Hi Nellie...good to have you on board.Cute article. *I * can see Colin as Bond, but I thought it was already decided. Some obscure Irish (?) actor?? (Rachael)..thought the book was a little odd Wait til you hear about the author;-))

(Evelyn) but I thought it was already decided. Some obscure Irish (?) actor?? Yes, Pierce Brosnan, although I'd hardly call him obscure. ;-)

Ever since they ran out of "real" Bond stories--those written by Fleming, the Bond movies have been getting ridiculous. There used to be a delightful toungue-in-cheek nature to them. And I think Colin's "interest" is a remark he made in a similar vein. Now Bond has become a caricature. I'm not sure he'd really do Bond. After all, Colin fights like a girl. ;-))

And that was only when he was trying to do "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." OOPs sorry Karen! Don't want to incur your wrath even more than Aussie journalists. Anyway by his own admission he's got his ownn Bond girl at home, why bother going on screen to find one.

(Lizza) OOPs sorry Karen! Don't want to incur your wrath ???????????????????????????????????????????????

Welcome Nellie!! I'm a newbie myself and even though I don't post that much, I love to read what everyone else posts.

Karen, CTHD, is I know one of your all time fave films! See, I remembered this time ;-D

Catherine Zeta -Jones was a guest on Larry King Sat. night. She talked about how difficult it was for her to be taken as a serious actress in UK after television.[ I know, I know...some of you don't like her...] Oddly enough, she didn't even mention 'Out of the Blue" with Colin;-) And I think Colin's "interest" is a remark he made in a similar vein. Now Bond has become a caricature. I'm not sure he'd really do Bond. C'mon...Bond is *every* guy's fantasy...doctor, lawyer or Indian Chief.

Colin as JB, Good Lord !!! What tosh !!! Although, I do so love the idea of his deadpan expression of complete distain, when one of the Bond hotties, siddles up tp him and tell him her ridiculously improbable name, in a breathy, bedroom whisper. I always loved it when Pussy Galore or Plenty O'Toole would introduce themselves to Sean Connery. He would barely raise an eyebrow, but would growl sexily "Of course it is..... " or " Naturally..... " Gets me every time...sigh.....over to you Col

I thought the James Bond thing was ruled out for Colin ages ago ... article in the guardian, I think, comparing the merits of various actors - I'll try and find it. re our earlier discussion of Conspiracy, here's a copy of an email received today from BBC info (not had an answer from Alan Yentob yet) "Thank you for your further e-mail regarding 'Conspiracy'. I am sorry that you feel my previous answer was somewhat vague, however, we cannot confirm future schedules and I would not want to give you a misleading answer. It may well be that at some point we will be showing this production however, as I have stated I am unable to confirm this. Please be assured that your interest in seeing this broadcast has been made available to BBC management. Thank you once again for contacting us. Regards Richard Carey BBC Information" so now you know who to write to ....

(Richard Idon'tCare-y) Please be assured that your interest in seeing this broadcast has been made available to BBC management. LOL! 'Has been made available...'? BBC management? Har har! (Rachael) so now you know who to write to .... You mean who *not* to write to.

(Rachael) I'll try and find it. Really, no need to do so. Perhaps I should open a topic for JB to post all the manufactured news. Pierce Brosnan is doing the next Bond. He's under contract. Beyond that (2-3 years' time), it's anyone's guess...unless he starts looking like the grandfather that he is... ;-) (BBC) we cannot confirm future schedules Face it, this is policy as they've often said. They *will* not confirm future schedules. All you can do is make your wish known to BBC management.

I was over at JN�s egroup and I saw this site entitled �The Boyfriend of the Week.� http://www.megwood.com/ Of course, I had to check out the past boyfriends, and happily found that she had made CF �Boyfriend of the Week� twice. The article is long. Apologies if it has already been printed. http://www.megwood.com/boyfriend.html April 23, 2001 Well, hell, people. This is a first, ain't it? I had a really swell NEW Boyfriend all ready to go for this week -- I'd even made you guys sit and stew for seven days to build up the suspense, right? And the plan was to wrap up this short series with one last oldie but goodie. I even had a special little twist to give you -- one that I'm SURE you would've fully enjoyed. Yet instead, you're all here, totally boggled by the fact that up on the screen right now is a face that looks pretty dang familiar, if you do say so yourselves. In fact, familiar, nothing, that's no new Boyfriend up there! Meg's recycled an archive! What kind of scam is this girl trying to pull, anyway? Now, granted, it's been a few years since I first featured Colin Firth. But still, it just makes no sense, I know. I've NEVER gone back for seconds before. I NEVER have that second cup of coffee at home. And yet, boggled or not, here we all are again! Taking a step back into the past to take a second look at an old favorite. What the heck is going on? And, perhaps even more importantly, you're thinking, how do I get my money back? Oh stop it, all of you. You never paid anyway, you cheapskates. You're worse than those people who stole Stephen King's e-book chapters without sending him the buck. I was too couth to ask for money, yet I can see King was right -- psshhh. You guys don't do anything unless you have to. Well, fine. And anyway, I can tell you what's happened and, what's more, I can do it using only three words: "Bridget Jones's Diary." If that isn't enough to tell you all you need to know about my motivations this week, than you must not have hit the theaters yet. Yep, I just saw the movie (which is based on a book I totally loved) and when I left the theater, Mr. Darcy had done it again. I was (and am still) swooning like crazy, y'all. I just cannot, CANNOT, resist this man. So, here we are again. And, the good news is that this makes for a very simple write-up for me. Because, the old write-up says everything about the "Pride and Prejudice" Mr. Darcy that I loved so much (P&P was also rerunning on A&E last week -- so I've definitely had Darcy on the brain). And, as you may know, in "Bridget," Colin plays a different character who is also named, not so coincidentally, "Mr. Darcy." What you may not yet realize, however, is that they are really the SAME character, right down to the sexual tension they both create with their scowls, insults, and poor attitudes and their totally delicious and stomach-flipping kisses that seem to take over six torturous hours to arrive. So, if you loved him in P&P, you'll love him in Bridge. I quite happily report that nothing has changed. Excuse me for a moment -- I've got to go scream "ARRRRRRRGH!" at the top of my lungs. Whew. Okay. So, here's the old write-up, but before you get to it, let me just tell you that I'm raising Colin Firth's MacGyver Factor Score, also a first, which you'll see when you get to the bottom of the original column. Long live Mr. Darcy! Whether he's in classic old-time British gent clothes or that lovely green reindeer sweater, he's still the man you can't help but just. totally. lust after. I mean, right this very moment, about 30 minutes after I left the theater from my Bridget screening, my stomach is still going "ugh ugh ugh!!" in absolute painful, ugh-y desire over Colin Firth. Almost like there is a string connected from my stomach to Colin and he's tugging on it. Well, babe, PULL HARDER! And if all else fails, I'll expect you at my place soon for my own special encore presentation of the final five minutes of "Pride and Prejudice," which I now have on tape and thus can rewind over and over as many times as I damn well please. Thank you GOD for modern technology! (And you can trust that as soo as it's available on video, I'll have a copy of Bridget Jones's Diary all set for the same action.) *************OLD WRITE-UP BELOW!**************** I was laying around in bed the other night, daydreaming and listening to "X Minus One" on the Golden Radio Classics show when I happened to tilt my head to the side (just as some guy was being kidnapped by aliens who were going to destroy the earth because the U.S. had dropped an atomic bomb -- I love the 50's) when SUDDENLY, I realized I hadn't made Colin Firth a Boyfriend of the Week yet! Mary, Mother of God! See, I have about four pictures of Colin taped to the side of my bookcase. Why? BECAUSE I LOVE HIM. Duh. Have you guys seen the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice? Oh my god, you would love it. It's so amazingly wonderful, even I cannot believe it. Colin plays Mr. Darcy, of course, and he's the perfect blend of arrogance and shyness and drop-dead-gorgeousness. Plus, there's NO KISSING until the very end. What this does: makes you nuts (in a good way) with frustration. I still can't watch it without getting kinda queasy and wanting to yell, "Oh, PLEASE, would you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE just KISS her?!" I love that. Now, I've seen Colin Firth in a few other things now, too. But I have to admit, they weren't all that great. I've been on the waiting list for one copy of Valmont at the local library for about three months, and I've heard it's kind of like Dangerous Liasons (if not the exact same thing, I forget now). I'm not sure if I'll like him in that, either, though. The problem with all other Colin Firth movies? He isn't in them enough. Seriously. Would you just take a look at "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love" for a moment? A few scenes, all too short and none of them involving ANY sexual tension WHATsoever. I mean, what is the point, I ask you? Why cast Colin Firth is you're just going to waste that face like that. I need frustration! I need tension! I need. . .kissing! What I do not, DO NOT, need, however, is Colin Firth cast as a boring husband who just crashes in his plane and calls it a day. No thank you! To be honest, and I'm sure there's no faster way to make Colin hate me than by saying this, but I really think Colin Firth should just travel around America (well, okay, how about just Western Washington) and do lots of Mr. Darcy impersonations. Show up, say, in my neighborhood and scowl a lot (sometimes adding just a hint of a smile, though), say lots of grumpy things in that deep voice of his (with that accent, of course), and then, say, kiss somebody. Perhaps somebody with short blonde hair who is about 5' 9" tall with a keen mind and well-developed sense of humor. And if she's not around, he can just kiss me. I'd pay to see him every time without fail, so he could definitely make some money that way. Plus, I'm not the only girl totally in love with him -- just ask my Mom. The problem with Colin Firth is that in real life, I've picked up hints that he might be kind of a jerk. Like, he's a little pissy about how much fame Mr. Darcy has given him even though he's been in movies for a dang long time now and nobody's ever noticed before. Tough luck, kiddo. But that doesn't mean you have to run off and get MARRIED, ya big jerk. Yes, it's true, about two months after I fell in love with him, he got married (and not to me). God, that's just plain RUDE, Colin. And you didn't even date that girl long enough. And you never even gave me a chance! You're losing MacGyver points for that one, bub. Still, try as I might, I cannot help but forgive him (read: drool over him) everytime I see that scene in P&P where he walks into Elizabeth's room and tells her that even though he knows he ought to think she's really gross (I'm paraphrasing), he's in love with her anyway. God, you just want to smack him and kiss him all at the same time. I love that in a man! That kiss at the end, after they've finally realized they're hopelessly in love with each other and get married, well, heck, I cry everytime. ***********END OF OLD WRITE-UP************ I'm not going to bother giving you any biographical information on Colin Firth. For one thing, there's not a lot to give. And for another, I think it's far, far more important that I wrap this thing up and get back to daydreaming about kissing Mark Darcy in the snow in England while I'm wearing leopard-print bikini underpants and sneakers with no socks. He wraps his coat around my bum to keep it warm and I nibble happily on those incredible lips and wonder why in the HELL I didn't think of doing this sooner. Life, I love you. (Always grooooovey! -- name that song!) MacGyver Factor Score: 99.99999999999999%. I have a feeling I will one day regret this score I've just given out. Because, and you'll never believe it, but it's true, Colin Firth's MFS has just surpassed Constable Fraser's. To be fair, I am going to pop in a tape of "Due South" RIGHT NOW and make sure I'm not out of my mind. But, honestly, people, Colin Firth is quite possibly the most incredibly sexy human being on the planet today. There's a fog on my brain, I know. But I wouldn't mind too much if it just stayed there for a little while longer. Sigh. BIG sigh. Ooo, I just can't BELIEVE he's married!! It's just so completely wrong! v.v.b.!

Caught a snippet on Tv with Sandy Gall, ex ITV newsreader and reporter. (OK OK I am getting to the point!) He has written a book about the African Bushmen being displaced from their homeland and mentioned the work of Survival International several times in connection with this, a project we know ODB is passionate about and has had direct experience of. Apparently HRH has done the foreward and is also concerned about their plight. SG said that Survival hold a candlelit vigil at the Botswanan Embassy every week to highlight the situation. Whether anyone in a fur trimmed parka or even a suspect mac has been seen there......

I thought the James Bond thing was ruled out for Colin ages ago ... article in the guardian, I think, comparing the merits of various actors - I'll try and find it. (Rachael) Wasn't that the article which said that CF would have been Ian Fleming's ideal choice? If you returned to the spirit of original books, circa early 1960s, CF would be in contention, but not now, in the post Mission Impossible 2 era. Would you just take a look at "The English Patient" and "Shakespeare in Love" for a moment? A few scenes, all too short and none of them involving ANY sexual tension WHATsoever. I mean, what is the point, I ask you? Why cast Colin Firth is you're just going to waste that face like that. I need frustration! I need tension! I need. . .kissing! LOL!! (Am in agreement with this!) Perhaps the men in suits might have noticed that whereas the Fiennes bros multi-Oscared TEP and SIL took �11 million and �20 million respectively at the UK Box Office, BJD is still going strong, at over �40million.

(Bethan) Wasn't that the article which said that CF would have been Ian Fleming's ideal choice? If you returned to the spirit of original books, circa early 1960s, CF would be in contention Respectfully, I beg to differ.

"oooohhh, it's a fight, a real fight." Only joking Ladies ;') Rather the Welsh Bard for you Karen. Sorry but I loved Wessex. Am in minority, but I did go to the exibition and touch that doublet and hose not to mention other items of apparel. Still luckily they don't worry about CCTV cameras too much in that part of Wales. Just think how commonplace the "sexual tension" would become without a few superbly played comic roles now and again! Actually we don't have to, we've lived without our share of "ST" over the years at this board.

(Tom) "oooohhh, it's a fight, a real fight." That's right. "Outside, Bethan. Bring your sword and pistol." (This really *is* something I should've done long ago) LOL!! Lizza ;-)

what?? where in Wales did you touch that kit, Lizza?? I'm going to Wales, I like Wessex too!! *LOL*

There was a special costume show from SIL at Chepstow castle, with about half a dozen or so costumes, the only one of ODB's was the green one he wears at court (I am sure you know the one). The bad news Rachael is that was in Autumn 1999. If I remember correctly it was a touring thing so it went on to other venues. Curiously the lady at the desk had met Colin at a wedding some years previously, her best friend's son and Colin were at school (I think that was it!) and she said what a nice man he was and what a lovely family he had etc

rats! well, that's me, Lizza, mrs slow-off-the-mark. I might just have to go and watch SIL again to make up for the disappointment! "It was your eyes, no, your lips" who cares, just give us a snog ROFL

(Tom) "oooohhh, it's a fight, a real fight." (K)That's right. "Outside, Bethan. Bring your sword and pistol." HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU Too funny. And I'll take all comers.. I like Bond..."just as he is"... And... I like the Fiennes bros too

(Lizza)Sorry but I loved Wessex. Don't apologize! I loved Wessex, too. When he strides into the theater and calls out "Shakespeare!" and draws his sword, Mmmmm, that commanding voice.

and where they're doing that swinging round dance thing, where the man picks the girl up and swirls her right round .... ooh can you imagine ... little Fiennes doesn't look strong enough to pick anyone up but Wessex could certainly sweep you off your feet ....

plus Gwynnie even smiles/laughs when he lifts her (IMO she's enjoying herself immensely), but nothing when JF does. ;-)

A REMINDER We're into the home stretch now (awards voting ends tomorrow) so as Paul Ashworth would say, "Come on you useless shower. Get stuck in." ;-) Become a master over your cookies: http://www.etonline.com/html/page_meter/hff2001/index.htm

work computers won't let me do it!! am currently trying to persuade my colleagues to go home and vote tonight - on the basis that its their patriotic duty ;-)

WHERE IS MARCIA????? anyone see the Wahinie?

Hello everyone, I've been popping in here for the whole last week before finally decided to put sth in writing. I'm a great fan of CF and it began so long ago that as FD: "I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun." So, I don't remember which CF's film as the first caused my heart beat more rapidly. The only thing I know that it was before Valmont cos I remember being very excited about Formans' choice. Then, seven years were gone before I was able to see it on some TV channel (only Frear's version released in our cinemas). CF isn't very popular here, no articles, no interviews, in reviews of BJD was either not mentioned, or his name only mentioned or his part described in two words. When I was telling my friends in May that I couldn't wait to BJD's release in June because my favourite actor starred in it, everybody thought of HG. Next time I was more precise to put it that I didn't mean HG, but somebody who is definitely handsomer and more talented. Yet, in comparison with the past there have been quite a lot of opportunities to see CF'work recently, as MLSF was released in cinemas (misleading translation of the title - the First Enchantment), second run of P&P2 (morning hours on Mondays), and TTOTS was shown on C+. By the way, BJD is doing very well at the cinemas, 7 weeks 3rd place in box office and is on 14 cinemas in my city. (Nellie) Your article was great. But I don't think that anybody thinks seriously of CF as Bond, but they could offer him a part of some baddie similar to Jonathan Pryce in Tomorrow Never Dies. Entertainment weekly presented their choice of the next Bond. http://www.ew.com/ew/report/0,6115,168192~10~0~ewpicksnextjames,00.html (Rachael) I know that Karen discouraged you from the purchase of TTOTS and it is true that CF's screen time in this film is rather short, but to my mind, he's simply great in this film and his scenes with Jodhie May are ones of my favourites of all. I rewinded them on my VCR many times. Seduction and passion in his voice and nobody wears period costumes better than HIM. Just the same, as nobody wears worse than HG in Sense and Sensibility (he looked and walked like a complete disaster). Moreover, TTOTS is a good film as a whole (I like gothic stories). I also like the previous film version of Henry James'book with Deborah Kerr as a governess and James Mason as a master.

ODB made "Men We Love" list in July/August issue of More magazine. "More salutes the grooviest men on the planet. How did they make it onto our list? As Brian Wilson sings: It's our imagination running wild." CF's category was "men we'd like to spend a long, rainy afternoon with. . ." This category also included Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Robert Redford, Denzel Washington, Harrison Ford, Andy Garcia, Liam Neeson, and Kevin Spacey.

Hot news on the BJD front. Looks like we have a date for the UK video release. It's Dec 3rd. I expect the delay has to do with the very slow rollout across Europe and other PAL countries. Wouldn't do to have the PAL video on the market when it is still in theatres. It can be preordered for �13.59 (�16.99 list) from: http://www.choicesdirect.co.uk/cgi-bin/ChoicesDirect.storefront/1338807406/Product/View/69296

I have tracked down a copy of the Sydney Sun Herald referred to by Nellie and will get the photo scanned ASAP.

Ooops, forgot to issue a big Welcome to Aniutek! Glad to see that you've posted. Several times you've mentioned "where you live," "here" and similar. What country are you in? the Netherlands? (Cathey) I have tracked down a copy of the Sydney Sun Herald...and will get the photo scanned ASAP. You're a doll! Will put this cartoon in my Rogues Gallery, next to the the Daily Mail's rendition of the Prince of Denmark. ;-)

Aniutek sounds Slavonic... Welcome, wherever you're from.

Gaaahhh! I fear that the You-in fanatics over at Etonline.com will overcome us in the end! I just finished voting for about an hour, but they are up to 32% versus only 34% for Colin and it didn't look like I even made a dent. It looks like we current Colin voters are too few and too late. What a shame.

I guess I'm the only one around tonight. I just finished another voting session. I'm off to soak my hand due to severe trigger finger tendinitis. Those of you who have spare time tomorrow might want to give it another try. Unfortunately, I can't vote from my work computer, so I fear this will have to be my last effort (unless the voting lasts until tomorrow night at midnight). At least I tried. Sniffle.

You're not alone, Louise. I've been watching it go down the tubes all evening. Wwhat a shame, is right. We are being outnumbered and outmaneuvered. All of a sudden there's this huge surge for Moulin Rouge/McGregor/Kidman. Where were these people before? It's not like it's a new movie (or even a particularly successful one--BJD did a lot better). I presume the voting ends at midnight Wednesday. And I have yet to talk to anyone who has found a ballot at a Hollywood Video store. What a crock.

No, you're not alone, Louise. I have mastered eating and brushing one's teeth with one hand. ;-) I'll be glad when this is over (and Johnny Depp/Nicole Kidman win) just so that this strange person named CLAIRE010242@aol.com will stop emailing me with Colin voting alerts and exhortations to tell my *buddies* to vote. (Mari) Where were these people before? Writing a program to vote while they slept. ;-)

BTW, the official Moulin Rouge site has a popup window that takes you to the etonline ballot page. They're participating in it, and it wouldn't surprise me if they're generating the votes themselves. http://www.clubmoulinrouge.com/mr1.htm Does Miramax or the MSN sites have anything comparable? Don't waste your breath. These people are cyberincompetents. :-(

Can we say RIGGED boys and girls?? I thought we could. I sure hope they look at the statistics on this poll before making the final selection. Seems just a TAD suspicious to me that Colin/Renee/BJD have been LEADING this poll for a full MONTH by a margin of at least 9% and in a matter of a few HOURS on the LAST DAY of the poll, Ewan/Nicole/MR pull ahead... this is obviously not kosher. I do hope the folks who are running this poll take a close look at this...

(Karen)What country are you in? the Netherlands? A little more on the right. Thank you for your quick reply to my e-mail and your very useful tips. (Echo)Aniutek sounds Slavonic... Welcome, wherever you're from. Wow! Echo you're great. I'm really a Slav, to be exact a Pole from Warsaw. (Louise)I just finished voting for about an hour, but they are up to 32% versus only 34% for Colin and it didn't look like I even made a dent. I know it was very depressing. I spent last evening voting and deleting cookies, and only once I saw some sort of effect - when BJD dropped to 35% and after my continuous voting rose to 36%. When I finished voting after midnight the results were RZ-38, CF-36, BJD-36. So, the MR maniac must've been very active this night. I wish I could vote at work, but I haven't got the access to polling pages. Though I'm aware of being desperate I'll keep trying after work. Maybe there's a slight chance, Colin win.

(Mari)Where were these people before?

(Mari)Where were these people before? GAH! Am so upset that I screwed up and hit submit before I was done! I have been afraid of this. OK, so it sounds paranoid, but I think there was a voting block (or program) that sat back until the last minute when any competition wouldn't be able to catch up. V.V. SNEAKY. Too bad you can't post comments when you vote. BJD was way more successful than MR. Hey, MR, show us the money!

Wow! Echo you're great. Thanks, Aniutek - it takes one to know one... ;-) I'm really a Slav, to be exact a Pole... So am I. :-)

Another Slav here, originaly from Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia)

Am as disgusted as you all because when I went to bed last night, EMcG had just tied Colin. Now I see the results are far worse. Have had this confirmation, although the producer keeps saying "Cinemax" (while owned by the same company as HBO is a *different* channel). Plus Londinium is going to be on late at night!! "Londinium" is confirmed for a Cinemax World Premiere on Sunday, September 2, 2001 at 10pm pst. Cinemax (HBO) will air "The Sex Monster" by Mike Binder directly before this at 8pm. He also says that it will be shown in France, Germany and the Benelux countries. But no details.

*tsk* So the Hollywood Movie Awards are no better than the 'My Favorite Man' voting booth. Can we really put that much faith in something so easily rigged (face it, we were rigging it ourselves)? I started having my doubts when all our votes failed to change CF's percentage--and I doubt votes for the other nominees were coming in at exactly the same rate. :-/ Londinium will be aired on Cinemax? Phooey. That's one of the few I elected not to purchase. :-(

Londinium will be aired on Cinemax? Phooey. Double phooey. Not as prestigious as HBO . 10 PM..not exactly prime time.And following The SM, people will think it's in the same category.S***.They'll miss out on all tht beautiful scenery of the Southbank ;-) I am so surprised that anyone would think this *wasn't* rigged.It's a given. C'mon kids. We've been doing this for over four years. Though I thought it would be rigged his way, because he's so hot. He also says that it will be shown in France, Germany and the Benelux countries. But no details. No UK? Isn't that a lottery money film?

(Evelyn) No UK? Isn't that a lottery money film? Goodness! No. Whatever gave you that impression?

Evelyn) No UK? Isn't that a lottery money film? (Karen)Goodness! No. Whatever gave you that impression? I dunno. They've given money to worse....

G'ah! I don't believe this voting fiasco! What the hell happened? I've called MDH in and his friends at work, but I don't think it will make much of a difference! What about the Hollywood Video votes? Will it help our cause?

forget the monkey, go straight for the organ grinder - email received earlier today - first paragraph refers to DQ, 2nd to Conspiracy: "Many thanks for your email. It is just not feasible to release every film on video I'm afraid - in due course however it may well be repeated. If you are desperately keen to see it again we will loan you a copy if you are prepared to collect and return. In answer to your second inquiry, Conspiracy is a co-production with BBC2 and will of course be transmitted on the BBC. So will Band of Brothers and Wit. Last of the Blonde Bombshells has already been shown on BBC1. Alan Yentob" Anyone want to pop over to Broadcasting House?

Actually I'm surprised that they would offer to loan you a video of it. I don't a network here in the US would be that generous. Take them up on it. Who knows what else they could come up with!

(AY) we will loan you a copy if you are prepared to collect and return. Ask if he can drop it off on the way home from work. ;-) Bravo, Rachael! *clap clap clap* I have a whole list of BBC videos I'd like to borrow (and get clean conversions off).

Alan Yentob I'm impressed, Rachael! Thanks! It is just not feasible to release every film on video I'm afraid Well, it might have sold a few more copies than a BBC thriller starring Ken Stott, and a Billy Connolly drama shown last Christmas....both appear in the latest ChoicesDirect video catalogue!! What puzzles me is how, on the one hand the media promotes CF as a national heart-throb, but on the other hand you can't buy videos of any of his recent films, or even see them! And is "Londinium" so desperately, excruciatingly awful, and so badly acted by a talented cast that we can't even see it in the UK! (must be all those shots of the British Museum, South Bank complex, London parks in the sunshine etc!) "Conspiracy" is good news though!

(Evelyn) And following The SM, people will think it's in the same category.S***. They'll miss out on all tht beautiful scenery of the Southbank Yeah. And the weather was so sunny and everything. ;-) I am so surprised that anyone would think this *wasn't* rigged.It's a given. C'mon kids. We've been doing this for over four years. You know how I feel about these things. However, I did think these awards were a step above the ole' Voting Booth as they were on the ET site and Anthony Andrews wasn't in the running. ;-) (Rebecca) What about the Hollywood Video votes? Will it help our cause? Nobody here (who's posted, anyway) has been able to find a H'wood Video store whose employees have heard of these awards. Hmmmm...

Too many conflicting interests, evidently. To us, Colin may be the one and only. To them, he's just one of many...

(I was commenting on Bethan's remarks.)

(Rachel)Anyone want to pop over to Broadcasting House? Same tube stop as Riverside Studios...you could give them my condolences. Congratulations Rachael...you gotta a friend . Ok...now you're the official contact for BBC. (Toyce) I don't think a network here in the US would be that generous. Depends ... you gotta get the right "organ grinder";-)) (Evelyn) And following The SM, people will think it's in the same category.S***. They'll miss out on all tht beautiful scenery of the Southbank (Eileen)Yeah. And the weather was so sunny and everything. ;-) Best summer we had in England;-)

Am devestated by Colin's loss in the poll. Who was in charge of counting the vote, the Florida legislature ? I feel personally responsible, coz I didn't vote, not even once....gulp, I know, I know I feel awful. I am the resident computer retard here at Drool and, all that talk of cookies and cleaning files out put me off voting. Sorry Colin......slinks off into corner......

(Bethanne)I am the resident computer retard here at Drool and, all that talk of cookies and cleaning files out put me off voting Aw..don't feel badly. I didn't do the cookie- cleaning either, but all my family and friends voted and I hit every free computer in town.

(Beth) Who was in charge of counting the vote, the Florida legislature? Have figured it out. H'wood Movie Award pollsters had tickets to Hamlet. Anyway, who are all these Ewan voters? Star Wars fans? Jar-Jar Binks?

Jabba the Hut pronably, that dirty slug will stop at nothing....

Hi, this is my first time in here. I was just so disappointed (like all of you)that CF/RZ/BJD are on the verge of losing the Hollywood Film Festival awards. I even sent an email this morning to HFF: Dear Hollywood Awards, I was just comparing the ETonline voting tally of yesterday, 7/24 to today 7/25. I find it hard to believe the dramatic swing of votes for Nicole Kidman/Ewan McGregor/ and Moulin Rouge compared to Renee Zellweger/Colin Firth/Bridget Jones Diary on the last day of voting. Especially when Bridget Jones Diary was leading for a full month. I think your future awards may lose credibility with voters if Moulin Rouge wins. This was their reply: In advance thank you for your opinion. We have no control over who votes. However, we have a "cookie" installed so that whomever votes can only do it once. Therefore, the voting is accurate regarding one person/computer one vote. As such whatever is the final vote we have to honor it. Some explanation for the voting activity may be the result of last minute voting (people normally wait to the end to vote - today, July 25, at midnight we will stop the voting), as well as the fact that yesterday we had a national press release distributed to all media, an ad in the national issue of "The New York Times," and we launched an internet campaign encouraging the public to vote for their favorite. Once again thank you for your interest. Sincerely, John Jacobson I still think Colin Firth deserved to win.

alice, well done for sending the email. I think even when we suspect the likely outcome, we should still bung out as many emails as poss - after all, we got a result from the BBC eventually. kind of.

Welcome, Alice. I called the Hollywood Awards people today and got the same replies--verbatim-- that you did, though Jacobson wasn't the person I spoke to. They certainly had their ducks lined up. Here's how I replied: the fact that yesterday we had a national press release distributed to all media, I told him that they had sent out other press releases earlier in the month, so yesterday's should be no different, and besides, it was *not* picked up by the general media that the average person would read. However, we have a "cookie" installed so that whomever votes can only do it once. I wanted to laugh but made no comment. His naivete appalled me. an ad in the national issue of "The New York Times," I replied that I sincerely doubted that the average NY Times reader would be the type to hit the online celebrity polls at ET. and we launched an internet campaign encouraging the public to vote for their favorite. I have no idea what this means, but I do know that Fox, the studio that produced Moulin Rouge, sent out e-mails to all the people who had previously registered at their site seeking info on the film, urging them to vote for MR/Kidman/McGregor. Miramax, as we have seen time and again, is useless unless it's running an Oscar campaign. I also told him that there were no paper ballots at any Hollywood Video store that I or my friends across the country visited. I then called Entertainment Tonight and talked to the guy who is their liason with the website operator. I suggested the possibility of computer-generated block voting and that their programmers might be able to detect that. He agreed that such a large, late surge seemed unusual and said he'd look into it. Hey, we tried.:-( BTW, I did *not* mention Colin, Renee, or BJD in either conversation.

Round of applause for Alice and Mari! There is no doubt that this thing has been rigged in some technical way - hopefully ET will look into, but I still doubt that it will change the outcome.

Speaking of on-line voting: what was the magazine we all voted for Colin to be on the cover of and when is it supposed to come out? Was it GQ, Esquire? I've forgotten, I just know it was a "men's" magazine. I'm hoping that the vote there is more "democratic".

Nice to see you've delurked Alice and made your statement to the HFF folks. Good going, Mari! I replied that I sincerely doubted that the average NY Times reader would be the type to hit the online celebrity polls at ET. But that could account for the large surge in Ben Kingsley's numbers. He's now at 2%. ;-D Fox, the studio that produced Moulin Rouge, sent out e-mails to all the people And poor Miramax, who has Microsoft running all the *official* BJD sites around the world, didn't lift a finger. I suggested the possibility of computer-generated block voting and that their programmers might be able to detect that. He agreed that such a large, late surge seemed unusual and said he'd look into it. But of course those *cookies* would prevent such things in manner of massive bandwidth overload programs that have brought Microsoft to its knees. *am losing my cookies right now* Psst, Louise!! It was GQ.

Thanks. I just looked it up. It doesn't appear until the November issue. Hmmmm. . . guess we'll just have to wait for the Emmies and hope for the best. At least the rabid Stanley Tucci fans probably won't be stuffing the ballot box.

(Louise) At least the rabid Stanley Tucci fans probably won't be stuffing the ballot box. Never underestimate the clout of the vertically and follicly challenged. ;-) OK, as Cathey posted yesterday, she has tracked down the CF as Bond fantasy article and has scanned it in. I must say this cartoon artist (generous nomenclature) must not have a clue as to what CF looks like. I much preferred the last fantasy cartoon of CF as Hamlet. Here it is, with thanks to Cathey:

Eeek, that's scary. I sure don't remember Mr. Darcy showing that much chest with his shirts on...

Hello, I am relatively new here, only posted once before. I thought u guys might be interested in the BJD situation in Japan (or would it be topic 149?). BJD will open in Japan nationwide in September. On Jul-16 RZ (and one of the producers) went to Japan for the premiere and publicity. The questions in the press conference centered around her "gaining weight, losing weight" and how she identified with BJ...etc. No formal mention of Colin, only that she said the guys were wonderful to work with. The producer mentioned sth on the line of casting RZ and HG, but none on CF. He said they were dead set on casting an English girl for the role, but when RZ showed up in London for the audition, she was exactly the BJ that they have imagined, save the accent. So, they immediately offered her the role. As for HG, it had taken them a long time to convince him. The following day after HG had committed to the role, he called the producer saying that he didn't know how to play the role coz he didn't know anyone resembling Daniel. The producer simply told him to look i the mirror and he would find the perfect model. Well, the only interesting thing was that CF got a higher billing than HG on the posters and publicity materials, right after RZ and ahead of HG. I will keep track of any news and will post again if anything remotely connected with CF showed up in Japan. On the Hollywood video voting saga......coming from entertainment industry background (in Asia), I know most of these minor awards' results are fixed. I would not be surprised if the tip towards MR's favor was the entire doing of ETonline. Typically, they would offer the award to whoever committed to show up, or whichever studio that would care to twist their arms. So, let's all hope that CF will show up at the Emmy and will actually win sth that he long deserved.

Hi Alice. Welcome to our group. Wonderful to hear news from Japan. Keep it coming. Hooray for Renee, for showing up in Japan.She went to Australia too. (Alice)Typically, they would offer the award to whoever committed to show up, I've been saying that for years. And I don't blame them...do you? You set up a big event and then the winner mails in a canned video acceptance speech. If the award means anything to him/her...they'll show. Thanks Cathey and Karen for the Darcy -as- Bond.LOL..I'll go for it. Love the martini.Needs a hair cut though.

(Alice) BJD situation in Japan (or would it be topic 149?). For consistency (and lurkers who are only interested in BJD), I'd go with 149 in the future. :) Very interesting news, Alice. Sounds like it was all the same trip (Australia and Japan), but that many of the intl press also attended the big press conference with all the cast in LA back in March. I thought a lot of the comments sounded like Sharon Maguire (the director's) usual and customary soundbites. We've read the comment about the HG looking in the mirror a number of times. (Alice) I know most of these minor awards' results are fixed. Gasping, am shocked!! ;-) I would not be surprised if the tip towards MR's favor was the entire doing of ETonline. Typically, they would offer the award to whoever committed to show up, or whichever studio that would care to twist their arms. Well, the voting sure had the backing of Fox, the MR distributor. I say we expose them on Access Hollywood! Another David Manning situation, fake testimonials and now this!! ;-) Vindication for Evelyn.

Ooh, and I thought that PeopleNews-CNN comparison was funny! Am ROTF over that cartoon--the artist clearly has a sense of humor. (Alice) coming from entertainment industry background (in Asia), I know most of these minor awards' results are fixed Welcome and thanks, Alice. I've long suspected this. Sooo, ta-da, the winner of the HFF (presumably, have not checked) is Moulin Rouge's publicists. Thanks for writing/calling the folks at HFF, Alice F and Mari. I was also ROTF (this is a big floor day) about the cookie b'ness. Now, ladies, I am curious. How can you (as applicable) be outraged about the results when many of you were multi-voting (myself included)? How can you cry 'fix' when we were trying to 'fix' it ourselves? Yes, a win would have been nice publicity for CF but the Emmy nom is eons more credible. And ODB might even show up for that ceremony. ;-)

(Eileen) How can you (as applicable) be outraged about the results when many of you were multi-voting The ends justify the means.

(MachiaKaren) The ends justify the means *Heehee* OK, just don't go postal because CF didn't win.

Is strictly a matter of keeping one's hypocrisies straight in one's head. An organizational skill. Now, don't you feel like a Foolish Antelope? ;-)

(MamaNimi) Now, don't you feel like a Foolish Antelope? ;-) Nope. Can't outrig a rigger. ;-P

Hey Eileen, Karen is Machia and I'm Velli.:-) In my mind, there is a huge difference between the small-scale efforts of the little people (Yea!) vs. systemetized last-minute shenanigans of the big and powerful (boo, hiss!). That's my story and I'm sticking to it.;-) Rachael, good for you for getting a favorable response from the Beeb. I actually think it was very decent of Mr. Y to offer a loaner. At least he is trying to be accommodating and it's good to hear they have Conspiracy on their docket. Glad that somebody had some luck around here yesterday.

Hollywood Movie Of the Year Awards, Take One: The Scene: The L.A. offices of the esteemed accounting firm Dewy, Cheatem & Howe. "We will now begin the count of the paper ballots submitted by the 1,800 Hollywood Video stores: One . . .two. Tally is hereby certified at two."

Hollywood Movie Of the Year Awards, Take 2: The Scene: Somewhere in Italy. "But you promised we were gonna do something fun for a change today, Dad." "We are." "But you promised we were gonna bake cookies!" "We are. Now lower your voice or you'll wake the baby." "Pfft! Yeah right, like he ever sleeps anyway." "Shshhh and pay attention. Watch what I'm doing. You simply click on Ewan McGregor, then hit Submit. Now here's the tricky part . . . see what I did? Now you can go back again and Click . . . Submit." "Why are we voting for him? He sucks!" "Do you want us to have to cut our vacation short? Well? Answer me." "I'm thinkin', I'm thinkin'." "Don't think. Just bake."

LOL! I've been having visions of CF sitting in front of the computer voting against himself all month. But having the kid do it is better. ;-)

(Mari)In my mind, there is a huge difference between the small-scale efforts of the little people (Yea!) vs. systemetized last-minute shenanigans of the big and powerful (boo, hiss!). That's my story and I'm sticking to it.;-) I'm with you, Mari--Power to the [little] people! Loved your scenarios. Do you think Colin is computer-savvy enough to know about the cookie thing? Kids always know more about this stuff than their parents do. I would suggest the following dialogue: "Damn! This stupid thing gives me only one vote! How am I going to get rid of that 9 percentage-point lead?" "Duh, Dad! That's easy. Just find the cookie they left on your computer." [looks behind monitor and on top of CPU] "Where? Doesn't that get crumbs into bad places?" "Let me show you. See, here's how you get rid of the cookie. Now go back to ETONLINE and you can vote again." [clicking mouse slowly] "Ah, so how many times will I have to do this?" "Dad! Stop! Too slow! Too slow! Let me do it!" [cue "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"]

how many times will I have to do this? ROFLMAO love both scenarios, ladies

(Mari) "But you promised we were gonna bake cookies!" *howling with laughter* Good one!

O Lord, that cartoon was toooooooooo funny. Thanks for scanning it.

"Dad! Stop! Too slow! Too slow! Let me do it!" [cue "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"] *Reaching for the Windex* Waaaaay too funny!

Kate and Mari, you are so funny. You ought to be writing screenplays for ODB;-) The visions your dialogues evoke are hysterical and plausible! But it's all the funny business going on with MR and ETonline that makes me think that we've been laboring under a great misapprehension ;-(.

(Eileen)Now, ladies, I am curious. How can you (as applicable) be outraged about the results when many of you were multi-voting (myself included)? How can you cry 'fix' when we were trying to 'fix' it ourselves? Have to agree with Madame .Let's face it. They just marshaled a bigger and better army of "riggers" than we. Loathe on -line polls. {Lucie, our resident poll-lover, where are you?)

OOps, sorry. Yech, Nicolas Cage. Oh well, I shall continue to vote for him just to show my support.

Don't know what happened to the first part but there was a definite stench when I clicked on ETONLINE this morning. IHe is till ahead in the sexiest poll though. As I said I hope this is not rigged to make Nicholas Cage the winner.

Not that anyone here would really care, but Moulin Rouge will be in the same category as BJD for the Golden Globes. Remember, there is "Dramatic Films" and then there is "Comedies and Musicals" (one category)...so RZ's shoe-in may not be the case if MR gains some momentum. However, Supporting Actors all fall into the same category, i.e., no division between the genres.

[looks behind monitor and on top of CPU] "Where? Doesn't that get crumbs into bad places?" LOL, Kate! You have submitted an excellent Take 3.:-) You're right, the kid might have been the brains behind this one. But, sadly, there is a cost associated with such computer prowess: Hollywood Movie Of The Year Awards, Take 4: "Hello. You have reached the offices of the Screen Actors Guild member services. Please listen to the menu options, then make your selection. For complaints that your trailer isn't big enough, Press 1. For complaints about your co-star, director, agent, or masseuse, Press 2. For complaints about the press being too intrusive, Press 3. For complaints about the press ignoring you, Press 4. For complaints about SAG's refusal to pay for the damages you inflicted upon your hotel room in Cannes, Press 5. For help with "extreme exhaustion," Press 6. For emergency detox, still Press 6. For help in turning your banalities into epigrams, Press 7. For questions about your SAG medical plan benefits, Press 8." "Ah, that's the one I need, number 8. I can always do 7 later on." "Good morning, SAG Benefits Department." "Yes, I'd like to know if SAG will cover treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome for me and my son." "Is it a work-related injury, sir?" "Um . . . you might say that." "Hey, wait a minute . . . is this Mr. Hopkins again?" "No." "Mr. Pearce?" "Er, no." "Mr. Kingsley?" "Try again." "Well, you sound coherent, so I know it isn't Mr. Depp." "Could you please just answer the question?" "Ok, lemme look at my list. Hmmm . . . no carpal tunnel here. We do have one called repetitive stress injury." "That's it--I'll take it!" "Hold on . . . that'll work for you since it's job-related, but not your son." "Oh, I hadn't thought of that." "No problem. Everybody puts their relatives on the payroll. Just have them pencil in the kid for your next film's budget. Call him your personal assistant."

ROTFLMAO Mari.....I love it.

I've finally put up some screen captures from the MTV Diary program on Reese that show the cast. Sorry, but most of them (especially CF) didn't stand still very long and we couldn't get the chicken dance he does at the end. :-( http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/earnest2.html

(Mari)Hollywood Movie Of The Year Awards, Take 4: Too funny! *wiping tears*

Hmmm, it appears that Fever Pitch is debuting on American TV: Thu Aug 2 12:55A HBOE3- HBO Signature Thu Aug 9 01:45P HBOE3- HBO Signature Sun Aug 12 12:50A HBOE3- HBO Signature Wed Aug 15 03:00A HBOE- Home Box Office Wed Aug 15 10:00A HBOE3- HBO Signature Wed Aug 22 04:25A HBOE3- HBO Signature Wed Aug 29 07:15P HBOE3- HBO Signature