Poll for favorite male actors ( http://www.celebrity1000.com/actors.html ) (Nan) Is that the same charming site that accused us of "stuffing the ballot box" the last time? You'll have to tell me because, after their obnoxiously juvenile and sarcastic answer to Kate, I swore I wouldn't visit that site again. However, if it is a different place, please do tell...so I can vote ;-) Nan, you can go there. :-) It IS a different place, and apparently they appreciate "a well organised fanclub" - in this case Scott Bakulas. Well :-). But the page for the votes is not yet up - looks like they just have their monthly change.

For all German lurkers: Sunday, August 30: ARD - 22.30 MESMER with Alan Rickman To my knowledge "Mesmer" never made it to the screen and took years to get out on video. same day, same time (alas) ZDF - 22.30 CARRINGTON AND ....... (drumrolls) ........................ Thursday, September 3, ZDF - 0.05 PESTHAUCH DES B�SEN (Hour of the Pig/Advocate)

Bits and pieces from my scanning of this week's daily papers and some monthly mags..... Handmade Film's "Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" has been extremely well promoted and opened this weekend in 260 theatres (more than, for example, FP). Good reviews (better than "The Horse Whisperer") and should be a British success. If Handmade do half as much for SLOW, it should make an impact. CF lives in Bow (a district of Hackney). Hollywood are looking for a new lead to play the lead (double?) role of aristocratic Englishman Charles Darnay and the lookalike heroic lawyer Sidney Carton in Dicken's "A Tale of Two Cities", after Liam Neeson (Irish), Antonio Banderas (Spanish) and finally Mel Gibson (Australian) have all backed out. Unlikely to be an English actor though as after the "critical drubbing" received by Fiennes and Branagh for their latest efforts, Hollywood is wary of English leads.!!!! :-(

critical drubbing" received by Fiennes and Branagh for their latest efforts "The Avengers" is not a hit....but Branagh got a bad rap in UK for The Gingerbread Man". I saw it and think it is good entertainment. IMO UK critics object when any of * their*actors makes a Hollywood movie. They feel it's a betrayal. Anyway, what I started to say is that the September A&E Magazine has a blurb on Ben Affleck " who has recently finished filming" Shakespeare in Love" in London with girlfriend Gwyneth Paltrow".....the guy has sixth or seventh billing and already they feature him as the co-star.....sheeesh! On a happier side: HOSTAGES will be shown on A&E on September 18th at 4 AM Eastern Time. (Not exactly prime time, but better than no CF at all).

(Evelyn) Ben Affleck...the guy has sixth or seventh billing and already they feature him as the co-star.....sheeesh! What can you do? The guy is a HOT property right now. Last night, Mallrats was on TV and the announcer said "starring Ben Affleck." He had a bit part in that one, not like in Chasing Amy. Love Kevin Smith's stuff. The Butch Cassidy spoof was a riot. :-)

Saw in today's Book Section that a new audiotape of Romeo and Juliet has been released and it is read by Joseph Fiennes.

Ladies, Colin turns 38 on September 10th! Let's plan a birthday party! What will you bring? And...what gift will you give him?

Great idea, Moon. And...what gift will you give him? Hmmm - my precious self, perhaps? :-)) Oh, well I guess that is not an option, or the game would be over before it began since everybody here would do the same. Ok, let me sleep over it - no, wait - I know! I would give him a cushion to rest his head on.

Should we officially open the website on the 10th?

Which one is THE website? Surely you don't mean the 10th of this month? Are you saying it can be designed and executed in eight days? What sort of joke is it? What really IS going on for Firth's sake, Terry?

(moon dreams)Let's plan a birthday party!...what gift will you give him? I'm glad there's plenty of time to think about it.

We are to hold the party in Topic 110 : http://www.colinfirth.com Terry started it yesterday, we shall expect you ladies! See you there!

(Terry) Should we officially open the website on the 10th? Terry,please confer with Nan. If she is going to be the editor, I think it is only fair that she be consulted and make such decisions. We are all very grateful to Nan . She runs a great board and deserves recognition. We can have the b'day party on #97. Shall we send invitations? All lurkers most welcomed.

SLOW NEWS I have been told by Handmade Films that they are in receivership (read; "up for sale") . A bank owns the film and there are no plans at this time for its release :-( The positive side is that SLOW was never submitted to any of the festivals; Cannes, Venice, or Toronto. And, therefore, was also not rejected :-) I will keep in touch with the bank, and let you know what transpires.

(Evelyn) She runs a great board and deserves recognition. Honey, I've told you before I appreciate your affection, but please...this is really not necessary. And I find it embarrassing. Especially in view of the fact that I've resigned as host of Drool. I sent Terry an email but haven't heard from him yet. I'm not really surprised as he's always busy. Perhaps he hasn't even seen the email, in which case this post might be a shock to him :-o As you can see, I've removed all the links to me as well as the photos. Whoever takes over will be able to put up the pretty things and do whatever needs to be done. School starts next week and, after hearing about everything required of me (at the orientation meeting), I simply don't think I'll be able to devote so much of my time to Drool. Besides, Drool is popular now. You don't need my prodding anymore ;-)

(Nan) Especially in view of the fact that I've resigned as host of Drool... in which case this post might be a shock to him :-o Too him??? To all of us!! Nan, oh Nan, say it ain't so. ...but if it must be, then my thanks for the great job you've always done here and we'll miss your well-placed comments and interventions when things get out of control around here. (This doesn't mean you won't visit here as they rest of the us--the great unwashed--do. Does it?) Good luck in school. I'm sure you'll knock'm dead. You could try pushing this as a little independent study effort??? ;-)

Many thanks, Nan.......and the best of luck, not that you'll need it, in your studies!! Hope you'll find time to lurk, or better still, throw in the odd comment. :-) Handmade Films ( :-((( ).....ironically, Handmade are going out with a bang. "Lock,stock etc" seems set to be the first (only)genuinely British success of the year, beating the heavily promoted "The Horse Whisperer" at the UK box office.

Yes, Nan, THANKS! I will also look for your comments. I miss your humour and pictures already. You will come to the birthday party, won t you?

(Nan) Especially in view of the fact that I've resigned as host of Drool. The end of an era ....I am not happy :-(((

Oh Nan... Please say you won't just leave. Does "resigning as the host" mean you won't come down here to chat with us any more? And why take the pictures away? I don't understand. Tell us what it means.

And thank you all right back ;-) It's been fun (well, mostly) ;-p (Karen) we'll miss your well-placed comments and interventions when things get out of control around here The one part of the job I've never really enjoyed. I just hate being the party pooper. Think about it this way, now I'll be able to say all the things I couldn't as host ;-p (evelyn) ....I am not happy :-((( I know, honey but I thank you for understanding all the same. (Gi) And why take the pictures away? I don't understand. Tell us what it means. It means that my photos are stored in a public_html file at Spring. I assume the use of that file will go to the next host so I have to clean my stuff out. And I will be coming around from time to time, but my classes (and working) will take the vast majority of my time, I'm afraid. I registered today and I have 2 labs...lots of work. Thank heavens it's in front of a computer ;-) Moon, I will try to make the party, but that's the night of my first Multimedia Workshop, so I won't be around until later in the evening.

(Nan) I'm glad you were here, and it's a bonus that you're leaving bits of wisdom behind. If you _can_ stop by from time to time, it'll be nice to have you as a regular person. Her department doesn't know yet: The future has arrived, and it is Nan!

Cheryle)Her department doesn't know yet: The future has arrived, and it is Nan! Yes! And we look forward to Nan taking over in the future (the world that is!) Nan, I am sure Colin does not object to your arriving a little late to the party. Just remember his gift. See you at Topic 110

Oh, well Nan. Have fun in school:) don't study too hard.

You've done such a wonderful job here I hate to see you go, Nan. I hope to see your comments often though. Where do you go to school?

Nan, oh Nan - how I will miss your your wit, your charm, your snappies! But real life must intervene. I wish you all the best in your new studies. Thanks for helping to make Drool a fun place that kept me coming back for more. I hope you'll still find time to drop by and chat.

I think you can vote for Colin at http://welcometo/Harlequinaid/ by sending and e-mail to the address there, at least thats what I understand.

Sorry I missed a dot the address should be http://welcome.to/Harlequinaid/ This is a site to vote for favorite classical British actors and 50 votes are needed to make the list, so get out and cast your votes.

(Lucie) Where do you go to school? NYU, m'dear. And Jana, honey...I will be around, just not as often as I used to be. This is my last weekend of freedom before classes start so I'm trying to get my drool fix in ;-)

Can't imagine, Nan, what was involved in running these topics. I can only hope there's someone else out there willing to fill your big boots. (No slur on your shoe size, my dear.) I keep forgetting to ask this. I was in London on August 22 but couldn't get back to my hotel room in time for the Channel 4 radio interview with Malcolm McDowell. Though the blurb I read in the paper said he was going to talk about his upcoming Fantasy Island role, I thought perhaps he might have mentioned something about MLSF. Anyone else hear it? Could it have been a replay when, as is typical, absolutely nothing said of Colin?

Who's going to step into her big shoes?

Excellent question.

(Terry) Who's going to step into her big shoes? Ah, so you did notice I was leaving. I thought there was a possibility of your having missed it. Since you appear to have seen it, I can only suppose that you are mad at me *sigh* I'm sorry. (Heide) Can't imagine, Nan, what was involved in running these topics. Are you interested, honey? You'd be a very good host. You get along with everyone, you are always fair, willing to listen, and you appreciate a good-lookin' man ;-). It's a thought. The boards don't require as much work as you'd think. With the exception of an occassional technical problem, the boards run themselves. The host is not expected to be a computer geek--though it helps, as Terry is often really busy and may not have the time to help you through a glitch. All the work is in finding people to play here and then keeping them from ripping each other's faces off (;-p). Oh and, of course, having to defend drool. There are many people out there who simply don't get it (or don't like it). I found this the most difficult part of the job as I'm not a diplomat by nature. But for someone who is, the job would be a snap. In the real world I'm much more likely to say "bite me", rather than waste my time trying to justify what we do here. However, you appear to me to be more naturally diplomatic than I nd, as I said, it would be an easy job for someone like that. I'm always reachable if something blows up. Think about it ;-) (Heide) (No slur on your shoe size, my dear.) LOL! If it were a slur, it would at least be an accurate one ;-p

(Nan) ...and you appreciate a good-lookin' man ;-). Is that Terry you're talking about? ;-D

I'm not mad at you, dear. I'm extremely grateful for your contributions. And everyone will feel the loss. I'm not going to step in to any fray's here because I love your all having such autonomy and freedom to go in whatever direction you choose. You've just done such a terrific job, how could I help but feeling a sense of loss. And I wish you the best in your studies and hope you stay connected!

Hear, hear. Spoken like a gentleman. And hopefully Nan will keep her finger in the colinfirth.com pie as well. We had to grab her and drag her back screaming and kicking, but she'll be around... ;-)

(Terry) I'm not mad at you, dear. Phew! That's a relief ;-) You're very sweet for saying such nice things about me--I appreciate it. But I'll still be around, just not daily--and being a host is a daily kind of job. When I feel like I've got a handle on things and I've taken the UNIX class, maybe then I'll be prepared to come back and make pretty things ;-) In the meantime, I'll be back from time to time. Guess I shuld stick that photo back at the main page until the next hostess pops up, huh? ;-) (Arami) And hopefully Nan will keep her finger in the colinfirth.com pie as well. Baby, I've got my whole damned hand stuck in there ;-p

HI-DE HI-DE HI-DE but only if you want to. ;-D

I know you're going to kill me

(Heide) I know you're going to kill me She probably will ;-) It was just a suggestion. One I hope she considers, but I don't want to make her feel obligated either. I just thought she was a really good candidate, you know?

HI-DE HI-DE HI-DE -- but only if you want to. I know we're suggesting, and not nominating, but if were were nominating, I'd think that was a great idea. If she thought so too.

Yes, Yes, Yes, HEIDE...New Queen of Drool.... (BTW....don't flame me...but does anyone out there feel that we should change our name....I mean....some people think it isn't v. dignified....might make it easier for new Queen. Whaddaya think?) Personally, I don't care.

I think Heide would make a great drool hostess. She is very diplomatic.

Come on, Drool is droll... ;-) The moment people here start taking this place too seriously, the whole concept will be lost.

HI-DE HI-DE HI-DE May we have the honour? Do consider it.

You're kidding, right? Nan, your computer skills are so superior, you can't imagine there is such a total illiterate as I am out there and semi-functioning! plus my hardware is totally inadequate. I'd love the honor but there are at least 3 people who have posted above who would be terrific hosts. Can I nominate them? Jeez, this is what you get for taking a day off from the computer. And I'm not mad at anyone. I'm flattered to death and love you all. Kiss kiss smooch smooch. And the next nomination is....

And the next nomination is.... HI-DE HI-DE HI-DE Heide, do you always nominate yourself.:)

(Heide) Nan, your computer skills are so superior, While they are better than they were when I started, i assure you that I'm not nearly the geek I hope to be one day. plus my hardware is totally inadequate Well, I did it with a 486 until last April when I got Babette ;-p I'd love the honor but there are at least 3 people who have posted above who would be terrific hosts. Honey, you can do whatever you want. You can nominate anyone you'd like. But personally, (and this is no offense to anyone else) I think Heide is the perfect choice (no pressure you understand ;-p)

(Evelyn)change our name Any suggestions? I didn't like the name in the beginning, but since I'm new I will say that and no more.

(Evelyn)change our name Any suggestions? I didn't like the name in the beginning, but since I'm new I will say that and no more. (Heide) there is such a total illiterate as I am out there and semi-functioning! plus my hardware is totally inadequate. What a fun way to learn! Are you sure your harware isn't sufficient?

I like "drool". What suggestions otherwise?

(Cheryle) (Evelyn)change our name Any suggestions? I didn't like the name in the beginning, but since I'm new I will say that and no more. And either will I :-) I only said that thinking that it would be easier on the new website manager. Fergeddaboutit.

If anyone is interested, Colin made the Classic British Actors list in less than two days with votes to spare

What diligent fans we are. I feel guilty though, I haven't even gone to that site yet. With whom does Colin share this list? I see that SIL is mentioned in the upcoming film releases in the NY Times for Sunday. His name is actually in print. Any other cheap thrills awaiting us in tomorrow's papers? I'd like to know if it will be mentioned in other papers around the country (the world).

If anyone is interested, Colin made the Classic British Actors list in less than two days with votes to spare And we're grateful to you Lucie....I saw your postings of Rambles :-)

(Heide) Any other cheap thrills awaiting us in tomorrow's papers? The LA Times publishes their fall movie sneaks tomorrow (actually it's out tonight but I'm too lazy to go to the news stand. Will wait for the nice gent to drop it on my door step in the a.m.) I'm keeping my fingers crossed hard for FP as well as SIL.

Arami has been urging us to be diligent researchers. So here goes....!! Although SIL is a romantic comedy it seems pretty much rooted in reality. Philip Henslowe was the manager of The Rose theatre, Ned Alleyn was his son-in-law, Shakespeare did work for Henslowe. And the young Shakespeare (although married with children) did, at around the time he was writing Romeo and Juliet, fall in love with the so-called Dark Lady. His affair with the Dark lady is chronicled in his Sonnets which are said to be autobiographical. The interesting part is the identity of the Dark lady. She is thought to have been either married to , or a mistress of, one of Shakespeare's friends and patrons, probably the Earl of Pembroke. The affair was an unsuccessful and unhappy one on Shakespeare's part, with the lady returning to her husband/lover. The clues to the affair can all be found in the sonnets.... "The statute of thy beauty thou will take, Thou userer, that puttest forth all to use, And sue a friend came debtor for my sake. So him I lose through my unkind abuse. Him I have lost: thou hast both him and me: He pays the whole, and yet I am not free" Him=Shakespeare's patron. My source for all this, Arami, is my copy of"A Shakespeare Companion" ,which I must admit I hadn't opened since my Eng. Lit. student days! Sounds like a love triangle! I can't help wonder what the ending of SIL will be. I know it's a romantic comedy, and rather light-hearted ("Romeo and Ethel"), but can Viola and Will waltz away happily into the sunset, or does she have to return to the arms of her husband? It has to have a happy ending though, doesn't it?

Bravo, Bethan! Some sources have attempted to imply that the Dark Lady of the sonnets was a man... It would seem that theory has lost its popularity now. my Eng. Lit. student days Ave, fellow academic... :-)

(Bethan) The interesting part is the identity of the Dark lady. She is thought to have been either married to, or a mistress of, one of Shakespeare's friends and patrons, probably the Earl of Pembroke. So they are trying to throw us off the scent by casting a blonde in that role. How very clever of them! Very interesting, Bethan. Your information is always so welcome. The affair was an unsuccessful and unhappy one on Shakespeare's part, with the lady returning to her husband/lover. So that tells us, she returns to Colin. Hoorah! (tart that she is, of course)

she returns to Colin. Hoorah! Excuse me - I don't see a reason to be happy at all. OK, so we don't want Colin to be lonely, but I just can't cheer at the thought of him being with someone else...

Out, damned italics...

Hello everyone, I am Kirsten and this my first post. Till now I've been hanging around on all the CF-web-sites -great work - I always enjoy the time I spent there but it's also always a bit one-sided, I'm only at the 'consumers' side there, so I am really glad I found this conference too where I may be part of the discussion. I first intended to read all your comments before jumping in myself but I fear it will take years before I got through all of them (unfortunately I sometimes do have to do the things I'm paid for). So I decided to stumble in today with a first 'humble' try, just to say 'hello' and that I love your discussion(s). I must confess, I was (honestly still am) a bit hesitant to join. As I've not read all your comments yet it may be difficult for me to catch up and I don't want to repeat what anybody else might have mentioned before, and you all have written sooooo many comments, that I wonder whether I will be able to contribute anything interesting or new to the discussion and last but not least I'm not sure whether my English will suffice (I'm from Germany BTW) .... but anyway ... I'll try my best. BTW, I have a question: You all use these little 'emoticons', but I only know a few of them (only one or two, honestly) but for the rest I haven't got a clue. Can anyone give me a hint, where I can find a list with some 'definitions' or something like that? And to say at least something about our beloved actor: He's GREAT!!!! (nothing new of course) and I admire his work. That'll do for now. Next time more, if you don't mind ... but I think I have to do some homework before to be able to catch up. So long ...

Kirsten, ein herzliches Willkommen! Du brauchst keine Bedenken zu haben, bereits Gesagtes zu wiederholen. Jump in and participate!

Just noticed in the Business section that Seagram are selling Polygram who own Working Title who are producing "Bridget Jones'Diary". Bids of up to �1 billion are expected from mainly European companies, but MGM are interested. But if bids fall below too much below this, Seagram will keep Polygram and cancel future film productions. Keep an eye open for this deal (to be finalised end of the month!) May explain current lack of info on BJD The Movie!

Willkommen, Kirsten! I can vouch for whatever Renate is saying - I'm sure it's right! We feel there never can be enough praise for our hero... :-) And if you have any questions about anything at all - just ask!

Hi Kirsten....Welcome I don't know German or all those obscure "emoticons"..... So jump in and give us your comments. Doesn't matter if they have been said before...we love to hear them from new people. :-) (happy)

Welcome, Kirsten! So glad you dove in to the pond. It's always lovely to welcome a new CF devotee.

Hi, Kirsten! Your English seems good to me. I'm new too and s l o w l y skimmed the old boards. I keep finding out I'm saying things that have been said before, but no two people are the same, so we can't possibly say too much that's been said before ;-)(happy wink) I like to find out what others, including you, think.

Welcome Kirsten!

Hello everyone � thanks for the warm welcome. I'm still muddling through all your comments and when I saw that you have all shown your favourite CF pics I thought, well, that's a good idea why not trying that for the beginning. But then I read that I'm supposed to ask the 'owner' of the pics for permission. So I skip this idea for the moment, I have to look up, where I first saw them. But what about telling you how I became a CF fan? First time I saw him was some years ago ... yes, in P&P and ..... Idid'ntpayanyattentiontoit (blame me!) It was the German version and it only was the last part my sister taped, and as I didn't knew the plot I wasn't interested but read a book meanwhile. The second time was last summer (1997) and ... yes, P&P again, but this time it was the original English version during some holidays in England and for the second time I started somewhere in the middle of the plot and didn't pay any attention to it but preferred reading. Can you believe this????? I hardly can believe it myself! I must have been doomed with blindness. How could I be so ignorant??? But never loose hope .... Sometime at the beginning of this year , during one of my frequent visits to my favourite book shop my eye fell on 'The Making of P&P', and as I saw Emma (with GP) and S&S (with ET) and as I liked them and as I'm interested in 'The Making of ...' stories in general, I thought this might be an interesting book and bought it. But as for CF ... I hardly have the courage to confess the truth ... The cover of the German version of the book shows a big pic of CF and JE int he carriage after the wedding, you know, the one with the huge grin, and ... arrgh ... you may burn me on the stake for what I say now ... Idislikedhim ... ouhh, hard canfession. I thought 'Oh no, that Mr. Darcy never can compete with Mr. Knightley ... with all his 'false' teeth (as my sister said and I thought)' in my defence for all that I can only say, that I never read P&P before (what I certainly have done now for several times) nor had I ever seen any other P&P version � and of course now I can easily say 'Who the hell is Mr. Knightley??'. Now, do I have your permission to continue or do feel to skip me out of the board in the dark of 'CF loneliness' and to fall into oblivion asap? .... No objection? ... So I'll tell the rest. I read the book (Making of P&P) and I was hooked (at least for P&P and this version of it). So I ordered the video ... and that it was ... As far as I'm able to remember � because I watched most parts of it a certain state of 'delirium') it was at the latest as he said 'On foot?!' when he met Lizzy at Netherfield that I was fallen not only for Mr. Darcy but even more for Colin. Oh, this look � slightly mocking, unbelieving � when he turns to let her pass by and then strides along in this long, creased, grey linen coat .... hmmm, still love after the xx time... The evening I received my P&P video, I watched the whole thing in one, 5 hrs., I couldn't stop, even if it was in the middle of the week and I had to work the other day. I really was intrigued, first of all by Mr. Darcy/Colin but also for the complete cast and everything else � even if I have to confess, that P&P is not really my favourite now that I have seen some other work of him. I remember crouching just in front of the screen, starring at it like a hypnotised, grinning like a half-wit and 'suffering' one shudder of delight after the other. How glad I am, that nobody saw me like that. So, you see, it wasn't quite a love at first sight, but it is now a so more deeper one. Now, that's how I started my 'career' as a CF fan. And shortly after that I started ma CF research in the internet and I found all these wonderful web sites about him with all those pics and information. And I'm now trying to find all his movies an video with a 'slight' regret that I will probably never see those which are not available on video(sniffle) . Oh Lord, I think I'll better stop now. I don't want to bore you stiff with my tiny little stories right in the beginning, but, you know, it's the first time for me, I ever told someone about my CF passion, so I'm quite a bit garrulous now that I've found this place ... but otherwise I think, concerning CF, we are all suffering from the same (delightful!) illness ...

Glad you joined the club Kirsten. Which films have you seen?. On #98 we discuss his films (among other things). Right now we are on PLAYMAKER. Next,I hope,VALMONT. C'mon over and join us. We would love to have your comments.

Kirsten, I'll add my welcome to you .......and say that your English is marvellous! About 10,000 times better than my German! I love your account of how you fell for CF/Darcy. And even his big grin grows on you! The first time I saw him grin (on screen, of course!) I remember thinking "now stop that, Colin.....get back to looking serious and soulful". But now I like it, and I'm sure even Mr Darcy must have grinned from time to time! And Kirsten, you're not boring anyone stiff with your stories......pray continue! :-)

Hi Kirsten and a very WELCOME!!! I'd like to second what Bethan said: "you're not boring anyone stiff with your stories..." Also, don't worry about what has been said in the past. Most of us wouldn't remember or care for that matter. Another thing, the little emoticons are not so important. You will pick them up, probably as well as you have mastered English. (Anyone know if the emoticons are still at Pemberley in FAQ or in Ann's HTML stuff???) We're looking forward to hearing your views of Colin and how much you adore that wonderful actor. We're all in the same hospital ward! ;-D (winking with a big grin)

Mine wasn't love at "firth sight", either - Kirstin, your story sounds so familiar! As for rare films with Colin, sooner or later you'll find a way of getting hold of some more, I'm sure... :-) So just stick around and enjoy!

I'm a little late but let me add my welcome too, Kirstin. You've definitely found the right place. There's nothing you can say about our dear boy that won't be worth hearing. With people coming and going here, there's always something new for someone. We hope you'll stay.

Welcome to our madness, Kirstin:)

Your English is very good, Kirsten so just keep coming. I know what you mean I can't decide which role I like him best in. I love Valmont and Fever Pitch. He is very good in Hostages too and I thought he was gorgeous in TEP. I am waiting on pins and needles for SIL, especially after seeing the snappies.

Can't stay away .... (Evelyn) Which films have you seen? P&P (of course), COF, TEP, AMITC, AC, FP, ATA, HOTP, FF, PM, Hostages, Nostromo, AZ, WOF. Not so bad for barely 9 month of Firth mania, what do you think? Apropos AMITC: AMITC was the first video I bought after seeing P&P. After ploughing the Internet several months for more information, I made a long wish list of tapes and books (pointless to mention that they were all related to CF), tied up my bundle and, end of April, started out for London � officially seeing a friend of mine, but , uhm, you know ... My results there weren't too bad, although I was a bit disappointed about the small number of tapes I was only able to find at that point. But among them was AMITC which stood quite at the top of my list due to all the information I got from FOF and other web sites and I was quite excited that I finally got it. And due to that excitement, in the evening I told my friend (quite casuallly , for not revealing my state of Firth mania) hat I bought this video and to my great surprise she knew it. She saw it fo a film discussion during an English conversation course and she thought it was ... quite booooring � shocking! ... stubborn disbelief on my part. First thing the next morning, when I was alone at the flat, I started the VCR � just to watch the beginning and to catch a view of CF I told myself since I had quite a big agenda for the rest of that day, but same procedure as with P&P (and as I know now with all CF movies I watch for the first time), I couldn't abandon it till the end. I sat there in quite th same manner as I described in my last post � completely lost, wishing to be able to creep into the screen � IOW drooling. And, Lucy, asked for my favourite CF movie, I'm always inclined to say it's AMITC, although it's always hard to decide, because I really love them all so much (although I think for PM one needs quite a bit habituation) But in AMITC he is so ... hmmmm ... failing words ... On the one hand Tom Birkin seems to be so vulnerable and one is (I am, to be precise) always tempted to comfort him (is comfort the right word? I think not quite, but anyway ...) and to say 'Look, life can be so beautiful, if only you wo ld look at it' � but, thinking with my head, I'd rather suppose, he doesn't really needn't to be comforted, as he has such an inner strength, as he well shows at the end in resisting the temptation of Mrs. Keach. But I don't want to enter too deep into this subject, I think it's something for #98 � and yes, Evelyn, I think I'll come over the next days but I'd like to read some of the latest comments first to be able to catch up in a useful manner. But I hope I'll not miss the PM discussion, because if yo really will go on with V, I fear I have nothing more to contribute than my longing to see it, I couldn't get it till now. I tried to order it six weeks ago but ... still waiting in despair. BTW has anybody around here experience in shopping at 'videoshoppers.com'? I ordered some tapes there a couple of weeks ago and they debited my account, but still no tapes. I tried to contact them to enquire after my tapes but all the mails were returned and I can't see why - despite the information that the server or whatever could not be found. So, therefore I'm getting a bit nervous, but a delay of six weeks and more might be regular (after all, from USA to Germany ...) and they might be only too lazy o answer all these irritating enquiries of a panicking CF drooler. Ah yes, Bethan, his grin really has grown on me, no question, my favourite pics of him are those where he is laughing � I'm still trying to find them (lacking time for a long research till now, but hoping for the weekend) to post them here, if I got the permission.) But I think my all time favourite is 'Our Man in Black', I'm sure you all know it (isn't it a Movieline one? Didn't I find it on Murph's site? I'm not sure but I'll be on the look out) Oh, how I love him smiling, sigh, .... Good point to stop here, I suppose;-D (I'm learning quick, you see ... sometimes ...) CUL ... hmmm, tomorrow??? I think so, it's going to be a drug this drooling stuff .... o dear! ... (Tried some tags here, hope they'll work.)

(Tried some tags here, hope they'll work.) no, not quite ... not all of them. But as far as I see, I'll have lots of opportunities to try again here ...

Kirsten, you have quite the collection for a mere 9 months! Too bad you were not with us for our discussion of AMITC which ended not too long ago. But PM is still going on (amazing, isn't it) and we'd love to hear your views. Regarding Videoshoppers.com, I seem to recall that that might be a disreputable company. Officially notify your credit card company. Videoflicks.com, Critics Choice, and Reel.com are all fine reputable companies that most of us have used in the U.S. I'm sure there are others as well.

(Kirsten) although I was a bit disappointed about the small number of tapes I was only able to find at that point. The same happened to me when I went to London last year. I expected to see the video stores dripping with CF tapes,since he is so well known there I was only able to find one or two I already owned. My little local video store in rural Oklahoma has more. Pl. by all means, come over to #98 and give us your views on PM. But I think my all time favourite is 'Our Man in Black', I'm sure you all know it (isn't it a Movieline one? One of my all time favorites too.Personal Photos, that is. Film photos....any Darcy!

Personal Photos There are very few Colin's really "personal" photos in circulation. The Movieline pic is a professional fashion photo: he was hired to model clothes and footwear, was groomed and made up. One of the legitimate ways of earning a living for celebrities.

few"personal" photos in circulation. The Movieline pic is a professional fashion photo: That's what I mean't. Personal....meaning a Colin as Colin photo versus a photo of him in a role.i.e. Darcy, Tim Birkin, Valmont ..... Should have explained this in more literal English. Whether or not he was paid for this photo, I wouldn't know .

FYI This was posted on the RoP Pride & Prejudice Board by a fan in England. "The large portrait of Darcy now hangs in Sue Birtwistle's home in London."

No need to explain, Evelyn. I knew what you meant and love those person-al photos too. Kirstin, it looks like you've got it bad. In only 9 months, you not only have videos but have a list of related books to read. This man's not only good to look at but he's educational too! Watch out for videoshoppers.com though. As Karen says, there have been bad stories about them. I ordered Dutch Girls through them, was told it was coming. Waited and waited, finally called them and was told they didn't know when they would have it to ship. I asked them to take it off my charge and they promptly did. I've heard of no problems with the other sites Karen mentioned

Damn videoshoppers:-( I wish my English were well enough to spell a curse on them (Or perhaps I should try a 'nursery rhyme', following Samira's example, hee hee). But anyway, thanks for your information, Karen and Heide. I'll now try to contact them by phone or fax to get an answer. Yesterday I managed to go through all your recent comments you posted before I joined you and it was really great fun and made me LOL several times. But to my mild alarm I noticed your discussion about Nan giving up the host job. I've not the slightest idea how this discussion stuff works and why there has to be a host, but I really hope there is someone to take the job. I'm a bit 'panicking' that you'll give up this board just in the moment I found it. Pleeeeeeeeeeaaase do continue! Apropos photos, newbie question: As a good girl, I tried to find the sources of my favourite CF pics to ask for the permission to post them here. And I found them, but ... I found them on several sites. Now how do I know, who is the 'owner'? I do not have to ask them all, do I? And after all, they are no snappys but magazine pics, so I even could have scanned them myself (if I had the magazines and a decent scanner and and and) so what am I to? I don't want to offend anybody or to hurt the etiquette, but ouldn't it be enough to name the source in that case? (Heide) ... he's educational too! Quite right! That's my all time pretext when I'm seriously thinking about what I'm doing here - I do not mean literally here, or at least not only, but with all this movie watching, book reading and other CF stuff - it's solely to brush up my English (but frankly, who'll believe that?) And as for the books, Heide, reading is another passion of mine, can't get enough of it. B4N

Hurray! I happen to find that SIL will start in Germany on march 11:-)) (oops! my PC in the office (I prepared this message there, but psst!) is a clever one, when I type :-) to show I'm happy, he shows me a smiley instead, how charming) But as for SIL I hope it's true and they won't change it. And I hope they'll show the original English version. Because sometimes it's really hard to see or more to hear what they do to the original with the synchronisation, especially if you know the original voice. An xperience most of you will be save of, living in an English speaking country. COF and TEP were awful as far as I remember. HOTP was OK, but as for P&P ... no comment ... well all right ,I can't restrain myself ... as for the voice you can say, OK, they have to do it and it's of course impossible to find the same but one could at least try to find a similar one and I think one can get used to the German Mr. Darcy voice (if one has no choice ...) but what they did with the rest .... simply unbelievable -at least for any decent P&P2 fan (Renate, did you see it?) I'll only tell you one example: they dared to cut out a great part of the dancing scene, they only started their little battle of words with Mr. Darcy's question whether Lizzy goes often into Meryton, now can you believe that? How insensitive and unfeeling! All in all I think they cut out more than half an hour. I was in such a rage, grrr, I almost was tempted to lodge a complaint about such an offend to all P&P2 connaisseur(e)s. But I didn't ... wat hed my English version again instead and was put at ease. What a blessing to know enough English to be able to follow the English version of CF movies. Are there other 'foreigners' around here who share my experience with weird foreign movie adaptations?

Apropos photos, newbie question: As a good girl, I tried to find the sources of my favourite CF pics to ask for the permission to post them here. And I found them, but ... I found them on several sites. Now how do I know, who is the 'owner'? I do not have to ask them all, do I? No, just ask one, and you will be directed to the right person. But you will find out that some webmistresses are more accessible than others... :-)). And after all, they are no snappys but magazine pics, so I even could have scanned them myself (if I had the magazines and a decent scanner and and and) so what am I to? I don't want to offend anybody or to hurt the etiquette, but couldn't it be enough to name the source in that case? For political reasons you better ask in any case - in the past there have been nasty flame wars about such things, we try not to give any reason to let it happen again. But describe which pics you mean and where you found them - if they are on my Calendar f.e., don't hesitate to post them here.

(Kirsten) ....... why there has to be a host, but I really hope there is someone to take the job. I'm a bit 'panicking' that you'll give up this board just in the moment I found it. Pleeeeeeeeeeaaase do continue! Don't panic, there will be a host in the v. near future, we hope. We miss Nan. But it is v. important for a board to have the direction of a host in order to function properly.

describe which pics you mean and where you found them Our website colinfith.com will eventually have its own archive - we have access to quite a large number of published photos and are in the (slow...) process of scanning them.

I said I�d post some pictures for comparison of Dale Midkiff at the end of his Star Trax series and Colin in the ATA role. I also want to see if I can post a photo, just a test for the future. Thanks for your indulgence. If it doesn�t work, I�ll practice somewhere else :-) Dale fan club photos

Jess

Dale fan club photos

"Darien"closeup

"Darien" and his computer named Selma

"Darien closeup"