Can you get a video interview with CF that we could run on our Spring main page?

Excellent work, Moon and Heide!! I think I need to get a cordless telephone headset for home. All the questions were wonderful. (Laura) CF@Four Seasons Hotel in NY until 5p.m. EST. I have spies too! If I get on a plane now, I could make it.... Just kidding...wouldn't do that to DB. However, I wonder if the seat next to him on the plane is taken. Could you get your spies working on that one, Laura.

And three way calling, Karen so I don't get stuck holding for all those calls that come through when I'm paying for the call:) Ah, yes the seat beside him is taken by a woman who goes by the name of Livia Firth;)

Ladies, I have v. good news! The rep. received the fax with all the questions and told me that we should have them answered in about two weeks time!!! Hooray! I will ring him again with a reminder in the future. Now we can all have a wonderful Thanksgiving (big grin). Terry, I think we should take it one step at a time. After all the DB has agreed to answer our questions--THAT IS A BIG STEP! I'm sure once Colin gets to know us well...he might agree to one.

I'm sure once Colin gets to know us well...he might agree to one. We are harmless little kittens with purrfect manners!

One more thing, I would like to thank Evelyn who posed the question: Where the hell is Colin? I took it v. seriously! Thanks also to Heide who had the good fortune of working late last night.

moon et alt.: you are brilliant! :-))

Moon....ole dear...you are brilliant (as well as a great party-giver). I am glad my harmless question precipitated you to ACT!! Frustrating to read about all his contemporaries' projects! You have enhanced the reputation of Drool. Hopefully, others will join us. And thanks to our leaders...Heide and Karen...who have taken their responsibility seriouly but with good humor...it all adds up to great fun. Laura...you sly fox. We discussed last night that Miramax always puts their stars up at The Four Seasons.....Then YOU went into action! Winter, I shall get dates for you on Jeremy Northam's play . And the Theatre. Check TWA , Continental and Northwest Airlines for weekend rates. Cheap in winter.Call the theatre direct for tickets...they charge your card and you pick -up at box office. That's what I did for Judi Dench play.You don't have to pay commission that way. (Didn't like JD play...sorry)

I hear tell you can't post in this topic. Rumors. Rumors!

Decided to move it: Topic 112 of 113 [drool]: Colin Firth - Darcy Drool (cont. from 68) Response 34 of 34: Karen (KarenR) * Wed, Nov 25, 1998 (16:07) * 10 lines Since this one appears to be working thought I'd post here (better here than no where). Was wondering why Colin left town so quickly. Only reasons I came up with were: 1) Stores were already too crowded to do Christmas shopping. 2) Checked the TV Guide and noticed that for the next week everything is either a rerun or football (not his kind). 3) Wanted to avoid one of the busiest days at the airports. 4) Transit pass expired. 5) Nothing good left in minibar. I'm sure you all can do better!!

Sorry, I'm being rather slow on the uptake here, although I did post some questions, not really understanding why! But has CF been in NY/USA (promoting SIL)? How did you know, and was it a brief stay? Moon, do you have a contact at the Miramax office (hence the questions)? Heide, has Colin agreed to actually answer the questions? Within a fortnight? Sorry to sound so dim, but I'm just so accustomed at the moment to never expecting any news of CF, that I've got a brickwall mentality! FP is being shown on terrestial TV. Saw a re-cycled "interview" with CF in one of the TV mags (Didn't buy it). Just old stuff. Although he is quoted as saying that he "never loses sight of the fact that it was Darcy everyone fell for , not him"...or something like that!

FP is being shown on terrestial TV. When, Bethan? And where?

FP is being shown on terrestrial TV. When, Bethan? And where?

FP is being shown on terrestial TV. When, Bethan? And where?

First I couldn't post at all and now too many times!

Bethan, Colin has been in the US briefly, the SIL gang was in NY doing press on Monday. I have contacted his rep. and he agreed to pass the questions on to Colin for him to answer. He said it should take about two weeks, let us hope! Since he was to leave, we had to get the questions out to the rep. ASAP, that is why Heide had to fax them, luckily, she was working late and did it all from her office. Heide should receive a fax with the answers. I will contact them again to make sure it is done. Colin is not expected for the SIL premiere here. I do not know how long he'd been in the States for and I did not ask.

Moon, Heide - Who is Colin's rep? Where? How did you locate him/her?

We're a small group (at least those of us who post) so it's continually amazing to me how much stuff we can find out. Mostly it's from those of you with contacts like Moon and Bethan but the perserverance of this group is amazing. I have to admit I'm not going to set myself up for a fall so I won't be surprised and just a little disappointed if we don't get our answers. But Moon's optimism is contagious. This is really a strong lead. By the way, I did send in all the questions but explained that we didn't have a lot of time for forethought. We also understood if he didn't answer the personal questions. Just trying not to sound like a looney - not everyone get's our collective sense of humor.

Arami, these are Moon's contacts. I'm just the conduit.

Just to let you know that CF left NYC on British Airways at 7pm EST First class arriving in London at 6.30a.m. GMT. He stayed at the Midtown (?) Four Seasons. Apparently this source's information was very good:) Miramax puts all the stars at FS. I had NO clue that NYC has TWO Four Seasons, but then again I didn't know that Chicago did too;) Karen will understand that one! People who actually went to the Four Season looking for him, didn't know how to go about and ask. And I'm not about to tell how it was done to get the information. Earlier this morning I had this wonderful witty response, but because I couldn't post to this blasted topic, it has since died away:( Oh, well maybe eventually, he will come to Boston. We are just as uptight as your normal Londoner! hee hee. PS: luckily my friend who got the info knew of their being two Four Seasons:)

I had NO clue that NYC has TWO Four Seasons, but then again I didn't know that Chicago did too;) Karen will understand that one! } Hee hee hee. Not just Karen :-)

I would have loved to just catch a glimpse of this man. He is such a wonderful actor. Wonder why he was travelling alone???

Allison, FP is being shown on Channel 4 this Sunday evening. Colin is not expected for the SIL premiere here. Officially not?

The Pierre is the other Four Seasons Hotel in New York.

I think the mid-town Four Seasons is on 57th St. and IMO they should leave him alone. (Or them, if L. was along). This guy will never come out of hibernation if he's hounded everywhere he goes. You know how much he abhors all the entrapments of fame. BTW saw GP on The Tonight Show with David Letterman. She was v. nervous. They mentioned the film a few times...spoke about how Harvey Weinstein, "the coercer", made her come on the show. (Giggle, giggle).Showed a clip which I have seen several times of a love scene with Joe F.She mostly talked about Ts'giving with her family.Not a great interview. I wonder if A&E will show any clips of SIL during the Sunday Day-Long P&P Marathon.A&E is also owned by Disney. Has everyone entered the SIL Sweepstakes for the free trip for two to England. Includes hotel. Somebody has to win.

I also had news and witty remarks which I forgot now, couldn't post. News: Friends saw SIL at screening. Um, do you really want to know? The good news is, it's supposed to be beautiful. I believe this because the publicity photo are. Witty remarks: Completely gone. Next time: I can email my phone number if an agent is needed in NY. It's amazing the amount you all got done in such a short time! And such intlligence operations!

I also had news Cheryl, that link to the news about SIL did not work- "internal server error" Was it bad news?

In this morning's Daily Mail a story about Miramax pushing Liitle Voice for Oscars. Michael Caine, Best Actor; Jane Horrocks, Best Actress; Brenda Blethyn, Supporting Actress; And possibly Ewan Mcgregor, supporting actor! Also, I notice that a film called "If Only" has just opened in the UK - produced by Handmade Films. So what happened to SLOW I wonder?

Eech! I wouldn't rely on the Daily Mail! I've read a few reviews of Little Voice...Ewan McGregor is barely in it (plays a pigeon fancier) Brenda Blethyn apparently screeches irritatingly throughout. It's set in a northern seaside town in the fifties. Promotion of SIL seems to have started in the UK. Preview of article in the next issue of "Sunday Times" describes SIL as Oscar bound. Front cover pic of JF in white frilly shirt open to the waist, looking suitably moody and passionate.SIL has a galaxy of supporting actors, all "dressed for their parts".....Judi Dench has rotten teeth, Geoffrey Rush is unrecognisable, all padded out, with lank greasy hair. My one (major!)reservation about SIL is that it sounds TEP-ish...high profile, but all the emphasis on the passionate leading couple, with CF again as a cuckold! Could we PLEASE, PLEASE see MLSF and SLOW!! Allison, who stars in "If only"? How come Handmade are allowed to release it?

Allison, who stars in "If only"? How come Handmade are allowed to release it? I saw a trailer of it last week. The only person I recognised was Mark Strong! I assume that Handmade have not actually gone bankrupt. I am not an expert in these matters but if they have gone into voluntary liquidation they can call in the receivers and the receivers then run the company with a view to recouping losses. They would only stop trading immediately if that was the only way to repay creditors. No doubt one of our drooling group will have these facts at their finger tips! Though if that were the case then I would have thought the success of Lock Stock etc would have ore than filled their coffers.

I think "If only" must be a re-titled "Man with rain in his shoes" which was made a few months before SLOW, but was, I think, because of the timing, actually shown at film markets before the receivership. It's interesting (and encouraging) to see that it's got a nationwide release.

Hope this doesn't ruin anyone's weekend...they felt it was ok. Summary: "I didn't know how to take it. It was pseudo-biographical, but then it wasn't. Lots of anachronisms--weren't sure if some were supposed to be funny. But there were so many [anach.], it didn't make sense. You just never knew how to react. Acting fine. Film's intentions seemed to be all over the place. Beautiful, though." This from artsy gay guys but not film buffs. In the past, their opinions on many other plays, concerts, etc. have been in synch with the major reviewers here in NY. I think they were saying there were story problems and directing problems.

Oh, and it wasn't a news link. I just wrote "news" with a colon after it and it got converted to a link. HTML shorthand? A quirk?

Thanks for the news on SIL. I won't be disappointed if this movie is not great and I don't really expect any Oscars out of it, mainly because "Elizabeth" is out there and while they are two different films, I can't see two Elizabethan-era films duking it out at the Oscars. If your friends weren'st sure if the anachronisms were supposed to be funny, I think that's a fair assessment of what others' reactions will be. All I hope for is that Colin blows them away and I would expect the minor acting roles to be flawless as well. (Evelyn) IMO they should leave him alone. Absolutely agree. But don't think I wouldn't be interested in what they mighth find out. ;-) Saw David Letterman too. Yeah, GP was very nervous and giggly. I was getting furious at Dave yelling at him to let her talk but I suppose he was doing her a favor. So even though she didn't mention Colin, she mentioned absolutely no one else either. Hope for better luck with Judi Dench on Conan O'Brian tonight.

I wonder how popular Tom Stoppard is in the States? Have his plays been played on or off Broadway? He has a very particular verbal style. I wonder how that would go down with American audiences. My favourites of his are "Travesties", "Arcadia" and "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead". Magic plays IMHO. But not sure how Americans would react. Were they popular in the States? Did they ever make the stage? Sorry to be so ignorant I'm just wondering whether The US and UK are on the same wavelength on this. On a similar theme, I felt that public reaction in the UK to TEP was more muted. Interestingly I noted at the time that the BAFTA nominations (which mirrored the Oscars re TEP)came out BEFORE TEP had been generally released. Don't ask me how that happened. I just felt that BAFTA were reacting to American adulation. The UK critics were uniformally in praise but a lot of other articles by non film buffs echoed my husband's comments about 15 minutes into TEP "this is a load of c**p". Some others (none of t em CF fanatics)echoed my feeling that the basic plot was unmoving. It was about lust not love. Not very drooly. Perhaps I should have posted this on #98.

Tom Stoppard is fairly popular amongst the Broadway crowd, he does reel them in. Not quite Andrew Lloyd Webber, but what the heck, right?

Cheryl, if your friends saw the screening on Tuesday, could they tell us if any of the cast were around? Suppose that's not common at a screening but we do know a certain someone was in NYC at least during the day.

What happens on the stage in New York has very little impact on the rest of the country so while Tom Stoppard productions may be praised by critics, it's the musicals that Ma and Pa Kettle go to see when they come to the Big City. I'm generalizing, of course but I don't think Stoppard is very well known outside of certain small circles.

(Allison)Re: Tom Stoppard He has a very particular verbal style. I wonder how that would go down with American audiences. My favourites of his are "Travesties", "Arcadia" and "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead". they popular in the States? Did they ever make the stage? Agree with Laura...Tom Stoppard popular with the theatre crowd which is v. small in the US.Movies are far more popular. Probably because they are marketed more and tickets are not as expensive.Saw "Rosencrantz and G." and also "Travesties"at the Kenndey Center years ago. I enjoyed them...but my husband"s reply was similar to yours re: TEP " a load of c***". I don't know how Stoppard's verbal style" will play in Peoria," as we say (mid-America). But Harvey Weinstein is no dummy...he would not let a edantic script slide through. I agree Heide..fun to find out about Colin's doings...prefer interviews or word from someone who has spoken to him at a social function...I have a problem with paparazzi-type of behavior,though.

I did not do the omission.......that was"pedantic script"

One significant point about SIL is that it will attract some attention and be a "cv-type" movie. It seems to me that an incredible number of films open every week in the UK (and probably more in the US) and perhaps only one film a month will really register. It doesn't always mean that it's the best film, but perhaps it has more media attention. In Hollywood terms, CF will probably be associated with TEP and now SIL. BTW Tom Stoppard has just become the first English playwright to have his work performed (in translation) by the Comedie Francaise.

(Bethan) Preview of article in the next issue of "Sunday Times" describes SIL as Oscar bound. Would have to be for things like costume design, etc. One thing to remmeber, it is a comedy and they are *rarely* major Oscar contenders. If they are in the running, then they have to be great comedies. (Heide) I don't really expect any Oscars out of it, mainly because Elizabeth" is out there..." But Elizabeth didn't feel like a *Best Picture of the Year* to me. Of course the voters could forget about "Saving Private Ryan," I mean it was released months ago (i.e., a lifetime to Academy voters), but then again there's Pleasantville--brilliant film!! (Allison) this is a load of c**p" If the missing letters are rap, I think we can post *crap* on the boards...some do everyday (I don't exclude myself) !! ;-) Judi Dench on Conan O'Brien Well at least she mentioned Geoffrey Rush. One positive thing, though, evidently they went for authenticity in some of the makeup. I believe you mentioned before, Bethan, about the rotten teeth. Dench said that only herself and Rush had the crummy teeth. So they didn't touch Colin's. Thank goodness for small favors. Am hoping for a special on E! about the making of SiL or the premiere. These stars are pathetic on the talk shows and am tired after having stayed up to watch it last night.

better close that tag, now

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Checked out the CF Roles site for the first time in ages, and there are two very nice new pics of CF....the poster for MLSF, showing Colin & Mary Mastrantonio (I've got that wrong again!), and a pic of Colin as Wessex. Karen, I don't think he's filled out at all.....I can see cheekbones! But the costume is certainly multi-layered and heavy looking.....how can he fight a duel in that cloak?! I can't see Elizabeth getting a Best Picture nomination, although I'm sure Cate Blachett will be nominated. And aren't there about a hundred more movies opening in the next few weeks!

(Bethan) two very nice new pics of...Colin as Wessex. I don't think he's filled out at all. I can see cheekbones! But the costume is certainly multi-layered and heavy looking Saw the pictures, Bethan, and agree. He looks just fine in those. I did read about all the heavy padding for the men's costumes. Must have been his most heavily padded that showed up in the clip used on ET and the trailer in the theaters. I'm sure Cate Blachett will be nominated. And she deserves it.

Roles I Wish CF would have gotten: ( a hobby of mine) "Les Miserables" He would have played a brilliant Jean Valjean. Liam Neeson ain't it!!Little or no emotion in his face...CF would have excelled in that. Geoffrey Rush as Inspector Javert steals the show.As a whole the film is slooooow.

MEDIA ALERT Sunday TIMES under the Culture Section do not miss the article entitled: November 29 1998 CULTURE Film - Will Shakespeare, star-crossed lover Tom Stoppard's romantic fantasy could dance away with the Oscars, reports Garth Pearce *Glowing * review. A special screening was held for journalists in New York this past week.(Now we know what CF was doing in town)

Here's the link (I think) for that London Times review: Sunday Times Quote from Colin in there somewhere but I don't know what he's talking about.

I think this part bodes well for Colin's performance. It had Geoffrey Rush's friend in stitches or was laughing hard enough to fall off his seat:"But I watched the film with a friend who almost fell off his seat when Wessex grabs Shakespeare and says, 'I am going to spill your blood, but not now. What is your name?' And he says, 'Christopher Marlowe.'"

Hello, all. Goodness, you have been active. If necessity is the mother of invention, then her father is surely desire. Since last time I was here, there have been hundreds of messages, co-ordinating Operation Track Firth with military precision. You should have alerted me: I could have sat inconspicuously in the hotel lobby, hidden behind dark glasses and an FT. I wasn't aware that Stoppard is the author of SIL. Should be a reasonable script, then. Hope you all had a nice break.

If you want to thank A&E for re-showing P&P here is their URL for the Feedback Page. ( I also requested that they show it yearly) http://www.aetv.com/cgi-bin/aetv-user.cgi?a=056

Thanks for the link Heide. It sounds like SIL is quite witty and well written: a dream come true for actors. Colin seemed to have fun too. I loved the Marlowe line. We'll see what happens when it opens in the US, if people actually get it. I find myself laughing at a film and no one else getting the jokes more times than not. I wish we could all see it together, *sigh*! Nice to have you back Ben.

Ummm, yearly??? I could barely sit through it today:( I have no attention span of late!

Thanks, Moon. As the chief planner of OTF, you have my congratulations. I hope it bears fruit. As for a group view of SIL, the most sensible meeting place would have to be a big city, obviously...within easy reach of other cities, whether in Europe or the U.S....somewhere with nice movie theatres, obviously, and good places to eat. It could only be a bonus if The Firth were himself to have visited this city recently, so that to its other attractions one could add the hotel at which He stayed, or the cab in which He sat...... Now let me see...why! Eureka! Blow me down, I live in just such a place! New York City seems to be the only choice. QED. By the way, I watched P&P again. Ms Ehle has lost none of her allure. In fact, she seems to have found some more. I was cooing at the screen. It struck me, incidentally, that if modern woman needed an argument against the extraordinary charge (sometimes voiced by aged English judges) that victims of violent assualt invite attacks by the clothes they wear, she might wonder aloud why regency gels got away with it. Perhaps the blokes were more decent.

Goodness, I agree with Ben. I stepped away for a week and you ladies have been busy. Hope we don't scare the D.B. away. I mean Colin, not you Ben. We know you're made of sterner stuff than that :-). I watched P&P today also and found myself being drawn in again by Mr. Darcy's considerable charms. Too bad I'm a west-coaster because my sighing would have made nice stereo accompaniment to Ben's cooing.

I cancelled most, if not all, of my regular Sunday activities to watch a six-hour miniseries that I have taped twice from television and have in a lovely boxed set. What is the matter with me?? Ben, you are going to have check this site on a more regular basis or give us the number to your pager/cell phone so that you can execute Operation Firth Tracking with the military efficiency such a strategy requires. ;-) Are you working on the *limo* he rode in or the restaurants, bars, he went to (oh those nasty prepositions)?

(Laura) Re: A dose of P&P Yearly Ummm, yearly??? I could barely sit through it today:( Laura, baby, just think...you'll have a whole year for your "tusch" to recover:-)) (Ben) I watched P&P again. Ms Ehle has lost none of her allure. Agree. But did you hear the announcer: (Not the place to post this) "Pride and Prejudice, starring Colin Firth". Period. Not a word about about his co-star who was practically in every scene. Grrrrr. (I think even CF would agree that she deserved a mention) Am I the only one who has not noticed "Murph's Corner" in cf.com. Great new pictures from the SIL press kit and the poster from the Toronto Premiere on Wednesday night. These are heady days indeed.

Having "lurked" so long and derived so much pleasure from your CF discussions and consistent drooling over recent weeks, what better time to join in. Both sides of the Atlantic seem to be reluctantly recovering from our recent "Firth Fest"! P&P2 and FP here last night on C4. Can we keep this going until Jan 29th when SIL is released? I admire all your dedication in tracking CF down last week by the way. Any news on that limo yet Ben?

Lizza, welcome with open arms. You lucky, lucky girl to have seen Fever Pitch on TV. Though you probably saw it in the cinema and have the tape, just like us on the other side of the pond watching P&P, you watched it anyway as if you never saw it before. Any prologue to the film before showing it? Once a year for A&E's showing of P&P sounds very reasonable, Evelyn. I would have asked for twice. Ben, dear, you are lucky we didn't track you down. We would have gotten you on that plane (and first class too!) back to London with a very agreeable seat mate. (Yeah, right.)

Hi Lizza, Welcome to Drool. Always a treat to have a new fan on board. Once a year for A&E's showing of P&P sounds very reasonable, Evelyn. I would have asked for twice. Let's not get greedy.I don't think they showed it in "97...did they?

They showed it THREE times in 97! February, June and October, I remember October because it was the day I came home from Europe and couldn't watch because I was so jet-lagged!

(Evelyn)*Glowing * review. Now that's what I call a review! The director of _Mrs. Brown_(I had no idea.) It sounds like it did so hold together.

To have six whole hours of P&P2!!!! We should be so lucky! We did get a whole page colour advert of CF this weekend to promote FP. No other film has had this, so CF is still high on the publicity ratings-- despite the FP hair style ( o.k. just a very minor bad hair day!!)

(Heide) Ben, dear, you are lucky we didn't track you down. We would have gotten you on that plane (and first class too!) back to London with a very agreeable seat mate. (Yeah, right.) First class seating is in twos. Since I've already reserved the seat next to DB, I'm afraid Ben would have to take the seat across the aisle, in front or behind him or...there's my lap! ;-) ***Warning****(that's for you, Ben...you have a camera, don't you?) SiL premiere is this Thursday in NY. Welcome, Lizza. Glad you joined in and like the others am envious that you got to see FP on television. Am still hoping it will be shown in the theaters here eventually as was mentioned a while back. Did the full-page adverts have any good pictures of Colin?

Welcome! His hair, Lizza, his hair?

TV Alert in Germany: Nick Hornby news. His new book "About a Boy" was recommended by "B�cher, B�cher" (HR3), and will be reviewed in "Literarisches Quartett" this week (Friday, I think, in ZDF). So now we know it is "really" literature. :-) To become the target of this exclusive circle means something! Even if they don't like it, it will get countrywide attention. For the minority ;-) of those who don't know this show: this treatment is the best that can happen if you want to promote a book. I wish NH every success.

His hair, Lizza, his hair Through a bush, backwards! SIL Sunday Times review SIL is definitely being "talked up" in the UK, which I'm all in favour of! And if publicity starts well ahead of the opening (Jan 29), that's all to the good. I think promotion is very important and films go a long way on raised expectations. Roles that CF could have played....Les Miserables (Evelyn) I agree, but it's a bit of a Catch 22 really. Established "star names" get the good roles, which means that they then continue to get offers of plum parts. English actors, by and large, get baddies and butlers. I still regret the casting of Sydney Carton! Mel G is not a sad-eyed, tall and lanky loser! But I'm sure he'll go to the scaffold very gallantly. The only slightly "heroic" role I can see in the offing for CF is the modern Mr Darcy!

Renate, thanks for such a swift view of the CF "bush." I recently read the new NH "About a boy" and enjoyed it. It's being turned into a screenplay along with another of his books (High Fidelity I think).Do you think CF will be offered the lead in either? He did invite NH to his Tuscan wedding afterall!! Maybe too much like another Paul Ashworth for CF?? Thanks for the continued welcomes, it's great to be among so many fellow droolers.

His hair, Lizza, his hair Through a bush, backwards! I like his hair style in FP; goes with the era. It's the cheap dye-job I object to.

Welcome, Lizza - nice to see another fellow European here. We're so underrepresented, we'll have to drool twice as hard. Through a bush, backwards! A spiky one, too. A yummy scruff of a dedicated teacher. I'd love to see him in a film reprising this role in a different situation - e.g. with a classroom Lolita setting a trap for him and all the anguish arising from his fighting wrong accusations and suspicions.

Nick Hornby / German TV "Literarisches Quartett" this week (Friday, I think, in ZDF). Correction: It is next week. Friday 11, Dec., 22.20h, ZDF

For the American ladies~ SIL alert on Access Hollywood tomorrow (12/2). Since they're interviewing Gwynneth Paltrow I don't hold out much hope but I believe they will show clips.

Bonsoir a toutes. Can't do this premiere thing - I'm out of town on Thursday. Lizza, how the hell do you know the identity of The Firth's wedding guests? More efficient spies than here? I would have tried, at least, though to what end I don't know. Perhaps I could have rifled through his waste-paper basket [ALERT: Firth uses a Gilette Sensor!], or his underwear drawer [HEAR YE: The Firth wears boxers]. I will order the new Hornby book. I v. much enjoyed the first two, in particular Fever Pitch. (I am a fairly rabid football fan, though not in his league.) Weirdly, one of his flings, referred to v. cursorily in the book, is my cousin, who used to teach at the same school as him, years ago. She's rather odd.

Ben: I will order the new Hornby book Please do! I read it this summer, and was truly entertained. Hornby is really keen on pop culture, and though he denies it, seems to be really in-tuned to this whole "New-Ladism" movement. I heard this story is partially based on a real life experience he had with a young boy he befriended (probably during his teaching years).

(bethan) Mel is not a sad-eyed, tall and lanky loser! But I'm sure he'll go to the scaffold very gallantly. He's had practice, in Braveheart. What a dopey film, but it did revise my, um, assessment of MG. I liked him in Tim and his early movies. Then, as always happens with these guys (Costner et al) they think they're God and it shows in all their work. V. v. v. unattractive. In Braveheart, however, he was quite a fella. However dopey the film, I must confess I own a copy ;-) Why don't I visit the MG board? His oeuvre doesn't lend itself to discussion. Unless anybody knows his equivalent of Playmaker nd Femme Fatale.

Ben , I know about the wedding coming as I do from generations of Tuscan olive growers!! No, but there was an interview with NH in the paper ( Sydney Herald?) in which he talked of said event etc . But I am sure all avid droolers knew this as they have visited the FP sites countless times and already knew about the "gunners" boxer shorts. How many MG sites/boards are there , surely less than CF? Hope I haven't offended any MG diehards!

(Lizza) "About a boy" and enjoyed it. It's being turned into a screenplay along with another of his books (High Fidelity I think).Do you think CF will be offered the lead in either? Sorry, dear, but John Cusack is doing (starring in, writing, and producing) High Fidelity. Both books are being Americanized. Haven't heard much about the casting of AAB. When Hornby was on his promotional tour, he did say quite often that it would likely go to an American as well. (Ben) Weirdly, one of his flings, referred to v. cursorily in the book, is my cousin, who used to teach at the same school as him, years ago. She's rather odd. And which one might she be? Chapter and verse. ;-) Dream Roles for Colin: Here's a description of a famous literary character: About 40, a miner's son who has misanthropically withdrawn from the world. He is tallish, with blue eyes (but that's not important), and rather frail. He speaks in a broad Derbyshire dialect and the king's English when he wishes. He is ironical and mildly derisive toward the female protagonist. Now a little quote from the book of a scene we'd all like to see: In the little yard two paces beyond her, the man was washing himself, utterly unaware. He was naked to the hips, his velveteen breeches slipping down over his slender loins. And his white slim back was curved over a big bowl of soapy water, in which he ducked his head, shaking his head with a queer, quick little motion, lifting his slender white arms, and pressing the soapy water from his ears, quick, subtle as a weasel playing with water, and utterly alone...In spite of herself, she had had a shock. After all, merely a man washing himself; commonplace enough, Heavens knows! [...] The man was looking at her with those blue [brown pools would work just as well], all-seeing eyes of his, which made her turn her face aside a little. He thought her comely, almost beautiful, in her shyness, and he took command of the situation himself at once. So we have the *requisite* bathing scene and then there's a famous, running naked in the woods during the rain scene. Two wet scenes!! Who could ask for more?? Is this not tailormade for Colin? ;-)

(Cheryle), Why don't I visit the MG board? His oeuvre doesn't lend itself to discussion. Unless anybody knows his equivalent of Playmaker and Femme Fatale. LOL! Ben, what team do you root for? I'm for AC Milan, Real Madrid and thanks to Nick Hornsby Arsenal. My British cousins root Chealsea. BTW, when NH mentioned the Firengines (Scottish band), in High Fidelity, he won me over...I thought I was the only one! Karen, thanks for reminding us of what could be. Maybe in the future. *sigh*

Karen, who should play the "comely " lady? Don't even think of posting your answer Ben, we know your choice!! I think that dream role should include some riding as well as bathing. Both show his firm thighs off to full advantage. Moon, good to drool with a fan of "The Gunners".

Hello Lizza! The film rights to Nick Hornby's "About a Boy" were purchased by Robert de Niro's production company, and the setting will be relocated to a US city, presumably with a US cast. FP....Evelyn, I agree with you about the cheap hair dye!! The make-up person should have been defrocked or whatever, for penny-pinching....what's wrong with brown anyway?

Access Hollywood report: yes, it was all Gwynnie which is fine. No mention of any of her co-stars that I can remember except for Ben (Affleck, Ben dear). However, several clips with Colin in and a couple of on-set glimpses too - all in costume. Showed a kiss-and-slap scene where the earring is very noticeable - a big pearl one. A few more clips where you'd miss him if you blinked. Still, I'm getting very excited. Just a few more weeks.

From "Murph's Corner" of colinfirth.com website Colin appeared with the other stars of SIL at a gala premiere on December 3 at the Ziegfeld Theater in NYC. Hillary Clinton introduced the film. So....He's Baaaaaack!! This is to happen, apparently,tonight.Wow!!

I just saw a few SiL clips on "Acccess Hollywood" (an entertainment news program) tonight. OOOhhh, he's such a baddie! Forced poor Gwynnie into a most unwelcome kiss, and she proceeded to give him such a slap! What I would've done to be in her shoes! So Colin's in town? Ben--- still in town? Laura, are your spies busy?

Ladies, I am confirming, Colin is in NY today, he will attend the premiere! Hopefully, one of you might go and take pictures. Ben, you must change your plans!

Re: Access Hollywood Wasn't that great? They showed him five times (six if you think it was him riding on horseback shown from the rear). Loved that kiss and slap. Have been slo-mo-ing it for the reaction on his face. Does look like he is being showcased. Didn't someone post that some of the early PR said "introducing Colin Firth"? Another bit of info amidst the long-awaited SiL deluge--on another subject. The Secret Laughter of Women had its world premiere on August 20th at the Martha's Vineyard film festival. This information has been confirmed; however, it does not mean that anyone has bought the film or that it has a distributor. Actually, it was shown without the approval of the Handmade's creditors despite efforts to get it off the program. According to one of the festival organizers, it was well-liked. There was no mention of Colin in the newspaper articles promoting the festival, only Nia Long's name, and since it was a festival (i.e., the film wouldn't be shown again), there weren't any print reviews.

Can you believe that here I live in MA and it was shown on Martha's Vineyard, hello?????

Scour the entertainment news programs, ladies, for clips of the premiere. With Mrs. Clinton there, it's bound to get decent press. I'm kicking myself for thinking it would have been impossible to go to NYC. The weather here is so balmy right now. It's going to be a beautiful night. Yes, it does look like he's being showcased and his role is larger than I had feared. But oh dear, "introducing Colin Firth"? I hope that's a mistake. We certainly know it's a huge mistake. Any idea how we could have missed the SLOW premiere, Karen? We read the wrong trades?

So we have the *requisite* bathing scene and then there's a famous, running naked in the woods during the rain scene. Two wet scenes!! Who could ask for more?? Is this not tailormade for Colin? ;-)(Karen) Ah, but don't forget, there's also Sir Clifford, Lady C's cuckolded husband! :-) OOOhhh, he's such a baddie! Forced poor Gwynnie into a most unwelcome kiss, and she proceeded to give him such a slap! What I would've done to be in her shoes! (Winter) More baddie than cuckold, then? Good!!! And he certainly seems to be interested in more than her money. Colin appeared with the other stars of SIL at a gala premiere on December 3 at the Ziegfeld Theater in NYC. Hillary Clinton introduced the film. (Evelyn) I'm VERY VERY impressed!! Does Hillary attend many premieres? SLOW... According to one of the festival organizers, it was well-liked. (Karen) It's good to hear of a positive reaction to SLOW. Fancy missing something in your own back yard, Laura! :-)

ET will show scenes from the SIL premiere tomorrow (Friday) they just announced. Let's hope Hillary likes British actors with curly hair and gorgeous dimples and holds on to his hand just a little too long so we can get that extra camera shot.

ALERT! ALERT ALERT! Was watching an interview with Jeremy Piven on MTV Live this afternoon. He's a good friend and writing colleague of John Cusack's. JP mentioned that "High Fidelity" is currently in the screenwriting process (John and the writing team from "Grosse Point Blank" and Stephen Frears are in London with Nick Hornby, doing the final touches, I believe). The filming begins this coming Spring, or Summer-- and get this-- the story's to take place in .... CHICAGO?! Also, if any of you US viewers can tune in, 'Charlie Rose' on PBS tonight is supposed to do an interview with Tom Stoppard. That should be interesting...

Colin appeared with the other stars of SIL at a gala premiere on December 3 at the Ziegfeld Theater in NYC. Hillary Clinton introduced the film. (Evelyn) I'm VERY VERY impressed!! Does Hillary attend many premieres? Not many. But I'm betting that Harvey and Bob made a big donation to the Bill Clinton Legal Defense Fund. "Entertainment Tonight" did announce that they are covering the SIL premiere and will show it tomorrow night. Do you think they will have a similar premiere in LA next week? UK fans stay alert...we expect you to give us a running account of the January Premiere in London!!

Moon (or anyone else): Can you check with your sources to see if Colin will be attending any LA premieres? I live here in LA, and would be very willing to stand in the rain for pictures, autographs, hugs, pinching bottoms, etc. ;-)!

Please see if there will be any promotion in Dallas. I would be willing to stand in the rain too. I doubt there will be though. Rita

winter, honey I'll meet you there! I'll gladly hold an umbrella over you if you promise to let me share a pinch ;-). Seriously, I have seen no mention of a premiere in L.A. but then again, there wasn't much mention of the NY premiere until right before it happened. Hope springs eternal.

Oh to be in NYC !!!! The Brit Premiere will have a lot to live up to after this . Go for it Girls.

Hooray! I'm the 1000th posting! Winter, if you have not done so already...(W. is v. efficient...:-) Why don't you call Miramax in Hollywood? They would know. Or his agent at UTA. The Firth Frenzy continues.....