Julia Ormond is a TERRIBLE actress!!! UGH!!!! Nope, I hope for Claire Rushbrook, and I will not be swayed!!! Hee hee. On another note, I was a bit disappointed in Reckless the Sequel. I adored the first one, thought it funny, witty, sexy etc...this one left me feeling flat. I mean there were some funny moments. Michael Kitchen is just hysterical and a bit sexy, I must admit. And the woman who played the sister? Could she have enough hair???? Personally in my own opinion, I think when one reaches a certain age, shorter hair is called for. I didn't say short, just shorter. Okay enough of my ranting. Again, Claire Rushbrook! no ifs, ands or buts! ;-p

(Laura) Claire Rushbrook! no ifs, ands or buts! ;-p OK...but who is she?. And what's more if she's another unknown who will go to see her? Can't be a "no-name". Besides, I liked Julia Ormond in Semilla's Sense of Snow. But I think they are teaming her up with Richard Harris again in another film this summer.

And what's more if she's another unknown who will go to see her? ] we ALL will!!! Because we ALL love BJD!!! and if CF plays MD, then who cares if an unknown plays BJ. I seem to recall JE was a relative unknown when she took the role of EB.... Jesus, the abbreviations! LOL!

(Elena)Sometimes an artist can sound about as merciless as a surgeon dissecting people! Speaks an artist *and* surgeon: he looked very English to me :-). Tall, broad shouldered and thin...that's my experience of young English men. (Elena) isn�t it a real turn-off to find a heap of body building gear lying about in a man�s apartment?!? I shudder to imagine it! (Lizza) Isn't it great to be "Weird". It's even better to know we found each other to be weird together!!! I love it too!

Julia Ormond...too Audrey Hepburn-ish. I couldn't see her as BJ for the same reason I couldn't see GP. They each look too sophisticated (and are TOO YOUNG as Laura will surely point out). I thought Kate Winslet had the right kooky quality (also too young) and a bankable name (she's getting good reviews in 'Hideous Kinky' but the movie itself isn't). Who is Claire Rushbrook??

(Jana)Julia Ormond. She's really classy and extremely beautiful (Laura)Julia Ormond is a TERRIBLE actress!!! LOL! But the truth is of course that Julia Ormond is GREAT. End of discussion:-):-) But for the role as BJ, JO is too classy and too beautiful. I don�t know if I�ve read that book in another way than you guys but I didn�t get the idea that BJ is very classy let alone very beautiful. I mean, above all, she�s a great *character* but are there any great young character actresses in this world??.....Hmmm, good question.

Here is her IMDB profile: Plunkett & MaCleane (1999) .... Lady Estelle Spice World (1997) .... Deborah Under the Skin (1997) .... Rose Secrets & Lies (1996) .... Roxanne ... aka Secrets et mensonges (1996) (France) She is roughly early thirties; she put on weight and grew her hair long for Secrets & Lies, but in SpiceWorld, she had shoulder length hair and was very attractive! (she played Richard E Grant's assistant). I think she'd make a good BJ!

Uh, sorry that is Claire Rushbrooke's imdb!!

I feel for anyone whose credits include "Spice World" (that goes for Alan Cumming, too). Sorry, I can't place her. Does she have enough draw to carry this movie?? Unless they cast Rupert Everett as MD (gag, gag)!!

But Richard E. Grant was in "Spice World" too, and he's great! Bob Hoskins as well. (Yes, I admit it, I did see Spiceworld)

Just catching up on my favourite "weirdos", I am SURE I saw Claire Rushbrook in Cardiff earlier this year too. Only I didn't know her name, despite seeing S and L 3 times!!

(Laura)I seem to recall JE was a relative unknown when she took the role of EB.... But P&P was a Televison production. And I think at the time she was fairly well known in UK. (Brit fans...am I making this up?)People didn't pay 17 UKP to go see her.....(Folks, that is what a movie costs in London...roughly $17.). Even now, I don't think JE is a bankable star.It takes a lot of have star-wattage... **** And as far as those films that you quoted from IMDb on Claire Rushmore... ROTFLMAO. I would hate to be the producer trying to fund BJD.

JE was definitely an unknown in 1995! she made a few tv movies, nothing of much credit. she was probably more known for her stage work, and I recall people freaking out because JE is an American and she had a twang. She needed to be coached for the Regency period language. I read that somewhere, can't remember.

(Laura)..and I recall people freaking out because JE is an American and she had a twang. She needed to be coached for the Regency period language.I read that somewhere, can't remember. Now Laura....don't want be nasty...Jennifer Ehle went to the School of Speech and Drama in London before she did The Camomile Lawn for Sir Peter Hall...I hardly think she had a twang...but I never heard her. I never said,however, that JE is a bankable star that people (except me) will go to see...but either is Claire Rushmore:-)

Ann -does that mean you are a fellow UK drooler Yes it does. Like others have said before me, I never feel I have anything to add which hasn't been said. Also, I only have access to a computer at work and it isn't always that easy, hence the delay in replying to you. But, I am here and will dive in if and when the opportunity arises.

I'm not being nasty, Evelyn, I read it somewhere. They were freaking out because she's from North Carolina! Honestly!

(Winter) But Richard E. Grant was in "Spice World" too, and he's great! Bob Hoskins as well. I still feel for anyone whose credits include 'Spice World.' It has nothing to do with their talent. (Evelyn)I would hate to be the producer trying to fund BJD. Or the casting folks. Perhaps that's why the cast hasn't been announced.

I seem to recall Helen Fielding stating MOST VEHEMENTLY that an UNKNOWN MUST play Bridget Jones. I think if you have star power in the other vehicles (i.e leading man, supporting cast), IT WILL WORK and people will go see it. People will see it if there are unknowns because WE LIKE BJD. THE FULL MONTY had a bunch of relative unknowns, but they have since been propelled to stardom. (Robert Carlisle and Mark Addy and Emily Woof, specifically.) geez, I seem to recall a lot of things lately, if I can find proof of it, I will. But I'm not going to look very hard;-p

(Laura) THE FULL MONTY had a bunch of relative unknowns, but they have since been propelled to stardom. (Robert Carlisle and Mark Addy and Emily Woof, specifically.) Who's Emily Woof? :) As I've maintained since the beginning, HF probably has little control over the project. She sold it, she tried writing a screenplay, and they've brought in hired guns to help or to take it over completely. Given her lack of clout relative to other hugely successful pulp fiction authors, she couldn't possibly have negotiated creative control over this flick. That just MEO! And stop shouting! ;-o

(Laura)They were freaking out because she's from North Carolina! Honestly! Well, if you say honestly... what can I say?:-) ***** They said the same thing about GP playing EMMA. Now she's the nation's darling! Janeites are a difficult bunch to please.I" read "somewhere that they didn't like the bathtub scene either." Oh dear, can't remember where I read it":-)

I wasn't shouting, just proving a point!!! all caps can't always mean shouting. (that's stupid lingo ANYWAY!!!) :p Honestly!

(Laura) People will see it if there are unknowns because WE LIKE BJD I would venture a guess that "the money" (producers) don't see it this way. *We* loved BJD more because of the CF-Darcy link (at least I did) but there aren't enough of *us* to bring the degree of profit desired. They'll aim the picture towards everyone--those who read the book and those who didn't. Translating a successful book into a motion picture is always risky--especially one written in diary format, where the reader sees the character's direct thoughts. The only ways to get the same result in a movie is through voiceovers or when they address the audience directly (a la Ferris Bueller). Sometimes it just doesn't work! PS. CAPS = SHOUTING. Like it or not.

Actually, the P&P, CF connection really didn't do it for me. as I really didn't like MD! So I can't use that excuse! I'm difficult:)

Oh and I like Nick Hornby for himself and not because of the CF connection too!

Laura, "I read somewhere" that if you want to give emphasis to a word or phrase you put it between asterisks ;-)

Geez, everyone's a comedienne! *WILL DO!* ;)

Karen, Emily Woof, was in "This Year's Love" with JE., she played the Lesbian and is in the forthcoming adaption by Alan Bleasdale of Oliver Twist and has the role of Nancy which I had hoped would go to Jennifer.

Aishling, did you by any chance go to see Colin in 3DOR at the Donmar in March and if you didn't will you be going at the end of the year if it comes back again, albeit at another theatre and what did you think of him in SIL (so many questions so little time)

Ann, so many questions I didn't get to the Donmar but since delurking, I would love to go when and if 3DOR's comes back at the end of the year. Also, I am having to wait for the video to be released for SIL.

Finally, something about High Fidelity. Wonder what part she will play. This is from Variety (4/22/99): Sara Gilbert has been added to the cast of Disney�s �High Fidelity� for director Stephen Frears. She joins thesp John Cusack in the pic. Gilbert will next be seen in Samuel Goldwyn�s Morgan J. Freeman-helmed �Desert Blue� alongside Christina Ricci, Kate Hudson and Casey Affleck. Gilbert, best known for her role as an angst-ridden adolescent on the ABC sitcom �Roseanne,� recently wrapped the CBS pilot �The Next Big Thing,� for creator Brad Hall in which the thesp starred and produced.

Sara Gilbert of "Roseanne" fame??? She could NOT play Laura, she's too young! Maybe the singer??? Hmmmm.

She DOES have that Susan Dey look about her...;-)

She DOES have that Susan Dey look about her...;-) ] No, she doesn't;) I'm at a loss!

It's the eyes...they both have that 'half-asleep' or heavily drugged look in them.

(Evelyn) Janeites are a difficult bunch to please. I read somewhere that they didn't like the bathtub scene either. What?!?! Obviously they have NO appreciation for the finer things in life. ;)

SB, I am sure they *must* have had some other P&P production in mind. Surely No One in their right minds would object to that lovely bit of artilfice we enjoyed so much! It was essential to the story line to the effect that he admired her livliness (while we admired his ... !)

I had a problem with the tub scene, the footman arrived too quickly with the bathrobe!

Sorry I'm a bit late, but SARA GILBERT?!?!? I cannot imagine what part she could possibly play in High Fidelity (not Laura, please not Laura). I adored this book and will be quite depressed if the Hollywood types ruin it. I will have to pin my hopes on John Cusack who rarely puts a foot wrong.

She could be Marie, the singer. There are all those "former" loves of his life, who might be shown in flashback when he was younger because she is definitely too young to play Laura.

(Jana)I will have to pin my hopes on John Cusack who rarely puts a foot wrong Amen to that. (Karen) There are all those "former" loves of his life, who might be shown in flashback If this were true...How does one get audition for such a part?!?! ;-D

How does one get audition for such a part?! Ooops! I meant, "How does one get to audition..."

Apropos to the above discussion, I read in the Sunday paper (May 2) that Catherine Zeta-Jones leaves for Chicago in about a month to star in 'High Fidelity' with John Cusack. The snippet did not specify which role she would play, but it seems reasonable to assume it's Laura. Which begs the question: would any man *ever* leave her? For Sara Gilbert, no less?? Sara can't be playing the singer--must be one of the flashback girlfriends. Or the screenplay is very different from the book...

Amendment: I know he doesn't leave Laura, she leaves him...in his misery he finds himself attracted to Marie...in any event, I can't see Sara as Marie.

John Cusack and Catherine Zeta-Jones seem oddly paired. She looks like she could eat him alive. He always seemed so short, small and boyish to me. I'm sure NH would love a night out with CZ-J.

He's about 6'2" Just saw him on Letterman about a week ago, before Pushing Tin opened. He just doesn't stand straight! Eileen, in what Sunday paper was this mentioned?

There was an interview with Catherine ZJ in the LA Times on Friday that said she was doing a cameo in High Fidelity as John Cusack's former girlfriend. The article specifically mentioned that now she can pick and choose her roles a bit more and can even do interesting cameos without losing momentum (or something like that), so I took that to mean she was his old college girlfriend, not Laura. You know the woman who dumped him in college and he pined for her ever after, and then when he finally met up wi h her again she was kind of odd? I pictured that ex-girlfriend as kind of a nutty, barracuda type and I think CZJ will do a good job with that. But I still don't know who is going to be Laura (and am praying that Sara Gilbert gets no bigger part than Marie!)

Oh yes, she'll be Charlie--his great love from university. She lives a ritzy, arty life and has Rob over for the cocktail party. She's supposed to be gorgeous. Aside from the minor detail that she was supposed to be blonde, but what the hey, they've changed everything else. I can see Sara Gilbert as Marie though.

Oh yes, she'll be Charlie Mystery solved. I can see Sara Gilbert as Marie though I can't, unless she's gone through a metamorphosis since 'Roseanne' ended (which is possible).

Didnt Sara Gilbert go to Harvard or Yale (or something impressive) after Roseanne? I might be totally wrong- never been a Roseanne fan, and didnt keep up with any of the actors on the show.

Yes-- she went to Yale, though I'm not sure whether or not she graduated.

Question: Do these schools have lower admission standards for child actors? ;-)

Shall we rename this the Nick Hornby page;) Any news on the New BJD book? I have coworker going to London in June, already have her staked out on buying the book if it's been published.

Thanks, Jana. Your deduction makes sense. I can't get over how trampy CZJ looks these days. She was quite beautiful in Out of the Blue but I've yet to see a recent photo of her that makes her look anything but hard.

CZJ must be doing something right. 'Entrapment' was #1 in US box office last weekend and it has received some bad reviews (Newsweek trashed it). I think it has something to do with that butt shot when she slides under the lasers ;-P (Karen) Question: Do these schools have lower admission standards for child actors? ;-) Do they have any admission standards for child actors? Well, Jodie Foster went to Yale (that strikes me as appropriate), Brooke went to Princeton, etc. Anything for publicity. (Laura) Shall we rename this the Nick Hornby page We go where the action is. Hey, maybe CZJ will be cast as BJ?! (Gag, sputter...)

CZJ must be doing something right. 'Entrapment' was #1 in US box office last weekend and it has received some bad reviews It's not CZJ. Sadly, I think the bombardment of ads over the last few months did the trick. People will flock to see a root-canal, if it's advertised enough.

(winter) It's not CZJ. Sadly, I think the bombardment of ads over the last few months did the trick. People will flock to see a root-canal, if it's advertised enough. Oh too true!!! Personally, I thought CZJ was TERRIBLE in OOTB. I haven't seen Zorro, so I can't really say if she wasn't very good. But she is getting away from her Welsh roots! Now, is Sean Connery -- Welsh or Scottish? I saw About a Boy in paperback! $12. Any news on the new BJD book? Anything??????? Evelyn, are you okay? Were you near the tornadoes?

Laura, Sean Connery is Scotish :) (now there's a man i'd like to see in a kilt!)

CZJ was very beautiful and sweet in Mask of Zorro. I'd seen her before only in a terrible mini-series about Catherine the Great, and found her "trampy" too. As for "Entrapment", most people will probably go see it for Sean Connery. My, has *he* aged beautifully!

(Gi) As for "Entrapment", most people will probably go see it for Sean Connery The women will, yes, but the men? My DH wants to see it...and he's not necessarily a SC fan. (Winter) Sadly, I think the bombardment of ads over the last few months did the trick. People will flock to see a root-canal, if it's advertised enough. You're right, Winter. As long as there are special effects. Witness 'The Matrix.' Laura, there was discussion a while ago about the new BJD book. Check out 118 (I think that's where it was--anyone else remember?

(Laura) Personally, I thought CZJ was TERRIBLE in OOTB. As I recall, you hardly watched any of OOTB...30 minutes?? I haven't seen Zorro, so I can't really say if she wasn't very good. And you're not going to comment anyway? ;-) But she is getting away from her Welsh roots!\ So?? That's her call. She decided she wanted to be a big movie star and now it's going that way. I just read the scripts are flying in. We really have to be less parochial about this. For all you know, she may speak Welsh at home all the time. To whom, who know? ;-)

Why would the new BJD book be discussed on 118? Why did I set up this page?

(Laura)Evelyn, are you okay? Were you near the tornadoes? Tornado two miles away...I was in the basement. I am fine, thank you. And thanks to all who sent me emails. (Laura) Personally, I thought CZJ was TERRIBLE in OOTB. I liked her in OOTB. Good chemistry between those two....and those tongues!!

Evelyn, I am so happy that you are okay!!! YEAH. Karen, I did watch OOTB with you. It was the one where the wife tried to off herself that I didn't finish.

Anyone know if CZJ is 100% Welsh? I suppose, nowadays, you can't say anyone is 100% anything. But I'm just wondering about the origins of "Zeta." Sounds Greek to me (and I don't mean that in the figurative sense).

Precisely, winter, Zeta is Greek. That is actually her middle name. She hyphenated it with her last name to make herself sound more exotic than Catherine Jones. I believe she said that was her Greek grandmother's name, Zeta. I did watch OOTB with you. It was the one where the wife tried to off herself that I didn't finish. OK, how did OOTB end? ;-) Didn't I make you a copy of DBS?

It ended with CF getting a mouth infection;) From Cathy Tyson! hardy har har! CZJ leaves the CF I forget why.

It ended with CF getting a mouth infection;) From Cathy Tyson! hardy har har! CZJ leaves the CF I forget why. Remember I got a case of the giggles when CZJ notices the white stuff on his tongue? hee hee

...and you singled CZJ out for being bad? You've already mentioned why CZJ leaves CF. ;-) Oops, her name isn't hyphenated.

CF and CZJ together??? How did I miss that movie? Took my boys to see Zorro and they liked her.:-D

(Laura) Why would the new BJD book be discussed on 118? Why did I set up this page? Why are we discussing 'High Fidelity' and 'OOTB' here? You just gotta go with the flow...

You just gotta go with the flow... There is no flow!

Sure there is. Great minds are entitled to digress, don't you think?

Sure there is. Great minds are entitled to digress, don't you think? um, no comment? ;p

Then as hostess of this topic, I have no doubt you'll set it right again. Did you find the discussion you were looking for at 118? BTW, did you enjoy your date, 'Dr. Laura?' ;-P

BTW, did you enjoy your date, 'Dr. Laura?' ;-P Oh yeah!! But let me tell you reading about oneself is odd. NO, I have heard nothing about BJD, I've checked Amazon.com/UK and it's listed with no name. Odd. Then as hostess of this topic, I have no doubt you'll set it right again. I've been trying, but everyone else wants to talk about Nick Hornby, which is cool with me, I adore him. but I just want some info on the new BJD book. Anyone, if you have any and all information, could you please pass it along. I'm getting to the point where I might call Picador and find out what's going on!!!

From the Independent (courtesy of AnneR): MYRIAD ADMIRERS of Bridget Jones, the chronically single, self-improving, wine- drenched lovelorn icon of thirtyish urban femmes, will raise a collective glass of Jacob's Creek to the news that Working Title has just greenlighted the film of Helen Fielding's bestselling book. What cool fun to have the amorous japes of Bridget and her two girlfriends, Shazzer and Jude, finally captured on celluloid. But hold up, which thespians will portray Fielding's tangy troika? It's been a hot topic between la belle He ene and her real-life models for Shazzer and Jude, whom Pandora names as (respectively) Sharon Maguire (the writer and documentary maker) and Tracy Macleod (the DJ and broadcaster). The plot quickens when you learn that Working Title has just signed Sharon Maguire to direct the movie. Will the real-life Sharon get some glossy talent to play her fictive counterpart? Will the role of Shazza steadily eclipse that of Bridget Jones as the script goes through its rewrites? Watch this space.

Very interesting, Karen. I still think that this movie will be the sleeper hit. Regardless of who's in it. I'm just excited about it. Now if only we could get info on the new book;)

Thank you Karen and Ann for that bit of news. Maybe Sharon Maguire will play the role of Shazzer in the movie. (Don't laugh...stanger things have happened) The question is ...Who is the real Life Bridget?...or is she a composite of all of HF's dippy friends :-)

Another Variety tidbit: U nails Plus pact Transatlantic team backs Working Title pix By ADAM DAWTREY, 5/13/99 CANNES � Universal Pictures has finally closed a 50-50 joint venture with France�s Canal Plus to co-finance the production, development and operational costs of Working Title Films, U�s London-based production company. For the first three years of the deal, Canal Plus will get continental European TV rights to all of Working Title�s movies. It will also receive theatrical and video rights in France to every second film produced by the company, with Universal Pictures Intl. retaining the other half of the slate. Starting with the fourth year of the deal, that equal split of theatrical and video rights will be extended across the whole of the Continent. UPI will continue to release all of WT�s films in English-speaking territories, and in any other non-European countries where it opens its own distribution operations in the future. UPI also plans to launch in Latin America next year. Sales in other territories will be divided up between UPI and Canal Plus. Radical deal This radical co-financing deal was initiated by Working Title co-chairmen Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, who recently signed a new five-year deal with U giving them wide-ranging powers to greenlight their own movies with budgets of up to $25 million. The two were keen to cement their autonomy by bringing in another financier and to restore their European links after the sale of WT�s former Dutch parent Polygram to U. For U, the deal offers a massive injection of cash � Canal Plus� contribution to WT�s annual production slate alone will be $50 million-$100 million � while taking films off its balance sheet. The pact is being financed under a bank deal with Societe Generale. Film flow follows For Canal Plus, the agreement guarantees a flow of movies from Europe�s most successful film production company, initially for its Euro TV outlets and later to fuel its expanding theatrical ambitions. WT looks set to shoot at least half a dozen films in the next year. The first film to fall under the deal is the Coen brothers� �O Brother, Where Art Thou?,� which just started shooting in Mississippi and will be released in France by UPI. WT�s next project looks likely to be �Bridget Jones� Diary,� which will go to Canal Plus in France. Also upcoming is �Captain Corelli�s Mandolin.� Everyone is happy Ron Meyer, prexy and chief operating officer of Universal Studios, said, �This strategic partnership ... fulfills Universal Pictures� commitment to increasing its global production and distribution activity while continuing our strategy of bringing in key partners for strategic co-financing.� Pierre Lescure, chairman and chief exec of Canal Plus, said the deal is �significant for the European film industry.� Vincent Grimond, chief exec of Canal Plus Image, the distribution arm through which the deal is channeled, commented, �We have always considered Tim and Eric as great producers. We share the same vision and the same culture. Working Title has proven that European films can achieve global critical and commercial success.� Bevan and Fellner said, �This partnership between the U.S. and Europe mirrors our continued strategy to produce European movies with truly international appeal.�

The fact that Sharon Maguire is the model for 'Shazzer' answers the question as to why she's directing this film despite a background in documentaries. Laura, no doubt by now you've seen news about BJD-the sequel over at 118. Hey Working Title! Announce the BJD cast, already!

Uh, I haven't, but I'll repost it over here.

Transfered from 188 Bethan: BJD: The Sequel (whatever the title is!) is going straight to paperback (no hardback) at �6.99. I was in our local Waterstones the other day and asked about it. They were expecting delivery in April, but the date has been put back. Perhaps to coincide with the beginning of the film shoot...good PR! Sorry, this should be at #80...am too lazy. Uh, Yeah? Thank you for the information. I wonder if they are charging HF for any delays;)

I meant 118, duh!

I'm sure you've all seen the news on BJD from 118. Thanks, Ann, for getting up so early on a Sunday morning. There was one paragraph in that article that must made me laugh: Friends say Fielding once harboured hopes of marriage but Curtis fell instead for Emma Freud. Fielding, 40, remains unmarried and currently has no steady companion. I don't know who else would write like that but a "smug married". ;-) I think Cate would be a fine choice. We're used to seeing her in heavy, serious films. She's got to be ready for a comedy break-out. Sounds promising for Colin too. Oh, I hope this new writer doesn't leave out the P&P references. One of my favorites: The testosterone-crazed fans do not wish themselves on the pitch, claims Hornby, instead seeing their team as their chosen representatives, rather like parliament. That is precisely my feeling about Darcy and Elizabeth. They are my chosen representatives in the field of shagging."

Thank you, Ann, for posting the good parts. I'll copy the entire article from the Sunday Times in the next message for all who want to read it. In the Sunday Times today:-" Bridget Jones gets her man" (can't type it all but here are the interesting parts. Oscar nominee Cate Blanchette has been tipped for the lead role, as has Helena Bonham Carter, though she has less in common with Jones than the 29 year old Australian star of Elizabeth. Blanchette would be v. good. She's not beautiful like HBC and can be quite plain. I haven't seen Pushing Tin yet, but it is a broad, over-the-top comedy role for her as a Long Island housewife. I believe I read good things about her in it. COLIN FIRTH who played Darcy in the BBC production of P&P is expected to play the LOVE interest, Mark Darcy." Expected!! He'd be a fool to turn down the opportunity to play opposite one of the hottest actresses going. Just think of the publicity machine surrounding this film a la Notting Hill. Wow!! "Insiders at Cannes said that a film of BJD wold succeed only if there were significant changes to the character...insiders say that Curtis (4 weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill) is likely to insist that Bridget gets her man" Huh?? In the book I read, Bridget wound up with Mark in the end. Has the script changed that much?

Bridget Jones gets her man by Richard Brooks Arts Editor BRIDGET JONES has found her Mr Right. The creator of the neurotic "singleton" has turned to the man who once thwarted her hopes of marriage to salvage a movie version of her book. Helen Fielding, who created a bestseller by portraying modern urban women as shallow, vulnerable and desperate for marriage, has turned to one of the most successful men in the British film industry for help with her screenplay. The involvement of Richard Curtis would have mortified the fictional Jones, who goes to desperate lengths to conceal her dependence on men. But senior sources at Universal, the Hollywood studio, said Curtis would play a vital role in improving Fielding's draft screenplay, which she began more than a year ago. This weekend one industry insider at the Cannes film festival said a film of Bridget Jones's Diary would succeed only if there were significant changes to her character. "Bridget needed help. Helen was good at scripting characters on the page but not able to transfer them to the screen," said the source. Jones is defined largely by her hang-ups. She hates married couples, who ask her about her barren love life and imitate the ticking of her body clock. Insiders say that Curtis, a master of romantic comedy, is likely to insist Jones gets her man. He wrote the screenplay for the movie Notting Hill, in which Julia Roberts's film star falls for Hugh Grant's struggling bookseller. His past box office hits include Four Weddings and a Funeral. Curtis's romantic entanglement with Fielding proved less successful than his films. The couple met each other at Oxford University and embarked on a relationship after he saw her performing in a play. Friends say Fielding once harboured hopes of marriage but Curtis fell instead for Emma Freud. Fielding, 40, remains unmarried and currently has no steady companion. Oscar nominee Cate Blanchette, has been tipped for the lead role, as has Helena Bonham Carter, though she has less in common with Jones than the 29-year-old Australian star of Elizabeth. Colin Firth, who played Darcy in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, is expected to play the love interest, Mark Darcy. This weekend there were signs that female solidarity is not entirely dead. The film is to be directed by Sharon McGuire, a close friend of Fielding and the model for Jones's best friend, Shazza. ************** (Heide) I don't know who else would write like that but a "smug married". ;-) It does, doesn't it? However, shocked to see the article was written by a man!! Article has pictures of HBC and Helen Fielding at top. Helen has changed her do. :)

Thanks Karen for posting all of that for us to see. I agree that he wouldbe a fool to turn it down. C.B, I still have my reservations and this has been increased by what I have read about her recently on stage. Still as we know, ODB can bring the best out in most (sorry E.MC!!) actresses.

(Lizza) Still as we know, ODB can bring the best out in most (sorry E.MC!!) actresses. LOL, Lizza. Be grateful E McG won't be Bridget. ;-) And I'm happy to report since I'm one of the ones who have insisted the actress be at least 30, that Cate is actually 30, not 29 as the article says. Pushing Tin...I had forgotten that one, Karen. I have heard good reviews for her as well though not for much else in that film.

She turned 30 this week, I think. At least this confirms that they are trying to get well known actors, so there is backing which can only fare well for Colin. But I still need a confirmation. Heide, we must work on this. I wonder if Curtis has Hugh Grant in mind for any of the male roles? Perhaps, he would only consider the lead role. I've had it with his overacting! Poor Helen, she couldn't cut the sceenplay. But why would Curtis need to touch up Davies's script?

(Moon)But why would Curtis need to touch up Davies's script? Probably for the same reason that they hired Tom Stoppard to "touch up" SIL.....IMO , it wasn't v. good.....Why else bring on another screen writer. Davies did CoF and P&P...but I didn't like his TV EMMA.

I wonder if Curtis has Hugh Grant in mind for any of the male roles? I think he would make a good Daniel Cleaver! BTW HG is just one day older than Colin.

WOW, I go away for a weekend and return to oodles of information. Double WOW!! Cate Blanchett would be a good BJ and of course, CF will DEFINITELY do MD. (being very optimistic!) Thank you to all for the information. Now, any news on the new book?

Argh!! Just drove past a movie set a few blocks away. They were just setting up. Went around the block a couple of times and then asked the police what movie it was. Shoot!! It wasn't High Fidelity, but the Bonnie Hunt movie with David Duchovney and Minnie Driver. Hey Laura, they shot at the Northside Cafe for High Fidelity and no one told me!! Also at one of the harbors. Don't remember Rob being much of an outdoors person. ;-)

From Empire: Bridget Jones is V. Competitive Bafta award-winning actress Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth, Oscar and Lucinda) is among the top three choices mooted to play the neurotic thirty-something heroine Bridget Jones. Helena Bonham Carter and Geri Halliwell are also in the running, but Blancett is thought be have the edge at present. Meanwhile Notting Hill�s Richard Curtis is giving Bridget creator Helen Fielding a hand with the script for Bridget Jones, which she is adapting from her hugely successful novel, Bridget Jones� Diary. Production on the film is due to start a the end of the summer. ********** Geri Halliwell?? That's one of those Spice Things, right? Or ex-Spicers? Yuck! Or does that appeal to you, Laura. I seem to recall you liked someone in Spiceworld. ;-)

At least (at last) it starts to roll! (Laura McCarthy)of course, CF will DEFINITELY do MD. I so want him to do it too! (Karen)Blanchette would be v. good. She's not beautiful like HBC and can be quite plain. HBC beautiful? How tastes differ... I wouldn't mind CB as Bridget, but isn't she perhaps too thin? I hated the article, BTW. Good news should come in better packaging :-)

Geri Halliwell? Goodness, has everybody gone mad?

Geri Halliwell? AAAArrrrgggg! I cannot believe it. For heaven sake how can they mention her in the same breath as Cate Blanchett (or CF)?

Geri Halliwell??? Gasp! I think I need CPR.

Among those short-listed for the role of Bridget Jones are two Academy Award nominees and one ex-Spice Girl. These people are into serious drugs...

Can you imagine if Geri Halliwell actually gets the role?...selected over the other two? Good reason for CF to say: "No thanks".