Not only do I get double posts, I get a ghost writer! (This happened on 98 as well).

Cheryl: I only bolded the first word, very, and I have proof in Microsoft Word. Check your document. You losed your tag with b/ instead of /b I use both Netscape and Explorer, and Netscape works just fine. If you are able to print from Netscape, perhaps you will share your set up options so that everyone else can do it too.

Cheryl: Don't feel like you *have* to cite chapter and verse about everything. As far as I know, "trial by fire" is not a prerequisite for participating here. You have a unique vantage point and your comments are welcome and interesting. MLSF Bethan, you asked *when* a movie like that could be released. All depends on what they promote it as. A kid growing up in Scotland with quirky relations could be released anytime, but probably the summer would least desirable. FYI, there was considerable controversary about releasing Pvt, Ryan now as this part of the summer through end of August is considered dead. I had heard Spielberg didn't want it to go up against Armageddon. Have heard from people who have seen it and they say it's his best yet. When it was over, no one got up for quite a while. As the old sergeant used to say on Hill Street Blues: Let's be careful with our tags out there! My eyes have barely refocused. ;-D

I am gone but a short while and I find you have left me far behind, and somewhat Squinge-less. The pix I flashed through on my way to posting did remarkable things for my Monday, and for that I thank all of you more talented-than-I posters. While I was away some vile person came into my sanctom and removed all TVs, VCR's,(Leaving me Firthless entirely) COMPUTERS!!!!, and short wave receivers. I am now on a Laptop pressed on me by a very foresighted StefanieB before I left her company in California. As I struggle to fill out insurance forms and replace some of the missing items, I will be back here to keep my sanity intact. It seems forever since I have even contemplated serious button snipping!!!

(Bethan) I've been reading about Spielberg's "Private Ryan" ....and I presume that one of the reasons, if not the only reason, the opening of MLSF was postponed by Miramax would have been the justifiable fear that it would sink without trace before such opposition. My assumption too and I'm actually glad now that they did not open up the same time. "Private Ryan" is HUGE here right now. Actually, I am hoping that perhaps Miramax might be waiting to open MLSF after SIL simply because the big names in the latter movie may awaken more interest in Colin, thus generating more interest in MLSF. Think that's a plausible tactic? Cheryl, I appreciate your good humor and am glad to see you won't be scared off easily. You were really put to the test for some reason and, as far as I'm concerned, have come through with flying colors. Marcia!!! So wonderful to see you. So sorry about your hardware woes! Your unbridled enthusiasm for our sweetie is very welcome.

Well... I don't want to be TOO cheeky, but all these hundreds and hundreds of hours in the illustrious company of Valmont makers have clearly taken their toll... ;-P Oh, and by the way, Cheryl: In fact, based on several clues, I KNOW you�re... I am really intrigued now: what clues, Cheryl, dear?... Do tell, so I may learn to conceal them in future :)

(Marcia) I am gone but a short while and I find you have left me far behind, and somewhat Squinge-less. Marcia! Soo good to see your name again :-) Leave you behind? Never, dear. Think about it this way--you have lots of entertaining reading (and a few photos) to catch up on. Sorry to hear about your trouble, dear :-( (But very glad you haven't forgotten how to snip some buttons) ;-D

Actually, I am hoping that perhaps Miramax might be waiting to open MLSF after SIL simply because the big names in the latter movie may awaken more interest in Colin, thus generating more interest in MLSF. Think that's a plausible tactic? (Heide) Exactly! I think the point I was trying to make in my earlier posting is that MLSF could open in the UK on the strength of Puttnam & Hudson, Scotland and CF, but in the US, even with all Miramax's promotional power, it might need something more. In Hollywood terms Colin is the guy who appeared in TEP. If SIL does well/gets Oscar type notice (courtesy of Paltrow and Affleck), then by association CF will be better known, especially if (ple-e-ase, ple-ease!) Wessex is a strong role. I still think he'll have o bite the bullet and do chat shows, though! Isn't there sometimes a contractual obligation to promote ? Thinking about SIL, I just caught the end (on TV) of Elizabeth and Essex, with Bette Davis and Errol Flynn. (Forget Shakespeare.....this is the story I want to see, gallows and all!)The Essex costume was rather fetching.......mid thigh length boots, glimpse of stockinged thigh, very short slightly puckered pants (must be a name for them) and open necked white frilly blouse type shirt. Very nice, especially for men with legs!

Desire under the Elms The Bookpages website is turning me into a compulsive bookbuyer! Just read O'Neill's play for the first time. There's a mention of CF in the introduction, as starring in the "very powerful" 1987 stage production in London. "Desire" is certainly a whole world away from Regency England. Very passionate! If he did it now, he'd probably cause a riot. :-) I quote from the stage directions. "Eben (CF) is sitting on the side of his bed...On account of the heat he has taken off everything but his undershirt and pants. His feet are bare. He afces front, brooding moodily, his chin propped on his hands, a desperate expression on his face." Abbie stands for a second staring at him, her eyes burning with desire. Then with a little cry she runs over and throws her arms about his neck, she pulls his head back and covers his mouth with kisses. At first he submits dumbly, then he puts his arms about her neck and returns her kisses, but finally, subddenly aware of his hatred, he hurls her away from him, springinhing to his feet. They stand speechless and breathless, panting like animals" WOW!!! There's more... ...mixture of lust and mother love....wild passion overcomes her. She kisses him lustfully, again and again and he flings his arms about her and returns her kisses.......Their lips meet in a fierce, bruising kiss. Mmmmmm!! Wish I'd seen it! A performance to remember......:-)

The dialogue is pretty raunchy at times.....or perhaps it's just my mind, too attuned to innuendo! (Blame Drool!) Again I quote, Abbie (to Eben) She laughs a low humid laugh without taking her eyes from his. A pause - her body squirms desirously - she murmurs languourously Hain't the sun strong and hot? Ye kin feel it burning into the earth - Nature - making things grow - bigger 'n bigger - burning inside ye - making ye want to grow - into something else - till ye're jined with it and it's your'n -but it owns ye too - and makes ye grow bigger - like a tree, like them elms... Is it my mind? Perhaps it's all about Nature.:-) O'Neill can certainly write! Is he still rated as America's no 1?

(Bethan) Desire under the Elms - Just read O'Neill's play for the first time. There's a mention of CF in the introduction, as starring in the "very powerful" 1987 stage production in London. Bethan could you let us know the edition, publisher, year, please? Also who wrote the introduction? (I'm a stickler for details, sources, dates... ;-)! Thanks...)

(Bethan) Is it my mind? Perhaps it's all about Nature.:-) Can't say I didn't join you there, Bethan, wherever your mind was. Ooh, I've got to read this play. Our horizons are ever expanding thanks to Colin. Thanks for the images. Marlon Brando-type undershirt, you think? Or the kind my grandpa used to wear. ;-P

(Myretta)Check your document. You losed your tag with b/ instead of /b. Right you are. So much to learn, so little time. I'll look into the settings. I'm on a network, so I need to extrapolate what they would be on a stand-alone computer. I determined to watch everything before P&P2, so as to be objective, but I didn't. AZ, AMITC, CoF again, and then I was late to work so I could finish P&P2 in one sitting. A joy to read what's been said about them all and what will be said in the future. So much to learn.

Watch out, everybody, it's back to the future again...!

(Cheryl) I'm on a network, so I need to extrapolate what they would be on a stand-alone computer. Okay. When you figure it out, please do share the information as there are several ladies here who are having a problem printing. (Arami) Watch out, everybody, it's back to the future again...! OH CACA! All my settings get screwed up everytime we jump into the future. Now I can't tell what boards have new messages so I have to go into them one at a time. Grrrrr.....

(Arami) Watch out, everybody, it's back to the future again...! Perhaps not, your own post is back to the present. I guess the Count went back to sleep...:-) (Nan)OH CACA! Nan, why the latin? Have you been reading Collen McCullough?

(Nan)OH CACA! (Gi) Nan, why the latin? Very elegant and ladylike, that's why. We're working towards a real refinement here and some are more refined than others ;-P

Lots of screenplays in this place, including SIL ..... The Scriptshop Who would consider to order SIL (or anything else)? Just curious...

Very elegant and ladylike, that's why. We're working towards a real refinement here and some are more refined than others ;-P May I call you Caroline? signed: Louisa

(Arami)Very elegant and ladylike, that's why. We're working towards a real refinement here and some are more refined than others ;-P (Renate)May I call you Caroline? signed: Louisa ROTFLOL!

Who would consider to order SIL (or anything else)? Just curious.. Thanks for the great site, Renate. Did a quick cruise through there and it's pretty light in the Colin department (had SIL, TEP and ATA). Can't imagine why a classic like Playmaker isn't in demand. I'm sending an e-mail to them because their FAQ said they only deal in scripts for films that have been released. SiL is a long way from being released. What gives? But I might order it anyway to get an idea of what kind of part this Wessex is?

So sorry to go off tanget, but there's a slightly interesting debate going on in the E!Online gossip column, The Awful Truth. It's about Meg Tilly (CF's ex sig. other) and the columnist's description of her as a 'dishrag". Poor Meg! Anyway, the picture they've got of her looks so much like Livia... scary! http://www.eonline.com/Gossip/Awful/index5.html

(Winter) Anyway, the picture they've got of her looks so much like Livia... scary! I think Livia does look like a young Meg Tilly...from The Big Chill days. There was a picture on her website that was a deadringer for Livia.

I'm trying to put together the pieces of the BJ/CF interview to send to people and something's missing. I seem to recall the end where she gets sacked. But now I can't find it...the last piece I can find ends with "CF: Is that it then"--about EB's exercise and CF's stage instructions from Davies. Help me, I'm blind.

Arami, Desire under the Elms is published by NicK Hern Books with the Royal National Theatre. Introduction by Christine Dymkowski. ISBN 1 84549 136 3. Price �7.99. I also ordered Anthony Minghella's "Two planks and a passion" in which CF plays Richard II. From bookpages.com His stage/radio drama career is very interesting .....shows his considerable versatility. But I might order it anyway to get an idea of what kind of part this Wessex is? Aargh!! Brave soul Karen! I live in dread that it's another TEP. But hopefully, NOT!! BTW as semi-official scanner of newspapers, I think it's definitely time for an announcement re casting of Bridget Jones. Does anyone know where the news of the casting of "Marked Man" originated? Is that definite? The Times had a snippet about RF taking a paycut (�800,000 instead of his usual �4million) to do "The End of the Affair" (Love story in London WW2 Blitz). Cornering the Romantic Englishman market! Meg Tilly/Livia........don't men always go for the same physical type, even if they don't see it?

(Cheryl) I'm trying to put together the pieces of the BJ/CF interview to send to people and something's missing. No need to piece together anything. It's all in one piece at the click of your mouse. :-) http://hem.passagen.se/lmw/nnnnews.html Help me, I'm blind. All evidence to the contrary. ;-) (Bethan) I live in dread that it's another TEP. But hopefully, NOT!! Another TEP in the sense that it will be a supporting role? V. likely, he'll be way down in the credits after all those Oscar winner/nominee types and the *hot* properties. I think I'm more interested in the character. I too had done some reading about Essex when the project was announced and the impression I got was of very handsome dashing young courtier who manipulated QE to get his way. He would go storming off and she would cave. I'm not expecting any romance here. It was flattery to an older woman. He knew what amused her and he did it to get favors. BTW, the Script place has taken SiL off the list, saying it was in error.

W/Essex......the impression I got was of very handsome dashing young courtier who manipulated QE to get his way. Very true, except I'm not sure if this is what we'll see in SIL. From the snippets I've read (mainly on Internet sites) it seems that Wessex is engaged or about to be engaged to one of the Queen's ladies in waiting (GP). Presumably she doesn't want the match and runs off to join Shakespeare's players. Shakespeare falls for her and writes Romeo and Juliet. The film is supposed to mirror Hollywood politics...in Elizabethan England most players would depend on noblemen like Essex and Souhampton for patrona e and access to the court and the Queen's preferment. In the original script by Marc Norman the GP character finally marries the Earl of Southampton. In "real life" Southampton, who was homosexual, was persuaded by Essex to marry one of the Queen's ladies in waiting, who was pregnant by Essex,in order to ward off the Queen's displeasure. I'm not sure what representation SIL will give us.....I just hope we don't get 2 hours of Junior Fiennes batting his long eyelashes at GP and quoting chunks of Romeo and Juliet. If so, I'm off home!!

Bethan .I just hope we don't get 2 hours of Junior Fiennes batting his long eyelashes at GP and quoting chunks of Romeo and Juliet. If so, I'm off home!! Ask for your money back.!! Re: RF in the "The End of the Affair"....can't fault ole Rafe for really going after the parts....he did TEP for less $$$ than usual too.

(Bethan) Wessex is engaged or about to be engaged to one of the Queen's ladies in waiting (GP). Presumably she doesn't want the match and runs off So obviously fiction! Be more believable if were the other way around. ;-) You're right. Sounds like a Geoffrey Clifton role again, unless they concentrate on his relationship with QE and the way he had her wrapped around his little pinkie ring. I just hope we don't get 2 hours of Junior Fiennes batting his long eyelashes at GP and quoting chunks of Romeo and Juliet. If so, I'm off home!! LOL!! So what's Affleck doing while Junior is batting his long eyelashes?

(Bethan) Meg Tilly/Livia........don't men always go for the same physical type, even if they don't see it? Flashback! More than a year ago, at the old Pond, we had a similar discussion about the very obvious physical similarities between Meg and Livia. You were there Bethan, remember? I think we decided that Colin had a thing for little brunettes. When someone mentioned Jennifer (who is a blond in the real world), we decided that the only characterisic these three women shared was a mole. This prompted the very clever Megan of the WET SHIRT to create this emoticon... :-.) LOL! I remember hootin' and hollerin' over it. We used to use it quite frequently. I must get back into the habit ;-.)

he did TEP for less $$$ than usual too. I think that Rafe's "less $$$" is about 50 times the average impoverished UK actor's annual earnings. The Times diarist was rather ironical about RF's "trivial" salary of �800,000. ( The total budget for FP was �1,500,000). Oh dear, I guess I'm just not generous spirited when it comes to RF (or Junior Fiennes either!):-{ sounds like a Geoffrey Clifton role again No, this is a very ambitious and hot-tempered man, recognised as physically attractive, and doted on by the Queen of England........I see Wessex as more of a "baddie" role, rather than a "cuckold"! (Where did that word originate?) Colin had a thing for little brunettes Oh yes, I remember this discussion. I also remember quoting something CF was supposed to have said (bet he never did!) to a "friend" about liking Jennifer as a brunette and preferring dark haired women as they were more "mysterious". The source was a tabloid paper, so take with a pinch of salt!

something CF was supposed to have said (bet he never did!) to a "friend" about liking Jennifer as a brunette and preferring dark haired women as they were more "mysterious". The source was a tabloid paper, so take with a pinch of salt! I think he was quoted as saying so in other sources as well - maybe in The Making Of P&P? He also allegedly said - long before he met Livia - that he preferred foreign (i.e. non- British) women... a "cuckold"! (Where did that word originate?) Mediaeval English.

BTW, Renate, you may call me Milady ;-P

(bethan)she doesn't want the match and runs off to join Shakespeare's players. Shakespeare falls for her and writes Romeo and Juliet. As far as I know, in Elizabethan times there were no women players, so she'd have no cause to join them... Is this right? (arami)BTW, Renate, you may call me Milady ;-P Arami (Maria?) I see you're very much into the Musketeers thing... I wonder who Athos and Porthos are supposed to be, and guess every newbie feels a little like young D'Artagnan... :-)

My dear Gi, you misunderstand me. Milady is a common English word, not a proper name. The association with the Musketeers is purely coincidental, even though I feel a lot like a mature d'Artagnan. But you may still call me Arami :-)

(Bethan)she runs off to join Shakespeare's players. (Gi) As far as I know, in Elizabethan times there were no women players, so she'd have no cause to join them... Is this right? Who said she joined them as a player? She was their tea lady...

(Arami)The association with the Musketeers is purely coincidental Well, maybe we could paraphrase their motto... All for Colin and Colin for all :-)

Colin for all??? Dear girl, dream on... :-)

(Arami or whatever your name is:-.))before he met Livia - that he preferred foreign (i.e. non- British) women... { I recall reading an interview where CF stated that during his acting class days, he was mad about Joanne Whalley. However, she wanted nothing to do with him. As I recall, she is very British;)

I also recall an interview: "The Daily Express had three days on my tangled love life, says Firth, still incredulous. They didn't talk to me. Instead, they took quotes my parents had given to the local village gazette and ran them. They invented a smoldering crush -- that was how they put it -- on an actress I'd met only once, Joanne Whalley. You can't sue, because none of the things they write are actually defamatory,and you don't want to insult Joanne Whalley, but I felt as if I were reading about someone else, who was using my na e and my picture." (CF) Full text available publicly for everybody who cares to verify: Harpers Bazaar, May 1996, "Colin Firth's Sexy Sensibility", by Laurie Winer

(karen) Thanks for the link. Friends on Broadway, in Off-Broadway (producers and managers), owners of theaters, people at Miramax, old school chums, ...slowly everybody's getting a note from me "just wondered how you're doing" in which I manage to work in shameful (shameless?) queries about C. It's working pretty well, since I've been under everybody's radar working on this book and freelancing for money. Mostly it's the women, of course, who are ROTFLMAO.

Arami or whatever your name is I wish people stopped making an issue of me. For one thing it makes me feel frightfully important, which is, I'm sure, quite contrary to everybody else's wishes...

(Gi) As far as I know, in Elizabethan times there were no women players, so she'd have no cause to join them... Is this right? Yes, Gi, you are right. Although in this case, I believe Gwynnie disguises herself as a man to join the troupe. Funny how we're managing to get through this dearth of Firth and now all of a sudden, December doesn't seem so far away.

Arami or whatever your name is I wish people stopped making an issue of me. For one thing it makes me feel frightfully important, which is, I'm sure, quite contrary to everybody else's wishes...

She wanted nothing to do with him.. They invented a smoldering crushon an actress I'd met only once, Joanne Whalley. You can't sue, because none of the things they write are actually defamatory,and you don't want to insult Joanne Whalley "And you don't want to insult Joanne Whalley"...the mark of a gentleman, to be more concerned about how someone else would feel, rather than your own ego. They didn't talk to me. Instead, they took quotes my parents had given to the local village gazette and ran them. Was this the series of articles in the Express? Interesting...I remember thinking that I didn't think his parents would be the type to give an exclusive to a tabloid. Obviously they aren't....chatting to a cub reporter from the local Grayshott Echo or Lower Puddleton Chonicle is quite a different matter! Wish I'd taken a printout of the series though. Was this the one where CF's mother said he was very loyal to his girlfriends and his dad (when asked about signs of acting talent) said Colin used to like pretending to be Batman when he was a little boy. Note to Colin's dad........my son used to love zooming around shouting "Dinna...dinna...Bat-m-a-an!" but his acting talent is nil (so far, one line (totally inaudible) is a school production of Treasure Island) :-) December doesn't seem so far away Very true. I also think that it's possible to have more appreciation for things which are hard to come by, rather than those which are readily available. By the way, when are you planning to take your Jane Austen trip, Heide? You must give us a full report of your impressions!

Testing

Hello droolers.

Bear with me. I am having a hard time here.

Hello, Passionata... I think you're doing well... Now all you need to do is gather your thoughts together and plunge in!

For one thing it makes me feel frightfully important Somehow important is not the right word I would have used ridiculous is more to my liking. Renata, Mr Firth seems to say different things to different interviewers. I really would not believe one jot of what he says. A friend mentioned that he says different things on the either side of the pond. I don't find him to be very reliable. One way to refute this is his love/hate of LA; one interviewer he states how much he HATED LA; then not a couple years later he states how much he misses it when he is gone. I find him to be quite disingenious at times. I would suspect he did have a crush on Joanne Whalley, but would not admit to it.

And the earth is a plate.

And the earth is a plate. ] If you think so, it must be. But the last time I checked, the earth was still round. When you get to the edge, please don't fall off.

Most people wouldn't have to check.

Oh, c'mon, are you two having PMS? I only knew closely one person in the entertainment business, an actor, and sat through one of his interviews, which was quite bland. I questioned him on a number of things, afterwards, and he said he had to watch out and say nothing that could be misconstrued into a scandalous headline. This, I suppose, is Laura's point. Anyway, I for one had no intention of making Arami feel anything unpleasant. Just had fun playing sleuth...

But Renate with your need to verify everything I had to check that the world was indeed round and not a plate. I only did it to satisfy you. Obviously nothing does.

Somehow important is not the right word I would have used ridiculous is more to my liking. And I feel a little more kind and generous today, therefore I am not going to say what word I would have used to describe people who insist on using this board for hurling personal abuse. If you find wit and wisdom incomprehensible, please kindly refrain from addressing me or my comments directly.

If you find wit and wisdom incomprehensible ] I would never find those two incomprehensible:) Sorry, you think so:)

Oh dear! I normally enjoy visting this board and find it relaxing. But not today. Laura, I really like Colin (and enjoy liking him) whereas your loyalties seem to have fluctuated. Why can't he have a love/hate relationship with LA? His son lives there, but maybe he's not comfortable with the working environment. Why can't he change his mind about things? And let's avoid personal abuse, please! The Spring is normally a pleasant haven...let's keep it so! :-)

Why can't he change his mind about things? Perhaps also about Ms. Whalley. BTW Hey,........ Three against one...no fair. In my country, this is known as bullying.

I think if I were a famous person, I would intentianally lie to reporters about my private life and I would change my story right and left, until no one could believe a word I said...then maybe they would stop pestering me.

I do believe there was a point Laura was making and the LA thing is strictly an example that Colin has said different things to different interviewers. Yes, he may have changed his mind. Yes, he may have been a little disingenous here. Why is it so difficult to accept that a person or actor would say contradictory things. The information about Joanne Whalley may have come out in another interview and he may have decided to put it to rest because it was nobody's business who he may or may not have had crush on. Why is this so difficult to accept? Perhaps, it's years of listening to spin doctors in politics, entertainment, business, you name it. The truth is more than difficult to pin down. I'm sure everyone has seen the interviews where Colin says contradictory things about LA. Getting back to *types* of women. I have always found that men consistently go for the same physical type, whereas women are attracted more so to the same personality type. We all may have our dream guys, but when push comes to shove (not literally, ladies) it's the personality and how well you get along, not the hair color, amount of hair, etc. No offense to you, Gi, but could we not attribute comments to PMS. I find that so demeaning to women in general (even though it may be true). ;-)

CF may have said different things at different times to different reporters. Equally, different reporters may have misconstrued his various moods and opinions.

Thanks for asking, Bethan. My trip starts August 13. I recently got the film listing for the Film Festival in Edinburgh and while I wasn't really expecting it, was still disappointed to see MLSF not being shown (though a JE film, Bedrooms and Hallways is). We are spending 3 days in Edinburgh so I guess I'll have to give up hopes of a Colin fix while there. I know there is a bank holiday in August. Can you tell me what day?

CF may have said different things at different times to different reporters. Equally, different reporters may have misconstrued his various moods and opinions. I knew I should have included poor reporting in the list of possibilities, but could we at least acknowledge that they are all possibilities. No one here can say definitively what is in his mind, what he *meant* to say, or anything (although it is common practice in journalism to run feature articles past the subject prior to release), and just because it is in print one way or the other doesn't make it true.

Heide We are spending 3 days in Edinburgh so I guess I'll have to give up hopes of a Colin fix while there. Not necessarily, Heide. The list you got are the films in competition. However, there are also many British films that will be screened. The British Film Market will again take place this year Aug 25-30. And they feature only British films (Variety 7/21/98) I'll call Handmade before you leave and see if they tell me about SLOW. MLSF already has a distrib. Though that wouldn't preclude them from the Festival. Saving Pvt. Ryan is opening the Venice FF withTom Hanks and Steven Speilberg attending. Bedrooms and Hallways of JE's was screened at Cannes. And is in competion at EdinburghFF. It's a jungle out there . RF" Eugene Onegin" still has no distrib and he and Liv Tyler were all over the place at Cannes.

I live in LA, and I say contradictory things about it all the time. A lot of those things similar to what Colin has mentioned. I do believe he has a love/hate relationship with this city as do a lot of people, and I also think his opinions about it are situational-- depending on whether he's had a good visit or bad visit. Thanks for posting the interview, Renate. I hadn't seen that one in a while. He seems to do a lot of his interviews in Santa Monica, which is a haven for ex-patriate Brits. (Was hanging about there this past weekend, on full Colin lookout. No sign of him.. yet!)

Excuse me for stepping in in the middle of a war.

Hi everybody! I'm new. I've been posting on 98 but I just love a good brawl.In my neck o'the woods we blame it on the dog days. Probably just too little info about CF which is frustrating to say the least. I certainly don't want to throw cold water on you guys...so go to it.

It's a jungle out there . RF" Eugene Onegin" still has no distrib and he and Liv Tyler were all over the place at Cannes. } Ralph and Liv? Age difference = 13.5 years. Since the age gap is over 10 years, I won't see it. (Though according to the IMDB, the story is about an older man meeting a younger woman, which if they actually address the age difference instead of just playing into male fantasies, might redeem it.)

(Passionata) Excuse me for stepping in in the middle of a war. Welcome Passionata. What a great name! :-) Poor newbie, you are the last one to apologize for stepping on this battlefield. It's me who has to apologize to all droolies here that I did not stick to my own rule to wait at least 24 hours before I reply. You know, I am like a lioness when it comes to ODB :-)). I promise to behave like the grown up woman I am, and bite my tongue at future occasions (it's already numb anyway :-) ), but I also promise to continue to contribute quotes, sources, and links when I think it necessary. Laura: this is the last time I address you personally. It's no secret we don't get along very well, so we better stay away from each other. In the interest of all droolies I ask you politely to refrain from addressing me personally in the future, I'll do likewise.

(karen)Yes, he may have changed his mind. Yes, he may have been a little disingenous here... Why is it so difficult to accept? It's not what is said but the way that it is said. No offense to you, Gi... None taken! I'm a woman, and very vulnerable emotionally in my PM days myself. So I didn't mean to demean (? what a strange sentence) my own sex. Nevah! (heide)I know there is a bank holiday in August. Can you tell me what day? Monday August 31st. (Passionata) Excuse me for stepping in in the middle of a war. (sofie)Hi everybody! I'm new... Hallo to you both! And welcome. Please feel free to bypass the war and start drooling!

(winter) He seems to do a lot of his interviews in Santa Monica, which is a haven for ex-patriate Brits. As I recall there was that restaurant right there (The Ivy??) that was a major celeb hangout. Naw!! Colin probably wouldn't go there. ;-)

(Bethan)Why can't he have a love/hate { I guess the same goes for me too. But as was pointed out, I was trying to prove a point. I find myself to be a realist, whereas, some are fundamentalists. I will end this diatribe because there can be no winner. I have always said that I had a love/hate relationship w/him. But I do adore his acting.

Winter (Was hanging about there this past weekend, on full Colin lookout. No sign of him.. yet!) Take a drive through Brentwood and see if you see a little boy on a bicycle with a dad along. Laura It was your idea to discuss A Month in the Country . Get thee to #98....Now.....outta here! :-)

stepping in in the middle of a war Passionata! Sofie! This isn't a war, gals, this is just an everyday discussion resulting in one of our usual clashes of theoreticians, rationalists and crapists ;-D

(Armani) this is just an everyday discussion resulting in one of our usual clashes of theoreticoans, rationalists and crapists. Oh..O.K....cool.

Sophie....you can go over to #34 .....there's a plagiarism "food fight" goin' on over there. ............you know, a change of pace :-) (joke)

(Sofie) Armani LOL! I wish I had his money...

Karen: As I recall there was that restaurant right there (The Ivy??) that was a major celeb hangout. The Ivy's in Beverly Hills. But lots of celebs. hang out at King Gerorge's, which is a pub/restaurant also attracting celebs.. Evelyn: Take a drive through Brentwood and see if you see a little boy on a bicycle with a dad along. LOL! Don't think I haven't already tried! My university is just south of Brentwood, so sometimes I take a 'shortcut" through the neighborhood to see. I feel so... terrible doing that. It was just once though. (BTW: Please don't think I mention these LA-related type things to show off. I hope I don't come out that way. It's just frustrating as hell to know he may just be around the corner, and I haven't sighted him once! And if his son is on summer vacation, that may have given him an excuse to be here in LA. Unless they've all gone elsewhere, which is more likely to have happened. )

(lafn)joke I checked out #34 and it's no joke. Cyber slap fight is more like it.

(sofie) I checked out #34 and it's no joke. Cyber slap fight is more like it. Eh (shrug), it happens. Next! ;-p

To the drooler who lives in LA (sorry forgot your name) Is Brentwood a part of Santa Monica or is it a separate community? How do you know the Calleys live in Brentwood? I have read interviews which said they lived in Santa Monica. Am I wrong?

Hi Passionata and welcome :-) The drooler you are referring to is Winter, but since I also live in LA I'll tackle your question. I hope you don't mind Winter! I have read that the Calley's live in Malibu, which is a separate community from both Brentwood and Santa Monica. However, all three communities are more or less adjacent to each other and are home to many affluent people who can afford beach front property. (Karen) As I recall there was that restaurant right there (The Ivy??) that was a major celeb hangout. (Winter) The Ivy's in Beverly Hills Isn't there also the 'Ivy at the Shore' which is on Ocean Blvd. near the pier? And you're right Karen, I've heard it's a Hollywood deal making hang out. Probably explains why I've never been there. (Winter) sometimes I take a 'shortcut" through the neighborhood to see [cf]. I feel so... terrible doing that. It was just once though. LOL! It's hard not to keep your eyes peeled just a little, isn't it? I keep thinking he must be around here somewhere! Although, since my life mostly consists of my office, my house and errands in the 'burbs where I live, I would say odds are not high for a sighting over the fresh broccoli at Von's market :-(

Thanks for clarifying the info, Jana. (I forgot about Ivy at the Shore!) I've been thinking abut this for a while...Realistically, now, how would you react if you bumped into him at, let's say, a restaurant? Would any of you interrupt his meal to say something? Me: I'd probably write a note, and have a waiter/waitress pass it along to him.

(winter)how would you react if you bumped into him at, let's say, a restaurant? Would any of you interrupt his meal to say something? I think I would. Though I'd feel terrified of his reaction, but I'm sure I'd find enough courage for: "Sorry to disturb you, but you must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love... your work." :-))

Sofie I checked out #34 and it's no joke. Cyber slap fight is more like it. It's all over... .Nan diffused the situation ..."...how many ways can you write about Regency humping". LOL . I keep telling ya' ...she's one in a million.!! Meg Tilly used to live in Brentwood.I met someone on a plane that lived down the street from her.But that was before my P&P daze, and I did not ask the street. I suppose she moved when she became Mrs. John Cally.

Thank you for the infos to all. There was an interview two years ago he gave in a Santa Monica hotel which (I heard) was a very classy but not pretentious place. Does anyone remember the interview? LA droolers, you could go and have a drink there from time to time, coudn't you? . l

Hey Nan.....how's about givin' us a pic of Tom Birkin on #98!! Thanks!

Just a thought (playing at Sherlock Holmes)... I just saw an excerpt, for the first time, from an interview CF gave to American Vogue, when filming MLSF, "Firth is very friendly but a bit on edge. The movie is behind schedule, a nuisance since he had arranged to go on a trip in two days, which he has decided to make anyway. "I've been a bit distracted sorting things and packing up" he explained." I remember reading that Hugh Hudson hurt his back while filming and the movie scedule was extended by 2 weeks. So, Dr Watson, what trip would the leading man have to make away from a film set when the movie was over-running time and budget. And what things needed to be sorted and why is he on edge? (You've probably all worked this out months ago, but it's all new to me!!) He must have flown to Rome and got married, and then returned with Livia to complete the filming. A working honeymoon? Scotland is very romantic though! Look out for bags under the eyes! :-)

Speaking of bags.... I've never posted this one before because I think it's a bit unflattering. But then, don't we all have a bag day now and then? :3-)

A bit unflatterning? You mean those painted eyebrows again ;-)? Come, come... I've seen worse... Why don't you give it your Paintshop Pro treatment and lighten his face up a bit? It will instantly look better... :-P

Why don't you give it your Paintshop Pro treatment and lighten his face up a bit? I tried it, and it does not help. It's mainly the shadow around the right eye, but I have not yet mastered the tools for detail corrections. :-))

Right or left?

LOL! Is there only one thing you have in mind, Keeper of the Fob and Watch? I say: both, depending from where you look. I hoped I could save myself the whole sermon explaining that I am talking about the eye we see on the right, but that actually is *his* left... ok?

Is this any better (I love digital airbrushing)?

(renate) But then, don't we all have a bag day now and then? Real is good. Thank you, Renate.

(ann) ...airbrushing... That's good, too. I never understood what everyone was going on about with the eyebrows, but over time, now I see. Surely there are more than four or five makeup people who have a clue (sometimes his makeup is perfect). I guess he should do like Elizabeth Taylor, etc. and learn to do his own, in a pinch. It's not any sillier that anything else one has to do.

I had a friend who landed a job right out of art school touching up photos for a magazine. I visited him there and watched him adding as well as subtracting details from the photos. You really can't tell from the finished product what the original even looked like. That should only be a bad day for most of the men I come across. Mm...mm...mm. (Heavy frustrated sigh).

(Ann) Is this any better (I love digital airbrushing)? Hmmm...I don't think it even matters whether or not he has bags. It's just not a very flattering photo. he has "hangover" written all over his face ;-p