I think then they could pair up Keanu Reeves with Geri...

I think I could stand to miss that version :U

Aaaargh!!! GERI HALLIWELL! If an ex-Spice Girl gets the role I shall burn my copy of BJD. And pray that Colin says NO! Actually, I can't believe this...Cate Blanchett and Helena BC are highly experienced and gifted actresses. Geri Halliwell, well, I'd better not say, as I wouldn't be kind. This would be dumbing down on a colossal scale.....no, I can't believe this! Returning to reality, end of summer sounds okay for both Cate and Colin though.

Thanks ladies, I needed a good laugh!

Sorry, Evelyn, but I really LIKED the A&E version of "Emma"...found little to distinguish it from the movie version, except shorter (who knows...maybe I'm a closet Mark Strong fan!! ;-))

From the 5/18 Independent: Sunday Times, which has managed to lift one of Pandora's scoops-du-jour just nine days after you first read it here. But commiserations too, because the Murdoch rag, in following up the Bridget Jones movie story, omitted to mention that the current front runner for the film's lead is Emily Watson. ************ Now that's better...Emily Watson. Excellent actress. Loved her in Breaking the Waves.

Geri Halliwell I think is more of a joke; sort of like a write-in campaign. Cate Blanchett would be brilliant as would Emily Watson. I tend to lean more towards Cate Blanchett. I find that she can really become the role; and I've seen more of her movies. I've only seen two Emily Watson movies so I can't really say. You know, now that I think of it. Geri is probably built more like BJ. She is spunky. But not quite old enough to do the role.

(Karen), Emily Watson. Excellent actress. Loved her in Breaking the Waves. I agree! She really becomes the role and her face can be comical, she would be a great Bridget. CB is too skinny for the role. Now with Helena B.C. as one of her friends. Hugh Grant as Daniel C., CF as MD and Ewan as the plumber and C. Zeta-Jones as Rebecca, it would bring in a big audience.

CZJ as Rebecca is brilliant! She's gorgeous, can probably play catty. HBC would have to be Shazzer. I don't think she could do Jude. Jude is a bit wimpy.

I think the press has caught up with our posts. Excepting that Geri H. trash, of course! She's too busy being a UN ambassador to star in a movie (read that with all the sarcasm you can muster). Didn't we go through HBC (much too thin--move over Calista) and EW? Next the press will add Kate Winslet (too young) as a front-runner and viola! Was there any discussion about CB? IMO she'd be the best. If ODB *ever* costarred with GH, I'd be wondering who put the gun to his head. (Moon) Ewan as the plumber LOL!

(Eileen) Didn't we go through HBC (much too thin--move over Calista) and EW? Probably, sometime after Minnie Driver, Toni Collette, Jane Leeves, et al. Although, I'd put HBC in the too beautiful as opposed to too thin. She is an OK age and can be made to look plain (as in Margaret's Museum). Wasn't that "Theory of Flight" movie, with HBC as a woman with ALS, a comedy? (BTW, I'm not trying to be funny or cruel or anything)

Emily Watson Now, you're talking.... Her performance in Hilary and Jackie was as good as CB in Elizabeth.

If you think she was good in H & J rent Breaking the Waves, she was fantastic! I don't consider HBC a beauty or too skinny. She would be a good Shazzer. Let's give CB Jude. (So she won't be out of work);-) Someone, quick, fax our casting ideas to Universal!

CB finishes in "Plenty" on July 10, so could certainly be available for filming mid-August (I'm allowing her a short break!). I'd make her first choice, with Emily Watson a close second. What's pleasing, I think, is that all three actresses mentioned (note that I am excluding our non-roving UN ambassador! ) are high calibre Academy Award nominees, which means that BJD must be rated as a high profile project. BTW I'd like to see Alison Steadman as Bridget's mum!

I second Alison S. for her mum!

Hear hear! But I'd like the insufferable Don Johnson as Julio ;-)

But I'd like the insufferable Don Johnson as Julio ;-) hee hee

Moon, you arwe getting so good at flowers...perhaps I should find the transportation - planes, limos, bicycles, sledges...? and tables and dining rooms...so much to do - but that is your thing. I am amidst the green and growing. Off you go - expect to see wheels tomorrow!!!

Ooops - this is where my posting went. I could not find it on 72. Sorry for the intrusion, Laura Dear!

I was wondering if we were going to be overtaken by leis and flower arrangements on everyboard! LOL!!! Don't worry, Marcia, you're allowed one faux pas per board;p

How frightning - it could have been that string of Yaks on that rope bridge...=P

Hi. I hope you remember me. It's probably been a year since I've posted to this board. I really miss reading the weekly BJD & hope she comes back some day. Anyway the reason I have resurfaced is to pass the news that HF is touring again. Her schedule is listed here: http://www.penguinputnam.com/bridgetjones/tour.htm Valerie

Thanks Valerie....we've missed you... Oh Karen....HF will be at your Borders on the 9th....We will await your report anxiously....you know what questions to ask....like when is Bridget II gonna be released!!To say nothing of the BJD film.... Anybody else near the other cities?

Valerie, it has been awhile! Good to see you back here and with great info! Just an aside, I saw the paperback of BJD and it cracked me up. It says on the top of the book National Bestseller! (v.g.) LOL!

It seems odd that she would do another tour just before the new book comes out. That should be one of the questions. She does plan to tour once the new book is released I would imagine. And, don't forget the obvious questions like who has been cast for the film and exactly when will the shoot begin. Go to it! Karen, you also get her in Chicago.

Great!! Better choice of bookstores this time. I'll be there and I'll ask the question again... maybe this time she'll have a different answer. Hmmm, have nothing left for her to sign. Thanks Valerie for posting the info. I miss her silly column too. :(

Karen, just a thought, but a spare program from 3DoR for her to sign, and when she asks what it is, tell her a play with CF - which will be your opening to Mark Darcy et al.

A spare program?? What's that? ;-) Maybe I'll print off her Bridget interviews Colin column from the Independent. At least this time she won't have to compete with Bulls Championship games. Anyone want a paperback BJD? I could get it and have it signed for you. Just another thought.

I could send you may UK paperback for her to sign...but do I want it signed? I just want to know what the h... is going on with the next book, the movie, the cast, etc. Is it Davies or Curtis, etc.

My guess is that she's bringing her new book along....why would she be on a press junket for an old book that is now in paperback already. Doesn't make sense.

No, it's for the paperback. Nick Hornby did a similar mini-tour for About A Boy coming out in PB. Do we really think she's made any progress on the sequel? Looking at the odds in Vegas, I don't think so. ;-)

(Karen)Maybe I'll print off her Bridget interviews Colin column from the Independent. I think that's very clever. Go for it!

I just read BJD night before last (finally!) I laughed SO hard :) I'm now Dying -along with the rest of you- for info on the movie! Karen, I also think that printing out the BJ interview is an excellent idea :) Cant wait to read your report from meeting her-

This was in Liz Smith's column today about Cate Blanchett. I also read that "Plenty" has been extended for a few weeks. She still could be doing BJD, as CG is still a ways off. Anything for Colin in CG, anyone? "Blanchett has scooped the title role in 'Charlotte Gray,' based on Sebastian Faulks' best-seller about love and betrayal in wartime. John Madden, who put 'Shakespeare in Love' on the map, may direct. And Cate is also on the verge of signing for 'The Man Who Cried,' about the loves of Russian dancers. Her costar would be Robert De Niro. Hmmmm, De Niro in tights, executing a fabulous jete ?!

More FYI About High Fidelity Release Date: Spring 2000 Stephen Frears directs this romantic comedy about a slacker (John Cusack) who owns a record store who sets his sights on winning back his ex-girlfriend (Iben Hjejle). Joan Cusack, Beverly D'Angelo, Sara Gilbert, Lili Taylor, Harold Ramis, Jack Black and Todd Louiso star. Catherine Zeta-Jones has a cameo. Based on Nick Hornby's novel. (Touchstone) So Iben Hjejle plays Laura, per the IMDb. She's a Danish actress. Anyone know her? And Sara Gilbert does play Marie.

Charlotte Grey will be a very good serious role.....I wonder if this mean that CB isn't going to do BJD. If she's busy signing up for other roles, she would have signed for BJD as well. Perhaps we'll get an announcement of the casting now! Karen, if you do meet Helen, please ask her when the sequel is due out, and whether P&P's Andrew Davies and/or Richard Curtis have been involved in the screenplay. And, of course, when will we hear about the casting! Perhaps she'll give us a clue (Will Mark Darcy have a bald spot?) :-)

I will definitely be going to the booksigning. So I will attempt to get those questions asked, Bethan. The info on Charlotte Grey didn't indicate when they would be getting started on it though.

That's the first I've heard about Lili Taylor being in High Fidelity. She usually seems to take quirky parts in less mainstream fare. If she's not playing Laura, Marie or Charlie though, which part do you think she plays? I can't think of any other big female roles.

From the list of his "desert-island, all-time, top five most memorable split-ups in chronological order:" 1. Alison Ashworth 2. Penny Hardwick 3. Jackie Allen 4. Charlie Nicholson 5. Sarah Kendrew Lili Taylor could play any of those. If CZJ plays Charlie, which I'm beginning to wonder about, because her part is being called a "cameo" and there's that whole cocktail party thing, I'd guess Lili Taylor might be Sarah.

From today's Sunday Times: Hornby kicks football habit by Jon Ungoed-Thomas HE FOUND fame and fortune writing about Arsenal, but now Nick Hornby has grown weary of the subject of football. Hornby's memoir, Fever Pitch, which charted his club's fortunes and his own emotional vicissitudes, established football writing as a lucrative literary genre. While other writers, such as Martin Amis and Salman Rushdie, are now eager to pen their own football tomes, Hornby has let it be known that he considers it all slightly pass�. After the phenomenal success of Fever Pitch in 1992, Hornby went on to write two bestselling novels, High Fidelity and About a Boy. While Hornby's imitators have rushed to publish their own confessional football books, Hornby has decided to leave the sport on the sidelines. "He is weary of it," said Caroline Dawnay, Hornby's agent, last week. "I don't think he is bored by football, but he would prefer to be thought of as a serious novelist." Hornby's decision to steer clear of the subject has been welcomed by both football fans and other writers. Greg Williams, whose novel Football Crazy is due to be published this year, said: "After Fever Pitch, I would hear fans going to Arsenal matches actually talking about the book, which was a great achievement. The problem was everyone wanted to write a similar book and people have got fed up with the sheer amount of repetition. My own book is not about football, but celebrity." Fever Pitch has sold more than 700,000 copies and has been made into a film starring Colin Firth. Its vivid depiction of Hornby's endearing but obsessive fixation on Arsenal helped give the sport a new cultural cachet and also highlighted its importance in Britain. "Fever Pitch hallowed and directed everybody's sense of football as a religion," said Dawnay. "It also legitimised women's response to football and as a result of that there are many more women watching the sport." The success of the book also meant more literary figures were eager to write about football. Despite Hornby's weariness, the trend has not waned and within the last week Rushdie has written about his love of football in The New Yorker while Amis has described a trip to see the match between Manchester United and Bayern Munich. "I once took the Peruvian novelist Mario Vargas Llosa to White Hart Lane," writes Rushdie. "As I left the ground, beaming foolishly, a fellow Spurs fan recognised me and waved cheerily in my direction. 'Gawd bless you, Salman,' he yelled." Such outpourings in praise of football have prompted many fans to argue that the world literary figures should perhaps leave the sport alone. "There's no objection to them writing about the sport, but they are not saying anything that is remotely new," said William Ainslie, 30, an Arsenal fan. For Hornby, the decision to stay away from football writing is unlikely to affect his career or his bank balance. The film rights to About a Boy have been sold for �1.8m.

"Fever Pitch hallowed and directed everybody's sense of football as a religion," said Dawnay. "It also legitimised women's response to football and as a result of that there are many more women watching the sport." And you kids say FP is not a film about football....?? You're kidding....!!

Uh oh!! ************** Nicolas Cage May Strum On 'Mandolin' By Chris Petrikin HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Actor Nicolas Cage is in negotiations with Working Title Films and Universal Pictures to star in "Captain Corelli's Mandolin," to be directed by "Notting Hill" helmer Roger Michell. While a deal has not been finalized, sources said that Cage wants to do the World War II-era love story, which will likely go before the cameras next March in Italy. The film, based on Louis De Bernieres' British novel, is a "Doctor Zhivago" Di-like love story/drama set on the idyllic Greek island of Cephalonia during World War II. Cage would play Captain Antonio Corelli, a sophisticated Italian officer (and musician) who commands the isle's garrison after the Italians invaded Greece. He soon begins a heated affair with the daughter of the local doctor; and despite their feelings for one another, they are forced to navigate their political and personal allegiances against the backdrop of war. Cage recently began production on the thriller "Gone In 60 Seconds," for which he reportedly received his first $20 million payday. "Gone" is expected to wrap in late summer, giving the Oscar-winning actor a window to shoot another film before "Captain Corelli." "Corelli" will mark the followup for Michell to his current hit, "Notting Hill," the romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant that also was produced by Working Title. Michell, an acclaimed stage director who seems to have come into his own with "Notting," has been developing "Corelli" for several years. The film is likely to be the first project greenlit under the newly hatched production pact that Working Title struck with Universal earlier this year. That unique deal allows the British-based banner to greenlight its own films with budgets up to $25 million. While the original "Corelli" budget was tagged at that level, it's unclear whether that budget will be significantly increased with the addition of Cage's high eight-figure fee, or whether the actor's deal will go light on the upfront fee but heavy on contingent compensation. ******* Better Nic plays Corelli than Mark Darcy, huh? ;-)

(Evelyn) And you kids say FP is not a film about football I gather you're being facetious, Evelyn. I related more strongly to the football fan aspect of the film than to the love story (I'm an avid US football fan). But without the love story, the film would have been a documentary. It will be interesting to see how it's promoted in the US. 'Gawd bless you, Salman,' After all the hoo-ha concerning Salman a few years ago, I'm glad to see he's progressed to writing about football :-P Nicolas Cage May Strum On 'Mandolin' "Uh oh" is an understatement! "Oh no" is my statement! I'm 3/4 of the way through this book now (BTW, if anyone is looking for it, the title is 'Corelli's Mandolin'; no 'Captain'). Corelli is not described physically so H'wood can have their way. Heck, at least it's not Roberto Begnini! I generally like Nic Cage but his work has been so...dark. Better Nic plays Corelli than Mark Darcy, huh? ;-) Your point is taken!

(Evelyn) And you kids say FP is not a film about football (Eileen) I gather you're being facetious, Evelyn. I related more strongly to the football fan aspect of the film than to the love story This has been an ongoing argument. I've always maintained it is not a *sports* film, but about a character who is sports obsessed and his relationship with a woman. Unfortunately, the love story was not all that well-developed. Lots of good arguments about why someone like Sarah would love a Paul Ashworth and go back to him.

Eileen, it's called Captain Corelli's Mandolin in the UK, Canada, and most of Europe, they shortened it here in the States. Actually, I think Nic Cage will be good in this role. He doesn't come in until halfway through the book. I'd be curious who'd play Mandras and Pelagia. Nic can smolder with those intense eyes of his. I think the casting might be good, and Nicolas Cage is technically a Coppola, so his nationality is right!

Helen Fielding will be on CNN (Riz Khan's Q&A)on Tuesday (tomorrow), answering questions which can be emailed or phoned. Riz mentioned that BJD is about to be turned into a movie. Nic Cage...marginally better than Ewan McGregor, but still IMO completely wrong. I actually think this is one character I prefer to just "see" in my imagination. Nic Cage is too old for a start...I think of Corelli as late twenties. I thought BJD was the first project to be "greenlit" for Working Title, if they're shooting in September (I hope) But again this begs the question, if the main casting for Corelli can be announced now, why not BJD. Why is it taking so long?

Perhaps, and this is a big perhaps, Colin Firth is doing Mark Darcy, but will get no credit for it. Especially, where it could technically be a cameo role. Similar to Mel Gibson in Fairytale: A True Story. Who knew MG was in that movie until the end????? Oh well, anything to say as to why they haven't announced casting;) I thought it good reasoning;-p

Especially, where it could technically be a cameo role. Technically, it would never been considered a cameo role. A cameo is where an actor makes an appearance in one scene. There is a surprise cameo in Notting Hill and as you said Mel's in Fairytale and there are lots of others. However, Mark Darcy (in the book) appears numerous times. The issue of credited v. uncredited is unrelated to being a cameo and done for different reasons.

Laura, you don't really believe Mark Darcy is a cameo role, do you?

Well, I'm not a big Mark Darcy fan, now am I????? Yes, I think it is a cameo role. A few shots here and there. He'll probably only do a couple of days shoot. (because the role is so minimal)

So basically it is an all girl film with guys in cameo roles? (That will cause Bridget to put on a few stones!) ;-)

Oh, come on, this is definitely going to be a chick flick! Men take backdoor to this story. I think I'd like Stephen Fry as Tom;)

Um, I meant, in this story;)

If it is be a "chick flick" to use your term, then you've disproved your own comments. A chick flick (i.e., sappy romance and/or tearjerker) MUST have a hunky guy role for chicks to drool over. If you think Mark Darcy is a cameo, then you must think the same of Mr. Darcy. Wrong!

(Karen)If you think Mark Darcy is a cameo, then you must think the same of Mr. Darcy. Wrong! I see confusion here. First of all, Mark Darcy is NOT 1813 Mr. Darcy. Mark Darcy is 1995-98 Mark Darcy. Mr. Darcy doesn't cheat on Elizabeth. Mark Darcy cheats on Bridget. Mr. Darcy is more prominent in P&P. Mark Darcy is touched upon in the book. I don't see MD as a direct takeoff of Mr. Darcy, she alludes to certain qualities, but MD is definitely his own person. We definitely saw more of MD in the weekly columns (where there was no similarity to Mr. Darcy).

You have built up MD's character nicely Laura, it looks like a lead role to me. :-)

Re: Mark Darcy: The character is more than 'touched upon' in the book. It's central to HF's updated P&P theme. Since *none* of us has seen the screenplay (correct me if I'm wrong), who knows?Will the screenplay be based on the book alone, or the book plus the weekly columns? Cameos? John Travolta and George Clooney in 'Thin Red Line' (or I should say George Clooney playing Doug Ross playing an officer in 'TRL', since all his roles are Doug Ross. You know, Doug Ross as Batman, Doug Ross as the army officer with Nicole Kidman, Doug Ross running around with Jennifer Lopez, etc.). (Bethan) I think of Corelli as late twenties Don't forget he ages at the end of the story, but yes, most of the action takes place while he's in his 20's. The central character in the book is Pelagia so that should be the key part (but we haven't seen this screenplay either). I just finished the book yesterday; if the screenplay follows the story the movie should be a good one.

(Eileen)Since *none* of us has seen the screenplay (correct me if I'm wrong) Let's see, if Richard Curtis is now involved with the Andrew Davies-amended script, do we really *need* to see the screenplay? I suppose it will go like this: Boy, with floppy hair, meets...oops, sorry... start again Girl (model-like in appearance) meets guy with floppy hair at wedding, funeral, bookstore, parents' friends' New Years Day buffet, etc., or some such trendy locale. Boy makes lasting impression on girl due to ugly sweater and they fall in deep like although neither knows what to make of it. We will because of a camera shot of boy giving girl a LOOK! Each goes own way, but meets up with other at other trendy spots. We will see boy taking a leisurely bath and going for a dip in a pond. Boy will stammer a lot and flutter eyelids, and be endearingly self-deprecating. Years will pass and they keep meeting and we will be suitably aggravated. BTW, there will be loads of colorful characters for the supporting cast. Tom will be played by Simon Callow. Mark will have a colorfully vulgar Welsh co-worker named Spike. Boy and girl will finally get together at end and while credits roll we will see pictures and/or snippets of their life together. The End

Wrong, Moon, I haven't built up his character, I just mentioned one glaring aspect of it in the weekly series. His character most likely in the screenplay will be small. He's not quite the love interest until much later. Pelagia and her father are the main characters. And I liked Mandras before he went off to war. The book had a very weak ending. I do HOPE they change that.

Karen, I think YOU should write the screenplay, cast the movie, direct, produce and edit it. That was hysterical;) Much better than what HF could ever do.

LOL, Karen. No doubt boy will also have a tendency to oversleep and a propensity for statements such as 'f**kety-f**k'. Boy will have chance encounter with girl, who has just finished excercising and is quite sweaty. Boy will have peculiar look on face, as if he's...ummm...

Forgot to describe boy's first encounter with girl at Una's Turkey Curry Buffet. Boy will spill curried turkey all over girl, whilst muttering "bollocks." Boy will then show everyone his manliness by snuffing out lit candle with fingers.

LOL, Karen, you're really on a roll here. Laugh aloud funny, as they say!! And Eileen, your Doug Ross comments, ditto! My take on MD is that in the screenplay of BJD it will be a central role.

Bethan, I agree completely. Sorry Laura. LOL, Karen!

Have heard that Curtis has changed Mark's girlfriend's name from Natasha to Duckface and will be reprised by KST. Oh, definitely, agree with you Bethan. Mark must be featured in the movie as that allusive guy, seemingly looking down on Bridget, fighting his attraction for her.

From Empire: Cage Sharpens his Bow 08/06/1999 He may have started his career in teen angst flicks like Rumblefish and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, but it didn�t take long for the hell-raising Nicolas Cage to don the action hero cloak and keep it securely fastened while he racked up a repertoire including The Rock, Con Air and Face/Off. All the more strange that he�s reportedly considering the title role in an adaptation of Captain Corelli�s Mandolin, from the best-selling novel by Brit author Louis de Bernieres. Set on the Greek island of Cephallonia during the Second World War, the book follows the story of a sensitive Italian officer who falls in love with the local doctor�s daughter. Despite Cage�s dalliances with matinee idol status in Moonstruck or Leaving Las Vegas (the twisted matinee idol) it�s pretty hard to imagine him speaking soft word of love under the olive trees. Still, with Notting Hill�s Roger Michell slated to directed � a man who made Hugh Grant appear attractive (apparently) � Cage might just be the new thinking woman�s heartthrob.

Cage to play Captain Corelli? Having established his action man credentials in films like Snake Eyes, Con Air and Face/Off, Nicholas Cage is said to be considering a romantic leading role. One of Cage's most memorable performances was as Cher's volatile Italian love interest in the Oscar-winning Moonstruck: now romance beckons once more. Cage could take the lead role in Working Title's production of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, playing the suave Italian officer and musician whose troops take command of a Greek island in the second world war. British director Roger Mitchell is said to be first choice to direct the adaptation of Louis De Bernieres' best-selling novel. Mitchell's last project was Notting Hill, whose closing shot sees Hugh Grant's character reading a copy of the very novel. Coincidence? We think not. Cage is currently filming Gone in 60 Seconds with Angelina Jolie and Vinnie Jones. With his fees $20 million for 60 Seconds and the budget of Corelli originally limited to $25 million, some financial juggling will be needed. ********** Reading the book on the park bench, huh? Well, didn't think you could see the title, but then again your version doesn't look like ours.

A Variety gossip column is about all the roles that are being tossed at Blanchett. Says she is being "courted" for Charlotte Gray and numerous others. Nothing solid. However, Bridget is not mentioned. (Didn't realize CB's in Costner's "For Love of the Game" and I've seen the trailer in the theater already!)

NC will Not be this thinking woman's heart-throb. He makes my flesh crawl!

I must agree with you for the most part, Marcia. While I have enjoyed NC in certain of the roles he has played, he engages in too much scenery chewing (i.e. way too broad, overacting) for my taste. He's kind of the anti-Colin ;-)

This article is about the guys at Working Title. Compares them to the Weinstein bros. Mentions BJD and Captain Corelli's Mandolin and their marketing coup with Notting Hill. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/html/hottx/film/top_direct.html Will write up what HF said tomorrow. *yawn* Nothing to stay up for. ;-)

Evelyn telephoned she is having a lovely time enjoyed TRT, Stephen Dillane and Jennifer were wonderful. She also enquired at Waterstones about" Bridget Jones Diary I will Survive" and was told it should be ready in the Autumn and definitely before Christmas. Also "Son of Adam" is being re-released in December 2000!!

(Karen), Will write up what HF said tomorrow. *yawn* Nothing to stay up for. ;-) Karen, how could that be? Did you asked her all our questions? :-)

how could that be? Did you asked her all our questions? :-) Of course, I asked as many as I could. However, there were a lot of people there. Not the intimate little gathering of last year. ;-) OK, Helen did her reading from the book. She is definitely improving and put much more into it. Great response from the people. Probably a hundred or so based on number of chairs, rows, people sitting on floor on sides and standing in rear. Took questions. First one asked was "who she would like to play Bridget in the movie?" She initially answered about how she would've liked do it herself and described her forays into acting at university, then ended with same line from last year about a "new face" and all the Hollywood actresses were too thin and too beautiful. That's what I mean about the event and the news being a *yawn*. Her answers are carved in stone from when she was initially coached by the publicists. She added little new from what I could tell, except when a question was off-the-cuff and/or funny. There were the terribly insipid questions like "I noticed there was some similarity to P&P. Was that intentional?" (Do these people live in caves?) Or "how much of Bridget Jones is yourself?" (Argh, even the store person used that in her intro.) When asked "if" she was writing a sequel (listen, stupid, it was also mentioned in the intro) and when it would be released, HF clowned around and said it was now officially one year from the date when it was due at the publisher. She said it was about 3/4 done then revised downward, ending by saying that she's done "some." Didn't sound very encouraging. Went into this whole thing about how she hates writing, has no disciple whatsoever, lives in Notting Hill and finds too much there to distract her (coffee bars and shops) and that she will go off into the country to do her writing. About the screenplay, she said she did 2 drafts. She said that initially tossing BJD together as book was quick and easy as she had no expectations that people would buy/read it. Now she feels much more pressured with the sequel, to make it good, etc. BTW, when talking about the P&P thing, she mentioned that the sequel will use another Austen novel. It's going to be loosely structured on or borrowing from Persuasion. (Am having a hard time myself trying to make that work with her Telegraph columns.) She did explain to the crowd that she continued to write Bridget after the book's action ended and that the sequel would be about what happens when you've landed Mr. Right (or Mr. Darcy) and how he doesn't do things like clear the table, take out the tra h, etc. (remember the one column about rinsing off a spoon). Never mentioned anything about their breakup. Question that got the funniest response: One woman asked if she imagined Bridget in her later years as one of the AbFab ladies. Helen responded absolutely and started acting like Patsy, a little sloshed. It was cute. OK, enough with the audience interaction. Went up to get a book signed for a friend and it was your basic quick sign and move on type situation. When I got up there, I said "this is certainly much better than last year." She looked up and said "Oh, I remember you." (doubt it, but that was nice). Told her that I wasn't supposed to leave without getting a "real" response to some questions. The person from the publisher was standing right next to her as we spoke and Helen continued to sign for others. hen I asked about the sequel, it was very apparent they have absolutely no clue when it will be published. The publisher's rep said they talk about this on nearly a daily basis. I told them that my British friends have been waiting far longer for the sequel. About the movie, my take is that she's out of the loop. She did mention to the crowd that she *hoped* her friend Sharon would be the director. I said I had read the article about her friend being the director and Helen said she hadn't and that sh had been away for a while. About Cate Blanchett being BJ, she said that they are no where near getting started with filming. Nothing about the casting of Mark Darcy, but did forget to ask if she "beefed up" his role. (I felt rather pressured as she was continuing to sign and the line was moving along but I wasn't.) Anyway as a final thing, I told her about my search for Milk Tray in Britain as she raved about the stuff last time and gave her a small box of Fannie Mae's Trinidads (do die for). She wa amused at hearing about the Milk Tray adventure (remember Heide and Evelyn??) and appeared very touched that I did this. That's all folks. Sorry there wasn't anything earth shattering. :(

OK- what are the Telegraph Columns? And where can I find them? BTW- Karen, thanks for the lovely write up! Since I've just read BJD recently, I didnt know a bunch of this stuff. :)

Essbee, Helen started the column at the Independent and then moved over to the Daily Telegraph. The book is based on columns she wrote at the Independent; however, there is a gap between where the book left off (Mark whisking Bridge away at Xmas) and where she picked up at the Telegraph. You can read the columns at the Telegraph's site by doing a search. They started November 8, 1997 and ended December 19, 1998. You can pull them up sequentially from the search function. The main page of "Features" still has I believe a link to "Bridget Jones's Diary" that will take you to the last installment. At the end of each column is a link to the previous week, so you can go backwards to the beginning. Here's the link to the Telegraph (you might still need to register, but it's nothing) http://www.telegraph.co.uk This topic was started by Laura to discuss the weekly columns. We all commented on them, speculated and generally ranted and raved about Bridget's stupidity. Last year, Helen actually acknowledged that she had read this stuff on occasion (probably once or twice) to get some feedback. Hope this helps.

One last thing, the Independent doesn't archive. And, someone asked if HF and her publishers ever considered doing a blank journal. She described the one that was sold in the UK last Christmas, what they added to the various dates, etc., and said that maybe they would do one in the US this time.

What about Davies and Curtis? Who is really incharge? I hope they are not looking for an American to play B. And did you ask about Colin? Thanks Karen, now we should ask Laura to continue and then Winter and Jana2 in LA. We will get our answers yet, I hope!

Is she coming to Boston? I haven't seen that in the line up from Valerie. If she is, where, when and I'll definitely be there! Karen, I think she'd remember you. You have that remembering kind of face. (Natalie Wood, come to think of it.)

Uh, I meant Vivian!

Thanks Karen! :) will check it out sometime this weekend

Re: Curtis and Davies I couldn't figure out a way to word this one without it appearing to be insulting. It really shows that she couldn't write the screenplay and that others have been brought in to help. I probably should have brought the Times article with me, but when I came home and looked at it for the specific wording about her friend Sharon being the director, I remembered how smug the article was about Helen and her turning to her former boyfriend and how Bridget wouldn't translate well to the screen without major c anges. Now I can see why Helen wouldn't acknowledge having seen it. According the schedule, she's already been in LA and I didn't see Boston on the list. Today is Milwaukee, then she goes to Kansas, Minneapolis, and back to NY. Here's the link to the publisher's website. There's an interesting section of "Discussion Topics" (hey, maybe we should do this??) and a mention of the Persuasion theme for the sequel. http://www.penguinputnam.com/bridgetjones/index.htm

(Karen)Last year, Helen actually acknowledged that she had read this stuff on occasion (probably once or twice) to get some feedback. Oh really? That�s news to me and very interesting. Where did she make this acknowledgement? Well if she did it once she has definitely done it again (and again?) Hi, Helen! :-p

She acknowledged it to me, then I told her that I had started up the board. I also brought up about Colin Firth playing Mark Darcy in the movie and if she couldn't get him, then his brother (she liked the idea;)). Now don't go all crazy on me, it happened exactly a year ago!

We talked about it as well. She told the little group last year that there was a place on the web where people discussed her column. I immediately chimed in that I was one of the people and that she would be seeing Laura in a few days. She said that she was (at that time) not very good on the computer and that she had found this place by doing a search for Bridget. She said she had no intention of participating. I remember she asked me about specific columns and why we hadn't reacted much to them. P obably had to do with the fact that Mark wasn't in them!! Go back to last June and read my account and read Laura's account and the LA postings (Winter and/or Jana) of going to the booksigning. I got a few raised eyebrows at the copy of the book (UK paperback) I brought for signature. Will send it back to you shortly, Cathy. ;-)

(Karen)According the schedule, she's already been in LA Wot? When? Why don't I ever hear about these things beforehand? read my account and read Laura's account and the LA postings (Winter and/or Jana) of going to the booksigning. That reminds me, Karen. It was about this time Jana and I first met! And coincidentally, we're meeting up again this Friday to see "An Ideal Husband." a mention of the Persuasion theme for the sequel. EEK! I'm actually not thrilled to hear this. Persuasion is much to sacred to resurface as a BJ sequel. What could possibly happen?...Jude recklessly jumps off a ledge in Lyme, only to dislocate her hip and fall in love with some sailor who keeps her company as she recuperates... (Ann)Evelyn telephoned she is having a lovely time enjoyed TRT Oh, good! I'm glad... Can't wait to hear her account when she gets back next week. Oh, and by the way, our Ben is in England right now, though I don't know if he's going to make a stop at the Donmar to see HDG.

HDG??!!

His Dear Girl.

our Ben is in England right now, though I don't know if he's going to make a stop at the Donmar to see HDG. Not going to make a stop at the Donmar? Oh I see, if he brings a sleeping bag and tent and sets up camp, it would not be called a "stop." ;-) Too bad we probably won't hear HOW MANY times he will have gone to see it and his "objective" of HG' (his goddess') performance.

missing word after "objective" was: review

Reporting from Hollywood (on Lake Michigan, that is): Can't walk and/or drive anywhere around here without bumping into a movie van. Shooting is going on right now with Minnie Driver. They have set up the Old Town Art Fair (one day ahead of time) so that her character can exhibit her works. On Monday, they will be filming next door to me for two weeks minimum. Now the big news!! Have stumbled on High Fidelity!!! Yeah!! Went over to the post office and parked illegally and noticed the signs. Walked down the residential street and saw the trailers lined up. As I'm reading the signs on their doors, saw "Barry" and "Dick" written. Yes!! A guy whose sole job it is to sit in a lawnchair and watch the empty trailers was basically doing nothing so I asked if it was High Fidelity. He said yes. Asked where they were shooting and he said the movie theater around the corner). The Biograph? (that was the famous one where John Dillenger went with the Lady in Red and got shot in the alley) No, the other one. The Three Penny Cinema, a little hole in the wall place that was carved up. In talking to the guy I mentioned that I hadn't heard of them being anywhere, and he said they had just finished soundstage work. Asked if Nick Hornby had been there. He looked blank (as befits anybody whose job it is to sit in a lawnchair all day). Another guy passed by and answered, "yes." I went to talk to him. He said Nick had been there a couple of weeks ago for a few days. I asked whether he worked on the script and the guy said he didn't think so as he doesn't have any writing credits. He just stopped by. Then I asked about casting. shut your eyes, Laura He said that Lisa Bonet is playing Marie and that Sara Gilbert is Anna. Since not one of his girlfriends (or childhood crushes) is named Anna, perhaps he meant Sarah. He admitted he wasn't too good with the names of all those *bit* parts. He told me who was playing Dick and Barry, but I've never heard of them. Jack Blake and somebody else. This guy must have wondered why I didn't ask about Cusack! ;-o They hadn't started for the day, so I will walk over later on and see if I can see anything of either shoot.

Good sleuthing, Karen. He said that Lisa Bonet is playing Marie Lisa Bonet from The Cosby Show?? Have they scoured the 'TV Hall of Fame' or what?

yep, that's the one. I must have had a strange look on my face because he specifically said "The Cosby Show," even though I did know who she was. Now I need to find out what Alan Grier (from that Wayans show) looks like. The cashier at my grocery store said he was in there (this must be the lunch break) and he's in the cast of Return to Me.

David Alan Grier was from "In Living Color" (Fox comedy variety show, early 90's-- where Jim Carrey got his big break). He;s a great actor-- hilarious guy. Lisa Bonet? "Denise" from the Cosby Show? If I had known casting was more diverse, I would've been more agressive in trying to get a part in this film! ;-)

These are two different movies, Winter. Lisa Bonet is Marie in High Fidelity and that's a definite. Went back to the set and saw her in her trailer, which said "Lisa/Marie" on the door. No door was labeled "Rob" which would have been Cusack's, but he could have been in any of the ones that said "producer" as well. And "Lawn Chair Boy" was wrong. They were not shooting in the movie theatre but a bar a couple of doors down called "Lounge Ax" Talked to a PA and some of the extras hanging around. David Alan Grier (I looked him on and found a picture of him) is in "Return to Me," the Minnie Driver/David Duchovney movie. I ran into him on the street. Boy was he noticeable. It's hot and humid and here's this shortish, stocky guy wearing a dark business suit. Everyone's in shorts. I actually said something to him. Saw Minnie as well on the art fair set. Hair was long and wild but gathered at the back. She was wearing real baggy capris. They were rehearsing and I just walked over and took a look. They weren't keeping anybody away.

Agh! Sorry!!! This is what happens when one skims...

Thanks for all the info on HF, Karen. I agree with you that she's probably out of the loop for the movie now. Pobably has very little involvement in any decision making, and certainly won't be able to say anything. But they can't delay filming forever! I'm hoping that there's more Andrew Davies/P&P than Richard Curtis. Davies is a more original scriptwriter ( and does have a dark side). If Curtis takes over I honestly think we'll have Notting Hill 2, with Bridget (as a male Hugh Grant) and her assortment of chums. But that may be exactly what Universal wants! The "Persuasion" theme...BJ gets MD, finds he's not perfect to live with, has major row, he feels hurt and rejected, goes to Japan for a year, comes back ,is interested in steady relationahip with Natasha-type, BJ falls for attractive unreliable type who lets her down, BJ and MD realise they still love each other, end.

Wow! You are all getting so good at it. Too bad we have to wait for HF to write it! ;-) I recently read that Minnie D. got engaged to James Brolin's son. She seems desperate for an attachment, with her past luck and many tries. Karen, is she very skinny? You must, if you get a chance, ask her about Colin. I believe Circle of Friends was her first film, maybe he gave her a few tips. I wonder if NH will be returning to Chicago. Just being your fab. self will get you the answers. :-D

Re: Persuasion The part I'm getting hung up on is *who* persuades Bridget to break it off? Perhaps HF will ignore that minor but pivotal part of the story. ;-) Did MD get engaged to Josh Brolin? I hadn't heard that. Then she'll be Barbra's daughter-in-law. Minnie hit the jackpot. BTW, she's probably thin as a rail, although the outfit she was wearing in that scene was all loose and baggy. Should be able to tell more next week. Am interested to see if she acts like a princess though. On Bridget, I do agree that Curtis' involvement will likely turn the movie into another NH (which isn't bad, guys) or 4Ws. I caught the end of a special on AMC last night about the making of NH and there were interviews with a couple of men, but by that time they weren't showing captions as to who they were. I wonder which one was Richard Curtis and which one was Roger Mitchell.

Minnie Driver was also in "Chatsky" with Colin, so she'll know him very well. someone on the set of COF said that MD didn't mix off set, whereas Colin used to go to the pub with the crew.