As Time Goes By Guestbook

VISIT THE ATGBCENTRAL AMAZON US STORE OR THE ATGBCENTRAL UK STORE! OR THE ATGBCENTRAL CANADA STORE!

Search this website

Web atgbcentral.com

Please add your name and comments to this guestbook. READ THE ARCHIVES

COMMENTS

Hi Bonnie,

On the subject of potential storylines for a future ATGB special:

Time HAS gone by and it wouldn't be a bad idea, or unkeeping with the situation we all seem to agree we prefer (i.e. the family at home, with real life happening to mature people-no slapstick) to have the grandkids be in the picture (not as children; almost grown -- not completely, but getting ready for either dating or exams or some adult type thing. It would open an avenue to explore their (Jean and Lionel's) past again, while focusing on the strength of the characters (Lionel's level-headedness and Jeans nurturing). No special events, no drama, just open the door to their home again and start right back where we were, happily watching them watching TV or getting supper on the table or getting ready to go out. . .

Sherry
Macon, GA USA -- Monday, June 17, 2013 at 5:03 (PDT)

A Fine Romance is a wonderful show. I can't think of an episode where I didn't laugh out loud at Mike. Micheal Williams was very talented, and Judi and the supporting cast had wonderful chemistry. I wish the show would have gone on for a few more seasons. I also have the complete DVD set, as well as ATGB.

Thanks Dorothy for sharing the photo!

David
Georgia, USA -- Friday, June 14, 2013 at 9:27 (PDT)

Hello, Bonnie!

I have used the ATGB web site for some time but I have never commented or done anything except enjoy myself.

The [above] photo is not from ATGB, but from "A Fine Romance." As I have noticed you have AFR items on the site, I thought I would ask you about it. It was sold on eBay recently but I swiped a copy before it was gone. (That is why the copy is so poor.) I have never seen it before and can't find it online. Have you seen a copy anywhere? It is odd that such an attractive photo is not included on the various fan pages.

P.S. I must admit "A Fine Romance" is my favorite of the two series, but I own both on DVD and have just finished watching "As Time Goes By" all the way through again. So I think I can count myself as a fan!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks for sending the photo, which I haven't seen online either. It isn't surprising though because there isn't too much devoted to the program that I have seen. I thought I'd share it with those of you who also enjoy that program.

Dorothy Willis
Redding, CA USA -- Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 22:24 (PDT)

According to Flavorwire: Roald Dahl's 1990 illustrated children's novel about elderly lovebirds and tortoises will be adapted into a movie, starring Dustin Hoffman and Dame Judi Dench as the couple. In Esio Trot [This is actually the correct spelling of the book's title] ("tortoise" spelled backwards), Ms. Silver and Mr. Hoppy live in the same apartment building. Ms. Silver has a pet tortoise she wants to make bigger. Mr. Hoppy frantically tries to make her wish come true so he can win her heart. Dearbhla Walsh (Little Dorrit) will direct the project, which starts filming in England next month. [There is no indication about whether] . . . this will be marketed as a true blue children's film or animated feature. We imagine the actors will have great comedic chemistry for the quirky story. Can Hollywood get the tone of Dahl's novel right?

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 17:21 (PDT)

Hello,

I like to think of As Time Goes By existing in a parallel universe where Jean and Lionel are as real as we are. DVDs -- or broadcast television -- gives us a window into that universe. Silly, yes, but that's what being a fan is about! Logic-defying loyalty and affection.

I don't know if I'm in favour of a reunion or sequel. So many British shows are being remade or continued long after they ended -- Red Dwarf, Yes Prime Minister. I haven't seen Red Dwarf but Yes Prime Minister is a poor imitation. Does having seen it spoil the experience of the original? No, but then the characters are played by different actors.

All in, I'd love to see our beloved actors -- not the characters -- in new situation comedies with the same kind of heart and intelligence. All Bob Larbey sitcoms are wonderful. Maybe he'll write another someday soon and include some of our favourite actors. After all, "Madge" was in an earlier Bob Larbey show, On the Up. And Judi Dench, of course, was in his Fine Romance.

He's only 78. Middle-aged these days!

Sharon
Canada -- Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 9:22 (PDT)

Click to read more about Esiotrot which now seems that it might be an animated feature. I certainly hope not, but a little blurb on YouTube suggests that it might be.

The Cinemablend site linked above also mentions the new film Philomena was purchased by The Weinstein Company during the recent Cannes Film Festival for distribution in the fall of this year. This was previously mentioned on the blog several months ago and you can read about it by doing a search on this page for "Philomena".

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 8:43 (PDT)

Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman will star in a romance, which is a film adaptation of Esiotrot (Tortoise spelled backwards) a 1990 work by Roald Dahl. Read about it on the linked site.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, June 7, 2013 at 7:21 (PDT)

I haven't been checking in to ATGBcentral with any frequency lately but after reading your response felt the urge to chime in. Your comments were spot on and I couldn't agree with you more. IF, and Im sure its a very slim chance, the cast were to do another reunion I would dread any storyline centered around grandchildren or any storyline that is out of character for our beloved fictional characters. The last reunion show was a disaster... as much as I enjoyed seeing the cast together I would rather it rest in peace than to see another show full of weak storylines and hard to believe twists and turns.

Personally I would like to see ATGB return to its strengths and give us a reunion that deals with the joys and sorrows of the latter stages of life for Jean and Lionel after 58 years of being in love. As I've gotten older the episodes have held more meaning and relevance in my life and that to me is the strength of this show. Rocky and Madge must be written out for obvious reasons and Penny should be as well. The agency would have gone the way of the black and white tv in our digital age, Judy would be a well off stay at home parent, Alistar would be absorbed in his new digital publishing house and Sandy and Harry, though still very much in love, would be struggling to make ends meet on a "coppers" paywage. This would be no means be a black comedy, but one that reflects life more in line with reality.

Just my two cents from my little corner of this world...

John Roy
Acushnet, MA USA -- Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 9:07 (PDT)

There is a DVD set called "The Alan Bennett Collection." It seems to be mostly things he wrote for TV and includes "A Question of Attrition," which has Geoffrey Palmer in the cast (1991 episode of a TV series called Screen One). It is now available in the zone for the USA! It was called Alan Bennett at the BBC for the UK market. Amazon has it.

Connie
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Friday, May 31, 2013 at 11:23 (PDT)

I feel a renewed hope for future episodes of As Time Goes By especially so after hearing Moira, Philip and Geoffrey say they would agree to future episodes on the "Behind the Britcoms" special. Although the reunion specials were not up to the high standard of the past episodes, I know that Bob Larbey can bring the show back to the quality of the originals programs. I think Bob Larbey may have been influenced by the fan requests for the grandchildren storyline. I was not much interested in the grandchildren storyline or even a future Christmas episode. I think the strength of the show is that it depends on the characters that we know and love dealing with mostly everyday situations. I agree with the people who wrote in to say that these characters are the type of people we would like to have as family, friends and neighbours.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: You wrote the comment above shortly after the first one, so I included it here. You probably know this, but the special with Moira and Philip was filmed some time ago and I'm not sure whether or not they continue to feel now the way they did then.

Barbara
London, Ontario - Canada -- Friday, May 31, 2013 at 5:54 (PDT)

The characters in ATGB seem so real that you can imagine that they are living their lives out right now. Have you ever imagined what our friends are doing at this moment? Do you think Judith and Alistair have moved in next door to Jean and Lionel? Does Davina live with Jean and Alistair? Do you think that Sandy and Judith had baby boys or girls? Perhaps one of them had twins? Do you think that Mrs. Bale would consider becoming a nanny to the children? How do you think Alistair is enjoying being a dad? What are Jean and Lionel doing to occupy their time in retirement besides babysitting? Who is running the secretarial agency? How are Rocky and Madge? Did Steven and Penny move to London to be closer to "poor" Jean? I would love to hear any of your ideas.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I wrote to you privately regarding your interesting email and thought I'd add the response to your email, with a few revisions, just for the record:

Actually I've been immersed in them for so long that I really don't fantasize about what they're doing now. As a matter of fact, if I did, I would probably want to be a writer and I leave that to those who are more imaginative than I am. I liked to watch it play out. There are many people, though, who involve themselves in all sorts of fan fiction and play with what they think would have happened. I don't expect Alistair would have been a good father because he is extraordinarily self-centered and I would absolutely have hated any continuation of the storyline involving kids. To me, the beauty and originality of the show is tied up with the fact that this was an adult comedy.

I would imagine that Rocky and Madge would both be dead and I absolutely can't resolve in my head the fact that he was given a short time to live right at the beginning of the series and yet he managed to live thru the end of the series and into the reunion. While I'm not a big fan of death, I like the loose ends to be tied up. Speaking of which, I don't know where Davina came from or where she went, but I think she turned out to be a bad idea, all around.

I think the kids, if there were any, would be perplexed by Mrs. Bale. Not to mention frightened. Insofar as Penny and Stephen are concerned, they are certainly characters and would be on the last nerve of whoever lived next door to them. It would not be good for anyone in their retirement years and it would be particularly hard on relatives to have to entertain them. You saw how hard it was for Jean and Lionel to relax even when Stephen and Penny lived out of town, but to know that they had the potential to drop in unannounced would probably cause them some anxiety. And that goes for Alistair and Judith, too. I wouldn't want my family to live close enough to drop in all the time. I don't speak as a grandmother though and Jean certainly indicated she wouldn't mind having to deal with the little visitors. I have my doubts, though, about Lionel.

I would think the secretarial agency would have closed by now. I think most people can work with computers and that things that were relevant in the 80s and 90s have changed dramatically. Jean certainly doesn't need to be saddled with a business. I don't imagine Judith needs to work at all and Sandy was pregnant when last we heard so she would probably not be working. If Jean was smart, she might have sold the business which would probably have allowed her to avoid a big headache and provide her with some cash.

Barbara
London, Ontario - Canada -- Friday, May 31, 2013 at 5:49(PDT)

I went to London and saw 6 plays. "Peter and Alice" was not the best of the 6. It's always good to see Judi Dench in anything, but this play really wasn't my idea of an excellent plot. It kind of plods, and at the risk of making a really shallow comment, Judi has no costume changes except to take off her hat and fur, which with her wig makes her look about the age she played in "Chocolat." On the plus side, she's not getting younger (and neither am I) so she got a part that lets her sit down a lot. I think I would rather next time see her in a supporting role in something exciting. She could still rest while the others were on stage (as in "All"s Well That Ends Well"), but the tickets her name in the cast would sell would be to something more worthwhile.

Connie
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 12:41 (PDT)

What has Jenny Funnell been up to lately?

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 5:52 (PDT)

I taped "Parade's End" on HBO and just watched Geoffrey Palmer in a small but pivotal part as a bishop in part 2. It's currently available on demand from my satellite carrier.

Connie
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Friday, March 29, 2013 at 19:48 (PDT)

Judi Dench and Ben Whishaw dazzle
in Peter And Alice

Click headline to read story.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, March 18, 2013 at 17:03 (PDT)

Thank you Bonnie for keeping us to-date on the Brits. As for Dame Judi, I had the privelege of going to London last week to see 3 plays including Peter and Alice and of being among her adoring fans to get her autograph. She didn't skip a beat! Any silliness about memory problems is pure ageism: memory issues can arrive at any age. It was a treat to see Judi in person on stage and after the play. She may be petite but Judi is grand in her art. I so hope she does more theatre.

Yota
Montreal, QC, CA -- Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 14:31 (PDT)

I have a hard time with the way the bloggers have been handling this interview that Jon Snow of Channel4news in the UK conducted with Judi. They seem to have gone off the rails with their headlines that suggest she's losing her memory in the same way that they suggested that she was going blind when she made a comment about macular degeneration about a year ago. I'll bet she's sorry she ever mentioned it.

I have receieved at least 20 alerts in the last hour or so which link back to this interview and have her inability to remember lines as the hook on which this story hangs. It just seems nuts to me and I really think there are quite a few other things that should have been learned from this interview.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 16:45 (PDT)

I was sad to learn of the death on Saturday of another one of my favorites: Frank Thornton.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, March 18, 2013 at 17:03 (PDT)

HBO will broadcast The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel this evening.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 13:36 (PDT)

GUESS WHO

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 10:27 (PDT)

I've run this Radio Play from the Archives of the National Theatre before, but I'm sure that it will be new to some folks so I decided to post it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 10:53 (PDT)

Just saw Judi on the Graham Norton show. I thought she was as charming as ever and it appeared she was having as good a time being there as we were to see her. I'm glad I saw it!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Yes, I'm sure we'd all agree. By the way, I wondered why you just didn't watch it, either on YouTube or on my site, but I see the original video was removed. It is back for now and I reposted the whole video below. Thanks for triggering this change with your comment.

Last night was a big TV night for Judi watchers. Pledge programming replaced the Britcoms with the Behind the Britcoms special which ran before and featured Philip and Moira. Right now I'm sort of listening to the tape of My Week with Marilyn which ran last night on Showtime. It will run many times in the future and is available again today, I believe.

David
Fairmount, GA USA -- Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 10:11 (PDT)

If you haven't yet seen the Graham Norton Show on one of the streaming sites, remember that it will be shown on BBC America tomorrow Night. Also, look for My Week with Marilyn, which features Judi and premieres on Showtime -- also on Saturday Night.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, March 6, 2013 at 12:11 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 11:07 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, March 2, 2013 at 9:33 (PDT)

I googled the film, The Foreigner, but was unable to find a copy online. I did, however, find the project at Indiegogo where you can watch a video of Alethea Avramis (the writer/director) talking about the film. Indiegogo is an organization like Kickstarter which helps to fund various projects and products. By making a contribution you can get a copy of the video. And by googling Aletha Avramis you could get many references to the film. Below is the poster for it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, March 1, 2013 at 9:51 (PDT)

Judi Dench is on Graham Norton today. It will be shown on BBC America on March 9.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Here's another clip. You will be able to view the whole thing by the time it actually airs in the U.S. next Saturday. Keep an eye out on YouTube. And, for those of you in the viewing area, you will probably be able to watch it on the BBC or their app player.

Connie
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Friday, March 1, 2013 at 8:43 (PDT)

I saw the short (16 minutes) film "The Foreigner" that Philip Bretherton did. He plays a widower tourist in Greece. I enjoyed it and found it among the "on demand" videos available on DirecTV satellite service. I get the Shorts channel but don't know if this is necessary in order to view it. I did a search for his name on my DVR, and it popped up. It was produced by the UCLA film school, but all the rest of the credits were mostly Greek.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I was able to find a trailer for this on YouTube and I'd guess I could probably find it online, but I have to leave right now and will try later. The film-maker is Alethea C. Avramis so you might want to do a search under that name. Philip Bretherton is in the trailer.

Connie
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Wednesday, February 28, 2013 at 8:43(PDT)

Judi received the Honorary Fellowship of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama last Monday. Visit the linked site to see more photos and read about the presentation.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 15:03 (PDT)

Thanks to an anonymous visitor for sharing the picture below. I've not seen it before and really appreciate it. It is from the gallery at the gallery at BBC News.

This is from the email I received: "I found this picture while looking through a photo gallery of dear Richard Briers life. I have never seen Judi Dench like this before...check out the shoes! It's from an ITV adaptation of the George Bernard Shaw play Village Wooing (1979)."

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 9:45 (PDT)

As I mentioned back when it was announced, Judi's next movie project is Philomena,directed by Stephen Frears, who also directed Mrs. Henderson Presents and also starring Steve Coogan. They've been filming off and on since late last year in several the US, Ireland and the UK. Here is an account of her experience at Poolesville, Maryland.

Philomena tells the story of Philomena Lee, an unmarried teenager in 50s Ireland who was coerced by Roman Catholic nuns into selling her infant child, Anthony, to a wealthy couple in Missouri. The film is based on the 2009 book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee: A Mother, Her Son and a 50 Year Search by the former BBC correspondent and Labour government advisor Martin Sixsmith.

If you are interested in reading about M's real name and other triva about the Bond Movies, check this out. And be sure to click the link in the article for more information.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, February 22, 2013 at 10:25 (PDT)

Dame Judi Dench was presented with an Honorary Fellowship of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama on Monday 18 February 2013.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 15:33 (PDT)

Wow! Doc Martin. The Vicar of Dibley, Waiting for God, Top Gear's James May! Some of my favorites also. GPB and BBC America!

Note: It seems GPB will be running the Doc Martin series again starting on the 28th. Hopefully they will do as WETA in Washington DC and run the entire 4 seasons and then start season 5!!!

David
Fairmount, GA USA -- Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 9:44 (PDT)

Hey Bonnie,

I second the suggestion of Doc Martin as a DEFINITE watch and re-watch, along with the old favorites of Vicar of Dibley, Waiting for God and Mulberry. Current productions such as Miranda (very funny) and Call the Midwife are great, too. Other non-comedies that are in our family playlist include the Inspector Lewis series, Downton Abbey and some of the side projects that our favorite actors/presenters do such as Martin Clunes in his documentary series The Islands of Britain, A Man and His Dogs, and Horsepower, as well as James May (Top Gear UK presenter) who has several wholly enjoyable series - Toy Stories, Man Lab, Big Ideas and 20th Century. We also watch and re-watch TV Chef Rick Stein in all of his shows (French odyssey, Mediterranean Escape, Food Heroes of Britain etc.). I like to think that these are the type of shows that the character of Lionel in ATGB may enjoy!

Sherry
Macon, GA USA -- Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 6:07 (PDT)

Here are some photos of Judi behind the scenes rehearsing for the play Peter and Alice.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, February 18, 2013 at 14:13 (PDT)

I was sad to learn of the death, yesterday, of one of my favoriites: Richard Briers.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, February 18, 2013 at 9:40 (PDT)

Glad to have found this site and look forward to conversations in the future. I've watched ATGB for years on Georgia Public TV and when they don't play it, I have the DVD set like many of you. Right now GPB TV is in season five. I very much enjoy other British shows like Top Gear and many of the other Britcoms, especially Doc Martin. Right now I just wanted to introduce myself and hope to see more comments in the future.

David
Fairmount, GA USA -- Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 17:43 (PDT)

I just finished watching the excellent "Shakespeare Uncovered" series on PBS -- I especially enjoyed David Tennent's segment on "Hamlet" -- but was very disappointed that Judi wasn't represented. She was an extraordinary Lady Macbeth, played Gertrude, was in The Comedy of Errors and The Tempest, to name just a few. In spite of that, it's well worth viewing.

Marla
Euclid, OH USA -- Thursday, February 13, 2013 at 20:04 (PDT)

Hi Bonnie,

Sadly, BBC Canada is not carrying the BAFTA broadcast. It's all Top Gear and real estate shows, it seems.

I love Doc Martin and William and Mary, too. I'm also a fan of Jam and Jerusalem -- it's called Clatterford in North America -- which is available through your Amazon stores. It's very re-watchable. There's also Judi Dench's earlier series, A Fine Romance. And I like On the Up, which was written by Bob Larbey who wrote ATGB.

What do others like?

So much great stuff to watch. . .thank heavens for DVDs!

Sharon
Canada -- Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 11:12 (PDT)

Don't forget to watch the BAFTAs this Sunday on BBC America if you get that channel. Judi Dench is nominated for Skyfall. If you're lucky enough to get the streaming application (not available in the U.S. app store) you can check this out.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 9:40 (PDT)

Hi,

Thanks, everyone, for the information. That would make Jean about 56 or 57 when they meet again and Lionel about 59.

I know we shouldn't examine these incidental facts under a microscope but I was taken aback when, in an episode I recently watched, Lionel says something about if they waited another 60 years, he'd be about 130. . . which would make him 70. I didn't think he was that age.

Never mind. As I say, these details don't matter.

I'm doing my annual ATGB marathon -- one a day! -- and am still amazed at how fresh it all seems and how I'm always noticing bits of dialogue that hadn't really stood out before.

Is there any other series that ATBG fans watch and re-watch? I have a couple . . .

Thanks again.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I am happy to see that Las Vegas PBS has finally decided to invest in Doc Martin, starring the wonderfully versatile Martin Clunes. They had somoe fans in to their office a year or so ago to vote on their next purchase and I recommended it then, but it just started to air this season. I'm watching them again on Saturday nights even though I own and have watched them all. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the soundtrack is soothing. I also am a big fan of William and Mary, starring Martin Clunes and Reggie Perrin, starring Martin Clunes and everything else that he has done. I believe that many Doc Martin episodes are available for free if you have purchased Amazon Prime.

Sharon
Canada -- Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 8:14 (PDT)

Hi Bonnie,

I also believe she mentions her age in episode 1 when Jean is showing the photobook to Judy, she says "Judy, I was 19!" very excitedly as an effort to make a point. Its about the same time that Judy says "I'm his daughter" and Jean says "maths never was your strong point". Uh oh, I feel an ATGB marathon coming on . . .

Sherry
Macon GA USA -- Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 16:39 (PDT)

I believe that the episode in which Jean and Lionel mentioned their ages 38 years ago was Session 2 episode 3 not season 3 as mentioned.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I double-checked and you are correct: the encounter at the train station WAS in Episode 3, Season 2. Jean tells Lionel that she is anxious about meeting Rocky and asks if he told Rocky about her. She wonders if he still expects her to be 18. He responds by saying "not unless he still thinks I'm 21."

Gary Piper
unknown -- Tuesday, January 30, 2013 at 7:15 (PDT)

Bonnie,

In response to Sharon's question...I believe the answer can be found in the third episode of season three, in which Lionel takes Jean to meet his father. During a conversation at the train station coffee shop, Jean mentions that she was 18 when they first met, and Lionel responds that he was 21...this is the conversation in which Lionel relates (to Jean) his conversation with Rocky about 'losing Jean'.

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 18:03 (PDT)

I know this is one of those questions that only an ATGB addict might ask, but has anyone figured out what age Jean and Lionel are supposed to be when they meet again? I think I remember they met first in 1953 and that 38 years go by... but how old are they when the series begins?

Hope 2013 has started well for everyone.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Sorry that this took a couple of hours to post, but I am in the middle of switching providers and I deleted all the files on the old server about an hour ago. I am not sure that the email is working correctly right now, If there is a problem with it I will let you know. Also, if you notice that anything doesn't work as expected, please let me know because many of the filenames had to be changed to accommodate the new operating system and many of them were not visible until I started to fix it -- there are so many files that I could have easily missed it. Also, thanks to those who asked me about the removal of the Amazon Links. That was temporary. I know times are hard for many of us, but I would really appreciate if you could go thru those links for any purchase -- not just for books and videos -- that you buy at Amazon. Thanks.

In answer to your question, though, I always thought Jean was in her late teens when she met Lionel, but I don't remember anything more specific. If someone can cite a reference, that would be nice.

Sharon
Canada -- Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 5:29 (PDT)

Interesting video of Geoffrey Palmer protesting the rail line. Reminiscent of Jean's befuddled protest of the bypass.

Carol Sutton WIlladsen
Santa Rosa CA -- Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 16:44 (PDT)

Also see another YouTube video in which Geoffrey and others speaks out against the proposed railway.

As for the opposition, according to this blog at Railnews :

". . . Mr Palmer is not lying. Nothing he says about the statistics is actually untrue, but the oath taken by witnesses in court requires them to tell "the whole truth" for a very good reason.

Mr Palmer has not told the whole truth, and the effect is profoundly misleading.

He -- and those who have encouraged him to do this -- should be ashamed.

By the way. . . I wish you all a very happy 2013!

And thanks to those of you who wrote privately to ask about my health, which is just fine. I haven't posted for a while because I really don't like to blow things out of proportion. The other day I watched a YouTube video which suggested that Judi has ended her James Bond run because she's going blind and wants to retire. It seems to me that any fan of Judi's would have a laugh over that.

I also read that Judi is being considered for a role as Mrs. Hudson, the housekeeper in a new TV adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic stories. It was written by the comedian Barry Cryer and his son. This has not yet been finalized. What is in the works is Judi's run in Peter and Alice, which opens on March 9th at London's Noel Coward Theatre. Rehearsals begin on January 28.

Also be sure to watch the BAFTA awards . The British Academy Film Awards will take place on Sunday 10 February at London's Royal Opera House and Judi is nominated as Best Supporting Actress in Skyfall -- a role for which she was not nominated for an Academy Award. She's been complaining quite a bit about the snub -- not only about her supporting role, but about the film in general.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 9:40 (PDT)

Here's a bit of good news: Colin Firth and Helen Mirren are "being courted to join the ensemble sequel to Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Cross your fingers.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, December 3, 2012 at 14:57 (PDT)

Many thanks to Connie E. from Los Angeles for scanning the picture (above right, which is not available to non-subscribers) that appeared ln The Los Angeles Times along with this article. At left is a blowup of a portion of the sketch.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 11:38 (PDT)

BITS AND PIECES

Those of you who have been regulars at this site probably know that I'm not a James Bond fan and have only seen snippets of movies and only those that feature Judi Dench. I have seen very few of these and rarely do I post anything about those films or Judi's involvement in them. I did see an interesting article this morning the subject of which has probably been posted or discussed at many websites, but I will only post a link and warn you that if you have not seen Skyfall you may want to wait to read it because it contains spoilers.

In addition to Smokey Oakey and Zenerinda Judi has an interest in yet more horses. She will follow the fortunes of two more horses as part of Lingfield Park Owners Group.

BBC Film crews were on hand in Poolesville and Potomac this week filming "Philomena," directed by Stephen Frears and starring British actors Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

Here's a brief synopsis: The movie, based on a true story, tells the tale of an unmarried Irish woman who gives birth to a son, Anthony, in 1952. According to Martin Sixsmith, who wrote the book the movie is based on, Catholic nuns "whisked away" the baby and sold it to an American couple. Philomena spent decades trying to find the son, who was renamed Michael Hess and served as chief legal counsel to former president George H.W. Bush.

*******

And finally, here's a picture of Geoffrey Palmer at the 24th Chickenshed Annual Fundraising Gala at The Guildhall in London, England last week. The caption said he was with Sarah Green, but that looks to me like his wife, Sally.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 10:15 (PDT)

It's pretty old news by now and you've probably seen it already, but Charlie Rose's site is back up and the interview he did with Judi is online at his site. It was not yet added to his youtube channel, but I suspect it will be soon. I'm glad to see that they were finally able to resurrect the site.

And last week's appearance with Kelly and Michael has finally been posted to Youtube.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, November 5, 2012 at 10:18 (PDT)

I was just watching Live with Kelly and Michael, and they flashed a photo of Judi and announced she would be on the show tomorrow (Friday). If this was pretaped, then maybe it's a Perfect Storm Sandy schedule readjustment.

Connie
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 9:40 (PDT)

I have seen Charlie Rose's interview with Dame Judi the day before yesterday on my PBS station at 5:00pm. She was as usual delightful and they both seemed to have a jolly good time. Most of it was about Skyfall, of course, but he also touched other subjects, some of them old. I do hope that Marigold Hotel will have a sequel.

UPDATE FROM BONNIE: Charlie Rose's site now confirms that the outage is storm-related and has a link to hulu.com for those of you who want to see the interview with Judi before Charlie's site is resurrected. When I try to load it on an IOS device like the iPad it indicates that it is "web only", but the last I looked Hulu was free for your desktop.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 15:46 (PDT)

According to Connie, from Los Angeles as well as the linked webside, Judi is scheduled to appear on Live with Kelly and Michael on Friday, November 9th. That is the scheduled release date of Skyfall here in the U.S.

Rumor has it that there will be a sequel to Best Exotic Marigold Hotel but as of this moment there hasn't even been a "treatment" delivered, so I think it's safe to characterize this as a maybe.

I would guess that Charlie Rose's site is having hurricane-related problems, but I'm not sure that the intention was to post his interview with Judi Dench. I have not yet seen it posted on youtube and don't want to violate his copyright, so I won't post it either. I do see snippets of the interview at various sites. Perhaps it will be online closer to the US opening of Skyfall. I will keep checking though.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 7:35 (PDT)

If you haven't already seen it, you'll get a nice treat when you watch the latest interview that Judi gave to her pal, Charlie Rose. I see that they haven't yet put up the video, but keep checking at Charlierose.com and youtube. In the meantime, the folks over on Graham Norton's side of the world have been right on it. So while you're waiting to watch the other, have a look at this -- which is part 1 of 3. The others are there on YouTube, but after part 1 you may want to go directly to parts 2 and 3 without having to search.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, October 26, 2012 at 14:44 (PDT)

JUDI AND CHARLIE TOGETHER AGAIN TONIGHT

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, October 26, 2012 at 14:44 (PDT)

I hope this picture from the London premiere of Skyfall makes up
for the absence of Dame Judi on last night's Access Hollywood.
I guess she ended up on the cutting room floor. Sorry.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 10:10 (PDT)

Thanks to Marian, from Scotland and Connie from Los Angeles for the following citations:

Don't forget to set your recorders

In the UK: Judi is on This Morning" on ITV with Philip Schofiels (NOTE: According to the website JUDI WILL BE THERE ON WEDNESDAY THE 24TH. and on The Graham Norton Show on BBC1 with Daniel Craig next Friday. I also noticed that today Judi Dench talks to Lorraine Kelly and Aled Jones about the upcoming James Bond film Skyfall on DAYBREAK so that's probably over, but I'm guessing that all of the interviews will be available to those outside the UK and I'd check YouTube. In the UK you may be able to see these shows on the iplayer which we can't normally access outside the UK. For those who are able to access the ITV player, there is a link at the top of the page at the "This Morning" site above.

And back in the U.S. you can see The Graham Norton Show on November 3 on BBC America and on

ACCESS HOLLYWOOD TONIGHT ON ABC.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 8:17 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 8:21 (PDT)

Judi in a brief clip from this morning's Today Show.

Skyfall opens next week in the UK and is scheduled to open on Nov. 9 in the US.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, October 15, 2012 at 8:25 (PDT)

We're feeling just a little melancholy at the moment because we've just this evening finished a few weeks of re-watching the entire ATGB series. It's our -- I don't know -- 8th or 10th (or ....?) time through the series. And we'll return to it some months or a year hence, I'm sure. It always makes us feel good to watch them, and a bit let down when we finish. But we ended with the Special Features section of the reunion episodes, especially the inside "Making of ATGB" feature -- which happens to focus on the next-to-last regular episode -- the one we were lucky enough to attend the taping of, along with a couple of dozen others who have frequented Bonnie's site.

Larry Lain <lain@udayton.edu>
Dayton, OH, USA -- Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 7:35 (PDT)

With her seventh Bond film about to hit the big screen, Judi Dench shows no sign, even at 77, of curbing her enormous drive. She talks about painting landscapes, playing M and why she hates to be alone on stage. Here's the article by Tim Adams in yesterday's Observer (UK).

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 7:38 (PDT)

Judi Dench is scheduled to be on the Today Show on Monday, October 15 and Jenny Funnell was replaced in the play "A Cricket Match." According to the linked site she had to withdraw from the production due to a recent operation. I have no further information regarding the matter.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, October 12, 2012 at 2:31 (PDT)

Geoffrey Palmer Quiz

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, October 11, 2012 at 9:06 (PDT)

Well I got the chance to check on the episode and you are absolutely right, Marla -- there was some discussion between Jean and Mr. Partridge which alluded to Alan Partridge, but the name was never actually mentioned. He told Jean that he was waiting for the Aha! moment when someone points out that he's got a name of a character on television. He was surprised that Jean had no such reaction. He always finds it very wearing and people usually laugh.

I didn't realize until about two minutes ago, that I reported the other day that Judi would be starring in Philomena along with Alan Partridge. I should have said Steve Coogan, but at my age, I'm just glad that I have so many resources to help me remember.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 10:13 (PDT)

Not sure I'm remembering correctly, but wasn't the man who installed the internet connection named Alan Partridge and there was a play on that name? It's been a long, long time since I've seen that episode so may be off base.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: According too my website, cast list for episode 6, season 8 includes Mark Benton who played Paul Partridge, from British Telecom. They had a short discussion during which he asked if Lionel picked up on the name, but I don't recall if it had anything to do with Alan Partridge. I saw Steve Coogan (who played the character Alan Partridge) on the Graham Norton Show earlier this season and I enjoyed his sense of humor. If I get a chance I'll look at the episode to see if there is any mention of Alan Partridge, but had there been I think I would have looked it up back then. Also a quick reading of my synopsis seems to indicate he was only there to install an extra phone line and they still needed a modem and some more recent equipment.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 1l:56 (PDT)

HAPPY NATIONAL OLDER PEOPLE'S DAY!

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, October 1, 2012 at 8:51 (PDT)

ODDS 'N ENDS

Judi will be starring in Philomena along with Steve Coogan. Stephen Frears will direct. This has nothing to do with Judi's appearance in Filumena, incidentally.

If you are interested in owning a used (but autographed) pair Judi's Shoes, just click the link that our anonymous contributor provided.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 10:13 (PDT)

Hi Bonnie,

Really enjoyed the clip of Judi and her brother. I don't think I knew she has a brother who is an actor. I looked him up on Wikipedia and was interested to learn he's been in both Brittas Empire and Rumpole of the Bailey, two old British series we've seen here in North America.

Thanks for keeping up the site and keeping us connected.

Sharon
Canada -- Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 12:40 (PDT)

I received yesterday the DVD of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel that I had pre-ordered from Amazon. It is a delightful film and I am looking forward to watching it over and over again.

On a different note, are any of you fans also addicted to Downton Abbey? I am! Although our beloved Dame Judi is not in it, I find it wonderfully captivating and am looking forward to series #3 being broadcast here in the U.S. next January on PBS. And, of course, ordering the DVD from Amazon as soon as available.

Happy Autumn to all and thanks to you, Bonnie, for keeping up the good work. P.S. The latest video of Judi and Jeffrey Dench is great!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I have my copy too and immediately put it on the iPad. I'm am looking forward to watching it almost any time I get the urge.

I was fortunate enough to watch the first episode of Season 3 of Downtown Abbey and it was, again, beautifully filmed and acted and written and exceeeded my expectations. You won't be disappointed.

Thank you for the compliments. As always, I appreciate them and your continued loyalty to the website.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 10:59 (PDT)

Vimeo has a nice, short video with Judi and her older brother, Jeffery.

If you haven't already done so, it's time to order the DVD for Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Shipping date is tomorrow!

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, September 17, 2012 at 8:28 (PDT)

Looks like a lot of fun!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 23:25 (PDT)

EVEN BETTER NEWS WHILE IT LASTS!

(UPDATE: Sorry, but apparently this has been deleted from YouTube as I suspected it would be. I hope you got to see it.)

GOOD NEWS!

Stars in Shorts will be at the theatre at the end of next month and will be available for purchase on October 9.

Judi, of course, stars in Chris Foggin's Friend Request Pending

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at 8:16 (PDT)

Geoffrey Palmer opened a new charity book shop in Princes Risborough. Click here to read about it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, August 17, 2012 at 6:53 (PDT)

Judi's photo is on the front page of Weekly Variety's August 13-19 print edition. The article is "Which film is 2012's biggest hit?" A chart of film grosses shows "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" had an estimated budget of $10 million and has grossed World Wide $132 million so far. The article says:"Most B.O. watchers are aware of the year's bona fide blockbusters.....But some of the most profitable titles are flying under the radar, including Fox Searchlight's "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," whose beefy profitability ratio outweighs its image as a little charmer."

While I normally don't care how much money her movies make, it does show not only Judi's popularity(she has top billing) but also that films that appeal to the older population can be successful these days. Hopefully this translates into more movies without boring extended fight scenes.

Connie
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Sunday, August 12, 2012 at 1:23 (PDT)

Not for everyone, I know, but if you're interested you can see and/or buy some of MEATHEAD'S FANCY PORTRAITS OF REALLY IMPORTANT PEOPLE by following this link and going to his "web hole".

Someone wrote to me and asked me the brand name of the couch in the living room of Jean's house in the city. I tried to answer (by saying no-one ever asked before), but the email was returned after 4 hours because it could not be delivered. So if anyone has a proper answer, please post it here.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 12:30 (PDT)

I pre-ordered BEST EXOTIC... from Amazon about 2 weeks ago and it was priced at $19.95 with a shipping date of Sept. 18th. Anxiously awaiting!

Evelyn Eisenberg
San Diego CA USA -- Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 12:39 (PDT)

I received a message today from Amazon announcing the delivery for 9/18. I never waited so long and so impatiently for a film!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Friday, July 20, 2012 at 7:19 (PDT)

ATTENTION:

The price on The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel was $29.98 when it was first available for pre-order. I checked again and see that that price at Amazon.com has been lowered to $19.99. According to their website you should be charged the lowest rate at the time of release, but I just thought I would check my records because I like to be careful. Today the charge for $29.98 was shown as pending. They probably would have charged the $19.99, but I decided to go to the website, cancel the order and place it again so there would be no questions later. You might want to click the link and order it at the lower price if you haven't already. If you have already pre-ordered, you might want to do what I did to ensure that you are charged correctly.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 2:30 (PDT)

A 2008 Photograph of Dame Judi by Bryan Adams.

It can be seen online at The National Portrait Gallery

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at 7:53 (PDT)

IF YOU'RE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD: A Cricket Match

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 7:53 (PDT)

I read online that someone sent for an autographed picture of Geoffrey and this is what he received in return. Here's the address to which he wrote:

Geoffrey Palmer
Conway Van Gelder Grant Ltd.
8-12 Broadwick Street
3rd Floor
London
W1F 8HW

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 17:38 (PDT)

As most of you know, I am not much for rumors, but it has come up again that Judi is in talks for the film Italian Shoes and since the piece is spearheaded by her old friend Kenneth Branagh, it seems likely that she will do it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 7:09 (PDT)

Thank you Bonnie, I did. I saw it a few days ago at our multiplex theatre here in Sierra Vista. I loved it! and I'm looking forward to watch it again and again.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 12:35 (PDT)

Notice that you can now pre-order the DVD for Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at Amazon.com. The release date in the U.S. has not yet been announced and the price shown online is around $30, but -- as always -- if the actual price is lower at the release date, you will get the DVD at the lower price.

Please click the link above to pre-order at the Atgbcentral Amazon store.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 10:31 (PDT)

I mentioned when it was first announced that Judi would be appearing in a play about Peter and Alice in the West End next year, but here you can read a bit more about it.

The veteran actress will portray Alice Liddell Hargreaves, who as a child inspired Lewis Carroll to write 'Alice in Wonderland', in the new production alongside Ben Whishaw as Peter Llewelyn Davies, who was identified by author J.M Barrie as the source name behind his famous play 'Peter Pan'. The play has been written by John Logan and will be directed by Michael Grandage when it opens in London in March 2013.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 22:51 (PDT)

Liz and I are just back from Winchester. We had a great time last night and throughly enjoyed Judi's talk with John Miller. She looked terrific and was in cracking good form, she talked for over an hour and covered a lot from her early days to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. There were lots of laughs particularly when John Miller handed her the Black Glove she had a great laugh at that and said that this was a score of 100 and something to Tim Piggot Smith and 93 to her. You can see the glove in some of the photos where she is signing the books. After she left the stage we had a chance to have a brief word with her and she signed copies of her book. She told us that there was the possibility of a new film later this year about a famous person who is still alive also that there may be a play next year but that she could not give us any more information at the moment. She also told us that the cast of As Time Goes By were meeting for lunch on Tuesday which she was looking forward to as they had not met for some time.

Marian
Galashiels Scotland -- Sunday, June 10, 2012 at 12:29 (PDT)

Hello Bonnie,

I've been away from the site for a few weeks, and just noticed that The Comedy of Errors is now available (in the UK, at any rate) on DVD. This is exciting! It was shown on A&E quite a few years ago (more than 10, probably more than 15) in the middle of the night. I taped it, and enjoyed it many times--until I lent it out and forgot where! It's Shakespeare, but with the addition of specially-written songs and dances, and has a fabulous cast, in addition to Judi Dench, who plays Adriana: Roger Rees, Michael Williams (Judi's husband), Francesca Annis, Nickolas Grace, and in an unrecognizable cameo as Dr. Pinch, Robin Ellis. You'll also see Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon in the Harry Potter movies) in a small role, and some other faces you'll recognize from other TV shows & movies.

At present, I don't have a DVD player for Region 2--but this news may send me out to get one!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks for taking the time to write, Nancy. Your comment just reminded me that The Region 2 DVD for Best Exotic Marigold Hotel will be shipped in a couple of weeks. Also, for those of you who aren't aware of this, you can play those disks on your computer, but there are limitations on how many times you can switch the region settings so you should check your setup before you order. No telling yet when it will be released in the US or Canada.

Nancy Healy
Pomona, NY USA -- Sunday, June 10, 2012 at 8:48 (PDT)

Last night I saw Friend Request Pending at the Toronto Short Film Festival. It's wonderful. Pitch-perfect performances by Judi Dench and Penny Ryder as well as Philip Jackson. It's a perfect little gem and well worth seeing if you get a chance.

BTW -- Penny Ryder and Philip Jackson were both in My Week with Marilyn -- as was Judi.

Interesting, also, that the writer, Chris Croucher, is working on developing Friend Request Pending for television.

Sharon
Canada -- Friday, June 8, 2012 at 12:57 (PDT)

Many thanks to our anonymous contributor for sending this link. I've mentioned the program a few times on this web site and thought I had posted it, but since it was only recently uploaded to YouTube, I guess I was mistaken.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 15:45 (PDT)

Hi Bonnie,

I really enjoy your website... thanks for all the time you put in to pass on enjoyable tidbits from our favourite cast of characters.

Here's a couple for all those Geoffrey Palmer fans, if they haven't already been posted previously:

BBC Radio (Interview) 2005 (45 minutes - audio only)

and

Kit & The Widow 1992 (comedy sketch) (see below)

Enjoy!

Geoffrey Palmer's birthday is Monday June 4th, and as he has given us so much entertainment over the years, I wanted to do something nice for him.

I thought it would be great to show support and stand with him in the fight against the high speed rail (HS2) that will devastate his beloved Chiltern Hills, not to mention ruining the quiet peacefulness of his home where he raised his family and has lived for the past 43 years. The proposed route will have trains roaring past his house within a few hundred feet.

I wrote to Geoffrey and told him I would pass the word in the hopes that others would also make a contribution as I have done. I am between jobs at the moment, but I feel very strongly about lending my support, even if it's only pizza money.

Wouldn't it be a nice birthday present for Geoffrey to know that he has mates in the US and Australia who will help him fight the good fight? If you choose to make a donation, you can also leave him a personal message with the online form.

If you would like to learn more, or to make a contribution and stand shoulder to shoulder with Geoffrey, here [is a link] to get you started:

Donate to HS2 Action Alliance (click "Donate Now" link at bottom of page): Note: British pounds will be converted to US dollars

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thank you for sending these links. I thought I'd post them even though they are already on the site . . . somewhere . . . and have been for a while. Thank you for the compliment. I don't normally post things that involve fundraising (or this whole site would be filled with promotions for organizations with which Dame Judi is involved.) I have many times publicized Geoffrey's work with various charities and political issues (including this one). I left some links out of your message, but I posted it in honor of his birthday and I wish him a happy one.

Sheila Wray
Sydney, Australia (formerly Chicago IL) -- Sunday, June 3, 2012 at 08:10 (PDT)

Kiss Chase is currently at the Lyceum in the UK. Click the link to read a review.

In other news, I read an article about "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, at AARP.org, which said "What you may not know is that the film, which cost about $10 million to make, has ticket sales approaching $100 million since opening earlier this month. Hollywood pays attention anytime smaller movies gross big." No, I didn't know that, but I find it to be very good news.

UPDATE: Thanks to an anonymous contributor we have more information on the Box Office Draw of "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel", despite the fact that it has opened in such a limited way. It finally opened here in the Vegas area some three weeks after it opened in other cities.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 10:06 (PDT)

The picture above is of the cover of the newly released DVD of Comedy of Errors. Thanks to Sharon for telling me about it. I only see it in the UK Amazon Store (link above). I also see that in the UK Best Exotic Marigold Hotel will be released on DVD (Region 2) on June 12. Since it only recently opened in the U.S., I would imagine that the release date here is quite a while away. It comes with a digital copy that can be transferred to your mobile devices. The DVD can also be ordered in the UK on Blue Ray. I do not see it posted in the U.S. stores yet, but I have posted them at the Amazon Stores on my site and you can pre-order in the UK or sign up to be notified when it is availability. Please support this site by ordering thru my links.

UPDATE: Just got an email from Connie E. in Los Angeles saying that "[Love]In a Cold Climate" can now be pre ordered at Amazon for a June 26, 2012 delivery date. I added that to the Amazon US store as well. Be warned though: It costs almost $54 and contains three disks.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 8:18 (PDT)

The picture above left was taken from the Telegraph UK. If you want to see a larger picture with comments on the dames, check this link at the Daily Mail.The picture above right was of Judi and Dame Vivienne Westwood at the event. To more attendees, and see more about the event watch this video from BBC news.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, May 25, 2012 at 10:23 (PDT)

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show has an exhibit of Pot Art created by celebrities, including Judi Dench. The picture above shows the pot that Judi made.

The online auction is already in progress and closes at 12 noon on Sunday, May 27. Go to the website for more information.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, May 21, 2012 at 9:03 (PDT)

Here's another if-you-happen-to-be-in-the-area things for those in the UK. Thanks to our anonymous visitor for pointing it out to me. By the way, I knew about this, but for some reason failed to post it, thinking that I had a bit of time, but I notice that the play Kiss Chase, starring Jenny Funnell will only be running for three days starting on May 28th. Make your plans accordingly.

And speaking of not being in the right place at the right time: Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has yet to open in my area so I'm even happier that I got to see it at the special screening. I think I read that the movie would open in more theatres on the weekend of the 25th.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 7:36 (PDT)

If you happen to be in the Toronto area, be sure to check out the CFC Worldwide Short Film Festival June 5 to 10 where you will be able to see Friend Request Pending. Note: I did a search request for the film and it looks as though it will be screened at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema: Thursday June 7, 7:45 pm, but don't rely on that. The original article I read was at Toronto.com but the link to the Festival was incorrect and should have been changed to the one linked above. Still, there is a paragraph near the end which does provide a phone number for ticket information and you might want to check there.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 15:47 (PDT)

We've just received our copy of the May 14-20 Weekly Variety, which has a tribute to 50 years of James Bond, with articles and ads of congratulations. A quick look yields only one photo of Judi, but it's a nice enlargement of the one already out on the internet for "Skyfall," with M looking at a computer and a camera shooting over her shoulder. The copy says in big letters, "LIFE BEGINS AT 50, MR. BOND." The rest is a congratulations to Arri, a company that apparently worked on the visuals for the film.

Connie E.
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 11:31(PDT)

If you're in the area, you might be interested in this press release . . .

The Best of British Festival will bring some of the nation's biggest names in theatre, literature and broadcasting to Winchester.

Winchester is preparing to commemorate a landmark year for the UK by hosting its very own Best of British Festival.

With the Queen celebrating her Diamond Jubilee and top athletes heading to London for the Olympic and Paralympic Games later this year, the historic Hampshire city will offer its own celebration of the nation's crowning glories.

Running from Friday May 25th to Thursday July 26th, the festival is set to feature the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Robert Hardy, Ruth Rendell, PD James and Martin Bell.

Dame Judi will discuss her recent films in conversation with biographer John Miller at the Guildhall Winchester on Saturday June 9th, with tickets priced at 15 pounds.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 11:03 (PDT)

Indeed, Bonnie, just watched it on my PBS channel regular Charlie Rose show. I agree with you about Charlie Rose's ability as an interviewer, he can bring out the most interesting subjects and observations from the interviewees. Very enjoyable.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 20:08 (PDT)

As it turned out it was an all-new show, which was quite interesting in the same way that Charlie's usually are. It lasted for 30 minutes and will probably be available on the website a little bit later.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 8:09 (PDT)

I just got an email that said:

TONIGHT ON CHARLIE ROSE:

MAY 9, 2012

Tonight we look at the film "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" with director John Madden and actors Judi Dench & Tom Wilkinson. Later Andrei Kostin, Chairman and CEO VTB Bank.

I have no idea what this means, but this could be a continuation of the interview Charlie did with Judi last week or it could be a repeat. If you're interested in knowing which it is, be sure to check your local stations or go to Charlie's website tomorrow and check it out for yourself.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 14:40 (PDT)

All the interviews and clips on your site of Judi talking about her new movie (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) have been wonderful to read and listen to. Hope it opens here in the midwest soon.

On another note. about ATGB. The houses in Jean's row of homes have all been painted pastel colors. Each one a different color--lavender, pink, green, yellow, blue -- it looks as if Jean's house is beige. The house that shares steps is yellow. I saw these on Google Earth. I like the way they appear in ATGB and was very diappointed to see them like this. They are so much more regal as they appeared on screen. Maybe other people have know this for a while but, it was new to me. I am so glad that when I visited in 2011 they looked just like they did in the series.

Bonnie, can't thank you enough for keeping us in the know. Thank you.

Carolyn Hancock
Peoria IL USA -- Monday, May 7, 2012 at 8:06 (PDT)

I was surprised that Best Marigold opened Friday in only one theatre here in Toronto. I thought it would be everywhere. Not surprisingly, every seat was filled Saturday evening. The audience appeared to thoroughly enjoy it....we certainly did. Beautifully filmed and edited, flawless performances and a charming story that gently illuminates the challenges of aging. And not a vampire, special effect or superhero to be found. What could be better?

Sharon
Canada -- Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 20:51 (PDT)

Hope everyone had a great weekend. So I've watched "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" twice already and want to go again!!! It was wonderful. I laughed out loud several times which is something that I don't often do at a movie. It was sold out for at least 5 shows on Saturday. It's only playing at one theater that I know of here in Toronto. Can't wait for this to be out on DVD. Has anyone read the book? I started it last night. Take care.

Leanne
Toronto, CA -- Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 20:25 (PDT)

[The] "Entertainment Weekly" May 11 issue [has] the prettiest close up of Judi in "Marigold." One of our local newscasters remarked that he would see Avengers 3 times and then maybe he would go after that to see Marigold. I do hope Marigold gets number 2 for the opening weekend. Maybe it will be the total in North America that will matter, though, because it's only opening in 3 very nice theaters here in L.A. so I guess it will expand later.

Connie E.
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 15:01 (PDT)

I just finished watching it on my PBS channel. It is a great interview. No wonder, given the fact that Charlie Rose is, iin my opinion, the best interviewer!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Friday, May 4, 2012 at 20:21 (PDT)

If you watched Judi with Charlie Rose last night, you probably discovered that John Madden and Tom Wilkinson were not on the show with her as had previously been announced. I hope fans of those two gentlemen were not disappointed. It was another interview which showed the chemistry between Judi and Charlie. Judi's portion of the show lasted about half an hour and is now posted on the site. Charlie had the good sense not to ask her if she was going blind and made me laugh when he said she had "one more" Bond movie. He corrected himself really fast.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 9:40 (PDT)

Thanks to Connie E. for letting us know that Judi will be on the Charlie Rose Show tonight along with Tom Wilkinson and John Madden. After the show airs, you can usually see it at his website. She also said "I see on my DVR that Judi is among the guests on a show called "My Generation." It is airing on one of my PBS stations on May 7. She certainly was busy when she was in New York!" You can check your local stations to see if this is something that could apply in your area as well. She wrote back a short time later to say "Make that May 14 at 10pm for the local airing in Los Angeles of "My Generation." So, again, check your local stations.

UPDATE: I checked MY local stations and it appears that My Generation won't be shown on PBS in Nevada. However you can go to the AARP website and see previous shows. The site indicates that Leeza Gibbons will be back with new shows on May 6th and the site has an archive and a link to see if and when the show is broadcast in your area. If it is not shown in your area, it will likely be placed in the archive so that you can see it online.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 7:56 (PDT)

Here on the West Coast, the President's press conference preempted part of Judi's interview on Anderson Cooper. I do hope everyone knew that it would repeat the next day. It appears to me that they snipped out bits. If you look at the various short videos on www.andersoncooper.com (I don't know how long they will be there) there are small bits that were cut and not aired. I wonder if other shows do this. I always thought that they might cut a chunk out if it ran overtime, but didn't think about them snipping a sentence here and there.

Connie E.
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Tuesday, May 2, 2012 at 15:51 (PDT)

Don't forget Judi will be on the Anderson Cooper Show today. I'm guessing that some of you on the East Coast might have already seen it. In the meantime, there are many video snippets, including the one to the right, from the pre-recorded interview at Anderson's website. And I wouldn't be surprised if the whole thing shows up on YouTube soon.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 10:54 (PDT)

Many of you already know about Joan Street's UK TV Locations Web Site, but I know that the link that I had to get to the listings for ATGB and A Fine Romance has changed from the one in the archives. I thought I'd repost the main link which includes those and other programs that show pictures of locations used in other British shows.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, April 30, 2012 at 9:25 (PDT)

More, still -- interviews with Judi, Penelope Wilton and Tom Wilkinson.

I know that I posted a link to the video above in February, but decided to embed it here now that the film is out just in case you didn't see it at the time.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 16:13 (PDT)

ON TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2012

In a daytime exclusive, Anderson sits down with Academy Award winner Dame Judi Dench. The famed actress addresses rumors about going blind and reveals how the medical condition is affecting her life. Dame Judi talks about the highlights of her career and the special moments that have defined her life. Be sure to check your time and station (or watch online).

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 10:00 (PDT)

"In the streets of Jaipur, Judi Dench (Evelyn), Celia Imrie (Madge), and Bill Nighy
(Douglas) before what was probably their 15th take in a tuk-tuk during the final leg
of their journey to the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel."

Notes on the filming of "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

More notes (Warning: a hint of strong language and a misspelled title).

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 9:20 (PDT)

Clearly Judi's done a lot of publicity for "Marigold". I'm sure you will discover many more interviews between now and the film's opening on May 4th, including this one with AMC.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 7:27 (PDT)

I enjoyed watching the interview. I hope that while she was in New York she also gave one to Charlie Rose. The film has been a great success in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. A lifelong friend of mine in Rome, with whom I talk once a month, told me that she went to see it, shortly after Easter, and she enjoyed it very much. I am also a fan of Maggie Smith and am looking forward to seeing her in this film.

Thanks for your review, Bonnie, I really appreciated it.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 22:57 (PDT)

This may not be the best picture of the year, but it was certainly one of the best pictures I've seen in years. It was a different view of a group of people we are not used to seeing and the dialog was snappy, and somewhat cliched but it was completely entertaining. Any fan of Judi's will, most likely, feel the same way. If you are a fan of Maggie Smith's, you will be in for a treat. Something I didn't know before, but learned last night is that Diana Hardcastle, who was in the film as Ronald Pickup's, um, pick up, has been married to co-star Tom Wilkinson since 1988. If the reaction of the audience that was with me at the screening is typical, this film will be a big success.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 11:20 (PDT)

Yesterday was Judi's turn to attend the NY Premiere of Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at the Ziegfield Theatre. (Tonight I'll be attending the screening in Nevada.) She was on another of her whirlwind days, having also attended an exlusive luncheon honoring Mike Nichols for "Death of a Salesman."

And speaking of exclusive, read about her invite to the Queen's Jubilee party next month.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 8:05 (PDT)

Delightful video, thank you Bonnie! I understand that this coming Monday 4/23 there is going to be the red carpet premiere of Marigold Hotel in New York; I can't wait to be able and buy the DVD from Amazon. Any idea on when it will be available?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I really don't know when it will be available in the US -- it will premiere here in select theatres on May 4. If you visit Amazon and search for it, you can sign up to be notified, although I should post it well before the release. In the UK it will be released on June 25, 2012, but not in the format we normally use in Region 1. I will post it for pre-order soon.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Friday, April 20, 2012 at 12:54 (PDT)

I just noticed that pre-screenings have been announced for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Go to the linked site which is the Official Fox Searchlight page dedicated to the film and click on Attend a Free Screening, (on right side of page just below "Find Tickets") There is a lot of good information on the page, but most importantly, if you are in one of the select cities, you can print your tickets immediately. I printed mine and they are for April 24th in my town which is just outside of Las Vegas. I'm thrilled and I know you will be too if you manage to collect a pair. Each person is entitled to up to two passes and I guess it is first come, first served, so go now and cross your fingers.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, April 20, 2012 at 12:00 (PDT)

Click here if you'd like to see more photos, as well as another Today show segment on dog adoption in which Judi escorts a dog to the cameras.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, April 20, 2012 at 10:27 (PDT)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

See Judi Dench having fun with Matt Lauer on the Today Show this morning.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, April 20, 2012 at 8:27 (PDT)

And now for something completely different: An article about Janet Henfrey

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 11:28 (PDT)

Here's a nice interview with Judi on the Bond set: Bond Week: On-Set Interview with Dame Judi Dench aka M.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 8:37 (PDT)

I'm so excited about the new Alice in Wonderland play! I've seen several pictures of fans with Judi outside of the stage door at the theater. I was wondering if you need a special pass to wait there for an autograph? I'm going to be in London in Sept/Oct. and am crossing my fingers the play will be on then or will try to make plans to see it at another time. Any information on this would be greatly appreciated. Hope everyone is well.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I have never waited for her outside a theatre, Leann, but from the stories I have been told and the videos that I have seen, the crowd just gathers at the stage door and waits for her to exit. And when she does I am told that she is very generous with her fans.

Leann
Toronto, Canada -- Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 8:14 (PDT)

Judi has signed to appear on the London Stage in John Logan's play as an aging Alice in Wonderland. This may well lead to a stint on Broadway.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 9:30 (PDT)

Just a couple of things I think you might be interested in: If you happen to be in the Aspen area next week, you will have a chance to see Judi in Friend Request Pending at the Aspen Shortsfest.

Also, I suppose I would be remiss if I don't mention that it is all over the internet that the M character is "said" to be killed off in Skyfall. There are lots of rumors and flimsy stories that lack confirmations, so if you really want to read the gossip just do a search for "M killed off" and you will see what I mean.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, April 6, 2012 at 10:11 (PDT)

Try Google - the British culture and drinking. Lots of interesting sites to explore.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Yes, there is a Google search box just above the comments and, by the way, if you Google "custard tarts" you will find over 20,000 results, many of which are recipes.

Jan M
Oregon, USA-- Monday, April 2, 2012 at 17:53 (PDT)

Interesting point about Judy and Sandy drinking less than Jean and Lionel. Clearly, it is just a matter of different customs and cultures. There are other differences in the food and drink category. Anyone have a recipe for custard tarts?

Sharon
Canada -- Monday, April 2, 2012 at 15:55 (PDT)

Regarding the consumption of alcohol on ATGB -- different cultures, different customs.

1) The drinks tray in the house is fully stocked and in plain and tempting view in the living room (though it's very hard to see people drinking gin and tonic with no ice).
2) Judy and Sandy seldom are seen drinking, so is it just the older generation?
3) In Germany, it is quite common to see people downing a quart of beer at 9 in the morning -- it's viewed as a food.
4) What you see on American television programs does not necessarily reflect lifestyle. It is normal in many households to have a drink (or drinks) before dinner, after dinner, or any time in between.

I like the idea that alcohol consumption is viewed as a part of everyday life and not as something special.

Joan in PA
USA -- Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 4:07 (PDT)

Sharon,

I wish you a speedy recovery from your recent surgery by raising a glass of white wine to you !

Yes, I noticed that the Hardcastles drink quite frequently and openly. It is indeed cultural but not particular only of the British; it is customary all over Europe. And if done in moderation it is very good for one's health too.

Take care.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 22:50 (PDT)

Hello,

Recovering from my second knee replacement surgery, I am, as with the first knee replacement, enjoying As Time Goes By from beginning to end. The daily dose of the Hardcastles keeps me smiling!

That said, something has struck me this time that I never really noticed before: the daily consumption of alcohol. This family -- like many folks in British television shows -- drinks quite a lot more than one sees in American and Canadian television shows -- and a lot more that one sees in real life. Or at least my real life. It's all very moderate and civilized ( I'm certainly not commenting re: any kind of moral consideration) but, even so, it seems remarkable.

Is this a British cultural thing? Has anyone else noticed or commented ?

Sharon
Canada -- Friday, March 30, 2012 at 14:24 (PDT)

In Surrey, actress Dame Judi Dench enjoyed the sun
at the Winter Derby Day at Lingfield Racecourse.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 15:26 (PDT)

She is lovely as usual and I can't wait to see the Marigold movie!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 22:24 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at 7:24 (PDT)

I heard yesterday that Judi's new movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, is currently # 1 at the box office in England. Unfortunately, we have to wait until May to see it!

Sue
Portland, OR USA-- Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 8:09 (PDT)

Yesterday our anonymous donor also sent some other interesting things that I saved to post today. Again, Many thanks.

The first is the article called (Titans of the Stage) from Sunday's New York Times Magazine which featured the picture below.

and second, we have a link to Getty Images to see recent video clips of Judi promoting The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I'm sure you'll enjoy seeing them.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, March 12, 2012 at 16:39 (PDT)

Thanks to our anonymous contributor for finding this photo and sharing it with me.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 16:59 (PDT)

Last night I attended an advance screening of "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" at the Television Academy. I had read the book but found the script had greatly changed the various characters and plots. I was particularly surprised about the scenes that Judi and her off screen friend Bill Nighy had together in the film. The audience applauded enthusiastically at the end and gave Judi a loud applause when her name came on the screen. My friends who were there loved it. The audience did not skew young so were really laughing at some of the jokes that related to seniors. I particularly love a movie that gives Judi Dench top single card billing (only her name is on the screen). However, it did not give any billing before the film. Only the title was shown (soooo modern these days) so I recommend reviewing the cast list before seeing the film if you think you will forget people's names and wonder throughout the film who was playing some of the choice roles.

Connie
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 12:06 (PDT)

Every Friday I look forward to listening to a podcast of the "Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo Film Review" from BBC Radio 5. The show is witty and Dr. Kermode is a legitimate film critic. As he has a bent for horror movies, I don't always share his tastes but enjoy listening to him none the less. Last Friday he reviewed Judi's new movie, the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. He started by saying that he went into the movie expecting it would "not be a film that will work for me". In fact he found it to be "much better and much more engaging than you'd expect". Although, its not "groundbreaking", he said, "its played very well" and the actors clearly are enjoying "playing characters of their age which are not boring". He laughed up to 10 times, which for him is a rarity and he found the film "charming". His review is available for listening all week on BBC radio 5.

Sue
Portland, OR USA-- Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 5:20 (PDT)

Judi gave an interview to Paul Weedon, while Geoffrey continues his fight against HS2 by unveiling a new video put together by the Chiltern Society.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 15:48 (PDT)

Actually, this is the only statement I wish to post about Dame Judi's condition because it came from Judi and it is one that I have been waiting for her to make. She said:

"In response to the numerous articles in the media concerning my eye condition -- macular degeneration -- I do not wish for this to be overblown," the actress told Reuters in a statement.
"This condition is something that thousands and thousands of people all over the world are having to contend with," she continued. "It's something that I have learned to cope with and adapt to -- and it will not lead to blindness."

Clearly this condition which, as Judi acknowledges, is NOT uncommon, but -- if it is left untreated, can lead to blindness and, even then, there is no guarantee. Judi is receiving treatment and has been for a long time. Every fan of Judi's knows that she never read her own scripts -- at least not in the 15 yeears that this web site has been active. This speculation, which continued thruout the whole weekend, just drove me nuts and I'm sure that Dame Judi was even more annoyed by it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, February 20, 2012 at 11:00 (PDT)

Here's another nice article about Judi that appears in today's Express. Obviously she has been going all out to promote "Marigold Hotel" which opens this week in the UK. Unfortunately we're going to have to wait to see it in the U.S. Thanks to our wonderful anonymous contributor for sending it.

And speaking of movies that Judi is in the middle of filming, take a look at these photos, taken yesterday, from Skyfall.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, February 20, 2012 at 10:11 (PDT)

Nice article, but in my opinion the best post you made recently was the video of the Graham Norton show. It was hilarious, with the story of the dying fish. During the past holidays I was in L.A. visiting my daughter and we went to see J.Edgar and My week with Marilyn. Of course Judi Dench was outstanding in both. Now however I can't wait to see The best exotic marigold hotel ; it sounds fantastic and I think she has a more important role in it. The whole cast is very attractive, I like all the other actors playing in it. Thanks always for keeping us fans up with the latest news.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 9:54 (PDT)

There's an article on about how Judi's undergoing treatment for macular degeneration in theGuardian (UK). I waited to post this because I wanted to make sure the story was picked up by a legitimate news source. I saw it earlier this week as part of a mishmash of an earlier articles in the tabloid press. Obviously she has the resources to get treatment and it is usually quite successful at controlling the process. The key is that it could lead to blindness if left untreated.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 8:25 (PDT)

Here's an article about Judi that ran in today's Telegraph.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, February 17, 2012 at 10:15 (PDT)

I am, as most of you know, a devoted admirer of DJD, but, honestly, the perpetual tousled look of her hair is getting somewhat tiresome. Just once in a while, a comb through would be nice to see.

Just my opinion.

Joan in PA
USA -- Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 11:50 (PDT)

This article by Chitra Ramaswamy ran yesterday (a Tuesday) at Scotland on Sunday.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 9:29 (PDT)

If you hurry over to YouTube you can see the video (in several parts) of Judi on last night's Graham Norton Show. Most of them are fake and lead to web sites where, most likely, you don't want to go. If I were you I would watch what you can, when you can on YouTube and stay away from the other sites.

By the way, as I mentioned the other week, YouTube removed the video called The Many Faces of Dame Judi Dench but I noticed this morning that it was up at Vimeo. So if you missed it, you might want to watch it now.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 13:06 (PDT)

The top video was uploaded to YouTube and shows a clip from tonight's Graham Norton Show. Below that you can click and see the video clip of Judi and Celia Imrie on a UK morning show earlier this morning.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, February 10, 2012 at 13:35 (PDT)

While Dame Judi was walking the red carpet in another part of London, Geoffrey Palmer is photographed arriving at The Oldie of the Year Award presentation. He did not actually win the award. This year's accolade was given to 71-year-old Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke at a ceremony held February 7th, 2012 in London. He claimed he was shocked to receive the award “so soon”. Read more about this award at Wikpedia.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 13:06 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 7:44 (PDT)

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Premiere Photos
Curzon Mayfair, London, February 8,/2012

See more photos and Read about the London premiere of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 14:41 (PDT)

Judi is appearing on the Graham Norton Show on Friday on BBC1 with Dev Patel to promote "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Judi will be on the show this week in the US on Saturday Night on BBC America. Check your local station for time.

Also note that this Sunday the BAFTAs will be presented live. The Orange British Academy Film Awards Show will be shown on BBC America and Judi, who is nominated for one, is supposedly going to attend.

Marian
Galashiels, Scotland - Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 10:35 (PDT)

I mentioned in June that Judi received a BFI Fellowship, but did not post the video of her accepting the award. Click on the link to see it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, February 3, 2012 at 15:45 (PDT)

Philip Bretherton will be appearing in As You Like It at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold from Feb 9-March 10.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, February 3, 2012 at 10:35 (PDT)

Someone happened to mention to me that a couple of videos that I posted have been deleted from YouTube. Many times when I post them I also mention that you should hurry and watch them when they are first uploaded because I can't imagine that they will be up for very long. One example is the 5 part documentary that showed the "many faces" of Judi and the other is the clip from Pirates of the Caribbean. You might not be able to tell from just looking at the comments page, but you'll certainly see it if you try to click on either of these videos. Personally I am amazed at what can be found on YouTube. I don't mind embedding a video that they host, but if they choose to remove it from their site that's certainly understandable, particularly if they have been threatened with legal action.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 16:38 (PDT)

Normally reluctant to speak publicly, Dame Judi agreed to come to the Cambridge Union Society to take part in a Q&A session. It is an hour-long session that was recorded on 6/22/2011 and it does not begin until 34 seconds into the video.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 8:53 (PDT)

Here's an article from tomorrow's Mail Online: Dame Judi hits out at 'inhumane' care homes: We should let our elderly live with us, says actress.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, January 30, 2012 at 18:29 (PDT)

THE JUBILEE WOODS PROJECT

Also read a nice article in next month's Saga Magaziine in which "Dame Judi Dench talks about retirement in the light of her new film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel."

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, January 27, 2012 at 11:45 (PDT)

Just noticed that My Week With Marilyn has been made available for pre-order in all three Atgbcentral stores but there is no indication about the release date. Also, when I posted the availablility of J. Edgar for pre-order I could have sworn the price of the DVD was about $20. Today I see that the price is under $15 for the regular DVD plus a digital copy that could be put onto your mobile devices. If you are interested in any of these products, I would appreciate it if you click on the stores on my web site (links at the top of this page as well as on the home page) to order them.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 12:01 (PDT)

And here's what Geoffrey's been up to: Campaigners vow to fight as they gather in Great Missenden

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 11:34 (PDT)

More posters from the Marigold Hotel.

Also remember to check the Atgbcentral stores to pre-order J. Edgar (will be released February 21, 2012) in the US and Canada. At this time the release date or ordering information for the UK has not been posted.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 7:49 (PDT)

At the moment all 5 videos are online at YouTube and have been for about an hour. We're all lucky enough to end 2011 on a high note. Thank you to vkangel33 for posting the video. I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2012.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 12:22 (PDT)

Click for more.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 12:54 (PDT)

Don't forget to watch the Many Faces of Dame Judi Dench tonight if you are lucky enough to be in the viewing area.

If you ARE lucky enough, click here. or no matter where you are you may click to read a review.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, December 30, 2011 at 8:44 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 14:05 (PDT)

Thanks to our anonymous contributor, we can look forward to what promises to be an exciting documentary about Dame Judi called The Many Faces of Dame Judi Dench. This is part 4 of a 5-part series with each part devoted to a different personality. The one featuring Judi won't be shown until the end of the month and it more than likely will not be shown in the U.S. If you are fortunate enough to get to see it, be sure to set your recording devices.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 17:53 (PDT)

I just returned from seeing Judi in the movie "J Edgar". Last week I saw "My Week with Marilyn". I feel so sad that Judi is of an age where there are few roles of any substance for her. I hope the upcoming Marigold Hotel movie will have a meatier part for her.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 16:15 (PDT)

Happy Birthday, Dame Judi, and may many more productive and fun-filled years lie ahead of you.

Marla
Euclid, OH USA -- Friday, December 9, 2011 at 8:10 (PDT)

Here's an interview that Judi gave to Tesco Magazine

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 15:49 (PDT)

Variety has quite a bit of "For Your Consideration copy on J. Edgar

Thanks to Connie E. from Los Angeles for alerting me to the coverage.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 12:23 (PDT)

Judi-inspired fashion?

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 12:23 (PDT)

Geoffrey will be at it again tonight with a presentation of The Grumpy Guide to School Days which he narrates. I suspect it is available only to people in Australia, so you might look to YouTube for it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, December 5, 2011 at 11:47 (PDT)

You still have time to bid on Judi's old coat.

. . . and that's what our anonymous contributor thought you might consider doing. This same person pointed out the Daily Mail database of Judi Dench photos. You can view each one as a slideshow, but there are watermarks which, in my opinion, detract from the experience.

Estates Gazette caught up with Story of Christmas Appeal president Dame Judi Dench and other supporters about this year's appeal and what the charity means to them. Click the link to see video.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 10:17 (PDT)

Judi Dench and David Mills attend the Hennessy Gold Cup
meeting at Newbury Racecourse on November 26th.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 11:30 (PDT)

Our anonymous contributor thinks you might enjoy this clip from My Week With Marilyn if you wait a few seconds after it ends you will also see the main trailer -- at least I did.

The always-busy Geoffrey Palmer will be featured in another project called Parade's End.

The five-part drama, adapted by British playwright Tom Stoppard, is taken from a quartet of novels by Ford Maddox Ford, and is directed by BAFTA award-winner Susanna White, who directed Jane Eyre and Nanny McPhee and The Big Bang.

And, according to Dr. Who News, The BBC have released information on Matt Smith's project Bert andd Dickie, which he filmed over the summer.

Written by William Ivory and starring Matt Smith, Bert And Dickie is the uplifting story of how two young men defied all the odds and achieved gold in the double sculls.
Thrown together just five weeks before the final of the 1948 London Olympics, Bert Bushnell and Dickie Burnell not only pushed physical and emotional limits, but also rose above distinctions of birth and class to become Olympic gold medallists.
Bert and Dickie's personal battle reflects a much greater struggle as London prepares to host the Olympic Games. In 1948, just three years after the end of the Second World War, London is half-destroyed. But, determined not to "let the Games die", the British Olympic Committee convinces Prime Minister Attlee that the Olympics could help bring the country back together – and the Austerity Olympics are born.
While London again prepares to host the 2012 Olympics in a difficult economic climate, this film will remind viewers what the Games are really about -- heroic personal endeavour, courage, determination. . . and a little bit of luck!
Matt Smith is Bert Bushnell, Sam Hoare is Dickie Burnell, James Frain is Jack Beresford, Douglas Hodge is John Bushnell and Geoffrey Palmer is Charles Burnell.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 8:18 (PDT)

Thanks for the information about Judi Dench and Anthony Hopkins in talks about the filming of Italian Shoes. It's a brilliant novel, unexpected and interesting. I hope this happens!

Sharon
Canada -- Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 15:41 (PDT)

SOME NEWS ABOUT GEOFFREY PALMER:

It has been announced that in the 2012 BBC's Shakespeare season, the Corporation will screen adaptations of Richard II, Henry IV (parts one and two) and Henry V on BBC2, as well as a new screen version of Julius Caesar on BBC4.

The cast for Henry IV includes Reece Shearsmith, Michelle Dockery and Geoffrey Palmer.

Once again David Suchet's Belgian detective is on a special case. This time he has to come and investigate the dead body at a mysterious house that has been found by a young secretary played by Jaime Winstone. Winstone's character had been asked for by name by a woman she'd never met before and travels to house that she doesn't recognise where she finds the aforementioned body and finds all the clocks have stopped at 4:13. Starring alongside Suchet and Winstone are Phil Daniels as Inspector Hardcastle as well as Geoffrey Palmer, Lesley Sharp and the late Anna Massey. The Clocks, directed by Geoffrey's son, will air on Christmas Week on ITV1.

AT RIGHT ARE A COUPLE OF YOUTUBE VIDEOS OF GEOFFREY PALMER:

The first one is a charitable appeal on behalf of Canine Partners.

The second is an old one that features Geoffrey's appearance on BBC1 Show to promote the book of poetry called Words for You. I wanted to post the video in 2009 but it was not available to US Viewers on the BBC Video Player.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 11:31 (PDT)

Thank you Bonnie for your info about that photo alledgedly of "our" Lionel. Your explanation makes sense.

I love the picture of Judi Dench and David Mills. She looks so relaxed and happy, hand in hand with him.

Thanks for all the updates which I follow daily.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and to all.

Marisetta
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 21:34 (PDT)

National Charity Campaign Press Release
Older People Don't Have to be Lonely This Christmas

"Christmas for most is a time of festive cheer and being together in the warmth of family and friends. However sadly that's not the case for everyone, and instead a number of older people will spend the festive season alone.

To help combat festive isolation, national charity Abbeyfield has launched a nationwide campaign, Companionship At Christmas - creating an alternative to spending the celebratory period alone."

Actor Geoffrey Palmer OBE, a Patron of Abbeyfield, will officially launch the campaign on 23rd November.

Read the rest of the press release.

Click the Companionship at Christmas link above to listen to an interview that aired today on the Afternoon Show with Paula.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 14:23 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 10:25 (PDT)

Thanks to our anonymous contributor who pointed out a couple of things:

First, that Geoffrey will be appearing in Rev for a one-off appearance as Hollander's father-in-law this Christmas. [I mentioned this back in October, but I assumed this was a film. It is actually the second season of a series and here is some additional background.]

And these are photos of Judi Dench and David Mills attending "A Winter Party" hosted by Tiffany & Co. to celebrate the launch of the ice rink at Somerset House on November 21, 2011 in London, England.

I don't know the identity of the other man in the photo, but the woman, of course, is her daughter, Finty.

. . . and, just in case I forget to say it later:

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 7:46 (PDT)

He certainly does not look like "our" Lionel!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Sorry, Marisetta, it is already Wednesday morning and I just read your email after having already updated above this comment, but I thought I'd add that the file still has not been updated to show that its author might know who our Geoffrey is. The man in the photo looks to me to be the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, also named Geoffrey Palmer. And you're absolutely correct: he is no Lionel.

Marisetta
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 21:35 (PDT)

Thanks to Phil for sending this article from RadioTimes. It was written by Will Lawrence.

*******

A few more bits:
Christmas programming for the BBC was recently announced and it included the news that Eddie Izzard, Steven Mackintosh, Jason Flemyng, Larry Mills and Geoffrey Palmer star in Lost Christmas, which is “an urban fairytale” from the streets of Manchester.
Also look for Geoffrey as narrator on TV tonight in the Grumpy Guide to Food. It may already have aired on television in the UK, but maybe there will be a YouTube listing or repeats. While I was researching this I checked on YouTube and found (in addition to the Grumpy Guide to Christmas and the Grumpy Guide to Class), that there also exists a Grumpy Guide to work, also narrated by Geoffrey. The series is enjoyable to watch.
Speaking of Geoffrey Palmer, below is a cut from a page I noticed on the internet yesterday. I certainly hope it's been changed by now. UPDATE: It has not yet been changed to a picture of "our" Geoffrey.

*******

Anthony Hopkins and Judi Dench are in talks for the lead roles in "Italian Shoes," which Kenneth Branagh will direct.
The project is based on the novel by Swedish author Henning Mankell, with a script by Richard Cottan.
It's the story of a retired surgeon living on a remote island in Sweden, who is forced to confront his past mistakes when he's reunited with an old flame.

*******

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 12:00 (PDT)

The controversial new Primrose Hill summit has suffered a "despicable" attack of vandalism on the eve of its unveiling.

Just days before work was due to be completed on the Grade II-listed vantage point, yobs [sic] [boys?] scrawled graffiti along the entirety of the newly-built York stone wall.

Vandals also daubed purple and white paint on two memorial benches -- including one known locally as the "Dench bench" after appearing in Notes on a Scandal, featuring Dame Judi Dench.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, November 18, 2011 at 10:16 (PDT)

Thanks to our anonymous contributor for telling me about this interview with Judi which was included in Yours Magazine. I also found part of an older interview (given in 2009) in the same publication.

Bits of information: Judi Dench is to be the voice of the giant in the Giggleswick school production of Into the Woods. And She'll be featured in a BBC 2 documentary called Shakespeare and Us.

And one last thing: Television star Geoffrey Palmer will join those remembering loved ones who have passed away. The charity patron will be giving a reading as part of Tring's Light Up a Life ceremony, organised by the Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, November 18, 2011 at 9:17 (PDT)

A short video biography of Judi that you might enjoy watching.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 11:52 (PDT)

Hi Bonnie

It's been a while since I've posted anything on the site but I have, of course, been avidly reading everything everyone has been posting with interest.

I thought I'd share a few photos from a wonderful evening I had last week to see "Seasons Greetings" starring, as part of a very illustrious cast, our very own Jenny Funnell. It was actually the second time I'd seen this play this year - I saw another production earlier in the year at the National Theatre starring Catherine Tate but this version was better paced and less fussy than the NT version.

I grabbed some photos and autographs at the stage door - would you expect anything less??? - and I had a lovely chat with Jenny about ATGB. She was really friendly and happy to talk about the show.

I have attached photos of myself with Jenny and Glynis Barber. Also photos of me with other cast members which may be of interest to ATGB Central readers - Denis Lill who people may know from such series as "Survivors", "Outside Edge", "Mapp & Lucia", "Only Fools & Horses" and "The Royal" amongst many others and Sue Wallace who made a memorable appearance in the last episode of the first series of Victoria Wood's "Dinnerladies" as the temporary canteen manager Nicola Bodeux.

Keep up the good work!

Regards

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Click on the link to see the photos. And thanks for sharing the pictures with us, Aaron. You're quite photogenic. You sent me the one of you and Geoffrey several years ago and I thought I'd repost it here.

Aaron Gregson
Redditch, UK -- Monday, November 14, 2011 at 13:18 (PDT)

Saw J. Edgar on Saturday. Judi's role isn't huge but pivotal and, without spilling the beans, she says what for me was the most chilling line in the whole film.

Marla
Euclid, OH USA -- Monday, November 14, 2011 at 8:36 (PDT)

Short interview with Judi.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, November 13, 2011 at 17:17 (PDT)

Just a reminder: Be sure to listen to Radio 4 Extra Front Row tomorrow for an interview with Judi. I posted information regarding the broadcast on November 7th.

Also look for a short interview with Judi that ran today in the Observer (UK).

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 17:30 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, November 11, 2011 at 19:53 (PDT)

A DVD of "The Terence Rattigan Collection" is now available at Amazon.com and includes Judi's performance in "The Browning Version." It is also available in the other Atgbcentral stores.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 11:39 (PDT)

Hi all,

My copy of Love in a Cold Climate has just arrived.... can't wait to watch. Glad to hear you enjoyed it, Leeann.

The whole issue of radio versions of television sitcoms -- Britcoms! -- is so interesting to me. It seems to me that in Canada and the U.S. radio shows from the 30s, 40s and 50s were later made into television shows but I can't think of an example of a show simultaneously being made for radio and television.

(deleted)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: At this point in the comment a couple of sites were suggested where you could find Britcoms. I deleted the references as I usually do, since clearly I am hoping that you go to the Amazon Atgbcentral Stores to make a purchase. Almost every Britcom that is available on DVD or VHS is available either at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.ca and the links are prominently displayed at the top of this page as well as on the front page. Also note that if you click on the Amazon UK site and search in the category Books for Keeping Up Appearances audiobook or To the Manor Born audiobook you will find them in a form that is playable in the US. Or you can click on the Amazon UK Atgbcentral Stores and search under books for the BBC Radio Collection to get them all. I know that things are tight all over, but I really appreciate it when you support this website with your purchases.

Sharon
Canada -- Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 16:58 (PDT)

Thanks to Bonnie & Sue for the info on the ATGB BBC radio collection. I did find one audio cassette for sale with 7 episodes. It would be great to listen to commuting to work.

I saw an article today talking about how Judi loves Downton Abbey. It would be amazing if she were in season 3! I think we should write and suggest this. Take care.

Leann
Toronto, Canada -- Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 16:55 (PDT)

Regarding the radio version of ATGB, I was fortunate to get a copy of all 20 episodes and I play them in my car and on my iPod occasionally. They are not just sound track from the TV show. They were clearly done in a studio with an audience and the script was adapted. The 20 episodes cover the same period as the first 4 seasons of the TV show. The characters of Rocky and Madge are not involved, so any episode with them has been altered. One change, for example, is that Lionel suggests to Jean that they should live together when they are flying home from their weekend in Paris, rather when returning from Rocky's wedding. Unfortunately I have no suggestions as to how to get a copy of these. I've lost touch with the person who made them available to me.

Sue
Portland, OR USA-- Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 11:33 (PDT)

Here's a chart you might find interesting.

Also, Judi has received another Lifetime Achievement Award -- this time from influential style magazine Harper's Bazaar. She was given the award at the fashion magazine's Women of the Year Awards at Claridges Hotel in London on November 8. The photos below were taken at last night's event.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 8:15 (PDT)

Thanks to our anonymous contributor for this interview with Judi about her role in My Week With Marilyn. And that same eagle-eye notes that an interview that Judi gave to Mark Lawson will run on Radio 4 Extra next weekend. I have the feeling that this might be a repeat of the program that I posted last August 31st, but that interview is not on my site and is no longer available at the link I provided at the time, so you might want to hear it again or listen for the first time.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, November 7, 2011 at 8:07 (PDT)

Click here to view the press conference that was held yesterday in London.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, November 4, 2011 at 8:51 (PDT)

The name of the new James Bond movie has just been announced -- Skyfall -- and apparently M (Judi) is central to the plot because one summary said that Bond's loyalty will be tested when M's past "comes back to haunt her." Sounds good to me!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Yes, and apparently Albert Finney is set to play M's superior. In fact I read also that Finney was going to replace Judi as M, but it was only one article that is pretty clearly wrong. Every other article says that he will be a high level official. Judi was one of the first-announced cast members.

Marla
Euclid OH USA-- Thursday, Nov 3, 2011 at 8:32 (PDT)

Hi Sharon,

I just received "Love in a Cold Climate" late last month. I really enjoyed it. Michael Williams had a nice part in the series. I love seeing the two acting together. I restarted A Fine Romance today.

Does anyone know how many radio plays were made for "As Time Goes By"?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I thought there were six in the BBC Radio Collection which was out of print, last time I heard.

I don't know how many episodes were actually run on the radio, but I have twenty of them. They were introduced on radio by an announcer and played, but I don't think they were sold and I am not certain that there was any new material. I just listened to the first minute or two of episode one and it sounds like a soundtrack from the TV show. I could be wrong, though.

Leann
Toronto, Canada -- Wednesday, Nov 2, 2011 at 16:42 (PDT)

Judi Dench and Leonardo DiCaprio in J. Edgar. See other stills from the film, which opens next week.

In other news, Jenny Funnell stars in Season's Greetings which moves to the Malvern Theatres from November 7 to 12.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 7:55 (PDT)

Isn't she gorgeous!

Yes, she is . . . even when she appears to be dying.

Marisetta
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 22:31 (PDT)

Judi Dench as Dame Sybil Thorndike in My Week With Marilyn

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 2:21 (PDT)

The video you posted by Geoffrey Palmer reminded me of the ATGB episode when Jean becomes involved in the local politics of the country village where Rocky lives. I hope Geoffrey's facts are better than Jean's were.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Yes, it was the first thing I thought of, too.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Monday, October 24, 2011 at 9:27 (PDT)

I have to echo the positive comments about Judi's Laura in AFR. Laura is different from Jean (who did tell a fib or two or three), but to me is interesting because she is "difficult." Judi, as always, is spot on in portraying a complex, introverted woman, a success in her field (like Jean), but so inept socially. Truth be told, Laura is a more complicated and intriguing character to me than Jean, who is much more comfortable to be around. It's been awhile since I've watched AFR, but I do think Judi and Michael show their brillance in portraying two people trudging alone through life who find and fight for each other.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Sunday, October 23, 2011 at 3:17 (PDT)

I agree with Sharon. I find "A Fine Romance" delightful even though both Laura and Mike are not the most likable characters, but Judi Dench and her late husband Michael Williams are such brilliant actors that they succeed in making them quite believable and acceptable. As Bonnie points out, Judi Dench is considered such a great actress because she has the ability to penetrate such different and diverging characters and make them totally real. Take, for example, Barbara Covett in "Notes on a Scandal": her character is definitely repugnant, however you cannot help but feel the deep loneliness and need for affection of the woman, to the point that at the end you feel sorry for her. At least, I did. And, in my opinion, there indeed stands the greatness of Judi Dench.

Marisetta
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 14:20 (PDT)

Geoffrey Palmer says Act Now!

Geoffrey Palmer is recommending you watch this film, which was made by Keith Hoffmeister for The Chiltern Society. Please click the link above and watch the whole of it and follow Geoffrey's call to action - If you are in the area, go to highspeedrail.org.uk NOW and make your feelings known where it counts.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, October 22, 2011 at 10:40 (PDT)

Hi Rochelle,

I loved Laura in A Fine Romance. Her spikey personality, her brusqueness, her tendency to cut and run all ring true. I thought she was played perfectly by Judi Dench. Haven't we all known a Laura? I certainly have. Socially inept and introverted but still trying.

I certainly like Jean better -- would rather have her as a friend, even though she occasionally lies and schemes as Bonnie points out -- but I've watched A Fine Romance twice and plan to watch it again.

I've just ordered Love in a Cold Climate, another Judi Dench/Michael Williams series, albeit a mini-series. I am so looking forward to it!

Sharon
Canada -- Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 7:45 (PDT)

I find Judi Dench's character in 'A Fine Romance' unbearable. She is belligerent, arrogant, short tempered, quarrelsome -- everything that Jean is not.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: In her time, Judi certainly played some unlikeable characters -- ones that were nothing like the character she played in ATGB. For example, Barbara Covett (in Notes on a Scandal) or Lady Macbeth, or Queen Elizabeth, just to name a few that immediately popped into my mind. As a matter of fact, I think even Jean is not above lying and scheming. The character in A Fine Romance was enjoyable enough for me to watch and enjoy all 26 episodes.

Rochelle
Southport, Connecticut USA -- Friday, October 21, 2011 at 9:39 (PDT)

You can see more of the Official 2011 Praemium Imperiale Press Conference video by visiting the highlighted link and their YouTube site. The ceremony took place today in Tokyo.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 12:30 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 11:42 (PDT)

In the first picture, (L-R) Cris Croucher, actress Penny Ryder, director Chris Foggin and actress Judi Dench attend a screening of "Friend Request Pending" at the Soho Hotel on October 10, 2011 in London, England.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 13:30 (PDT)

You can look for Geoffrey Palmer to make an appearance in the movie Rev. And here are two more articles about Judi in Friend Request Pending: one at portable.tv and another at the Chris Croucher site.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, October 10, 2011 at 7:21 (PDT)

If my memory hasn't failed me, Penny Ryder is Judi's understudy and I can see why. A remarkable resemblance. Good for Judi ... giving a young director a chance and having fun at the same time.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Penny Ryder [the lady in the still photo below] did understudy for Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, according to her profile on IMDB.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Sunday, Octobedr 10, 2011 at 18:09 (PDT)

Click to read the story.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, October 8, 2011 at 11:19 (PDT)

Thanks again to our long-time contributor who wishes to remain anonymous but wants to let us know that Judi is the voice of ASB Bank.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 11:14 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 18:03 (PDT)

Back in June of this year I told you about a short film in which Judi was involved. The film, which is called Friend Request Pending has been completed and is an Official Selection of the 55th BFI London Film Festival. Click on the name of the film to read a history of the production and see a tiny clip at Vimeo.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, October 1 2011 at 8:24 (PDT)

With regards to the 'flower watcher' in Alistair and Judy's wedding, I got the impression that if a petal or petals from the flowers fall, there will be marital strife. Remember, Mrs. Bale asks Mrs. Twillett, 'Not a petal has dropped?' and Mrs. Twillett's response (sung) is ' nor shall they..they are safe'. I'd figure 'nor shall they' refers to the about-to-be-married couple.

Mike T.
New York, N.Y. USA -- Friday, September 30, 2011 at 20:38 (PDT)

Thank you to an anonymous contributor who sent along a link which says that David Crofts (writing partner of Jeremy Crofts and a creator of Are You Being Served?) has passed away. There was also an article in this week's Afternoon Tea (a publication of Maryland Public Television. If you are not signed up the receive the informative newsletter, you might want to click on the link to sign up.

As an aside, the lead article in the newsletter mentioned above is about Martin Clunes who is the star of the wonderful Doc Martin series which began Series 5 in the UK about 3 weeks ago. Not only is every episode available for you to see courtesy of Hulu, but a wonderful uploader has been sending episodes of the current series to YouTube and they are available within hours of the showing on BBC.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, September 30, 2011 at 13:54 (PDT)

The character, Stanley Baldwin, was the Prime Minister of England during the abdication crisis in the reign of Edward VIII. He was the only Prime Minister to serve three monarchs in one year--George V, Edward VIII, and George VI. I think GP would be wonderful in the role.

Joan in PA
USA -- Monday, September 26, 2011 at 16:11 (PDT)

Thanks to the contributor (the same Eddie Izzard fan who told us last week about Geoffrey's upcoming appearance in The Lost Christmas) who wrote:

"Thought you and GP's ATGB fans might like to know that Geoffrey will be appearing in two other films aside from "The Lost Christmas" . . . He will be appearing in Madonna's second effort as a director, "W.E.", (in limited U.S. release Dec. 9,) a movie about the affair between Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII, which led to his abdication, starring Andrea Riseborough and James D'Arcy, and, just announced, Geoffrey is listed as a cast member of the upcoming movie "Parade's End", adapted for the screen by Sir Tom Stoppard from Ford Maddox Ford's quartet of novels. This last is set in a period from the end of the Edwardian era to the end of WWI and stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall. It will be filmed in the UK and Belgium through December 2011. So, I guess Geoffrey is still doing a good deal of fishing, as he continues to work even at the age of 84! Good for him!

NOTE: I looked up W. E at IMDB and found no mention of Geoffrey Palmer and then I found a blog about the movie which seems to indicate he was in it, playing a character named Stanley Baldwin. I checked that against IMDB and saw many uncredited actors, but none playing that part, so I am not certain he is in the movie. It is not listed on his IMDB page as a project with which he is involved.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, September 26, 2011 at 10:09 (PDT)

Thanks, Joan, for your insight regarding my post on Mrs. Twillet, the Flower Watcher. And as Bonnie says, I think you're absolutely right. I guess I was trying to read more into that then was there. I tend to do that. And you pointed out something that slipped my mind, Mrs Bale's ignorance of this particular tradition. And that is funny when you think about it - given her own somewhat eccentric behaviours and interests, such as keeping tabs on the shipping forecast in the English Channel. You would think that if anyone in the room knew about this tradition, it would be Mrs. Bale.

James Ampela
Highland Park, NJ USA -- Monday, September 26, 2011 at 9:21 (PDT)

Regarding the Flower Watcher, just a couple of comments. First, I don't think it was meant to be funny, but rather more of an example of the slightly eccentric British traditions. Remember that Mrs. Bale, when asked about her and why she was there, says, "Nobody knows." Second, keep in mind that at the end of her vigil, Mrs. Twillet says, "Not a petal has fallen."

So perhaps it was her job to keep an eye on the freshness of the flowers and if she saw signs of wilting, to report it or to replace the offending bloom.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I think you are exactly right. And pretty funny, too!

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 16:50 (PDT)

As usual I am probably bringing up the rear on this as I'm sure it has long since been discussed here somewhere along the line. The question involves the episode with the "Flower Watcher", when Alistair and Judith were married. I just didn't get that at all. And I still don't. And I've seen it a few times, including in the "bloopers and outtakes" video. I can only guess that it is some sort of provincial tradition in Britain, that "hip" Alistair, and "button down" Lionel were clueless about. Hence their reactions. But I didn't think it was funny even though I know it was meant to be funny. Honestly, I thought it was rather silly. And that could be because I too am something of a "button down" type, like Lionel; you can tell by the way I write. So any insight or comments offered on this would be much appreciated.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Regarding Mrs. Twillet (who may be related to another Mrs. Twillet who was mentioned earlier) -- I have no idea what a flower watcher is or does, except to watch flowers. She has been discussed a few times in the guestbook and in the observations of someone who attended the tapings. You can do a search of the archives for Twillet and you will see the references but I don't think anyone has ever come forward with anything about the nature of that "job." After all, she was 86 and probably had nothing else to do. Sometimes I just look smugly ahead and say "I'm 86" with a screechy voice for no reason and the people who know me know to whom I am referring. I am not 86, by the way, but it amuses me.

James Ampela
Highland Park, NJ USA -- Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 9:35 (PDT)

Bonnie, you are a jewel for keeping ATGB fans abreast of all the latest projects and appearances of the cast. I laughed out loud at the trailer to Marigold Hotel, and I am so pleased to see GP is in an upcoming film. Thank you!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: And thanks for hangin' in there with me, Sue. I appreciate the compliment.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 10:54 (PDT)

And thanks to the Eddie Izzard fan who saw news of this trailer at his Facebook site.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 7:54 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 7:26 (PDT)

I just saw where Access Hollywood will debut the J. Edgar trailer tomorrow (9/19)! I also wanted to say what a great website this is! Hope everyone has a great day!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks for the compliment and the heads up.

Leann
Toronto, ON, Canada -- Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 12:29 (PDT)

I read about this auction last week because I had to look up the words "Toby jug". I'd never before heard of it. I was pleased to get an email from our contributor who prefers to remain anonymous, showing me a picture of the piece as well as additional information.

The email said, in part, "Next week, as part of the "Ceramic Design from 1860, 21 Sep 2011 to 22 Sep 2011" auction being held at Bonham's Knightsbridge location, is a toby jug of Judi Dench as Miss Matty Jenkins in Cranford.

You can read more about Toby Jugs here.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, September 16, 2011 at 18:27 (PDT)

IF YOU'RE IN THE AREA:

Season's Greetings:
Mon 19 -- Sat 24 September

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, September 16, 2011 at 12:19 (PDT)

Above you see the first official trailer for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and below you will see the poster.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 18:03 (PDT)

Many thanks, as always, to my anonymous donor for sending me the above picture of Judi at Priory Farm.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 16:56 (PDT)

I enjoyed Rochelle's pix of "Jean's" neighborhood, which brought back pleasant memories of enjoyable walks. I thought it was interesting that the house seems vacant at the moment. So, if anyone is interested in fantasizing, I took a moment to look at property values on the street in case any of your visitors would like to move there. There's a 3-bedroom flat for rent just down the street for 1,25GBP ($2,000) per WEEK! There are also two houses listed for sale on the block, one for 4.6 million GBP ($7,360,000) and one for 5.5 million GBP ($8,800,000) ... just in case you can find a little spare change under the sofa cushions. Neither seems to be Jean's house, but would be within a 2-minute walk. I did find "her" house [on a site similar to Zillow in the U.S.] and it said that it had recently been withdrawn from sale. It set the estimated value at about 3.9 million GBP ($6,240,000) but noted that houses on that square normally sell for more than their nominal value. The houses on Jean's part of the block were built about 1850 and usually have about 3,500 square feet of area. So start throwing your dimes and quarters in a jar!

Larry Lain
Dayton OH, USA -- Tuesday, September 13 2011 at 10:22 (PDT)

The video embedded below shows some behind the scenes footage from Jane Eyre. I have posted the first of the four-part video and you can click on "youtube" at lower right for links to the remaining three parts.

And speaking of YouTube, I was excited to learn that the first episode of Season Five of Doc Martin, which premiered yesterday in the UK, has been posted to YouTube. If you are familiar with this wonderful series, you might want to watch it online. I also noticed that all previous episodes of this series are available at Imdb, If you love Britcoms, you will thank me for this link. You are quite welcome.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 10:35 (PDT)

Dear Bonnie,

How nice to hear and see Judi at the 9/11 memorial service in London.

Here's another picture of Judi at the memorial service yesterday

I also enjoyed Rochelle's pictures from ATGB locations. It was just a year ago that I did the same thing. I went by myself finding locations and enjoyed every minute. It just happened that the neighbor next door to Jeans house came out when I was taking pictures and offered to take my picture in front while I stood on the sidewalk.(Someone lived in the house at that time.)

I was able to find many filming locations because I had several free days to do just that. It was El Metro Tapas Bar (quite a long tube ride from the Holland Park locations) and not Julie's Bar where Jean apologized to Sandy's friend who had wanted a position with Type For You. There are at least two scenes in the series that do use Julie's Bar.

I found people very nice about helping me find places I was looking for. The only person I talked to that remembered the filming was the very nice neighbor who lived next door and had lived there all the years of the filming.

It was great to know that I am not the only one who still looks for these locations and remember all the ATGB stories that go with them.

Thank you Bonnie for all you do to keep us informed. Even though I don't write often I look at your site almost every day.

Carolyn
Peoria, IL USA -- Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 9:37 (PDT)

NOTE: Notice how the narrator refers to her -- twice.

There are many stories online about the services held in Great Britain yesterday to commemorate the 9/11 tragedies. Here is a description of what took place in Grosvenor Square.

Thanks to Phil Watson for sending me some information on a new show called Little England which starts tonight on ITV and features Geoffrey Palmer as narrator.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7:34 (PDT)

Dear Bonnie:

As I had informed readers of this site earlier, during a recent stay in London, I did get to explore and take pictures of the locations used for much of the filming of As Time Goes By in Holland Park. It was a pilgrimage of sorts of me and I did it alone which was the best way to do it. Not a lot of folks would appreciate my obsession with this show.

Here are a few pictures: (described clockwise)

At the famous blue door, Number 21, of the house in which the characters lived. It seems unoccupied today.
Julie's Bar where Judy and Sandy often lunched and where Jean apologized to a potential secretary whom she had ticked off while in her office earlier.
(Name Deleted) in (Location Deleted) which stands right opposite Jean's home. Glimpses of the church and the garden are often seen when the characters cross the street outside Jean's house to enter their cars.
The building in which Lionel's flat is located, not too far from Jean's house.

I enjoyed my rambles in the area although it was a persistently drizzly evening and the light wasn't the best for taking pictures. I hope your readers will enjoy taking this tour of the area frequented by our favorite characters for so many years.

Needless to say, I now intend to watch the DVD of the series all over again -- for the nth time!

Cheers!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks for the pictures. I'm happy to post them and it sounds as though you had a fine trip. You'll notice the deletions in the description of picture 3 and, of course, they are mine. I'm sure the restaurant wouldn't mind the extra business, but it is my policy not to post a residential address whether or not the space is occupied. Clearly there are neighbors.

Rochelle from Southport
CONNECTICUT, USA -- Friday, September 9, 2011 at 4:17 (PDT)

Sorry to read of the death of Don Taffner.

Connie E.
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Friday, September 9, 2011 at 7:37 (PDT)

Hi Bonnie and all,

Such wonderful memories reading all the posts and remembering the fun the International Hardcastles had in 1999-2000! I am thinking there should be a reunion this year. All of the kids have grown up too.

Thank YOU Bonnie for continuing to have the best Dame Judi/ATGB site on the planet!

HUGS,

NOTE FROM BONNIE: What a wonderful surprise to hear from you and know that you still remember. Thanks for the compliment and for being there at the beginning. A lot has changed since the late 90s, but ATGB will always be the same. And it's hard to believe, but just a few days ago we celebrated 13 years online!

Linda Bradbeer
Toronto, Ontario CA -- Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 5:53 (PDT)

Here's some good news for Judi Dench fans who live in the LA area.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at 7:23 (PDT)

For those of you who get Good Housekeeping, there is an article about Judi in the October issue, which is on sale now. " You can find many other snippets online if you do a search for "Judi Dench Good Housekeeping." The picture above is the UK cover of the magazine which is being offered at Ebay.com.
If you are interested in trying some of Judi's Rum and Chocolate Fudge get the recipe here.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, August 31, 2011 at 8:58 (PDT)

Above is another still of Judi in her new movie, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, along with her co-stars, Tom Wilkinson and Bill Nighy. Rumor has it that some of the scenes in the upcoming film, Bond 23 will be shot in India -- they may or may not involve Judi. Thanks to Marta, from Pittsburg, who refers us to USA Today for some additional information on Judi's activities. And Olivia Wilde has replaced the pregnant Jennifer Garner in the film Better Living Through Chemistry, which Judi will narrate.

Click this link to listen to the two radio programs in which Judi participated over the weekend: the Front Row interview with Mark Lawson and the program called Twenty Minutes Quakers Don't Sing, a discussion about the Quaker Movement's relationship to music and silence.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 6:43 (PDT)

In June -- after about 15 years -- my PBS station dropped ATGB from its Saturday, 8:00 p.m. slot. I just looked at the September schedule and it's back, only at 9:00. My guess is there were a lot of phone calls, e-mails and text messages and this is the result. Every now and then, the public IS heard!

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Monday, August 29, 2011 at 13:44 (PDT)

Judi Checks into the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, August 29, 2011 at 6:44 (PDT)

An interview with Judi On Radio 4, Tuesday, August 30

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 11:04 (PDT)

I just updated the Atgbcentral US and Canadian stores to reflect the release of Jane Eyre on DVD. I checked the UK stores, but there seem to be only US imports in NTSC. I'd be grateful if you clicked on one of the links on my site to make the purchase of the DVDs that are available and if you choose to purchase the Blue Ray version, once you clicked on the link at the site you will be able to order that as well.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 8:22 (PDT)

Thanks very much to Lisa, who sent the following items of interest:

UPCOMING PROGRAM FEATURING JUDI ON BBC Radio 3:

Twenty Minutes - Quakers Don't Sing Sunday 28 August - 8.10-8.30 pm BBC RADIO 3
Veteran actress Dame Judi Dench
Dame Judi Dench, novelist Margaret Elphinstone and composer Sally Beamish contribute to a montage of thoughts, akin to a Quaker meeting discussion, and reveal their relationships with silence and music in tonight's Twenty Minutes - Quakers Don't Sing.
Many creative people have found a spiritual home among the Quaker movement, but one thing seems to be missing from this most peaceful of all gatherings - music.
Readers/Dame Judi Dench, Margaret Elphinstone and Sally Beamish, Producer/Lindsay Pell

Also, Jenny Funnell is touring in a production of Alan Ayckbourne's play, Season's Greetings. You can click to go directly to the website.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 7:40 (PDT)

I see that someone uploaded Absolute Hell in its entirety to YouTube yesterday. If you want to see or download it, do it soon because I don't know how long it will be available.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, August 15, 2011 at 9:50 (PDT)

I have returned to this website after ages -- having spent the entire summer in the city of my birth -- Bombay, India. I see there is a lot upon which I have to catch up. Loved the picture of Judi with Indian fellow-Laureate Anish Kapoor -- there are a lot of his wacky installations at the Tate Modern.

En route home to the USA at the end of this month, I shall be spending a week in the UK. At the top of my To-Do List is "Hunt For ATGB Locations" in Holland Park, Kensington High Street and Shepherd's Bush. I have waited a whole year to do this! I am going to have such a blast and shall keep you posted on how I fared.

Rochelle
Southport, Connecticut USA -- Saturday, August 13, 2011 at 10:01 (PDT)

Visit Britain, the UK's tourism authority, has pulled a video promoting Britain with the tag line "You're Invited" from adverts running alongside BBC iPlayer programmes overseas.

A spokesman for Visit Britain said: "We have taken the videos down, they are not appropriate at this time." He said the video, which feature dame Judi Dench and Jamie Oliver saying "you're invited", has been removed from the BBC iPlayer service, which hosts adverts overseas. "We have not changed our advertising and marketing strategy, but we have removed those videos for the time being," he said.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, August 12, 2011 at 17:30 (PDT)

Joan, Marla, The mystery is solved. In Series 3, Episode 4. Stephen and Penny visit Jean while she and Lionel are taking a a break. When they go into the lounge, Stephen says "Something's changed." Penny replies that Stephen " says that about every room he goes into". Stephen then says "There is something different". To which Penny then says, "Oh, he's going to be like a dog with a bone". The episode is probably most memorable for the scenes between Stephen and Lionel as patient and Psychiatrist.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: So I guess there are actuallyy two mysteries that have been solved: the first is that was Stephen who said contradictory things about Penny's ability to follow through on an idea and the second being that it was actually Penny who predicted that Stephen was going to behave like dog with a bone.

Linda
Johnston, Iowa USA -- Tuesday, August 10, 2011 at 20:29 (PDT)

Linda Bonnie, thanks very much for clearing that up for me. I appreciate your help.

Joan in PA
USA -- Tuesday, August 10, 2011 at 16:29 (PDT)

I found the following in the summary of Season 8, Episode 4:

"Stephen tells them that they aren't going to Spain. Jean is shocked and wonders if he has told this to Penny? No, he says. Lionel asks if he thinks she should be told. Jean wonders if he is going to tell her at the point when she is actually packing her suitcase. Stephen explains that he knows Penny and he knows that she will come to the same conclusion about this that he did. This is just an idea she got in her head and then "pop" -- before you know it, it's gone."

Then I found this in the summary of Season 6, Episode 6:

Lionel asks him if he really wants to move to the city. At the end of the day, Stephen is not that keen on the idea. He prefers the country. He tells Lionel that once Penny gets an idea she's like a steam roller -- she flattens everything in her path.

That is not to say that there was no reference to a "dog with a bone" - only that I was not able to locate such a reference in my notes. Jean accuses Lionel of gnawing on a joke "until there's no meat left on the bone" in Season 9, Episode 2.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 12:32 (PDT)

Joan, I recall the comment but I think it was Penny saying that about Steven. I just can't recall the circumstances.

Linda
Johnston, Iowa USA -- Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:15 (PDT)

Linda Joan, I do remember that comment about Penny, but am foggy about the episode. Was it when she was sure she was dying? Even the best writers are inconsistent!

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 7:10 (PDT)

Sorry for not posting for a few weeks, but I just came back from vacation in my home town of Chicago (which gets more beautiful every time I visit).

Fortunately there has been very little news related to ATGB and even Judi appears to be slowing down a bit. Maybe the newest thing has been the announcement that My Week with Marilyn will have its World Premiere in New York in October.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, August 8, 2011 at 12:34 (PDT)

Here is a small puzzle. A few days ago, I watched the episode where Penny and Steven have just come back from Spain with plans to build a house there. Towards the end, Steven says it isn't going to happen. When asked what Penny's reaction will be, he says that she gets an idea in her head easily and, just as quickly, it goes away.

Now niggling at the back of my mind is another episode in which, talking again about Penny, Steven says something like, when Penny gets an idea in her head, she's like a dog with a bone, just won't let go.

Does anyone else remember the contradiction (and which episode it was in)? Or am I imagining things?

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 13:07 (PDT)

It looks like "J. Edgar" will open the same week as "My Week with Marilyn" - at least here in L.A. http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/warner-bros-sets-j-edgar-november-9-limited-release-29760 It's set for a Nov. 9 limited release while Marilyn will open Nov. 4. Maybe they should just slip Marigold in there somewhere to have a Judi Dench trifecta.

Connie E.
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 13:20 (PDT)

Janet,

Many viewers feel the way you do about As Time Goes By -- I certainly do. I was lucky enough to be able to buy it as a DVD boxed set and watched it daily through recovery from knee surgery. It was a tedious time and ATGB made it a lot more fun.

When there isn't much being broadcast, you can watch a lot of British television on Netflix. I watch for DVD sales at Amazon. Recently, I found two British favourites -- At Home with the Braithwaites and Man About the House -- in a remaindered bin in a discount store for $1 each..

Sharon
Canada -- Friday, August 5, 2011 at 19:51 (PDT)

For three years I have been watching ATGB and also reading your website. Both of which have become my way to "de-stress". I am very worried after reading the last posting saying PBS has stopped running the program. I rush home from work every Saturday night to watch it. I am on my sixth run through. If my local PBS takes it off I am losing my one hour of sanity time. (It runs two episodes). Although I live in America, almost all my TV watching, old movie watching, and favorite stars are British. Yes including the wonderful Will and Kate....I do hope someday to go to the UK, its on my "Bucket List". I just wanted to finally post to all of you how much your comments here,... and the program mean to me and how much of a void it would leave should I lose it. By the way, I think the kitchen is in the back of the house at the end of the hall way...I know there has been old discussion about it. Regards to all of you.

Janet
Florida, USA -- Monday, July 18, 2011 at 9:10 (PDT)

This is the first time i have visited your page, LOVE it -- thanks for the time you spend to share with others. Judi is on a roll just now. Go Judi.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: You're welcome. She certainly doesn't seem to be slowing down, does she? Thanks for visiting.

Angela Mitchell
Glasgow, Scotland -- Monday, July 18, 2011 at 5:49 (PDT)

Well, no more ATGB on our local PBS. Some awful music programs on Saturday nights and, Are You Being Served on Friday nights, also awful. Cancellation of ATGB and Keeping Up Appearances came just after the all too frequent fund raising events and all but promises of lots more ATGB. HA!

Roger
Amarillo, TX USA -- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 18:33 (PDT)

Here's just a little snippet for an article in today's Online Daily Express (UK) entitled DAME JUDI DENCH: I'VE TURNED INTO MRS ANGRY"

"The older I become the angrier I become," she says. "Some people think everything drops off when you get older. That is completely untrue. I know a lot of dangerous old people."
And Dench at 76 is likely to be much more unforgiving than she was half a lifetime ago. "I was much kinder in those days but now I have no time for rudeness. I hate general injustice, unkindness, intolerance, prejudice about colour of skin or religion or the space that people take up. If I am offended then I say so. There is no point in keeping feelings to yourself."

Also I told you about this a while back and except for a change in the casting of the male lead, there still doesn't seem to be much movement in the production of "Better Living'"

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 9:48 (PDT)

Good for Judi ... all well-deserved. I did chuckle to see that the man standing next to her did not have on a tie. Didn't think that was allowed at Buckingham Palace.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 12:41 (PDT)

It has been quite a week for Judi. She's been presented with three prestigious awards, one of which comes with nearly $200,000 cash. And she was at Buckingham Palace at a reception for the Praemium Imperiale Awards receiving congratulations from the Queen.

Also for the first time I read that she failed to follow protocol when she accepted her academy award and, as a result, feared the statue might be taken away from her. A representative from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, however, assured her that her fear would not be realized.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 7:14 (PDT)

British artist Anish Kapoor, right, and British actress Judi Dench react as they pose for the media during a Praemium Imperiale Awards press conference in London, Monday, July 11, 2011. Anish Kapoor is awarded the Praemium Imperiale Laureates in Sculpture and Judi Dench is awarded the Praemium Imperiale Laureates in Theatre and Film.

To see more pictures of Judi at the event, go to Zimbio.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, July 11, 2011 at 6:58 (PDT)

Bonnie and Sue, Just a quick comment about Outnumbered and Old Guys. I'm not a big Outnumbered fan although I do love Claire Skinner. I've just been re-watching Chef and realized that Claire Skinner was the very competent #2 chef in the first series of Chef. As for Doc Martin, the daughter of Roger Lloyd Pack (Owen/Vicar of Dibley) in Old Guys is played by Katherine Parkinson who plays Doc Martin's receptionist (and stars in The IT Crowd.)

For people who love this kind of trivia, a Britcom quiz ebook has been published. I haven't looked at it and don't know if it's good or bad but thought I'd pass along the information.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Yes, I'm pretty amazed at all the connections you can make (a la "Six Degrees") when listing the casts of Britcoms. Chef is another of my favorite sitcoms. It starred Lenny Henry, who was married to Dawn French, who starred in Vicar of Dibley, which also starred Roger Lloyd Pack, who starred in the Old Guys, which also starred Katherine Parkinson who replaced Lucy Punch in Doc Martin . I suppose I could do this all day, but I'll spare you.

Sharon
Canada -- Friday, July 8 2011 at 9:19 (PDT)

Thanks, Bonnie, for posting the entire 45 minute interview with Judi at the Czech film festival. She seems so relaxed. It was a great joy to watch. On another note, I am very frustrated with my cable provider in Portland which has chosen not to run new PBS channels which are airing ATGB on Wednesday mornings at 11 am. I am envious of the rest of you who have access to the many PBS channels. As soon as my 2 year contract with my provider ends I will be switching.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Thursday, July 7 2011 at 8:48 (PDT)

Someone wrote to me last week asking about the address at which one could write to Geoffrey and I passed along the information about Geoffrey's agent and also confirmed that he was still with the same company but their website showed a new address. I suggested the person check with the company before writing to him.

She did just that and was kind enough to send me the reply.

The address at which you can write to Geoffrey is:

Conway van Gelder Grant Ltd.
8/12 Broadwick Street
London
W1F 8HW

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, July 5 2011 at 19:47 (PDT)

If it's available wherever you are, I hope you're watching "Two Old Guys." It features Richard (from Keeping Up Appearances) and Owen, (the mad farmer from Vicar of Dibley). Tonight's episode featured Jim (no,no,no,no, I mean yes) also from Vicar.

It's not the best program ever, but it's a cut above what's available elsewhere.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I enjoyed that series also. They just finished running Season 2 in Las Vegas. It was replaced by another round of After You've Gone, starring Celia Imrie and that is followed by Worst Week of My Life, Season 2. I'm looking forward to the second running of Outnumbered starring Geoffrey Palmer's daughter-in-law, Claire Skinner who leads a brilliant cast. It just ended its first run, but it was replaced by Worst Week so I'm not too disappointed. And I just got back from LA where I noticed that their public tv station is running Doc Martin, which starred Martin Clunes and is rumored to be returning next year --and, by the way, you can go to Hulu.com to see most of the episodes for free -- if you do start with episode one, season one. Speaking of Martin Clunes, I'd also like to see the updated Reggie Perrin, also starring Martin Clunes be picked up by PBS. Even though I watch American Sitcoms, I must admit that I do not watch reruns. I could (and do) watch most Britcoms over and over (and over again).

Joan in PA
USA -- Sunday, July 3, 2011 at 17:09 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, July 3, 2011 at 7:24 (PDT)

There are quite a few nice photographs at Getty Images of Judi arriving, speaking with the press and receiving her award at the Karlovy Vary Festival yesterday and today. It is interesting to note that the captions refer to David Mills as Judi's "partner." She does look very hoppy.

Do a search for "Karlovy Dench" (without the quotes) and you will find them. Here are just a few:

. . . and there is more coverage of the events at ScreenDaily.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 14:38 (PDT)

Philip Bretherton and Moira Brooker will be in Montreal on October 24, 2011 at an "As Time Goes By event" associated with Vermont Public Television.

Sharon
Canada -- Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 11:04 (PDT)

Judi honored at the Czech film festival.

Click here see more pictures and here to see a video.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, July 1, 2011 at 14:38 (PDT)

"Westways" magazine, which is sent to us by the Auto Club, has an article in its July/August 2011 edition about visiting Stratford -upon-Avon. When the author of the article visited Shakespeare's birthplace, she said," I joined a group of 10 other visitors on a tour that began with a multimedia presentation narrated by Patrick Stewart and Judi Dench, who pointed out that we're speaking Shakespeare when we say things like 'All's well that ends well, 'The milk of human kindness,' 'For goodness'sake,' and hundreds of other phrases that have become part of the English lexicon."

I'm sure this must be relatively new as I'm sure I would have remembered her narration when I toured the Birthplace a few years ago.

Connie E.
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 14:10 (PDT)

From the Hollywood Reporter: Clint Eastwood's biopic J. Edgar, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, will hit theaters sometime in October, Warner Bros. announced Wednesday.

Eastwood's latest film explores the public and private life of J. Edgar Hoover, the legendary FBI chief who was one of the most powerful, controversial and enigmatic figures of the 20th Century.

J. Edgar also stars Naomi Watts, Judi Dench and Armie Hammer.

By going out in October, Warner Bros. is releasing the movie in the heart of awards season. Almost all of Eastwood's recent films have opened in the fall.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 13:48 (PDT)

For the first time in at least 15 years, ATGB is not being shown at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, but is broadcast at 11:30 p.m. three nights a week. It will be interesting to see if this decision lasts because for years during the fund-raising drives, we've been told that ATGB is far and away the most popular of the BritComs. In the 8:00 time slot is Keeping Up Appearances which I can take or leave and will probably leave because, for me, a little Hyacinth goes a long way.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 12:01 (PDT)

I just watched the Poirot mystery directed by Charles Palmer. Is it a coincidence that the Inspector's name was Hardcastle? GP played an Admiral, similar to that which he played opposite Judi in the Bond movie.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks, Sue, for pointing out that Geoffrey's son, Charles, directed "The Clocks." I thought that was the case, but didn't see it on the PBS website. I meant to look it up because I know it was previously mentioned in this comments section.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Monday, June 27, 2011 at 13:20 (PDT)

In looking over the Platforms at the National Theatre in London, I see that Caroline Blakiston is making a platform appearance on July 15 along with a Chekhov biographer. Caroline Blakiston played Lionel's ex wife on ATGB.

Connie E.
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Monday, June 27, 2011 at 13:18 (PDT)

I probably should have mentioned this before today, but tonight is the showing of the Hercule Poirot mystery called "The Clocks" which features Geoffrey Palmer. I know I posted information about this program some time ago, but at that time there was no show date specified. Check your local listings and watch for the repeat later tonight. Also, you can probably see it at the PBS website or within the PBS application on the Iphone or Ipad.

Also note that Judi Dench has received a fellowship from the British Film Institute (BFI). You could have fooled me -- I have received many alerts regarding this presentation and thought it was an old story, even though it is obviously a current award.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, June 26, 2011 at 16:40 (PDT)

Here's a blog I'm sure that most of you will enjoy -- particularly as it relates to one of yesterday's big news stories. It is called Anglophenia -- British Culture with an American Accent.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 7:11 (PDT)

Dame Judi Dench has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London at a ceremony in the capital.

Click on the link to watch a very short video that that was taken today after the presentation and read more about it at BBC News.

(On that same page -- on the right-hand side -- is a video promoting British Tourism and starring Judi.) Or you can go directly to the Visit Britain Advert.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 18:28 (PDT)

We can add our Judi to the Josephine Tewson, Leonard Rossiter, Geoffrey Palmer, link. In the book, Darling Judi, one of her friends wrote of her affair with Leonard Rossiter while he was married to someone else. Also Michael Williams worked with Leonard Rossiter at a non acting job around the same time.

I have the complete collection of Midsomer Murder. I have been collecting them for years. I purchased them one at a time as they came out. Series 17 just came out this week. I have seen some collections offered, they are made up of some selected episodes from different series. BBC America used to show them on Sundays but stopped years ago. I have never seen them offered anywhere else. Netflix offers some of the British detective shows but I haven't seen these.

Thank you. Bonnie for keeping us all connected through this site. I seldom contribute, but I am a faithful reader. Your efforts are very much appreciated.

Linda
Johnston, IA USA -- Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 10:22 (PDT)

Dame Judi Dench and David Mills attend the after party for Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal
on June 14, 2011 in London, England. The redhead in the picture is, of course, her grandson, Sam.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at 9:18 (PDT)

Well, I think I'm pretty well caught up with old pictures and news I've saved up, but there are a few odds and ends.

The current address to write to Judi is still via her agent:

Thanks to Ridge for sending me this photo of Judi (left) which appeared in Vanity Fair in April. Judi was one of the guests at the wedding of Prince Shivraj Singh of Jodhpur and Princess Gayatri Kumari of Askot in Jodhpur in the great Indian Desert.

According to contactmusic.com, Dame Judi Dench has been painting for years, but she never lets anyone see her work.
The Bond star enjoys exploring her creative side on canvas, but she has no intention of ever exhibiting her work or enter it into competitions because she sees her art as a private hobby.
She tells Britain's Daily Telegraph, "I paint for myself. I don't let anyone see my work; it's just for me - like writing a diary. I'd never consider putting an entry in an (art) show. I don't want to be judged for it."

Billionaire Richard Branson, tree-hugger Sting, and even Dame Judi Dench have called for David Cameron to "urgently" consider legalising drugs. They're just three of the celebs who are members of the Global Commission on Drug Policy. There are many, many stories on this subject. Here's one which refers to the celebrities as being naive.

On another subject, Dame Judi Dench has signed a petition calling for the sale of animal-tested cosmetic products to be banned.

The Quantum of Solace actress has joined photographer Mary McCartney, Leona Lewis, Ricky Gervais, Spice Girl Mel C and nearly 50 000 consumers to lend her support to 'Cruelty-Free 2013' which is urging European Union (EU) politicians to keep the pledge to make the selling of such beauty products illegal.

Judi said: "Using animals to test cosmetics is cruel and should be stopped. These days there are other means of testing which do not involve animal suffering."

As for Geoffrey, the picture above is an old one - it is one taken out in the field, performing at A Breath of Fresh Air (by the Chiltern Shakespeare Society) in June, 2008.

You can read a bit more about this week's Abbeyfield Skill Swap initiative by clicking on the link.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 14:00(PDT)

Geoffrey Palmer has been affiliated with Abbeyfield for many years. This article explains that Geoffrey is launching a national initiative to bring the young and older generations together. Palmer is championing the generational skills swaps which will take place during Abbeyfield Week (10-19 June).

Geoffrey Palmer and psychologist Honey Langcaster-James had an exciting, jam-packed day of interviews at a studio in London.They were interviewed down-the-line by a total of 23 BBC and independent radio stations when they told listeners about the generational skills swaps.

Geoffrey said: "Honey and I had an excellent day. The interviewers were genuinely interested in the concept of the swaps. I’m right behind this campaign, it’s so important for all of us to spend time with people of different ages if we want to understand where the other is coming from."

Visit this link where you can listen to one of the interviews.

Although Geoffrey does not appear in the following video, I found it makes its point quite cleverly.

In other Abbeyfield-related news, a reception was held for walkers after their effort to raise money for a minibus by walking from Abbeyfield St Leonards on Sea to St Albans. They were greeted by Abbeyfield patrons, Geoffrey Palmer and Richard Baker and Head Office staff. The average age of the walkers was 76! The 86 mile walk took nine days, included visits to a number of Abbeyfield care homes and houses and was finished off in style with a celebratory cake and champagne!

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 12:07 (PDT)

Judi and her friend David Mills just strolling in the photo on the left and arriving at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition Preview Party in London, England.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 10:22 (PDT)

When the walking dead came to Culross

Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen and Gillian Anderson will star in The Curse of the Buxom Strumpet, to be shot in Culross

EXCLUSIVE BY BRIAN PENDREIGH

QUAINT little Culross on the Fife coast hardly brings to mind images of limb-munching, brain-shooting and the walking dead -- but this summer the cobbled village is to become the setting for Scotland's first zombie movie, starring Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen.

Dench, who has become something of a national treasure thanks to her roles as Queen Victoria, Elizabeth and the head of MI6 in the Bond movies, will helm a zombie film like no other. For The Curse of the Buxom Strumpet, set in the 18th century, is a weird hybrid of Jane Austen and Night of the Living Dead.

The 76-year-old will play Mrs Halfpint, the local landlady. Culross will double as the town Upper Trollop. The movie has a budget of £2 million and begins shooting in Fife later this year.

Dench joins a distinguished cast that also includes The X-Files star Gillian Anderson, Mark Williams, star of The Fast Show and Harry Potter movies, and McKellen, who is the narrator and has already shot his scenes, before going off to New Zealand for The Hobbit.

The Curse of the Buxom Strumpet is based on a 20-minute short film called E'gad Zombies, in which the hero William Filthe is an impoverished poet who is in love with the disdainful Vanity Banks. In his quest to win her over, he faces not just her indifference, but also the outbreak of a deadly virus in the town.

McKellen has been a passionate supporter and was also in the short.

Matthew Butler, the film's director and co-writer, said: "The story for the feature centres around a small harbour town where an illness quickly sweeps through its inhabitants creating 'monsters' out of them.

"Our band -- of what are really our version of 18th-century theatrical characters -- have to escape the town and board a ship to France to safety . . . Mrs Halfpint is one of the good guys. She's very much a 'Mrs Malaprop' type and one of those characters hopefully people can't help loving."

The short was filmed in Oxfordshire. But the film-makers had very specific demands for the feature film version. They needed a small, historic coastal town or village, plus a big private house and ready access to a skilled local film crew. It is a very tight budget for a period film and they want all their locations to be a close as possible. Culross will have a starring role in the film thanks to its picturesque streets and whitewashed buildings. It is promoted as a "time warp" by the National Trust of Scotland which has played a major role in the preservation of local historic buildings, including the 16th-century Culross Palace, and the Town House and jail.

"Culross and the surrounding areas are just perfect and add to that slightly fairy tale feel of the film," said Butler, who is just back from the Cannes Film Festival, where he was meeting backers, sales agents and distributors.

"A focal point in the town (of Upper Trollop) is Fortitude Towers, which we are still on the lookout for. But as Scotland and that area are full of perfect places it shouldn't be hard."

It is not the first time Dench will have filmed in Scotland. She was here in the mid-1990s for a project that was originally intended as a television drama, but turned out to be a hit in cinemas around the world.

Mrs Brown, which co-starred Billy Connolly, secured her a Bafta award and an Oscar nomination for her performance as Victoria. She went on to become an even bigger star, at a time in life when most actresses have settled into retirement.

She won an Oscar for what was little more than a cameo as Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love and subsequently picked up another four Oscar nominations. She also has a small role in the new Pirates of the Caribbean film, On Stranger Tides.

Films that mix horror and comedy have proven popular both in the cinema and on television. Simon Pegg had a big hit with Shaun of the Dead in 2004 and zombie comedies, like Zombieland, even have their own generic name now -- "zomcoms", a spin on the term for romantic comedies.

Reviewing the original short E'Gad Zombies, one online reviewer said: "It is a near perfect zombie movie . . . and I can't wait for the feature." The trailer for the short is on YouTube where it has excited intense interest and comments include "brilliant", "fabulous" and "awesome".

This story was posted on the Herald Scotland website on June 12, 2011.

UPDATE: Word has it that Brad Pitt has also joined the cast.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at 7:11 (PDT)

Judi Dench will receive this year's lifetime achivement award, the Crystal Globe, at the 46th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The honor, given for an outstanding artistic contribution to world cinema, has previously gone to such cinematic luminaries as Robert de Niro, French actress Isabelle Huppert and Czech director Juraj Herz. Dench will attend this year's Karlovy Vary fest, which runs July 1-9.

Judi will also be starring in a 15 minute short film called Friend Request Pending.

I went to follow up on Dame Judi's appearance at the debates in Cambridge which I mentioned on April 27th, but I see that the cited page has been removed. Still I found out the date of the appearance (June 23, 2011 at 3 p.m. local time). Click on her name at the Cambridge Union Society calendar to see a bit more.

If you are only interested in Judi's appearance in Pirates of the Caribbean, this is your lucky day. Here is her entire performance:

And in case you have some curiosity about the basis for Judi's upcoming zombie movie, be sure to read this article and then click on the E'gad, Zombies! link to see for yourself.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, May 31, 2011 at 11:43 (PDT)

News today about Geoff Palmer and Judi Dench!

According to the Hartlepool Mail, "Mr. Palmer, who starred in As Time Goes By, is the patron of Abbeyfield and is supporting the awareness week --AGEnda to promote awarenesss between generations -- that starts on June 10."

According to Digital Spy, Dame Judi Dench is among the stars that have spoken out in support of a European ban on animal testing. The actress, who backs a number of philanthropic projects including a charity which helps poverty-stricken Indian children, has applauded proposed European Union legislation which will see a ban on products developed through testing on laboratory animals by 2013.

Isn't it nice? The only time we read about these actors whose work we love and admire so much is when they're doing good works. What a contrast to the Charlie Sheens of this world.

Sharon
Canada -- Friday, May 27, 2011 at 10:42 (PDT)

According to the Masterpiece eNewsletter that arrived this morning, season XI of Hercule Poirot will be aired this summer. Among the offerings is "The Clocks". This is the episode which includes Geoffrey Palmer, directed by his son Charles. According to the information at hand, it will air Sunday, June 26...but check local listings for specific details.

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Friday, May 20, 2011 at 7:19 (PDT)

There is a new movie with which Judi has aligned herself and it is called "The Curse of The Buxom Strumpet". Believe it or not, it is all about Zombies. Oh Boy!

Judi has also been seen about town with Wildlife Conservationalist David Mills and you can read about that here.

Here's a nice picture of the whole family at the Betty Blue Eyes premiere to which I referred a couple of weeks ago. There's Judi, her grandson Sam, her daughter Finty and I believe that's David Mills in the background.

Philip Bretherton, as I mentioned a few months ago is appearing in a play called The League of Youth at Nottingham Playhouse until Wednesday, June 1st.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 9:30 (PDT)

I'm halfway through watching Judi Dench and Michael Williams in A Fine Romance. It is completely charming although not as rich and varied as ATGB. I'll confess that I haven't much exposure to Michael Williams but, in this series at least, he's a skilled actor, convincingly tentative and 'backward about coming forward'. Good fun for Judi Dench fans, I'd say.

Sharon
Canada -- Friday, May 6, 2011 at 10:43 (PDT)

Stephen Fry, Dame Judi Dench, model Caprice and a Miss World are on the line-up for debates in Cambridge.

According to the article, "Oscar-winner Dame Judi Dench, usually reluctant to speak publicly, has agreed to take part in a Q&A session on Thursday, June 23."

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 9:30 (PDT)

I must admit that I have not seen any of the "Wills and Kate" made for TV movies, but from the reviews, they are so bad, they are good. The reviews describe the mountains of California in the background city of London shots, the London buses driving as though they were following American driving rules. What I thought of was Lionel's mini-series -- sheep seen through the flap of the tent and the tavern sign in Wales, and so on. It just never gets better, but it can be fun.

Joan in PA
USA -- Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 19:28 (PDT)

Again, thanks to someone else who wishes to remain anonymous, but someone who is clearly a big fan of Philip Bretherton's who often gives me a heads up about where and in what he is appearing. There are two things to watch for -- one on BBC 4 and another in Nottingham.

First, there is the play, Star Struck on Radio 4 on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2nd (on Afternoon Play 2:15 - 3 p.m. UK time). Here's a blurb:

Sarah has got the job of her dreams: working with Cal, an astronomy professor at a remote observatory in New Zealand, watching a planet being destroyed by a black hole. But then the professor registers a message from the dying planet and wonders if it can really be genuine.
Sarah is a girl geek who's only really happy at work. She feels at home observing the chaos and vastness of space; ordinary human concerns just seem trivial. She'd rather look at stars than deal with people. And Cal's an exciting person to work with – brilliant and intuitive, but also generous, funny and charming. He has an incredible capacity for work; he never seems to sleep.
When they receive a transmission from the planet that is being destroyed, Cal is convinced it is genuine.
Star Struck is written by Katharine Way and the cast features Julia Haworth as Sarah and Philip Bretherton as Cal.

The second is due to occur a few weeks after that at a Festival in Nottingham. Phillip Bretherton cast as Chamberlain Bratsberg in 'League of Youth' at Nottingham Playhouse from 13 May - June 1st.

I wasn't able to find too much about the play, except to say that it was a part of Nottingham European Arts and Theatre Festival (NEAT 11) and at the bottom of the linked page is another link to order tickets if you are going to be in the area.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 9:11 (PDT)

Thank you to someone who wishes to remain anonymous for telling me that Trevor Bannister, known to British comedy fans worldwide as the twenty-something menswear salesman, Mr. Lucas, at Grace Brothers Department Store, has died at the age of 76. Go to the link to see a short video featuring Trevor and his co-star, Frank Thornton (Captain Peacock).

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, April 16, 2011 at 9:11 (PDT)

Here are a couple of shots of Judi with her grandson, Sammy, taken yesterday.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, April 15, 2011 at 16:11 (PDT)

Betty Blue Eyes, the Musical based on "A Private Function" opened in the UK. Here are some photographs of Judi, Helena Bonham Carter and Sir Richard Eyre attending Press Night for that musical yesterday at The Novello Theatre in Aldwych.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 18:37 (PDT)

I think that most Americans are afraid of old age. The British have, I think, more of an attitude of, It's bound to happen, let's have some fun with it.

Now for my senior moment. I seem to recall that there was an attempt to do an American version of One Foot in the Grave that starred Bill Cosby. It didn't last very long. Anyone else remember that?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: You can read about it here at Wikipedia.

Joan in PA
USA -- Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 15:01 (PDT)

I think you're right.

Other great "seniors" moments: Jean and Lionel standing on the banks of a river, sharing a romantic moment. Then Lionel has to "wee". Lionel proposing ... and having a hard time getting on one knee and getting up again. And, of course, the madly funny "hearing test" Lionel is subjected to by Jean, Judy and Sandy.

I wonder why the Brits do humour about aging so well? There's One Foot in the Grave, Waiting for God, Last of the Summer Wine and several long-ago series I haven't seen like In Sickness and in Health. Now there's the very funny The Old Guys. I can't think of any U.S. or Canadian series about older folks except Golden Girls..... Or am I having a senior moment of my own ?

Sharon
Canada -- Monday, April 11, 2011 at 19:49 (PDT)

I think the "wrinklies reunion" remark was in the first episode when Jean and Lionel meet for a drink at his hotel and they are comparing ailments -- his cramps and her bad back, etc.

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 8:59 (PDT)

I remember this episode as one of the few in which Jean seems less than completely comfortable with aging. I think that's fairly realistic, even for the most confident of us! Now and then, we'd rather not be compared to a later model!

I can remember another scene which reflects her more usual sanguine attitude. I don't remember the episode but she says, laughing, "Oh, it is a wrinklies' reunion".

And I agree with Sue -- for someone who is so ill-at-ease in so many situations, Lionel almost always manages to say exactly the right thing. The beauty of this particular occasion is that he manages it without pretending that she isn't showing her age... Lovely stuff.

Just thinking about it reminds me that, of all the things to admire about ATGB, the thing that I love best is that it appeals to (and satisfies) the romantic in me. The second chance. The fact that it's perfectly pitched plain vanilla love and marriage between two people who aren't perfect, who sometimes cross each other and yet manage to rub along happily. As I

Sharon
Canada -- Friday, April 8, 2011 at 19:05 (PDT)

Just to keep the conversation going, I actually liked the episode about the 2nd bathroom. I agree that Jean can be a nit wit. But I thought the episode spoke to real issues of an older woman living in a household with two young attractive women. Her jealousy regarding Lionel is not a new issue but consistent with the rest of the series. The last 5 minutes cement it all for me because Lionel manages to say the right thing. . .again. . . and squash her fears. I saw it as one of the more interesting of the later series. . .and I agree that the writing did fall off near the end.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Friday, April 8, 2011 at 18:43 (PDT)

Joan and Sharon,

I know exactly what you mean. I've taken breaks from ATGB and have come back to it months later and find its charm all over again. To be honest, I'm amazed that the local PBS station which carries the program hasn't given it a hiatus in at least 15 (and maybe more) years. Obviously popular, but as much as I love it -- or anything -- absence does make my heart grow fonder!

Marla
Euclid, OH USA -- Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 13:23 (PDT)

Joan,

I don't know about others but I've generally found that over-exposure to anything practically forces one to see every flaw clearly.

I absolutely love ATGB but I don't watch it endlessly. I bought the complete set of DVDs a couple of years ago and just tucked them away. I avoided it on television even though the local PBS station broadcasts it fairly continuously. Then, last winter, I decided enough time had gone by (so to speak) and watched the whole thing through, one episode a day. I found it just as delightful as the first time I'd come across it and better for the gap of at least two or three years during which I hadn't seen it at all, not to mention seeing it in order from the beginning. I've packed it away and will take it out sometime next year to enjoy all over again.

As an aside, I've just finished listening to And Furthermore and would like to recommend it to anyone who loves British television. It is terrific fun to hear Judi Dench (Samantha Bond actually reads it) talking about all one's favourites from years of British television.... men and women with whom she has appeared on the stage over decades from Lovejoy (Ian Mcshane) to Cleggy (Peter Sallis, Last of the Summer Wine) to Wallender (Kenneth Branagh) to Mr. Holbrook (Michael Gambon, Cranford) and on and on.

I loved hearing it told as a story but am sorry that the audiobook doesn't have the photographs that the print version boasts. You'd think the publisher might put the photos on a Web site for audiobook purchasers to see. . .

Sharon
Canada -- Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 18:23 (PDT)

I was watching ATGB this afternoon. The episode was the second bathroom to be added to the house. And I turned it off! Perhaps I need therapy, but that was one of my least favorite episodes. Jean is such a nit wit. I found I just couldn't listen to Mr. Harris, the builder, one more time. Everyone on this website is a huge fan of ATGB. Has this ever happened to any of you?

I feel as though I've broken some kind of sacred trust or something. Do I need help?

Joan in PA
USA -- Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 15:57 (PDT)

Click to read about Judi's purpose in visiting Hever Castle.

Also, with respect to Judi's having a Fan Club, I think sometimes she refers to my site as being one. It is not a fan club, although a lot of people who enjoy following her career have been "regular" contributors for nearly 13 years. Also she could have been referring to someplace else -- so no thanks to me is necessary.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA --Monday, March 27, 2011 at 11:46 (PDT)

It's sad that all the reviews that I've read of "And Furthermore," sound so wistful, grateful for what is there, but longing for what is not and should have been. Too bad that a fine opportunity for in-depth recounting was missed.

Joan in PA
USA -- Monday, March 28, 2011 at 11:27 (PDT)

I just finished reading Judi Dench's book "And Furthermore" and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have watched "As Time Goes By" for years and keep watching reruns whenever they are on. I just love this show and would think it would be terrific to have another series. Whenever I send my donation to the PBS station in NYC I mention it. It is such a pleasure to have something interesting and enjoyable rather than the 'dribble' that is usually offered. I was unaware that there was a fan club for "ATGB" until I read Judi's book. Thanks for it.

EMH
NYC, NY USA -- Monday, March 28, 2011 at 5:10 (PDT)

Not much new this week, except that Judi let something slip about the filming schedule of the new Bond film.

And thanks to Ridge for directing me to a review of And Furthermore in the LA Times last Tuesday.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA --Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 17:28 (PDT)

I have to say that I'm with Sharon. I am also not a fan of the bloopers and out-takes of shows, especially As Time Goes By. While it was nice to see the cast talk about the show during the special, I also prefer to maintain the illusion of reality about As Time Goes By. I suppose watching the show so often and enjoying the characters as much as I do, I've always had in mind that they are all the type of people I would want as good neighbors and friends - even the character of Penny.

Winnie
NYC, NY USA -- Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 15:17 (PDT)

I agree with you completely, Sharon. In "To the Manor Born," the life seemed to go out of the characters once they had been married (for 25 years). They didn't even seem to like each other any more. The whole idea of that show was the chase, and once it was over, the show was over. ATGB deftly, with superb writing, avoided that stumble, so that even after Lionel and Jean were married, they stayed true to their characters and remained themselves, dealing with married life as they had dealt with "the chase." It's too bad that the reunion specials were just silly in more than one way. Nevertheless, it was good to look in on our dear friends yet again.

Joan in PA
USA -- Monday, March 21, 2011 at 16:00 (PDT)

Bonnie, Roy, et al,

I have to say that as a big fan of To the Manor Born, I was pretty disappointed in the 25th Anniversary Special. The characters didn't ring true and it didn't seem like the same storyline...... it was, as an English friend of mine used to say , pretty naff.

I guess I do think the ATGB reunion specials were not as strong as the series "proper" but it still felt like it was the same narrative, the same characters, the same time and place, etc. Can that be recaptured? Like to think so, highly doubt it. Love to be proven wrong.

I'll confess I'm not a fan of out-takes and bloopers. I prefer to maintain the illusion of reality created by the story-telling (writing plus acting) and not see the director's process or actor's mistakes.

I know these comments don't add much to the discussion .... just one person's opinion.

Sharon
Canada -- Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 19:47 (PDT)

Bonnie

I wholeheartedly agree with everything in your response to my comments, many years have passed and the two ATGB reunion shows weren't very well written. The grandchildren story line just doesn't really hold much interest for this writer either. I wonder though, how fans of "To the Manor Born" felt about their reunion show that took place many years after filming ended. I wasn't a huge fan of the series so it would be misplaced for me to offer an opinion on that special.

We've all been clamoring for a look back/bloopers/behind the scenes show and I think you've put that thought into words far better than I could. Geoffrey's comments, however,have sparked a renewed discussion of yet another go round among fans of the show, and maybe it is time to either put this show to rest permanently or move forward before time itself answers this question on its own.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I just downloaded the To the Manor Born special from YouTube and I enjoyed it. It was a special made 25 years after the last broadcast of the regular series and was, of course, missing some of its main characters (notably Daphne Heard, who played Richard's mother and John Rudling who played the butler, Brabinger.) The cast looked surprisingly good, but I think this clip from Wikipedia says it perfectly.

Writing in the Sunday Express on 30 December 2007, Marshall Julius described the 2007 Christmas Special as "so cosy and old-fashioned that I could easily have dismissed it with a cynical wave". However, he says he found himself enjoying it "about halfway through" and said "it was a real pleasure to see Peter Bowles and Penelope Keith, for both of whom I feel great affection, once again sparring on the small screen". Julius finished his review by commenting "Not that I'm saying I'd like a whole series of it but as a one-off event it was surprisingly welcome".
The British Comedy Guide was more critical saying that "whilst it gained great viewing figures it really wasn't a patch on the original episodes." This opinion was reflected in the voting for The Comedy.co.uk Awards 2007, in which the show picked up the title "The Worst British TV Sitcom Special 2007".

It is my opinion that a new episode of the ATGB series would receive a similar review and an equally positive reception from the fans. However, I much prefer the blooper/cast discussion alternative and feel it would be much easier to produce.

Until then you can comfort yourself with these Bloopers which have been posted to YouTube for quite a while. If you haven't noticed, the last DVD -- The Reunion Specials -- include that Bloopers Reel, plus a featurette with the whole cast that takes you behind the scenes. It is available from the Atgbcentral Amazon Stores (links above).

John Roy
Acushnet, MA USA -- Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 7:10 (PDT)

This loyal (fanatic) fan of ATGB did enjoy "script to screen" for its behind the scenes look at the shows. I did find some of the opening banter between Philip and Moira to be somewhat contrived, almost silly (geared toward the potato farmer in Idaho perhaps?). Seeing a young Geoffrey Palmer in Butterflies was an eye opener, and hearing the cast of ATGB, especially Geoffrey, voice a willingness to consider yet another show was very exciting.

Bonnie if the cast was serious about their stated comments and seeing how the powers to be in England read your website from time to time can we begin an online petition to get the ball rolling????

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I don't think an online petition is really necessary since it has been made clear that the producers and their assistants already read this web site and know how many people wanted the show to continue. Personally I can't believe that they didn't take time to assemble a reel of bloopers and set aside an afternoon to do an interview with the cast and crew consisting of reminiscences. They could have made thousands of people happy and that's what they asked for and wanted. Obviously three of the castmembers were together in one room talking about it for the special and the other two would more than likely have given up a couple of hours to join them and everyone would have been pleased. Instead they waited for a few years and spit out two "reunion shows" which were not very well written and which, in my opinion were pretty contrived. It is now ten years after the last regular series show and with three major characters dead one of the only options left revolves around the possibility of grandchildren. I don't find that even remotely l interesting. So, no, I wouldn't want to be starting any petition for a continuation of the series. I don't know the first thing about film production, but if I had the rights to those outtakes I would approach everyone in the cast while they were still alive and I bet I would make a bundle selling the rights to the PBS stations and it would probably take me a week to have the project ready to edit. Loyal ATGB fans didn't ask for much -- all we asked for was an hour or two of conversations and clips -- nothing fancy -- and even though most shows were able to grant that wish for their fans, ours wasn't.

John Roy
Acushnet, MA USA -- Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 11:46 (PDT)

Joe,

I ordered Ever Decreasing Circles earlier this year but have not yet had a chance to watch it. There are clips on YouTube -- (the link to which is in the comment below).

I'm not the most fervent Richard Briers fan -- lovely though he was in Good Neighbours (The Good Life) -- but a long-time fellow Britcom lover -- who knows my tastes very well -- strongly recommended Ever Decreasing Circles.

I recommend On the Up ... it's also on sale, I think. Dennis Waterman (New Tricks), Sam Kelly (Barbara) and written by Bob Larbey.

Sharon
Canada -- Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 12:42 (PDT)

HELP! I see where Ever Decreasing Circles is on sale at ATGB Amazon UK (Region 2 DVD) -- all four series, plus 2 Christmas Specials, for 12.93 pounds (approximately $20.82). I've never seen the program, but Bob Larbey is a co-writer, and Sidney Lotterby is the producer . . . so I don't think I can go wrong . . . has anyone seen it?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: It is always a good idea to check YouTube and see whether or not there are clips that you can watch. Click on the link to see for yourself.

Joe in Indiana
USA -- Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 8:30 (PDT)

I really did enjoy Script to Screen and hope to watch it again. I was impressed with the writers as well as the actors and tickled to hear Geoffrey Palmer say he'd consider additional episodes if Bob Larbey wrote them. If only! While we're waiting for that happy day, however, I've discovered that I enjoy pretty well everything that Bob Larbey has written.

I noted in this Guest Book that at least two people have posted that their local PBS has stopped airing ATGB. Out of curiousity, I decided to call the local PBS station -- WNED in western New York -- to ask how they decide what to carry. (They seem permanently committed to ATGB and Last of the Summer Wine.) The person with whom I spoke said that WNED polls their supporters twice a year to ask them about their favourite shows. The key might be to support your PBS station and then let the programming department know WHY you're supporting the station. Loudly.

For those who, like me, enjoy audiobooks, Samantha Bond does a wonderful job reading Judi Dench's And Furthermore. It's a real pleasure to listen to these charming anecdotes about Judi Dench's life in theatre. BTW, Samantha Bond played Miss Moneypenny in four of the James Bond films that feature Judi Dench as M. In the book, we learn that Judi Dench appeared on stage with Samantha Bond's father.

Sharon
Canada -- Monday, March 14, 2011 at 14:02 (PDT)

I am curious about the reaction of us loyal ATGB fans to the Script to Screen presentation last night. I thought it was good, but I also thought it could have been better--a little sharper, a few more examples, a little more depth. Am I alone?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I thought the special was special and was particularly happy to see "live" interviews with all five of ATGB's leading actors. For those of you who missed the program -- Geoffrey said that if Larbey can keep writing the scripts, he would consider doing them and Philip, Jenny and Moira agreed. Judi did not address the issue, but she seems to be able to squeeze anything into her schedule. Interviews with actors Richard Briers, Josephine Hewson, who I don't recall seeing on one of these retrospective programs, Dawn French and Penelope Keith, who looks better every time I see her, were balanced with interviews of writers, like Bob Larbey, Richard Curtis and Roy Clarke were as insightful as you can expect in under 90 minutes. I didn't feel short-changed because it seemed to me to be thoughtfully done rather than just a lot of stitched together scenes without comment.

Joan in PA
USA -- Sunday, March 13, 2011 at 15:57 (PDT)

You might want to remind folks that Script to Screen airs tonight on some PBS stations, e.g., Maryland Public Television, yes. Harrisburg Public Television, no.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Yes. And Jane Eyre has opened in some theaters.

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 9:57 (PDT)

In response to Sue's comments last week about her local PBS discontinuing ATGB, we have the same problem here in Boston (WGBH). At one point about two years ago ATGB was on Monday thru Friday. I think for some PBS stations ATGB fatigue has set in and a show that hasn't been in production for almost ten years (not counting the reunions) grows stale. I wrote to GBH and they did respond, saying it was no longer in their rotation but that they appreciated viewer input.

Luckily for me I can watch a whole hour of the show on the Rhode Island PBS station on Tuesday nights.

John Roy
Acushnet, MA USA -- Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 10:00 (PDT)

A LITTLE SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA --Monday, March 7, 2011 at 11:15 (PDT)

The "script to screen" program which aired here last Saturday is great fun, even punctuated with requests for funding by the local PBS station. In fact, I think those of us on either side of the border who enjoy Britcoms owe these stations support.

During the broadcast, WNED in western NY announced that Moira Brooker and Phillip Bretherton will be making a visit to Toronto for a live audience Q & A in October... tickets for a donation of $75 each.

Re: And Furthermore... I've ordered it (as an audiobook for the fun of hearing Samantha Bond read) and I'm sure I'll enjoy listening to it. All I really know about Judi Dench is what I have seen on the screen -- her various brilliant performances. I admire them greatly. And, like most, people, I suppose, I have a mild curiousity about the artist herself. But I have to admit that curiousity is pretty well satisfied by the kind of information you see in newspaper interviews...

Ultimately, I am interested in the product more than the lives of those who produced it. I have enough interest in Judi Dench herself to go out of my way to ensure I see everything I can that she has done because experience tells me it's likely to be a quality movie, television show, play.

With respect to those who are more deeply curious, I personally am satisfied to take what she offers to us -- her performances and whatever she wants to say about her process -- and leave the rest to her private world.

Sharon
Canada -- Monday, March 7, 2011 at 5:06 (PDT)

With all due respect to those who have enjoyed And Furthermore and also to Judi, I found the majority of the book to be a re-telling of much we've heard and read before. Maybe I was expecting too much, but moments of potential insights were wasted. One example: As she has before, Judi writes about standing in the wings as a young actress soaking in what was happening on stage and that she learned so much. What was it she learned? I know she insists that the audience doesn't need to -- and, in fact, shouldn't expect to -- know everything about how a performance is achieved. While I respect that, it was a disappointment that Judi raised a point, then abandoned it. Please don't misunderstand. I admire Judi on many, many levels and this was a pleasant book, but not a definitive one and, quite honestly, I doubt if John Miller is the person to write it.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 6:04 (PDT)

Judi talks about her Internet Fan Club in the book and also about the trip that people made to see Amy's View in New York. In the book it seems to indicate that the custard tarts that were provided to us were provided by someone other than Linda Asper. However I have documented that it was Linda Asper who sent them. Later we went to a restaurant called Sofia's and we ate them there.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, March 5, 2011 at 10:35 (PDT)

I may have missed comments about Judi's new book, And Furthermore. I finally got a copy from my local library. I've been waiting since December 15 when it was first listed as available. They didn't actually receive it from the publisher until last week. As I picked it up today, I was questioning whether there would be anything new in it. I've read all of the interviews posted at this website and her previous books. I am happy to report that there is a great deal of new information. I immediately rushed to the chapter on ATGB and found much new info about her relationship with GP. She even mentions your website, Bonnie. Thanks for keeping us up to date on all of the ATGB cast activities. Sadly, Oregon Public Broadcasting has stopped showing ATGB. I wrote a letter to the local station but would be open to suggestions from others who may have faced a similar situation.

Judi ends her book by saying she'd love to come to Broadway to do another play. With her record of selling out plays, there has to be a Broadway producer who can find a part for her. At least I will be hoping so. Then we can repeat the trip that many of you made to see her in Amy's View and have another meeting of the Hardcastle Fan Club.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Friday, March 4, 2011 at 16:06 (PDT)

American composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim is to receive the prestigious Special Award at the Laurence Olivier Awards later this month.

Judi was a previous recipient of this award and the ceremony will be telecast in the UK viewing area (which, unfortunately, does not include the US). It is a good bet that those who can see it will also see Judi.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, March 4, 2011 at 9:56 (PDT)

I have to agree with those who thought the last "season" wasn't at all up to the standards set from the minute the series started. While it was fun to see characters we'd come to know and love, the storylines were strained and the writing not up to par. As far as the earlier episode which I thought might conclude the series, it was the one where Jean and Lionel are sitting on the couch and the lights went out. There in the dark Jean said (as only Judi can), "Lionel, you are a rascal!"

NOTE FROM BONNIE: That was Season 8, Episode 6 -- the last one of that season.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Thursday, March 3, 2011 at 8:57 (PDT)

Sharon, I meant the last series, although I think the same applies to the reunion specials. Alastair being depicted as terrified of assassination attempts was just silly. The introduction of Dave in the last series certainly did look as though something further might be in the offing. But no matter all of that, I would have loved to see the show go on and on and never end, and I am sure many others feel the same way. I still wish that there would be a reunion special wherein all the characters simply sit together and reminisce about the making of the program, perhaps with writer and director also. This has been suggested before, but nothing has ever come of it.

Joan in PA
USA -- Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 16:52 (PDT)

Hi Joan --

Good point but I'm not sure if you mean the last full season (or series as they're called) or the 2005 specials. I did think the specials were thin.

I think I've read that ATGB was "supposed" to end at the end of Series 6 but that viewer demand led to additional seasons.

For my own part, I thought Series 9 was fine, particularly if I keep in mind that nothing will have the inherent mystery of the development of Jean and Lionel's relationship through the first years and the later unfolding of how the characters would learn to live together. . .

Truth told, I was just happy to have it go on and sometimes wish it still did. . .

What do others think?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Fawlty Towers, I think, was one of the most consistently funny, brilliantly written shows I've ever seen. It was only twelve episodes long and they knew exactly when to stop writing. John Cleese and Connie Booth wrote the episodes and I have never been bored while watching that show. The more prolific Bob Larbey was fortunate to have the likes of Richard Briers, Geoffrey Palmer, Penelope Keith, Judi Dench and many other accomplished artists interpret his words. He was highly successful and reliable and commercial, but I would never say he was a brilliant writer. Surprisingly Good Neighbors only shot 30 episodes and I was never bored when I watched that show. Maybe Larbey did tire himself out by continuing past season six -- there would have been a wonderful symmetry to ending it there.

Re: the upcoming documentary -- I have been wishing viewers had the chance to ask questions of the writers and actors. Personally, I'd ask Bob Larbey was the point of the homeless girl "Dave" was in the last episode. . . I still think it looked like groundwork for additional story lines.

Sharon
Canada -- Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 12:12 (PDT)

Before we get carried away with praise for the writer (which he or she often richly deserves), let's also keep in mind that substandard material or material from a tired or over-worked writer can lead to the demise of a show; witness the last season of ATGB, which almost everyone thought was less than brilliant.

Joan in PA
USA -- Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 8:44 (PDT)

As Script to Screen demonstrates -- at least in the clips I've seen -- it all begins with the writing.

ATGB's brilliance is down not just to the wonderful actors but to writer Bob Larbey. That's been made even clearer as I've laughed through several other Larbey-written series (some with writing partner John Esmonde) -- Mulberry, of course; On the Up with Dennis Waterman (New Tricks) and Good Neighbours (or the Good Life depending on which side of the pond you're on).

If you haven't seen Good Neighbours, which boasts Felicity Kendal (Rosemary and Thyme), Penelope Keith (To the Manor Born, etc) and Paul Eddington (Yes, Minister), the whole series is available on Netflix. It's amazingly sharp and funny even though it was broadcast in the mid-1970s.

Thanks, btw, for the additional information on MIdsomer Murders. I understand, now, how they're packaged and sold.

Sharon
Canada -- Monday, February 28, 2011 at 12:12 (PDT)

Another clip for the show Behind the Scenes: from Script to Screen, which is scheduled to air here in the Vegas area on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 9 p.m. Check your local listings and keep your eyes open for the theatrical release of Jane Eyre on the day before.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, February 28, 2011 at 9:56 (PDT)

We can add our Judi to the Josephine Tewson, Leonard Rossiter, Geoffrey Palmer link. In the book, Darling Judi, a friend wrote of Judi's affair with Leonard Rossiter. He was married at the time. Also, Michael Williams and Leonard Rossiter worked a side job together at that time. It is indeed a small world!

I have the whole series of Midsomer Murder. Series 17 just came out last week. I started getting them when BBC America stopped running the series years ago. The collections that they offer are made up of episodes from different series. I do enjoy finding actors from other series popping up on these shows.

Also Bonnie, Thank you for all of the time and effort put into this site. I, like so many others, look forward to visiting this site on a regular basis.

Linda
Johnston, Iowa USA -- Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 8:51 (PDT)

The Washington Post had a nice review of And Furthermore yesterday.

Thanks to Connie for reminding me that Joan Street, who runs the ATGB (and A Fine Romance) Locations website, also runs a website for Midsomer Murders. Lots of information regarding the Series may be found there, including the contents of the different "collections."

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 13:15 (PDT)

Thanks, Matthew, for the heads' up on Midsomer. I haven't seen the early years so am looking forward to acquiring the DVDs over time. I am confused about the way they're packaged. They are called "collections" and I can't tell if each collection is, in fact, one season's episodes. Anyone know?

About the "blue painting" - the flower/vase look very Matisse-ish to me... any photos of the whole painting?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I have never been able to see a picture of the whole painting online. I have seen the picture in most of the later shows and I really don't think it would help. Many of us have been trying to find it for years and had no luck.

And thanks for the information about The IT Crowd. I've seen quite a few of them since you mentioned it and I enjoyed the ones I saw.

I never watched Midsomer Murders, but here is an article in Wikipedia that lists episodes by series and it show varying numbers of episodes per season and some of the "collections" on Amazon show only 4 episodes on some. I guess you can compare them, but there weren't as many as 17 different ones listed. And then again someone more familiar with the show might give you a better answer.

Sharon
Canada -- Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 6:17 (PDT)

According to the Maryland Public Television Newsletter (AKA Afternoon Tea) Josephine Tewson is celebrating her 72nd Birthday on Saturday. As most of you know, Josephine is the butter-fingered neighbor of Hyacinth Bucket. I was surprised to learn that she is the ex-wife of Leonard Rossiter, who starred with Geoffrey Palmer in The Rise and Fall of Reggie Perrin and, once again, reminds me of Six Degrees . . .

Another thanks to our anonymous contributor who indicates that Judi was scheduled to appear in the UK so she probably, airplanes not withstanding, will not be going to the Oscars this year. Speaking of which, Oscars will be distributed this weekend (on Sunday) and -- an even more interesting program for those of you who get the station, is the Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday night.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 10:10 (PDT)

Our PBS station is also showing The Old Guys. I absolutely love it. It's one of the more current Britcoms being shown here, and one of the more cutting edge (as far as humor). We're on our 22nd year of "Are You Being Served?", 16th year of "Keeping Up Appearances," and "ATGB" has been running here for quite awhile, too. It's nice to have something fresh -- and good!

Speaking of Paul Chapman being in "Midsomer Murders," he was also in one of the first episodes, back in 1998, titled "Faithful Unto Death." It was one of the best of the series.

Matthew Gladney
Champaign-Urbana, IL USA -- 'Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at 16:31 (PDT)

Speaking of Midsomer Murders, Paul Chapman (Stephen) turned up as the character Howard Richardson in The Great and the Good (2009) broadcast this week on TVOntario.

Like Bonnie, I had reservations about Outnumbered. It's still not my favourite but I have enjoyed watching Claire Skinner and Samantha Bond play sisters.

re: Old Guys ...Katherine Parkinson also starred in The IT Crowd. I loved seeing Clive Swift and Roger Lloyd Pack.

In Canada, Vision TV is airing Birds of a Feather, One Foot in the Grave, Only When I Laugh,, Reggie Perrin, The Green Green Grass (a spin-off from Only Fools..), Only Fools & Horses, Ab Fab, KUA, Last of the Summer Wine and Father Ted. When one or another of these series comes to an end, Are You Being Served will start airing. We are spoiled for choice!

Sharon
Canada -- Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 20:51 (PDT)

Thanks for the clips of "Outnumbered." MPT is now showing "Old Guys," a sort of geriatric "Odd Couple." It stars Clive Swift (Richard Bucket from KUA) and Roger Lloyd Pack (Owen from Vicar of Dibley). I've only seen it once and was not particularly taken with it. I think "Outnumbered" has more potential for catching on here in the States.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Actually our line-up features Keeping Up Appearances, ATGB, Outnumbered and The Old Guys. I've seen all six episodes from the first season of Old Guys and it is now running again. I hope they bought the ones from Season 2 as well. There are only 12 episodes total -- as many as Fawlty Towers and we'll soon grow tired of them. I enjoy them -- even more than I did before now that I've seen Doc Martin. The girl who plays Roger Lloyd Pack's daughter (Katherine Parkinson) is the same girl who played Doc Martin's second secretary.

And, speaking of Fawlty Towers and relatives, Joan, I forget to mention earlier that Samuel West is the son of Prunella Scales, so we're right back to where we began. Sort of like Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.

Joan in PA
USA -- Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 17:01 (PDT)

Last night I saw Samuel West (Terry from the Paris episode) as a nasty killer in an episode of Midsomer Murders. A little thicker in the neck and face, no more boyishness, but a very fine actor. It was fun to see him in such a different role.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Speaking of what we saw last night, I must say that I've completely changed my mind about Outnumbered. I mentioned a while back that some of us in the Vegas area were invited to attend a showing of some of the Britcoms that might be added to the current Saturday Night Line-up and we were asked to vote for our picks. When I first saw the show I really didn't like it at all and I must say that it really grew on me particularly because of the kids' often ad-libbed dialogue. One of the little scene-stealers, Ramona Marquez, is in The King's Speech and plays the young Princess Margaret. Two ATGB associations: Claire Skinner (Geoffrey Palmer's daughter-in-law) plays the female lead and Samantha Bond, who often played opposite Judi Dench and who, narrates the audiobook And Furthermore, plays Claire's sister. Here's a sample in which you can see them all.

Joan in PA
USA -- Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 15:19 (PDT)

According to this story in USA Today the shoot for J. Edgar has already ended. I have no idea what that means about the conjecture that she might attend this year's Oscar presentation next weekend, but it doesn't look like she has to be in LA for anything else.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 9:19 (PDT)