordeaux" has just opened here to good reviews - he's taken seriously by the critics. As you know I'm a definite fan of the MOB project. I phoned LolafilmsUK to ask them about MOB (why haven't I done this before?). Very helpful young msn told me that MOB was still "on", but wouldn't be filmed this year. I asked when....was told "late spring at the earliest" next year He asked me to phone back towards December, when there would be more definite information. Didn't ask about the casting...will do so next time. Also, according to the Radio Times, "Blackadder back and forth" is available in BBC DVD in November, price �19.99

Don't forget, UK droolers, Blackadder Back and Forth is on Sky One at 21:00 tomorrow (Sunday 1st.

I don't know if this is old news but...according to the Amazon.com site, Valmont is being reissued on October 3. One of the mail order video stores told me this last year, and I have been crossing my fingers since. I can't wait to get my hands on a fresh new copy, as the one I rent periodically is showing major wear.

How nice, Lynda. Don't think the Valmont reissue news had been posted. Wonder if that means there'll be a DVD too, with *extras*???

Hmmmm...perhaps a new box cover - "Starring ANNETTE BENING". However, if there are new pictures I'd say it's worth a new copy. ;-)

Lynda, thanks for posting about re-release of Valmont. Must buy back-up of taped copy (from Encore). With the release of V in October, and the SWTA book/tape in November, am preparing myself for this new Firth of the Month Club. :-) (I wish...happy thought, indeed.)

(Lynda) I can't wait to get my hands on a fresh new copy, as the one I rent periodically is showing major wear. *heehee* Bet I know which parts are worn... ;-) (Karen) Wonder if that means there'll be a DVD too, with *extras*??? Hmmm, would pay extra for 'making of whirly-twirly scene'. Speaking of Valmont, those of you who've seen Almost Famous, what do you think of Fairuza's looks? Hope those chipped front teeth were fake. ;-)

what do you think of Fairuza's looks? Not bad for one that owns and runs an occult/new-age shop in Hollywood. A vg casting call on CC side.

Sounds interesting: TUESDAY Adapting the classics discussed by Andrew Davies and Jenny Uglow, with extracts from TV adaptations, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 (020-7412 7332) 6.15pm.

Fairuza Balk's chipped may well be fake, simply in the service of the character. It would be disconcerting to think that she can't afford a dentist. With luck there might be an issue of "Valmont" on DVD. Commentaries on the project could be illuminating.

Here's a link for more info (has pic of you know who): http://www.bl.uk/information/events/chpverse/september_events.html

Who saw Blackadder Back and Forth yesterday evening then? Apart from the obvious pleasure of seeing ODB in a pair of tights I have to say I was a tad disappointed with the piece. Being familiar with the TV series I thought the one-off show was not up to the usual standard of humour but I put this down to the fact that it had to cater for minors seeing it rather than its usual adult audience. In terms of length of CFs performance I suppose it ranks alongside TToTS (also having unfortunate hairdresser on staff ;-/) and could hardly have been called stretching (first appearance 1min 25secs and second appearance 10 secs -I kid you not - blink and you'll miss him). Nevertheless I did chuckle now and then, particularly when , in response to Blackadder's tirade (and sound kicking poor lamb) "..... that is for Ken Branagh's endless uncut four-hour version of 'Hamlet'.", Shakespeare (CF) retorts with puzzled expression "Who's Ken Branagh?". Who indeed! I have to say though *shielding self from tomatoes and sundry blunt instruments to be hurled imminently* I'm afraid there was evidence of Cornel's "p" word (but I suppose it was filmed ages ago - definately pre-arrival of new honed MD form). So that's my opinion - what say the masses?