Sorry, Laura. I knew I'd rile you up a bit. JF's a sweetie but for me, there's no contest.

(Laura) 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. Just riding big brother's long coat tails.... ;-) Can't get the image of JF in that leper episode of Cadfael out of my mind. Actually, the guy who played the second Hugh Beringer looked more like Colin that his real brother. ;-)

(Karen)Just riding big brother's long coat tails.... ;-) He doesn't need to at all. He's successful in his own right. Puh!;-p

Ladies, as you are well aware JF has his own Topic here, and it is v. lonely there, no one stops by. You may wish to continue this there (let's not upset big brother here).

Perhaps not even so much the big bro as his true and devoted fans who may be upset. Me, for one. Why should we tolerate Jonathan's fan's (yes, fan's) incessant teasing? Out, damned nuisance, out, I say. Go and praise your small idol somewhere else. This is no place for testing brotherly love.

Now wait one minute!! I am NOT a damned nuisance, I was just trying to prove a point to Heide, who brought it up. I DO NOT drool over JF at all. All I was saying that he is a fine actor in HIS OWN RIGHT!!! I have drooled incessantly over CF for years now. I am entitled to be drooled out, but give me a couple of months for the drool to replenish, and replenish, it will. And to think, this is coming from someone who lives by the words of a TEENAGER who had dinner with CF over TEN YEARS AGO and wants to know exactly what dirty joke was said. That is pathetic!

When did this become the official site for the WWF? Time to calm down and sit on those fingers, itching to retaliate. There's room here for all opinions and good-natured ribbing of JF and CF alike. The amount of one's drool should never be a factor and I think scares away those who don't froth at the mouth as much as others. Admiration comes in many forms, as should tolerance.

Goodness. I shall be more careful with my questions in future. Laura; I was an earnest 22-yr-old at the time and I haven't been a teenager for...well, an awfully long time. Puerile, yes, but puer no longer, alas.

Sorry, Ben, I thought you were younger when you had dinner w/ the droolmeister:) It's just that Arami can be sooooooo irritating!

Hey, no problem :) I've been called worse things than a teenager in my time....particularly when I was a teenager.

Ben, thank you for your anecdotes....I must admit I had wondered how old you were at the time, especially with the wine flowing freely! A propos of nothing, there's an interesting discussion on fame in one of the popular science magazines. It seems that when CF says that you must "be mad to want fame", he's right! A "scientific" study shows that the more well-balanced you are, the more stable your upbringing, and the more parental love you receive, the less you need or desire fame. Fame junkies and self promoting "stars" tend to have had traumatic childhoods. (Actually, this all just sounds like commonsense to me!) Fame is also addicti e and can destroy people. And (the study concludes!) the best way to deal with fame is to avoid it altogether. So now we know!

I've also been called worse things than pathetic and irritating, but it's infinitely preferable to the misfortune of appearing humourless... Now then, Ben, where were we? Oh, yes - the wine. Red, white - or parsley? ;-)

Yes. That's comforting. I can now claim to my utter anonymity to be a choice, if an unwitting one ;). In fact, I have made a careful study of how NOT to be famous - ever vigilant, I've had to fight incessantly to avoid becoming famous. I'm pretty pleased with the results. To be serious for an instant, though, it makes perfect sense that people starved of affection and love should later seek a substitute in fame. The tragedy is that it's a woefully inadequate one. Sadly, my admiration of Jennifer Ehle from a distance helps her not one jot, and the same goes for the legions of CF's supporters. By the way, I must confess that I was a well-practiced wine drinker by the time of that dinner.

Sorry, Arami. Didn't see your note. Red.

Oh, actually I have a wonderful sense of humor, but one must be funny in order to excite it. And darling, you are no Dame Edna!

Ben, after an aggravating day at the office your humor is greatly appreciated. So glad that non-fame thing is working for you :-) Bethan, thanks for the interesting thoughts about fame. I remember an occasion about 10 years ago when I saw Valerie Bertinelli at the supermarket. (OK, OK, I know she's an extremely minor celebrity but at the time she was v. popular on U.S. TV). She was clearly trying to be inconspicuous wearing sweat pants, with her hair up in a pony tail and a baseball hat, but the checker made a big fuss over her anyway. After she left I heard the checkers commenting on what she purchased (how she looked fat and d dn't need the ice cream, etc.). I remember feeling a huge wave a pity at the horror of not being able to buy milk and mallomars in peace. Which brings us back to Bethan's point and our boy's quote that "you'd have to be mad to want fame." Also, I'm going to take Renate's advice from awhile ago and pointedly ignore that which is not pleasing in the hopes it goes away. 'Nuff said? Jana, signing off from the land of Rodney King

Yes, Ben, your humor is much appreciated. A delightful surprise. I'm glad it was red. Can't imagine anyone having fun with white, so for the birthday party we gave CF I gave him two bottles of red. Ah, fame. Mainly it seems pretty dangerous to me. I don't think I'll need any tips on warding it off--one thing less to do, thank goodness.

Is there not a difference between celebrities *seeking* fame and those who, because of their phenomenal talent, would receive it naturally? To me the difference is between celebrities and great actors. Fame sought and fame acquired. Truly great actors need not seek fame, it is thrust upon them. Isn't that what we have been expecting for our DB? Recognition for his talents. Not that he should be the cover boy for the Inquirer, Daily Mail or what have you. BTW Jana, saw Angela Lansbury at the grocery store. Didn't think to look into her cart. ;-p How awful though about what the checkers said. Question to our amiable friend Ben, have we covered what CF was wearing?

Question to our amiable friend Ben, have we covered what CF was wearing? ] I can answer that one: He was wearing black. Black trousers, black jacket, white miami vice style shirt, opened at the neck. He was sporting a Don Johnson wannabe five o'clock shadow and drank way too much white wine. The reason being for the dirty jokes. Had he been drinking red wine, he would have had some dirty limericks!;-p

Argh!! What a horrible pictures!! Whatever he was wearing, it was probably loose, comfy, non-designerwear.

Nah, he was in Armani:)

You tax my memory excessively. Beyond its resources in fact. I'm afraid I am unobservant about clothes at the best of times, so to ask me to conjure up what a fellow dinner guest was wearing ten years ago is too much. (I wouldn't be able to tell you a thing about his clothes if the dinner had been yesterday and I'd been stone-cold sober all the way trough it. Fat chance as it is.) What I can say is that, remembering him (and t'others) as I do as remarkably straightforward, I doubt he'd have been wearing a ything too extravagant. Ben

Alert to you West Coasters who might happen to check in yet tonight. Film clip from SIL is on Entertainment Tonight! I just happened to catch it while visiting my mom tonight - unfortunately, no tape to ram into that VCR but it's supposed to be rerun in the wee hours. Colin in at least 2 clips (that I can remember in my shock) and they say his name! He says but one word - "Shakespeare!" - and then unsheathes his sword. Now, ladies, no jokes. More later.

Sadly, my admiration of Jennifer Ehle from a distance helps her not one jot, and the same goes for the legions of CF's supporters. Ben, this is debatable. In reality legions of admirers are very desirable, as long as they remain at a reasonable distance... (Red wine! Great stuff! How was your head the following morning?)

Hi y'all. Had a great time in UK...catching up on Drool. You guys have really been busy. Nice to meet you, Ben. I'm Evelyn and co-editor of the JE website. Glad you admire her talents....and she has many. I attended the premiere of WILDE last year in London and got to converse with her..mostly about the website. She is a real charmer...let me tell you. Extremely polite...enthusiastic....quite posh, but not snobbish. I got the idea that she has many of Lizzie's personality qualities. You can read her interviews under the articles segment of the website, and get an insight into her wit and intelligence.As far as we know she is unattached. Currently filming in Budapest with Ralph Fiennes in "A Taste of Sunshine". BTW have enjoyed all the details of the CF party. This crowd can really interrogate you...Thanks for being such a good sport. Hope you stick around.

Evelyn, so glad you're back! Hope you had a lovely trip. We missed you :-)

A warm welcome back, Evelyn dear!

Yes, welcome back, Evelyn! Ben, don't forget you've promised to ask your mum, she might remember. Keep in touch.

Thanks to Heide's alert, I've got Colin's appearance on ET on tape. Watched it a couple of times, but I'd say he was shown about 4 times--all different scens from the first ET clip a month or so ago--in the 1-1/2 minute elapsed time of the clip. They gave Ben Affleck a ridiculous amount of time (and buildup) for the size of his role, but did show Rupert Everett and, of course, Joe Fiennes...lots of Joe Fiennes (what can I say, he's the title character). Shades of Geoffrey Clinton, though, as Colin's head is bowed to QE when she remarks that Viola looks as though she's been plucked, but not by him!! Eeowww!! Although technically, Wessex can't be called a cuckhold here as they are not married yet. Let's just say he's been "Gercourted!!" ;-) Colin's wears really pouffy pantaloons. Will have to go back to check, but I don't think JF or BA wore those. I'll have to slo-mo through it tonight to check out the legs. And he's definitely wearing an earring in several shots. Great that you're back, Evelyn!! P.S. Ben, when you ask your mom about the joke, ask her about the clothes. She might remember....... ;-) You've been a wonderful sport about all this.

To me the difference is between celebrities and great actors. Fame sought and fame acquired. Truly great actors need not seek fame, it is thrust upon them. Isn't that what we have been expecting for our DB? Recognition for his talents. Not that he should be the cover boy for the Inquirer, Daily Mail or what have you. Good point, Karen! Although unfortunately I think that nowadays a modicum of "celebrity" is needed to support the "recognition" factor. Ben Affleck (in the US) and Gwyneth Paltrow have celebrity status, which means that movies in which they appear are hyped and promoted, photos are taken of them at premieres, and they are regarded as bankable and continue to be offered starring roles. I'm sure that SIL will be mainly promoted using the names of GP and BA, and, of course, JF, as he isShakespeare. In the UK certainly, JF will get the press coverage and interviews, and I will have to grit my teeth and accept this!!! I've always assumed (hope I'm right on this!) that the only reason MLSF has been delayed is that Miramax expect CF to be more familiar to cinema audiences after SIL( and TEP), and therefore to be more of a "name". Recognition of talent opens doors, but does not necessarily lead to starring roles. Nor is success in another medium (TV, theatre) always credited. pouffy pantaloons I'm not sure if I like the sound of these! Although this may be the extravagant court dress, which wouldn't be worn by mere common actors! He can't wear pouffy pantaloons on a horse, can he? Or fight a duel? Wot, no legs! Welcome back, Evelyn! I hope you enjoyed your trip and weren't caught up in the gale force weather.

Ooh...sorry! Those cursed italics, instead of proliferating, have actually done a bunk! The first comment in the above was originally made by Karen!

Fame sought and fame acquired Vulgar notoriety versus well deserved merit.

Hello, Evelyn. I am pathetic - I cannot help a little tingle of excitement running through my system at the news that JE is single. AS IF. It reminds me of the first time the National Lottery was drawn in England. My flatmate and I had each bought a one pound ticket, which gave us a chance of one in the billions (or something) of getting anything back. We got increasingly feverish during the day, to the point where, when asked whether I was going to cook some supper, I said I'd delay it till later because we'd already agreed to go the Savoy if either of us won. Terrifyingly idiotic. That said, I don't suppose you have her telephone number? ("Hello, Jennifer. I'm a sad git who's never met you but fancies you in a Regency dress and is convinced that because you played Lizzie Bennett you must also be just like her. How about a drink?")

(Bethan), pouffy pantaloons I'm not sure if I like the sound of these! Although this may be the extravagant court dress, which wouldn't be worn by mere common actors! You're so right , my dear. He can't wear pouffy pantaloons on a horse, can he? Or fight a duel? Wot, no legs! He does ride so v. well. I wonder if he will come on the junket to promote SiL in the US? One never knows with him. You may be right about MLSF, but it is a sad state of affairs, isn't it?

So glad to have you back, Evelyn. We've truly missed you. When you get all caught up, settle in for a nice chat. Yes, our boy is all fancied up as a nobleman would be - ruffles, lace, gilt. I think I saw that earring too, Karen. Oh my. And I'd be willing to bet that horseman was Wessex too. No boot sighting, but we can only hope. I too am glad Colin does not have the "notoriety" of a Paltrow or Affleck but can only be glad that their fame will make people sit up and take notice of this film. All I really want is for CF to be appreciated and offered exciting, challenging roles. A film like this is one way to assure it.

Thank you all for the warm welcome and kind words...(blush,blush). And yes, Bethan, I was caught up in that storm last Saturday in Wiltshire. On Sunday I was being taken to Lacock (Meryton) and I was bound to see it on a clear day and it was :-)). I kept looking for Lizzie!! Chawton and Winchester ...magic...even under misty rain. Would like to return in sunny weather , though. (Ben)Re: JE:That said, I don't suppose you have her telephone number? Sorry to disappoint you. but I don't. But I do administer the JE Lending Library, if you want to see her early tv projects. Will that help a little?? Let me assure you all the CF fans commiserate with you.

Winchester indeed magic! Went to school there. Whereabouts in Wiltshire were you? (p.s. telephone number request not serious in the least. Wouldn't know what to say anyway. p.p.s. why am I writing in italics?)

(Ben) Winchester indeed magic! Went to school there. Whereabouts in Wiltshire were you? I hope the italics quit...(I did so put the ending tag on)...let's complain to the management... I was visiting friends in Chippenham, 14 miles from Lacock. Chawton, as you know is the home of Jane Austen. And she is buried at Winchester Cathedral. They don't mention P&P on her grave stone..or that she was even a writer!!Heide went in August and recommended the tour. A...n...d...Ben, I bet you don't know this....Colin Firth was born in a village nr. Winchester!!No, the tour did not include Grayshot....but someday...maybe it will!!

away, italics!

I am feeling rather guilty at having been lurking here for so long without joining in all your wonderful conversations. I have been enjoying them though. I have been very busy and v v preoccupied so have not had much time to collect my Colin thoughts! BUT just as I was deciding that I really would have to stop taking the Daily Mail, some SIL news (though not much about CF apart from a mention). SIL will open in UK in January. Harvey Weinstein was at Shepperton Studios yesterday suoervising details of the films release. Baz Bamigboye, DM showbiz writer, says that December opening in US timed with Oscars in mind. I do think it quite possible that it will be chosen for the Royal Fim Premiere which will mean lots of coverage. CF could not fail to turn up. Could he? Winchester indeed magic! Went to school there. Welcome Ben! Do we have a Wykehamist in our midst? I though your contributions were rather erudite. I am glad they taught you how to appreciate wine and dirty jokes as well!

Welcome Back, Allison....we have missed you ...inquired about you and there you were lurking all the time!! Naughty girl:-)) But all is forgiven...for the great news you bring us of SIL. Oscar talk indeed....CF Best Supporting actor?? Dare we dream?? Now pl. join us on #98 Film Discussion.We're winding down on Valmont. But we'd like to hear from you. (Can you believe, 70 postings in the time I was gone; still wading through.)

(Bethan) I've always assumed (hope I'm right on this!) that the only reason MLSF has been delayed is that Miramax expect CF to be more familiar to cinema audiences after SIL That seems v. reasonable. Timing is everything. This discussion of *hot* stars and bankable types reminds me. Don't anybody waste their money on "The Governess" (your Arts Council already did). I wanted to walk out at least three times during the first 30 minutes, but felt guilty dragging someone else to see it that I stayed. It was so incredibly bad to merit a "Year's Worst" designation. So much for being Minnie Driver!! (Heide) Yes, our boy is all fancied up as a nobleman would be - ruffles, lace, gilt. Yes, the dress is befitting his rank and JF and BA wouldn't own such finery. I am hoping for a few more casual scenes for CF. When ET showed a preview of the piece there was a little love scene going on between GP and the side of head. My pulse raced and thought we were going to be treated. But alas and alack, nope. Gwynnie was fooling around with JF. (Allison) Baz Bamigboye, DM showbiz writer, says that December opening in US timed with Oscars in mind. I do think it quite possible that it will be chosen for the Royal Fim Premiere which will mean lots of coverage. CF could not fail to turn up. Could he? Great to see you back, Allison, with such fabulous news. We clutch at every last morsel. How exciting!! This is just the beginning of the promotion for this film. There's no way--in my mind--that CF won't be at the premieres. He was at TEP's, so there's no reason to believe he wouldn't be at this one, unless he were filming elsewhere, which doesn't seem to be the case. Whether he gets trotted out to be on the talk shows, who knows???? I'm hoping Oprah devotes a whole show to this one, with most of the cast, like she did with Good Will Hunting, Primary Colors, etc. Will have to start calling Harpo Productions to find out re getting tickets!! (Evelyn) Oscar talk indeed....CF Best Supporting actor?? Dare we dream?? No law against it!

Snappies from the October 28 Entertainment Tonight preview of SiL: http://members.xoom.com/michaelr/sil102898.html

Can someone expand all these acronyms for me? I am quite lost. (p.s. Allison - yes, but a frighteningly long time ago. I also almost married a girl whose brother was a Wykehamist and whose father was a Don there, so the connection continued for many years, but that's another story. Mixed feelings about the town now, though it's undeniably v. pretty and historically important. Not JUST CF's local town, but once the capital of England too! My parents are now in Dorset - bang in the middle of Hardy country - which is why I was asking about Wiltshire.)

Can someone expand all these acronyms for me? I am quite lost. Ben, the acronyms usually refer to CF's films. SIL = Shakespeare in Love, MLSF = My life So Far, TEP = The English Patient, ATA = A Thousand Acres etc I do think it quite possible that it will be chosen for the Royal Film Premiere which will mean lots of coverage. CF could not fail to turn up. Could he? Well he could....but, OFF WITH HIS HEAD! Welcome back Allison! And at last the Daily Mail has delivered! Good to have some "real" dates.....and I would think that a Royal Premiere is very possible from the timing. What was it last year? The Man in the Iron Mask? Titanic? Definitely a Leo! Don't anybody waste their money on "The Governess" (your Arts Council already did). Interesting to get conflicting viewpoints, Karen! You're in agreement with the UK critics who disliked it, but I remember reading a few US reviews on the Net and they were most enthusiastic!! But over here , it just seemed to be regarded as a "big yawn" Talking of conflicting viewpoints, I'll finally get the opportunity to judge (thumbs down?) ATA, which is apparently available for rental on 7 December. Evelyn, have you caught up with Valmont yet? And please do share some of your impressions of Chawton, Laycock etc....even in the rain!

Winchester is a very pretty village. I have two cousins that went to Winchester College. Excuse my ignorance, but, what is a Wykehamist?

Someone at Winchester College! (The founder was a bloke called William Wykeham.)

(Bethan) Talking of conflicting viewpoints, I'll finally get the opportunity to judge (thumbs down?) ATA, which is apparently available for rental on 7 December. After all the bad things you've already read about it here and elsewhere, you'll probably think it's not so bad. ;-) The Governess was 100x worse. Arami, you would have a field day trying to find anything in that movie that was true to the times. A tediously boring, poorly acted and scripted exercise in the waste of public funding. You've been more than warned. (Ben) Can someone expand all these acronyms for me? I am quite lost. If you think these are confusing, try reading the Valmont discussion. We are drowning in a sea of initials: MM, MT, MF, C, CD, MV, MdeV, AB, JM, GC, UT, HT.......XYZ!! ;-)

Blimey. Sounds like the Civil Service. (I used to be a Mandarin in London, where acronyms abound. They're exclusive - not knowing always makes one feel terribly left out - and I thought I'd managed to escape them, but no. I will make sure to learn the list given me here.)

After all the bad things you've already read about it here and elsewhere, you'll probably think it's not so bad. ;-) (Karen) I'm all in favour of low expectations! Often leads to pleasant surprises! I will make sure to learn the list given me here. We're hoping to add BJD to the list. Any guesses, Ben? Tests are mandatory! By the way, the good times may finally be rolling....I caught a snippet on the radio the other day, in which David Puttnam (I presume) was being interviewed. He was asked about his continuing involvement in film making and he said he had a "delightful" film starring CF and Irene Jacob, coming out next year.

Belgian Jazz Delegation? British Journal of Dentistry? Blueberry Jam for Dinner? By Jove, it's Darcy! I give up.

By Jove, it's Darcy!......close! THF (Think Helen Fielding)

Search many friend..........

( Moon) Winchester is a very pretty village. Winchester is a city...has a cathedral. (I made the same error, Moon, and was corrected) (Ben) I used to be a Mandarin in London, where acronyms abound. They're exclusive - not knowing always one feel terribly left out What's a Mandarin, Ben.And perhaps we should use full terms for a while till Ben catches on. Doesn't CF's (Colin Firth) parents currently teach at Winchester College? Dad, American Studies ?(whatever that is). Mom , Comparative Religions? Pl. someone correct me, if I'm wrong. ( Ha, as if you wouldn't!) Re: The Governess...even with good reviews, I was going to skip it...don't like Minnie Driver.Though she was good in CoF (Circle of Friends).Maybe I like her fat.... Bethan, I shall give my impressions of Chawton and Lacock when I'm lucid. Thank you for inquiring. OK, Ben...have you guessed BJD yet?

Hee, Hee. poor Ben and acronyms. By jove it's darcy was very funny thought:)

(Evelyn)Doesn't CF's (Colin Firth) parents currently teach at Winchester College? Nope. It's confusing but Winchester College is a public school (think private high school). The oldest in the world to have been in continuous use. It was founded in the 14th century. CF's dad taught (he is retired now according to JF) at King Alfred's College in Winchester which was a teacher training college but now may be a more widely based institution. Don't know much about it. Mrs or should it be Dr F was a lecturer at the Open University. Aren't we all such a mine of information!

King Alfred's College King Alfred's College has been affiliated to the University of Southampton for ten years or so. Offers undergraduate/postgraduate degree courses in a wide range of subjects, including education and drama. I actually attended a conference there a couple of years ago....a very pleasant setting and an attractive mix of old and new buildings.

Belgian Jazz Delegation? British Journal of Dentistry? Blueberry Jam for Dinner? By Jove, it's Darcy! ROTFLMAO!!!! And THF!! Mandarin?? Haven't seen that one for quite a while. Just a fancy word for bureaucrat, but should be lower case. ;-)

By Jove, I've think I've got it Holmes! Is it......Bridget Jones' Diary? It only took me 24 hours to notice it on this very web page. Mandarin indeed bureacrat - forgive the self-importance of the cap. M. I worked at HMT for five years, by the way, passing through PSF, EA1 and MPG. I commuted on LRT, listened to the BBC, drank IPA, supported QPR and lived in SW13. So there. Put that in your pipes and smoke it.

By Jove, I've think I've got it Holmes! Is it......Bridget Jones' Diary? It only took me 24 hours to notice it on this very web page. Mandarin indeed bureacrat - forgive the self-importance of the cap. M. I worked at HMT for five years, by the way, passing through PSF, EA1 and MPG. I commuted on LRT, listened to the BBC, drank IPA, supported QPR and lived in SW13. So there. Put that in your pipes and smoke it. I don't like smoking, Ben. However, I do love a laugh and you have made me laugh over and over again!!! You are too funny!!! So what's this I hear you have a thing for Jennifer Ehle???

(Ben) Put that in your pipes and smoke it. Honey, we don't need anything else to make us more spacey. But I love the banter. Allison too! By Jove (it's Darcy), it's like old home week here. All we need is Nan. And such good news that Shakespeare in Love will be released in January. Looks like many of us will be seeing it around the same time. Kirsten, Renate? Any word in Germany? How about Gi?

Ahh, Jennifer Ehle, my brown-eyed girl. A wonderfully keen wit, a kind and knowing smile, and lips made for kissing. Or was that Elizabeth Bennett?

(Evelyn),Winchester is a city...has a cathedral. (I made the same error, Moon, and was corrected) Thanks Evelyn, but you know, I am used to Italy, where every small village has its cathedral. I have been to Winchester Cathedral ( for JA), also on my tour of Chawton etc. Ben, add me to the list of people you make LOL! Another one! By Jove, it's Darcy! Now that's a title! Nan would be v. proud of you!

Mandarin indeed bureacrat - forgive the self-importance of the cap. M. Easily forgiven. Was a quasi-mandarin myself in former life, although could never grow my nails as long as should. I have driven all those acronyms out of my brain to be replaced by much more important ones, such as HOTPig.

(Ben) Jennifer Ehle, my brown-eyed girl They're sparkling brown eyes too. In person her eyes really glitter. Like Nan says..."with her looks and her body, I could have ruled the world" (We miss you Nan). Nice to have you around, Ben...makes two..."Friends of Fine Eyes" Thanks Allison and Bethan for the CV info on the Firth Folks...a talented family. BTW pl. tell us what you think of Vanity Fair Andrew Davis' new project which starts tomorrow on BBC1. (I so wanted JE to play Becky Sharp)

Hotpig? Absolutely no idea on this one. Please enlighten. And what is a quasi-mandarin? Actually, I suppose I was only a quasi-mandarin, though moving in a mandarin's world. That's why I left, in the end. Like I said, too many acronyms. I will put the Treasury's recruitment department onto this website....fertile ground. I think JE would have made an excellent Becky, too. Who's doing it? I seem to remember a BBC adaptation of Vanity Fair only around 10 years ago - is there room for another. (Actually, I don't remember its being that good. Becky was, sadly, too plain.) There was a wonderful radio version some years earlier. Evelyn, please tell me how you have seen the eyes up close, you lucky thing. And why didn't you ask them for their telephone number?

It's probably poor form to post twice consecutively, but I'm a bit drunk and I couldn't resits it. (Been to a party. Hic) Also, I've rigged up my lap top and I'm calling form home! I'm impressed, anyway. I'm due to speak to dear parents maniana, so will broach joke subject. I already asked, a couple of weeks ago, about the likelihood of owning Pemberley and not having a title (for my friends at Pemberley.com), so I have already invented a real person who wants to know about these things. (It's a white lie - M. understands dirty jokes but not computers. Besides, y'all are real people.) Night all.

Re; Vanity Fair (Ben) I think JE would have made an excellent Becky, too. Who's doing it? Natasha Little ( she played Fanny in FFTMC (Far From the Maddening Crowd) ....is there room for another? (VF) This one is adapted by Andrew Davis, (Middlemarch, P&P, Emma). The current "poster-boy" for classic novels adaptations. (Ben)Re; JE Evelyn, please tell me how you have seen the eyes up close, you lucky thing. Told you....attended the premiere of WILDE in October '97 in London. Got to talk to her during reception and dinner. Hey, Ben....hope you've recovered from the Halloween Hangover :-)

Correction: Andrew Davies and Far From the Madding Crowd (And I didn't even go to a party..!!)

I have just watched VF pt.I and I think it's well scripted and brilliantly produced. The period, sets, and costumes are all reminiscent of P&P. The actors are brilliant - what a wealth of strong satirical characters! There are hardly any very beautiful people in it, especially men (so, sadly, no one to drool over, so far ;-)), but it only adds to the realism. It should be a hit. As for the heroine, Natasha Little is very good but underplaying somewhat, IMO (that's in my opinion, Ben). I would have preferred someone a bit more feisty - and JE would fit the bill admirably. But I must admit that it might have been a bit too soon after starring in a visually very similar piece, and it could have gone against her.

Is it......Bridget Jones' Diary? Well done Ben, although I'll deduct two points for prompts, or three as you're an ex-mandarin (lower case!) By the way, if you've read the book and/or HF's columns in the Daily Telegraph, we'd welcome an additional male perspective on the Bridget Jones/Mark Darcy relationship, over at #80. Is Mark Darcy a male paragon, a normal bloke with excusable failings, or an absolute rotter? Answers on a postcard please! Look forward to your parents' reminiscences! Arami, I'm not sure about Vanity Fair. My initial impression was that I would have preferred it to have stayed on the written page, although I'm sure the critics will approve. I enjoyed reading the novel (quite some time ago) but find the characters so unappealing that I don't particularly enjoy watching them on screen! My appreciation of satire must be muted...I have the same problem with Dickens! But I agree that Becky Sharp is a prime part, and that JE would have played the part to perfection (more ani ated than Natasha Little). Do JE and CF still get offered television roles, do you think? I rather doubt it.

I would have preferred someone a bit more feisty - and JE would fit the bill admirably. But I must admit that it might have been a bit too soon after starring in a visually very similar piece, and it could have gone against her. Thank you Arami and Bethan for your impressions of Vanity Fair. I must admit after P&P, it is a fav with me. I wondered if JE auditioned for it. And agree that it would really type-cast her forever for costume dramas...even though she says she loves them :"Bring on the Bonnets", she said.I read that Tara Fitzgerald auditioned...she would have been good.But they wanted a "new face". (Bethan)Do JE and CF still get offered television roles, do you think? I rather doubt it. What a pity...it's a medium they both excel in. And now,since this is a Colin Firth board, I shall not bring up Jennifer comments again. I was only answering Ben.

(Evelyn)I wondered if JE auditioned for it. The Daily Mail to the rescue again. What would we do with out it (have a clearer view of world events, I know, but that is another story!). Emelia Fox, Samantha Morton, Justine Waddell and Tara Fitzgerald were auditioned for the part.

(Bethan) Do JE and CF still get offered television roles, do you think? I rather doubt it. Why doubt? I mean: why shouldn't they get offered something? Has the BBC an "Avoid Success at any Price" policy? :-p Would like to see CF play the psycho in another one of those crime mini series as 'Prime Suspect' or 'Cracker' which the British do so well. But perhaps, after 'Master of the Moor' he would avoid another such role. And I would like to join the chorus re abbreviations. Since most people here are not at all shy of writing/reading long texts the additional extra effort to spell out the names a bit more can't hurt, and not only help the lurkers to keep up. Pleeease.

(Renate) But perhaps, after 'Master of the Moor' he would avoid another such role. Why? He did Master of the Moor after Apartment Zero....that was a psycho number. I think Master of the Moor is way up there with Tumbledown and A Month in the Country. (Hey, typing all these titles is a royal pain....how many lurkers out there anyway? Don't they catch on after a while? Perhaps we should have an FAQ like Republic of Pemberley)

(Evelyn) Perhaps we should have an FAQ like Republic of Pemberley) I was just thinking about it myself ....... send me a list, and I'll load it up to cf.com, unless you Karen and Heide, want to place it somewhere else. Until then, what about a compromise: Apt Zero or Apt0 MotMoor Tdown A Month... JEhle MdMerteuil etc. etc. Though I think it is not so much his films (easy to guess, and list by far too short, anyway!) but other mentions, such as non-Colin films (i.e. VF) or less obvious names of actors/actessess, or characters, where someone who cannot join/follow the discussion permanently is lost after a while.

( Renate) Re: Glossary of abbreviations and acronyms used on this board;....."send me a list, and I'll load it up to cf.com, unless you Karen and Heide, want to place it somewhere else." Very kind of you to offer to do this.I think our co-hosts (if they consent) could create a list and send it to you. Perhaps it could be linked at the top where the other websites are listed. I dunno...does anybody ever read those things? Non-Colin films should be spelled out...I only used VF after I had said "Vanity fair". And I notice even the academics do that. (What do I know??) Anyway...it's a thought worth bouncing around. Thanks :-)

I really didn't mean to be such a bother. Acronyms are fine - I'm just lazy. Well, I consulted Mama..... I had it pretty wrong - not really a dirty joke at all - though it comes back to me now. (This is of some concern; tipsy I may have been, but for my aged mother to have a memory 10 times keener than mine...What the hell will I be like when I'm eighty?) Well, not that wrong. CF was describing a game that they had been playing during some production at the Royal Court (dunno what), designed to make the other actor laugh during the most crucial and serious scenes of what was, apparently, a very serious play. There had been some joke about a doctor who, when confronted with a man with a very painful boil up his arse, had realised that the only way he could treat it was by sticking his head up there and biting it. This, in the original graphic telling, had involved much contortion - CF very expert at imitating the doctor's face on entry and exit. Anyway, each night on stage, the idea was to try and make the other actor laugh by showing the merest hint of the imitation - just a tweak of the face, or a hand passe across the face in the right way. Ian McKellen was the opposite number. He succumbed badly at least once, consummate professional though he is. There. Now my purpose is fulfilled. Am I to be discarded, thrown away like a toy that has lost its novelty? Or will I pathetically eke out a little more from this tired story, only to remain a semi-welcome guest for a few more, precious days? I await the verdict.

Ben, you wonderful creature, we need you here! You're charming and make us laugh, and, I'm sure there is more you will eventually tell us of your soiree. As I had predicted, your mum did remember! Worldly types always do. Merci beaucoup et reste avec nous.

Bethan, Dickens is not one of my greatest favourites either: I find him just a touch too heavy, even in his lightest moments... Do JE and CF still get offered television roles, do you think? I rather doubt it. There's absolutely no reason to doubt that many a director would love to work with actors of Colin and Jennifer's calibre. The point is that, as is very well known, Colin won't do anything which doesn't appeal to his imagination, and will not necessarily accept any offer that happens to come his way. (And before someone screams again - yes, he's done one or two crappy things which he regrets, but that was at the time of an unusual depression in his career). (Evelyn) I wondered if JE auditioned for it. I believe that both Colin and Jennifer have now reached that happy level of an actor's career when their quality is so appreciated in the business (at least in their own home country) that they are usually sought for roles, rather than have to audition. By the way, what Ben describes, and Colin revelled in telling apparently so vividly, is termed "corpsing". Often it is unintentional, but actors sometimes play tricks on one another, and that was one instance. Colin himself was not working in that play - but obviously repeating some hilarious gossip... Ben, thanks for that delightful glimpse! And please, don't go away.

Nah, Ben, ya can stay. But I really wanted a dirty joke:) hee hee. Only kidding, natch!

Dear Arami, was he not in the play? How knowest thou? Dost thou have the Firth biography at thy fingertips? I remembered it as something he'd told about himself....but as you know my memory is flawed. I cannot go back to my parent for a clarification. You must verify. Dear Laura, I am sorry to disappoint you. I know a large number of quite filthy jokes myself, but I admit they wouldn't have the thrill of having passed The Firth's delicate lips. But I'm sure he would repeat them if told....This may be stretching your imagination a bit far, of course. Or, you could look elsewhere on this website, which, on closer inspection, seems has any number of extraordinary subjects under disccusion. This is much the most tame. What's "natch"?

I'm all for making it easy for people to follow us here but I don't think it's for lack of understanding that they don't post. However, if enough people think an acronym FAQ will bring more people in, let us know. Karen and I have an e-mail address for just this very thing - nomdedrool@yahoo.com Ben, that story earns you a big group hug but we're not the huggy type so instead we'll make you our honorary boy toy and hope you'll stick around.

(Arami) I believe that both Colin and Jennifer have now reached that happy level of an actor's career when their quality is so appreciated in the business (at least in their own home country) that they are usually sought for roles, rather than have to audition. I wish... in the last interview JE gave (9/97 to The Times) she said: "I really enjoy auditions; yes, you're being judged, but it's usually by strangers. And I think I have competition blindness. Although I still don't get jobs I want, I don't take it personally. You're either right for a part or you're not."

(Ben) Am I to be discarded, thrown away like a toy that has lost its novelty? Or will I pathetically eke out a little more from this tired story, only to remain a semi-welcome guest for a few more, precious days? I await the verdict. LMAO! Ben, you little muffin, please stay. I've laughed more in the last few weeks then in recent memory. You are much appreciated, with or without CF connections!

(Arami) I believe that both Colin and Jennifer have now reached that happy level of an actor's career when their quality is so appreciated in the business (at least in their own home country) that they are usually sought for roles, rather than have to audition. Sue Birtwhistle mentioned that in "the Making of P & P" CF was not auditioned. I recall something to the effect that the script was sent to him and once he had decided to do it, that was that. I think she actually said that you do not audition someone of his stature.

Sadly, I imagine the above would only apply to television!

Natch--Naturally:) Eh, I'm not a dirty joke kinda gal, actually. I was just tweaking you. Your story was lovely and a group hug is indeed needed. I think everyone needs a hug to brighten the day!

Our Dear Honorary Boy Toy (?), Dost thou have the Firth biography at thy fingertips? Indeed, and methinks so does everyone else around here... I remembered it as something he'd told about himself...I cannot go back to my parent for a clarification. You must verify. The signs of an urgent, unbridled interest in the minutiae of your distant encounter of a Firth kind might alarm your excellent and hitherto remarkably patient parent, I fear... ;-) All right, then: according to my sources CF has never worked with Ian McKellen, and has not trodden the boards at the Royal Court. However, he was on stage in Old Vic with Anthony Hopkins in 1985, roughly around the time when Lost Empires - in which he worked with John Castle - was still in production... His next theatre appearance was in 1987, some months after the British TV premiere of Lost Empires. I would venture that either some (ultimately unimportant) details might have become slightly blurred ove the years, or that it was one of those practical jokes which are often circulating around the London (or indeed, any!) theatreland, passing from one troupe to another. Could someone, please, dip into IMcK's webpage (I can't remember the URL) and find out if he was at the Royal Court about 11-12 years ago? Soon we'll be able to pinpoint the exact year of Ben's Firth adventure. :-)

Ben's Joke: Regardless of the year...place...who with.... This is one funny joke and Ben's vivid narrative makes it more so. Thank you for a jolly laugh, Ben :-))

Bless you all. Of course, you've all fallen for my master plan. I get my foot in the door with a long-distant story about The Firth, and now I've squeezed my way into the room. Hooray! I will check out the Ian McKellen story. I can always ask John Castle. He too is massively entertaining. These people have such fun, at least when they're working, and I do remember leaving that dinner resentful that God had not seen fit to endow me with a huge acting talent. It simply isn't fair. The cost may be an insecurity about work, and where it's coming from, and the remarks of Jennifer Ehle above (and here, though you can't see it, I bow my head at the mention of her name) reveal that one has to b philosophical even at her level. My little brother has a school friend who is now doing v. well as an actor, working at the National. But, if there is no work a month ahead, he is all angst and nerves. Artistic temperament'n'all that.

(I've come out of "lurking mode" now that it takes me only a minute to load all the messages rathern than 7 minutes) did anyone see "Entertainment Tonight" tonight? Meg Tilly was at the premier of the "Big Chill" re-release. She cut her hair exactly to the style and length as as she had it in the film. I kept my eyes open for any signs of little Will, but alas, no; I doubt she'd take the kids to a film like this. Ben: Hi! Thanks for the joke. Whether or not it was true, it was entertaining all the same. (I'll relive it in my mind as if it HAD actually happened). By the way, have you seen Jennifer Ehle in "The Camomile Lawn". I assure you, any fan of Jennifer Ehle's will not be disappointed by this. I can loan you my copy of you like. Also, on a side note, what are you doing in Columbia?

Photo and couple of paragraphs on SIL in New York Magazine last week. Photo: Gwenyth and maid. Paragraphs: everyone mentioned except CF.

Ben, glad you managed to squeeze in :-).

Renate, there should be a picture when Lizzy is at the piano at Rosings that Ben would appreciate even more. Do you have it? ;-)

(Ben).... Jennifer Ehle (and here, though you can't see it, I bow my head at the mention of her name) Oh Ben....borrow...steal.. a VCR....You've got to have a" Jennifer-fix." The Camomile Lawn is good but, Pleasure is brilliant. What we need is a picture as a natural blonde from the website...(not the one with the dreadlocks,pl.)I give permission...but I can't figure out how to do it.

Hey, hey, what is it - why are some of you doubting Ben's truthfulness? I quite believe his story is absolutely true! I only said that some details may be slightly blurred after all these years. Colin may have been talking about other actors and not necessarily himself... or maybe he was talking about himself as well as, but not necessarily together with, some other actors... if you see what I mean... oh, never mind! Boil in the bum to you all! ;-D Ben, you are so right about actors having fun at work and play. I myself have some intimate knowledge of the business and I know exactly what you mean. When actors have fun, it's really gigantic... and by the same token, their troubles can also be enormous... Everything is larger than life, even though some actors (like Colin, bless him) make a calculated effort to retain an objective take on the matters around them. If at all possible.

Why doesn't some enterprising director/producer cast CF and JE together in a new project? Suggestions (for as yet officially uncast but happening projects).....Bridget and Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones Diary (look mum, no acronyms!), Eliza Doolittle and 'enery Higgins in My Fair Lady (they can always talk-sing), or Mary and Bothwell in Mary Queen of Scots. The latter would be unremittingly tragic.. two passionate but fallible/misguided lovers meeting their separate and terrible fates - Mary executed, Bothw ll imprisoned in a windowless Danish gaol for seven years, dying insane. On second thoughts I prefer BJD! The sequel to BJD by the way ( as listed by Amazon) now seems to be Bridget Jones and the Seven Men. Seven?!! And I caught a glimpse of Fever Pitch on the new Film Four channel. We subscribe to some cable channels and seem to have been given Film Four as a "taster" for one day only. Does anyone know if the preceding film "It's only a game" (which I didn't see) was about FP?

What we need is a picture as a natural blonde from the website...(not the one with the dreadlocks,pl.)I give permission...but I can't figure out how to do it. How about this one, Evelyn?

Okay, very pretty. We can see that Colin enjoyed her for her mind as well as... well, we have the picture. Now that Ben has had his drool, where is ours? Bwaah! No mention of Colin in New York magazine? Well I never liked that rag. ;-)