(viewer at screening)though there are some serious issues tackled as well Fair trade coffee, perhaps? some people may be shocked at the level of nudity This gave me hope until I read Karen's subsequent post. :-( Hugh Grant not too annoying LOL Coming in at the 2 and a quarter hour mark, there are bound to be some cuts too. Nooo, please no. Cut Hugh, Cut Alan, but don't cut scenes with Colin! (Tress)Didn't we get word that her father kisses ODB on the lips? What? There's a scene at the Tonys?

(Sonia)Video? Video??!! What are you talking of? During WAGW, and other films out in April, a particular theater had a twenty minute news/TV/film feature. There was a LA music video/preview. No words, just several scenes from the film set to All You Need is Love. Colin's scenes seemed to be the frontrunners of the video more so than any others appearing in the film. BTW, he looked AFG...not in a Vermeer sort of way, but in a Colin AFG way.

(Linda) BTW, he looked AFG...not in a Vermeer sort of way, but in a Colin AFG way. Yes, yes, yes! Colin's scenes seemed to be the frontrunners of the video more so than any others appearing in the film. Works for me!

(Mari) PFFT! His plotline seems a bit thin, i.e., mais que nada And I won't even mention Brazil 66 by name because the same people who didn't know Jethro Tull wouldn't know Sergio Mendes and then I'd have to get upset and depressed again.;-) ;-) (Tress) Hey now!! I know Sergio...I'm slow...but I do know some things! Just a bit rusty on the older, cooler stuff (you don't wanna know what my parents listen to...though I do know the words to "Folsom Prison Blues"....the entire album...) ;-D Hey, I know Sergio Mendes, too...Even though my parents don't have any clue of who he is, I know! But don't ask me to give you any name of his songs...;-P

This just posted on my Australian Firth newsgroup: The Melbourne Herald Sun, Thursday June 12 reported .... Hunks here, by George The dashing leading men of the movies are headed Down Under to promote thie new releases (first they talk about George Cloony then) ... As if that wasn't enough Mr Darcy himself, Colin Firth is a hot tip for a Christmas visit to flog his new film Love Actually. The directorial debut from Richard (Four Weddings and a Funeral) Curtis is an ensemble comedy about a bunch of intertwining love stories in London ... Am going off to light candles... if you don't hear from me within a week, please notify the local fire brigade...

Since shooting for TDW is said to start early 2004 in the southern hemisphere, maybe there's something to that "hot tip". I'll cross fingers and toes for you, Jane.

A little bit of follow-up from the test screening: "Colin was good, as ever, but not spectacular in my opinion (he was much better in Bridget Jones). I'm afraid I don't know who played Colin's wife/girlfriend, I'm guessing it's who he's pictured with in the wedding photos on your site, but we don't actually see her on screen for long enough to make the connection, sorry." [Ed note: Since the one in the picture is Laura Linney, then I doubt she's the wife/girlfriend as she's should have a more substantial part.]

Colin Firth is a hot tip for a Christmas visit to flog his new film Love Actually. Not that I *want* to rain on your parade, Jane, but Colin had better be putting his face before the US media/Hollywood establishment at that time of year, promoting GWAPE. With them, it's out of sight, out of mind. If he disappears into the Southern Hemisphere while "best of" lists are being cranked out by the critics and names are being penciled in for award balloting, then, then, well, I don't know or care to say. :-(

From MaryA, you will find a link on this interview with Colin to the audio file. Quite good and more complete than the partial transcript. Seems the "ocean liner" has turned into a "juggernaut." ;-D http://www.reddragonfm.co.uk/webClient?guid=54772 Thanks also to JennieT

This morning's Sydney Morning Herald online has a small article about RZ (mostly promoting DWL) - but apparently she was asked who, of her recent co-stars, was the best kisser... and she picked EM :-/ (though, to be fair, it seemed as though she was doing so in an attempt to promote the film...) http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/16/1055615728771.html

Big thanks to MaryA, JennieT and Karen for the audio link. Glad to hear the interview. Interesting to see what gets left off the page. Love that voice. (Interviewer) "You seem to do a lot of roles where you're attracted to women" ?!? LOL. Was the interviewer BJ? I think I missed that passage in TEOR. ;-) Btw, I must live on Cloud Cuckooland, is HG really considered a big name actress? (RZ) "I have to say Ewan because he's in this new film and I remember him best. But they're all good kissers. You can't compare." Very pc, Renee. Please remember CF when promoting TEOR.:-) Thanks for the article, Jane.

Arghh!! Having problems with the link to the audio file. Keep getting message 'Page cannot be displayed'. Help!!

(Karen)Seems the "ocean liner" has turned into a "juggernaut." ;-D Did I actually hear him say he has to do more drama? *Cautiously extinguishing a few candles*;-) Thanks, Jennie, Mary and Karen. "You seem to do a lot of roles where you're attracted to women" ?!? Didn't he jokingly refer back to this question at a subsequent interview? In the new issue of Premiere mag, there's a funny riff on WAGW and Lizzie McGuire by the one and only Libby Gelman-Waxner who, if you're not familiar, is really a man whose name escapes me at the moment and who writes satires on Hollywood films. Here's a sample; "Libby" is chatting about the 2 movies with her tween daughter, "Jennifer": Libby: "But what's the difference between watching these girls on their TV shows and seeing them in a movie" I asked. Do they take on greater acting challenges and play fuller, richer, more conflicted characters?" Jennifer: "Well, of course, I mean, it's a movie, so the characters have at least 15 or more outfits, including purses, so it's only like a totally different medium. And like in What A Girl Wants, Amanda Bynes goes to England to find her cute dad, and then she tries on some cute '60s mini-outfits and teaches all these stuffy English people how to dance and then the whole country falls in love with her, including this cute English guy, so it's like I don't think that would happen if Meryl Streep tried on all different pairs of cute sunglasses. And in Lizzie Maguire, Hilary Duff goes to Rome where this ultra-cute Italian pop star falls in love with her, and she's also the exact look-alike of the pop star's ex-singing partner, and then the whole country falls in love with her, and it's not like a TV show because TV shows never have whole countries. I mean, don't you know anything? Libby: "So what you're saying is, we could have avoided a lot of bloodshed if America had just sent Amanda and Hilary to Iraq?" Jennifer: "Totally. Because everyone in Iraq would have fallen in love with them and said, 'Okay, here are all of our chemical weapons.'"

(Mari) Jennifer: "Totally. Because everyone in Iraq would have fallen in love with them and said, 'Okay, here are all of our chemical weapons.'" ROFLOL Out of the mouth of babes (and I don't mean the diaper-clad type!)

(Mari)Did I actually hear him say he has to do more drama Yep, I heard it too. Don't extinguish too many candles...he may just be varying the answers:-) Love the remark about HG...she's not as off the wall as the character she played. LOL Loved the way he said "mafioso" sounded like the way he said "pasta" in DQ. Thank you Karen, Maria, and Jennie.

Why are all those UK interviewers hung up on the "Hollywood " deal? Just so they can diss him if he did come over and hit it big? Interesting LA storyline revolving around 9/11...an exploration of different kinds of love. Sounds like Richard Curtis is getting pretty philosophical. Comedy? OK, if you say so. He sorta lost me there, though. Thanks Jennie & Mary for finding this interview and sharing it with us.

(Evelyn)Why are all those UK interviewers hung up on the "Hollywood " deal? Just so they can diss him if he did come over and hit it big? You said it! Have we seen any WAGW reviews from there yet? Will they beat themselves up to beat the axe handle (or whatever)remarks? In the words of Paul the younger..."Pathetic!" Interesting LA storyline revolving around 9/11...an exploration of different kinds of love. Sounds like Richard Curtis is getting pretty philosophical. Comedy? OK, if you say so. He sorta lost me there, though. Ok, here I am being defensive again but, I think he was saying that it was in fact very "simple" and that folks just thought about who they loved in the end. That's the only connection that came to their minds and I'm sap enough to be touched by this and find it affirming and of course, love can be funny.

(Mari) Did I actually hear him say he has to do more drama? *Cautiously extinguishing a few candles*;-) (CF) I really needed to get into drama. Methinks, he's sick of the abuse we give him or Shirley's listening to us and passing it on. ;-D (Beedee) Have we seen any WAGW reviews from there yet? Essentially too early, though there will be some in the "August" magazines, which come out in July. I found it interesting that he referred to WAGW and LA (though not by name) as his foray into more commercial work.

(Linda)Don't extinguish too many candles...he may just be varying the answers:-) Honey, it's an eternal flame, believe me.;-) (BeeDee)I think he was saying that it was in fact very "simple" and that folks just thought about who they loved in the end. Yes, that is the point he's making, but honestly, it seems like such a restatement of the obvious, no? That people would think of loved ones as they face death. Of course. Anyway, here's another LA test audience reviewer: I was lucky enough to see this as a work in progress recently, and I have to say that although romantic comedies aren't generally my type of film, I very much enjoyed what I saw. As far as I can remember, the film follows nine different storylines which interleave with one another starting from about a month before Christmas (I have a feeling there's a tenth plot I've forgotten): 1) Hugh Grant as the British PM 2) A newlywedded couple (Keira Knightly) and the groom's best friend 3) A married couple with children (Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman) 4) A jilted writer (Colin Firth) 5) A step-father trying to help his lovesick son (Liam Neeson) 6) Two body doubles 'working' together on a film set (Martin Freeman) 7) An over-the-hill rock star desparately trying to promote his cover of "Love is all around" for the UK Christmas number 1 slot with the help of his manager (Bill Nighy) 8) A sexually starved twenty-something travelling to Wisconsin in the hope of some loving from American girls (Kris Marshall) 9) Two co-workers and the problems they face to establish a relationship Richard Curtis has done very well with the script; he's managed to equal, and in some cases, better the comedy of his earlier films (the initial scene between Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon has echoes of the intro of Four Weddings), and at the same time create quite involving storylines. Any one of those strands could in theory have been made into a film within its own right, and I was afraid that the sheer number of storylines might detract from the overall quality, but all in all they work wery well together. The cast is also quite special, all the main actors and the cameo appearances (Rowan Atkinson, Elisha Cuthbert, a certain famous supermodel, and a brilliant Ant and Dec [British TV presensters] scene spring to mind) do their job very well, I can think of few films with quite so many familiar faces, fewer still where there are virtually no weak spots in terms of acting. My personal favourite performances were those of Liam Neeson as the recently bereaved stepfather, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy, and Kris Marshall (who recently won a BAFTA Comedy award for his role in the British sitcom "My Family" if I'm not mistaken) There's still presumably a bit of editing to do; I wasn't a big fan of the body doubles plot, as it felt the least connected to the rest of the story; and I have a feeling that one of Hugh Grant's speeches made to the US president (Billy Bob Thornton) will be cut short, for fear of offending US audiences, but we shall see. But overall this was a most enjoyable film, up there with the very best of the modern romantic comedies. At the moment "Love Actually" is scheduled for release in November, putting it up against the third LOTR and Matrix films. Provided no major changes are made between now and the final release, anyone who feels like a break from the action provided by those two films would be well advised to give this a go - highly recommended.

"...US president (Billy Bob Thornton)" ROTF....Cool. Thanks Mari. All ten vignettes in 90 minutes? Blink and he'll be gone.

Thanks Mary, Jennie and Karen for the great interview. Just love listening to his voice. Thanks again.

Thanks for the link ladies. And thanks, too, to Karen and Linda for their help. Very informal interview; sometimes I struggled to catch what he was saying - perhaps I'm just too used to his 'acting' voice!

(Janet)Very informal interview; sometimes I struggled to catch what he was saying - perhaps I'm just too used to his 'acting' voice! I found it a bit hard too, but thought it was due to bad quality of the "recording" and the fact, that I couldn't crank up the volume if I didn't want to get "caught in the act" (this obsession is still a big secret, you know ;-)). Thank you Mary, Jennie and Karen!

I love Colin's real life, conversational voice--better than his onscreen one, frankly, which sometimes sounds a bit too theatrical, IMO. Anyway, here's the first UK review for WAGW, from Shadows On The Wall, and it's not bad! What a Girl Wants R E V I E W B Y R I C H C L I N E There's a hint of serious subtext running beneath the surface that just about makes this ludicrous comedy bearable. Otherwise, it's contrived and over-sweetened but still adequately entertaining. Daphne (Bynes) is a sparky 17-year-old New Yorker who has never met her English father, the legendary Lord Dashwood (Firth). Her mother (Preston) has been her whole family, and she finally decides it's time to meet Dad. So off to England she runs, where she turns her father's well-ordered life upside down, threatening his devious fiancee (Chancellor), whose own father (Pryce) is a political manipulator with big plans for Dashwood. There are other wrinkles involving Dashwood's knowing-but-eccentric mum (Atkins), the spiteful potential stepsister (Cole) and a cute-but-scruffy musician (James). The entire plot is apparent within about five minutes of the opening credits, so the only fun to have is in the way they get there. Alas, the plot itself isn't remotely original, relying on terribly British cliches (London Calling on the soundtrack, again?) and corny situations where even a tiny bit of creativity and intelligence would have made it so much better. Fortunately, the performances are good, and Firth is especially solid as a man confronted with his past in a rather shocking way. His scenes with Bynes are excellent, and give the film a real heart, as do Bynes' scenes with Preston, who adds some weight to the normally throwaway wacky-mom role. But essentially what we have here is another cute romantic fantasy aimed at 13-year-old girls and no one else (see also the much-worse The Princess Diaries). And on that level it's a triumph.

(see also the much-worse The Princess Diaries). And on that level it's a triumph. WOW! much worse Princess Diaries??? There is hope for WAGW, then, in the UK. Holding my breath, though. The reviews just after the Bradford were hopeful, as well. Thanks, Mari. At least we start off on a semi-positive note.

Hi everyone sorry not to be around so much but work has been very crazy and more hectic than ever so it's not easy to find a spare moment. As it is I writing this standing up, getting ready to run out to a function. Anyway, here goes..The Edge of Reason will not start filming in July as has been reported. Right now it's shoot schedule is TBD. Anything else you read is hearsay at the moment. The studio will not allow me to release final cast information as the script is still in revision. LA... a couple of weeks ago when some folks from Working Title were here I got to screen a rough cut and let me tell you...I really really liked this film a lot. You will love Colin in this. Right now they are working on some music clearances. The main criteria in determining marketing dollars is whether the film falls into one of two perceived categories...Box Office hit or Oscar consideration. The studio is giving it a moderate promotional budget and it should do well. Of course the main focus will be Hugh Grant but we're putting together a PR wishlist for Colin so I am hoping he'll go for it. Take care

(Linda)WOW! much worse Princess Diaries??? There is hope for WAGW, then, in the UK. Holding my breath, though. The reviews just after the Bradford were hopeful, as well. I think there might have been a collective breath holding thing going on there! A bit less carbon dioxide in the air for the time it took us to read that! Thanks Mari, I go with that since there wasn't a hatchet in sight. "His scenes with Bynes are excellent, and give the film a real heart" is as good as he got, here so this is a good start and I'll go with that and gird my loins, so to speak, for the rest. (Hola)but we're putting together a PR wishlist for Colin so I am hoping he'll go for it. Thanks so much for this info l o l a Lola! You are always a balm for our tortured souls! We'll light candles so he'll go for it too. Why wouldn't he go for it? It must not be 8 hour balm;-)

(Lola) The Edge of Reason will not start filming in July as has been reported. Right now it's shoot schedule is TBD. Anything else you read is hearsay at the moment. Ah! So Renee may have a bit more time to pack on the pounds and ODB will be a daddy again before the cameras roll! (Lola) but we're putting together a PR wishlist for Colin so I am hoping he'll go for it. I hope that there is a Portland stop on the PR wishlist? Surely! We are such a huge metropolis and ODB needs to come push his product here!! ;-) Thanks for the update Lola! Always good to hear from you!!

Lola, the imdb is reporting a February start for TEOR--fact or fiction? Of course, they're also reporting the 20 donuts a day crap, so . . .

(Mari)Lola, the imdb is reporting a February start for TEOR--fact or fiction? I'm hoping fiction as TDW info said early 2004...Here we go. Hello Magazine also had an article on the 20 donuts...didn't see any reason to post it. Thank you, Lola...New Jersey...that'll do him. New Jersey longs to be on a wish list.

(Sonia)Big thanks to MaryA, JennieT and Karen for the audio link. Glad to hear the interview. Interesting to see what gets left off the page. Love that voice. I suppose that bit of news has already been talked about and I am horribly belated in my comments, but I just wanted to add my thanks! It's great-- very amusing and informative. "You seem to do a lot of roles where you're attracted to women" ?!? LOL!!!

(Mari) here's the first UK review for WAGW, from Shadows On The Wall, and it's not bad! Thanks! Essentially, he and I are in agreement in its praiseworthy aspects and its shortcomings. No mention of the leather pants though. ;-D (Hola) The studio will not allow me to release final cast information as the script is still in revision. And this is a deterrant, how??? ;-D The studio is giving it a moderate promotional budget So does that mean it is neither a "box office hit" or viable as "Oscar consideration"? Thanks, Hola, for the updates on all the projects. (Mari) the imdb is reporting a February start for TEOR--fact or fiction? Shouldn't he be down in South Africa then?? (Tress) I hope that there is a Portland stop on the PR wishlist? (Linda) New Jersey longs to be on a wish list. I think you all know she's really referring to broadcast appearances and print media, don't you?

(Tress) I hope that there is a Portland stop on the PR wishlist? (Linda) New Jersey longs to be on a wish list. (Karen)I think you all know she's really referring to broadcast appearances and print media, don't you? Shhhh! Karen, work with us here..some of us need these little fantasies to get through the day! I for one fully expect to see him in my podunk neck of the woods to promote this!! ;-))

VARIETY (Los Angeles) June 18, 2053 The long, long long awaited sequel to hit comedy Bridget Jones's Diary will finally go before the cameras in February, sources close to the production said today. The new film, entitled "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Renal Failure" (TEORF) will reunite the trio of Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant, and will pick up where the original left off some 50 years ago. Ms. Zellweger will get in shape for the role by downing 20 stool softeners per day. "She'll be all ready to go," the source said. After years of yo-yo dieting due to repeated false starts while producers worked to finalize the script (including a period in the 2020s when she literally disappeared altogether), Ms. Z's bulimia-ravaged esophagus is prepared to once again face down the tabloid press and re-learn the British accent. Using recent advances in voice-box technology, she will be programmed to sound like Princess Margaret. Mr. Grant, having lived a Divine life of excess and dissipation, nevertheless redeemed himself somewhat when he recently posed for a series of public service announcements touting safe sex: "This is your wedding tackle. Now, this is your wedding tackle with gonorrhea." Mr. Firth, reached by phone for comment at his Umbrian retreat, said, "Huh? HUH? SPEAK UP!" Family spokesperson Luca Firth added, "Papa has his good days and his bad. He enjoys sitting in the lemon groves; sometimes, he'll peel one and put the rind over his dentures and chase the grandkids around." Luca adds that his father still doubts his appeal to women. "He feels his fan base is mostly grannies and maiden aunts--you know, the younger set." Mr. Firth put his promising career on hold years ago to accommodate possible TEORF shooting schedules. He was, however, able to find a niche in the Wooly Mammoth series of films when it was noticed that the hair on his head kept mysteriously migrating to other parts of his body. When asked how he'd prepare for TEORF, he exclaimed, "Huh? Wot the fu . .?! Umm . . . I like you. Just as you were!"

(Karen)I think you all know she's really referring to broadcast appearances and print media, don't you? LOL....I'll do broadcast! "Tress....Tress....can you hear me? Tress are you there?" ;-D (Maria) Shhhh! Karen, work with us here..some of us need these little fantasies to get through the day! Damn! And I really thought he'd come here for the crab cakes! Need to get back to work and stop dreaming about giving Mr. Firth extensive Portland tour!! ;-)

Mari!!!OMG!! LMAO!!! I can only hope you are not psychic in this matter!!

VARIETY (Los Angeles) June 18, 2053 ROTFLMAO! Too funny Mari!!! Luca adds that his father still doubts his appeal to women. "He feels his fan base is mostly grannies and maiden aunts--you know, the younger set." Oh! Look! We're still around in 2053 (Karen is probably saying "heaven help me" right now)! Thanks Mari....v. v. funny!!

(Ms Variety), The new film, entitled "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Renal Failure" (TEORF) will reunite the trio of Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant, and will pick up where the original left off some 50 years ago. ROTFLOL!!! Mari you get a big kiss from me. You should really send it to Variety, it is briliant! And a keeper. (Hola) The studio will not allow me to release final cast information as the script is still in revision. (Karen), And this is a deterrant, how??? ;-D Go ahead and tease us all you want Lola. But can't you just tell us if the Rebecca plot line is in? Grazie!

ROTFLMAO!! Mari, that was brilliant, a real hoot! Mr. Firth, reached by phone for comment at his Umbrian retreat, said, "Huh? HUH? SPEAK UP!" Shouldn't he have said, "Wot? Wot?" or has his memory gone too? ;-D "He feels his fan base is mostly grannies and maiden aunts--you know, the younger set." Some things never change, though his original fans are now six feet under. Divine, divine! ;-D

Hmmm, maybe I should post it on firth.com's page. Wonder how many emails that would generate. ;-D

Luca adds that his father still doubts his appeal to women. "He feels his fan base is mostly grannies and maiden aunts--you know, the younger set." Ding Dong!

Mr. Firth, reached by phone for comment at his Umbrian retreat, said, "Huh? HUH? SPEAK UP!" (Karen), Shouldn't he have said, "Wot? Wot?" or has his memory gone too? ;-D But Mari would think Wot too theatrical. ;-) Do put in cf.com Karen.

(Maria)I for one fully expect to see him in my podunk neck of the woods to promote this!! ;-)) (Mari) The new film, entitled "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Renal Failure" (TEORF) LOLOLOL......Ouch! Oh bugger, fell off my chair again!! This is too much, I'm moving this computer to my yoga mat on the floor:-)))

(Karen)Hmmm, maybe I should post it on firth.com's page. Wonder how many emails that would generate. ;-D Oh do!! I'll want to read it again!

Mari: One of your best! Here I am searching in the "article" for news of what Renee might do after this, and I get to the "stool softener!!!!" A hoot!

Mari, ROTFLMAO! That was so funny I can hardly type! Thanks for making my day. I agree, Karen, please put it up at Firth.com. Thanks, Lola, for your updates.

(HolaLola) The Edge of Reason will not start filming in July as has been reported. Right now it's shoot schedule is TBD. I heard/read somewhere RZ starts shooting a Ron Howard movie this November. TDW should start early 2004. Don't know what HG and the rest are up to. It'll be interesting to see when TEOR will fit in. Will patiently wait to hear from you Lola. The studio will not allow me to release final cast information as the script is still in revision. Hope Mum, Dad and the urban family make the cut and that the script improves the Gary the builder plot. (Mari) TEORF ROTFLMAO! Absolutely brilliant article. Bravo! (HolaLola) LA(...)I got to screen a rough cut and let me tell you...I really really liked this film a lot. You will love Colin in this. Yes, yes, yes! Hope we won't be the only ones, and it will open more doors for him. Thanks for all the info, Lola.

Oooh oooh oooh, I'll surely get fired for this but I just heard that the decision for Miramax to handle domestic distribution and Universal to handle worldwide is NOT final. I'm talking about The Edge of Reason. Seems the legal eagles are still hammering this out. This could make things very interesting. Will keep you posted! Take care

(Lola) I'll surely get fired for this..... OOOOhhhhhhh don't you dare get fired! You're our 'woman on the inside'. But we appreciate the tidbits. Interesting news! Thanks Lola!!

(Karen)Wonder how many emails that would generate. ;-D As if you need more Firth fan mail, Boss! Sure, you people don't care if I get sued for libel . . .;-) (Sonia)I heard/read somewhere RZ starts shooting a Ron Howard movie this November AHA! Was it Cinderella Man with Russell Crowe (to your question, Murph)? Maybe the TEORF script will be finalized at about the same time RZ's November film wraps.;-) Lola, don't worry, honey, I know a top barrister who might be coaxed out of retirement to defend you (assuming employment law doesn't change in the coming 50 years.;-) ;-)

(Los Angeles) June 18, 2053 The long, long long awaited sequel to hit comedy Bridget Jones's Diary will finally go before the cameras in February, sources close to the production said today. I found myself doing the math and wondering if I could hold on until the release date, since I would be 106 at the very least. Ms. Zellweger will get in shape for the role by downing 20 stool softeners per day. "She'll be all ready to go," the source said. "This is your wedding tackle. Now, this is your wedding tackle with gonorrhea." Excellently done, Mari! LOL from start to finish! Bravo!

Mari, I don't know why you didn't post the picture of Renee that accompanied the article:

LOL, Karen! Lola), Oooh oooh oooh, I'll surely get fired for this but I just heard that the decision for Miramax to handle domestic distribution and Universal to handle worldwide is NOT final. I'm talking about The Edge of Reason. Believe it or not Lola, the distribution deal is the last thing we care about. Next time give us something really worth getting fired for, like is the Rebecca plot line included and some of the "rumored" cast. ;-D

(Sonia)that the script improves the Gary the builder plot. I could do without any of the Gary the builder plot and more of the towel in the kitchen plot! (Karen)Mari, I don't know why you didn't post the picture of Renee that accompanied the article: LOL Karen, this goes up on f.com too?

Scary, what you can find on the web...Sorry, er, lemons out of season...

(Moon) Do put in cf.com Karen. Ditto, boss. The responses would be worth it. (Moon)Next time give us something really worth getting fired for, like is the Rebecca plot line included and some of the "rumored" cast. ;-D *That's* something worth getting fired up about? but I just heard that the decision for Miramax to handle domestic distribution and Universal to handle worldwide is NOT final. LOL...maybe Harve is just as tired of the yo-yo routine as I am. You are noble, Lola to keep inquiring. This is almost as bad as all the months/yrs we were kept in suspense to see if Colin was going to play Mark....remember?? We lobbied HF and Nick.

OMG Mari, that was too funny! I wish you could have seen my double-take once I got to the revised name. I like you. Just as you were!" Perfect! And then Lola's news...maybe Maria's right and you ARE psychic! Thanks for the laugh!

(Moon) the distribution deal is the last thing we care about. Next time give us something really worth getting fired for Yes, Lola, like have they decided to go with the bath towel, hand towel or tea towel, or will his and hers plasters be part of the wardrobe. ;-)

First, thank you Lola for the news. Please, don't get fired, we need you!! (Los Angeles) June 18, 2053 FOMCLOL, Mari. Really v.v.g. I agree with the others, Karen. Do put it on Firth.com along with the lovely photos. (Sonia)that the script improves the Gary the builder plot. (Beedee)I could do without any of the Gary the builder plot and more of the towel in the kitchen plot! I have to agree with you, Beedee. Towel over Gary any day ;-) Wonderful comments, ladies. Thank you!

(Maria)One of your best! Here I am searching in the "article" for news of what Renee might do after this, and I get to the "stool softener!!!!" A hoot LOL, Mari. I did the same thing. I was thinking finally, a Variety report...then I saw stool softner, as well. My brain went in all sorts of directions, then I went back and read the date. You bugger, you. Priceless!! (Karen)I think you all know she's really referring to broadcast appearances and print media, don't you? Yeah, yeah...I was actually dreaming about my wish list for Colin. Lola, thanks, again. No, no, no don't get fired. (Mari)Sure, you people don't care if I get sued for libel . . .;-) Don't worry, Mari...we'll all chip in and help both you and Lola.

(Moon) we care about Remember, Moon, there is no we here. ;-D Great pic, Maria! It is amazing what you can find. Pic kind of reminds me of Colin's GQ shoot in Umbria.

I heard/read somewhere RZ starts shooting a Ron Howard movie this November. TDW should start early 2004. Don't know what HG and the rest are up to. It'll be interesting to see when TEOR will fit in. Will patiently wait to hear from you Lola. *************** The Ron Howard film is Cinderella Man (The story of Jim Braddock, heavyweight champ in the 30s), and it starts filming in January/February 2004 in Toronto. There is pre-production work starting in November. There has been no confirmation, only rumors, that Renee is in Cinderella Man with Russell.

(Moon) Do put in cf.com Karen. (Evelyn) Ditto, boss. The responses would be worth it. So so funny! And it looks so "official" next to the other news on the BJD page! Will we here if you receive any responses Karen?

"He enjoys sitting in the lemon groves; sometimes, he'll peel one and put the rind over his dentures and chase the grandkids around." What a guy!!! (CeeJ)And it looks so "official" next to the other news on the BJD page! You're famous, Mari....your v. own fan fic;-)))

(Karen)I don't know why you didn't post the picture of Renee that accompanied the article: (Maria)Scary, what you can find on the web...Sorry, er, lemons out of season... LMAO, ladies! *Perfect* Was searching without success for the Vito Corleone in the orange grove with the grandkid pic from Godfather, but yours comes awfully close, Maria!:-) Glad to see he's donned a sun hat; those liver spots are murder.;-) Now we need to find the third member of the trio . . . (Evelyn)You are noble, Lola to keep inquiring. Yes, she is. I'll bet lots of films have the same type of stops and starts, but we're just so sware of this one. Hang tough on those distribution rights, Lola--you guys are so much better at it than M.

(Karen), Remember, Moon, there is no we here. ;-D That's right it's only me, moi, io, yo. Oui, oui! ;-)

Karen), Remember, Moon, there is no we here. ;-D (Moon Dream)That's right it's only me, moi, io, yo. Oui, oui! ;-) Ah, another ex(or current) choral member Or ODB bay bee bo boo! Sorry, the vino speaks!

(Beedee)I could do without any of the Gary the builder plot. Was trying to be diplomatic. Gary plot rates as high (or low) as Julio's time share scheme. :-|

(Beedee)I could do without any of the Gary the builder plot. (Sonia) Was trying to be diplomatic. Gary plot rates as high (or low) as Julio's time share scheme. :-| Good point! (huge sigh of relief--forgot precedence for discarding inconvenient parts of the book) All that is really required is one rescue per plot. We can have the bullet rescue or the Thai rescue (which is not to discount totally unconnected, yet-to-be-determined ultimate rescue!)

(Barb) which is not to discount totally unconnected, yet-to-be-determined ultimate rescue!) Are we talking Agani-Heeney type rescue, or searching through the seedy streets of London rescue or fighting off Canadian drug smugglers rescue? ;-)

(Barb)All that is really required is one rescue per plot. We can have the bullet rescue or the Thai rescue (which is not to discount totally unconnected, yet-to-be-determined ultimate rescue!) I opt for the bullet rescue because that utimately led to the kitchen scene, but I also liked the scene where Mark copied the IF poem just before Bridget left for Thailand. It's a hard one to call.

(Linda)but I also liked the scene where Mark copied the IF poem just before Bridget left for Thailand. It's a hard one to call. Oh yes, the Persuasion clandistine note...love that. (Sonia)Are we talking Agani-Heeney type rescue.. LOL, and what a rescue it was!

(Sonia) Agani-Heeney type rescue Ah, as created rescues went, that was a good one. MD in pin-stripes and our girl looking competent for world-at-large, what more could you want?

(Beedee) what a rescue it was! (Barb) MD in pin-stripes and our girl looking competent for world-at-large "Look. I have a plan." The look, the delivery, the sexy on camera voice and the lip thing. Yep, as created rescues went, that was a good one

This site owns the "world representation" of The Dead Wait. Perhaps worth bookmarking for future news. http://www.beyond.com.au/news/141.html

Thanks, Annette, it looks like this company is in charge of sales.

Announcement to the trades today: Tommy Flanagan ("Gladiator") has joined the cast of the U.K. production "Trauma" for director Marc Evans. Flanagan will play the owner of a painting business that Colin Firth's character comes to work for. The actor, repped by Untitled Entertainment, next appears in Columbia Pictures' "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle."

Flanagan will play the owner of a painting business that Colin Firth's character comes to work for. As in house painting? Or gallery paintings? Thank you, Annette you are finding treasures lately.

Mari and Karen, LOL so very funny but unfortunately too true. If they don't get this filmed soon, IMO they all will look too old and instead of being funny, it'll be pathetic. Thanks for the news Lola. As usual most welcome and reassuring. Thanks for all the news ladies.

(Moon) As in house painting? Or gallery paintings? LOL...based on the outfit I have seen, my guess is house painting! Unless, of course, he is unpacking stuff in the back room of a gallery. ;-)

The latest on TEOR from Variety (courtesy of comingsoon.net): Bridget Jones 2 Gets Director - http://comingsoon.net/news.php?id=327 On another colin-related topic, I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to start up a colin firth meetup group on meetup.com - would appreciate it if any and all interested parties could go here and request a "firth.meetup.com" url so that fans can form local groups worldwide. I think this site could really help stir interest in Colin and give his career a boost... (just mho, of course). It would also make it easier to arrange local group events without cluttering up Karen's lovely threads with items which are of interest only to a local few... :-)

(TressLOL...based on the outfit I have seen, my guess is house painting! ...another artist? GWAPE, HS, T? Wonder if he needs any colors mixed, ground, etc.

(Linda) ...another artist? GWAPE, HS, T? Wonder if he needs any colors mixed, ground, etc. LOL...And I've got a canvas he can work on....it's nice and pale...er...I mean white...with very little in the way of previous markings! ;-)

A mention of Trauma in Screendaily's write-up about My Little Eye: My Little Eye opens in crowded markets Robert Mitchell in London 19 June 2003 UIP launched horror title My Little Eye into four European territories last weekend to varying success amongst crowded markets. The Spanish launch saw $250,843 (Euros 212,715) for sixth position from 140 screens � an average of just $1,792. The release put Marc Evans� film up against bigger budget Hollywood releases including Filmax�s Bulletproof Monk, Columbia�s I Spy and UIP stablemate How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days. The film suffered similar problems in Denmark where it opened ninth with $18,756 (DKR 118,032) from 12 screens. The Netherlands performed better taking $75,350 from just 25 screens for sixth position and an average of $3,014, while Belgium landed $36,833 from 17 screens. Italy � where the horror genre frequently performs well � has proven the most lucrative market for UIP which opened the film to $421,627 from 114 screens on May 9 where it has grossed $975,652 to date. Other key territories include Mexico ($380,254) and Brazil ($158,121) which opened My Little Eye on May 30. UIP has recorded $2.1m from the title in 11 territories so far with Greece receiving the film this Friday (June 20) and upcoming major territories including Korea (Aug 15) and Australia (Sept 4). My Little Eye proved a big hit last year in the UK where it opened with $1.4m (�840,633) from 255 sites on Oct 4 for Momentum Pictures before going on to take $4.5m (�2.7m). Its home entertainment release is also going strong with 44,000 units sold since April 21. The two-disc special edition DVD (r.r.p. �19.99) accounts for 79% of sales, leaving video (r.r.p.. �9.99) with 21%. Evans is currently in London completely principal photography on his latest horror title, Trauma, starring Colin Firth and Mena Suvari. Myriad Pictures is handling sales and has pre-sold several, as yet unnamed, territories.

Variety 6/20: After years of film companies competing to get a Janis Joplin bio to the bigscreen, Paramount Pictures and Lakeshore are aiming an early 2004 start for "Piece of My Heart," with Renee Zellweger to star.... (You need a subscription to read more)

(Mary Murphy)Paramount Pictures and Lakeshore are aiming an early 2004 start for "Piece of My Heart," with Renee Zellweger to star.... (You need a subscription to read more) If this goes ahead, she'll not be shedding the pounds after BJD, as previously reported. I don't remember JJ being very slim. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sorry, Karen, we're posting in wrong topic.

we're posting in wrong topic. Give the lady a gold star. ;-D

Ouch!!

FYI, in the US, a gold star is v.g. Equivalent to getting an A on an exam. Receiving one shouldn't hurt. :)

JULY 27, 2003--Event: The London premiere of "What a Girl Wants". Amanda Bynes returns to London to attend the British premiere of the film. (Thanks to Robert at the AB fansite.) Looks like WAGW has finally left the theaters here; three months in release, a little over $36 million in box office, putting it #28 on the top 150 list for 2003 so far. Pretty good, I think. Also, having now seen Hope Springs, I must say that WAGW is the better film, IMO.

Thanks Mari. Did we read somewhere that he was not planning on any appearances for this? Also, having now seen Hope Springs, I must say that WAGW is the better film, IMO. Was it the full size or the small?

(Mari)Looks like WAGW has finally left the theaters here; "Not in my backyard";-)...still playing in two cinemas here:-))) (Mari) Also, having now seen Hope Springs, I must say that WAGW is the better film, IMO. Ditto. So take that Mark Herman!

Will have to keep this in mind when watching to see if he registers all these emotions on his face: "Ben stares at it and at her, bewildered, appalled, lost." But I feel a big EOWW coming on for this: "Ben becomes aware of an ant on his cheek. He flicks it quickly away, he hopes unnoticed."

(Mari)Looks like WAGW has finally left the theaters here; (Evelyn)"Not in my backyard";-)...still playing in two cinemas here:-))) It's still playing at 2 theatres in VA Beach too. Probably because it's been raining here practically every weekend since April and those poor tourists don't know what else to do ;-). (BeeDee)Was it the full size or the small? *snort*... had to go back and read this a leeeettle slower;-)

(Karen) Will have to keep this in mind when watching to see if he registers all these emotions on his face Which will require multiple viewing until the DVD becomes available. Oh the trauma of it all! ;-) "Ben becomes aware of an ant on his cheek." Don't look now Ben. Previous reports indicate there are more to come. If they get in your pants and you wanna dance, do WAGW and get up off that thang...

(Bee Dee)Was it the full size or the small? Are you asking how big my monitor is?;-) Not one of CF's best efforts, IMO, but it still didn't deserve the critical drubbing it received. Better than a number of "comedies" out there. Will put any spoilers on the spoilers topic (if anyone is still interested in discussing). (Evelyn)"Not in my backyard";-)...still playing in two cinemas here:-))) (Ada)It's still playing at 2 theatres in VA Beach too. Sorry, sorry, I should know better than to speak for the entire land mass. Reports of its demise have apparently been greatly exaggerated.;-) (Karen)"Ben becomes aware of an ant on his cheek. He flicks it quickly away, he hopes unnoticed." Ooooh, we have a script, do we?? Let me guess the next line of dialogue: Ben: "Pardon my schmutz." ;-)

(Mari)Are you asking how big my monitor is?;-) Yes, and we all know that size does matter;-)

(Mari) Sorry, sorry, I should know better than to speak for the entire land mass. Reports of its demise have apparently been greatly exaggerated.;-) Yes, they have! Still in one theater in the greater Washington, DC, area too (I say "greater" because it's really closer to Annapolis) - in fact, I just went to see it again last Thursday.

(Mari)Not one of CF's best efforts, IMO, but it still didn't deserve the critical drubbing it received I agree, it had its moments and lots of them were enjoyable. Towel scenes were fantastic. I know the critics weren't interested in that part, but what the heck.