(Mari) I was sure that CF's segment was taped ahead, but . . . Colin was wearing the same outfit he had on for Regis & Kelly. It wouldn't be all that difficult for Jon to wear the same thing when there's a taped segment. Most drycleaners can get things back same day, you know. ;-D

Whooop, let me go get that double post!

(Karen)Probably a body double [Gwen's tattoo], as those things usually are. How funny! I was just thinking about this the other day. Wishing we'd seen Earnest/Jack getting his tattoo, which made me think about FO'C, and then I figured, nah, they'd do body doubles for both, probably. (Karen) Wouldn't you have liked to hear what was said afterward. Colin was so animated, arms flying (since they had been tied down previously), conspiring with Jon. Arms tied down! LOL! I noticed that, too. And yes, I was wondering what they were talking about as the camera pulled back. Yes, I will transcribe the Daily Show. Must do it later, as have work that must be done this am (progress meeting Tues afternoons, everyone works harder on Tues am). "Am v. busy and important."

AG......Well maybe we'll get some blacktie time As in (the original with Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall)...... http://www.operagloves.com/vidcaps/debut017.jpg It won't win any Oscars but it could be fun. If it's a London shoot, they'll have to get started very soon, unless they want a dark gloomy un-Disney-ish London. I'm hoping we'll get three in a row - AG, the Sylvia Plath/Ted Hughes movie and then TEOR. Always the optimist! :-)

OK, have transcribed the Daily Show. It gets funnier each time I watch it. Colin was smiling and laughing much of the time. Mmmm, those dimples! What a sense of humor. Here goes: [begins by showing the scene from TIOBE in which Lady B interviews Jack] [clip ends with Lady B saying that a man �should know everything or nothing�] JS: Please Welcome Colin Firth. [to CF]Welcome to the show. CF: Thank you. JS: I gotta tell ya, this film, TIOBE, is, I think, the finest in the Ernest series. CF: Oh really? JS: I think so, so much classier than the other, uh CF: You missed the early ones, presumably. JS: The early ones, yeah. Did you ever see�uh, did they get those in England? Did they get Ernest goes to Jail, Ernest goes to, uh�do you know those films? CF: [nods] Mr. Ernest goes to Washington, and all that stuff, uh [chewing lip as he tries to figure out what conversation is about] JS: It was a guy, like a goofy Southern guy and then he�d, like, mess up Christmas and stuff. CF: That�s right. We used to do school productions of those. JS: Oh id you really? That�s exciting. CF: That�s right. JS: How are things going in England? You guys didn�t go along with the Euro, am I right? England did not convert to the Euro. CF: No we weren�t having any of that stuff JS: Why was that, do you think? Not interested in currency exchange? CF: Well, it�s�first, you�ve got to explain to the people in England where Europe is, um, and what it is. JS: Now, I thought we were the only ones who had misunderstood that continent. But England as well? CF: I think that little channel of water might as well be the Atlantic Ocean for a lot of people in England. JS: Really?! CF: Truly, absolutely. JS: They consider, uh, because they used to own most of it. CF: Don�t, uh, don�t remind me. [dejectedly] JS: I�m sorry. [JS puts hand on CF�s shoulder] CF: We used to have all of it. It is not in our concept, really. People in England will talk about someone having a European accent, meaning some unspecified mid-European thing they don�t know. JS: But, see, I can go along with that, because America and England speak the same language, I think we have a similar mindset, of, like, uh, �Pardon my French, there, Frenchie.� [CF nods] You know what I mean? But we consider England to be sort of us. CF: Yeah, I think that�s true. In fact, I think that the continental Europeans see England a bit like an extension of America. JS: I agree. And yet without us they�d all speaking [pause] German. CF: [laughing] Yes, oh, we�re going down that road! JS: No we�re not going down that road. CF: I tell you, if you look at the English press around the time that the Afghan war was beginning, it was all this stuff about Blair offers final ultimatum to the Taliban. We�re going in! And then there�d be little stuff about how the Americans were helping us out. [JS laughs] We still think we�re the most powerful country on the planet JS: It�s cute. CF: I know. JS: It�s very cute. [laughter and applause] I actually have a good time whenever I go over there. The interesting thing is that we both, I think�and this is something I think both America and England can agree on. We can both, I think, abuse Canada. And I think that in many ways is a saving grace. CF: Absolutely, the Australians, any other English-speaking country, I think is... JS: That�s what I�m saying. CF: Nobody, I think... we�re probably more perverted than any other, uh, race of English speaking� JS: England? CF: Uh, yeah, I would say so. JS: Now, that�s interesting because we�re somewhat perverse. CF: No, I know. I know. But you don�t have our school system. JS: We�d like it. You haven�t seen ours, Buddy. [laughter] What is it about your school system that leads to this perversion? CF: Well there�s this, um, Englishmen of a certain class� English men of a certain class thrown together, you know, with nobody but Matron to look after them. And as a result, we have a rather higher quota of conservative [or did he mean Conservative?] politicians found dead from acts of autoeroticism. [laughter, JS resting forehead on hand, laughing; CF kept straight face up to the end of this bit] JS: That�s true, I will grant this country one thing. Our, uh, our politicians are with good old-fashioned hookers. And I think that says a lot about� CF: You should be very proud. JS: None of that autoerotic stuff. CF: No, no, no. JS: There were, it�s such an interesting dichotomy, that�The surface of England is this very stodgy, superficial, or at least that�s kind of the stereotype we have, but underneath it�s a pretty perverse little place. CF: It�s pretty complicated. JS: Are the cities much different than in similar ways to American cities much different than the country? Is there a heartland in England and a cityscape? Or is class broken out in different ways? CF: I think it�s broken out in different ways. Urban England is very distinct from rural England. You know, there are 60 million people on that little island, so it�s a very overcrowded place. And London is a gigantic city. It�s bigger than this one. And I think it tends to surprise people. It�s a huge sprawl. It�s very international. It has a crime rate which is higher than anywhere in this country, you know, if you take handguns out of the equation. You�re far more likely to get attacked in most English cities than you are here. JS: Is that true? CF: Yeah, that is true JS: By doughy Stilton cheese? What do they come at you with? Brass knuckes and such? CF: Yeah. No. There�s stuff other than handguns which they�re very fond of using. JS: [sounding like a car salesman] You know what we�re going to do for you? Here�s what we�re going to do for you. We�re going to send you some handguns. We�re gonna get this thing� CF: Get the whole thing sorted out. Because we�ve been struggling� JS: Well this film, TIOBE, a good film? CF: It�s an excellent film. You know, speaking impartially, yes. JS: And you enjoyed, it�s clearly some very talented people involved. CF: A lot of fun, a very talented cast, really, you couldn�t get better. JS: Uncomfortable to wear the period clothing, that sort of thing, or are you all right? CF: Well, because of my background at school I�m used to wearing all sorts of stuff� JS: I can just imagine now, um, the next Harry Potter Movie, they�re gonna give each other reacharounds. It�s the craziest thing. [English accent] �Harry, that�s not your wand!� TIOBE in theaters now. Colin Firth eveybody!

One editorial comment on the interview. I do not think Colin's comment about needing "to tell the English where Europe is and what it is" was culture bashing. There is an isolationist attitude among many Brits, probably stronger in older Brits. I've seen it in my Brit relatives (who are older), and in some of their friends. They find great comfort in having that water around them. And I don't know if his reference to conservative politicians meant conservative as in general leaning, or Conservative as a party. Probably the latter.

Thanks Kate. " JS: [mugged]By doughy Stilton cheese? What do they come at you with?" Hilarious banter. Did Colin look as if he was enjoying himself? More than the stiff A&E one? I don't take that as culture-bashing. And I wonder if he was joking when he spoke about the same at the Essex House junket.And the print media picked it up as being serious.

I think he was enjoying himself. A few face touches and a little shifting in his seat, but he seemed very relaxed. I think he was pleased to be interviewed by someone who would understand what he said. (hate to think what Kelly would have made of "autoeroticism") It doesn't show up in the transcript, but Colin and JS sort of talked over each other and interrupted each other in that New York conversational style (not a perjorative, it's a regional thing). More of a converation than an interview.

thanks, Kate, for doing the transcription. So far, Comedy Central hasn't put Colin's clip up on their site yet. But they have put the celeb interviews up in the past.

Thanks, Kate! I enjoyed going through that again. :-) JS: I gotta tell ya, this film, TIOBE, is, I think, the finest in the Ernest series. CF: Oh really? JS: I think so, so much classier than the other, uh CF: You missed the early ones, presumably. Meaning the earlier versions of TIOBE film or plays, "classier"/ for purist which this one is not. ;-)

Thank you, Kate. Your transcript made clear a few things I missed. Will look out for them on the second viewing. Like the rest of you, I do want to know what was said at the end of the interview between CF and JS-looked v.funny.

(Lindak)I do want to know what was said at the end of the interview between CF and JS-looked v.funny. Maybe JS was refreshing Colin's memory about the Ernest series, knowing that at the beginning of their conversation CF had no inkling what he (JS) was talking about! JS: Sorry to put you in an awkward position before. I was refering to a movie series that was very camp featuring a weird guy named Ernest from the rural south. CF: (Suddenly remembering from his old LA days as he points his right index finger upwards) Ah, yes I remember the one, the guy with the big teeth and southern accent (as he describes the campy Ernest in a scene of one of the movies using giant hand embellishments). JS: Right, sorry, very American reference...but very funny I must admit. Then big smiles from CF and both burst out laughing ;-);-). Could be...who knows...one can only speculate... Thanks Kate for typing the transcript. It filled in some gaps for me.

Thanks for the transcript, Kate. I knew these two would get along like a house on fire.

Jon: They consider, uh, because they used to own most of it. Colin: Don�t, uh, don�t remind me. [dejectedly] Jon: I�m sorry. [Jon puts hand on Colin�s shoulder] Colin: We used to have all of it. I was thinking about this part. Either Colin was going along with Jon's initial comment of he was in Italian-wannabe mode, reminiscing about the good old days of the Roman Empire. ;-D Love your annotated version (sounding like a car salesman) LOL!

(Karen), Either Colin was going along with Jon's initial comment of he was in Italian-wannabe mode, reminiscing about the good old days of the Roman Empire. ;-D ROTF! Now there's one thing Colin would have in common with my husband. ;-) Viva il Re! (Linda), Like the rest of you, I do want to know what was said at the end of the interview between CF and JS-looked v.funny. Well if you really want to know: JS: I loved the autoeroticism part. CF: (laughs) JS: I believe we have a mutual friend who is fascinated by that too. M. Binder. CF: (laughs), Mike is so funny, brilliant, I love his show on HBO. JS: Me too! Thanks for coming, Colin. CF: My pleasure.

And the appropriate response to that would be... *gagging*

As a regular Daily Show viewer, the deal is: When they are going to use a tape of a previously recorded interview, they put Jon into the tie he wore for the interview when they record the "live" portion of the show. If you go to a taping you can get lucky and see several interviews in addition to the show that will be aired that night. I'm pretty sure this is what was done for CF's interview. I take it no one on this board got to the taping when Colin was recorded?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/theatrical/B00005JKTV/customer-reviews/qid=1023281463/sr=8-9/ref=sr_8_9/ref=cm_rev_all_2/104-5358822-9881543 Absolutely terrific reviews for TIOBE at amazon.com (hope the above link works). The paying public likes it - Miramax take note! (more screens?)

(Karen), And the appropriate response to that would be... *gagging* LOL! Yes, that's part of autoerotic sex. ;-)

(KateDF)More of a converation than an interview. Thanks for doing the transcript, Kate. I wish Jon had given him an opportunity to tell a humorous antecdote instead of just the What-England-is-Really-Like material. I was hoping JS would tell Letterman what a great guest CF was and secure a Late Show appearance for HS publicity. Oh, well, if wishes were fi...firth films I'd have nothing to complain about.:-)

Moon! Euuwwwww! LOL!!!!!!!! (Karen) he was in Italian-wannabe mode, reminiscing about the good old days of the Roman Empire. ;-D No, definitely British Empire. Even though they didn't own the WHOLE world in the days of the Empire, they thought they owned enough that the rest didn't matter too much. As I said earlier, I have a lot of Brit relatives, so I know the mindsest. (No offense meant to British Firthettes, you'd just have to know my cousins) Every so often, you have to remind them that "we don't have India any more, dear." This is especially funny to me today, because I just ran across a newspaper article about the Queen and the jubilee. There was a map of the empire in Victoria's time, and a map of it now. Now, it's England and a scattering of islands. (But at least they can abuse Canada.)

I only meant that it didn't extend to Europe. Other parts of the world, yes, but not Europe.

...unless you go back to that piece of France (Eleanor of Aquitaine)... ;-D

(Karen)I only meant that it didn't extend to Europe. Other parts of the world, yes, but not Europe. Europe? Huh? But first you have to tell them where it is... ;-))

(Karen), And the appropriate response to that would be... *gagging* (Moon)LOL! Yes, that's part of autoerotic sex. ;-) Gee, Moon, I thought the boss was gagging over the M.Binder part.

Anyone care to travel???? ;-D A casting call went out a two weeks ago for: Socialites, It Girls and Boys, Oxbridge types and Debutantes needed for a major new feature film. Filming between June and August. Please send a recent photo with your contact address and phone numbers as soon as possible to Rosie at The Casting Collective marked American Girl. Olympic House, 317-321 Latimer Road, London, W10 6RA

Thankyou for all the updates Re Kate's transcript a few questions and comments because we are deprived down under 1 very funny as stand alone piece. Very surreal indeed. 2 was the interviewer serious in questions asked? Was this a "serious" TIOBE interview? 3If yes to 2 Did ODB have tongue firmly in cheek when answering? 4 Was this a prescripted comic routine? 5 if no to above,what were they drinking and where do I get that brand of water? This interview has plumbed new comedic heights(depths) of ODB, something to appreciate even more than when the eyes and dimples work ala BJD. If this was totally of the cuff well the stocks have sky rocketted.

Gee, Moon, I thought the boss was gagging over the M.Binder part. You forgot to add the winkee, Linda. We don't want to spread any rumours. ;-) Debutantes needed for a major new feature film. Filming between June and August. I'm so sorry, but I will be in Italy. ;-) I guess Colin won't be in Umbria this summer. Now if we only knew who is to play his ex-wife?

(AnnaS) 2 was the interviewer serious in questions asked? Was this a "serious" TIOBE interview? You might want to check out the show's website. It should provide you with a better idea of what kind of program this is: http://www.comedycentral.com/tv_shows/thedailyshowwithjonstewart/

" Socialites, It Girls and Boys, Oxbridge types and Debutantes needed for a major new feature film. Filming between June and August. Please send a recent photo with your contact address and phone numbers as soon as possible to Rosie at The Casting Collective marked American Girl. Olympic House, 317-321 Latimer Road, London, W10 6RA" ROTF.Thanks Karen: UK Firthettes here's your chance!!Dust off the school photo. Go to it!

Dust off the school photo. Or from the Society page of your local paper when they announced your coming out. ;-D

(Evelyn)Dust off the school photo. DUST being the operative word. What happens when they discover that your head shot is less-than-recent? I suppose you could move from the deb group to the socialite group (dowagers, anyone?). How depressing would THAT be?!?! (Karen)Or from the Society page of your local paper when they announced your coming out. ;-D Oops, doesn't coming out have a different context these days? :-))

Karen, Thanks so much for the intro to DianeS. It much more fun to have someone close by to drool with.

http://groups.google.com/groups?q=colin+firth&hl=en&lr=&safe=off&scoring=d&selm=ufsuqfgn6mi8b%40news.supernews.com&rnum=2 A review from someone who loved the 1950 film of TIOBE, but finds lots to praise in the latest version (so it is possible to like both!) Thanks for all the updates on AG, Karen. I'd love to know who's playing the feminist mother. The June-August dates still leave the option for the Ted Hughes role in the autumn!

I hope we find out "the mother" in AG soon. I can't get Natasha Richardson out of my head. (Sorry, I loved the remake of Parent Trap ;-)

Natasha was the first person I thought of, too--she'd be great. But I doubt she'd do it, nor would these others in that age group that I like: Holly Hunter, Jodie Foster, Julianne Moore, Helen Hunt. I think I'm aiming way too high . . .;-) The June-August dates still leave the option for the Ted Hughes role in the autumn! I was thinking that also. When do Gwynnie ad Madden start Proof?

I think I'm aiming way too high . . .;-) LOL! Please don't let it be Mariel Hemmingway. ;-) When do Gwynnie ad Madden start Proof? Isn't she doing that now?

Gwynnie started her Proof run on May 9th, with closing scheduled for June 15th. Also, supposedly, she and John Madden have signed to do the film version. Any roles for ODB in this film? I'm sure GP & JM would love to work with him again, from their remarks on the SIL commentary track.

I was referring to the film version of Proof, Moon. I thought I read they were doing it right after the play's run ends, which could still leave her autumn open. think I'm aiming way too high . . .;-) LOL! Please don't let it be Mariel Hemmingway. ;-) Or godferbid Heather Graham has an older sister.;-)

No, Moonstar, there's really no role for CF in Proof. Major male roles are a grad student-aged guy and an older man (beyond 60).

(Mari) there's really no role for CF in Proof. Major male roles are a grad student-aged guy) Never say never. Let's see... the grad student was in the service first and can therefore be older. Maybe he even took early retirement from the military and then went back to school. ;-D Diane and I have been going back and forth about a couple of things and she pointed out Colin's funny hum-like laugh when Jon Stewart reacted well to his jokes, like that auto-eroticism quip. When I looked at it again and noted he did it a few times, I remembered I'd heard that before. It took awhile, but I think it was in FP, during the scene where he is asking to be considered for the Head of Year job and it goes into the Ms Hughes being pregnant thing to which Ted asks why that affects him, and Colin says "Sorry, I left a bit out, I'm the father." (or similar) Could this be a little sex giggle, you know, when he feels he's being naughty? ;-D

(Mari)think I'm aiming way too high . . .;-) Meg Ryan, perhaps? BTW, I think ODB could handle any of them-provided there are not too many kissing scenes;) Also saw TIOBE for the fourth time tonight. Still working on those numbers. Loved every blessed minute of it-Again!

(Karen)I remembered I'd heard that before. I thought the same thing, but I thought it was in another interview. I'm thinking the NPR interview, because I had my ear plastered up against the radio speaker so I could hear every little word, sigh etc. Could have been the VH1 Cast party, too. Now this is going to bug me all night. Thanks, Karen

Talking about familiar sounds he makes...me thought I heard a little coo-ing sound in TIOBE similar to Peter Marshwood in RV.

Colin's funny hum-like laugh Yes, it's a cross between a hum and a giggle! You can hear it on the NPR interview too. v.v. attractive (Linda)Also saw TIOBE for the fourth time tonight. Still working on those numbers. Linda, you're a real trooper! How was the crowd? Did you guys have the same torrential rain we did down here? I was going to go but the ark is in the shop for repairs. Yes, I am a candy-butt.;-) From the NY Daily News: Editing the Editor Heaven forbid you knock the magazine editor you replace. But now that former Harper's Bazaar editor Kate Betts has admitted she made a bad call last year by pulling pictures of a 30-pounds-heavier Renee Zellweger from the magazine, Betts' successor is praising herself for being brave enough to run them now. "There was much talk at the time that Renee looked heavy because of the weight she had gained for her role in 'Bridget Jones's Diary,'" writes Bazaar editor Glenda Bailey. "But when I saw the photos, I thought Renee looked so healthy, vibrant and beautiful, I wanted you to see them, too." Bailey says this three months after Betts wrote a first-person article in The New York Times apologizing for pulling the photos � one of which was to be the cover � and discussing the skinny pressures of the fashion world. Now, the July issue of Bazaar features the two-year-old photos of Zellweger inside, as well as some taken more recently. But if Bailey truly felt as comfortable publishing the photos as she says she does, why didn't she run a shot of the heavier Zellweger on the cover?

Hi Everyone, I'm a new member. Have read all of this topic and can't thank all of you enough for the great information. The Premiere was fantastic. You girls were so lucky. Just love this man. Can't get enough. Thought interview with Stewart was the best. They both interacted really well. And Colin seemed to actually enjoy it, unlike some of the other interviews. Would like to see him do more like that. Haven't seen TIOBE yet. Live in Jersey and it is just starting to appear around here. Hope to find theater this weekend. Would see him in anything, vehicle doesn't matter. Still can't get the dynamic Mr. Darcy out of my mind. Have to admit that's still my favorite. Would love to see him with Helen Hunt. Both excellent actors. That would be a good match. Could definitely see them as a parenting couple.

(Mari)How was the crowd? No, Mari, you're not a candy-butt, but you're no postal employee either, neither rain, wind, snow....I don't know how that goes, but you know what I mean;) For 5pm on a Thursday, the theater was two-thirds full. Yes, it was raining, but not until we left. Several people waiting in the lobby for the next show. Again, the crowd was of mixed ages. Sorry to see that it has not expanded into more theaters this weekend as I was sure it would, but the theater where I've taken up residence has added extra shows for both weekdays and weekends for this coming week. And now, back to studio! Welcome FanPam-where in Jersey do you live? It is playing in Princeton.

OH, JOY!!! The expansion has begun!!! For any and all you Kentuckians out there, TIOBE is showing at the Baxter in Louisville, or if you live in southern KY, at Regal Green Hills 16 in Nashville, TN. WOO HOOO!!!!

Welcome Pam! Glad to see you've made it to the boards. :-) ******I've just had a mini-newsflash. There will be another interview with Colin on a weekend show. It was announced this morning, I believe, on The Early Show and it was going to be with whoever is their film reviewer. I've checked my TV listings and The Early Show's weekend edition is on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. EDT and runs for 2 hours.

finally!!! i saw a tv commercial for TIOBE this morning. has ebert&roeper's 2 thumbs up, something about the "blue ribbon cast" from the ny times and "colin firth is delightful" not sure where that quote was from. the focus on the commercial was definately colin. more clips of colin than of RE. i bit misleading though, show RW wanting to marry somone named earnest then putting side by side shot of RW with colin. don't even recall seeing FOC in the commercial, maybe there was a clip of her but i was just too shocked to finally see a TIOBE commercial on tv with lots of colin :) that's all i remember, as i had the tv as background noise and ran to see as soon as i heard. anyone else seen tv ads yet?

re Ex-wife role in AG How about Meg Ryan? Especially if he is playing an Oxbridge type and she is meant to be the total opposite of him. - She's around the right age, too,(40).

How about Meg Ryan? I doubt they could afford her. Besides, if she was in the project, we'd have already heard about it and she has movies lined up from here to.... Funnily enough, I was thinking about her too, but mainly from the standpoint that she is still presented as single and dating. I can't even think of a movie where she's had a baby, let alone a 16 or 19-year-old daughter.

Someone mentioned an "At the Angelika" interview awhile back? There is one on tonight on IFC around 5:30pm. I don't know if it will have the CF interview. What about his friend M.E. Mastrantonio for the mom?

.......beating a dead horse.... What is the point of a comparison pictorial of RZ now? One can assume that the weight must've really bothered her. It seems that such a comparison may reinforce her decision to not gain weight, therefore, not do EOR...... (i know, wrong board!)

(Amy) What about his friend M.E. Mastrantonio for the mom? Where is your winkie on that one? ;-D More info on this weekend's program. Now, it appears the program might be Weekend Today (Sunday a.m. on NBC). It was announced on the program preceding the Today Show hosted by Maurice DuBois and Jane Hanson, which I assume is local news in NY. The film reviewer on that show said he'd be airing an interview with Colin this weekend. That's all I know, folks.

Welcome FanPam!!! How about Meg Ryan? Isn't the role of the ex/reunited wife going to be a smallish role if a lot of the movie will be filmed in London centered around father and daughter fitting into each other's life plus a romance for the daughter? I was thinking about Rita Wilson for the mom. She handles small but memorable roles like that a lot. I loved what she did with that scene in 'Sleepless in Seattle' when she described that final scene from 'An Affair to Remember!' She's well known since she's Tom Hanks' wife and she kinda resembles Amanda (since Colin doesn't). I think she's old enough... She can be motherly and vulnerable, but assertive and feminine. Also thought of Andie MacDowell (sp?) for the same reasons even though she's older and a little southern for NYC. She and CF might have good chemistry for better kissing scenes ;-D. Karen, thanks for the heads up on the weekend Early Show.

(K)I've checked my TV listings and The Early Show's weekend edition is on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. EDT and runs for 2 hours. .....Weekend Today (Sunday a.m. on NBC). Saturday/ Sunday... Ug...Another dawn- rising weekend. I think ODB has covered all the major networks. (Amy) What about his friend M.E. Mastrantonio for the mom? *Barf* AB mom: Toni Collette or do you want someone more glam?

(Evelyn) I think ODB has covered all the major networks. Just a few months ago - did we ever think we'd *ever* say such a thing?

HaHAHAHa! I love this "mom/wife" discussion! We should actually have a serious 'vegas' style bet, odds, etc... (another one? Katie Couric?) :) If the weekend interview is with Jeffrey Lyons, don't count on anything interesting. He interviewed RE last weekend--don't let them respond, cuts them off...awful.

This Letter to the Editor of the Washington Post was sent to me: [BTW, we didn't like her, did we? She said Colin isn't handsome.] Arms and the Man: Colin Firth as Interviewee To the Editor: I read with admiration Alona Wartofsky's interview with Colin Firth ["Mr. Darcy's Firth Cousin," May 19]. It seems to me to be a first-rate example of an interview that manages to be respectful of the person interviewed and faithful to facts while at the same time giving the reader a real impression of that person, not only by what is said, but what is unsaid. This is the kind of writing that George Mason University, where I teach, is trying to promote in its course on creative nonfiction. I would add just one small suggestion. Since I myself have conducted hundreds of such interviews (for The Washington Post, as well as in pursuit of a number of biographies) I would suggest that the gesture to which Wartofsky often refers, i.e., the crossing and uncrossing of the actor's arms, might not be only an unwillingness to reveal his private life. I have seen it often in myself and consider it a self-defensive measure against some very painful memories. As Moss Hart says in "Act One: An Autobiography," the theater is everybody's refuge from an unhappy childhood. MERYLE SECREST Washington Meryle Secrest has written biographies of Romaine Brooks, Bernard Berenson, Kenneth Clark, Salvador Dali, Stephen Sondheim and Richard Rodgers, among others. The letter is posted here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A40496-2002May31.html You can check out the article again here: http://firth.com/articles/washpost51902.html

Saturday/ Sunday... Ug...Another dawn- rising weekend. For once this won't be a strain in my house since we are up for the World Cup! But it will be hell changing the chanel. :-( (Amy) What about his friend M.E. Mastrantonio for the mom? (Karen), Where is your winkie on that one? ;-D Yeah, bite your tonge. I love this "mom/wife" discussion! What about an English actress? Afterall, doesn't there always have to be an accent conflict in his films? ;-) Emma Thompson can use a part time role, and she can do an American accent.;-) But I also like Lora's choice of Andy MD. as the mother will need to be elegant and sophisticated. Rita Wilson is too earthy. Welcome Pam!

As Moss Hart says in "Act One: An Autobiography," the theater is everybody's refuge from an unhappy childhood. She sounds like my old acting teacher. That's a lot of BS.

(Moon)What about an English actress? Afterall, doesn't there always have to be an accent conflict in his films? ;-) I was thinking the same thing, couldn't the mother be British, and moved to NY? Then I fall into the same dilemma-as the one thinking about Rebecca in TEoR. Who would play the part? Emma Thompson works for me so does Andie MD.

(Linda)you're not a candy-butt, but you're no postal employee either, Heh, heh, heh . . .you've never seen me walk into work angry.;-) Welcome Pam--glad to see our NJ contingent continue to grow. No matter which part of the Garden State you're from, you will find a partner in crime on this board.:-) (Dale)focus on the commercial was definately colin. Finally--Miramax is breaking the bank. Where do you live, Dale, and do you recall what network the commercial was on? I haven't seen one yet. crossing and uncrossing of the actor's arms, might not be only an unwillingness to reveal his private life. Might also be a willingness to hit the john when the interview is over.;-) Yo, Meryle, get a life. (Moon)What about an English actress? We mentioned Natasha Richardson. mother will need to be elegant and sophisticated The description we have only says "New York feminist." In the sterotypical shorthand that I fear this will be presented in, God knows what they'll turn it into.

Gawd! I hate pseudo-intellectual armchair diagnosis. Since when is a journalist qualified to interpret ones childhood based on body language? Especially the journalist who didn't do the interview? I would agree it might be an unconscious gesture in being uncomfortable....but now I would have to comment that the reactions of the interviewer/letter writer are due to possibly their projections of their unhappy childhoods onto the interviewee. (touche'). http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2002/05/20/reel_life_may_20_2002_article.shtml (has a blurg about CF as Ted Hughes)

The show is Wekend Today on SUNDAY and the interviewer is Jeffrey Lyons. Don't be too disappointed if it's only run in the NY area--I'm not sure either, I just don't want any tears.;-) Has any seen the new ads for TIOBE? Colin and Rupie lounging on the grounds of the estate, while the ladies hover over them. Colin looks grrrrrrrrrreat! I like him in these semi-recumbant postures!!:-) Big quotes from the major critics--Ebert & Roeper, NY Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Rolling Stone--Colin mentioned in several of them, Rupie in *none*. They're pushing the romance angle. Oscar Wilde--who he be?;-) ;-)

Er, WEEKEND Today. RE: BBC blurb. I think that's the first time that a reputable news organization has had CF's name linked to the Hughes role. and the movie is from BBC Films, right? Any way to get in touch with them to verify? Emma Thompson as the mom? Ladies, I'm tellin' ya, we're aiming waaaaayyy too high.

As Moss Hart says in "Act One: An Autobiography," the theater is everybody's refuge from an unhappy childhood. She sounds like my old acting teacher. ...and a pop psychologist to boot! Moon - I just finished watching England beat the other fav (Argentina) besides Italy to win the WC, I think it will be a minor miracle if you can even get a hold of that remote control. Maybe you can be kind to YDH - just think - it's been rainin' Colin - WC comes but once every 4 years.;-) Welcome Pam! Been on a 6-day retreat and nice to come back to all the fab news of and about ODB finally relinquishing the title "Invisible Man". Thank you all for promptness and generosity in sharing info. Especially enjoyed reading JS transcript and imagining the nano-second it took for the word *australians* to pass those lips - oohh getting tingly all over! LOL - who's he calling perverted?

From todays' NY Times: Parental Guide for Current Movies: "This feature helps parents decide which films are appropriate for children. The column is posted on The New York Times Learning Network, which offers an archive of past reviews. * Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron (Suitable for ages 7 and up) * The Sum of All Fears (Suitable for ages 10 and up) * The Importance of Being Earnest (Suitable for ages 12 and up) Hey, don't laugh. Puts bums on the seats.And it's the only art house film in blockbuster company.

Re: AG mom... What about Helen Hunt?

The books pages of today's Daily Mail contain information about PEN International Writers' Day and go on to say that other PEN events this summer include a celebration of Italo Calvino with Gore Vidal and with readings by CF and Greta Scacchi. According to the PEN UK events website this will take place at 7pm on Tuesday 16th July at St Paul's Church, Bedford Street, Covent Garden. CF's name isn't mentioned, it just says readings by actors and writers. Booking is by form to be circulated shortly (?for PEN members/friends only). The phone number given by the Mail for International Writers' Day is 020 7267 9444. http://www.pen.org.uk/public/events/events.htm

I like Helen Hunt - she would be great - but it's probably too much of a supporting role for her. Joely Richardson and Caroline Goodall can both do "New York", but I don't think somehow that the part will go to a British actress. If the BBC website has CF "tipped" for Ted, I may allow myself to be hopeful!

Well spotted, Barbara! I know that AG is only "inspired" by "The Reluctante Debutante", but this review makes it sound quite promising. The review was written by a Stanford Uni student who saw the movie at a university showing, a couple of years ago. So it still has contemporary appeal, hopefully! And I like the idea of CF in a Rex Harrison role. "Next up was The Reluctant Debutante (also 1958), about a teenaged American girl (Sandra Dee - first film I've ever seen her in) who moves to London to be with her father (Rex Harrison) and stepmother, the latter of whom decides she should 'come out' as a debutante in the coming weeks, which Dee thinks is simply ridiculous. Adapted from a stage play (which is quite evident), Debutante starts slowly, but eventually turns fall-down-funny. Harrison has ample opportunity to ham his way through some ridiculous scenes as he tries to navigate the absurdity of the debutantes' balls. Dee's character, Jane, is quite intelligent, reasonably willful, and meets an American boy who plays drums in a band which plays at the balls. Of whom her stepmother disapproves, of course. We get scenes with her parents trying to keep an eye on her during a ball to keep her away from this young man, a lengthy scene where Harrison searches desperately for alcohol to see him through the ball, and later has nightmares about the events. And an extended scene where Jane hooks up with the young man and doesn't come home until 5 am, as we see her parents getting driven up the wall. It's all so wonderfully ridiculous, it's well worth seeing. It's punctuated by a stuffy young British lad with the perfect stuffy British accent and an endless interest in optimizing traffic routes. The cast is half the fun - and the script is the other half."

Thanks to all for the nice welcome. Hello Jersey. I live in Norwood about as Northeast Jersey as you can get. Five minutes from New York State border. About half way between the George and Tappan Zee bridges. Was in Princeton two weeks ago. Beautiful place. Hello Karen. The ad for TIOBE I saw was one mentioned above on NBC. First time I saw any. The RD was good film. He should be good in it too. Would like to see him with American actress. McDowell, Ryan, particularly Hunt but as you say probably way too expensive. NBC runs weekend today on Saturday as well as Sunday. Which day do you think interview will be on?

Reposting of AnnaS's message from above. Watch those tags, please. (Evelyn) AG mom: Toni Collette or do you want someone more glam? There is absolutely no one else that could could do this role apart from Toni, she has been primed from birth for this part, indeed she has been breed in a lab for this part. My only criterion for this is that we in Minkeland are all in favour of homebred leading actors sharing the billing with ODB. This way we will be favoured with a "premier", and be able to report first hand on smiles and dimples etc. :D Still hoping for a TIOBE premier, What do you think Minkee does FOC have enough "star quality" here for a double act with ODB? A girl can hope.

(Mari) The show is Wekend Today on SUNDAY and the interviewer is Jeffrey Lyons. Don't be too disappointed if it's only run in the NY area--I'm not sure either, I just don't want any tears.;-) But Weekend Today, as well as Wekend Today, are shown nationally. I'll be up early. ;-D Emma Thompson as the mom? Ladies, I'm tellin' ya, we're aiming waaaaayyy too high. I agree. RE: BBC blurb. I think that's the first time that a reputable news organization has had CF's name linked to the Hughes role. and the movie is from BBC Films, right? Unfortunately, it says, right on the bottom of the page, that ALL the stories came from: Variety, Screen International, Coming Soon, the Internet Movie Database, and the Hollywood Reporter. So no inside info. Thank you, Barbara, for the news about the reading. Oh, to be in London. Of course, there is a modern invention known as a tape recorder. ;-D

I just caught the At the Angelika interview. Lots of clips, LOTS of closeups...not a bad interview. Replays on Sat. @ 1:15am on IFC. The funny part is that it takes place in the cafe and the only people in the cafe are CF, the interviewer and a bunch of women seemingly not paying a bit of attention (right)!

Now my two cents on: Meryle SecrestI would suggest that the gesture to which Wartofsky often refers, i.e., the crossing and uncrossing of the actor's arms, might not be only an unwillingness to reveal his private life. I have seen it often in myself and consider it a self-defensive measure against some very painful memories. The painful memories might be right. Colin probably considers all these interviews rather painful. ;-D Actually, he is probably just trying to keep himself from playing with parts of his face. Remember? ;-D

curses! nested tags again!

This is the kind of writing that George Mason University, where I teach, is ***trying to promote*** in its course on creative nonfiction. Indeed!

Heres a wild thought! If they ever decide to make a remake of "My Fair Lady" Wouldn't ODB be great as Professor Higgins? Nah never happen! But interesting thought. Just saw it again last weekend. Couldn't help picturing him in that role.

Heres a wild thought! Not so wild, Joanne. He was mentioned once to do it in 2000. LOL. At that time, the drama -addicted Firthettes...said "A comedy, nevah"! But now that *we're* singing and having food-fights.....;-D

That rumor was in conjunction with a West End stage revival (which was done last year with Martine Mcwhatever). A remake of the movie? People would have to have their heads examined for even contemplating it IMO.

Wouldn't ODB be great as Professor Higgins? People would have to have their heads examined for even contemplating it IMO. LOL, kind of like imagining a remake of the Sound of Music or Mary Poppins. Now, there may be some prospect in the role of grumpy George Banks, or better still, since we are into comedy these days, maybe the Bert role would suit. "Oh, it's a jolly 'oliday wif Mary!"

...and for Captain Von Trapp, no big stretch: we mix a bit of Robert Lawrence for the veteran, some Edward Pettigrew for family man, and a pinch of "Lady Come Down". He could do it in his sleep! :))))

Me, I'd rather he create his own unique and memorable characters than to remake somebody else's. Besides, he has mentioned that he was offered the TV remake of The Shining. Who wants to attempt to redo one of Jack Nicholson's more memorable roles?

we-el he's better lookin' than Rex Harrison;-D (Karen) Me, I'd rather he create his own unique and memorable characters than to remake somebody else's. He *did*....Mr. Darcy!!And then went on to cookie-cutter Mark D.

(Karen) Me, I'd rather he create his own unique and memorable characters than to remake somebody else's. (Evelyn)He *did*....Mr. Darcy!!And then went on to cookie-cutter Mark D. But to remake one's own character is to start with an excellent model. And be careful what you say about RH. He was known as "Sexy Rexy" in his pre-Higgins days. Love the new print ad for TIOBE. It seems to say "romance and sex in the countryside." Better than the question mark and "Everybody loves Ray--oops--Ernest" Welcome, Pam. Always nice to see another Jersey girl here.

(mari)Finally--Miramax is breaking the bank. Where do you live, Dale, and do you recall what network the commercial was on? I haven't seen one yet. it was on ABC yesterday morning. i'm in NY area, i saw it again this morning but on NBC this time. hmmm... isn't cheaper to air commercials in the morning? seeing it a second time, i did see FOC in the ad. (karen)Me, I'd rather he create his own unique and memorable characters than to remake somebody else's. Besides, he has mentioned that he was offered the TV remake of The Shining. Who wants to attempt to redo one of Jack Nicholson's more memorable roles? colin was offered the role that Steven Weber played in the ABC tv mini series remake of The Shining?

We are definitely on the same wave length. I, too, can see him as Professor Higgins. Thought so last week when I watched it. But would be so very difficult to top that movie. Can't get much better than that, and agree it would be foolish to even try. Saw the ad again this morning on NBC but not after that. Thanks for info about Angelika interview. Watched it last night. Was good. Looking forward to seeing him tomorrow a m. Now heres a thought, they could remake Pygmallian. That would be ideal. I remember my mom had it bad for "sexy-Rexy" and I was fortunate enough when I was very young to see him in it on Broadway and do recall the ladies were quite taken with him.

Please no remakes! I saw Dr. Zhivago again this week on AMC and that is such a perfect movie and there was talk here of Colin in the remake which is apparently an idea flotting around Hollywood. I say no thank you. It would be a grave mistake. What I really want is BJD2. :-)

(Moon)What I really want is BJD2. :-) Absolutely, without a doubt!!Just MD recreating MD.

...and towels recreating towels, I hope. :)

For your consideration....as the mom in AB...Julianne Moore! She can do a passable (I think) British accent and would be about the right age. Or Michelle Pfeiffer? Aiming for her may be a bit too high, though. Is she even working anymore or taking care of her kids? Nice to see there have been ads (haven't seen any though). Nice to see some support from the powers-that-be. Just saw Spiderman...Is Will the one on the tram with the baseball cap who is right behind KD's shoulder when the tram lands, grinning, looking like he's about ready to wave to the audience? It was a quick shot so maybe this was an inaccurate reading on my part.

And re: BJD2, I was watching part of Bedazzled last night...and it reinforced my belief that Liz Hurley IS Rebecca. When I read the book a couple of months ago, she immediately came to mind. Great publicity to have her and HG in the same movie, although at this point, I'm sure it won't need it.

Duh!! Sorry I just realized it should be AG not AB! Double Duh!! :-P