OK Cheryle... You did it........great pics. Thanks. Dale is heavier set than Colin...but the stance in the second one is similar to several scenes in ATA. Esp. in the kitchen. Wonder why the long sideburns on CF....certainly doesn't look like an Iowan...but then he had just arrived from Vancouver, at the picnic...hadn't he? BTWdid you ever received AMITC from Waterstones?

EEEEEEEK! Help!!! Terry!!!! Could some host delete this clone? I kept getting a broken picture icon, but the icon seems to have healed itself (I thought that only happened in Russia. ;-)) My apologies. I'll practice in a dark corner. Anyway, you can't even see what I noticed, how Colin's American character was a dead ringer for this guy. Nobody makes Snappies like Nan makes Snappies, it's clear from the rest of the Net :-) And I couldn't find the ATA pictures, which make it a little clearer, but oh who cares. Forgive me.

Where is Sofie? We have missed your film comments on #98.

How can you even compare this guy to Colin????? Nice looking but that's it. No magic!

Oh, please don't hate me :-) The history is: I've said he's a terrible actor and bigger. Colin's Jess in ATA is a great deal like this guy's last few performances in a tv series. I've mailed SOSs to get the clones deleted. I promise future pix will be more germaine. Evelyn--I was looking for her too, but she voted against PM (only liked the shower scene, school began) so maybe she's waiting for a more worthy topic.

Cheryl, do you just want everything with a "broken photo" deleted or the doubles as well? Everyone knows you were testing so I wouldn't worry about practicing in a dark corner ;-)

Nan, my savior! Everything extraneous, broken photos and doubles.

Hey those didn't look so bad. You're doing better than I did. Sofie didn't exactly vote against PM. She only wanted to discuss the shower scenes and some of her *fantasies* So the question still stands. Where is she? ;-D

I've seen Valmont :-))) Thanks to Renate, who recommended me a local video library (luckily she's happened to discover only from my e-mail address, that we're living in the same town, clever girl:-) ) Valmont is one of the movies I was always the most interested in, but now I hardly know what to think about it. Oh, I like it, that's not the question, but I haven't made up my mind yet, whether I think it's a good film or rather not. But I think it's a harm, if one saw 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' first. So y u're always tempted to compare. Perhaps I should read the book now, to decide which one is more true to it's roots. At that I may not have been in the right mood to see that film, oh, I certainly wasn't, because it made me burst out laughing plusieurs times (oh shit, what I'm doing here, several times, of course, sorry). No one ever told me that it has a 'comedic touch' ... uhm ....I'm better gonna watch it again this night. That'll do for now, I just wanted to tell my Firth Impressions (and to share my happiness about finding the tape), don't want to anticipate the V discussion which may follow on #98;-D

(Kirsten)Re: Valmont........... but I haven't made up my mind yet, whether I think it's a good film or rather not .... I've seen it about four times and I can't decide either...... I always change my mind though after we discuss the films on #98...... Except for the current one.....ug! ,

Re: Possible location fot MLSF Just seen a programme on TV about a Scottish mansion set on the shores of Loch Fyne, where MLSF was shot. Stunningly beautiful.Idyllic views. I wondered if the house could have been used as the Big House in the film. The interior was completely preserved in 1930s decor and the architect was known to have been very eccentric and had installed his own electricity and plumbing systems which are still used. Ties in with the book! And there was a jetty! Loch Fyne is itself very beautiful....masses of bluebell along the shore's edge and hills in the background. MLSF will be good to look at!

(Bethan) MLSF will be good to look at! Yes indeedy - those curls, those eyes, that cleft, that wet bathing suit. Okay, seriously...Bethan, can you identify for me where Loch Fyne is? I'm sure I was nowhere near it when I was in Scotland but would like to add it to my growing list of other places to visit next time. Kirsten, I hope you and Renate can meet and go to Colin films together. It's so much fun to share the experience than go it alone. You're lucky. I believe in Milos Forman's book he says his Valmont is more true to the book than Dangerous Liaisons. If we discuss the film next on 98, I'd like to hear more about the book from those who have read it.

Heide I'd like to hear more about the book from those who have read it. It's out of print :-(

(Evelyn)It's out of print :-( The *real* book, Dangerous Liaisons, or just the edition we talked about?

Twinges of remorse are haunting me. I owe you the description of my favourite CF pics, I know. And I really tried, honestly, but it seems that I'll be unable to fulfil my duties. I'll tell you why: because that's what happened at every single attempt: I take one of the pictures, look at it ( astonishing, eh?!), try to concentrate on what I am supposed to do ... my look is falling on his hand, tearing his hair, propping up his head -- hmm, I love his hands, those long, supple fingers -- and that's where my imagination already starts to ramble and I'm going to imagine how it would be to ... uhm, well, rrmmh, let's say to shake hands with him (just in case that there are any youngsters around) ... then my look turns to his eyes - vivid, dark, worth to drown yourself in and never to return - in one word fascinating, and that's where my knees are beginning to shake -- oddly enough for me, because I could never understand people saying "the eyes are the mirror of one's soul" or "you can see *all* in one's eyes" tc. pp. I could never see that, I always thought a mouth is much more expressive. But Colin's eyes really intrigued me - don't no why, but his looks are pretty well 'telling' something (but, oh please, don't ask me what!) Though, shaking knees, spreading faint, my look turns down to his m o u t h ... and that's where my knees always give way,and I'm falling over backwards - knocked off - every time ... by his charmingly, devastating, breathtaking smile. And regarding that turning my eyes from his hand to his pretty attractive mouth takes barely half a second you surely see, that in half a second you can't write a decent comment on a picture. So I gave up that intention, but snuggled down in my sofa and re-watched AMITC. And now -- filled with the sound of his velvety voice, drunk by the look of his expressive eyes, captivated by the smile of his alluring mouth -- I'm falling asleep ... hoping for sweet dreams - *sigh* ... Though, I'm sorry, guys, but no drool-worthy pic description from my part -- but perhaps one day I'll be able to stand the look at him - hm, not sure, whether that's something I'd really wish for ...

Oh my, Kirsten, I understand perfectly. That mouth. A sonnet should be written about that mouth, eh? ;-) That delicate curl at the end. And what a fitting film to choose to savor those expressive lips. If you can get beyond the mustache, that is. His mouth just aches to be kissed in that film.

My goodness . . . go away for a few weeks and I return to Nan's resignation (we understand) and a newbie who has it as bad as we did/do. Kirsten I must have watched my edited "drool" tape 1000 times. I have worn out 2 tapes and made new ones. I eliminate Mrs B (who was the reason I didn't watch it the first time), Mr. Collins, and other annoyances. Marcia came to California and we went to see her son, then on to Denver for the National Conference of Emergency Nurses. Marcia attended classes with me, and we partied and learned lots of new stuff. Then we drove back thru Colorado Springs, Pike's Peak, Zion National Park and home. Then she returned to Hawaii. It is nice that you are all still here . . .who is our new fearless leader . .?? Glad to be back amongst friends and droolers. Nan, we miss you and loved you . . even tho we didn't say it often enough. Keep in touch!!

The "scarecrow", one more time:

I,ve often wondered......where was this photo taken? His flat? Nick Hornby's flat? Someone else's flat! Nice taste in porcelain though!

(bethan) I,ve often wondered......where was this photo taken? His flat? Nick Hornby's flat? Someone else's flat! Nice taste in porcelain though! As I, but, his hair L. his shirt! I mean, "Back to the Fifties" or what?

(Heide)I believe in Milos Forman's book he says his Valmont is more true to the book than Dangerous Liaisons... I'd like to hear more about the book from those who have read it. (Evelyn) It's out of print :-( But surely some of us here have read it, nevertheless :-) Forman doesn't talk much about Colin in it, and as for his opinion about his own work, well, what can you expect... ;-) (bethan) I,ve often wondered......where was this photo taken? (Moon Dreams) but, his hair L. his shirt! We know that Colin would be unhappy to let his private world be exposed to public scrutiny... Small print suggests another of those fashion shots which we have briefly discussed before. In this particular photo Colin is modelling "Cardigan by Matsuda". Colin's pics in that edition of Vogue are credited to Lance Staedler who apparently is an American photographer (can anyone confirm?). On the preceding page, the credits for the stylist and the grooming man are for a L.A. firm. Adding two and two, the pics seem to have been taken on locations - most likely chosen by Staedler - in or near L.A. Staedler would have been commissioned by Vogue probably around the time when Colin was still working on ATA (studio and post-production). The text (interview by Hornby) would be a subsequent addition. The general idea of these shoots is that whoever sees the (alluring?... :-)) pics is supposed to be moved to buying the rags for husbands, sons and lovers. No personality in his/her right mind would accede to having their name openly linked with the names of (expensive!) clothes makers, hairdressers, etc. just for the love of it, without it constituting some sort of a professional contract. In other words, Colin can legitimately expect some sort of reward for this kind of photos as part of his professiona activities: a little bit of jam on his daily bread, if you like. The actual level of fees is still another matter. Some celebrities may agree to expenses only, in anticipation of the advantage which world wide publication in a well known fashion magazine may bring in terms of publicity. Does that sound plausible, Bethan? :-)

(Kirsten) then my look turns to his eyes -vivid, dark, worth to drown yourself in and never to return - in one word fascinating, and that's where my knees are beginning to shake -- oddly enough for me, because I could never understand people saying "the eyes are the mirror of one's soul" or "you can see *all* in one's eyes" Yes, those eyes and the face are the most expressive I've seen and there's a unique subtlety about the way he uses them. One of our archivists can probably find the quote much faster than I, but there's the one by Minghella about the transparency. It really says so much about why Colin is so effective. Kirsten, you are not alone. We all go weak-kneed watching that man. *sigh*

A link to a quote It's from the HP article by Laurie Winer. Full article when you click on the first star below the pic.

Thanks, Renate. I brought it with me to copy in today, but I see you beat me to it. Can you go a *global search* on *eyes*? There appear to be lots of quotes that mention the expressiveness of his eyes.

H eide)I believe in Milos Forman's book he says his Valmont is more true to the book than Dangerous Liaisons... I'd like to hear more about the book from those who have read it. (Evelyn) It's out of print :-( But surely some of us here have read it, nevertheless :-) Forman doesn't talk much about Colin in it, and as for his opinion about his own work, well, what can you expect.. The book that I referred to as being "out of print" is not the Milos Forman Memoirs. The book is a special edition of "Dangerous Liaison" by Pierre C. Delaclos(ISBN # 014-013-115-9) published by Viking/Penguin in November 1989 titled VALMONT featuring the film's star, Colin Firth on the cover. Karen (lucky girl!) owns it.I tried to get same, but found it was out of print:-( In the Forman book, he comments that the DL film was centered on the play. V. was focused on the book.The MF Memoirs(TURNAROUND0 is a v. interesting book.

Karen, can you get the cover scanned and posted here or at cf.com?

I will see what I can do about the cover.

Just popping in for a last short message ... after rambling around a while at spring I decided that it's not the right place for a decent girl like me ... [ha ha ....who was it? ... laughing at the idea about me as a decent girl ... pah] but seriously, I'm off for London very soon (yippi di yippi di du), celebrating 'wild' birthday parties - as I missed yours for Colin, I now have to compensate - so I won't be able to post for the next two weeks *sniff* I'm looking forward to all your comments abou V. posted on #98 till I'm back. ;-D;-D;-D

This board seems to have died! Just a question on career paths. I've seen a couple of things recently on television which madde me realise how important it is for actors to choose wisely. I was the TV version of "The Shining" which CF turned down It wasn't bad, but would have led nowhere. And I saw Hugh Grant's first starring Hollywood role.."Nine months". Y-euchh!! The supporting actors were actually ok, but HG was awful. What worked with an English cast in "Four weddings" just didn't transfer. The point of my ramble is that whereas I'm keen to see more of CF, I can see how difficult it is to develop an international movie career. A lot of British actors just disappear in the US. I actually think that some (but not all) of the best drama is on British television, and I hope he continues to combine TV and film work. There seems to be some stigma about "returning" to TV roles. I watched "Hornblower" on TV and thought it was a very high quality (and, at �3 million, expensive) production and I would 't mind seeing CF in something similar. The board is alive! Over to you!

Oops.Typo! "I was the TV version of The Shining"!!! Delusions of grandeur!!

(Karen) There seems to be some stigma about "returning" to TV roles. That might be true of British television...but in the US it is becoming more prevalent for the film stars to cross over between movies and television. Especially since cable channels are themselves producing some of the best films and winning awards. Of course, the film stars earn more money in movies...that could be a factor. I find it difficult to believe that CF has not been offered a television role by BBC. The man who was voted the most popular actor in the History of BBC?? Or some such award. And the awarding company just lets him slip by?? Is this clever marketing? Any comments out there??

Sorry...the comment should have been attributed to Bethan...not Karen. Apologies all around.... Now ...for comments...

I dunno. I still think there is a stigma with TV. Actors often do TV roles in the beginning of their careers (serial work or small supporting roles), then take off in films, then they return to TV only after their career appears to be on a downward scale. Not all, I know, but generally. I'm using Meryl Streep as an example in my mind. Holocaust on TV, Oscar winner in films, now she's returned to TV. Though she seems to still be doing films but she's not the bankable star anymore. If this is true in B itain, it may be why Colin is not accepting TV roles. I'd be surprised if they weren't being offered.

Of course I meant to say "downward slide", not "scale". We're all flubbing tonight...if anyone is noticing.

Apart from movies on cable, I never watch TV in the US. But, whenever I'm in the UK I do. Why? I find the dialog so much better written and the plots usually engaging, and, the actors are top rate. Colin should consider more BBC roles, but are they offering? In the US many want to be TV actors for the money. It has become another money inspired career such as sports. In sports, though, you must eventually show some talent, in TV, well...

I still believe Colin would accept a TV role if it sufficiently appealed to his imagination. He has said he would be interested in another role of Tumbledown calibre. I think it's the quality of the scripts, not the medium, that he finds unacceptable.

Let's see if I can post the PAL-NTSC article I scanned and uploaded, partly for practice and partly to share with the class. http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal1.gif?nocache=907917494 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal2.gif?nocache=907917494 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal3.gif?nocache=907917617 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal4.gif?nocache=907917717 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal5.gif?nocache=907917800 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal6.gif?nocache=907917881 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal7.gif?nocache=907917800 http://victorian.fortunecity.com/durer/409/pal8.gif?nocache=907917800

Oops, was it on another board? Oh well. Scanning it as text was a disaster for some reason, and I got myself a homepage just to upload this. I had to chop it up to get their server to accept it, but I hope to become more proficient soon :-)

News of a sort... Channel Four TV have set up a subscription channel, Four Films, which will be available from next month (1 November) in the UK on digital TV. It will only show independent movies and will provide the opportunity for all independent British movies (which usually only open in London or fail to find a distributor and vanish) to be available for mass audiences. US independents will also be shown. Film Four plan to show about 500 movies a year. The report (in today's Times)said that Fever Pitch would be premiered on this channel. I actually think this could be a major breakthrough for independent film makers. Distribution continues to be a major hurdle in the UK....basically all we get to see in the UK are the Hollywood blockbusters. A new multiplex has just opened near us..and what do we get..Dr Doolittle, Something about Mary, X-Files and TWO Bruce Willis movies (the guy has had FOUR movies open in the UK in the last 6 months! Someone must like him!)...ie exactly the same movies as showing at the other multiplexes. Most of the films I want to see are never shown, so the new subscription channel could ensure hat indies reach an audience without a major theatrical release. Could help CF's career! Is there a similar channel in the US?

Are you actually able to view Digital TV? I was told by a client that for the first week absolutely nobody could watch the programming because they didn't perfect it for transmission!

Thanks, Bethan, for keeping us so very well informed on Colin-related material. I wish there were more actual Colin material out there. Anyway, I'm not aware of any digital stations in the US but there are stations that show independent films - as long as your cable carrier has it available and you subscribe to it. Sundance Channel is one I can think of but I don't have accessibility to it. Don't have a dish either. I may dig up that Times article just to see the words Fever Pitch. ;-) Will any luck Brit ladies out there have access to the Film Four channel?

Heide, there's digital cable, spreading out all over the place. My sister just got it a while ago, and you get menus to select your shows. I think those cable providers are also the ones who have internet access.

Heide, I'm glad you like my snippets of news. I wish I could spot some real news..."Colin Firth has a starring role in..."!! I'd turn somersaults! Twice over! Some near news in today's papers. Although Film Four will be showing independent films, it looks as though there won't be much British independent cinema to showcase. The Arts Council are apparently withholding �100 million earmarked for a newly set up Film council and propose using it for theatre and dance instead. That means the potential loss of maybe 50 new movies. So, head for Hollywood, Colin! Or do some television! On the upside, there was a report in the Independent that Working Title productions will be coming under the umbrella of Universal Films. This means that the film version of Bridget Jones Diary will ultimately be distributed by Universal, which I think is good news. (I am continuing to assume that CF is MD!!!)There's a new BJ novel coming out in April "BJ:I will survive". I am enthusiastic about CF playing MD because, for once in his career, there may be a chance of a sequel! If Mel Gison can do four Leth l Weapons......

Check out the P&P board at ROP. A gentleman has newly posted there about a dinner he attended with Colin Firth about ten years ago. He's been encouraged to come here with the details. Oh, Ben? Are you out there? We'll be very gentle with you.

Heide, thanks for the heads up about the info at ROP! I had overlooked it, and it was well worth the visit. Ben's comments were extremely amusing, and of course it's always nice to hear something pleasant about the DB. Thanks, Ben - just in case you're lurking :-).

Oh, Ben? Are you out there? We'll be very gentle with you. LOL!! Gentle Ben!! Will head on off to RoP to read about this fortuitous bit of news And... Bethan, keep posting those snippets. When you're in the desert, you will drink sand. ;-D

Heide, thanks for that! A side of CF that I hadn't quite imagined...I always thought he was such a serious fellow! Wish I'd been a fly on the wall!! :-) I actually think a lot of people consider him to be rather reserved. Perhaps it's the roles he plays... Do you think he'll ever break his cover and do a chat show? I rather doubt it! Pity.

Seems that Gentle Ben has got spooked by our "wanton admiration" for Colin. He says he looked in here but fled. Anyway, his reminiscences were posted on Friday, 9th October, starts with a message called, you've guessed, "Firth". He probably doesn't remember much else, poor chap and can't bear the thought of being grilled by us...

I actually think a lot of people consider him to be rather reserved. Think Darcy! Colin is shy and uncomfortable when facing strangers, but naturally relaxed and funny in private. His great sense of humour was also hinted at by Crispin Bonham-Carter in an interview.

] Seems that Gentle Ben has got spooked by our "wanton admiration" for Colin. He says he looked in here but fled. __ Maybe he'll check back in and would like some questions to start him off. I think he's a good sort and have a feeling that if he sticks around Pemberley will not turn out to be like some of the other men there who seem to want to make us sweeter or otherwise change or improve us. Maybe something simple to begin: - Did he have a date? - As the evening wore on, did his RP accent slip? - What did your mother say about his effect on her?

Great idea Amy! I would like to ask Ben: -Was the dinner in NY or LA? -Did he speak about his next role which I imagine to be Valmont(going back 10 years). If so was Milos Forman also there? -Did he seem shy at all or was he just a great raconteur? Ben be a dear won't you and indulge us a little. We would like the pleasure of your company.

I have finally gained access! Hello, Heide, if you are there. I was very dim and it took me an age to get in. It's now so late that everyone has presumably gone. (How do I know if they haven't, by the way?) Anyway, while I am here, I've noticed a few questions about this dinner. I should say that this was years ago - around 1989 - so I wasn't making copious notes, and we all got quite drunk in any case. The dinner was in London (I am English and have lived in NY only for a year), with an actor friends of my parents, called John Castle. John, CF and a few others were in some play together and it was mostly an actor-y evening. (My excuse was that I'd acted in a few things as a child, one of them with John.) Anyway, all I can really say was that it was a vastly entertaining evening, and much more fun than I'd imagined it would be. CF is a v. good mimic - unsurprisingly - and a good joke teller, but he avoided hogging the limelight and he listened to others. A few specifics - no, he was not with a woman and yes, his pronunciation was received, as far as I can remember. I do remember that my mother fancied him, though these things are never serious. She also fancies my father. (She and her sister always quote s me line about "Mrs Stone" when struck by the beauty of a younger man - some literary reference I forget.) No he was not shy. There must have been around 10 people there and it was v. v. riotous and crude towards the end. That's about all I can remember, except thinking on the way home what fun it would be if you could make a living from acting. And being ill the following morning. My parents have met him a couple of times since, but shortly after that I came over here and have not seen CF since. Then, finding a site where Austen was discussed, and gauging carefully that a long-since passed, and thoroughly tenuous connection wit CF might gain me acceptance, I revealed it to the world. Little did I know what was lurking round the corner...

thanks so much, Ben. Mrs Stone: character in Roman Spring, early 60s movie with Vivien Leigh and Warren Beatty.

Thank you so much, Ben. Please stay, at least for our film discussions, if you can.

Very pleased to meet you Ben. You said CF is a v. good mimic, could you be more specific? What did he do that impressed you so? I know you were quite drunk but do try.

Welcome gentle Ben! John Castle is a wonderful actor, played Uncle Nick in "Lost Empires"!!! Sounds like a riotous evening indeed! And deer, tenuous wit is well received here. See I just did it;-)

Hallo, Ben, so nice of you to have popped in, after all! Are you related to Jim Broadbent by any chance? By the way, we never know who is or isn't here at any given time: this chat is sort of "on-going": people post any time they feel like it when they want to share their views, or make a comment, or ask something, or make a reply. Please try to remember as much of that evening with Colin as possible. We are all very diligent students of Firthology and it is - sadly! - such a very rare occasion that we can listen to someone who has breathed the same air, let alone imbibed the same spirit... :-) What did he drink, by the way? Did he smoke a lot? (Yes, we know he did...) Did he use "inappropriate" words often? (Don't worry - some of us know enough of the acting fraternity to realize that flowery language comes easy to them!) Moon Drea s seems to think that you were "quite intoxicated" - were you telling her stories behind our backs? ;-) Then you must also tell us if Colin was also rolling on the floor with the rest of you? ;-D ? And one more thing - if the party comprised people like John Castle, Colin Firth and others who were in "something" together around that time, then it had to be Lost Empires: in which case it must have been earlier than 1989. Is it possible? Think hard, Ben, think hard, man! Sorry if the grill seems a bit hot... ;-) ;-D

Oh, and another thing - where was the party held - in a restaurant or someone's private place? We absolutely *must* know every possible detail... :-)

Thank you, Ben, for persevering to get into Drool. As others have mentioned, you never know who will be here at any point in time. Also, as a co-host, I'd like to second Cheryl's recommendation that you join our film discussion group. It is as Topic 98. Right now there are some problems in accessing it from the main Drool menu, but just replace 97 with 98 in the url and you will get there. We are doing Valmont right now. So, your mother fancied him, did she? Shows she has excellent taste. ;-) But sounds like this was based on looks alone, with the "Springtime and Mrs. Stone" reference. Were you all familiar with his work at the time? From film? Or television? BTW loved John Castle in Lost Empires (but until the credits roled thought it was Ian Holm!!)

Thank you, Ben. You've made me quite giddy. As you know by now, there is no detail too small to discuss so I hope you'll brave the vagaries of Drool and join us again. See? I told you we were nice ladies.

(Ben),and we all got quite drunk in any case. ( Arami), Moon Dreams seems to think that you were "quite intoxicated" - were you telling her stories behind our backs? Arami, Ben and I just met, it's too soon for us to be sharing secrets. We absolutely *must* know every possible detail... This is the truth and nothing but the truth! Do entertain us a little more Ben.

Oh, why are you silent, Ben? Don't do a Darcy on us now, that we need your good will and generosity... Just a few more words, a further brief statement, and we shall be eternally grateful and deliriously happy... Please? :-)

... back from London, with a question: Browsing the video stores in London I've seen many tapes out of the Ruth Rendell Mysteries's. Does anybody around here know why MOTM isn't available on video??? ... and how entertaining to find Ben's story on my return. Thanks, Ben.

Does anybody around here know why MOTM isn't available on video??? Good question, Kirsten. I emailed ITV, the production company of MOTM, and they wrote me back that there are no plans for a video release - without giving any reason. Do you recall which videos were out? Inspector Wexford only, or others, too?

Ben, thanks for braving the hen party to share your close encounter with CF. As you can see, any tidbit will do and have us going for days so thanks for taking the time :-).

hey Jana-- I've got a tidbit for you: I was browsing through some old CF articles, where an article last year mentioned that he had been relaxing in the gardens of the Pasadena Ritz-Carlton without being noticed! Thanks for the juicy exploits, Ben. Can you remember what exactly he was doing his mimics of? Or what jokes he told? Hey Arami-- I saw a post of yours in RofP. Did anyone ever find out about this Livia-as-a-model thing? I'm curious.

(Renate) Do you recall which videos were out? Inspector Wexford only, or others, too? I'm sorry, but I didn't pay any attentions to the titles, only realised that there was no MOTM:-). Do you know the others? BTW, has anybody around has read "Some other Rainbow" by John McCarthy and Jill Morrell (you know, Hostages)? I just bought it during my stay in London. I actually wanted to read �An Evil Cradling" by Brian Keenan but since I forgot it at home ... It's a great story, very moving, you don't want to put it down. Reading John McCarthy's depiction, I think that the makers of Hostages have portrayed the main characters very well, their characteristics, the feelings and the emotianal and physical stress of the ituation are striking to my mind, although I can understand the objections of the former hostages against the film. Don't no whether any of you has discovered yet that in the latest issue of "Film Review" there are two pictures of CF, one (about 9 x 10 cm) from Hour of the Pig and another, smaller one from TEP (paper wedding). A reader asked for news about CF's latest work, but they told nothing new, only that he has worked on MLSF and SLOW and joined the cast of SIL.

Again, in the "not really news" department, there was an item in one of the papers about Polygram/Working Title who seem to be forging ahead with projects. They gave details of one movie and said that shooting would start next month. It would seem that they sometimes don't release details until the filming is about to start. Will keep eyes open for BJD! BTW John McCarthy is getting married sometime soon, to a book editor.

BTW John McCarthy is getting married sometime soon, to a book editor. ] Ah, so happiness does not elude him. Very good!

Yes,apparently they are very happy! More *not really news". Handmade Films "Lock stock and barrel" (made for just �1 million) has now taken �10million in 3 weeks at the UK Box Office (huge in UK terms) and opens in the US soon. I don't know much about company finance, but surely this success should help rescue them from receivership and enable them to start promoting SLOW, which seems to be held temporarily in limbo. Any accountants out there? Colin's brother and Rupert Graves (and the actress who played Anne Elliot in "Persuasion") are doing a radio series at the moment, reading from letters of the "lost generation" in the first world war.

(Bethan) Handmade Films "Lock stock and barrel" (made for just �1 million) has now taken �10million...I don't know much about company finance, but surely this success should help rescue them from receivership. Haven't heard how much Handmade is in debt; however, it's probably a lot more. Film accounting is a lot of smoke and mirrors and voodoo chanting. Films rarely make a profit, which would be after everybody gets his/her cut, that would be ploughed back into the company. Should we start a SiL countdown? As I walk through the main shopping areas, I'm reminded that the Christmas window decorations will probably be unveiled shortly after Halloween (Oct 31). Any word on when SiL will be released in England and other countries in Europe. I know it's rare for a film to be released simultaneously in both the U.S. and Europe. Need to check out what trailers are being shown in the theaters. Usually the Christmas releases have already started by now.

I've heard nothing further on the matter of Livia having been a model, but I think it must have been a mistake. BTW, are you, ladies, seriously equating marriage with happiness? Isn't it merely coincidental? Haven't I seen the date 4th December mentioned somewhere as the planned SiL premiere?

Yes, I've seen December 4 listed as the premiere date (NY or LA) but wide release in the US is slated for Christmas Day. Now, everyone keep in mind that the stars will be paraded around the talk shows the week of Dec 4 and that ET and Access Hollywood will show bits from the premiere. I now have E! on my cable, so should that about cover it? How many more days????

Ah, this is spooky indeed. Count All Mushy has posted my message again, completely without my participation. What a silly joke, and not for the first time, as we know. Can't someone bring this blasted thing to its senses, please? (Or at least delete duplications.)

No dates for SIL in the UK as yet, although I have seen a reference to opening this year...but that could mean in the US. I think that if Miramax are pushing SIL for Oscar nominations, they'll delay its international release until Spring 99. I'm looking forward to SIL, but am bearing in mind that CF is fourth in the billing and may not be used in the promotion. I see SIL more as an "awareness heightening" vehicle for CF (particularly in the US), so that when MLSF, SLOW etc open, people will say "oh yes, olin Firth"!! I want to know more about the GP's "raunchy" scene on a Norfolk beach, as reported in the UK press. I can't imagine Will Shakespeare on the beach (paddling?)...he was strictly a city man, and in those days there were no day trips to the coast! So, who is this scene with?! Handmade Films..I doubt if they would be hugely in debt. They're a small company making maybe three movies a year on budgets of �1 - �3 million. A �10million windfall would mean a lot. But as you say, Karen, film accounting is a strange business!

Why shouldn't one equate happiness with marriage? Maybe it is an old-fashioned way to look at things. But aren't we supposed to be romantics? Don't we read Jane Austen for the romance?

It is not fear that drove me away this time - my ****** hard drive collapsed, and I lost EVERYTHING having backed up NOTHING. This is an unparalleled disasater. I am now on a new computer. All sympathy is welcome. I cannot, by the way, remember what brand of cigarettes CF was smoking or which particular filthy words he spoke. There were a few wonderfully disgusting jokes. The dinner was in John's house. I am an admirer though not a relative of Jim Broadbent. Ummmm......that's it. On a related point, I agree that JC is a wonderful actor. When my parents first met him, he was part of a new crop of talented actors that had joined the National in the mid-1960s. (The group included John Woodvine and Ian McKellen, for example.) The story goes that he was offered, around the same time, a role in a Hollywood film and a big part in a National production of Hamlet....he chose the movie, which bombed, and missed out on the vital theatrical opportunity. I don't know the details. Now, I'm not ure that a stint in films or on TV would be so frowned on by the thesps. Anyway, he's a good laugh.

(Kirsten),Don't no whether any of you has discovered yet that in the latest issue of "Film Review" there are two pictures of CF, Thanks for the info, Kirsten. Ben, I do hope you plan to join our in our many future discussions. Maybe you can drop by our Film Disc. group, Topic 98. You must let us know if your mother meets up with Colin again. (Winter),mentioned that he had been relaxing in the gardens of the Pasadena Ritz-Carlton without being noticed! Winter, maybe Meg lives in Pasadena and that's why he stayed there? Does anyone know where she lives? My friend in NY taped MOTM for me and it's in the mail, I'm so excited, never seen it! I've yet to see any previews of SiL in the theatres and I go to the movies everyweek.

Ben - a new computer! And forgot/neglected to do backups! This deserves no sympathy whatsoever ;-) I cannot remember what brand of cigarettes CF was smoking or which particular filthy words he spoke Oh, this is a great misfortune indeed! Thanks to some diligent interviewers, we happen to know quite a lot about some of Colin Firth's filthy habits in mid-nineties - but it would have been greatly illuminating for our historical and comparative studies to know details of his earlier tastes... There were a few wonderfully disgusting jokes. Great! We shall happily settle for that instead ;-D! Fire away...! What? Too indelicate for ladies...;-)? But, with all due respect, what about your mother - you didn't report any fainting fits; on the contrary, according to your own words, she was absolutely under the spell... Well, then? Come on, don't let us beg you for too long... (Girls, I need some support here!) And yes, Ben, do join us for film discussions, too. In fact any discussions at all. It's so refreshing to listen to a male point of view for a change... :-)

Arami begging is quite a site, I must needs take a picture and keep for ever! Well, then? Come on, don't let us beg you for too long... (Girls, I need some support here!) Her own words! Arami, will will crawl on your knees and beg too;-p

I might have to consult my mother for the details of the jokes - I don't want to get them wrong. (My parents are fairly worldly and unfazed by these things.) My memory, suffused in alohol as it was, is of having a great evening and being surprised by it. As for begging, it's not that I object to it - quite the opposite. It's just a mixed pleasure, surely you understand, to be begged to talk about the charms of another man, charming though he is. (You can start by being (or at least seeming to be) a great deal more sympathetic about my computing disaster.) Some degree of pride should sooner or later prevent one from wielding the power to introduce women to an irresistably attractive friend, of which this is the virtual equivalent. That said, beg away.

Having had my own computer pass recently, I too am in a mourning period. Bitwise and I shared so much for so long, and now I am alone. I do see a Compaq at work quite often, but we both know it's just for now ... You got out there and replaced your old model right away, Ben; it seems to be easier for men. I'm still all in black and can't imagine being involved again. (Of course, everyone in New York is all in black.)(And the last part is hogwash. I'd have an entire harem of powerful, supercharged, sle k computers if I could afford it.) I commend your kindness and generosity. Probably all of the men I know and like (which means they are special indeed) would make a face and ignore women who wanted to know about charming acquaintances. I hope that when you are the irresistably attractive friend women inquire after, another man of quality is as forthcoming and good-natured.

And there you are, Ben. Cheryl has said it ever so well for all of us! I couldn't put it better myself... As to your computing disaster, I stand suitably chastised - but then I should have introduced myself as the joker (or a clown, perhaps? definitely wild...) of the pack... To be honest, much as I try, I'm not terribly good at begging, either... but I'd buy you a pint or two and we'd come to some "gentlemanly" agreement, I'm sure. Furthermore, whilst your virtual friend continues to be irresistibly attractive, he is at the same time completely beyond anyone's reach here - and you stand a very good chance of filling that void... does that tickle you sufficiently for the time being? ;-)

Of course. When I said "pride should..", or something equally pompous, I didn't mean that I had sufficient pride NOT to enjoy the situation. Now I have to work out how to broach the joke subject with my poor Mama. How can I possibly explain that the amusement of dozens of Firth devotees - none of whom I've met - depends on her memory of a crude joke a decade ago? Or maybe she'll understand better than I think. In the meantime, I can fill in a couple of less exciting details, and I will ask a couple of questions of my own. Someone asked whether I knew of him at the time, and I certainly did, because I'd seen A Month in the Country by then. In fact, I didn't see CF again, apart from in the flesh (as it were), until the English Patient. Also, there was no female companion, on that evening at least. Now my questions: why is his accent of particular interest? And is there the same frenzy about his brother? Finally, I should say that although I was surprised to come across all the virtual ogling going on here, I can't be too superior about it, because my thoughts about Jennifer Ehle while watching P&P were not, I confess, entirely pure.

Ben worldly parents always turn out to have the BEST memory, believe me, I know. Do please insist with your mum. She might surprise you.

Ben - you are an angel. Those snippets are most welcome. And do ask your Mama, please. Believe me - she will understand. You see - she's a woman... I'm also very glad to hear about your reaction to JE. All this means that you must understand us better than you admit... ;-) I guess the only difference might be that females of the species are perhaps better at relieving their virtual frustration through collective purging of various thoughts, which you are here privy to. So watch and learn - it's so refreshing... There's a board for guys who wish to drool, too - have you seen it yet?

BTW, CF's accent is of interest because he has once mentioned in an interview that he apparently used to speak with a broad Hampshire accent until he learned RP in the drama school. Everyone is now curious if he still lapses into his youthful speaking habit when talking privately. Knowing such details would let us imagine that we know him better. There is some interest in his siblings, Jonathan in particular, but the fact is that Colin is considered a superior actor by far and that clinches it. The measure of superiority being the range and psychological depth of characters he has so convincingly portrayed so far. These are my own views and I do not speak on behalf of others here. You may receive other explanations in due course. :-)

Since you are being so kind as to answer some of our questions, I can try at least to answer some of yours, Ben: (Ben) Now my questions: why is his accent of particular interest? For me, it's not the accent (though we US girls often fall for that "cultured" posh Brit-speak), but the deep, resonant voice. I guess we want to know if his accent is more Mr. Darcy-ish or more Paul Ashworth-ish. (Guess you didn't see the Nick Hornby-scripted flick Fever Pitch in England last year?) And is there the same frenzy about his brother? Absolutely not, no way, nada. But we'll take Jon in a pinch. Do you know him too? I can't be too superior about it, because my thoughts about Jennifer Ehle while watching P&P were not, I confess, entirely pure. Aha! Then you did see Colin in P&P, also. Or were your eyes just drawn to , um, Miss Ehle's eyes and you didn't recognize your dinner partner from a few years back. By the way, you haven't told us yet what you were drinking to get everyone so soused. We actually even want to know this minute detail. Thanks for being such a great sport.

(Heide)And is there the same frenzy about his brother? Absolutely not, no way, nada. But we'll take Jon in a pinch. Do you know him too? Now, Heide, Jonathan is closer to my age, and we practically share the same birthday! And I happend to think JF is adorable!!!

Ah, this is spooky indeed. Count All Mushy has posted my message again, completely without my participation. What a silly joke, and not for the first time, as we know. Can't someone bring this blasted thing to its senses, please? (Or at least delete duplications.) Done...well, just the elimination of duplicates thing. Must be that Spring is under water. ;-)

(Laura) Now, Heide, Jonathan is closer to my age, and we practically share the same birthday! And I happend to think JF is adorable!!! Sorry, my dear, but for me it's the difference between a boy and a man. ;-)

Still haven't plucked up the courage to call my mother. She occasionally uses email, but communication takes place only every two or three weeks (they're in London, I'm in NYC) and while I know your need is urgent, all of you, I hope you can wait until a natural opportunity presents itself. I had noticed the JE site, but if truth be told, I'd feel like a bit of a sad perverted git if I hung around there much. This is not meant to reflect on you lot at all - somehow it's less guilt-ridden and more fun her (certainly for me). So I'll take the opportunity to say here that, quite apart from the fact that she is gorgeously pretty and has the most TREMENDOUS figure, JE has the advantage of portraying Elizabeth Bennett. To play someone as wise and as amusing as anyone in literature must help, and one can't but dream that in order to portray the qualities she must have them herself, however unlikely that is. (Surely the same goes on with CF?) Anyway, that said, I'd be quite happy to find out at breakfast how clo ely JE resembled EB in reality. And that is the last word about her, I promise. Dreg of Info: drunk on wine, wine and more wine. Never met JF. Haven't seen Fever Pitch but have read it (am mad soccer fan). p.s. Hampshire accent good deal more appealing than North London whine. But, I bet that he wouldn't have kept it (Hampshire) long anyway, and that his parents spoke RP. Just a guess.

(Ben) Anyway, that said, I'd be quite happy to find out at breakfast how closely JE resembled EB in reality. And that is the last word about her, I promise. One of our Drool ladies, Evelyn, will be happy to oblige when she returns any day now from England. Evelyn is in charge of the Jennifer Ehle website and has met her--actually had a conversation or two with her. Who knows what excellent tidbits of information she can pass on to you!! A little QPQ for being such a sweetie and sharing with us.

Yes, Ben, we will wait patiently (more or less). :-) I'd feel like a bit of a sad perverted git... This is not meant to reflect on you lot at all - somehow it's less guilt-ridden and more fun LOL! It's as I said before - women generally seem to feel much more relaxed about daydreaming. Men call it fantasizing, and they almost invariably feel guilty... Another silly question: what type of wine? Red, white?

Sorry, my dear, but for me it's the difference between a boy and a man. ;-) } No, my dear, you are comparing apples to oranges. JF is actually more successful at 31, than CF was. CF was residing w/MT when aged 31. Remember in the backwood of BC. Also, JF is a more open sort of person, making him more accessible than older brother C. They are not similar types of personalities. JF is just a man, like his older brother.

(winter) hey Jana-- I've got a tidbit for you: I was browsing through some old CF articles, where an article last year mentioned that he had been relaxing in the gardens of the Pasadena Ritz-Carlton without being noticed! winter, thanks for sharing. Goodness, do you think we perhaps trod on the same dirt? My heart's all aflutter :-). (Ben)To play someone as wise and as amusing as anyone in literature must help, and one can't but dream that in order to portray the qualities she must have them herself, however unlikely that is. (Surely the same goes on with CF?) I think you must be right, since the majority of us found our way here after watching CF play Darcy. For myself anyway, my already warm feelings towards Darcy definitely helped me notice CF.