COMMENTS

I know this isn't ATGB-related, but the readers of this site might want to know about the passing of Mollie Sugden, aka Mrs. Slocombe, of the classic series Are You Being Served?. NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thank you for telling us Mike. I'm certain her fans would have wanted to know. I have great memories of her in that series, which in my area was the lead-in for the Saturday string of Britcoms. As such, it sent a clear signal that an evening of laughter was about to be had.

Mike T.
New York, NY USA -- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 18:30 (PDT)

What a coincidence that you should mention the availability of viewing "A Fine Romance" episodes. Earlier today, I treated myself and purchased the entire boxed set of AFR. I shall look forward to watching each episode in chronological order.

On another note, "Happy July 4th" to everyone on the left side of the big pond.

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 18:30 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 18:07 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 14:47 (PDT)

As always, it is encouraging that the producers continue to review your site and even more complimentary of you that they are willing from time to time to forward comments on to the ATGB family.

As I've noted in the past I am in favor of more episodes because I view ATGB as an unique show that touches so many people (especially the middle aged and elderly who are so often over-looked by the entertainment industry). I agree, that a retrospective special with bloopers and other behind the scenes moments would be terrific, however, I also believe that there is more of the story of Jean and Lionel to tell as building off of Larry Lain's eloquent critique of the show: there is more of our own collective stories to tell.

A few disclaimers before I continue: I've never written to a fan site, producers, actors, etc., except ATGB. Quite candidly, I rarely watch broadcast or cable television any more as the content other than news and sports has lost most of its relevance to me and my family. A search of my home would reveal no autographs of "celebrities", no newspaper clippings or photographs of them either, indeed, nothing that would suggest a rabid TV fan that finds it impossible to go on without the latest episodes of a favorite show or series.

And yet, if that search expanded to include my laptop, they'd find one solitary "entertainment" type link to a website called ATGB Central! And the question of why it is in my favorites folder really is more about the "how" of why I believe ATGB has a transcendent quality to it that goes beyond mere "entertainment" and delivers itself as a companion. If you are sad, pop in a DVD and find a laugh. If you are retrospective about lost opportunities, pop in a DVD and find inspiration that life begins anew each and every day. If you are lonely (perhaps because you are the surviving spouse), pop in a DVD and find the best of those you long for to be with again. If you are happy, pop in a DVD and find yourself!

I thought the writing sufficient enough for the reunion specials, indeed as I thought the plot devices clever enough including that of a young man calling on his "Father". The character of Jean leaps to many wrong conclusions over the series and this one was an exclamation mark on that tendency and given that it was a reunion special it was appropriate that it be the most implausible one to date (to everyone but Jean, of course!). My own take is that where specials of any sort error is in changing the tempo (meaning timing). Most reunions error on trying to stretch a tried and true format into a longer show and that is where most problems occur. Better to have had four 28 and half minute episodes than two 45 minute reunion specials.

Certainly, I can't know this definitively, however, it is my strong belief that ATGB has had a greater (and therefore longer and more important) impact on their audience. The Bond movies may thrill (and Judi is very good in them), the cameo roles of Geoffrey are always good to see (and hopefully keeps him fully supplied with fly-casting bait!), however, the ATGB episodes transcends people's lives in ways that really matter: they inspire, they make you laugh, they may even make you cry, however, at the end of the day they always leave you with hope. So please, on behalf of all of the ATGB family, please keep that hope coming and know that it has had and will continue to have meaning!

Christopher Toth
St. Louis, MO USA -- Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 12:13 (PDT)

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 8:51 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 12:07 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 11:15 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 11:00 (PDT)

Geoffrey Palmer opens Bledlow gardens By Neil Phillips POPULAR actor Geoffrey Palmer joined guests at the opening of the gardens at Bledlow Manor on Sunday. The "As Time Goes By" star became patron of the Abbeyfield Society, which provides housing with care to older people, after seeing the service offered by the home to two of his aunts and his mother. The afternoon event at the garden was in aid of Abbeyfield's Leonard Pulham Nursing home which looks after 33 elderly people in Halton, Aylesbury. The garden at Bledlow Manor is owned by Lord Carrington and features a mixture of formal and informal gardens as well as a collection of sculpture and statues. Local artists were also painting and selling their work. A large number of Classic cars, including Rolls Royce, were also on display. Suzie Friend, a spokesperson for the Abbeyfield society said: "It was a lovely sunny day with over 400 people coming and there were so many things going on. We are still counting the money we have raised for the society."

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 7:22 (PDT)

The qualities of this love story compels all of us to reward ourselves as many times as possible. I am amazed with the energy and vitality of the ever young Dame Judi. Thank you and your wonderful cast for your wonderful work.

Quentin Allen
Ft. Mitchell, KY USA -- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 13:08 (PDT)

Marian
Galashiels Scotland -- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 10:43 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 9:05 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Incidentally, I took the time to go to the BBFC website and found that they operate on two guiding principles:

(1) that works should be allowed to reach the widest audience that is appropriate for their theme and treatment and (2) that adults should, as far as possible, be free to choose what they see, provided that it remains within the law and is not potentially harmful.

So what's the fuss about Dame Judi? Anyone who would be offended -- in fact, moved to complain -- by the lightweight "foul" language of M (no matter who is playing the role) would be mortified if ever they came face-to-face with our Dame Judi. Clearly I'm talking about more than just asking her to sign an autograph backstage. From every account, Judi enjoys a hearty laugh, a mischievous prank and she speaks her mind without a lot of self-censorship. The lady has been known to drop an expletive or two. Or three.

These days people pay a lot of money to go to the movies and you'd think that they should know what to expect when they fork over $6 to $12 per person to see a movie. When you think of how successful the 007 franchise is, you realize that these few complaints represent nearly no-one. That's why I hate to see so much time given to this piece of fluff issue that every blogger from here to eternity has been leading with for the past week. I find it more interesting that I received at least 30-40 alerts and that's more than the number of complaints the BBFC received in the first place.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Friday, June 25, 2009 at 8:12 (PDT)

I would like to add to the comments Mary and Peggy. I agree with them 100%. I admit I was a wee bit apprehensive about joining a group of 35 women or so -- that I had never met before -- but when you walked through the doors of that hotel it was like meeting "Family". As Peggy said -- one word, look or action and all knew what was meant. My whole world has opened up since joining in discussions on the various DJD sites and to Judi I am most grateful. I cannot thank you and other site owners for all the work you put in to make my day. I wish I had known about Judi when she was more involved in theatre.

Again -- I thank all the "family" who made the London trip sooo special.

Liz
Midlothian Scotland -- Friday, June 25, 2009 at 7:51 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 3:01 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Visra, AZ USA -- Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 21:02 (PDT)

Here's the link to an interesting article in the Telegraph:

It appears Dame Judi is so revered that the use of 'foul' language by the characters she portrays elicits complaints from her fanbase.

Personally, while I don't care for gratuitous vulgarity, a well-placed curse word doesn't necessarily offend me if it serves to add tension or intensity to the plot.

On another note, Rebecca asked about Lionel and Jean picking bluebells in Episode 3 of the first season. Earlier this week, one of the local PBS stations began showing the first season of ATGB (for the umpteenth time, but I'm not complaining). Episode 3 is scheduled to be broadcast tonight. I shall look forward to watching it, once again. :-)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I have been inundated with alerts for days regarding this issue. Frankly I was hoping it wouldn't come up. I chose to ignore it because it is one of the more ridiculous things I've heard. With all the lunacy in this world that this is even an issue is beyond me.

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 19:47 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: It's been a long time since I've seen that episode, but based on where I mentioned it in the episode guide, it appears as though Lionel was referring to a path that they had previously taken in the field near the hotel where they first made love. I'm guessing that they must have, metaphorically speaking, "fooled around" or canoodled on the way to the hotel.

Rebecca Reynolds
Portland, Oregon, USA -- Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 11:57 (PDT)

If you took a poll of the 35 or so of us that went to England in April, probably half had traveled there for the first time and many had traveled alone. For some it was a huge step and life changing. This giant leap was a result of Dame Judi and our blind faith that we would become friends and have fun because "like people, attract like people".

I have come to believe that the people I meet online because of ATGB and Judi are just like me. The magic that is Judi Dench has pulled us all in and through this wonderful site (thank you Bonnie) and others, we are able to chat about the show and people we all admire and respect very much. And incredibly, we don't have to explain anything -- actors, plot lines, characters -- the background is already there. The trip to England proved my point. Laughter was a constant. The cause could be as simple as a voice inflection when you mentioned "custard tarts!", and you wouldn't believe the critique that took place after we saw "A Little Night Music". How the discussion of a simple line like "So . . ?" could get so animated was absolutely amazing and hysterically funny.

To steal a bit from MasterCard: Airplane tickets to London: 1200 Dollars. Hotel accommodations: 78 Pounds. Taxi ride to the theatre: Ten Pounds. Theatre tickets: 32 1/2 Pounds. Seeing Judi Dench and being part of "we few, we happy few, we band of sisters" . . . . priceless! Thanks to everyone. Let's do it again soon.

Peggy
Reynoldsburg, OH USA -- Tuesday, June 24, 2009 at 15:59 (PDT)

"I love the pajamas Jean wears in the series. Any idea what kind or where they got them for her?"

Jennifer, I think it's highly likely that someone like Jean would shop here: http://www.thewhitecompany.com/category.aspx?ID=1000820.

It's a *beautiful* shop that only sells white or neutral linens and nightwear - always cotton or other natural fibres. They are scrummy and classy!

Also M&S are often good for that sort of thing - Marks & Spencer (affectionately known here in England as Marksies or Marks & Sparks!) I have a pair of lovely 'broderie anglaise' pyjamas almost identical to Jean's from there. You've probably noticed from the carrier bags that Jean & Lionel often do their food shopping at Marks & Spencer - it's also likely she'd do some of her clothes shopping there too.

Laura Ashley often have nightwear that Jean would wear, but their current range doesn't reflect that...

Happy Hunting :o)

Helen
Tenterden, England -- Friday, June 19, 2009 at 12:04 (PDT)

Looking at it made me feel I was having Christmas in June.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thank you, Marian. Here's another photo of Judi that was taken on the same day. It, too, was found at the contactmusic.com website. Judi's horse, Smokey Oakey, finished in last place.

Marian
Galashiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland -- Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 4:03 (PDT)

We've been lucky enough to have the chance to spend a lot of time in London because of my job, and have spent all or part of several delightful days visiting ATGB shooting sites, most of which are easy enough to find just with a pleasant stroll around the general Holland Park area. And when we're over there in 2010, we'll probably go back at least to eat again at Julie's Restaurant (which has been visible in several episodes, most prominently in the first part of the Reunion special) which is lovely and has wonderful food. Just being in the neighborhood brings us a smile. And when all is said and done, that's why we watch the show: It always brings us a smile -- partly because of what it is ... and partly because of who WE are.

Larry Lain
Dayton, OH USA -- Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 10:12 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: As most of you know, I won't post the address of the location where the Hardcastles live and I think the reasons are fairly obvious reasons. As for wrought iron fenches, they are all over the place. Curiously enough, this is probably the most-asked question I get. Once again, I'm going to ask those of you who are interested to look elsewhere for the answer.

john roy
acushnet, ma USA -- Monday, June 15, 2009 at 6:04 (PDT)

Liz
Midlothian Scotland -- Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 12:52 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, June 13, 2009 at 11:44 (PDT)

And all of that led to ----- my first ever overseas trip to England --- to see DJD in Madame deSade and to see Stratford and Bath, etc. ---- and most of all --- to meet IN PERSON other women that feel the same as I do about DJD's work --- so now I have friends all over the United States, UK and Scotland ---- "we few, we happy few, we band of sisters!"

So, I can DEFINITELY say that my life has been changed by ATGB!

Viva la Dame!

Mary Bentley
Cullman, Alabama USA -- Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 7:52 (PDT)

	These photos were taken yesterday night in the Wiltshire village of Lacock in England during the filming of Cranford. How're these for pictures that feature the ladies in their bonnets? It appears as though Imelda is wearing a conestoga wagon on her head while Judi seems to have acquired the wardrobe of Friar Tuck.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 7:31 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 12:26 (PDT)

This show has become a very special part of our lives. We always watch it together. When we do, "the world goes away" and it's just us and the Hardcastles. All the stress and worries of the day seem to melt away and we can just sit back, relax and enjoy the show. And it reminds us of how lucky we are to have each other and to feel the same love that is at the very foundation of this delightful and magical show. If any of the cast and crew do read these comments, I would like to thank you personally for having created something so wonderful which has brought a little sunshine into the lives of so many ...

NOTE FROM BONNIE: What a lovely letter! I hope that some people in the cast and/or crew were able to read it and appreciate the difference this show has made and the part they played in it. I know it has changed my life and, judging from the personal emails I have received over the past ten years I can tell you that your reaction is pretty much universal.

Dan Parsons
Santa Clara, CA USA -- Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 9:40 (PDT)

I saw another picture of Judi on the Cranford set doing a crossword puzzle but, frankly, I don't want to see any more pictures of her in that bonnet -- at least not until the program airs. I found a couple of other pictures, though, and I much prefer them.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 8:03 (PDT)

Judi's back on the set of the sequel to Cranford

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 7:25 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA -- Monday, June 8, 2009 at 15:31 (PDT)

Those of us truly addicted to the series don't expect a new reunion special with Grandkids driving Lionel insane -- and we have the series on DVD to watch, so we don't care what PBS airs. We're just glad we knew the Hardcastles and their family & friends -- it's as if they were close friends that moved away. Got to get back in my bed -- they're bringing my evening medication -- there's only twelve of us left in the ward now -- I think they're going to show us Season 7, Episode 1 this evening ... don't they know they'll never get us rehabilitated this way -- especially with Lionel and the ear wax at the end?

Joe in Indiana
USA -- Monday, June 8, 2009 at 15:04 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Monday, June 8, 2009 at 10:55 (PDT)

Me think that Geoffrey Palmer refuses to do another reunion show because the writing is not what it once was....

John Roy
Acushnet, MA, USA -- Monday, June 8, 2009 at 9:31 (PDT)

Marla
Euclid OH, USA -- Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 15:57 (PDT)

As much as we would all like to see more of the Hardcastles we have to accept the realization that Larbey's early writings cannot be replicated. I have accepted the fact that this is it, and I shall continue to watch all the episodes over & over and let my imagination take me beyond.

Thanks for your thoughts, Joan.

Evelyn Eisenberg
San Diego CA, USA -- Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 14:12 (PDT)

Something did strike me. Please don't bring out the tar and feathers just yet, but I have to say, after watching the reunion again, I think if that would have been my first experience with ATGB, I would never have watched another episode. Judi's character of Jean is sometimes so strident and other times just goofy that I would have wondered what all the talk of the warm and charming series this is was all about. And Steven wanting to become a celebrity was really stretching for something preposterous to add to the mix. And did you ever wonder why there was no mention of the aid that Lionel gave to Patrick's family in the book? If it had been described there, then Jean would have known about it.

Perhaps it's just as well there will be no more reunions. I hesitate to say this, but I think the writer had finally run out of steam. However, a program bringing the cast back together to chat and reminisce would be a lovely idea. I do wish that could happen.

Joan in PA
USA -- Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 12:08 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ, USA -- Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 20:25 (PDT)

Judging by the number of people who have mentioned it to me this morning, this item -- which I first talked about in March, bears repeating: If you are someone, like me, who loves Waiting for God, you'll be happy to know that the fourth ... DVD of the series will be released in June. I hope that if you want it, you'll remember to buy it through this link or from the Atgbcentral Amazon store. At the time I thought it was the final DVD, but that one has not been released or announced. Even though the ship date is shown as June 9th, the first copies have already been shipped.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 15:20 (PDT)

Love your website!

I was in the group that traveled in April to see Dame Judi's live performance in Madame de Sade. It was my first trip abroad, and my first time to see DJD on stage. I just wanted to say that I was blown away. Dame Judi's performance was, as I expected --- fantastic! The performances of all the actors, in fact, were wonderful. Rosamund Pike was breathtakingly beautiful, and Frances Barber the consumate performer!

Dame Judi is everything I thought she would be AND MORE! She was so very gracious to everyone that assembled at the stage door. She took so much time with everyone, was so pleasant and cordial, even though I know she was exhausted after the performance.

Another thing that did NOT surprise me in the least was the calibre of the fans who traveled to see her. I met so many wonderful fans --- who I now consider my friends! We had a marvelous time --- it was so nice to be with people who were of like minds! What a fantastic group and such a good time had by all. I will NEVER forget it. It was the trip of a lifetime. I have wonderful memories that I will treasure --- and friendships made that I will cherish forever.

Dame Judi signed many items for me -- photos, programs, books -- and I now have a photo of ME with DJD! There is NOTHING LIKE A DAME!

Mary Bentley
Cullman, Alabama USA -- Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 13:36 (PDT)

Houston has not experienced as big a downturn as most of the country. In fact, our PBS station (America's first public television station) had an increase of about 5% from individual contributions in 2008. Proceeds from other sources also increased and payments to employees decreased due to a 2007 deduction in force.

Their Programming Director has stated, "We depend on viewer calls to let us know what they like and don't like." Although he qualified that statement by saying not all decisions are based on viewers comments. He added that "The calls do generate staff discussion at least."

Houston area Britcom devotees need to call or email KHUT. I do own the series, but sometimes like to see it one episode at a time.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Then I'd join you in encouraging anyone who wants to see the program on the air again to contact the station and tell them how they would like the money to be distributed. The stations always credit "viewers like you" with their programming choices, but it is, of course, required that the viewers communicate these choices to the stations. I'm surprised, given this particular station made a profit at both the individual and corporate levels that "too expensive" was used as an excuse.

As for your desire to see one program at a time, I should think it would be pretty easy for you to make that happen if you have access to all of them. You can do all sorts of things: if you want it to be a regular part of your viewing, just pick a convenient time slot and play them one at a time on a regular basis -- in order and you'll have more than a year's worth of entertainment. Or just throw a pair of dice, first to select the season (eleven could be season 1 and 10 could be the reunion) and second, to select the episode. Surprise yourself.

Evalynn Christiansen
Houston, TX USA -- Monday, June 1, 2009 at 14:25 (PDT)

Try this link. Click on women pjs: there is a page with 188 pajamas. You might find some that are similar to the ones Jusi wears in ATGB. Good luck.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ, USA -- Monday, June 1, 2009 at 12:11 (PDT)

Jennifer Bragg
WV, USA -- Monday, June 1, 2009 at 11:15 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, June 1, 2009 at 11:03 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Yes, it is sad, but given the state of the economy and the fact that the Public Broadcasting Systems are supported by the public it is understandable. If people want to see Britcoms without commercials they need to either support their local PBS stations or buy a copy of the series.

Evalynn Christiansen
Houston, TX USA -- Monday, June 1, 2009 at 7:28 (PDT)

And one last thing to add to the mix:

At least that's what it says at PBS. I guess we'll see what happens when it comes on, but I probably wouldn't expect to see Geoffrey this season.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, May 31, 2009 at 16:44 (PDT)

Thanks for the compliment, Margaret. I've taken a screen clip of the credits for Charles Palmer as a director. As far as I can tell, the two of them have never worked together. Geoffrey was in a Dr. Who episode in 2007 , but it was not the one that Charles directed and Judi Dench narrated the audiobook of Lark Rise to Candleford. That seems to be as close as they have come to crossing paths.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 14:53 (PDT)

---

To add to the confusion, while I was at IMDB I checked on David Suchet's career as Poirot. There are, apparently 12 seasons of the program, spanning the years 1989 through 2009 (and one might guess at least 2010 because there is only one episode listed in Series 12, that being Murder on the Orient Express show with a debut date of December 2009. The shows Mrs. McGinty's Dead and Cat Among the Pigeons are shown as being the first two episodes in season 11, shown previously on September 1 and September 8 in 2008. I did not see a listing for The Clocks, which doesn't seem strange since it apparently has is still filming. So much for clarity.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 14:53 (PDT)

As always, thanks for your untiring efforts and willingness to keep us informed of all things related to Judi Dench, Geoffrey Palmer and all others/things associated with As Time Goes By. I join countless others in unashamedly admitting to checking your website daily for a 'fix' on my favorite Britcom.

With regard to the upcoming Poirot episodes, to be broadcast June 21 and 28...according to the "KET (Kentucky Educational Television) Visions" magazine which recently arrived in my mailbox, the June 21 episode is titled "Cat Among the Pigeons"; the June 28 episode is titled "Mrs. McGinty's Dead". I don't expect we'll see "The Clocks" (with Geoffrey Palmer) until later in the season. Does anyone know if this is the first time Geoffrey has been directed by his son, or have they worked together previously?

Best wishes to all for a great summer!

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 14:45 (PDT)

It will be the final production in the Donmar Warehouse's year-long residency at Wyndham's Theatre. Directed by Michael Grandage, the sold-out production will officially open June 3 and play through Aug. 22.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, May 29, 2009 at 10:57 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, May 29, 2009 at 8:34 (PDT)

Pauline
UK -- Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 16:29 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA -- Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 10:09 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks for the comment, Rebecca. As you may know, the actors who played Rocky and Madge (Frank Middlemass and Joan Sims) have both died. The rest of the cast has pretty much scattered and there is little hope for a reprise of the series. I just wanted to let you know that I have nothing to do with the show other than as a fan and, although many of those who frequent the website have expressed the desire to see at least a retrospective and/or outtakes from the show, there is no evidence that such a thing will come to pass. I will point out though, that the producers still read this comment section (as you can see from the rather out-dated letter at the top of the page) and they are at least aware of what the fans want. I have heard from them this year and can confirm that they still monitor the page, but I have no new information to keep your hopes alive.

Rebecca Commander
Luverne, AL USA -- Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 9:51 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 9:43 (PDT)

On another note I happened to watch back to back episodes a few weeks back in which Rocky gets married (season #3) & on another station Judy gets married (season #9). The odd thing is that in both episodes the best man manages to break his leg ... and Lionel insists on wanting to tell his parrot joke. In the season #3 episode Rocky tells Lionel that the joke is lousy, but in season #9 Rocky tells Lionel that he loved the joke!

Seems to me that the same idea got recycled during the last season!

John Roy
Acushnet, MA USA -- Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 7:31 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: And when you do, don't forget about the ATGBCENTRAL AMAZON store(s) all of which are prominently linked at the top of this page. I know money for luxuries doesn't come easy these days, but at Amazon you always have the option of buying yourself a used set. Luckily I have the whole series on my hard drive so I can see it any time I want to.

It's a little too early to buy it because it just starts filming next week, but it's certainly good news that the second part of Cranford will be ready for broadcast this Christmas. And that, too, will be featured (quite likely for Christmas gift-giving). As always, I must thank those of you who support the site thru purchases at the Amazon Stores.

Joan in PA
USA -- Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 4:53 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 19:18 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA -- Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 14:46 (PDT)

Wonderful news: it appears as though her health has improved and she's been given the "all-clear".

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 20:35 (PDT)

Evelyn
San Diego, CA USA -- Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 13:59 (PDT)

The description reads: Sam Mendes, director of the 1990 NT production of Edward Bond's The Sea, and Judi Dench who plays Louise Rafi discuss the production and their work with Genista McIntosh. 13 January 1991, Olivier Theatre

There is also a note which says that this is missing the beginning. You can go to the National Theatre Archives for additional resources.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, May 15, 2009 at 9:04 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: There sure was, Sharon. Sorry, I missed her in that crowd.

Sharon Breden
San Jose, CA USA -- Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 8:53 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 8:53 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks Beth. If you haven't seen it, you can watch it on YouTube.

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA -- Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 16:49 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 8:22 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA -- Friday, May 8, 2009 at 9:32 (PDT)

Her appearance at the Theatre Royal in Jewry Street on Sunday, July 19, will be the final curtain for the 10-day programme.

She will be in conversation with the festival's artistic director, John Miller. He has produced a book on her career, called Scenes From My Life, which will be amongst the subjects discussed. For more information, click the link.

One last reminder: in a couple of hours you will be able to Listen to all five Ladies of Letters Crunch Credit on Radio 4. They are available individually and as part of the Women's Hour. Since each one is available for only 7 days after broadcast, they will begin to drop off one by one on Monday, after which they will not be available again for a long, long time. Don't say I didn't alert you to this.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, May 8, 2009 at 8:46 (PDT)

Thank you, Bonnie.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Friday, May 8, 2009 at 6:53 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 17:23 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 16:40 (PDT)

If you missed Spencer's response to Dame Judi's criticism, read below where I added the update.

And if you missed Ladies of Letters this morning you can catch up here. (The episodes usually run for the last 15 minutes of the Woman's Hour show and will air all this week.)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, May 4, 2009 at 14:01 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 22:29 (PDT)

And, an update: Spencer's response.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 20:44 (PDT)

Just returned from a wonderful weekend in London seeing Judi in Madam de Sade which I enjoyed Judi looks well but is still limping slightly. Thought you might like a few photos. The 1st photo of Judi with her bouquet was taken by John Ditsworth from Arizona.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks for sending the pictures, Marian.. If you click here you will see the other two photos.

Marian
Galashiels Scotland -- Friday, May 1 2009 at 2:16 (PDT)

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 17:57 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA -- Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 11:53 (PDT)

I just read Geoffrey's article about Venice and it doesn't seem like something he would do.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 9:59 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I have a very rapidly fading memory, so I went to the blue box above the comments on this page and did a search for "Dirty Duck" on atgbcentral.com. I unearthed several articles about the Dirty Duck, as well as a picture and was able to piece together the story from the references that appeared. Interestingly enough, Marla wrote a comment on April 17, 2006 (which you can find in the archives) saying that she had seen the same program and that Judi had written something on the table, but she couldn't make out the words. Marla asked that anyone who had more information please respond. Better late than never. Maybe someday we'll find out who painted the blue vase picture in the hallway. (If you are interested enough to follow in my footsteps by looking up the references in the blue box, please remember to click a listing in the "Ads by Google" box at the top of the page.)

Ann
Mendon, Michigan USA -- Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 8:05 (PDT)

About the least favourite episodes of ATGB, I tend to agree with Marla: even the weakest episodes have at least some scenes in them that make up for the rest. For instance, in the Duncan episode, I think the scene at the office where Jean asks for the help of the girls to convince Lionel to invite them to a drink on the following Saturday: I found it hilarious!

It is always a pleasure to read the comments and news from all of you!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 19:15 (PDT)

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 15:52 (PDT)

I have a question. I have found many pictures of the places where the outside scenes were filmed, but the only picture taken on one of the sets that I have found is the signed picture of the cast in the bar where the "plain woman" came down the stairs. (I think that is where they are) Are there any pictures of the sets we know so well? ( the kitchen, the living room/office, etc) Also since the sets changed somewhat over the years it would be fun to compare them.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: It goes without saying (or does it?) that I have hundreds of pictures of the sets in the episode guide for every season and episode -- the earlier ones are not nearly as clear or large as the later ones, but iff you want to see items in the kitchen over the years, you can see them. If you want to see the various types of headboards on the bed, you can see them. If you want to see the dining room over the years, or the hallway decorations, you can see them all. These pictures of the group that went to see the last tapings were taken on the set. I'm not sure whether or not there were photos allowed to be taken (by the attendees) at the tapings, but someone might have taken some. I don't remember seeing any.

Carolyn
Peoria, Illinois USA -- Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 8:58 (PDT)

I've been thinking about my least favorite shows and I realized that it doesn't really matter what show happens to be on when I am watching an episode because there is always something in each one that I find memorable. Often I don't remember what else the episode was about, but I do remember Jean's not turning on the vacuum, or imitating a ringing telephone. I'd have to say that, in general, I prefer the shows that are done in the home at Holland Park, although primarily because of Mrs Bale I enjoy some of the interactions at the country house. I'm not a fan of location shows that are done in hospitals, department/ thrift stores, flea markets, bars and restaurants.

Also thought that I would mention, since nothing is really going on on the ATGB front, that next week BBC will unveil a new episode in the Ladies of Letters series starring Prunella Scales (Sybil Fawlty) and Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth Bucket): Ladies of Letters Crunch Credit. Offhand, I'd say this is the 10th series and all of them have been wonderful. If you are fans of British Comedy these shows are a must. I believe all of them have been aired on Radio 4 in 15 minute segments so they are just over an hour in length. They are laugh-out-loud funny and all of them are available as audiobooks at all of the Amazon stores here at my site. They are perfect audiobooks for long car trips. For the first time this year the series has been rewritten for television and those ten episodes just completed running. The television version stars Maureen Lipman and Anne Reid and it clearly was difficult to try to translate into another medium, although they did an admirable job. The wit is in the word in this series and the radio shows are really perfect because of the nature of the show.

And speaking of British Comedy, Sunday at the Baftas the 2009 Fellowship Award, which was given to Judi a few years ago, was given to Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. If you are fans, be sure to click the link to the YouTube recording of the presentation (by Helen Mirren) of this award. Clearly the award was an enormously popular choice. During the film it was mentioned that they did very funny version of Mamma Mia especially for Comic Relief. Again, if you are fans, also check out that video, which is shown in its entirety in two parts.

And finally, don't forget to click on the Google links if you do a search.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 7:08 (PDT)

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 7:02 (PDT)

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Monday, April 27, 2009 at 17:56 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA -- Monday, April 27, 2009 at 11:34 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Just in case this link is removed, as often happens, I'll mention that is says the event will be held at Theatre Royal, Winchester on Sunday, 19 July 2009, 7:30 PM. You can buy the tickets at the box office. There is also a note which says "If you are unable to attend an event. we can often reserve signed copies." I don't know if that means that those of us who live elsewhere and don't intend to go to the presentation can get a signed copy or those who have tickets, but cannot attend can get one. They follow that statement by advising people to come early for the signing. You can get the phone number and additional details by clicking the link.

Connie
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Monday, April 20, 2009 at 8:34 (PDT)

We're not alone, so many of our friends feel the same way. When I make my annual donation to the local PBS, I always say it's on condition that they keep on running ATGB!

Let's make sure that PBS knows that, every year!

Thanks for creating this wonderful website where we can real all about our favorite actors and show,

Christine O'Keefe
Redding, CT USA -- Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 15:07 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, April 16, 2009 at 6:36 (PDT)

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 8:02 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA -- Sunday, April 12, 2009 at 3:46 (PDT)

Marla
Euclid, OH USA -- Sunday, April 12, 2009 at 12:33 (PDT)

Last night between ATGB and Summer Wine an announcement was made on our local PBS station that $7000 had been raised (the cost of one Britcom to run for one year). At this time ATGB is the first choice. A close second is Summer Wine. I hope it continues also. I did read that Frank Thornton and Peter Sallis (now both near 90) will only do indoor scenes this year).

Last night ATGB was the Series 8 episode when Penny and Stephen announce they will retire to Spain. When Penny is at the door and throws her scarf over her sholder I will always be seeing the blooper when she gets it caught in her clothing and she and Judi break up with laughter.

I,like many more people, hope there will be some future plans for more bloopers and discussion with the actors, director, writer,and the rest of the crew.

I will look forward to hearing from the people who go to London to see Judi this month.

Best Wishes for a Happy Easter to all.

Carolyn
Peoria, IL USA -- Sunday, April 12, 2009 at 10:54 (PDT)

Remember that many of the BBCs Radio Shows are available for a week after the broadcast and this Aled Jones interview is no exception. You can hear repeats of Radio 2's latest shows by clicking on the link and choosing your selection.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, April 10, 2009 at 11:10 (PDT)

I enjoyed very much the comments Larry Olson made about Madame de Sade. Without having seen it, but having read the play and from the various reviews I read, I had reached the same conclusion: wonderful production, beautiful scenes and costumes, great acting and Judi having come up to the challenge of a subject so different from any she has ever tackled.

Happy Passover/Easter to all of you.

Marisetta
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Sunday, April 4, 2009 at 12:09 (PDT)

My local PBS TV station has just finished their pledge drive. They did not meet their goal and are still requesting donations. The program manager has requested viewers write in and state their two favorite Britcoms (and hopefully with a check enclosed). I will request ATGB as my number one choice. It seems she will order the ones most requested.

Has anyone else had this experience of the pledge drive going on after it has closed and have any other stations stated that the ones ordered will depend on what is requested?

Here in the Las Vegas area there was a campaign by our local station to select the program from a missing slot in the Saturday Night line-up when the contract ended for the running of a particular show. There were several choices available, including Vicar of Dibley (for which I voted). It won and ran for one season. I don't remember whether or not the pledge week had ended or if it was part of the pledge week agenda. Right now we have a wonderful night of programming featuring Keeping Up Appearances, In the Manor Born, ATGB and Fawlty Towers, all of which I've seen many times over.

Carolyn
Peoria,Illinois USA -- Friday, April 3, 2009 at 9:16 (PDT)

Larry Olson
USA -- Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 6:42 (PDT)

I hope she is not overexerting her ankle, it might prolong its recovery.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 19:42 (PDT)

The next two scans were merged by me into one larger photo of the interview between director Michael Grandage and Dame Judi. If you're anything like me, you won't be able to read it because the type is quite small. So just click here to see the words. Also, if you are anything like me, you might wonder what a tannoy is. I have just learned that it it a loudspeaker. Something new every day....

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 17:42 (PDT)

I have seen Judi many times on stage and at fund raisers,etc. I was among those who swore I would enjoy her reading the proverbial phone book. However, I discovered that I like her too much to truly enjoy her in something that I just knew was not going to be a real success either personally or for the play as a whole.

Connie
Los Angeles, CA USA -- Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 1:24 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, March 25, 2009 at 8:29 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 19:00 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 10:22 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 7:11 (PDT)

The information that she will return tonight was at What's on Stage?

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 12:18 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 8:18 (PDT)

Here's the link for a favorable review of "Madame de Sade"

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Monday, March 23, 2009 at 15:09 (PDT)

I have just discovered your guestbook for Judi Dench and ATGB. I love all the information. Thanks so much.

Carolyn
Peoria,Illinois USA -- Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 19:06 (PDT)

Thank you for posting the information about release of the DVD of Quantum of Solace. I had a feeling it should be coming out soon but had no idea when as I had not seen anything about it anywhere.

Beth Lane
Lakewood, NJ USA -- Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 16:38 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 14:09 (PDT)

Judi had slipped at home at home at the beginning of February and had to go to hospital, I believe she missed 1 day of rehearsal but was back the following day. We all wish her a speedy recovery and best wishes.

Marian
Galashiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland -- Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 10:13 (PDT)

Mary
Baton Rouge, LA USA -- Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 9:58 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 8:10 (PDT)

In the meantime I have found many, many stories on the subject now, but nothing that really offered any new information, so I decided not to post them. If you want to read them, just do a search on "dench de Sade ankle" and they'll all pop up in Google.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, March 20, 2009 at 1:25 (PDT)

David Benedict's Variety review gives us a different take:

Now this is what I call a review!
It's exactly as I thought.
The play is not some frivolous, fluffy musical --- it's a artistic study in symbolism and depth. It asks the audience to think, reflect, etc.
I'm there, baby.
Bravo, David Benedict.

Dame Judi is know for wanting to stretch herself into areas she has not previously explored. I admire her for stepping out of her comfort zone with her work.

I, for one, will be in the audience on April 24th and 25th fully expecting to be in awe of the set, the costumes, the wigs, the lighting --- and awed by the presence of the greatest theatrical actress alive today!

Mary Bentley
Birmingham, Alabama USA -- Friday, March 20, 2009 at 12:31 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Joan, once again you read my mind. Oh, and I was just about to post a message from Marisetta, which said EXACTLY the same thing. I guess I'd better post it before these begin to mount up.

Joan in PA
USA -- Friday, March 20, 2009 at 12:03 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, March 20, 2009 at 11:06 (PDT)

I have read all of the reviews available so far, and just want to say that I am too much of a fan to be daunted by bad press. I have three tickets for different nights during the last ten days of the show, and I look forward to seeing how Dame Judi may alter her performance from one evening to the other. She always says this is one of the advantages of acting on stage.

We have known all along that the subject matter is distasteful, and if the speeches are long and dreary, there is still the bright side of being in the same room as one of the greatest actors of our time.

Rosemary
Nevis, W.I. -- Friday, March 20, 2009 at 10:43 (PDT)

Marla
Euclid, OH USA -- Friday, March 20, 2009 at 7:28 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: You read my mind.

Joan in PA
USA -- Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 14:03 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 14:01 (PDT)

One more review at the Telegraph, by Charles Spencer, which states: "The kindest thing one can say about this cruelly punishing play is that it's lovely when it stops." See more reviews and another summary at The Stage, another from the Guardian (in which Mark Espiner says "it turns out to be a bit of a damp squib" and What's on Stage and Theatermania. There will be another BBC radio review on Front Row (Radio 4) tonight but, for some reason, you will NOT be able to hear it on listen again. There's also a review for the Evening Standard by Nicholas DeJongh at This is London. It shows this picture of the cast celebrating at the after-party. I'm not sure what it is that they are celebrating, but it is likely that the reviews weren't out yet.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 9:25 (PDT)

Changing the subject, at least momentarily, here's the latest from YouTube featuring Geoffrey Palmer in the Comic Relief 2009 sketch "RAF Pilots".

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 6:20 (PDT)

Here's a link to a a review of Madame de Sade. I also listened to the Radio 3 review that I mentioned yesterday -- it is available on listen now during this week at that site -- and it received a terrible review (which lasted 7 minutes towards the 45 minute mark of that program). Michael Billington's review is at The Guardian (UK) and here's another review (along with this picture) from The Independent. And here is Benedict Nightingale's column from The Times Online. and you can see lots more pictures at Rex Features.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 13:23 (PDT)

Larry Lain
Dayton, OH USA -- Monday, March 16, 2009 at 11:38 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 6:30 (PDT)

I have watched all the episodes of William and Mary a romantic comedy drama ( three six-part series) and it is well worth watching. Martin Clunes plays an undertaker and Julie Graham a midwife. (note for Karen)

Lyn
Bournemouth UK -- Monday, March 16, 2009 at 14:01 (PDT)

Thanks, Liz, for sharing your opinion.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I guess today was the first day of previews and I read a blog which said it was a 90 minute show without intermission. The person who blogged said very little other than the costumes were "stunning" and "the play left something to be desired. Not because it wasn't well written but because it was hard to understand Madame de Sade's motivations." I'm sure once the play opens there will be many reviews on the internet and I'll keep an eye out to either link or post the reviews.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Saturday, March 13, 2009 at 3:18 (PDT)

Hope you are now painter free and enjoying your new look home Just to say that there is a square with a cross on it in the middle of the Madam de Sade article which I assume should be the photo I sent of Judi in rehearsal. No matter what I do I cannot get the picture to come can you fix it?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks Marian. I am only painter-free in the sense that those guys don't work over the weekend. Come Monday it is another case of having to entertain my dog for 8 hours -- she cannot be trusted around people on ladders -- and keeping out of their way. I think they'll probably be done around Wednesday. In the meantime the change in the house is astounding and worth every cent. Sorry to miss the trip to London, but I guess I'll just have to read about it.

I started to write that I could see the picture just fine on my mac computers (it will be a while before I can even work my way into the rooms with the PC computers) and my telephone, but I saw that I actually couldn't see it on the phone. So I tried a couple of things that did allow me to see it on the phone and I hope you can see it now too. I apologize if others were unable to see it as well. Just in case, though -- you should be able to see it at the Donmar web site.

Marian
Galashiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland -- Saturday, March 13, 2009 at 12:01 a.m. (PDT)

In answer to Marisetta's question - I have read the Madame book. It is quite a dark book but interesting reading. It will make seeing the play all the easier to understand. Also to Karen's question on the series "William & Mary" - I watched that and enjoyed it very much. Martin Clunes is such a versitile actor.

Liz xx
Midlothian, Scotland - Saturday, March 13, 2009 at 10:21 (PDT)

Probably not Jean and Lionel's house.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: You are correct about the previous discussion, Joan, but you will never find the exact location of the house that was used for shooting by scouring my website. I will not post that address out of respect to those who are currently living there. You cannot imagine how many times a week -- all these years later -- I get asked for this information. It is the most-asked question. And, frankly, I am not surprised by the selling price of that house.

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, March 13, 2009 at 6:52 (PDT)

Here is another photograph I found of Judi in rehearsal for "Madam de Sade"

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thank you again, Marian. I posted it along with the article and the other picture (below) that you found at the Telegraph. I am back at my own computer at the moment. I have had painters here for the past 2 weeks and the computer has been face down on my desk for much of that time, so I've been trying to adjust to the laptop, which doesn't have a comments folder. The ones that are addressed to the proper place do get to me eventually. I hope this explains some of the odd occurrences during that time, such as strange misspellings and delayed postings (like yours, which you sent well before the ones I posted earlier). I'm hoping most of my electonics will be plugged in and back to normal by the weekend. Coincidentally, I cancelled my trip to see Madame de Sade because I thought the prices of airfare and lodging were larcenous and, instead, decided to have my whole house painted and two bathrooms remodeled.

Marian
Galashiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland -- Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 7 a.m. (PDT)

Has anyone read Madame de Sade? I am curious to hear the comments!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 12:24 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks a lot for the update, Karen. I think it might have been wishful thinking on my part. When I checked this morning, I noticed it didn't say it was the final disk, but I didn't take the time to double check, which I should have done. I already have all of them on tape and should have known better. The last episode was called Double Wedding and it was at the end of Season 5.

Karen
Bremerton WA USA -- Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 11:07 (PDT)

If you are someone, like me, who loves Waiting for God, you'll be happy to know that the fourth (and final) DVD of the series will be released in June and you can pre-order it in the U.S. by clicking on the link (or searching at the Atgbcentral Store links).

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 6:10 (PDT)

Next Friday, a little-known Japanese play, Madame de Sade, will have its West End debut at the Donmar Warehouse, this year in residency at Wyndham's Theatre. It should be a night to remember. The play's subject is the infamous Marquis de Sade; the play's author, Yukio Mishima, was a celebrated Japanese writer and masochist who committed hara-kiri in 1970, five years after Madame de Sade was first performed. Mishima's death was as plotted as anything he achieved in his brief and busy lifetime: self disembowelment with an ancient samurai dagger followed by decapitation by a friend. As it happened, his suicide was so botched (his head, rather than being removed in one clean sweep, was slowly hacked from his neck) that instead of symbolising the warrior spirit of ancient Japanese culture, it became the object of tabloid mockery.

With their shared interests in sex, pain, and the beauty of death, the post-war Japanese imperialist and the so-called "father" of the French Revolution make ideal bedfellows. De Sade does not, however, appear in Mishima's play, which spans a period of 18 years over three acts. Instead his character is explored through the drawing-room conversation, or rather what Mishima called the ''collisions of ideas'', between six cultivated women in the marquis's inner circle. They include his loyal wife, Renee, Madame de Sade (played by Rosamund Pike); her deceitful sister, Anne (Fiona Button), who has also been de Sade's lover; and her disapproving mother, Madame de Montreuil (Judi Dench). Three further figures, played by Frances Barber, Deborah Findlay, and Jenny Galloway, add their own opinions to the play's polite conversation about perversity.

Unless you caught Ingmar Bergman's production in 1995, described by one reviewer on The New York Times as displaying ''such spellbinding, gimcrack-free order that it serves to refresh the senses'', it is unlikely that you will have seen Madame de Sade before. Bergman's achievement was to turn a Japanese drama of ideas about an 18th-century Frenchman, acted in Swedish and presented in New York with the English translation (by Donald Keene) heard via earphones, into an elegant and clearly defined performance. It sounds as if Michael Grandage, the director of the Donmar production, will be producing something equally striking, if less complicated. "What could be more theatrically exciting," Grandage says, "than staging a huge debate about good and evil? Madame de Sade is the perfect centrepiece to everything we are trying to do at the Donmar." Grandage is referring to the Donmar's policy of encouraging a new theatre-going audience by putting on rarely performed plays at affordable prices (seats begin at 10 pounds and peak at 32.50 pounds).

On some levels Madame de Sade is high 18th-century porn," Grandage continues, "contained in a genuinely thrilling narrative. The audience will not have seen anything like this before: it will be like going to a new play. No one knows what to expect or what comes next, or how they will actually respond to a figure like the Marquis de Sade."

Mishima's inspiration for Madame de Sade was less the charismatic character of the marquis himself than the masochism of his wife, Renee. If de Sade is a "monster of immorality", Renee reasons, then "I must be a monster of devotion". Her devotion took on a curious twist in 1790, when, having remained loyal to her husband for 18 years of his imprisonment, she promptly left him as soon as he was released. In the play's electrifying final scene, Renee praises her husband's creation of ''an impenetrable cathedral of vice'' and claims that with his steadfast devotion to the cause of Eros he has built himself ''a back staircase to Heaven''. But while she applauds his ideals, she is appalled by the man.

The devoted wife is one of the many parallels Madame de Sade draws between modern Japanese society and pre-Revolutionary France (Mishima's spouse, Yoko Sugiyama, whom he married to please his mother, was also a monster of devotion). Another striking parallel between the two cultures is the relationship between the formality and reticence of Japanese manners and the dainty exchanges of the European Enlightenment salon. ''What we are dealing with here is very exciting,'' Grandage explains. ''A Japanese writer uses another time, another completely different culture, to explore his experiences from his own time and culture. And to have this drama staged in a West End theatre rather than in an art-house is unique.''

The drama of Madame de Sade is shaped not through action but through what Mishima called the ''confrontation between two contradictory ideas''. Offstage his life was equally full of contradictory ideas, although his biographers suggest ''offstage'' was perhaps not a concept known to a showman such as Mishima, who starred in gangster films, collected homoerotic photographs of himself and formed his own private army. At the same time as fanatically wanting to preserve Japan from Western influence, he lived in a Victorian-style house, wore Levi's, fetishised Baroque European art and drew inspiration from Andre Gide and Racine.

Like Byron (also sexually transgressive and at odds with his society), Mishima was a prolific and internationally known writer who saw himself also as a politician, a soldier, and a man of the people, but if he is remembered now it is for the manner of his end. He hoped to be immortalised as an artist, fusing art and death on his final day by killing himself after handing in his novel to his publisher. Had he won the Nobel Prize as he was tipped to do, would Mishima have committed hara-kiri on the podium in Oslo?

It sounds as if the Donmar's Madame de Sade will at last upstage Mishima's final performance: if the production is as stimulating as it promises, masochists need not attend.

Hi Bonnie
Thought you might be interested in the attached showing the first cast photo of Judi in Madam de Sade also the Telegraph article on the play

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks a lot, Marian. I'm posting the photo along with the article that appeared in the Telegraph just above this comment.

Marian
Galashiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland -- Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 8:59 (PDT)

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I wonder "WHO" participated in the poll?

I bet there were a lot of "youngsters" polled who aren't even familiar with Glenda Jackson's "Elizabeth R." And I guess everyone's forgotten Nigel Hawthorne's brilliant performance in "The Madness of King George."

I loved Cate Blanchett's Elizabeth, Kiera Knightley's Duchess, Helen Mirren's Elizabeth II ---- but DJD as Queen Victoria was TOPS in my book!

Mary Bentley
Birmingham, AL USA -- Monday, March 9, 2009 at 8:59 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

Earlier this evening I watched the ATGB Reunion Special, broadcast on KET2 (Kentucky Educational Television). If you'll remember, a couple of weeks ago, I could only listen to the broadcast, due to technical difficulties on an Ohio PBS station (also carried by my cable company). There's not much new to report, but my suspicions were confirmed that the pleas for contributions during the pledge drive were pre-recorded; Moira Brooker and Jenny Funnell spoke of the same ATGB memories and wore the same outfits they were wearing in the clips you posted.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Yes, the program was broadcast nationally last weekend and PBS will probably replay it until everyone gets sick of watching it.

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 20:05 (PDT)

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I agree with Joan about Glenda Jackson's performance as Queen Elizabeth I. She defined the role and nobody has done it better. Keith Michell's Henry VIII is another masterpiece and shouldn't be missed. Thank goodness that their performances are on DVDs.

Marla
Euclid, OH USA -- Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 16:14 (PDT)

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I agree with your assessment of Glenda Jackson completely. That series, Elizabeth R, and the other, about Henry VIII, (with Keith Michell) are two that are really worth purchasing for your DVD library.

A long time ago I was at Hampton Court Palace, outside of London, where there was an exhibition of the costumes from these series. Money was short and it was fun to see how the pull tabs from beverage cans were used to imitate chain mail armour.

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 12:17 (PDT)

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Another poll has been released, which names Cate Blanchett as the best on-screen monarch for her portrayal of English royal Elizabeth I. This poll has been taken to hype the release of the movie, The Young Victoria, and the results are probably as worthless as most others, including the ones from Harper's Bazaar and Tiffany. Here are the rankings along with percentage of voters who participated:

Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth (1998) - 19 per cent Helen Mirren, The Queen (2006) - 17 per cent Sean Connery, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) - 10 per cent Judi Dench, Mrs Brown (1997) - 9 per cent Anne Hathaway, The Princess Diaries (2001) - 7 per cent Judi Dench, Shakespeare in Love (1998) - 6 per cent Leonardo DiCaprio, The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) - 5 per cent Chris Sarandon, The Princess Bride (1987) - 4 per cent Keira Knightley, The Duchess (2008) - 3 per cent Kenneth Branagh, Henry V (1989) - 2 per cent

I don't know what the other 18 per cent thought, but I certainly think that some people who are quite famous for their portrayals of monarchs are missing from that list.

Speaking of which, I don't think I'll ever forget the impression that Glenda Jackson made on me when I first saw her in the 1971 role of Elizabeth R in the PBS series of the same name. What a brilliant performance that was! If you didn't recognize Glenda Jackson, who is pictured above (in her role as Mary, Queen of Scots), you might want to do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with her work. You might be surprised (aside from the Politics) at body of her work -- particularly as it mirrors Dame Judi's.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 7:29 (PDT)

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Harper's Bazaar and Tiffany have revealed their Women In Theatre Power List 2009. The 20 names on the list include actresses, playwrights and directors.All those on the list have been given special titles and Harper's have named Dame Judi Dench 'The Queen Bee'.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 18:01 (PDT)

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The character played by Finty Williams was Mary Smith's mother. It is Finty who asks Dr Harrison to go out on the lake with Mary during the outdoor party at Lady Ludlow's.

Anne
USA -- Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 10:25 (PDT)

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Sue, the character Finty is playing in Cranford is that of Mary's stepmother. She arrives at the party at the mansion in a carriage with all her children and invites Mary to go into her carriage, then puts the infant in her lap.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 9:21 (PDT)

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Seeing the photo of Finty from Cranford, reminded me of my efforts to actually identify the character Finty played in the series. She was listed with the character she played but I could never find that character on screen. Was anyone else more successful than me? I thought the character was the sister who dies but that character is only viewed from the rear and had no speaking role.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 7:00 (PDT)

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Cranford is heading back to Lacock by Katie Adams DAME Judi Dench is returning to Lacock this summer after it was announced the BBC want to return to the village to film a Cranford Christmas special. Stars were filmed in the village in April 2007 for the period drama, The Cranford Chronicles, amidst great excitement from locals and tourists. Residents have been invited to a meeting with the BBC, Lacock Tenants Association and the parish council at 7 pm on March 16 for a meeting about the plans where they will be given the chance to vote it through or not. If the residents of the National trust village agree, filming will take place from Monday, June 8 to Saturday, June 13. The cast will include Imelda Staunton, Julia McKenzie, Greg Wise and Francesca Annis as well as Oscar winner, Dame Judi. The show will again be produced by Sue Birtwhistle and Rupert Ryle Hodges, who will both be at the meeting this month to talk to Lacock residents. Jan Harris, general manager of the George Inn in Lacock said she would embrace the filming after last year. She said: "We are really looking forward to it and I understand they also want to film in West Street, which is where we are, so that is very exciting. "The film crew were very nice last time and people love it. It also brings in revenue for the area as people want to retrace the steps of the filming and see where scenes were shot after it is all over too, so they come to the village." Filming will involve scenes set in the High Street, Church Street and West Street and an outline schedule proposes dividing filming into two areas. Casting will also be held for villagers interested in becoming extras.

The article above, written by Katie Adams, appeared this morning at the website, This is Wilshire.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:43 (PDT)

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On a repeat episode recently involving Judith and Alistair's marriage, Lionel mentioned to Mrs. Bale that she should make a drink called the "spitting cobra." I have not found such a drink listed anywhere; was this just a comment on the strength of the drinks she makes? If it is real, what is in it?

Jean
Poinciana, FL, USA -- Saturday, March 4, 2009 at 14:26 (PDT)

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Thanks to Jan M. for sending me a couple of pictures of Finty that she found on the net. First is one taken with Judi during the filming of Cranford. It was published in the Sydney Morning Herald. The other appeared on the web site belonging to SilkSoundBooks in connection with the Audiobook of Evelina, which has been mentioned here before:

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 7:21 (PDT)

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Hi Bonnie

I wish the BBC would issue a DVD with all the bloopers or out takes, as we say over here, from As Time Goes By and A Fine Romance - I am sure it would be an instant best seller.

Marian
Galashiels, Selkirkshire, Scotland -- Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 4:23 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

For those ATGB fans in the Kentucky (and surrounding) viewing area, the reunion special will be shown Saturday, March 7, beginning at 9:00 p.m. EST on KET2. The website for Kentucky Educational Television may be viewed at www.ket.org. I haven't seen any advertisements for the show, so it's unclear whether or not this will be a 'pledge drive' special.

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 18:10 (PDT)

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I saw the reunion show last evening on WGBH (Boston) and was thrilled to see Moira and Jenny on the tube. Like most of you that have seen the reunion show a few times, I was more interested in the breaks than in the show itself.

How great it was to see both and to hear their stories relating to the show itself. I do believe that if there is to be any hope of another show it should be with the actors reminiscing. Would love to see a bloopers tape as part of it.

So if Bob Larbey and the rest of the powers to be are reading this...........

John Roy
Acushnet, MA USA -- Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 9:47 (PDT)

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Thank you very much, Bonnie, for posting the UTube tape of Jenny and Moira. I'm not sure if the show was on in Portland. My Tivo doesn't recognize the Reunion Special because it is not called "As TIme Goes By" ... it is called "Reunion Special" so nothing recorded last night. I wanted to mentioned that I purchased On the Up, the Bob Larbey show mentioned. If its not available on Amazon.com, it is likely available for purchase from amazon.co.uk. For sure, you can get the program and almost all programs we talk about on this forum by clicking on the links above for Atgbcentral Amazon US or Atgbcentral Amazon UK. I didn't see On the Up in the US, but it is at the UK Store -- if you want it, search for DVD On the Up to see the series selection. I suspect thats where I got it. It was great fun although not as good as ATGB, of course. Joan Sims has a much larger role in that she is in every episode and is great fun to watch.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: You're welcome, Sue.

And, since Jenny and Moira are doing it, I will take this opportunity to say that when you do a search on this site (in the blue box above), whether it is for something on Atgbcentral or anywhere on the web, be sure to click a Google ad if it appears on the page. It doesn't cost you anything to look, but it gives me a little extra cash to pay for this site. For example, if you were to type Geoffrey Palmer in the blue box and check the atgbcentral.com box so you get information only from within my pages, you would see a lot of results, but only one or two in a box that would say Ads By Google in it. If you click on that I will get paid. Or if you wanted to do a general search for something like Plumbers Las Vegas you would type that in the box and leave check "web". That would produce 4 Google ads, one of which might be helpful to you. If you lived in Las Vegas. If you had a leaky faucet. Oh well, you get the idea.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 6:13 (PDT)

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Just a few moments from tonight's broadcast so you can see what Jenny and Moira looked like -- sorry about the co-ordination of the last video, but you'll get the idea:

Jenny mentioned that one of her favorite moments was when Lionel was proposing to Jean. Geoffrey had a large pink ring that said "Luscious Lips" on it and he gave that to Judi, which -- as you might imagine -- is something that amused her greatly. Other than that they joked around a bit and talked about their favorite episodes, but mostly they asked that everyone support PBS because it provides such great entertainment.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 22:43 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

My television cable company includes the PBS station WOSU among the channels it provides. Earlier tonight, the station broadcast the first half of the "You Must Remember This" reunion special, with Moira Brooker and Jenny Funnell in the studio for their pledge drive. Unfortunately, due to video difficulty, I was only able to listen to the broadcast for about an hour, after which it mysteriously/suddenly changed to another program. Here are some tidbits I heard:

During one of the pledge breaks, Moira shared her memory of seeing DJD on stage and how it inspired her to pursue acting. Supposedly, Moira was hesitant to share this with Dame Judi, and only did so after the last show.

Jenny also shared a childhood memory of seeing Judi's stage performance in "A King of Alaska". At the time, she wrote to Judi and received a hand-written letter in reply. Years later, she was able to retrieve the letter from her scrapbook and show it to Judi.

Jenny's favorite character was Jean's brother-in-law, Stephen, played by Paul Chapman. She mentioned his sense of humor and bushy eyebrows.

I'm so glad you mentioned this, Margaret, because it was brought up elsewhere on this page (on February 12th) that Moira and Jenny were going to be on tonight and I was thinking this was probably going to go national. Then I forgot all about it until you sent this. Fortunately you sent it in time so I could I set my DVR to record it. Funny: I was actually annoyed when I looked at the TV listings and saw that all the other Britcoms were going to be pre-empted for this special 2005 Reunion Show that I've seen many, many times. AN UPDATE: The show has been on for 18 minutes already so I checked and yes, it is the Moira Brooker/Jenny Funnell broadcast. I saw them at the beginning and they said they'd be back at the commercials. I just checked and they were back briefly between scenes and, basically, they asked people to call in an pledge and showed the PBS premium offers. They are getting really good at this and said nothing new about the show so far.

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 19:50 (PDT)

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Bonnie--with regard to TEA TIME, I have been a subscriber since June 2007 and always found it to be an informative and entertaining newsletter. This article about Bob Larbey is so informative. I would also urge anyone who hasn't already subscribed to do so. You won't be disappointed.

The one show that wasn't mentioned was "On the Up". He wrote 19 episodes in 1990-1992; Joan Sims (Madge) is one of the key players & Fiona Mollison (Miss Ice Cubes-Sally Curtis) is in at least 2 episodes. I have 2 shows on TiVo & am sorry I didn't save more. The last time I checked it was not available in the USA. Some very fine writing in this.

Evelyn
San Diego CA USA -- Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 19:25 (PDT)

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Wonderful site, thank you for the work involved in putting it up, love the show to death.

John and Mary Tuohy
McLean, VA USA -- Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 17:19 (PDT)

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Maryland Public Television released its latest Tea Times (March 2009) and in it there is an article which was written in 2004 celebrating the partnership of Bob Larbey and John Esmonde. If you are not already a member, please sign up on the site so you can read it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 11:35 (PDT)

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Wendy Richard, probably best known to Britcom fans in the U.S. for her role as Miss Shirley Brahms in Are You Being Served, passed away today. More recently she starred as Pauline in EastEnders. There are quite a few tributes to her at the Guardian (UK) including these memorable clips.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 9:14 (PDT)

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Just seeing your comment again about how the producers check up on this website and respond; do you think we could stir up enough enthusiasm for the cast reunion, not an episode, where the actors just sit together and talk about their experiences appearing in their various roles on ATGB, that something might actually come of it? Several others have demonstrated interest since it was first mentioned on this site, not too long ago, and perhaps a concerted effort on our part might make it happen. What do you think?

It could be great fun.

Joan, I guarantee that the producers are very much aware of the general feeling on this site that a cast reunion would be welcomed by the fans. If and when there is any news regarding such a project they know they have a forum on which to announce it. So the answer is no, I don't think any further effort is necessary.

Joan in PA
USA -- Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 8:21 (PDT)

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Here's an article on the play Noises Off. It appeared in the Chester Chronicle today and was written by Eleanor Barlow.

Actor Philip Bretherton goes from Coronation Street to Clwyd Theatr Cymru Following stints on the cobbles of Weatherfield and in the wards of Holby's A& E department*, actor Philip Bretherton is set to appear at Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold. Philip has previously been seen seducing Sally Webster as Ian Davenport in Coronation Street, saving lives as Andrew Bower in Casualty, dealing with the outrageous antics of players as manager Stefan Hauser in Footballers' Wives and playing sophisticated man about town Alistair Deacon, in the sitcom As Time Goes By. He is now taking on the role of director Lloyd Dallas in farcical comedy Noises Off, which is running at the theatre until Saturday, March 14. He said: "I play the director of a company where all of the actors have some kind of quirk. "One loses his temper very quickly, one likes a drink, one gets a nose bleed every time something dramatic happens -- there is a lot of potential for the play going wrong." The story follows the company from rehearsals and shows all the worries coming true as the performance goes spectacularly wrong -- with hilarious consequences. "It is a really funny play and we've had a lot of laughs rehearsing it,"said Philip. And the storyline is not that far from the truth, he admitted. He said: "I have come across actors like the characters in the play, but the difference with this is that they are all in the same cast and everything that could go wrong goes wrong. "I think the worst experience I've ever had was when I was just about to go on stage in Birmingham and the set caught fire!" He describes his character as arrogant and a bit of a ladies' man. "He is based on all the directors I've ever worked with -- I've had a lot of inspiration," he said. This is the fifth play the actor has appeared in at the Mold theatre and, although he is based in London, he enjoys spending time in this part of the world. He said: "I'm originally from Preston but I used to come on holiday to this area when I was younger, so it's really nice to come back here. "This is a lovely place to work and it's a beautiful theatre."

*NOTE FROM BONNIE: Just a few notes -- Philip was born in Preston, Lancashire, on May 30th 1955. Weatherfield is a fictional area of Greater Manchester which serves as the setting for the British ITV soap opera "Coronation Street". Holby's A & E is a reference from the series "Casualty," which chronicles the accident and Emergency department of Holby City hospital.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, February 20, 2009 at 9:04 (PDT)

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I enjoy this site so much, and appreciate your efforts in keeping fans connected.

Evalynn Christiansen
Location unknown -- Friday, February 20, 2009 at 7:09 (PDT)

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Some things in life simply draw you in.

Judi Dench's performance is such that I honestly believe it mirrors her personal life.

I allow myself that illusion.

Thank you for this programming and although some would feel that it's time to move on, I would surely welcome them in my home for many more seasons.

Thank you again.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Although I'm not responsible for scheduling, I'll happily take the credit for keeping interest in the program alive. The producers, as most of you know, do read the comments section and will let me know if they see something of interest to them. So keep those comments coming.

Paul.
USA -- Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 6:08 (PDT)

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Philip is scheduled to be in the comedy "Noises Off" starting Feb 24 in Wales. Here's the info.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: If you will be in the area, be sure to click on the link in the article. What it says is that the play will run at the Anthony Hopkins Theatre from tomorrow (Thursday, February 19) through Saturday, March 14, so call first to confirm the dates.

Here is a brief description of the play: A late night technical rehearsal for the sex comedy Nothing On is fast degenerating into chaos: Dotty doesn't know whether to hold a newspaper or a plate of sardines, the doors on the stage set won't open or close and company veteran Selsdon Mowbray is missing. And there are only hours until curtain up on the first night in Weston-super-Mare. Watch a double drama unfold as Noises Off exposes the antics, rivalries and hostilities of an acting company, both on and off the stage, in a comic masterpiece which promises non-stop laughter. Noises Off was voted best comedy at the Olivier and Evening Standard awards and received TONY and Drama Desk nominations on Broadway. Directed by Terry Hands following his recent hit productions of Memory in Wales, London and New York, Macbeth, The Cherry Orchard and A Chorus of Disapproval.

Dee
Chicago, IL USA -- Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 6:00 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

While surfing the internet, I came across [this] article on the Telegraph.co.uk website.

It appears there's a movement to return Miss Moneypenny and "Q" to the screen for the next Bond film.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I don't believe it. My mailbox has been filled with alerts like this and the fact that Judi is so afraid of enclosed dark spaces that she refuses to go see her movies in the theatre. Samantha Bond has said that she will absolutely not be back.

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 12:30 (PDT)

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Well, given the fact that almost nobody -- including Judi -- knew what the movie was about, "Riddle" sounds just about right to me. And, Bonnie, I still call it "Quantum of Silence," so you're not alone.

That's pretty funny, Marla.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 8:47 (PDT)

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Ooops! That should have been Chronicles of Riddick. Sorry.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: When I read what you wrote (see below) I saw what I wanted to see (which was Riddick). I know I could have just changed it and probably no-one would be the wiser, but that plus your current comment gave me quite a laugh, considering the second sentence, which made it sound as though she might have done a previously unpublicized satire with the the crew of Monty Python -- I ruled out the possibility that you were providing the German Translation. It also reminded me of the many, many, many times I posted updates on the film, Quantum of Silence.

Joan in PA
USA -- Friday, February 13, 2009 at 22:42 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

Earlier this evening, I went to see "Pink Panther 2", primarily to see what type of role Geoffrey Palmer had in the movie. He was the first credited actor to appear on screen. Sadly, his time in the movie was limited to the first 3-4 minutes. He looks well...but a quite short standing next to John Cleese.

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Friday, February 13, 2009 at 18:13 (PDT)

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While swanning around German tv last night, I caught a tiny bit of DJD in The Chronicles of Riddle. I can't imagine why she chose to take a role in such a silly film -- perhaps just for fun. I am also very close to one of the filming sites for Quantum of Solace (Bregenz, Austria). This is turning into a DJD tour, unwittingly. By the way, the Germans dub voices, no subtitles, and the voice was very nearly that of DJD.

Joan in PA
USA -- Friday, February 13, 2009 at 2:07 (PDT)

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Someone had asked what Jenny Funnell was up to. Jenny and Moira Brooker will be here at our local PBS on February 28th. They will be in the studio to add commentary while the ATGB Reunion special is shown. I don't know if they will be appearing elsewhere while in the states. It will be interesting to see if they will have any new stories.

I checked their website and didn't see any information, other than the fact that the Reunion Show will be re-telecast on that date. I don't know if this is a previously taped program or a new one. If anyone is able to see the show, please write and let us know what happened. I'm sure everyone would enjoy hearing about it.

Linda
Johnston, Iowa USA -- Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 12:09 (PDT)

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Bonnie, that blooper from AFR is precious! I wish I knew how to find other bloopers from that series. I also wish they made a DVD with all the bloopers from both ATGB and AFR.

On another subject: it seems that "Rage" has not been very successful in Berlin. It is probably an experimental film; I want to see it anyway, just to have my own opinion about it.

Thanks and keep the good work.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Yes, it was a cute clip and I want to thank Kathy Perry for pointing it out to me. If anyone spots any more, let me know. And I think all of us would love nothing better than to see what hit the cutting room floor -- blooper or not -- since most of us have already seen every episode (not only once but many times over) that actually made it to the series.

As for Rage, if there is an art house in your area, you might watch for it, but if it plays at all I would go there on day one. Here in the Vegas area we are known for having a different kind of art house, one at which we are not likely to see anything of Sally Potter's. If you haven't already seen the film clip from Reuters look at the link towards the end of my comment from yesterday. You might change your mind.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 10:40 (PDT)

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It took me awhile to get into A Fine Romance, but I love it. AFR was my introduction to Michael Williams and he's just wonderful. Judi is always a revelation and there's nothing funnier than her visit to the dentist. Thanks for the booper clip, Bonnie.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 11:49 (PDT)

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Don't be disappointed if you cancelled your plans to see the festival. If you were looking for a reason not to go to the Berlinale this year, have a look at this article, written for indieWire by Shane Danielson -- I have posted only a portion:

Five days into the 2009 Berlinale, and amid grumblings of discontent from critics ("Twenty films so far," said one colleague, "and I haven't seen one thing I'd champion") and a pronounced lack of enthusiasm among buyers, one sensed a new tone to proceedings: if the program couldn't entertain us, then by god it was going to IMPROVE us. Indeed, if Berlin 09 will be remembered for anything, it will be for its eagerness to tell us, with every ounce of anguished sincerity it could muster, the bleeding obvious. Take "Rage", the latest from British writer-director Sally Potter, in which she pronounces her judgment upon the fashion industry. It's bad, apparently. Bad for women (forced to be too thin)) and bad for society (encouraged to be superficial and modish). This conclusion, blindingly apparent to anyone who's ever browsed an issue of Vogue or Surface -- or, I don't know, visited a shop -- appears to have struck Potter with the force of holy revelation. Something must be done! she thought (sitting in what, I do not doubt, would be an exquisitely decorated home, with a wardrobe full of lovely clothes). The truth must be told! That she chose to respond without much apparent sense of how the fashion industry actually functions, and via a stylistic device that would exclude all but the most dedicated arthouse audiences (the film is a series of direct-to-camera interviews with stars like Jude Law and Judi Dench -- all in character -- shot against super-saturated backgrounds), attests either to the urgency of her mission (no time to waste on research!), or her unshakeable conviction that She Knows Best. Charity obliges me to believe the former; experience, however, suggests the latter.

I read another review which said "Boxoffice will be limited to members of the filmmaker's family, if that." I guess that says it all. If you want to take a peek at it, look look here. I'm not sure if you'll ever get another chance to see it, but you might check art houses, video stores, Sally Potter's blog and re:frame if you ever get the urge because I'm done quoting from reviews here.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 9:36 (PDT)

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I am just wondering if of any of you ATGB fans find AFR to be boring? Somone who made a post on IMBD board that said he/she found AFR boring and liked ATGB better. I like them same the amount; they are very different shows. NOTE FROM BONNIE: I agree with you -- they are very different shows and I liked them both. At left is a clip of Judi & Michael in an AFR Blooper.

Stephanie
Arcadia, CA USA -- Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 8:32(PDT)

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Just puttering around and came across some things that might be of interest. First, Sally Potter's site has been updated recently and there might be some new insights into her film-making so you can take a look there at the new forum and blog entries. Also, according to her site, she's joined re:frame in New York and some of her works are available for purchase or preview. From what I've seen it looks more experimental than I'm comfortable with, but to each his own.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 16:45 (PDT)

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Here's another review of Rage which tells you a little more about it, but also mentions the audience reaction.

Also, you can see -- at the Bafta site -- some arrival photos taken a while ago in London, so the awards are well under way. Brad and Angelina are there, but I have not seen Judi either in footage or audience shots.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 12:37 (PDT)

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And, speaking of Berlin, this is a portion of the first review I've taken the time to read and it might explain why the buzz seems low:

"Rage" by British film-maker Sally Potter ... [was] hotly awaited ... at the 59th annual event, with their all-star casts and innovative European directors.

Potter's film is a send-up of the beauty industry, set around New York fashion week. It is constructed solely around a series of stand-up interviews with caricatures out of the world of glamour.

There is Minx, a vain Russian supermodel (an almost unrecognizable Law disguised in a black fright wig and a bustier), Dench as a ruthless critic with a taste for marijuana and Steve Buscemi as a jaded photographer.

Real-life model Lily Cole's giant blue eyes peek out from behind her copper tresses as she tells of her loneliness in the business and begs the person behind the camera -- a teenage blogger called Michelangelo -- to take her away.

And comic Eddie Izzard appears as Tiny Diamonds, a media magnate hunting for the next big thing.

The format was unique and minimalist but audiences here got fidgety after the first few minutes when it became clear the monologues were all the film had to offer. A few dozen people walked out a third of the way into the picture.

The 11-day Berlinale, as the festival is known, ranks second only to Cannes in size and prestige.

"Rage" is screening out of competition ... 18 films [are] vying for the Golden Bear top prize.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 10:34 (PDT)

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Level of interest in DJD at the Berlin International Film Festival--0. The Berlin newspaper this morning (Sunday) had a special four-page supplement covering the festival. One mention of Rage, just as one of the films to be presented, and the only mention of Judi Dench (or Judy, as she was named) was as a cast member thereof. There was a small article detailing the arrival at the airport of four stars within two hours--John Goodman, Woody Harrelson and two others I've never heard of. The films drawing excitement here are "International," and "Storm." Of course, when Brad and Angie, or Leonardo DiC turn up, the real fun will begin.

Perhaps things will change "as time goes by."

NOTE FROM BONNIE: You remind me, Joan, that the Baftas are tonight so I thought I'd mention that they are being broadcast this evening (several times) on BBCAmerica. I don't know about Judi, but I'm pretty sure that Brad and Angelina, who are both nominated, will make an appearance. You can supposedly watch some of the happenings at Bafta.org in case you don't get the channel.

Special ATGB Berlin Correspondent

Joan in PA
USA -- Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 1:48 (PDT)

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Just love the show. Please! Please! Please! do another reunion show!

Kind Regards

Margaret Terry
Oakland, California USA -- Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 23:18 (PDT)

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I generally don't like British sitcoms but fell in love with As Time Goes By from the first time I saw it. I purchased the complete boxed set of the show. And when my spirits get low I play them. It would be nice to see future shows when the grandchildren come and to see how Rocky is after landing in the hospital after his little time in line dancing class.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I suppose they could re-cast the role of Rocky the way they did with Harry. Unfortunately, both Frank Middlemass and Joan Sims have passed away. You can do a search on the atgbcentral site to read about their deaths.

Donna K.
Medford, Oregon USA -- Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 20:58 (PDT)

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Hi Bonnie!

I totally agree with Joan from PA and John Roy from MA , in place of another reunion show, a reunion with the cast all sitting around telling what they're up to now would be great, as well as their favorite scenes, outtakes and bloopers; THAT could be hilarious and extremely entertaining.

Thank you Bonnie for giving us ATGB fanatics our daily "fix" of what's going on with Judi, Geoffrey and everyone else. I too, would like to know what Jenny Funnell is up to, anyone know?

A true ATGB fan,

Deborah
Altoona, PA USA -- Friday, February 6, 2009 at 9:23 (PDT)

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I too echo Joan's sentiments (01/29/09)that we shouldnt await (yet)another ATGB reunion. The reunion shows,in my humble opinion,were not all that funny and the story line was weak. If it was up to me I would have enjoyed watching a reunion show which had Lionel and Jean focused on enjoying their advanced retirement years and the joys and difficulties that come with senior living. It would have been a poignant way to end the program. With that said having cast come togther for a reunion show with outtakes and bloopers would be something that I would find interesting and would love to see.

Lastly does anyone have any info on what Jenny Funnell is up to?

John Roy
Acushnet, MA USA -- Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 10:39 (PDT)

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Can anyone explain to me why Leo DeCaprio would be among the first honorees in Shakespeare's Hall of Fame? With so many other classic Shakespearian actors alive? What am I missing?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: He's a fine actor who has received recognition for his work, but certainly his connection to Shakespeare pales in comparison to the others who are mentioned in the article. I imagine if you're planning an event that is open to the public you might want to book and publicize someone that has a large public following. They are "inducting" Patrick Stewart and Kenneth Branagh and Laurence Olivier as well but one of them is dead and the other two don't draw the crowds that Leonardo would. They might be able to convince hime to appear at the opening. It does seem to be a puzzling choice, given his limited association with the bard, but from the publicity angle it makes perfect sense to me.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 9:01 (PDT)

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A couple of bits: More footage from yesterday's Award Show (speaking of which -- the BAFTAs are this weekend and Judi is not nominated). Hers is the last interview in the clip.

Also Judi and Leonardo DiCaprio, among others, are set to enter the Shakespeare Hall of Fame when it opens on April 9th, this year.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 8:32 (PDT)

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Lovely, Bonnie! She must have developed cramps for signing so graciously all those photos! Thanks for posting it.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Thursday, February, 2009 at 7:26 (PDT)

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Here's a YouTube video of Judi's arrival at the London Critics Award Presentation at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 20:08 (PDT)

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How nice for Judi. I wonder what the little green circle is on her dress.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I don't know for sure, but... -- judging from what is behind her -- it has something to do with NSPCC. So I looked that up and when I see that has something to do with child abuse prevention, I'm guessing Judi would be quick to support it. And since these are labeled as "the only film awards that raise money for charity" I think that that's probably the answer to your question. But I could be wrong.

And while I'm at it, I also looked up Dilys Powell, who was a film critic.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 15:27 (PDT)

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<

British actress Judi Dench was given the Dilys Powell award at the 29th Annual London Film Critics' Circle Awards in London, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009. Awards bestowed by the London Film Critics' Circle recognise the best in British
and international film talent and are the only film awards that raise money for charity.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 15:09 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

I seem to remember someone asking if Geoffrey Palmer's voice could be heard during the "Pink Panther 2" trailers shown in theaters prior to "Quantum of Solace" viewings. Evidently, that person heard correctly. A cast list ... available at the IMDB website lists Geoffrey playing the character of "Joubert". The movie opens this weekend (February 6).

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY, USA -- Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 15:38 (PDT)

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At first glance, Rage, the new film by Sally Potter which premieres in competition at the Berlin film festival next week, is a familiar beast. A murder-mystery set in the fashion houses of Manhattan, it boasts a starry, Brit-heavy ensemble, with Jude Law in drag to play mysterious supermodel Minx and real-life model Lily Cole as vulnerable starlet Lettuce Leaf.

Your mind would be forgiven for wandering back to Gosford Park, Robert Altman's virtuoso country house whodunnit, or even The Cat's Meow, a lavishly befrocked tale of slaughter set aboard a luxury yacht and featuring Eddie Izzard (also present and correct in Rage) as Charlie Chaplin.

But Rage's real target, it turns out, is not the rag trade -- though Potter, speaking on the phone from Paris, can't resist a little dig at "an industry that reduces people to things, that puts profits above all else".

Instead, Rage is an examination of the power of the internet and the age of compulsive confession; a warning shot at an info-saturated environment which confers power on cyber-savvy youngsters, leaving adults hostages of their own ignorance, and their desire to bare their souls.

"What we see these days," she says, "is a lot of false confession. A desire to speak the truth that people confuse with saying how you feel in the moment. Unless there's a real honesty and articulateness that isn't about clamouring for fame then all this is meaningless. But it's what you see, everyday, all round, all the time."

The seeds of Potter's interest in all things online were sown when she was promoting her previous film, Yes, a typically avant-garde romance between a Middle Eastern man and a western woman. Through her website blog, Potter became creepingly aware of previously-untapped potential for debate and interaction.

"People shared their stories, got involved in very long discussion threads. They talked about the way Middle Eastern men had become demonised; what the difference was between an Arabic and a Lebanese man. And these discussions really took me by surprise. It was so liberating and educative. I discovered a completely different way of communicating with an audience. Before they were just anonymous -- an imaginary animal."

Does she think that film-makers have been slow in reacting to the evolution of the internet?

"Probably, yes. But I think it's partly because a feature film has an identity as an object -- attention clusters around it -- whereas the way things travel on the internet is much more amorphous and hidden. If you're not in it you don't know it's there. So it's a mix of mass communication and of secrecy."

Rage was shot on a digital camera in a faux-naif style designed to look like something that could conceivably have been knocked out by a teenager on their Mac. This quest for authenticity had the handy by-product of keeping costs down -- something crucial, Potter thinks, not just for maximising potential profit, but also its commercial appeal.

"I think there is a growing appetite for films that don't flaunt their budgets, for a no-waste aesthetic, a sort of 'poor cinema'. Rage is skeletal, really; elemental. And so it goes back to the roots of the relationship between the audience and the actor."

It's a communication, Potter thinks, that's been muddied recently.

"There's been an almost addictive appetite for greater and greater effects and thrills, to the degree where you can't feel anything any more. The too-muchness of it all has a numbing effect. It's only when you strip things back and feel this spaciousness that you can really begin to see and hear because you're not flooded with overstimulation."

Time will tell if Rage's no-frills style is embraced by the Berlin jury, but Potter's cast certainly welcomed the challenge -- and the exposure. "I loved it," says John Leguizamo. "It was super-indulgent and narcissistic for me. Here I was alone with the director and no other actor siblings to argue or fight for attention with. The camera was always on me."

Judi Dench calls Rage "without question, the most unusual piece of work I've ever done". It's a sentiment echoed by Adriana Barraza, who calls the making of Rage "one of the great experiences that I've had in my 37 years as an actress".

But a more cautious note is sounded by Dianne Wiest. "I remember telling Sally while we were shooting how relieved I felt to be a part of her revolution," she says. "How good it felt even if it was only imaginary."

This interview with Sally Potter (who is pictured above) was from the Guardian, UK. To see the members of the cast -- including the glorious Eddie Izzard and Jude Law in drag, click the link.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 8:49 (PDT)

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If you're in the neighborhood next week, stop by the Berlin International Film Festival for the screenings of Rage. Or just be like me and visit the website.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 8:46 (PDT)

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Much as we would all love to see more of the Hardcastles and their grandchildren, I think we should resign ourselves to the fact that there will be no more. It is probably best this way--leave them wanting more. There were several people on this site who voiced their displeasure at the last season of ATGB, calling it rushed, bad writing, etc. And in all honesty, the reunion specials were not up to the best of ATGB--silly and forced in many ways.

What might be fun would be a reunion of the cast, just sitting together and remembering the fun and good times of creating ATGB and the bloopers. Perhaps they would consider doing something like that.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Now that sounds to me like a good idea, Joan.

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 16:02 (PDT)

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Will they ever make another ATGB? My wife and I really enjoy the reruns, even though we've seen them numerous times; you never get tired of them. Can anyone talk the stars of the show into making just one more? Dealing with Grand Children would make a great show. Come on, Please, just one more!!!!!!!!!!

George
Unknown -- Friday, January 30, 2009 at 16:40 (PDT)

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And more thanks to Jan for sending the YouTube links to some out-takes from Cranford. And here are some more.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 8:26 (PDT)

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Thanks to Jan for sending me a review of Tons of Money, the play which stars Finty.

For those of you who have been following the fight of Judi and other protesters with respect to the proposed eco-towns near Shakespeare's birthplace, a judge has ruled that the government has done nothing wrong and planning can continue. There are many more references on Google about the issue: just look up Dench eco-towns.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 17:13 (PDT)

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Marisetta--I agree with you 100 per cent. That is a very funny scene which I have always believed happened accidentally and the reaction of both Lionel and Jean was simply too good to be left out.

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 8:12 (PDT)

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Joan in PA: in the same episode you mention, there is another scene that I find delightfully funny; when Lionel comes back in the car after realizing that they are on the wrong way and he tries fastening the seat-belt: he pulls several times too hard and the belt blocks and the more he tries the more he gets mad and the more the belt blocks, and Jean bursts out laughing. I really believe that was not in the script and the director decided to leave it because it is so natural and so funny that the whole scene gains from it. Don't you think so?

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Friday, January 23, 2009 at 17:58 (PDT)

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This is not a favorite episode, but rather a favorite moment. In the episode where Jean and Lionel decide to leave at 3 a.m. in order to avoid the "county set", Sandy points out that if they go down early, they'll have to stay indoors the whole time, lest they be seen. Jean attempts to rebut this, but can't. Watching her face and mouth move as she tries to bring out some words, of which there are none, is hilarious each time I see it.

Joan in PA
USA -- Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 12:50 (PDT)

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I love Tolkien, so I'm anxious to try the YouTube connection when I have more time!

It's funny how we hear things differently. I always thought Penny said "Ilona", an unusual name for an English person, but a major character (and even a song) from the Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick musical, She Loves Me (and, I think, its "parent" movie, Ernst Lubitsch's The Shop Around the Corner set in a Hungarian shop). Both original movie and the musical are wonderful and charming, by the way.

Nancy
NY USA -- Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:27 (PDT)

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Nancy, NY Joan, my granddaughter calls me Nana, which is a common name for grandmothers here in the South.

Mary
Baton Route, LA USA -- Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:19 (PDT)

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I have always understood that to be "a nona" which might be a pet name for an elderly aunt or grandmother, who has a few burned out bulbs in the chandelier. Lots of grandmothers on this country are referred to affectionately as Nana.

Joan in PA
USA -- Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 5:45 (PDT)

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Is Nine still filming? When do rehersals for Madame de Sade begin? I thought filmig had finished on Judi birthday with the shooting of the last dance scenes and with Judi singing.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: According to imdb.com, as of last week Nine (not scheduled to premiere until November 25th of this year) was still filming and I have no idea what Judi did on her birthday with respect to that film. Similarly, I know that the de Sade performance begins on March 13th, but I have no idea when, exactly, they plan to start rehearsals.

Stephanie Perry < stepperry2008@yahoo.com >
Arcadia, Ca USA -- Monday, January 19, 2009 at 20:44 (PDT)

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Hello!

Can anyone solve a mystery for me? In the episode where Penny comes to stay at Jean's home, with suitcases in tow, Penny mentions that she could have stayed with an "owner" but the place or person was "going peculiar." Jean repeats this to Lionel a few minutes later. I haven't a clue to what she is talking about! I tried a search for the scene and the word, but still the mystery remains. What was Penny talking about?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: It is mentioned twice in Season 4, Episode 4. She first mentions it when she goes to the employment agency -- she says she needs to be with family and that Jean is the closest thing she's got to family (except for Anona who has gone a bit peculiar). Later when Jean brings Penny home she explains this to Lionel, but does not elaborate on who Anona is. If you have the DVD you can turn on the subtitles to see the spelling of the name.

Denise
Berrett, MD USA -- Monday, January 19, 2009 at 20:03 (PDT)

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Interested in JRR Tolkien? If you are, you might want to see a 12 part documentary narrated by Dame Judi that was posted yesterday at YouTube. Click on the link to start.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, January 19, 2009 at 8:37 (PDT)

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I was doing a bit of research on the appearance that Judi made on Morecombe & Wise and there are quite a few references to it on the internet. Agreement seems to be that the date of the broadcast was October 18, 1978, which puts Judi in her mid-forties at the time, although she looks quite a bit younger.

I came across Judi's biography which I have read many times and I find something that strikes me as interesting every time I read it. This time I found the sentence: At Nottingham Playhouse, she put a notice on the box-office saying "Judi Dench is not ill - she just talks like this" and would also send herself up in 1968, when appearing on the Morecambe & Wise Show. So either she did more than one appearance on the show or this biography has the date wrong. I did read several reviews of the Morecambe & Wise DVD which described the show that was posted on YouTube and the Jekyll & Hyde Sketch was the one done in 1978.

Also I didn't realize that Judi had a history with Daniel Day-Lewis -- she appears with him in the movie Nine . Out of curiosity, after I read about it in Judi's biography I went to his entry at the same site and read about the nervous breakdown he experienced which forced him to leave the stage production of Hamlet in which Judi played his mother, Gertrude.

I think that those of you who are big fans of Judi's, but who are unfamiliar with Judi's history in the theatre might might enjoy reading this biography, which was written by Dominic Wills. Almost everything contained in it is addressed elsewhere on this site, but certainly not in such a linear way.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, January 16, 2009 at 15:43 (PDT)

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Delicious tidbits, Bonnie! Re.: favourites again: I love the scene when, after the lecture in Norwich, Jean and Lionel are waiting for their rides, Jean with Alistair to the hotel for a nightcap, and Lionel back to Denise's home; Lionel tells Jean: "You won't be silly, will you?" and she replies: "No sillier than you!" I crack up every time I watch it again.

Keep it up, Bonnie!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Friday, January 16, 2009 at 13:25 (PDT)

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I don't know if you had heard this before, but all episodes of ATGB are now available on the "view instantly" list for Netflix subscribers in the US. This is great as you can watch any episode you want on your computer! I've been a fan for years and am thrilled that I can watch my favorites (all the weddings and the "Paris" episode) any time.

Gretchen
Riverside, RI USA -- Friday, January 16, 2009 at 8:58 (PDT)

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Some Tidbits: Here's a plug for one of our own readers -- known on YouTube as Mymra -- who has been a poster of Judi Dench clips for some time. Yesterday she posted some of Judi's appearance on the Morecambe & Wise show. So if you have some free time, grab a snack and watch these wonderful clips. Judi, of course will be opening in London at the Donmar in March and will be doing a sequel to Cranford, which is scheduled to run at Christmastime at the end of the year. The film in which she co-stars -- Nine -- will open in November of this year. And Rage will be premiering in Berlin next month. Lots of irons in the fire.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, January 16, 2009 at 8:26 (PDT)

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Hi Everyone, Back to favorite episodes, funny thing is that over the years mine changes! I watched the episode where Lionel has his book signing (not usually one of my favorites) but I found his character to be completely out of character...he was so sweet to the lady who wanted it signed "with affection"...not his usual curmudgeon-y self at all! I was pleasantly suprised to find myself smiling while watching---goes to show you that this show never tires and you can always find something new --even while watching for the, I dunno, MILLIONTH time!

Sherry
Macon GA USA -- Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 18:28 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

I just wanted to once again let everyone know that there is a group of fans going to London to see Dame Judi perform in Madame de Sade on Saturday April 25th. It is not too late for others to join with us. There are some available show tickets in the group. If anyone is interested they can contact me for the full information. Email address: ncpryor56@hotmail.com

Glenda
USA -- Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 13:02 (PDT)

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What a surprise to see Lysette Anthony in this play, along with Finty and Janet Henfrey. She's a great character actress, (her aunt is actress Sarah Miles) and she's also worked with Phil Bretherton in "Murder in Suburbia", a British series that featured 2 women detectives, solving crimes in hour episodes. She played his wife, socialite Beth Whitmore, and Phil was her husband, Philip Whitmore, the surgeon. Outside of Alastair, this was one of his best roles. It had a great script and casting. I think this is his true persona. I'd love to see them work together once again.

Dee
Chicago, IL USA -- Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 17:54 (PDT)

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I went along to the first night of "Tons of Money" at Malvern Festival theatre last night and to my surprise, and delight, Janet Henfrey has taken over the role of Miss Mullet in this production. A role not completely disimilar to Mrs Bales, but looking more glamorous :D Finty played the housemaid, Simpson, she didn't have as much stage time as some of the others but she was very funny, particularly when paired with Christopher Timothy who was playing her love interest - the butler, Sproules. I've included some scans from the programme if any guestbook readers were interested.

I believe the production is also going to the following places if anyone wanted to go along and see it themselves:

19 Jan -- 24 Jan Richmond Theatre, Richmond
26 Jan -- 31 Jan Theatre Royal, Plymouth
02 Feb -- 07 Feb King's Theatre, Edinburgh
09 Feb -- 14 Feb Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford

NOTE FROM BONNIE: This comment was sent to me by someone who did not sign it, but I'm very grateful for the scans and know we all appreciate it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 9:51 (PDT)

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It's good to see Judi relaxing and enjoying herself on her day off in Rome. I'm surprised "Nine" is still in production. She won't have much of a break before she has to start rehearsals for Madame de Sade. I wish I had her energy.

Mary
Baton Rouge, La USA -- Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 15:23 (PDT)

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Bonnie, Thanks for the great photos. Must of been nice for her to have a day off and just relax. Thank you for posting the picture!

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA -- Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 13:03 (PDT)

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Bonnie, Rome is my hometown. I was tremendously excited to see Judi shopping in my "own" flea market!

Thank you for posting the picture!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 9:58 (PDT)

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Bonnie, thanks for all the interesting photos in recent days. You take good care of all of us.

Joan in PA
USA -- Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 8:44 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

thank you sooooo much for sharing! What a nice surprise to see Judi just walking there and looking for something special :) Great photos! I wish i were in Rome now :))) Greetings from snowy Warsaw, Poland!

Poli N.
Warsaw, Poland -- Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 2:18 (PDT)

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Dear Bonnie,

I've just discovered "As Time Goes By" and I absolutely love it! It airs every Saturday evening on KAET PBS in Arizona, USA. If I'm not at home on Saturday evenings, I definitely record it. It's a feel good show that lifts my spirits. The whole cast is charming especially Geoffrey Palmer and Judi Dench. I just want to say thanks to all that were involved in creating the show so I can have the joy of watching it.

A new fan,

Tina
Coolidge, Arizona, USA -- Monday, January 12, 2009 at 18:13 (PDT)

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This evening I watched Laura Linney interviewed on Inside the Actor's Studio. I have great respect for her as an actor. James Lipton said to her: "You have said there are good actors, and then there are "The touched ones. The ones who live on another planet". Who are they? She replied: Meryl Streep, Sean Penn, Daniel Day-Lewis and Judi Dench. I agree!

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Monday, January 12, 2009 at 17:49 (PDT)

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On her day off from filming Nine, Judi Dench was spotted shopping for jewelry and fur accessories in Rome's Porta Portese.
Click here to see more photos.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, January 12, 2008 at 5:10 (PDT)

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Judi and Daniel Day-Lewis
More photos of the pair, hopefully in costume for their roles in Nine.

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One of my favorite episodes of ATGB is one of the very earliest in the first season when Lionel goes to give a lecture and the audience accuses him of being an elephant killer. The sight of that inflatable elephant on the top of his "girlfriend's" car always makes me laugh. I also get a kick out of the way Jean handles Alistair as he tries to seduce her. She puts him in his place while still maintaining her composure and sense of humor.

Mary
Baton Rouge, LA USA -- Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 15:31 (PDT)

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Count me in as somebody who is crazy about "The Songs of Kenya" episode. And, Joan, I think you're right about Moira going off-script with her video comment. It's priceless.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 7:51 (PDT)

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Regarding the Songs of Kenya, by Lionel Hardcastle--that was one time when I was sure that Moira (Judith) went totally off script. When she said, "And if Lionel does the video--", her cracking up with laughter seemed absolutely genuine.

Joan in PA
USA -- Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 9:39 (PDT)

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Happy New Year to everybody! With reference to the favourite episodes, has anybody mentioned "the songs of Kenya by Lionel Hardcastle"? or Lionel's battles against the computer age? I think those episodes are hilarious!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at 13:26 (PDT)

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Bonnie: Assuming that the 2/25/99 date on the website is the date of its founding, are you planning anything in the way of a tenth anniversary celebration in the upcoming month?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Actually the website began in August of 1998. I mentioned it previously, so there's nothing to celebrate at the moment except the New Year, which --I hope -- will be a better one for everyone. On that date in February of 1999 I used a new counter, but the site had already been active for half a year.

Joan in PA
USA -- Monday, January 5, 2009 at 8:47 (PDT)

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Marla, often when pouring myself a cup of tea, I am reminded of the scene in the restaurant, early in the series, where Lionel thinks he has outsmarted the closed bar and orders a "pot of China Tea; that's China Tea," believing it to be code for Brandy in a tea pot. The expression on Jean's face as tea pours out of the spout is priceless. "It's tea!" she says.

Joan in PA
USA -- Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 8:45 (PDT)

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Whenever I cannot quite hear my wife saying something, I usually respond with 'something about oysters??', or just 'oysters??' as shorthand. Which of course is the episode where the girls think Lionel is going deaf! Very handy when you're starting to approach 'mature years'..LOL

Mike T.
New York, NY, USA -- Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 20:12 (PDT)

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Quick question I forgot to put in the last email. I know Judi is nominated fo a Golden Globe award just want to know when they will be on tv. Also, has anyone read or heard if Judi will be there?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Cameron Diaz, Jessica Lange and Chris Rock have been set as presenters at 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards to be telecast live on NBC Sunday, January 11 at The Beverly Hilton. They join previously announced presenters Simon Baker, Drew Barrymore, Glenn Close, Sacha Baron Cohen, Aaron Eckhart, Laurence Fishburne, Ricky Gervais, Jake Gyllenhaal, Salma Hayek, Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez, Amy Poehler and Seth Rogen.

Steven Spielberg will receive this year's Cecil B. DeMille Award from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for his "outstanding contribution to the entertainment field."

The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards will be broadcast live on NBC at 8 p.m. (EST) and produced by Dick Clark Productions in association with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The program will be seen in more than 160 countries worldwide and is one of the few awards ceremonies that span both television and motion picture achievements.

Once again, I have no idea what her schedule for that period of time looks like. If she's in the LA area I imagine she'll be there.

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA -- Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 18:13 (PDT)

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Not long ago there was a thread on here about what is your favorite episode. Well, I just finished watching one if not the one of mine. The one where Jean feels her life is mundane and Lionel along with the help of Judi, Sandy and Alistair surprise her with the trip to Barbados. I especially like the end when he surprises her with a copy of the letter he wrote to her from Korea that she never got.

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA -- Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 18:06 (PDT)

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This morning I was listening to an "oldies" station and one of the selections was Johnny Ray singing "Walking My Baby Back Home." That brought to mind one of my favorite ATGB scenes. Jean and Lionel are browsing in a record store when he finds that record, leading to a discussion of how the lyric "powder all over my vest" confused him since vest means different things in the UK and US. Jean even sings a bit of the lyrics. It was such fun, just to stop what I was doing and remember that episode, which I also love because it's our introduction to Penny.

Do any of you have this kind of experience, where something in "real life" reminds you of an ATGB scene? I can't believe I'm the only one!

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Saturday, January 3, 2009 at 16:01 (PDT)

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Joan,

Thanks for telling me how to find information about custard tarts. I searched through the entries and found one recipe that looked fairly simple. I am NOT a very good baker, but decided to make some for Christmas Eve. They came out great and were delicious. My husband and I each ate three of them! I'm anxious to serve them to my daughters tomorrow when they come for New Year's lunch.

Mary
Baton Rouge, LA USA -- Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 22:08 (PDT)

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Bonnie, We found custard tarts at Marks and Spencer's food stores in London. They come in a pack of 4 each in the cooler section, not the frozen section.

LeeAnna
San Diego, CA USA -- Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at 15:34 (PDT)

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Mary, you have a real treat in store. Go through the archives or type in "custard tarts" in the search box on Bonnie's site. You will be amazed at the amount of time and space used as one or the other of our band of faithful viewers tried to track them down in England. Good luck!

And a very happy and prosperous New Year to all those of us who visit this site and who thank Bonnie for her work at keeping it going. Thanks, Bonnie.

Joan in PA
USA -- Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 18:26 (PDT)

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My daughters gave me the complete series of both ATGB and The Vicar of Dibley for Christmas. I have been watching ATGB non-stop since Christmas Day and have become addicted. I had never seen the entire series in order before and had not realized how many episodes I had missed. Seeing all the episodes in chronological order has given me insight into the characters and inside jokes that I didn't know before. I also have found out that my 23-year-old niece is a big fan of ATGB and we are planning to have an all-day marathon soon. I've noticed that Lionel mentions his custard tarts in every episode. Does anyone know if they ( or a similar product) are available here in the States?

Mary
Baton Rouge, LA USA -- Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 14:29 (PDT)

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To the person who posted that ATGB is being taken off where they live in Nashville. They did that here with one of the PBS stations I get. I live in the NY area, and eventually they put it back on. I forget how long it was off for though. Maybe a year or more, but they did eventually bring it back, I think a few months ago now.

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA -- Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 19:19 (PDT)

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ATGB has been shown here in Nashville, on public television very Saturday evening, but apparently will soon be replaced by another British sitcom. I HOPE this is not the case, we will really miss the Hardcastles!

No Name
Tennessee USA -- Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 10:11(PDT)

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I just read the comment about the passing of Kathy Staff of Last of the Summer Wine. While I prefer ATGB I must say that LOTSW tends to grow on one. After all, its all "feel good" comedy that most of us yearn for. Thanks for the continuation of this wonderful site.

Roger
Texas USA -- Friday, December 26, 2008 at 22:07 (PDT)

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Hi All
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Liz <Lizbarr@fireflyuk.net>
Midlothian, Scotland -- Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at 14:27 (PDT)

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Finty is back to get you laughing

FINTY Williams last performed on a Worcestershire stage back in 1994. Fourteen years on, the daughter of Dame Judi Dench will return to Malvern Theatres next month to make people laugh. The actress - who now has her own teenage son to bring up - is starring in the 1920s farce Tons of Money, a story of cash, class and romance. "I play a maid," said Williams. "I've played quite a few maids and we get all the good lines." Williams trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama, London, and is well known for voicing the beloved children's character Angelina Ballerina. Great comic timing has seen her perform light-hearted roles on stages across the UK. But does she long to be a more serious actress? "I often think I'd really love to go on stage, pulling my hair and wailing, but then you hear people laugh. I believe that if you can make one person who might have a really bad day sit down in a theatre and laugh, then it's worth it. "I'd love to do a musical," she said. "My training was actually in musical theatre." The week Tons of Money, also starring Christopher Timothy and Mark Curry, comes to Malvern, Williams' latest film is released. Waiting in Rhyme features poetry and will raise money for Macmillan Cancer. "What the Macmillan nurses do is quite phenomenal," she said. "I discovered that when my father (actor Michael Williams) was dying." Filming took place in Bromsgrove earlier this year and it was the second time Williams worked with Worcestershire producer Martin Nigel Davey. In this 20-minute movie she plays a pregnant woman. Tons of Money runs from Tuesday, January 13, to Saturday, January 17. For tickets call Malvern Theatres box office on 01684 892277. ****** More News about Judi Dench: Judi has more award news. Not only was she not nominated in the category Best Performance by a Human Female in the Spike TV 2008 Video Game Awards but in her role as "M" she lost out to Jenny McCarthy who played "Tonya" in Red Alert 3 in the category "Big Name in the Game Female." ****** In other, more familiar news Judi is up for another award: she will receive the Dilys Powell Award for outstanding contribution to cinema - named in honour of the distinguished film critic of the Sunday Times and Punch, who died in 1995. The award will be given by the London Critics' Circle. Broadcasters Mariella Frostrup and Paul Gambaccini will host next year's ceremony -- The 29th London Critics� Circle Film Awards, sponsored by First Direct, in aid of the children's charity NSPCC will take place Feb. 4, 2009 at London's Grosvenor House Hotel. ****** I neglected to mention the actresses who were nominated for a Golden Globe award in the same category with Dame Judi, so I'll fix that now: They were: Catherine Keener - AN AMERICAN CRIME, Laura Linney - JOHN ADAMS, Shirley Maclaine - COCO CHANEL, and Susan Sarandon - BERNARD AND DORIS. ****** Somewhat predictably Judi feels you should go take a walk in the woods. In other odd news: Emma Thompson was quoted as saying "I auditioned this year for Rob Marshall for Nine. I didn't bloody get the job. That bitch Judi Dench did." (She was joking). ****** Lastly, I wanted to acknowledge Margaret LaFontaine of Clearfield, KY for sending a comment and link regarding the Dilys Powell Award. I didn't post it because I already had this comment in the works, but I encourage anyone who sees something I don't to let me know about it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, December 19, 2008 at 10:17 (PDT)

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I have been reading the comments about the new Bond film and I find it quite humorous that our local paper gave it a full page review and rated it four stars. Maybe we are like that potato farmer in Idaho Lionel was counting on to make his mini-series a success.

Linda <graylrrl@msn.com>
Johnston, IA USA -- Monday, December 15, 2008 at 11:08 (PDT)

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Hi Bonnie

A merry Christmas to you & yours, your website is a daily dose of Christmas to me! Since everyone is chipping in with another round of favorite scenes, here is my two cents...when Lionel surprises Jean with the "lost letter" found at the Imperial War Musuem and the theme music is playing in the background...I thought that is one of the best scenes Ive ever seen in any tv show!

Merry Christmas to all the ATGB faithful!

John Roy
Acushnet, MA USA -- Monday, December 15, 2008 at 6:54 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

I hope you don't mind. I know this site is about ATGB and Judi and all but I was looking at the list of other BritComs for sale on DVD that you have listed and have to bring up something I saw today on the internet. It has to do with the cast of Last of the Summer Wine. I was readinig a British paper here on the net and saw that Kathy Staff who played Nora Batty has passed away at 80 years of age after a short illness. It says she did 243 episodes her last one being this past August. I also saw that the actor who played Foggy passed away a few months ago. I don't know about the rest of you but I enjoy that show very much also. One of the pieces I read had a statement by the actor who plays Clegg that they don't know if they will do any more shows. He went on to say that if they did she will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband and 2 children I think it said.

I do agree it won't be the same without Nora Batty around.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I must admit I've never been able to sit thru even one episode of that show. It was on here in the Las Vegas area for years and I always watched something else, so I have no idea who these people are, except that one night I was watching a retrospective on AYBS and saw that Frank Thornton (Captain Peacock) was a regular in the series. I'm sure that while I'm not familiar with the cast of Last of the Summer Wine, there are plenty of others who drop in often who are familiar with those people that you have mentioned.

We have what I think is a wonderful lineup now with Keeping Up Appearances, Are You Being Served?, As Time Goes By and Vicar of Dibley. Last night was the show in which Jean was accused of shoplifting, which contained one of my favorite scenes: the one in which Jean was trying to figure out how many people would be able to fit into her home. And the Vicar of Dibley had it's 10 Year Anniversary Show with Rachel Hunter. I enjoyed it so much that I just watched it again and am now in the middle of watching the New Year's Show, which is on the same DVD. I'm really looking forward to watching all the out-takes and then watching the one in which Geraldine gets married, which is on yet another DVD. Another of my favorites is Waiting for God, but since I do have all the episodes of these series on tape I really never lack for something to see. So no, I am not bothered if you talk about something which relates to ATGB only in the sense that it is an example of a well-known BritCom. I've learned about many others from reading my own site -- A Fine Romance is one of them.

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA -- Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 16:50 (PDT)

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And now for something completely different: A feast of meatballs in a furniture store cafe is not the obvious choice of fare for a woman feted as one of the best actress of her generation. But apparently Dame Judi Dench, who plays M in the James Bond spy films, is somewhat partial to popping into Croydon's Ikea store to sample the Swedish delicacy. Celebrity gossip newsletter Popbitch has revealed the Oscar-winning actress has been spotted at the Purley Way shop "on occasion" as "her daughter lives nearby". It added: "Kitchen staff say she likes the meatballs." When The Advertiser approached Ikea, a spokeswoman said: "We are delighted to hear that our IKEA meatball fan club has another member." She added the meatballs -- called Kottbullar -- can be purchased at the cafe in sets of 10, 15 or 20. They come with a cream sauce called Graddsas and boiled potatoes or french fries, plus lingonberry jam.

I must say that I enjoyed the comments more than I did the story, although I think the meatballs are quite good. I can only imagine how many meatballs would have clogged the British mail system had this story been run prior to her birthday. In fact, this might be one of the most ridiculous things I've posted, but it made me laugh and that's always a good thing. For those of you who are interested in truth, the picture is not of one an actual IKEA meatball. I just found it on the internet.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 8:29 (PDT)

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Some of the competing films at the 2009 Berlin Film Festival have been announced and they include Sally Potter's Rage.

The 59th Berlin International Film Festival will open on February 5, 2009 with the world premiere of the US-German co-prodution The International.

From Sally Potter's Website:

Cinetic Media and 6 Sales join forces to handle worldwide sales on Sally Potter's upcoming film, RAGE.

With a star-studded line-up that includes Jude Law, Judi Dench, Dianne Wiest, John Leguizamo, Simon Abkarian and Steve Buscemi, the film is a bitterly funny expose of the inner lives of individuals working at a New York fashion house -- as if shot by a schoolboy on his cellphone camera -- over seven days in which an accident on the runway becomes a murder investigation.

Cinetic will be handling U.S. sales, while world sales will be a 6 Sales/Cinetic joint effort. "We are pleased to have this opportunity to collaborate with Cinetic, and importantly, with a world class filmmaker like Sally Potter." says 6 Sales founder and co-managing partner, Enrique Posner.

"So many of the elements we value are present in this alliance with Sally Potter and 6Sales for RAGE," says Cinetic Media's Bart Walker, "A strong and iconic artist on the cutting edge of technology, a provocative and entertaining movie with a wonderful cast, and a dynamic approach to sales in which the filmmakers' point of view will be central."

And from her latest blog entry:

RAGE is nearly done. The picture is locked and I am about to go to Paris to finish mixing the sound with Vincent Tulli (who mixed YES) and then, in January, to make a 35mm print with Digimage.

Of course in reality RAGE will not be 'done' until the first public screening....the audience makes it gel, somehow, with the first collective response. It is only then that I ever begin to truly sense what I have made...

I am happy that the premiere will be in Berlin. It was at this festival, always in the chilly winter months, that I saw my first films on a big screen. Thriller and The Gold Diggers were screened as part of the Forum section, organised so expertly and lovingly by the great cineastes Ulrich and Erica Gregor.

Berlin has other significance for me as well; it was the name of a performance series made with Rose English in the years before I made Thriller; an audience followed each episode for a month in a London squat, on an ice-rink and in a swimming pool. At one point our chorus of men stood on a mantlepiece above a blazing fire. Why was the piece called Berlin? The word evoked wild cabaret, political schizophrenia, ghosts, creative daring, political repression, music, and above all the wall. A sense of place with an unparalleled atmosphere, both sinister and inviting.

Now it is transformed, a city that attracts artists, dancers, musicians and money; it is still a beautiful place to visit when the cold is biting, and the spirit of the old Berlin can be found in dark corners, glittering bars, echoing train stations.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, December 14, 2008 at 8:00 (PDT)

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We have been having the sales pitch here in Ohio also, I always worry that our show will not be in the line-up when the normal schedule resumes!

To favorite show, one of mine is the scene where Lionel is using the oars on the lake or trying to! I love it, and when they are eating, or having a drink, Lionel talks about what they used to be able to do and I believe that he invites her to visit his father at the end of this episode.

Diane
Ohio USA -- Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 19:09 (PDT)

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I just realized that the night the Golden Globes are given out will be the 7th Anniversary of the death of Michael Williams, husband of our beloved Dame Judi. Will she attend?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I really have no idea what her schedule is like.

patti7196@aol.com
Georgetown, TX USA -- Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 18:23 (PDT)

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LOVELY WEBSITE. I WATCH 3-4 "JEAN & LIONEL" ESPISODES EVERY NIGHT AFTER WORK. (I HAVE THE ENTIRE SET) THEY ARE LIKE FAMILY AND IF THE WONDERFUL ACTORS AND ACTRESSES EVER KNEW HOW MUCH THEY ARE LOVED THEY WOULD MAKE AT LEAST ONE MORE EPISODE. SIMPLY THE BEST SITCOM EVER!!!

NANCY MARICICH
CHARLESTON, SC USA -- Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 15:30 (PDT)

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The Golden Globe Nominations were announced this morning and Judi has been nominated as lead actress for Cranford...

NOTE FROM BONNIE: As Sharon mentioned Judi was nominated for a Golden Globe for her work in Cranford. I must admit that I thought I was looking at an old headline when I was bombarded this morning with alerts about the nomination. Of course she lost the Emmy to Laura Linney earlier in the year. She probably has a better chance to win the Golden Globe since the voters represent the Foreign Press, she's a former winner and well known worldwide. That, and the Golden Globe awards are notoriously off-the-wall. Essentially they throw a big party and everyone attends and eats and drinks and many winners are stunned to find themselves accepting the award. That's just my opinion. You can stick Dench Golden Globe and Cranford in any search engine and you will receive more than enough references.

Sharon Breden
San Jose USA -- Thursday, December 11, 2008 at 10:30 (PDT)

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A short interview during which Judi dispells 007 rumor.
(Also a few more interviews on that page.)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, December 8, 2008 at 9:53 (PDT)

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Bonnie - I so much have enjoyed reading everyone's favorite Judi scene from ATGB. My all-time favorite is from Season 3 when Jean and Lionel cannot decide whether to live together and Penny & Stephen come for a visit; well Jean tells them that Lionel's at the hospital because he's sprained his ankle. He shows up at the door and she tells him to "Put your foot up love" and he says "Thanks love" and pats her butt as she bends up from having placed a cushion on the coffee table. She gives him such a startled look! That cracks me up every time I see it. I have the complete set on DVD but still watch it every Saturday night on our local PBS station. I check this web-site every day - I'm addicted to this, too! Thanks so much!

Deborah Brown
Altoona, PA USA -- Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 17:42 (PDT)

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Here's a lovely reaction shot of Judi at the awards ceremony last night. She looked wonderful and a bit overwhelmed.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 16:38 (PDT)

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Bonnie, the video is lovely. She looks great and visibly moved. I loved the protracted standing ovation she received. During the past several days I have been reading everybody's "favourites" and I concur with all of them, plus some more that pop into my head, like the changing expressions on her face when Patrick shows up at the door and says that he had now found his "father". She is amazing! Last night I started to watch the whole series all over again, beginning with the first episode. Every night I watch one episode before going to bed: it is still fresh and new even after having seen it so many times, and also it is the most relaxing and soothing show I can think of. Thanks again and always for your marvelous work!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ, USA -- Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 12:12 (PDT)

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There's the Judi I know. Be sure to notice the YouTube video I linked below (near the pictures of Judi's arrival) for last night's presentation.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 7:45 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Well, we all know what "Hey Hey" means, don't we? Thanks, Joe, for the plug.

"Joe in Indiana"
USA --Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 20:29 (PDT)

Evelyn
San Diego CA, USA --Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 13:20 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA --Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 12:29 (PDT)

Britain's Dame Judi Dench poses for photographers on the red carpet as she arrives Saturday Dec. 6, 2008 for the European Film Awards 2008 ceremony in Copenhagen, Denmark. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary are among the guests invited to the award ceremony. Here's a video of the presentation. You'll notice that she appears to have changed her hair color once again.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 12:09 (PDT)

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This article, written by Baz Bamingboye for yesterday's Daily Mail, seems to sum up what Judi's been doing lately, dispels a certain rumor that most people knew to be untrue and contains reminders about her birthday (74) and this evening's presentation in Copenhagen.

An old enemy is waiting for M Judi Dench will spend some of her birthday on Tuesday singing and dancing along with Sophia Loren, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard, Kate Hudson, Fergie and Daniel Day-Lewis. It's not exactly a birthday knees-up; rather, she will be on a sound stage at Shepperton studios filming the finale of the musical Nine, which Rob Marshall has been rehearsing and shooting here since the summer. Judi plays a costume designer called Lily and for her solo spot she fantasises that she's a chanteuse and sings Folies Bergere - all the while draped in a giant red feather boa. I wondered what our nation's leading actress did with said boa. 'Never you mind!' she laughed. 'Don't ask such impertinent questions!' But she has been having a ball making the film and it's clear she adores her director, leading man and fellow actresses. She's wondering whether or not she should sew one of her rude tapestries for Day-Lewis. 'Oh, I wouldn't dare,' she said, then quickly added: 'Although he might quite like it.' Judi's sense of humour is legendary and I'm sure it will be on show in Copenhagen tomorrow night when she receives a lifetime achievement award from the European Film Awards. She's never been to Denmark but thought, perhaps, the origin of Dench was Danish. Mads Mikkelsen, who played Le Chiffre in Casino Royale, will be presenting Judi's honour. 'That's very nice: an old Bond enemy. I'm looking forward to it,' she told me. She also wanted it made clear that contrary to reports on some movie internet sites, she will continue to play spy chief M opposite Daniel Craig's James Bond for 'as long as I'm asked'. After she completes filming Nine next year, she will rehearse Madame de Sade opposite Rosamund Pike for director Michael Grandage in the Donmar West End season at Wyndham's Theatre from March 13 to May 23. Then she's back playing Miss Matty in two 90-minute Cranford television specials, to be broadcast on BBC1 at Christmas 2009.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 8:39 (PDT)

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA USA -- Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 7:26 (PDT)

Patti
Georgetown, TX USA -- Friday, December 5, 2008 at 20:45 (PDT)

My favourite scene is when Lionel and Jean get up early to leave for the country and they get lost in the dark -- when Lionel gets back into the car and tries to buckle up the belt wont go, Jean just collapses into fits of giggles (I don't think that was scripted).

I also love the scene when they are driving home from Stephen and Penny's after Penny has told them she is dying and Jean asks Lionel to pull over -- I think it was such a tender moment when she kissed him.

Liz <Lizbarr@fireflyuk.net>
USA -- Friday, December 5, 2008 at 12:49 (PDT)

Sharon
San Jose CA, USA -- Friday, December 5, 2008 at 9:09 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Come to think of it, I may have misidentified Herriott as a cat. I guess I should have read my own description of her before posting. I also probably transformed her cousin into her aunt. I grow old...

Joan in PA
USA -- Friday, December 5, 2008 at 6:02 (PDT)

It is the scene where at the end after Lionel not being able to open the pickled onions, Sandy barely turns the top and it opens and Judi starts laughing. From Sandy's reaction to her I have a feeling that was not supposed to necessarily be the reaction.

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA -- Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 19:54 (PDT)

I like Jean's double takes best of all.

My most favourite is when she goes to support Lionel who is having his picture taken for the cover of "My Life in Kenya". Jean's head whizzes round as the blonde walks in, who, according to Alistair, represents 'adventure, danger and sex', and Jean says she looks like all three to her.

Another great moment is when "Nails" disappears into the living room, having forced his way in, and on her way to the kitchen Jean realizes he's not following her, and so she whizzes to the living room behind him. Her impish behaviour is beautifully displayed when she knocks on the bathroom door and says "is anyone in there", and runs away, right after Lionel has told her he hates people who do that.

Then there's her smile behind her hand, (as the camera fades, and probably not in the script) when Penny asks if they can share their room after Stephen books their room for the wrong night after the surprise wedding anniversary party.

I could go on, but I think that's enough!

Rosemary
Nevis, West Indies -- Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 17:49 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: And, although many people seemed to have found her annoying, I always felt that Mrs. Flack was always good for a laugh -- whether it involved her sister, her cat, her late husband or his socks.

Joan in PA
USA -- Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 11:52 (PDT)

And also the scene between Lionel and "Mr. Partridge", the computer man?

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ, USA -- Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 11:11 (PDT)

My other all-time favorite has already been mentioned, where Jean and Lionel are trying to figure out how many people they can get in the living room. A perfect scene and, like Bonnie, I laugh out loud whenever I see it or think about it, like right now!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: You just reminded me of another scene I loved, Marla: the one in which Stephen tries to explain to Lionel why he is giving up reading the Sunday paper and goes on and on (and on) about it. In that same episode Lionel and Jean play Scrabble with Stephen and Penny -- Lionel offers the word furze, Penny tries (unsuccessfully) to make the word furzes, Stephen removes the "c" from cottage and tries to replace it with a "p" and Jean tries to sneak in the word flug.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 8:26 (PDT)

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 8:45 (PDT)

- the episode where everyone thinks Lionel is going deaf. During the living room scene, Lionel adamantly states "I'm not wearing an ear trumpet". Then after Jean and Lionel have both kept their respective doctor's appointments, there is a scene in the kitchen. Jean is attempting to 'covertly' look for Lionel's hearing aid, while Lionel is explaining how the doctor removed 'quite a bit of ear wax'. He throws a bag of sausages on the kitchen counter, which horrifies Jean...she thinks it is the ear wax.

- the reunion episode in which Jean and Lionel are in bed. They are discussing grandchildren and Lionel asks if the grandchildren would visit. After Jean's answer, indicating they'd visit during the holidays, etc., he lets out an exasperated "Oh, God" remark.

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY USA -- Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 8:41 (PDT)

Frayda Glass
Canton, MA USA -- Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 7:19 (PDT)

I still think that Moira, Jen, and Phil should have their own spinoff and take the show in a different direction (I have several ideas)--with Judi and Geoffrey as guests whenever they have the time.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I have no information about any plans for a Christmas show at the end of this or any other year. The producers of the show have not contacted me for more than a year and, in the past, they've used this site as a platform to announce and recruit attendees for the the taping of such an event. As for a sequel, I think it would be something that most of the readers of this site would welcome, but the feeling of the original is something that's hard to recreate and the times are hard these days for any new start up. Maybe they could test it with an internet series if the cast and crew (including Bob Larbey) are willing. More and more I see series and specials (like Web Therapy with Lisa Kudrow) that are now playing only on the internet.

Dee
Chicago, IL USA -- Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 20:10 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I certainly do, Joan. My absolute favorite moment is the scene in the family home in which Jean and Lionel discuss the plans for the wedding reception and try to determine, when Sandy and Judith come home, how many people will fit into the room. When Lionel told Jean that she would have to allow for them to be able to move around, she pushes her arms up against her sides and pretends she's smoking a cigarette. I always laugh when I think about it. I like the expressions Judi makes when she's lying -- trying to pretend she's a telephone, realizing the vacuum cleaner is unplugged, etc. I guess I'm a fan of slapstick.

Joan in PA
USA -- Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 9:57 (PDT)

	Geoffrey has been closely associated with the Iain Rennie Hospice and over this last weekend he helped the mayor of Tring open another store, known as The Harrods of Tring just yards from the original site. The shop generates more than 165,000 Pounds each year towards the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home's nursing service, which provides home care to terminally and seriously ill patients.

Maryland Public Television has an interesting article about The 20 Greatest Moments in British Comedy. This article is in its monthly newsletter, known as Tea Times. Coming in at number 10 is the moment during which Lionel proposes to Jean -- not my favorite moment, but a sentimental one surely. Their choice for number one favorite occurred in Fawlty Towers when Basil beat up on his car. If you are not registered at the site you will need to either log in or register to receive their newsletter.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 10:00 (PDT)

Forgot to post this earlier with the other one. For those of you who live in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania area or other areas and get the PBS station NJN/NJT the ATGB Reunion Special is on this Saturday at 8pm. I don't know if it will be interrupted for the pledge drive or not, I have a feeling it will but I thought I would let you all know.

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA-- Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 18:32 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA-- Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 15:04 (PDT)

Sorry for any misspellings for some reason the fingers aren't working right.

The synopsis from IMDB reads like this: After Elizabeth's husband dies, she begins to play her tenor saxophone again, and remembers when she was 15 and a member of the Blonde Bombshells, an all-girl (with one exception) swing band. Accompanied by the exception and urged on by her grand-daughter, Elizabeth hunts up all the old members of the band and urges them to perform, and in doing so, learns more than she knew about the band, its members, the roses on the drum set, and herself--the last of the Blonde Bombshells.

Judi plays Elizabeth and she was nominated for, but didn't win an Emmy for the performance. As I recall, it ran on HBO. She won a Golden Globe, though, in 2001. It was not an embarrassing film, but it wasn't one of my favorites.

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA-- Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 14:23 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 14:12 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, November 24, 2008 at 12:40 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE:

The woman's name waas Mary Whitehouse and this article might be of interest to you if you want to do further research on this issue. Also there was a good entry for her at Wikipedia. She seems to have begun her campaign long before Langrishe was presented and she continued to do so because it continued to happen.

Several of Judi's movies, which are now on DVD (including Saigon, Year of the Cat and Absolute Hell, which were pretty spicy) were made for television. (Mrs. Brown, which introduced Judi to a global audience [including myself] started out as a TV Movie but was decidedly Victorian). Going Gently and On Giant's Shoulders are also plays that appeared on television and, later, on DVD. I don't know, but I imagine they were not done live. It has always seemed to me that the Brits are less prudish than Americans when it comes to issues of a sexual nature. It is a practice of many studios to create at least two versions of their features -- one for television and one for sale, presumably to consenting adults. If there are people in the UK who saw the original production, perhaps you can tell us if the scenes that appeared in the movie version also appeared in the broadcast version.

Sue
Portland, OR, USA -- Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 9:00 (PDT)

Mary
USA -- Monday, November 24, 2008 at 12:43 (PDT)

There was an interview with Daniel Craig at the Rotten Tomatoes site and this was said about Judi (to which we might say "tell us something we don't already know"): ... evident is his pleasure in working with the actor behind M, Dame Judi Dench. When asked about her sense of humour he laughs that he has "known dirtier senses of humour but hers is pretty dirty." "I have never worked with her before. It has obviously been a dream of mine to do so and this dream has been fulfilled. Maybe we will do something serious one day but this ticks all the boxes."

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, November 24, 2008 at 9:20 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, November 24, 2008 at 8:20 (PDT)

I was curious about why in late November we have not heard more about the follow-up to Cranford (or, as it was referred to: the Christmas special). I think I've found the answer to that question and it has to do with the fact that it was announced last March that Dame Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Francesca Annis, Julia McKenzie and Jim Carter return in the popular award-winning BBC One drama about the lives of the people of Cranford, in a two-part special for Christmas 2009. I should have paid closer attention. Since no-one wrote to ask me about it, I assume you all knew. I was searching around YouTube today and I have a couple of observations: first: I haven't before seen this interview that Judi gave to Stephen Holt during the time she was promoting Mrs. Henderson Presents. Some of you may remember that hat was during the time I went to meet her in Los Angeles and I was probably pre-occupied with other things. Second thing I noticed is that the full version of Quantum of Solace is back up and accessible at YouTube, for as long as it lasts. It'll probably be gone by morning. I downloaded it last weekend and could not watch it for longer than 20 minutes. The movie opened shortly after the previous episode (Casino Royale) ended -- with a car chase and a group of people gathered in the street and demanded that you know who these characters were and what they were up against, neither of which applies to me. What DID impress me, though was that within these 20 minutes Judi was able to walk down the stairs without holding on. So all I've learned from Bond movies is that Judi is in better shape than I am.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 16:49 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I don't know anything about her current hairstyle. Last I saw she had brown hair. I know that there were people who liked it that way who probably won't be relieved if she changes it back.

Joan in PA
USA -- Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 14:23 (PDT)

Judi talks about this and what she might have done had she not become an actress. Read the interview that appeared today at the Daily News and Analysis site.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 12:27 (PDT)

Would you be so kind as to point me toward "your web site and the episode listing?" You mention it in one of your latest messages but I don't know where to find it. I clicked on Your "Archives", and after about 15 minutes of loading (and new appreciation for the length of your work on this website) was able to start reading it. I starting from the bottom up thinking the Episode listings might have been your original work. I could tell after a bit that I wasn't likely to find it that way. Please help!

Thank you.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: That certainly is a stunning question, Frayda, but I'm glad you asked.

This web site has thousands of pages and links. The main web site is AtgbCentral and the episode guides, listings, quizzes, fan pages are all my original work. Every photo (and there are hundreds of them) was taken with my computer. I am, of course, not talking about the "Curiosities" section photos or the ones which are often posted here in the Comments section -- those photos appeared on the web and the sites on which they were found are given the appropriate credit. If you look through the Curiosities section (which you can access from the home page linked above) you will see many newspaper and magazine articles. There are hundreds of articles and linked references within those pages. On the home page you can click on The Fans and read about the tapings that the Fans went to in the UK as well as the first event many of us attended in New York during the run of Amy's View in 1999. You can read about the tapings from the fans' perspective. I began the web site in 1998, but I did not start this comments page until about 2003. You can see the increase in the size of the summary (I have been called verbose) and the number and quality of the pictures over the years.

This comments page is only one of many, many hundreds of pages and that's why I have the search engine in the blue box above the comments themselves. You can search for something on the web or on atgbcentral.com. When I wanted to know about the J Cloth I went to that search engine and found the episode immediately. (As an alternative, you can go to Episode Listings on the main page and search for "neighbors" or something like that and you'll find summaries of each episode). Then you can go to the Episode Guide itself. You can find the one with ex-wife or anything else you are looking for. From that main page you can find quizzes to do, profiles of the characters. I always meant to do a profile of Daniel Ryan, who replaced David Michaels as Harry. So I just went back to The Cast and see that I never did a profile of David OR Daniel. Oh well: things to do.... Anyway on the cast page you can read my own take on the character by clicking on the NAME, or visit imdb.com to find out about the actor who played the role by clicking on the PICTURE. Curiosities is a frequently visited section and the oldest picture is the first one shown (it was a picture of Judi's handprint at the Wall Of Fame at the Theatre Museum in Covent Garden, London) and that was the inspiration for the section. It was always intended to be for odds and ends, something you can flip thru if you have a few minutes here and there. There are now 36 pages with about 28 references on each page with links to many more --- movie reviews, news articles, Judi's Tony win, Michael's death and tributes, Joan Sims' death, etc. You never know what you'll find when you look in there. The first 30 pages are all about Judi and go from early to later articles and the last 6 have to do with everyone else -- there are PBS interviews with Jenny, Philip, and Judith and several articles about Geoffrey. Several years ago I started posting current news in the comments section because I feared (and you confirmed) that some people may be going there directly instead of going through the main menu. I had many questions asking what was new and why the site wasn't being updated. Then I put "latest news and comments" on the menu in a different color, hoping people would see it, but I didn't consider that many people go to the comments page without going through the main menu. Those people are missing a lot.

Anyway, I'm glad to have a chance to explain all this and, while I'm at it, I just want to mention that the most asked question is for the address for the house in Holland Park. Out of respect to the people who live there I will not provide it. Suffice it to say that for more than 10 years I have been asked this question at least 10 times a week. Consistently. I don't think I ever told you that before so I'm hoping that this will put a stop to the asking of this question.

ANOTHER NOTE: You can search for anything in my search engine and when you get a results page, if -- in addition to reading the results -- you click on any Google Ad (whether you buy something or not) you will be supporting my website. On the main page you can click on the Atgbcentral Amazon Stores in the US or UK or click on any ad in Shopping (which has a search page for products in Amazon, Canada) and, the money I receive will be used to pay for this web site. I know I could post ads all over the place, but I have chosen to post very few individual advertisements and have deliberately confined them to only three or four pages. By the way the US Store has always been productive, but I am overwhelmed by the success of the UK Atgbcentral Store and I want to give a special thank you to all the people who have purchased from it. I'm sure it is not only supported by those in the UK, but by people from all countries. I know that these are very hard times for everyone, so I'm not going to push this again. Just remember that if you're going to buy holiday gifts at Amazon this year, I would appreciate if you used my site to get to them.

To help you do some shopping without going thru the stores linked on this site (which have links to all of Amazon's products) I will post a link for Christmas Gifts for children of every age and at every price. If you want to go to Amazon without going through my store, click on the appropriate banner above and I'll still get credit for your visit. Again, there are many reasons to buy from Amazon, not the least of which is the free shipping over $25.

If you are using links from another site to get them, that's fine, but if you go directly there without using links, no-one but Amazon will get paid so you really have nothing to lose. More than enough said.

Frayda
Canton, MA, USA -- Monday, November 17, 2008 at 8:59 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ, USA -- Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 18:11 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I just thought I'd take this chance to mention that in my episode guide I tried to research those things that might elicit questions from people, particularly those who were not familiar with things in the UK. So if I didn't find myself familiar with a word or person or expression I always looked it up or contacted someone in the UK for help. That always resulted in my making a link to a page on which I explain what it is I looked up. I posted this question and the next thing I did was go to my web site and in the episode listing, found the correct episode to which Joan was referring. That was Series 7, Episode 3. I went there and, sure enough, there was a reference to and a picture of a J Cloth. It is a reusable cloth. If you do a search in the blue box above the comments here on this page, you will also see many, many references to it. Here's just one.

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, November 22, 2008 at 14:57 (PDT)

If you've been following the saga of Donna Potter's Rage you might be interested in this photo, which apparently depicts her character, Mona Carvell. It has been called a mockumentary style thriller set in the fashion industry where swan-like female models in haute-couture evening gowns are chased by a legless designer with murder in his heart. A synopsis says: It is a bitterly funny expose of the inner lives of individuals working at a New York fashion house -- as if shot by a schoolboy on his cellphone camera -- over seven days in which an accident on the runway becomes a murder investigation. The release date is still unknown. Others in the cast include Steve Buscemi, Jude Law, Dianne Wiest and John Leguizamo.

There's not too much more information, but you can check Sally Potter's web site every now and again to see if there is any more news. You can keep an eye out for more news at Internet Movie Database, Turner Classic Movies or The Film Catalogue.

As long ago as March of this year, here's what Sally Potter said in her blog:

It has been a while since my last blog. The main reason is that all my attention has been going into setting up my new film, which is now one-third in the metaphorical can ... (it being a digital adventure).

The film is called RAGE. It started out many years ago as a screenplay that morphed into snippets of an imaginary and rejected film in THE TANGO LESSON. I thought that was the end of the idea, but it wouldn't let me go. Last winter, sitting in a little caravan in snowbound France, shivering, wrapped in rugs and staring at the mountains in the distance to clean my mind in between rushes of rewriting, the film finally found its form. It now scarcely resembles its previous incarnations.

The last nine weeks have been spent in New York making it all happen. I am so glad I waited until the moment was right. It promises to be a very much more interesting film than it would have been when I first dreamed it up.

There are two thirds of the script yet to shoot and all of postproduction to find out what the film really is ... but I am in its thrall, I want only to be with my beloved actors as they so delicately and powerfully manifest the words on the page and bring them to the light.

*******

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 19:04 (PDT)

---

Yes, it looks like the real thing (I mean the youtube of QoS.). On another subject, re: Judi's picture in the car going to Prince Charles' birthday -- perhaps she was not aware of being photographed, therefore she was not smiling and looking all perked up. She looks just serious and pensive, maybe a little tired, but she does not look ill to me.

NOTE FROM BONNIE:By the way, the photo I posted was online and I found it myself -- it was not sent to me by Joan so it may or may not be the one in which Joan thought she looked ill. Here's another one taken, I believe, at the afterparty for Quantum of Solace. And she does look tired and preoccupied. In the online videos she did not look like herself. I have read much about how wonderful she looked and how flattering her hair was and it just goes to prove that everyone has an opinion: mine is that she should seek some better (more age-appropriate) advice about her hair, makeup and dress. Many of us have been face to face with her and can verify that she is a striking woman and is very well known for her understated makeup and her distinctive silver/white hair.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ, USA -- Monday, November 17, 2008 at 8:59 (PDT)

---

Read a review of "Quantum of Solace" in our newspaper this weekend. It confirmed what has been posted on this site. Lots of flash but little substance. It was noted that "Dench has the most memorable dialogue, delivering it in her offhanded, attitudinal way." I will still see it, but good to read that Judi Dench was given credit for her role in view of the many critical comments about the movie.

LeeAnna Moore
San Diego, CA, USA -- Monday, November 17, 2008 at 8:37 (PDT)

---

UPDATE: I checked YouTube again this morning and the Quantum of Solace videos to which I set a link (below) are now removed. The Casino Royale videos are still there. You can still see some of Quantum here (but they are being removed -- one by one -- even as I write this and will probably be gone by the time you read it.)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Monday, November 17, 2008 at 8:44 (PDT)

---

I just pulled that applet having to do with the Muckety website because someone wrote and told me that she had difficulty loading her website ever since I posted it. If anyone else had problems, let me just apologize. Don't be shy about telling me something is problematic and I'll be glad to try to fix it. If you don't know what I'm talking about or wish to visit that site, just click on the link above to do so.

And, while it lasts, the same person that posted Quantum of Solace on YouTube has been posting Casino Royale. Catch it while you can.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 19:34 (PDT)

---

I was just now checking out a couple of things on YouTube and I noticed that (it appears to me) that someone uploaded Quantum of Solace -- in 10 parts. I just saw the opening credits and a few scenes with Judi, but it looks like the whole thing. I would guess that its days online are numbered since it just opened at the theatre, but I if you go there now you might have a chance to see it. The parts are labelled Quantum of Solace #1, etc. (and are near the bottom of the linked page. If you have already seen the movie, let me know if it is the real thing.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 14:33 (PDT)

---

[Saturday, Nov. 15]... I'm just back from seeing the new Bond movie. It's exactly that ... a Bond movie with lots of chases, violence, high tech and suspension of belief. As others have said, Judi's role is much larger than in any other film and she's all over the place trying to get Bond under control. There are several scenes where she says all that needs to be said with a glance. Other than Judi's expanded presence, I preferred "Casino Royale" to "Quantum of Solace," which I still think is an odd title.

Marla
Euclid OH, USA -- Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 13:39 (PDT)

---

Perhaps your correspondent can help. I've seen the Pink Panther 2 trailer several times and I can't find GP anywhere. Perhaps there are several versions of the trailer. The one that's on-line features Martin trying to buy a ticket and then, later, stepping through the screen in the theater. I've also seen one photo (see left) of DJD arriving at Prince Charles's 60th birthday party, still with the dark hair, and, frankly, not looking well. I hope she is not ill. NOTE FROM BONNIE: There are several trailers for Pink Panther at YouTube and there are many references on Google. I really didn't look through them all, but I saw one trailer in which I thought I heard Geoffrey's voice (around the 50 second mark) saying that they wanted Clouseau. The clip did not show the face of the speaker. Apparently his role is small (so if you're going to see the movie based on what I just posted, either don't go or don't blink). There might be a trailer in which you see his face, but I didn't pursue it. And, sad to say, I agree with you about Judi's recent appearances.

Joan in PA
USA -- Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 9:05 (PDT)

---

I read this this morning (and I don't believe it for a second) but I'll post it anyway because it is attributed to someone who is more than a blogger -- in fact she is the producer of the Bond movies:

Veteran British actress Dame Judi Dench, who plays M in the James Bond movies, wants to leave the 007 franchise, reveals producer Barbara Broccoli, who is against her exit. 'She is the anchor of the film in terms of the character. She is the only authoritative figure in Bond's life. She had such a great relationship with Pierce (Brosnan) on the screen and she has such a great relationship with Daniel (Craig). She is the real Bond girl! The one that keeps it all going, and I don't want her to leave. She keeps threatening to leave but I will not let her," Broccoli was quoted as saying by thesun.co.uk.

******

Another bit of information I just got from a trusted source who has provided this website with a lot of information reads:

I saw Quantum of Solace today and before the film, there was a trailer for Steve Martin's movie Pink Panther 2 and Geoffrey Palmer is in it. He's not on the imdb.com page but he was in the trailer; I hope he's in the movie when it gets to the theaters in February.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 13:14 (PDT)

---

Yes, the film has not gotten the best reviews - but everyone I've read (on Google alert for JD there are lots everyday from all over the world) Judi has gotten very positive comments. This one was in the San Jose Mercury News in San Jose, California this morning:

Craig is, of course, sexy and masculine and formidable as always, and he plays beautifully off Judi Dench who blissfully returns as M, the head of the British secret service. They share scenes that are both teasing and meaty, and their exchanges provide the movie with some much-needed substance. They're enough to make you wish the two could spend the entire movie together, solving problems and sparring.

I'm not sure what the reviewer meant by "blissfully returning as M" ??? blissful is not a word I would associate with M!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I think the word referred to the reviewer's reaction to Dame Judi, rather than M. That's pretty typically a word that people associate with her.

Sharon Breden
San Jose CA, USA -- Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 11:37 (PDT)

---

Many thanks to Jan for sending me bits from several reviews of Quantum of Solace. As I mentioned earlier, you can go to the Rotten Tomatoes website to get many, many more reviews. Jan, however, pulled some of the Judi-related comments (her own are in green) so you can get an idea of what is being said:

Variety:

"... the real female lead in "Quantum" is Dench, whose M this time plays a much fuller role, popping up in the most unlikely places and engaging Bond in badinage. Dench's style is always welcome, but the sheer frequency of her appearances actually diminishes what should be a remote, deus ex machina role." [to that comment I say, "who says?"]

Tiscali (UK site):

"Judi Dench brings her welcome mix of gravitas and world-weary comedy to the role of M, ..."

Shadows on the Wall site:

"...And he [Craig] gives Bond a remarkable gravitas that works brilliantly opposite Dench's dryly efficient M, ...".

ViewLondon:

"There's also reliably excellent work from Judi Dench as M and strong support from Jeffrey Wright (reprising his role as CIA agent Felix Leiter), Giancarlo Giannini (returning as Mathis) and Mathieu Amalric, who's suitably weaselly as Greene."

The Irish Times:

"For vital compensation, M is a more substantial character, played once again with imperious flair by Judi Dench. Like Bond, she's colder and tougher now, even turning quite sinister as she threatens a captive with torture, and actually uttering a four-letter word." [shock, horror]

Screen Daily.com:

"Notices will focus -- rightly - on Craig's magnetism as the steely, sexy, murderous MI5 agent, but two other factors weigh in and freshen up proceedings: Forster's new technical team, led by cinematographer Roberto Schaefer and production designer Dennis Gassner. And the ongoing shift of M, as played by Judi Dench, to front and centre: the Bond girls fade into insignificance as she becomes his moral counterpoint and theirs is the only real relationship on screen."

Hollywood Reporter:

"Judi Dench has a few good scenes tearing a strip off her favorite agent ...".

Time Out:

"It's a cynical movie, too: half the Brit agents are double and all the US spies seem untrustworthy -- save Felix Leiter, of course, whom the excellent Jeffrey Wright reprises in arguably the film's sole sympathetic, low-key performance. (Though, intriguingly, Judi Dench's `M' has gone all maternal -- couldn't she be renamed `SM', for Surrogate Mum?)".

Screenjabber:

"The biggest change here though is the welcome return of humour as Quantum... contains a surprising number of laughs. Happily, this isn't in a raised eyebrow, Roger Moore innuendo-heavy manner but via a genuine sardonic wit, mostly from Judi Dench's M but occasionally from Craig. There are also some neat twists to the Bond conventions, from the complete absence of the "Bond ... James Bond" line to another very droll take on the vodka martini."

and

"As with Casino Royale, the quality of the acting, particularly Craig, Dench and Amalric, is excellent -- and it's still refreshing to be able to say that about a Bond film."

heart1062.co.uk:

"Daniel Craig is again excellent, Mathieu Amalric is superbly slimy as baddie Dominic Greene and the Bond girls Gemma Arterton and Olga Kurylenko are great choices for the roles they play � Fields and Camille. However it is Judi Dench who comes out on top as just the coolest silver haired bombshell out there, M, and steals all the scenes she is in." [yay!]

ign.com:

"Judi Dench's M, whose character seemingly grows in importance with every movie, is also superb. Her complex relationship with 007, part despairing boss, part mother-figure, is one of the most well developed aspects of the film and in a sense its emotional heart - with her MI5 chief the only woman Bond can really connect with."

Daily Mirror:

"These days the Bond films lack the playfulness of their predecessors. M (Judi Dench, as wonderful as ever) gets the few funny lines, but it's all about Bond getting over his pain and lust for revenge."

Financial Times:

'Judi Dench's M catches the minimalist mood. She barks her terse summonses -- "Get me Bond", "Get me the Americans" -- though on one occasion she treats her gun-happy favourite to a nine-word utterance complete with irony: "Bond, if you could avoid killing every possible lead ..."'.

The Independent:

"Among the main pleasures of an uneven Bond movie is Dench's wonderful performance. She is more in evidence here than in her previous Bond movies and has a relationship with 007 that is maternal and flirtatious. Nothing flusters Dench's M. In one tremendous scene, we see her running her bath and dabbing at her face with wipes as she gives orders to operatives around the world to curb Bond's movements."

EmannuelLevy:

"As noted, throughout the story, Bond is in contact with his supervisor M, again played by Judi Dench, in a part that seems bigger and bigger with each installment." " ... acting-wise, "Quantum of Solace" belongs to Craig and Judi Dench."

So, all in all, she's done it again!

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 12:10 (PDT)

---

Well, everybody, I went to see it today. After reading all the terrible reviews I was expecting worse. It is not THAT bad: after all it's just a Bond film, with the usual violence, car races, etc.etc. It is true that the best scenes are the ones where DJD is involved. It is also true that it is very confusing and I am waiting for the DVD to come out so I can make more sense out of it. I have been asking myself whether it's worth going to see it just for the pleasure of seeing Dame Judi, when after all I can watch her whenever I want in one of the several DVDs I have of ATGB or AFR or one of her films.

I am curious to read about your comments.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ, USA -- Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 7:51 (PDT)

---

Today the Washington Post ran its reviews of Quantum of Solace and absolutely savaged the film in almost every respect. The rare positive statement was this: " . . .and Judi Dench, as M, provides the film's only moments of genuine peppery brio."

In a second review, also negative, the scene of the staging of Tosca (from the film) in Bregenz, Austria, gets more coverage than the film itself. The reviewer was much impressed with "the mini allegory of the heyday and fall of a tyrant in the best tradition of a play within a play..." One almost begins to feel sorry for DJD, being involved in what almost everyone is terming a failure.

Even Daniel Craig got a bad review.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I don't think anyone should feel sorry for Judi in connection with the Bond franchise. She's clearly thrilled to have been associated with it for six consecutive (and, I assume, profitable) episodes. Every time she talks about it she seems almost giddy at her newly acquired fans and amused that many of them have no idea about what a background she has in theatre and film. She seems particularly proud of starring in something that probably makes her a hero in the eyes of her grandson, Sam. This particular Bond film, which I understand was the shortest and most troubled, has been pretty much panned internationally, but it has never been promoted as representative of high art.

Joan in PA
USA --Friday, November 14, 2008 at 14:45 (PDT)

---

To Colleen in AZ,

My husband bought the box set for me as an Anniversary present 3 yrs. ago and says it is the best present he has ever given me! It is! I watch at least one episode a day when I am not traveling. Even my young sons know every line and detail.

I am glad that they have the opportunity to "hear the English language used so beautifully".

Happy viewing, Crystal
Virginia Beach, VA USA -- Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 12:35 (PDT)

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Dear ATGB veterans,

This is Dr Karen asking if anyone has an e-mail address for Christina Bevan in Germany - I'm trying to contact her so I can visit her before Christmas - I've been quite ill for nearly a year and have been off the circuit a bit but am still Denching.....

Please feel free to contact me at Karen.Stears@tauntonschool.co.uk.

with best wishes to all,

Dr. Karen
UK -- Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 11:38 (PDT)

---

Dame Judi Dench On M
10th November 2008

Judi Dench reprises her role as the M, the Head of MI6 and James Bond's boss. "It is terrific to be back, just wonderful! Working with Marc Forster has been absolutely delightful. He knows exactly what he wants and when you get your call sheet, there is also a list of shots, I have never had that ever, it's phenomenal. That kind of discipline is wonderful to work with."

Dench first appeared as 007's boss in "GoldenEye" when Pierce Brosnan debuted in the role. "Quantum of Solace" is her second outing with Daniel Craig playing role of Bond and comments on working with him.

"Daniel is more relaxed now although he seems to have an unending amount of energy for the role. He is a terrific Bond, just terrific."

"The most wonderful thing is to be open minded so that something could surprise you or delight you or excite you. To tell a story is our business and this is a cracking story to tell."

Although famous throughout the world for starring in feature films, Dench considers the theatre to be her home. "Theatre is where I am most comfortable, I've been working 51 years in the theatre and I love it."

"I actually came really late to films, I had done very few before "Mrs. Brown". It was that film that changed everything and suddenly I went back to America after a lapse of 38 years. People asked 'apart from Mrs Brown and M, have you done anything else?' and I suddenly thought the whole of my classical repertoire had disappeared, shot down in flames, nobody had heard about it! I'm not sure my fan base has jumped, but my name as gone to a load of new chaps like my grandsons and, sometimes, their fathers. What I hope is that young people will come to the theatre, my job is to woo people to the theatre because people go to movies anyway. I just love a theatre audience and if they see you in Bond, then they might be persuaded to come and see something else."

That said, Dench always enjoys coming back to play the character of M. "I do enjoy it, it is just irresistible! [In "Quantum of Solace"] you get to find out a little more about M, you certainly did in "Casino Royale" and even more so in this, especially the development of her relationship and interaction with Bond. It's interesting how she deals with him and how he deals with her. She is not very sure about Bond, not too sure she can totally trust him."

"Also, MI6 has gone rather up market. All I have to tell you is, I don't think our government has enough money to change the real MI6 into my MI6, I don't think they will be able to manage it. It is phenomenal, we don't do telephones anymore!"

This article and another photo can be seen at the MI6 website.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 8:25 (PDT)

---

Hi Bonnie,

Re: Sue's comments on the Q of S reviews Linda Bellingham - English actress - went to see the film this week and she said it was like playing a Nintendo game -- very fast and a lot of action but no story to it at all. Also because it was a sequel it was very hard to remember who was who in Casino so it was difficult to understand what was going on, unless you had watched Casino before going.

Liz
Midlothian Scotland -- Friday, November 7, 2008 at 10:21 (PDT)

---

A portion of the first picture from Rob Marshall's "Nine" -- one site referred to Judi as the one wearing the "Suri" wig -- is shown below. (Apparently she didn't look that way at the premiere of Quantum because of her part in Nine.)

You can see the full picture and more as they are posted, by going to this website. I read that this first photo from "Nine" was released along with the studio's announcement that the film's principal photography has begun. On its production news, the film is being shot at Shepperton Studios in England, on location in Italy and at Cinecitta Studios in Rome.

Adapted from the 1982 Tony-winning Broadway musical, "Nine" resolves around world famous film director Guido Contini. Dealing with a personal and professional crisis, he struggles to prepare his latest picture, while at the same time balancing the numerous women in his life from his wife and his mistress to his movie star muse and his mother.

Headlined by Daniel Day-Lewis as Contini, it comes from the "Chicago" director Rob Marshall and the screenwriter duo Michael Tolkin and Anthony Minghella. The drama musical is expected to be released in the U.S. theaters on September 9, 2009.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, November 7, 2008 at 9:30 (PDT)

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Last Friday I listened to Mark Kermode and Simon Fuller on BBC radio review Quantam of Solace. Sadly neither of them liked it. They described the story as uninteresting and disappointing. They praised the acting of Daniel Craig but found themselves not understanding and not very interested in the plot of the movie. It's disappointing. I podcast their film review show each week and don't always agree with their assessment, but this makes me wonder if I want to go see this movie. Has anyone heard other reviews?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: You can always go to Rotten Tomatoes for a ton of reviews. I don't think it is even released yet in the United States. For reviews from the UK you can check any of the big newspapers -- there has been a lot of coverage, both because it is a popular franchise and because of the huge premiere which attracted the princes last week. It doesn't have a particularly high rating overall at Rotten Tomatoes. As I have mentioned many times, I have never seen a Bond Movie and I expect that that trend will continue, so I have no opinion one way or another on either the film or Judi's performance.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Friday, November 7, 2008 at 6:50 (PDT)

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Wikipedia, as always, is a good source for information on Remembrance Day or Veteran's Day and how it it observed across the world. There is a significant section regarding the poppy and its role.

Among the things on my desk this morning I find that Judi thinks this may be her last movie as M. I'm sure if they ask her to play it again and she's alive and kicking, she'll play it again. There are also pictures of Finty with Judi at the Quantum of Solace premiere and, believe me, I'd do her no favors if I posted them (but watch closely for a glimpse of her red-haired grandson, Sam). There are a few short videos, including another "behind the scenes" on the 007 game, on YouTube, none of which offer any insight into Judi or the film, but if you want to pass the time have a look.

Clearly this is not the forum to discuss politics, and so we will not. But if you are eligible to vote in the United States, I urge you to please, please, do so. If you haven't voted early, vote on November 4, 2008. Do not sit home and assume that your vote does not count, because it does. If you need a ride to the polls, call the headquarters of your candidate and ask if you can be accommodated. Before you leave the voting booth double-check to make sure that your voting receipt actually shows the name of the person you intended to support. If the name has been flipped, ask to speak to a supervisor.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 8:51 (PDT)

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Hi Bonnie -
Re Beth's comment about Veterans Day -I don't know what date that is in the states but in the UK we remember the fallen on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and remembrance Sunday - when everyone in all the forces lay a poppy wreath at the grave of the unknown soldier in Whitehall in London - is the nearest Sunday to that date.

Liz
Midlothian, Edinburgh -- Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 7:56 (PDT)

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Bonnie,
Thanks for printing In Flanders Field. I had to memorize that poem many years ago in school and I never forgot it. It was good to see it in print. I think its message is pertinent today.

Evelyn
San Diego, CA USA -- Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 18:34 (PDT)

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Bonnie,
The veterans groups here give poppies when you make a donation to the cans around Memorial Day. I don't remember seeing it at this time of the year for Veterans Day.

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA -- Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 15:33 (PDT)

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Mary, I also remember the poppies being sold & I think there may be some veterans posts who continue to do so today. What with the solicitations made on the internet & snail mailings today it certainly isn't on the scale that it once was.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Someone, who I assume wished to remain anonymous (since it was not sent to the comments section), sent me the following poem, by John McCrae, called In Flanders Fields:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Below the poem was the following informational paragraph:

World War 1 Armistice Day 11/11/18 with whistles blowing and parades in small and large towns to signify that this one was over and it was to be the last war ever. The paper poppies were and are sold by Vets of varying wars ever since to aid disabled and wounded soldiers still needing care. Look outside your grocery store this month, they are there.

Evelyn
San Diego, CA USA -- Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 8:24 (PDT)

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I love this series! It is one of the rare examples of a television shows where there is not only a wonderful script, but good, wholesome language, and just a wonderful positive attitude throughout.

I am going to save my money so I can purchase the complete set very soon! Even in today's struggling economy, I think it would be a wise investment!

I love the characters, and the gentleness of the plots!

Colleen McCarthy-Sequeira
Phoenix, AZ USA -- Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 8:24 (PDT)

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Re: the poppy that Judi wore at the premiere:

For those of us who are Americans over the age of 50, I recall that when we were children that war veterans would sell red paper poppies in front of stores as a remembrance to the fallen soldiers. I remember that my mom and grandmother emphasized the importance of what it represented and always bought several of them.

Mary
USA -- Friday, October 31, 2008 at 20:14 (PDT)

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I agree with some that Judi has looked better - in one of the videos of the premiere, I thought the dress was very unflattering - the top showed too much skin and bone in her shoulder and she just looked too plump! However, I loved her hair color - very close to what it was before she went white.

Sharon Breden
San Jose CA USA -- Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 18:14 (PDT)

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Be sure to note that I've been adding pictures of Judi at yesterday's premiere in the comment I made yesterday afternoon. Check there for those you may not have seen yet. The YouTube Video certainly makes it looke a madhouse. Some of the videos show that several of the movie's stars were wearing the poppy.

In the interest of fairness, I'll give you a reference to a website on which people actually thought that Judi looked fabulous on the red carpet. Note the comments of people who agree with that. The opinion that "...with her dyed cropped hair, subtle make-up and classic jewels, she looked years younger than her actual age" is not mine, but it is legitimate, nonetheless. It only goes to show that there is no accounting for taste.

*******

And, speaking of poppies, Glenda sent this link for those of you who might want to get a poppy of your own. I warn you, it certainly doesn't look like the poppy she wore to the premiere and you'll need about $100 in US money to make the purchase.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 12:44 (PDT)

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I fear I must agree with some of the negative comments on her hair and dress. But to each her (or his) own.

Joan in PA
USA -- Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 6:52 (PDT)

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Hi Bonnie,
The red patch on Judi's gown is a Poppy in aid of remembrance Sunday . Most people start to wear them about a month before the service.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks to all who responded to my speculation about what we now know to be a red poppy. I really appreciate the contributions of those who come to the site and take the time to provide us with background information and that's why I posted them all.

Liz
Midlothian, Edinburgh -- Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 6:34 (PDT)

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Hi Bonnie

I saw your comments re the red Poppy Judi is wearing - the poppies are for remembrance day in November and everyone over here wear them as an act of respect for the fallen of two world wars. They go on sale during October and the money raised from the sale goes to help care for injured servicemen

Marian Keith
Scotland -- Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 3:14 (PDT)

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[Bonnie] mentioned the red decal on Judi's dress. This is a charity poppy signifying that a donation has been made to the British Legion, which looks after service people injured in conflicts. Collections are made nationwide until the Sunday nearest November 11th when there are ceremonies all over Britain when wreaths are laid in tribute to fallen service people., the Cenotaph service in London is televised and attended by the Royal Family and the Government.

The country used to stop & remember at 11am on 11/11, when buses would pull over, radio & TV went off air, everyone stopped working and shops asked people to stop what they were doing for a minute's silent tribute. Now this is changed to the Sunday.

Phil Watson
Blackpool, UK -- Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 12:39 (PDT)

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Great pictures, Bonnie, thanks. I think she had to colour her hair for the film "Nine" that is being shot now in London. From what I know it is a spin off from Fellini's 8 1/2 and the musical Nine. Sophia Loren is going to be in it too, as well as a lot of other known actresses. Anyway, she looks gorgeous!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I've seen Judi look a lot better. Somewhere along the line she wore some sort of red patch or broach or decal on her dress (see it in one of the pictures below). I'm not sure if it was something she wore to the event or received during the event. Here's a video that will give you a glimpse of Judi (without the aforementioned item).

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ, USA -- Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 15:17 (PDT)

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And here are several more pictures from today's London Premiere premiere of Quantum of Solace.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 1:54 (PDT)

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	I'll just show the part of this picture that I find somewhat interesting: Judi seemed to be sporting what I hope is a removable tattoo at today's premiere. As for her hair, a friend of mine suggested it may have something to do with a film role. I hope so.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:51 (PDT)

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Bonnie, I too am disappointed; you can't tell who is who. However I am sure that later on today we shall be able to see still pictures of the event ( and of Judi!) somewhere on the web.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: These are some of the first pictures available and I'm not quite sure what she did with her hair, but at least you are able to tell that it is her.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ, USA -- Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:07 (PDT)

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For those of you who think you might be missing something on the webcam view of the Quantum of Solace premiere, which is happening right now, don't worry. I'm sure that by the end of the day you will be sick of seeing photos, but I just wanted you to see an example of what could be seen on this camera.

If you missed the opportunity to "watch the premiere" I hope that makes you feel better. Frankly I have no idea who are in these pictures, but I just wanted to let you know what it looked like to me. If it gets better later, or looks better across the ocean, I guess I'll never know.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 11:23 (PDT)

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Hi Bonnie
I was watching The Alan Titchmarsh Show on Friday where his top guest was Sir Roger Moore and they were talking about his time as an actor. He talked about a war film he was in and it seems Curzon Street was in fact Intelligence Headquarters. I wondered if that was why Lionel asked Jean about it the first time they met. Just a thought!!!!
Liz
Midlothian, Edinburgh -- Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 7:17 (PDT)

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Thanks to those of you who wrote to tell me the current, correct address for Judi's agent. This group includes Marisetta, Marian, Frayda and Linda. I knew someone would be able to help and I appreciate all the speedy contributions.

Judi Dench
c/o Julian Belfrage Associates
Adam House
14 New Burlington Street
London W1S 3BQ
UK

****** Also a reminder that Quantum of Solace has its World Premiere next Wednesday in London (the 29th of October) and Judi is expected to be at the event. I found an interesting website, Camvista.com, which features a link to alive Leicester Square Film Premiere streaming webcam. Check it out and maybe you can snap a few pictures. I'm sure there will be hundreds, if not thousands of pictures taken at the event. ****** Also there's way too much hype about the Judi Dench reference which appears near the end of the article in this weekend's Parade Magazine, which features Daniel Craig. To me, it is just a piece of fluff, but I'll post the original article so you see the reference I'm talking about in case you come across it somewhere. We won't be talking about it here, though, since this is not a political website and, of course, I AM the decider.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, October 23, 2008 at 8:31 (PDT)

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Bonnie and friends, what is the CORRECT mailing address for Judi? I saw further down in this website that Belfrage Associates is on New Burlington Street, but in another place I saw the address as Albemarle. Which one is correct?

Thanks

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I really don't have a clue and I haven't written to her in years, back when it was Albemarle. If anyone knows -- for certain -- the current address, please send it to me and I'll be glad to post it.

Mary
USA -- Thursday, October 23, 2008 at 18:53 (PDT)

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Mary and Joan, and of course Bonnie and everybody else who caught my mistake: sorry! This tells you that I was in the Mme. Tussauds wax museum a very long time ago.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ, USA -- Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 18:47 (PDT)

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In response to Marisetta's comment about Judi and Daniel being the first actors immortalized at Madame Tussaud's, I have pictures of several actors that I took in the London location, including Roger Moore and Paul Hogan (Crocodile Dundee)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Yesterday I posted a picture of the wax figures and beneath that is a link to Madame Tussaud's. Click it to see another picture as well as a section which includes the name of some of the Hollywood (and Bollywood) stars whose likenesses are also in the collection. There's Brad and Angelina as well as figures from all walks of life.

Mary
USA -- Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 11:55 (PDT)

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I've never been to the wax museum in London, but surely there must be many other actors and actresses enshrined there. Help?

Joan in PA
USA -- Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 10:22 (PDT)

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Hi all. Sorry I didn't post more about the wax impressions of Judi and Daniel, but I, who never get picked for anything, seem to have gotten picked for jury duty. I left the house around 7 a.m. and didn't get home until after 7 p.m. and yet not one juror was picked, so I have to return tomorrow morning. And if I do get chosen it is expected to last for several days. In the meantime I did post the URL for another of the many stories on the net, but it didn't make any sense to post more pictures since they ARE wax figures and they look pretty much the same from photo to photo.

I also got a couple of comments which I'm posting below with apologies for not having done it sooner. I could read them, but not post them while at the courthouse.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 19:52 (PDT)

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Fantastic! I think they are the first actors to be immortalised at Madame Tussaud, I don't remember seeing any other there.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ, USA -- Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 12:13 (PDT)

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Daniel looks a bit waxy, but Judi looks as if she could take a step and give 007 yet another order. Michael would be proud that his "Bond Girl" is immortalized this way.

Marla
Euclid OH, USA -- Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 10:11 (PDT)

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For more information, click the link.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 5:54 (PDT)

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Someone sent me the following email: "Thought you and other DJD fans might be interested in the [this]"

You can click on the link above to get to it now and you should be aware that it is on the IMDB site and you can get to it by going to the entry for Judi and clicking on the News Desk link.

********

I also got an email from David Kidd-Hewitt, who, you might remember wrote a book which includes an article on Geoffrey Palmer. The book is called Buckinghamshire Heroes and you can get it in paperback at Amazon in the UK. It is currently unavailable at Amazon in the U.S.

Anyway, near the end of August we mentioned Chiltern Hills as it related to Geoffrey. David mentioned the situation to me in an email and said it was okay to share it and here it is:

Just saw a mention of Geoffrey's 'Wendover move story' - interesting to see this via the States as I had missed it locally and I'm quite sceptical that it's true - especially now it's in the news which I know he'd hate.

It's officially designated as 'An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' and has certain protections against development etc. It really is quite something, especially Great Missenden which is the local village and nearby the very quaint Little Missenden Village (there are even sword marks in the local church where the Crusaders pledged their allegiance to God and made the sign of the cross on the wall before going into battle).

The last I heard from Geoffrey was in September via a colleague working on a piece about increased flight traffic over the Chilterns and Geoffrey is quoted as saying "I hope it doesn't happen because it'll be hell on earth". Aircraft from nearby Luton and Heathrow airports does pass over us but usually so high it is not so intrusive. The most amazing sight in this regard is Windsor Castle, the Queen's main country residence some 20 miles away - where every few minutes you can see an aircraft flying so low over the Castle the passengers are visible -so I suppose if the Queen puts up with it we don't stand much chance.

What is so unusual about the area around our respective homes is the complex and ancient network of local footpaths - common land open to all and passing, for example, right past Chequers which is the country home of the UK Prime Minister and apart from a discretely hidden camera or two, you can stroll right past one of the most security sensitive homes in the world. You get some noise around here also but that's the regular Helicopter from No 10 Downing Street to Chequers.

It's great countryside - Geoffrey's done around 45 years in the area and I cannot imagine him in Wendover - although its only around 15/20 minutes from his current home.

If any intrepid atgb fans are out this way - drop me a line if I can be of assistance and you would like more information about the area. Don't forget we also have Gypsy cottage - Roald Dahl's home in the village, plus a very special museum with chocolate gates and all kinds of Dahl stuff for kids and for adults who wish to research his original manuscripts etc.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: David mentions that you can drop him a line if you'd like more information, but I remembered that I never actually asked him if it was okay to post his email address. So if you do want to correspond with him, please send me an email and I'll forward it to him so he can answer it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, October 10, 2008 at 8:54 (PDT)

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Bonnie, this may already be somewhere in the website, but I haven't come across it. Do you know the significance of Judi's jewelry? I love the jade and turquoise pieces that she wears around her neck. She also wears the diamond heart a lot, as well as the necklace that looks like it has diamonds on it. I've noticed that she also wears a lot of rings, including a wide gold band on her left hand that looks like her wedding band. Any info would be appreciated. And I LOVE your website. It prevents me from doing housework!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: After checking the archives I see that Marla, in June of 2006 said:

"In one of the books or an article from years ago, she explained that every piece of jewelry she regularly wears was given to her by family or friends and each has a special meaning so, unless it's absolutely necessary to take them off for a part, she wears them all the time. Someone reminded me that in AFR her engagement and wedding rings are on her middle finger."

I vaguely remember that being said and I don't know if it is mentioned again elsewhere or addressed more specifically, but if someone knows a better answer, send the information.

Mary Michel
USA -- Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 18:15 (PDT)

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Beth, I have the Judi Dench collection and have watched most of the performances. If you like and/or enjoy the performances of Judi Dench, then some loss of quality in the recordings will not matter. The collection offers performances from her earliest years onward, from TV and stage appearances, and the variety and selections are priceless. She is an actress of awesome talent and you will be richly rewarded if you invest in this collection.

Evelyn
San Diego, CA USA -- Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 7:43 (PDT)

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Bonnie, I must say that I am sorry to have to say the following, because Sophia is my fellow Italian and she really carries her age very well; but what a difference between her and Judi! Judi is a lady, a grande dame, with her white hair and all of her lovely wrinkles there is nothing phony about her. Sophia, though still beautiful, has something artificial about her, that she did not have while her husband was still alive. Evidently he "made" her when he discovered her in Naples over 50 years ago, and he kept "making" her as long as he lived. Pity! Interesting pictures, thanks .

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Friday, October 3, 2008 at 19:37 (PDT)

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London's Cipriani restaurant hosted a dinner for the upcoming movie musical Nine cast members last night. Harvey Weinstein the producer gathered together Dame Judi Dench, Kate Hudson, Sophia Loren, Marion Cotillard and Fergie for dinner. There's a few pictures at this link.

I should also mention that if you have an Iphone or a Ipod touch you can go to the Itunes store and download the James Bond - 007 application. I checked it out, but it really is a sloppy execution of a pretty simple premise. There's very little mention of Judi and, at this time, were only two trailers and several blogs. Itunes apps are updated often and there may be more coming, so if you like free downloads, you should probably go get it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, October 3, 2008 at 9:55 (PDT)

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Maryland Public Television has a fine e-newsletter called Tea Times every month and, if you are not currently a member, you can easily join to receive notification that it has been posted. There have often been ATGB-related articles, some of which have been previously published in the PBS Insider. The current issue sports the article "Joan Sims: 1930-2001: A Tribute to the Co-Star of As Time Goes By" which was in the Insider in August, 2001.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at 9:30 (PDT)

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	As you know, Judi is involved in a number of charitable projects. Here's another one: Showtime Challenge 3 -- One Show, One Charity. 48 Hours: Me and My Girl. Click the link to learn more.

Also note that Judi's picture is in People Magazine this week. I won't post it because it's a picture I've posting before when writing about the book, Wisdom. Check below for the reference.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Friday, September 26, 2008 at 15:17 (PDT)

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I was just on Amazon.com and saw a DVD collection titled The Judi Dench Collection. Do any of you have it -- if so let me know what you think. The reviews were mixed mostly good but some said quality wasnt good etc. It includes her early works so some of the quality may not be as good as that of today in the film/tape.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: You can, if you decide you want to buy it, always click on the link in this comment or just go to the my ATGB Central Amazon store. All items purchased contribute to this website.

You should know that if you click on the link you will find customer reviews of the product about which you are seeking information and I always read those reviews to know what others think about it I have the DVD and have not yet opened it, but I already had copies of the interviews and plays. Fortunately or not, I really don't care about the quality, as long as it is reasonable and I can see the performance.

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA -- Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 10:38 (PDT)

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JUDI DENCH: Timeout interview by Tamara Gausi Posted on their website: Thu Sep 18 2008 With an Oscar for 'Shakespeare in Love' and a further five nominations, Dame Judi Dench is a national theatrical treasure, and one of Time Out London's 40th birthday heroes ******What's it like to be a London hero? 'I'm not a Londoner! I was born in Yorkshire, I came down here to be a student. But that's extremely nice. I am going to wave a lot in my car on my way home.' Who are your London heroes -- past or present? 'I would like to nominate Arnold Crook [Chairman of the Theatre Royal Haymarket] and Kevin Spacey. He's taken over the Vic and kind of eschewed his life in America and I think we are very lucky to have him here.' What is your personal favourite London moment? Where were you and what was happening? 'I was running to meet somebody and this was very early on. I got a magazine, and in this magazine was a lip pencil. And it said that you must just do a tiny little tip at the corner of your mouth with this thing. So I did, and expected a very romantic moment. And I ran towards this man and instead of this wonderful embrace, he looked at me and said 'Why have you got a comedy mouth on?' We are talking about the early '60s. It wasn't very swinging and hip, but it was a bucket of ice-cold water in my face.' What's the future for theatre in London? 'Theatre will always survive, whatever people say. But it would help if we didn't have VAT on theatre seats. That would be a great help for everybody.' Complete the sentence: London is ... 'I always try to put myself in someone else's shoes, particularly on one of those very bright, bright spring mornings when you come and you go across the bridge on the Thames and you think: This is the ideal of a northern city.'

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 8:08 (PDT)

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Marla--I agree with you about the Duncan episode. I often feel like skipping that segment, but so far just can't bring myself to do that. The most uplifting comment is Lionel's harsh "Does it matter...". He certainly sounds irritated with them.

When the episode is over I feel as if Bob Larbey just threw it in to fill in time & space; it doesn't do anything for our beloved Hardcastles.

Evelyn
Diego CA USA -- Monday, September 22, 2008 at 14:42 (PDT)

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Evelyn- San My PBS station carries ATGB on Saturday nights and also on Friday afternoons. Last Friday, the "Duncans move in next door" episode was shown and, once again, I was unhappy and uncomfortable with it. Maybe it's because the Duncans are such unpleasant people in the midst of thoroughly enjoyable individuals. Or maybe it's because Lionel and Alistair react with such casual humor about the Duncans batting each other about. I react the same way every time I see this episode and would really like to know how others feel.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I haven't seen that episode in a long time, Marla, but I remember feeling the same way.

Marla
Euclid, OH USA -- Monday, September 22, 2008 at 10:11 (PDT)

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Congratulations to Dame Eileen Atkins for winning the Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie. I'm sure Judi, gracious as she is, thinks it was an honor to be nominated, and she did not win the award for Outstanding Lead Actress; it was awarded to Laura Linney for her role as Abigail Adams in the John Adams miniseries.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Sunday, September 21, 2008 at 19:06 (PDT)

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Hi Bonnie

I don't think Judi will be in the states for the Emmy's on Sunday as she is busy filming Nine at the moment. Don't know when we here in U.K. Will see the Emmy's but fingers crossed for our Judi

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks for the information, Liz. What I meant about the tape delay is that all of us on the west coast will probably watch it long after it is announced. You can, of course go on the internet and read about the results, usually as they happen. They are usually on sites like Eonline, where they have checklists showing the winners. And they also appear on Excite.com and many other news outlets. I am able to relax by the time I watch them. What I meant by the way, when I said Judi was not a shoo-in was that she is in a very competitive category and is rarely mentioned as a potential winner. Phylicia Rashad and Laura Linney seem to be leading as picks, although I found Catherine Keener to be frighteningly wonderful in the part she played.

Liz
Midlothian Scotland -- Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 11:00 (PDT)

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Thank you, Bonnie. I shall watch the Emmys on Sunday.

The "WISDOM" picture is fantastic. I have put it as wallpaper on my desktop!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 19:15 (PDT)

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Thanks to our anonymous contributor for noticing that Andrew Zuckerman's book, Wisdom, is available for pre-order at Amazon. Click the link to buy it. Further down on this page you can see the August 23 entry that will direct you to the website. I've already posted this picture, but I'm re-posting it in this form because it appears to be one of the covers for this book.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 19:00 (PDT)

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Does anybody know if Judi is going to be in L.A. for the Emmys this coming Sunday?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I have no idea, but I don't think it is going to be a shoo-in so she may not want to make the trip. Either way, I'll be watching on a tape delay so everyone else will know the results before I do.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 18:29 (PDT)

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Interviewer Roger Foss and director Sean James Cameron were on hand at Wyndham's Theatre for the Ivanov curtain call and at Browns for the post-show party. Amongst [the] TV interviewees are Michael Grandage, Kenneth Branagh, Tom Stoppard, Kevin R McNally, Tom Hiddleston, Lucy Briers and first night guests including Judi Dench, Anna Carteret and Linda Thorson. You can see a few more pictures of Judi (and Finty) here.

Also, don't forget the Emmys will be broadcast in the U.S. on ABC this Sunday night. As I'm sure we all know, Judi is up for Best Actress in the mini-series, Cranford.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV USA -- Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 9:42 (PDT)

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Judi has donated another pair of shoes -- the profits will go to help support the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Your can go to the Celebrity Shoe Auction to place your bid. Signed, suede sling backs (size 36 European) Current Bid: �100 Auction ends: 10/3/08 2:59:27 AM PDT

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Friday, September 12, 2008 at 8:37 (PDT)

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A FEW REMINDERS: Judi is up for the Emmy in a couple of weeks. The telecast here in the US will be on ABC the evening of September 21. ***** Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Dame Shirley Bassey are just a few of the stars to donate one of their pre-loved designer handbags for an eBay cancer auction. As part of the first ever Handbag Amnesty, London women will be able to bid for the handbag of their favourite celeb. The picture at the left shows the bag that Judi donated. The bags will go under the hammer on eBay from Friday 3rd to Sunday 14th October. ***** IN OTHER NEWS: Multi-award winning actress Dame Judi Dench is set to receive the "European Film Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contribution in films later this year. The TV/film/theater actress will be presented with the honor at the 21st European Film Awards ceremony on December 6 in Copenhagen, Denmark. ***** Yet another Quantum of Solace trailer has been released on YouTube.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 12:34 (PDT)

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Heads up, everybody! I just noticed that "Mrs. Henderson Presents" (starring Judi Dench, of course) is going to be shown on the Lifetime cable channel tonight. It's a great movie and you'll enjoy it.

Joan in PA
USA -- Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 7:47 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

While surfing the internet, I came across a reference in Wikipedia indicating Dame Judi has been tapped to play "M" once again in the Bond 23 movie, scheduled for release in 2010 or 2011. Scroll to her Filmography. Clicking on Bond 23 will take the reader to a short piece on future 007 movies, indicating Daniel Craig has been signed for Bond 23 thru 25.

As always, I appreciate the time/effort you take to maintain and update the ATGB website. Like so many others, I have to get my 'daily fix', sometimes checking the website several times per day.

Margaret
Clearfield, KY USA -- Sunday, September 7, 2008 at 12:53 (PDT)

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Once again, things are slow on the ATGB front, so I'll pick a few of the alerts I've been getting and mention them, although none of them seemed interesting enough to post.

The internet is filled with new pictures from Quantum of Solace. Generally, they all look the same and I haven't seen a good one of Judi. You can do a "Quantum of Solace" search (in the blue box above) to get a list.

There is a video on youtube which shows bits about Much Ado About Nothing which Judi directed for Kenneth Branagh. Her involvement in the video is minimal, but you may be interested in seeing it. You can also read her thoughts about this project right here at my site.

There are several stories currently written about a new TV Series in the UK called Chateau Monty. From what I gather Geoffrey Palmer is part of the cast, although he is not mentioned in IMDB and the references to him all indicate he is a narrator. I don't know if this means he is a narrator in one show or in several. If there's anyone in the UK with more information maybe you can share it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Friday, September 5, 2008 at 10:50 (PDT)

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I've been watching the show (on DVD) and reading this website almost daily for a few years now. For some reason ATGB never gets old, does it? Jean and Lionel are like family or dear old friends. The routine varies of course (for a long time the last thing I did every night before going to sleep was to watch an episode) but I still watch it a few times a week. If I'm home alone I like to have their voices in the background, Jean's emphatic remarks, Lionel's droll comebacks. My husband asked me once if I didn't know all the dialog by now for every episode, and I suppose I do. I use a lot of it. It comes in handy once in awhile. He catches me quoting them often, which means he knows the dialog too! My sister came across the show on PBS by accident recently and was glad to see Jean and Lionel again. She said it was almost like she'd missed them! ha! How well we know the feeling, right? So she borrowed the DVD's for awhile, well not all of them, I had to keep a couple! It's contagious!

Melissa
Bellbrook, OH USA -- Friday, September 5, 2008 at 8:26 (PDT)

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Welcome, Beth. You're in for a great time shared with others who love ATGB and Judi. I'm always excited when someone discovers this site because there's nothing but fun ahead.

Marla
Euclid OH USA -- Friday, September 5, 2008 at 6:49 (PDT)

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I really enjoy ATGB and just today found this site. I am enjoying reading about the show and the people involved with it. I too am a big fan of Judi Dench.

Beth
Lakewood, NJ USA -- Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 17:06 (PDT)

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Geoffrey Palmer (who joins his Butterflies co-star, Wendy Craig) will be featured on BBC7 this week in a three part story called Crosswords. Look for the program this coming Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the BBC7 Website to determine the air time in your area. If you miss the broadcast, remember that each program should be featured for seven days on Listen Again.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Friday, August 30, 2008 at 19:19 (PDT)

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At one time I was asked by David Kidd-Hewitt about the popularity of Geoffrey Palmer in As Time Goes By. From that email and comment a friendship has developed with Geoffrey who is indeed a kind, thoughtful, generous man. He has autographed David Kidd-Hewett's book, Buckinghamshire Heroes, for me as I collect autographed books of those I like!

I think if [sic] it is true Geoffrey bought the Wendover property [see reference below dated Friday, August 22nd] because it is in his beloved Chiltern Hills (Curiosities). I'll bet there is a trout or salmon fishing river nearby! Also, Judi could give his lots of advice since she restored her historical home that burned.)

Many thanks for your effort in keeping the website going!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: And thank you for continuing to visit, Evelyn.

In case some readers do not remember who David Kidd-Hewitt is, you might check out the archives or just click on the link above to read about the book that features Geoffrey Palmer. This link is for Amazon UK which has some copies and, at this time, a few third-party copies. The book is currently unavailable in the United States.

And, just out of curiosity (no pun), I checked out the Curiosities section and found what Geoffrey said about Chiltern Hills in the reference you gave. I had, by the way, spelled it Chiltem hills, which was the way it was spelled in the original article. I did a search for it and it does appear to be spelled Chiltern so I'm spelling it that way from now on (until I am corrected). This is what he said:

'We've lived in the Chiltern Hills for 36 years,' he [Geoffrey] says. I hardly know anyone. I don't go to church unless someone dies or gets married. I don't go to parish council meetings. If someone organises a Plant-a-Tree Week. I probably won't bother. I'm fairly antisocial.

He sounds like someone I'd like to know (unless he changed his way of living over the years.

Evelyn Goodman
Clemson, SC USA -- Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 11:16 (PDT)

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For those of you who are lucky enough to be in London in early October, Judi Dench is scheduled to appear in an all-star tribute to Ian Fleming on Sunday, October 5 at the London Palladium. For more information, click the link.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 20:00 (PDT)

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Bonnie, speaking of lyrics, also AFR is based on an old song by the same title. I remember hearing it for the first time when I was about 18 years old, in Rome, that had been just "liberated" by the Allied troops. We were hungry not only for food but also for American music, jazz and big band, and I always had my radio on. That tells you how old I am, doesn't it! Which does not prevent me from enjoying your wonderful site!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Of course you tempted me to look it up at Wikipedia:

"A Fine Romance" is a popular song composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Dorothy Fields. The song was published in 1936.

The song was written for the musical film, Swing Time. where it was co-introduced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Astaire had a major record hit on Brunswick records.

In a version sung by Judi Dench it also became the theme song of A Fine Romance, a British television series starring Judi Dench and her husband Michael Williams.

And you're not alone by a longshot. I wouldn't be surprised by the number of people who visit this site who knew that song long before they ever heard of the series. I know I did.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, Arizona -- Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 19:16 (PDT)

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Hi Deborah

Re your comments about the man in bed with Judi in Casino Royale, Judi did an interview with Alan Titchmarch on his show last Christmas and he asked her who the man was as he thought it should have been someone famous and Judi said he was the Shipping Co-ordinator of the film!!!!

Marian
Scotland -- Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 8:30 (PDT)

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Thanks for the wonderful site - we've been enjoying for the second time the series, but this week I discovered something VERY odd.

In 1983 Robert B. Parker - author of MANY books including the Spenser series, wrote a book called "Love & Glory" - which is about a young college couple who get separated when the young man is forced to go off to Korea after failing out of school. In Korea they do exchange letters, but soon the girl writes that she is going out with another, and refuses to get any more letters from the young man. He then gets very depressed, and after some years gets his life together to refind and woo the girl. And one of the central elements is the letters he wrote, but she never got. All this would be only slightly like ATGB except that there is a opening poem, which is the lyrics to ATGB. Very spooky that the poem was used in a book that is SO similar.

I wonder if the creators had this book in their subconscious??

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I searched for Love and Glory at Amazon and did read the excerpt in "search inside" on the linked page and saw the credits for As Time Goes By.

I would doubt that the people involved in the creation of the series had the book in mind, but who knows really? Bob Larbey is the author, but his writing was "based on an original idea by Colin Bostock-Smith" (or so it says in the credits). The lyrics to "As Time Goes By" lend themselves to that kind of story and the number of references to those words in that combination exceeded 3 million at Google. As I remember in Casablanca the story revolved around two lovers who parted ways and found one another again. For them, it turned out differently. but I don't think it was far-fetched to use those lyrics in the Sitcom ATGB. It could be that a television writer/actor in the UK who has been writing since the fifties came across this not particularly well-known book by an American author -- anything is possible. In my years of doing this website I can't even count the number of times people have written to me personally telling me that this story mirrored their own.

I do agree it is an interesting coincidence.

Alan Peterman
Tigard, OR -- USA -- Monday, August 25, 2008 at 21:35 (PDT)

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Hi Bonnie!

I want to commend you on a fabulous site that I look forward to reading at least twice a day! I stumbled on As Time Goes By quite by accident one evening on our local PBS station back in 2002 before my boyfriend of 25 yrs. passed away. He had served in the Korean War and also spent some time in London, England. Since his passing in 2003, I have been an avid ATGB fan. Even though I have the complete collection on DVD, I still watch it on TV every Saturday night! I also have the Casino Royale DVD and agree with some of your readers who think that the man in bed with 'M' indeed looks like Geoffrey Palmer! (I only hope it is) :) Thank you again for such a wonderful tribute and exciting web site!

Deborah <deborahb1211@verizon.net>
Altoona, PA USA -- Monday, August 25, 2008 at 15:48 (PDT)

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If you go to this website you can learn what some celebrated people see as wisdom and you'll also get a brief glimpse of Judi. After that you can watch the behind the scenes video, The Making of Wisdom. The movie, the book and the background: they're all there at Andrew Zuckerman's Wisdom website.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 17:33 (PDT)

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Dear Anonymous: You are in for a real treat. You have just scratched the surface of the many discrepancies and inconsistencies that we who also love ATGB have found over time. I think my favorite is the lost letter--sometimes it's his to her and sometimes it's hers to him. Read the archives for more and you'll find others who wondered about the dates of the Korean War and Lionel's service.

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 16:03 (PDT)

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I love ATGB but as a history major I have also wondered why they make 38 years they had been apart. It would been more apporiate to have it being 42 years since The Middlesex Regiment Lionel was a Second Lt in was sent to Korea in 1951 after having been in Hong Kong in the latter part of 1950 and some of 1951. Also by 1954 the fighting war was over so was he supposed have served on the DMZ.

Anonymous
Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 11:46 (PDT)

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MUCH loved actor Geoffrey Palmer is rumoured to have bought Brook House in Wendover, amidst a flurry of speculation over what will now happen to the derelict property.

On New Year's Eve 2007, the Grade II listed building was gutted by a fire, leaving only the bare skeleton of the grand home that has been on the site for hundreds of years.

The building has remained empty ever since its owner, the reclusive Ian Kirk, moved into a residential home not far from Brook House; the family home he has owned it [sic] since 1953.

... Mr Palmer - star of television's As Time Goes By, and co-star and close friend of Dame Judy [sic] Dench is a well-known local face, having an involvement with a number of societies and charities, including the Cricket Club at the Lee, near Great Missenden and the Iain Rennie Hospice at home, based in Tring.

If you are really interested in knowing more, go to the link to read about it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Friday, August 22, 2008 at 8:13 (PDT)

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Click the picture to see some behind the scenes footage of the making of the M character for Activision's game.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 7:36 (PDT)

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Annie, Happy Birthday and may many "woofs" -- followed by treats -- be in your future.

Marla
Euclid, OH USA -- Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 13:25 (PDT)

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I'm a big fan of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies that are shown 3 or 4 times a year. I was wondering if anyone saw the one shown in April of this year, "Sweet Nothing In My Ear"? If you did, maybe you recognized David Oyelowo who played one of the lawyers. ATGB fans would recognize him as "Patrick", Lionel's "son" from Part 1 and 2 of the Reunion specials-minus the Kenyan accent, of course.

Still love this this site-thanks again Bonnie for all the work you do to keep it alive!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I appreciate your having pointed that out, Chris. I'm a big fan of his and I never associated him with Patrick. I think maybe it is because the things I've seen him in were all done after the Reunion Show and his part was so small that I just didn't remember having seen him. I guess it was last year that I saw him in a lead role in Five Days and also in A Raisin in the Sun. He's a fine actor. I recorded Sweet Nothing in My Ear but never watched it. Now I look forward to seeing it.

Chris
Boise, Idaho USA -- Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 10:20 (PDT)

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Bonnie, you are so thoughtful. Thanks for the heads up about message posts. And, Happy Birthday, Annie!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks Jan. You caught me while I was still at the hotel so no real lag for you. Thanks for thinking of Annie. I shall print the emails I got with good wishes for her and bring them to her. She will probably eat them.

Only one bit of news for today, so I'll post it here: The new Activision Quantum of Solace game featuring the voices of Judi and Daniel Craig is being released on November 4th for the Nintendo DS, PC, PS2, PS3, Wii, and 360.

Jan M.
Bend, OR USA -- Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 8:08 (PDT)

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If the times of the comments don't seem to match the time they were posted that's because I'm currently on vacation in San Diego. I get them on the cell phone immediately, but can't post until I get back home to my computer, so if you see a lag between the sending of your message and its actual appearance on the website, that's why. And I'd like to take a moment to wish my dog, Annie, a happy 6th birthday.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 16:52 (PDT)

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I just read that Rosemund Pike has signed on to play the title role in Madame deSade [opposite the previously announced Judi Dench as her mother]. Many will remember Rosemund as the lovely and shy Jane Bennet in the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice in which Judi played Lady Catherine de Burgh. This is just the beginning as there are four more major roles to be cast. I can't wait to see who else signs on.

Peggy in Ohio
USA -- Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 11:43 (PDT)

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Bonnie, to further the cast spotting thread, there is an episode of "Darling Buds of May" that features Tim Wylton (Lol Ferris). He plays a contractor who gets roped into fixing up an old school by Pa Larkin. It's a great episode from another of my favorite British shows. And of course, kudos on a great site. I visit each and every day. Best regards, Ira

Ira Steinberg
Congers, NY USA -- Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 5:50 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

I am so glad Joan from Pa. asked you the question! Being myself well over 60 I thought I was beginning to lose my brain cells since I could not understand the humour in the "chuckles" pictures. OK, now I get it, thanks!

On another note, last night I saw on my PBS station Frank Midlemass in "The blue carbuncle" and recently I also saw him in a more prominent role in an old BBC serial "To serve them all my days". He played the Headmaster of a Public School. He was a very good actor.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Monday, August 18, 2008 at 19:39 (PDT)

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Bonnie,

...About 6 or 7 weeks ago, a thread of discussion questioned whether or not Jean and Lionel had any friends outside their extended family. While perusing the internet, I discovered that, indeed, they have a couple of very highly placed friends... Barbara Mawdsley (aka "M" of 007 fame) and Admiral Roebuck, from "Tomorrow Never Dies". For verification, I've taken the liberty of including a portion of Barbara's biography, which can be found in it's entirety at http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000295/bio.

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"In the early 1990s Hargraves retired and his replacement, Barbara Mawdsley, the first woman to ever head HMSS, faced steady resistance within the Foreign Intelligence bureaucracy because of her status as an "Evil Queen Of Numbers," as one bureaucrat derisively nicknamed her. She nonetheless overcame this bureaucratic resistance and trusted Bond enough that he succeeded against new threats in the 1990s and early in the 21st century, notably against former Double O Alec Trevelyan, who was killed in the Goldeneye Affair, the sinking of HMS Devonshire (which brought Britain and China to the brink of war thanks to the machinations of Elliot Carver), a terrorist plot to destroy Istanbul (during which Mawdsley herself was briefly captured) and a plot by North Korean officers who had secretly placed a laser cannon in orbit (using the guise of flashy British billionaire Gustav Graves) to destroy Allied power in South Korea. Mawdsley's trust in Bond was tested in this Die Another Day Affair when she was forced to relieve him of duties after he was released from capture by North Korea because of suspicion he had leaked, under torture, information to enemy officers; she nonetheless trusted Bond enough to reinstate him when he provided evidence linking North Korea to Gustav Graves and stood up to the anger of American intelligence officer Damien Falco. Mawdsley also had a memorable confrontation during the Tomorrow Never Dies Affair with the Royal Navy's commander, Admiral Roebuck, though the two also had a respect for one another through friendship with a family, the Hardcastles, they both knew.

The present M continues in her capacity as head of one of the world's strongest intelligence and counterterrorist forces."

******************

I'm not one to start rumors, but here's another curiousity....

In the 'Casino Royale' fiasco, M is awaken during the night by subordinates who are tracking 007. It's clearly obvious there is a gentleman beside her in bed. Is there any possibility that she is (secretly) married to Admiral Roebuck?!?!?

Tongue firmly in cheek. ;-)

Margaret
Clearfield, KY USA -- Monday, August 18, 2008 at 14:52 (PDT)

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I love this cast-spotting thing! Barbara Leigh-Hunt and Paul Chapman have been in episodes of "Midsomer Murders," my favorite -- next to ATGB -- UK television export.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Now that you mention it Tim Wylton (Lol) played a supporting role in another recent Britcom, My Hero.

Marla
Euclid OH, USA -- Monday, August 18, 2008 at 9:25 (PDT)

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Dear Bonnie:

Am I getting really old or just stupid? I fail to see the connection between the photo you posted and the message beneath it, even after clicking on the caption. Could you explain for the over 60 crowd like me?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Um... maybe it is just my sense of humor that is not universally translatable. Here's the explanation of the two chuckles of the day: I found it funny that I got an alert on a page that advertises photos (royalty free no less) of Jenny Funnell (Jenny Funnell stock images) and when you click on it you see a giant picture of Dame Judi Dench. As I recall there is also a teeny picture of Jenny, too. The very next day I got an alert saying there was a website with pictures of Moira Brooker. When you click on that link advertising "Moira Brooker hot model photos" you get a few pictures of Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer, a couple of pictures of people who are clearly not Moira Brooker (one of whom is pictured above the caption) and one very old one that came from my own site. The picture of Judi Dench above the caption is one which was taken when she was obviously amused by something -- hence the caption. I was further amused and being sarcastic about it when I said anyone can throw a web site together because clearly the person didn't check the results of a search and probably never know who these people were in the first place and finally I tried to save anyone the bother of looking for either Philip Bretherton or Geoffrey Palmer, although I was hoping if I found them something else crazy would come up. Obviously the purpose of the website was to get you to click on the advertising. I hope this clears that up. I guess it was not all that funny after all.

Joan in PA
USA -- Monday, August 18, 2008 at 8:12 (PDT)

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Mike T. from New York mentioned, as a response to my post, that he had seen Jenny Funnell in a small role as a nurse in "Peril at End House." Coincidentally, I made the same post of noticing Jenny on May 6, 2006.

I'm glad you both seem to have enjoyed it and that you've alerted the rest of us to look for it.

Joan in PA
USA -- Monday, August 18, 2008 at 6:41 (PDT)

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Anyone can throw together a website:
Today's chuckle -- The Sequel

As far as I could see neither Geoffrey nor Philip were lucky enough to have made the cut, but I haven't checked for misspellings.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Monday, August 18, 2008 at 6:24 (PDT)

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I had seen Joan in PA's post regarding Frank Middlemass and Paul Chapman showing up in the Jeremy Brett/Sherlock Holmes Series. In the David Suchet/Poirot episode 'Peril At End House', Jenny Funnell has a bit part as a nurse in the latter part of the episode.

Mike T.
New York City NY, USA -- Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 20:14 (PDT)

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Click to see
Today's chuckle.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 7:41 (PDT)

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Does anybody know if there is a video or a DVD of the entire musical of Cabaret with Judi starring? I know there is one with Liza Minnelli, but I have not been able to find the Judi Dench version, and frankly the one with Minnelli ....well! there is no comparison! I think that "Don't tell mamma" is absolutely charming.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I have never seen a full video of Judi Dench starring onstage in Cabaret and I don't know if one exists. I do have the Cabaret Masterworks Edition. Amazon describes it as follows:

This 1999 entry in JAY's Masterworks Edition series captures Kander and Ebb's Cabaret in an excellent two-disc release that preserves the complete Broadway score with its original orchestrations and vocal arrangements, as well as an addendum of four songs written for the 1972 motion picture (including "Maybe This Time" and "Money, Money") as well as three written for the 1987 Broadway revival--111 minutes in all. Jonathan Pryce might be too similar to his most famous role as Miss Saigon's Engineer, but Oscar-winner Judi Dench (who shined as Desiree in a London version of Sondheim's A Little Night Music) and lyricist Fred Ebb himself are excellent as the older couple, Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz. Also good are Gregg Edelman as Cliff and Maria Friedman (best known for her role in the video production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as Sally Bowles. This production may not have the authenticity of the original Broadway cast, the Liza-led star power of the film soundtrack, or the grit of the 1998 revival, but it's a highly enjoyable reading, and the completeness of the score makes it a must for the voracious Cabaret listener.

If you want to purchase that you can click on the link on the link above. There are several in stock in the U.S. I noticed also that there is only one available in the UK Amazon Store and it is used and quite expensive.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Friday, August 15, 2008 at 19:08 (PDT)

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	Another thanks to Meggie for sending me the URL for the YouTube Video of Judi singing "Don't Tell Mamma" from the stage version of Cabaret. I appreciate her passing it on to me. She apologized for the quality, but I'm sure she had nothing to do with that.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 11:48 (PDT)

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Meggie wrote to tell me that she has been enjoying the discussions on the site about the differences between AFR and ATGB. Those of you who have been frequent visitors to the site probably remember reading many of the observations that she has contributed to the Curiosities pages -- especially about the meetings she's had with Judi backstage and the events she's attended while visiting the UK. She remembers having been introduced to Bob Larbey and finding herself in conversation with him. She told me to feel free about paraphrasing what he had to say:

I remember talking with Bob Larbey about the two stories and the differences in the characters. He explained to me that he always writes about "what I know." So, he explained, when he was much younger, he wrote A Fine Romance from his own experience with what it was like to be the age of Mike and Laura. Years later, when he was older and more experienced, he used all the knowledge he had gained about human nature and incorporated that into the writing of As Time Goes By.

She went on to say: I told him how much we love the program, and appreciate his wonderful writing, and his amazing insight into human nature, which brings it all to life. I also remember that as an illustration, I used the example of Jean polishing the front step railings as an excuse to snoop on the new neighbors, and I said "HOW in the world did you know that that was exactly what I would have done ? !!" He laughed and thanked me for my kind words, and then that was when he told me "I just write what I know about."

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 20:55 (PDT)

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Speaking of seeing old friends, last night I was watching "Hay Fever" in the Noel Coward series. Who should appear as the housekeeper, Clara, but Joan Sims. She is much younger, but her voice is unmistakable. I googled her and found a lovely early picture of her at the Wikipedia site, that is worth the look-see.

Frayda
Canton MA, USA -- Tuesday, August 12, 2008 at 8:00 (PDT)

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Hi Bonnie - it's me again - I just checked again. Series 6 episode 3 gives you a close-up of the car and it is a Rover 405.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Well, there you have it, Scott. I'm sure that when he sees this he will be happy to have his issue resolved so quickly. I love to see posters who have nothing to gain but the experience of making someone else happy. Thank you, Liz, for making that effort.

Liz <Lizbarr@fireflyuk.net>
Midlothian Scotland -- Monday, August 11, 2008 at 11:42 (PDT)

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Bonnie, thanks for correcting my brain freeze. Of course, the title should have been The Young Visiters. Last night I watched one of the Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes stories (The Blue Carbuncle) and who should turn up but a younger looking Frank Middlemass in a supporting role. A few weeks ago, in the same series, Paul Chapman appeared as a colonel of the British Army in India. It's always fun to see old friends in other roles.

Joan in PA
USA -- Monday, August 11, 2008 at 11:28 (PDT)

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Hi Bonnie

Can't be 100% sure but I am 90%sure Stephen's car is a ROVER 405. I looked at series 7 episode 5 but I'm sure it's in another one -- the one where Alistair gets dressed up as a knight - I am just off to have a good look at it.

Liz <Lizbarr@fireflyuk.net>
Midlothian Scotland -- Monday, August 11, 2008 at 11:26 (PDT)

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When I first heard about it I had never seen A Fine Romance and it never appeared on WTTW public television in Chicago as far as I know. A fellow in the UK was kind enough to have his mother tape all the episodes and he converted them to VHS NTSC and sent them to me. We talked about them frequently on the astimegoesby email list and perhaps that created the demand that resulted in the appearance of the show on some of the PBS outlets. It is not on in the Las Vegas area either and we're lucky to get ATGB itself.

A Fine Romance is available at both of my Amazon ATGB stores and this link will get you directly to the US store. You can purchase it in the complete set or on one of three individual DVDs. I have them all on my IPOD and watch whenever I have a long wait.

			Speaking of ordering at Amazon, you might want to, if you haven't already, join Amazon Prime A free trial is currently being offered and you can click the picture to read about it. If it doesn't suit you, be sure to cancel it before the trial ends. If you order a lot from Amazon and want to get free shipping without spending $25, it should pay for itself.

The other day Joan recommended a movie that had Geoffrey Palmer in a minor role. The name of the movie should have been The Young Visiters.

Scott asked about the type of car Stephen drives. I told him that I didn't know (and still don't), but I later remembered that the car was shown in Season 7, Episode 5. I looked at my library and see that I haven't yet opened this DVD so I couldn't really get a look at the car. I also checked my episode guide and only a bit of the car's window was shown. If someone else has that episode maybe he or she can take a look and see if it can either be identified or photographed. If I remember and no-one responds I will open the DVD package and try to do it myself.

By the way, I meant to tell you that there are rumors that Judi Dench is in talks to star in a film about the killing of TV presenter Jill Dando and the man who was accused of killing her. There are always rumors about roles Judi's up for and I really don't believe this one. If it becomes apparent that I'm wrong I'll give you something more concrete to consider. Otherwise, file this information somewhere in the back of your head.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Monday, August 11, 2008 at 8:30 (PDT)

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Hello everybody! I suppose AFR simply shouldn't be watched after ATGB :) in some way ATGB is more complete, I'm not sure how to put it, but my impression was that AFR is just a foretaste for something more. When all the episodes of ATGB were seen, I took a risk and start watching AFR. It cannot compete with ATGB, dunno why... AFR sometimes can be really annoying, maybe just for me, but Mike and Laura are ALWAYS a total shambles! Phil & Helen are much too perfect ;)

Perhaps it's just a matter of a script. ATGB characters are probably more versatile and somehow more appealing, cause they don't bring one's fears and complexes to the daylight so often...

Paulina
Warsaw, Poland -- Monday, August 10, 2008 at 4:56 (PDT)

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I don't think AFR has EVER been shown in Houston. I have the entire series and just love to watch it. It is totally different from ATGB, but still entertaining when you get into it. Of course, ATGB is my very favorite!!

Eva
Houston TX, USA -- Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 19:23 (PDT)

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I live in Atlanta, Georgia and they are now playing the AFR episodes. They played them last year and just started again a few weeks ago. The episode from last night was where Laura's sister fills in for Laura at Mike's garden center.

Does anyone know where on the internet that one can find free episodes of ATGB? For awhile they were on You Tube, but not any longer.

Thank you for this site. This is my first time to post, but I have been checking it daily for quite some time.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I have no idea where free episodes of ATGB can be found. I've never seen them on You Tube either so I imagine they were removed for violating the copyright.

Mrs. Ginter
Atlanta GA, USA -- Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 17:05 (PDT)

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A few episodes of AFR showed on the Los Angeles PBS station recently. They were not the ones at the beginning, which must have been confusing to those who had never seen the series. They have now stopped, and I have no idea if more will be aired.

Connie
Los Angeles, CA, USA -- Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 11:14 (PDT)

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Can someone please tell me the brand of the car that Stephen drives. I am a car buff and yet cannot identify Stephen's car. Thanks.

Scott
Milford, Connecticut, USA -- Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 10:02 (PDT)

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Evelyn, like you, it took me awhile to get into AFR. One of the things that intrigued me was there was always a chance Laura and Mike wouldn't make it, whereas I never had a doubt about Jean and Lionel. Also, I found Laura and Mike to be more complex characters. I'm not taking anything away from ATGB, but applauding Bob Larbey for writing two series with the same premise (people finding and falling in love with each other) but not making carbon copies.

Marla
Euclid OH, USA -- Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 9:46 (PDT)

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Marla---I am an avid fan of A Fine Romance. When I lived in Reno the local PBS station aired the entire series some years ago and I recorded them on tape. Then, when they became available on [commercial] tapes I bought the series. This had to be some time in the mid-90s before dvd(s) became available. I watch them many times throughout the year and, as you can surmise, I think it is an excellent story well written by Bob Larbey and superbly acted by JD & Michael Williams.

The series was not aired again in Reno and not here in San Diego since 2006 when I moved here. Perhaps the reason it isn't shown is contractual restrictions, but I would hope there would be some resolution possible because of the enormous popularity of Judi here in the US; I'm more inclined to think that, rather than a comparison to Jean/Lionel and Laura/Mike characters and/or personalities. As fans and viewers we should accept that these actors are interpreting and bringing to life Larbey's words. That we become so attached to, and love, them is testament to their talents.

We have to keep prodding our local PBS stations, I guess. Happy viewing, and I always enjoy your comments that are posted here.

Evelyn <sdevelynb30@yahoo.com>
San Diego, CA USA -- Saturday, August 8, 2008 at 13:57 (PDT)

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What a wonderful provocative comment from Marla. I, too, had difficulty when I first started with AFR. However, I learned to love Mike and Laura almost as much as Jean and Lionel. I think that Laura is very vulnerable and does her best to hide her self-esteem problems by being prickly. Mike is a wonderful man, but painfully shy. They are both basically good people who are searching for something that is right in front of their faces.

Initially I think that Mike and Laura felt that they had to "settle for each other" because no one else wanted them. Over time I think that they really fell in love with each other. Their awkwardness with each other was painful for me to watch.

I think that I have commented on this before, but I knew that Dame Judi and Michael Williams had really nailed their roles when my husband, not a fan of anything, passed by the television one night when AFR was showing. He stopped, watched for a few moments and then said, "you know, he really likes her. You can just tell." I loved it because he got it, he really got it!

Kathy Nuwayhid
El Paso, TX, USA -- Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 12:27 (PDT)

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Thanks for the updates, Bonnie. Judi never seems to be far from working on something or other.

A question for posters. Do your PBS stations carry "A Fine Romance?" Mine did about five years ago, ran it through once and then it disappeared. Other series, like "Last of the Summer Wine," which I don't like very much, is on forever. I've talked with some Judi fans who had a terrible time getting into AFR. Why do you think that is? Because Laura isn't Jean, because the relationship between Laura and Mike is even more prickly than Lionel and Jean? I'm interested in what others think about AFR and why it hasn't caught on as has ATGB.

Marla
Euclid OH, USA -- Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 8:28 (PDT)

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Nothing new on the ATGB front, but I know that many of you are eager to know what's going on with Judi and, believe me, she doesn't seem to be resting very much this days. I get all kinds of alerts telling me what she's up to and what her horse has been up to and I usually stick these snippets in folders just so I can keep up. Generally I don't post these stories because there are so many of them and I think they are often repetive, out-of-date and, because anyone can have a blog, some are even in bad taste. I will not be posting everything I see on or offline, but I will kind of summarize the things I've been seeing lately and then you can get the flavor of what is really going on with Judi.

First off, the date has been announced for the London premiere of Quantum of Solace. The red carpet event will be held in London's Leicester Square on October 29 and will also be attended by 007 himself, actor Daniel Craig, as well as co-stars including Dame Judi Dench and Gemma Arterton. The film opens in UK cinemas two days after the premiere, on October 31, with the rest of the world having to wait until early November.

Second, filming of the movie "Nine" is set to begin in October. Fergie, of the Black-Eyed Peas, has the newest role and she is "thrilled" [her words] to be playing a prostitute and looking forward to being a sponge and learning from Judi. Kate Hudson got another of the parts. Judi Dench will also kick up her heels in a racy tango in Folies-Bergere style. I'm sure there will be more information released and when that information becomes more substantial, you will be able read about it here.

Still more stories emerge about the eco-town and it is one of the many things with which Judi is associated. Read the information at the link if you are interested in getting more information.

While we are talking of snippets, you can -- if you haven't already seen it (or even if you have) -- see the first episode of A Fine Romance on You Tube. It is posted in 3 parts, the first of which is here.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 10:44 (PDT)

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Has anyone else seen a movie called "The Visiters," (yes, that's the correct spelling). It is an odd little piece featuring a young Jim Broadbent and Geoffrey Palmer in a small, somewhat humorous role as the butler, Minnit. He is his usual fine acting self, but I wonder why he took such a small part.

Joan in PA
USA -- Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 9:48 (PDT)

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LES ENFANTS TERRIBLES - THE TERRIBLE INFANTS

Three times Hairline Highlights Award winners Les Enfants Terribles are back for another run at this year's Fringe Festival, bringing their 2007 hit The Terrible Infants, a show which they say feature 'short morality stories about nasty children who meet nasty ends in a very Tim Burton way' and which last year we described as a 'blend of the Brothers Grimm's fantasy, a bit of Roald Dahl's imagination and some of Tim Burton's prose and visuals'. But despair not, the show has gone through some remodelling, so if you saw it last year, there is no excuse not to go again in the next three weeks.

The biggest change comes from the inclusion of a segment where Dame Judy [sic] Dench narrates one of the two new stories. 'After last years Edinburgh we were invited to perform the show at a Cancer Research event where Judi Dench happened to come along', the group explain. 'She absolutely loved the show and told us afterwards that she wanted to help and get involved in anyway [sic]. So when we sat down to extend, change and improve the show we wrote a new story and we thought hard about how we wanted this story to be different from the others. Someone suggested it might work well as a voice over and we liked the idea and there was only one person who we wanted to do it - and she agreed!'

But Judy Dench's new section is not the only change in the play, The new version has a lot more of the actors performing music, breaking the divide between actors and musicians that existed in last year's play 'Last years version had a clear division between the band and the actors whereas this year we have mixed the rolls so the performers all play instruments and all act', Les Enfants Terribles tell us. But, where did the idea of The Terrible Infants show come from? How did all these amazing little stories and incredible puppets appear? 'When my co producer Oliver Lansley set the company up in 2002 he asked his friend, the show's designer, Sam Wyer, to create some funny characters for our website', explains co-producer James Seager. 'Sam drew these weird and wonderful cartoon characters that we then put up on line. Over the years we did a [sic] our shows up in Edinburgh and beyond until in 2006 Oli thought it might be a good idea to base a show around the characters that were on our website; and the Terrible Infants were born'. So, in a way, The Terrible Infants have been around as long as Les Enfants Terribles have existed!

Finally, we had to know. What do they do when they are not on stage? How do they spend their Fringe? 'We are always busy during the festival which is great', answer [sic] James, 'we never have a moment to relax but I would prefer this than have a lot of time on our hands. Thankfully all of our shows in Edinburgh have gone extremely well which means that we are always doing something; photo calls, interviews, chasing promoters or producers, flyering for the show, advertising the show, thinking of ways to promote it further - always a busy time!'. With all those things to do, one wonders if they get a breather!

All the hard work does pay off, though. With an amazing run with The Terrible Infants in 2007, this year's Fringe seems to be just as good. Here, in Hairline, we do recommend you go and see them. As we said last year 'Missing a show by Les Enfants Terribles would normally constitute somewhat of a sacrilege, but missing The Terrible Infants should be penalised by law'.

The review above was written by Adrian G. Velazquez for the Hairline UK website. If you go to Les Enfants Terribles website you will be able to read about the production and, as a bonus, you can listen to a bit of Judi's narration of Beatrice.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Friday, August 1, 2008 at 7:56 (PDT)

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Bonnie, the gentleman with Judi at Sandringham is Keith Baxter, actor and director, an old friend of hers, who was her escort for the day. NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks, Pauline, I knew someone in the UK would know him immediately. I remember the name. And now that you mentioned it, I dug up this picture of the two of them at Sandringham in 2005.

Pauline
UK -- Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 7:48 (PDT)

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I've been listening to "Evelina", an audiobook downloaded from Silksound Books, read by Judi, Geoffrey and Finty. I am 15 chapters into it and loving it. Finty is "Evelina" and does a wonderful job of portraying a young, sheltered Englishwoman, coming of age, from the mid 18th century, I believe. Its remarkable to me the language spoken in that era as well as all of the "rules" one had to follow in society. I remember feeling the same as I watched the HBO series, "John Adams", and "Cranford" as well. I forget that this was the foundation of the language we speak today. Its seems impossible!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Marcia mentioned this recording on July 3 and you can go to that comment to retrieve the link and listen to a sample.

Speakiing of recommendations: It is now more than a week after I ordered the last Vicar of Dibley (The Wedding) and I received it from Amazon within 2 days. I have seen both episodes now and was surprised to find that it contained an hour special with cast interviews and I had never seen this on television. I spent a wonderful 3 hours and would recommend it to all Vicar fans. What a nice surprise! You can find it at my Amazon stores or scroll down to my comment of July 20.

Sue
Portland, OR USA -- Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 7:15 (PDT)

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If you want to hear Judi's actual quote about the garden, along with quotes from other attending celebrities, you can visit this site. I am unable to identify the Anthony Quinn-lookalike who is holding hands with her as she walks thru the Flower Show at Sandringham yesterday morning Another tidbit: According to the Prince's website, Judi is staying with the Royal Couple at the Queen's residence in Sandringham.

ON SECOND THOUGHT: Scratch the Anthony Quinn reference.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 7:31 (PDT)

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I'm so glad to read that Judi's garden is thriving. After Michael died, she said he took care of it all and she didn't have any idea what to do with it.

Marla
Euclid, OH USA -- Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 18:54 (PDT)

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Bonnie...it may be a "slow news day" to you, but to us viewers and followers of your website it's the 'quality of the news' that matters. These latest pictures are so enjoyable. Thank you once again!

Evelyn Eisenberg <sdevelynb30@yahoo.com>
San Diego, CA -- USA -- Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 11:57 (PDT)

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	Here's a short You Tube video showing Judi in Shakespeare in Love being translated into Spanish. Somehow it just doesn't seem the same. ******* Judi went to the Sandringham Flower Show this morning. The pictures on this page were taken at that event just a few hours ago. Here's a snippet from a story which appeared online at a web site in Norfolk: Among the Prince's guests was actress Dame Judi Dench, who matched the Royals in drawing affectionate cheers from the crowd on her second visit to the show. "I love it here," she said. "It is only for a day, which seems an awful waste. "I have a beautiful garden at home but it is done by a husband and wife who come in and do it for me so I am extremely spoilt. I can just sit in it and enjoy it." ******* She also mentioned that she is looking forward to seeing Quantum of Solace in its entirety. She's only seen tiny bits of the film. It is a slow news day.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 9:13 (PDT)

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Cressida: My guess, knowing the Hardcastles as well as I do, is that most of the time they drink Hock--which is what the British call most white, German wines. The term Hock is a corruption of the name of Hochheim in the Rheingau, a wine producing region of Germany. I have the feeling that one time Alistair brought Lionel a bottle of British wine from a small, pricey vineyard owned by a friend and that Lionel, after one small taste, compared it to camel excretion.

Joan in PA
USA -- Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 15:02 (PDT)

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First I'd like to say how wonderful this site is. My husband and I love ATGB! I would love to know if any of you know the kind of wine the Hardcastles drink throughout the series. I've done a search through the archives and couldn't find the info. I'm in the process of reading through the entire section but thought I might get an answer quicker this way. Thank you for any help you can give. I'm sure I will be spending a lot of time here in the future.

Cressida Cryer <dawnvg@aol.com>
Shreveport, LA -- USA -- Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 12:528 (PDT)

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Another big thank you goes out to Rosemary from Nevis, in the West Indies. She sent me an article which appears in the current issue (August, 2008) of the UK Magazine, Psychologies. The 3-page article is reproduced below and you may click on the page to see an enlargement. Once you see the enlargement, you should be able to click on it again to get an even larger photo. Since it consists basically of photos and snippets, I thought it would be better to actually post the article as it appeared in the magazine so you can get the flavor of the self-portrait.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Monday, July 21, 2008 at 21:28 (PDT)

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Thanks for the great article. And thank you, Bonnie, for calling the new Bond film "Quantum of Silence" since I thought I was the only one to do that.

Marla
Euclid, OH USA -- Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 15:16 (PDT)

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Oooops! I certainly hope I didn't offend. I am astonished at your enterprise, Bonnie, that you would re-type such a lengthy (and very interesting) article, just for the enjoyment of your many readers. I had no idea (and I am unanimous in that) of how much extra work you put into the site. Hats off, high five, and kudos to you for all you do. Thanks from all of us.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Don't worry, Joan. I thought it was very funny and could have chosen to just answer you privately. I don't think I've ever posted a comment I thought was offensive when I had control of the page. In the beginning I didn't and was forced to remove some posts, but now they all come through me anyway. I enjoyed reading the article so much while I was typing it, that I just never bothered to go back and proofread it more carefully. I really appreciate your pointing it out and will take the time to remind everyone that if you put "COMMENTS" in the subject line of the email and let me know your name and city I will post it. Also, if you include your email address in the comment I will post that, too. If you just wish to write me personally -- and many people do -- send the email to me using the link on the home page (which includes ATGB in the subject line).

Joan in PA
USA -- Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 14:26 (PDT)

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Bonnie, never mind the typos: the article is great! Thanks again.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: It is a wonderful article, isn't it? And it was all spelled correctly in the original article (including the name of her upcoming Bond movie, which I've always insisted on calling Quantum of Silence). It should be pretty much okay now. If not, let me know and I'll certainly fix it.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ USA -- Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 9:51 (PDT)

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Bonnie:

Just curious. Regarding the article posted on the website from the supplement to the Times -- does someone re-type the article before it goes on the site? I can't think that the original piece could have been published with so many typos.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: That somebody would be me. You should have seen it before I ran the spell check. I'll reread it and correct it after I've had my coffee.

Joan in PA
USA -- Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 12:11 (PDT)

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	I would like to thank Meggie for sending me an article (by way of Emma) that appeared in the Weekend UK Supplement of the Times on May 24, 2008. If you click on the picture to the left you can read the article.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Monday, July 21, 2008 at 21:28 (PDT)

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JUST THOUGHT I'D MENTION: Last night I watched PBS and saw a "new" Vicar of Dibley. I have the "complete collection" and the "10th Anniversary Show" which ran in 2005. Apparently it ran in the UK at the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007. Perhaps it ran in the US on my local channel before but there was never any promotion for it then or now. I was really delighted and the show did not disappoint. When I checked next week's schedule I saw that it was going to be the Season 1, Episode 1 show so I figured it would be a long time before the network played part one, if at all. Fortunately I found the show at Amazon: The Vicar of Dibley - A Holy Wholly Happy Ending and you can, too. You'll remember it if you saw it -- it was the special devoted to the Vicar's wedding. Note that if you have the "Immaculate Collection" (which came out last year, I believe, it is already included. If you have the "Complete collection" (2003) it was not. The above link will take you to the Amazon US site and if you need the PAL version you can get it here at the Amazon UK site. Or you can always go to the appropriate store, search for it under the DVD category.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 12:11 (PDT)

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For Anne--what a great idea! Are we fans obsessed or what? Bob Larbey's and the actors portraying them have truly come to life for us. Like members of our families we don't want to lose them.

For Gary--I think you have expressed beautifully the feelings of us all. I watch the episodes over and over and can think of no better words than yours.

And, as always, thank you to Bonnie for this wonderful web site.

Evelyn
San Diego CA USA -- Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 9:38 (PDT)

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I do not write to fictional characters or to television shows, until now. Quickly I just want to say nothing, no book or play or television show has ever given me the pleasure and joy this show and its perfect actors have. I thank you.

Gary Mueller <ga4ry@aol.com>
Hollister, CA USA -- Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 19:08 (PDT)

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It would be so great to have another reunion special. I had a thought that since Rocky and Madge are both gone and the country house would come to Lionel. He could sell it to Alistair and Judy and Alistair could do all sorts of remodeling. Then the sets would not have to be the same for the filming...the changes would send Mrs. Bale over the moon. Then Harry could be the Village police and take over Madge's cottage. Jean and Lionel could still come and enjoy the country for Christmas and all the babies. Well, it was a thought...

Anne
Jacksonville, FL -- USA -- Saturday, July 19 at 12:39 (PDT)

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When Philip and Moira were in my area a couple of years ago, they said that a Christmas special was "probably in the works," but everything depended on Geoffrey's fishing schedule and Judi's acting commitments. It sounded then as if everybody involved wanted to do another episode or two, but the problem was getting people at the right place at the right time.

Marla
Euclid OH -- USA -- Friday, July 18, 2008 at 8:17 (PDT)

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Bonnie:

I am one of those silent fans of your website, always logging on in the hopes of news about another reunion show. Well, I was watching the last reunion special this evening on the local PBS station (WLIW) - Long Island New York wrapped around their quarterly fund raiser drive. One of the pledge "gifts" were tickets to a 1 day seminar to be held in NY in June 2008, with Moira and Phil, for the specific purpose of Q&A re ATGB. The hosts of the drive stated on a few occasions this evening that they had met with Phil and Moira very recently in perparaion for the seminar and Phil and Moira indicated that both Geoffrey and Judy have "signed on" for Christmas reunion special this December. However, still quite a few logistics that have to be finalized.

Do you have any way of verifying this? Was this just a tease for their seminar?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: When I received this email yesterday evening I wrote back and promised that I would write to the producer and post the answer if I received one. This morning I received the following comment from my contact at the producer's office:

In connection with ATGB, producing a Christmas reunion special continues to be high on our agenda. However, at this time nothing is definitive; if and when the circumstances change, you will be among the first to know. Thank you again for maintaining your site which provides a great meeting place for the many ATGB supporters. As you know, we visit the site on a regular basis and often times share some of the content with the key contributors of the show.

I would consider that to be from the horse's mouth.

M. Mines
Melville, NY -- USA -- Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 13:57 (PDT)

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As expected, Judi was nominated in the Best Actress category for her role as Matty Jenkyns in Cranford.
This time Eileen Adkins was correctly placed in the Best Supporting Actress category.

				You can go to the Emmy Web Site to read the entire list of nominees, which -- in my opinion -- has some magnificent matchups, particularly because of the new cable broadcasting entries. As far as the category we're particularly concerned with, I'd have to say that I've seen all of the performances and I don't think I've seen a more chilling performance than Catherine Keener gave in An American Crime. Luckily they don't give the award for chilling performances.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOVIE

An American Crime -- Showtime -- Showtime Presents in association with First Look Pictures / Killer Films Productions / John Wells Productions

Catherine Keener as Gertrude Baniszewski

Bernard And Doris -- HBO -- Trigger Street Independent Productions in association with Little Bird and Chicago Films and HBO Films

Susan Sarandon as Doris Duke

Cranford (Masterpiece Theatre) -- PBS -- A BBC and WGBH/Boston co-production

Dame Judi Dench as Miss Matty Jenkyns

John Adams -- HBO -- Playtone in association with HBO Films

Laura Linney as Abigail Adams

A Raisin In The Sun -- ABC -- Storyline Entertainment and Bad Boy World Wide Entertainment Group in association with Sony Pictures Television

Phylicia Rashad as Lena Younger

*******

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 7:44 (PDT)

The Winchester Festival has played to capacity houses for most of its events this year, but the hottest ticket has to have been for the Finale, "Great Eccentrics", which sold out on the first morning of booking back in May.

Unsurprisingly so, since it starred the Festival's President, Dame Judi Dench, with Charles Dance.

It was devised and directed by the Artistic Director, John Miller, who joined his two actors on stage at the Theatre Royal for this comic recital which was rapturously received.

The first laugh came just as Dame Judi was saying "Let us begin . . ." when a mobile phone went off in one of the front rows. She stopped instantly, and the baleful look she directed at the unfortunate who had disregarded the earlier request to switch them off brought the house down.

The laughter continued through the stories of the Sitwell family, Tennyson, Wellington, Gladstone, David Livingstone, Churchill, and many lesser-known names who merit inclusion in the gallery of eccentrics. These tales were interspersed with poems by Edward Lear and his American equivalent, Ogden Nash, beautifully rendered by the actors. The first half concluded with a rousing performance by Charles Dance of Stanley Holloway's monologue "The Battle of 'Astings".

The second half was devoted to the world of show business, beginning with a variety of approaches to "Hamlet", including performances by John Barrymore and Richard Burton, both re-created uncannily by Charles Dance. John Miller had a wonderful series of stories of the eccentric behaviour of both Sir Thomas Beecham and Ralph Richardson, and Judi Dench gave brilliant impersonations of Hermione Gingold, Edith Evans, Sarah Bernhardt and Madonna.

At the end John Miller thanked everyone in the audience who had responded to the 2005 Save the Festival Appeal, saying that it had since gone from strength to strength, "and Judi has become our President". This drew the biggest cheer of the entire evening, and was a tribute to the affection that everyone feels for this great actress, and a special gratitude for her close relationship with the Festival. Long may it continue.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at 15:14 (PDT)

A REMINDER: Emmy nominees will be announced by the Television Academy at 5:40 a.m. on Thursday, July 17.

Kristin Chenoweth ("Pushing Daisies") and Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother") will join John Shaffner, Chairman and CEO, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, to announce the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards Nominations live on Thursday, July 17 at 5:40 a.m. at the Academy's Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre in North Hollywood.

Judi, of course, is expected to be nominated for her role in Cranford and the results of the above announcement will be all over the internet by the time I get up on the west coast. You can probably catch the action live on most, if not all, of the morning shows.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Monday, July 14, 2008 at 7:56 (PDT)

Thank you so much for your continued efforts. I really appreciate all of your hard work, please continue to do so for many, many years to come.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks Kathy. Just wanted to mention that in the comment in which I posted the program photos of Mr. and Mrs. Nobody, some of you may have found it confusing. I had a link to click to show you what couple other than Judi and Michael played the same roles in a later version of the play, but when you clicked the link it showed another photo of Judi and Michael. Oddly enough, although I had a lot of visitor to the page, no-one complained -- maybe it was just chalked up to an out of whack sense of humor. I checked it several hours later I noticed the error and posted to the correct photo, which is now available.

Kathy Nuwayhid
El Paso, TX -- USA -- Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 7:14 (PDT)

This is the description of the story which appears on the link above:

Sir Edward Feathers QC is cold and old and going out to lunch with a woman called Dulcie, who he'd never much liked. Trudging up to Privilege House in the pouring rain, he is joined by his fellow judges Veneering and Fiscal-Smith. As they shake out their umbrellas in the conservatory, it becomes apparent that Dulcie has invited a horde, although the mysterious -- and elusive -- guest of honour is not among them. Jane Gardam is the only writer to have been twice awarded the Whitbread prize for Best Novel of the Year (for The Queen of the Tambourine and The Hollow Land). She also holds a Heywood Hill Literary Prize for a lifetime's contribution to the enjoyment of literature. Her novel God on the Rocks was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and made into a film, while her collections of short stories have won many awards, including the David Higham Award and the Royal Society of Literature's Winifred Holtby Prize (for Black Faces, White Faces); the Katherine Mansfield Prize (for The Pangs of Love); and the Macmillan Silver PEN Award (for Going Into a Dark House). Old Filth was shortlisted for the Orange Prize 2005. Born in Yorkshire, Jane Gardam is married with three grown-up children. She lives in Sandwich, Kent.

Note: I looked up the meaning of QC and I found that it is an acronym for Queen's Counsel. And when I looked that up, it returned the following: (in Britain, Australia and New Zealand) a barrister or advocate appointed Counsel to the Crown.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 4:38 (PDT)

The pictures here are from the program of the play Mr. and Mrs. Nobody in which Judi and Michael Williams starred. Information about the 1897 play is found elsewhere on the website. What I found interesting was the identity of the couple who revived that play several years later. Click to see the couple I'm talking about.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 9:09 (PDT)

Last week I talked about how I get a lot of emails which are sent to me privately and many of them ask the same questions, the answers to which never wind up appearing here in this comments section. Surprisingly I got at least 4 emails since then, all of which asked for the name of the green and white china pattern at "Rocky's Country House." My answer is always to say that I wouldn't know the answer if I fell on it and that one pattern looks, except for the color, just like all the rest. Lately, though, I've modified that answer to include a reference to a site that Helen Ayres gave to us relatively recently: blueandwhite.com. This morning the last person to whom I gave this reference wrote back the following: I found the pattern almost immediately - Mason's Fruit Basket - Green.

I'm not sure that everyone who has the same question is aware of this comments section, but I figure that we will at least have the answer documented should someone choose to look. Again, I have no idea whether or not it is the same exact pattern (my red and white teacups and saucers look just like the blue and white, which probably look like the green and white as well -- but you could easily fool me.)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at 7:26 (PDT)

I hope you all remembered to tune in to Radio 4's airing of The Maltby Collection, starring Geoffrey Palmer. Today's final selection of this second series was Part 6 and it wraps up some really very charming entertainment to which we are usually not exposed. Geoffrey is particularly well-known for his catalog of audio works. If you go to the Amazon UK store on my site, look at the column at the left and you will see a category that says "Geoffrey, Jenny, Philip and Joan" and, if you click on that you will see Amazon's offerings centered around others in the cast. The BFG, which I have posted to this website in the past, is included in this group and his highly recommended (by me) for both children and adults. Remember that the audio items in the store are playable in the US.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Monday, July 7, 2008 at 8:21 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Monday, July 7, 2008 at 7:45 (PDT)

Marla
Euclid, OH -- USA -- Monday, July 7, 2008 at 7:14 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Sunday, July 6, 2008 at 9:34 (PDT)

I am "Mrs. Worthington!" What a delight to see that you remembered my email from several years ago. I am so glad that you enjoyed the search. I had forgotten all about the email but it certainly did sound familiar! Now, wouldn't it be fun to hear from other friends of Lionel and Jean? Ladies, are you Jean's younger sister sitting somewhere behind her when she married Lionel? Let's hear from the gentlemen. If you were a regular member of the As Time Goes By cast who would you be? Which of Lionel's chums or family are you? Were you a neighbor in Kenya or the owner of the next door flat in London?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I enjoy your enthusiasm and wanted you to know that Joan actually did mention your name, but I pulled it out of the message thinking you might not want it posted again. Be sure to read about the fan fiction list mentioned below if it intrigues you. I'm glad you spoke up, glad you're stilling hanging around and glad that the initial confusion produced an interesting thread, whether or not someone takes you up on the challenge. I just read Marla's comment way back in March of 2005 in which she envisioned herself as Pauline, a person Jean called and persuaded her to buy My Life in Kenya. Actually it was kind of cute and you can use it as an example of what Denise is suggesting. My only worry is that in a couple of years I'll probably swear the series introduced Lionel's Kenyan neighbors.

Denise
Berrett, MD -- USA -- Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 19:23 (PDT)

To Bonnie, Your website is my first and last "to do" for the day! It is great! I like Cranford very much (as I do all English period dramas). Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth) was my first favorite but Cranford has taken over. I was interested to note that Sue Birtwhistle was the producer of both. Her detailed work is wonderful. Is she the wife of director Richard Eyre? They are a great pair!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: She is, indeed, his wife, but to carry today's theme of confusion a bit further: I was going to tell you that his wife was a dress designer whose clothes Judi frequently wore. I was surprised to learn, instead, that Sue Birtwhistle was David Hare's wife. Being the type of personality that can't let go of a question until I can find the right answer, I naturally spent a couple of hours trying to remember who I was thinking about in the first place. The person that I was thinking of turned out to be Nicole Fahri who is the wife of David Hare, who is also one of Judi's director and friends. And, no, I'm not a drinkin' woman, although sometimes I play one on this website.

Evelyn
SC, USA -- Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 15:48 (PDT)

"Fellow ATGB Friends, here is a question for you all! If you were a new character on the As Time Goes By weekly series who would you be? I would be a Mrs. Worthington who lives on the other side of Jean's home. You saw me once peeking through the upstairs window when Lionel was trying to get into Jean's cellar door. I would be an ex-mental health therapist who is a life long friend of Jean and Judy. Whenever Jean was upset or worried (a common situation) she'd call me over for a hot cup of tea in her kitchen and she'd ask for my sage advice. Sometimes the advice was perfect and sometimes it would backfire miserably! We'd be a bit like Lucy and Ethel from "I Love Lucy." Now, who would YOU be?"

I was very pleased to find the answer, but I also enjoyed hunting for it.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: So speaking of senior moments, on which I seem to be an expert these days, I actually asked someone who is familiar with the site, whether or not she remembered such a thing in the comments section. We both agreed that it not only sounded familiar, but we actually had a picture of Mrs. Worthington in our heads and assumed that it actually happened in the show. Then I see IN MY OWN EPISODE GUIDE that THIS DID happen in the show only I had forgotten about it. How's that for being a little confused? Anyway, I'm delighted you found what you were looking for and invite anyone who wants to answer the question to do so.

Joan in PA
USA -- Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 13:40 (PDT)

So, I'm not that great after all, am I?

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 10:31 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 9:00 (PDT)

Speaking of Judi's artistic qualities, I've been asked if I knew more about her paintings and if, in fact, I posted any others. I do know that painting, along with doing crossword puzzles and off-color needlepoints, is one of her hobbies and it's something she does to relax. I know she's had some of her things auctioned to benefit charitable causes and I have photos of some odd things that she or someone on her behalf have donated. For example, the dress that she wore in Filumena is currently being auctioned at Ebay UK and the most recent bid was 6 pounds plus shipping. [sorry if you are one of the two bidders, but if you want her old clothing you probably are prepared to go higher]. If you're into old clothing you'll probably get a kick out of this picture of her old shoes, which have already been auctioned off. Judi has also auctioned doodles, pottery and paintings (notably for KITH + Kids for the Prince's Trust several years ago). I do have some pictures of some of the other things, but I've only posted some. Again, the reason I'm bringing this up is because I've been doing some searching to answer the question about whether or not I've actually posted other paintings. At the moment I'm not sure. All I've found online so far is a dead link for the Prince's Trust auction painting. The photo of the item was probably removed when the auction ended.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 8:58 (PDT)

The lower photograph shows the postcard that Dame Judi Dench designed to be auctioned off at the North Wall Festival that is currently running in Oxford. You can read about the auction below. The upper photograph is an enlargement I made to give you some idea of what that might actually look like, but there are many variables, such as texture and sharpness and resolution which would cause this larger picture to look very different from the reality of it. In fact you can tell by the signature in the "enlargement" that this is not really representative of the thing itself. If someone has taken and sends a photo or if I am able to find a larger picture, I'll post it, but at least you can get some idea by looking at this.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Friday, July 4, 2008 at 13:32 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA -- Friday, July 4, 2008 at 11:14 (PDT)

	Bonnie, I thought you would be interested in the news that Silk Sound Books has announced that their Book of the Month is Frances Burney's EVELINA read by Finty Williams, Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer. Thanks for your wonderful site.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thank you, Marcia. You can visit Silk Sound Books to read about (and listen to a sample of) what Marcia is talking about.

Marcia
Royal Oak, MI, USA --Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 14:48 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Friday, July 4, 2008 at 9:01 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA -- Friday, July 4, 2008 at 8:27 (PDT)

Does anyone else remember a time, quite long ago, when someone suggested imagining some of the peripheral characters in the series and fleshing them out? For example, one person wrote in as the wife (?) of the owner of the corner shop and described herself and her life. Another took on the persona of the woman who peeks out of her window and spots Lionel trying to find Jean as he peers through her windows, upstairs and down, on the day they are to move in together. I believe there were others. I have tried Googling the archives, but came up with nothing. Am I having a senior moment?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: You may be having that senior moment, Joan. I don't remember anything like that and if someone suggested it I'd probably direct them to some kind of fan fiction site where they could speculate about what might happen in future episodes or write new ones using these characters. I think someone once suggested this on an email list I was on and it did not meet with a warm reception. I vaguely remember that there might have been an email list that split off and was headed in that direction, but I am no longer a member of any email lists and can't say for sure. I prefer hearing what cast members feel about the characters they play. Talking from the perspective of people who don't exist seems to be a somewhat specialized exercise. That's not to say it wouldn't be of interest to someone. If anyone knows of such a list, please let me know and I'll pass it on.

As for new comments: Sometimes there is just nothing to say. Frankly I'm amazed to see the consistent interest that this site HAS generated for viewers of the show. For a series that ended years ago, with people who are not, with the exception of Dame Judi, constantly in the public eye (particularly in America) it welcomes quite a large number of fans and new visitors every day. Some of them may never click on "comments" or even realize that there have been updates since the show ended, but I can see that they are there. Often they write to me personally and don't want to post anything. Maybe some are actually reading the archives and find the answers they were seeking. Since all the postings go thru me before they are on the site I don't really post frequently asked questions about the pictures in the opening of the episode or china pattern names or agent information.

By the way, you really don't have to Google my archive. Just click in the blue box to load the archive and use your browser's find command.

Joan in PA
USA --Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 14:48 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thank you, now I'm getting embarrassed. But I must say you're in for a nice treat tonight because the pictures that Marian sent are now up and you need only click on that lovely picture to see them.

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista,AZ, USA --Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 13:48 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA --Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 12:46 (PDT)

Judi was at the opening ceremony of the inaugural North Wall Arts Festival in Oxford Wednesday nite. You can see recent pictures, including those taken today at Rex Features. Judi joined other guests at a gala classical musical concert at the arts centre in Summertown to mark the start of the 10-day festival, featuring everything from classical music to theatre and comedy. Read about the Postcard Auction. There are many postcards from leading names in British culture. The contributors created whatever they liked on their cards and [there is] quite a range of drawings, cartoons, photographs and written messages. The postcards can be viewed in the North Wall Gallery and anyone who want to buy one of the cards can put in a bid until the last day of the festival.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA --Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 15:03 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Aw shucks, Marla. Thanks.

Marla
Euclid, OH -- USA -- Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 13:30 (PDT)

As I read Rosemary's comments about the recent June 29th performance at the Bristol Old Vic, my heart leapt to my throat. I cannot imagine seeing Dame Judi live on stage. I think I would be so overcome with emotion and excitement that I would scarce be able to breathe.

Oh just "to share the same land mass with her!"

Rosemary --- your last paragraph spoke to my very soul. "Who could ask for anything more? I felt enriched. Seeing and meeting this lady in the flesh, as herself, has had a profound effect on me."

What joy!

When you said Dame Judi seemed to be everywhere when you were passing the rolling hills of Bath, I could close my eyes and see Miss Matty and the beautiful Cranford countryside!

I just purchased my airline ticket today for next year's April 24 & 25 performance of Madam deSade.

I am already so excited -- I am beside myself.

Have met Glenda Pryor recently (4 hour Denchfest!) and have e-mailed with Marian, Pauline, Frayda & Martha. Looking so forward to seeing Dame Judi and meeting my fellow Denchophiles!

Mary Bentley <mnbentle@southernco.com>
Birmingham, Alabama -- USA --Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 12:38 (PDT)

Sue
Portland, OR -- USA -- Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 20:15 (PDT)

I was so relieved to see Rosemary had given the account of Sunday as she did it so much better than I could have done - all I can say it was a brilliant show and the icing on the cake was meeting not only Judi but Barbara Leigh-Hunt and Richard Pascoe. When I get the photos sorted out I will send you a selection and you can put whichever of them you like on the site.

As I expect you will have gathered we all had a wonderful time and for Liz and I it was so nice to meet some of the others from the web site.

I have attached scans of the programme of Shakespeare and Stratford...I will send a separate e-mail with some photos when I get them sorted.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: A big thank you to Marian for sending scans from the program in Bristol that she attended on Sunday. Click on the program cover to see all the pages and click on each photo twice to make it large enough to read. We'll all lbe looking forward to seeing the pictures and I will post some when I receive them.

Marian Keith
Galashiels, Selkirkshire, Scottish Borders --Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 12:51 (PDT)

In other news, 29 per cent of 1000 people polled voted for Judi as Britain's favorite actress. I'm not sure what can be concluded from that small a sample, but I'm not surprised. This has nothing to do with the National Treasure poll I posted yesterday.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA --Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 10:26 (PDT)

My thanks to Nancy for pointing out this video clip. It is labeled as an interview with Dame Judi Dench after she helped stage a one-off evening of entertainment to raise money for the Bristol Old Vic theatre -- see below for Rosemary's commentary on the event,which took place yesterday. It appears to me that the interview was done before that, but I could be wrong.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA --Monday, June 30, 2008 at 20:29 (PDT)

Margaret LaFontaine
Clearfield, KY -- USA -- Monday, June 30, 2008 at 16:30 (PDT)

The extension to my already planned trip to London began the day "Shakespeare and Stratford" was announced. Tickets could be obtained by mail order only, on April 1st, (no fooling). A good friend in London made an application on my behalf, and by week's end, fortune smiled, and the ticket arrived. Fortune smiled again, and I was also able to extend my flights and accommodation.

I arrived in London on June 15, and throughout my stay, shared the feeling so ably described by Stephen Fry at the 2001 BAFTA Tribute, of "just being pleased to share the same land mass with her".

Finally, June 29th. Arrangements to meet up with three other devotees, Pauline, Marian and Liz, went smoothly and after much Judi-related conversation over a pleasant Chinese meal, we took our seats at the Bristol Old Vic. This special performance was arranged to raise funds to assist with the restoration of the theatre, and the actors contributed their time and efforts willingly.

The Stage was simply set, five central chairs and two side tables with water and glasses in between. The presenters, Stanley Wells and Paul Edmondson, took up their positions at each side of the stage.

The Performers, seated from left to right were, Barbara Leigh-Hunt, Judi Dench, Richard Pascoe, Jane Lapotaire, and Martin Best.

The two and a half hour programme, including encore, provided "Something" for everyone. Hopefully Marian will scan the programme for the benefit of the website.

All actors gave grand performances, but it seemed to me that Judi received the loudest laughs and applause. Her miraculous timing, her delivery, her expressions, and her sometimes irrepressible laughter, were a joy to watch.

The Stage Door, no red carpet here, set between two large dustbins, (incongruous that performers of such stature must enter and exit this way). The temperature had dropped considerably, but I clenched my chattering teeth, and the twelve of us did not wait in vain. They came out separately, all very friendly and willing to chat and give autographs. Judi was last, going directly to greet and embrace a handicapped lady in a wheelchair. She was so concerned that the lady was cold that she gave her her beautiful turquoise scarf for warmth and spent several minutes talking to her. We were all granted autographs and she posed for photographs with each of us.

Who could ask for anything more? I feel enriched. Seeing and meeting this lady in the flesh, as herself, has had a profound effect on me. Returning to London by train, passing the beautiful rolling hills of the "Cranford" countryside surrounding Bath, she seemed to be everywhere.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thanks so much, Rosemary. I can't emphasize enough how much we all appreciate the observations and contributes of those who have had the good fortune to see anyone connected with As Time Goes By and I certainly would encourage anyone who has similar stories or pictures to email them to me. I'd be happy to post them.

Rosemary
Nevis, West Indies -- Monday, June 30, 2008 at 12:32 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV -- USA --Monday, June 30, 2008 at 7:40 (PDT)

Thanks to Jan M for sending me this caricature showing Judi and Eileen Adkins in Cranford. It appeared in the Sunday Times (UK). Hello Everyone

I found a great article on Nine today [that] actually gives information about everyone's role in the film and some great info on Judi's role.

Peggy
Reynoldsburg, Ohio -- USA -- Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 20:19 (PDT)

Sue
Portland, OR -- USA -- Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 17:28 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ -- USA -- Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 10:13 (PDT)

Sue
Portland, OR -- USA -- Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 8:55 (PDT)

Marla
Euclid OH, USA - Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 8:36 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Thursday, June 26, 2008 at 13:03 (PDT)

Thanks again!!!!

KB
Princeton, NJ -- USA -- Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at 9:15 (PDT)

Hi all. Just came back from a week in Chicago and I am finally caught up on the website. Although I have been posting every day, sometimes some of your emails were delayed while I was sight-seeing and for some odd reason some didn't get to me at all until I just checked on the home computer. I want to acknowledge the lovely photo that Marian Keith from Scotland sent on June 17th a full day before I got the other photos. I had already posted one of them, but I thank you for sending them, Marion. I just got home two hours ago so I hadn't yet read all of today's mail, but I also want to acknowledge that Joan from Pa. wrote and indicated that she, too, was trying to help KB who wrote asking about the New York PBS interview with Philip and Moira. Instead of getting any concrete information about what might have happened during the interview she got an email from the WLIW person assigned to member and viewer relations which said "Sorry, you missed the As Time Goes By event. It took place in our studio last Wednesday, June 18th."

Also, if you're interested in Judi's appearance and honorary degree of Doctor of Letters at the graduation ceremony at St. Andrews, which I mentioned quite a while back, you can click the link to read about yesterday's happenings in the Telegraph. She seems to me to be really happy about the honor and is beaming in pictures all over the net. The one at the right is one of my favorites.

From now on the time lapse between your sending and my posting should be much shorter.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 13:03 (PDT)

Thank you for all of the time put in to keeping fans informed.

Gwendolyn Seuell <gwenseuell@aol.com>
Huntsville, AL - Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 7:24 (PDT)

This is for KB from Princeton:

I was lucky enough to be at the As Time Goes By event with Moira Brooker and Philip Bretherton last Wednesday. It was hosted at the Thirteen Offices near Penn Station in Manhattan, but sponsored by Channel 21, WLIW (a partner of Thirteen's). At 6 PM, there was an introduction, then some clips from ATGB, showing the progress (and regress) of Judy & Alistair's courtship. Then the two stars came out. They spoke about themselves, then answered questions, first from the moderator, then the audience. (There was a good crowd, but I have no idea of the actual count.) At 7:30, Moira & Phil signed autographs, posed for pictures and chatted with the fans. Both of them looked terrific, and were delightful, witty, and charming. I took a few pictures with my cell phone. They're not very good, but I'm attaching them.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Thank you so much for attaching the pictures. If tradition holds, this event might be recorded and sent to other PBS stations to accompany a pledge week sometime down the line. I hope it does.

Nancy
Pomona, NY -- USA -- Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 12:48 (PDT)

Brian
Redford, Michigan -- USA -- Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 12:48 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Monday, June 23, 2008 at 13:03 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE:The link above for the Noel Coward Collection is for the US Region 1 DVD at Amazon.com. If you are in need of the Region 2 Version of the DVD playable in PAL format you can buy it here at Amazon UK.

Sue
Portland, OR -- USA -- Monday, June 23, 2008 at 12:48 (PDT)

I've been searching the internet for reports, pictures or anything from this event and haven't seen a word. PLEASE if anyone went or knows someone who went or knows where I can read a report from someone who did post it here.

I'm anxious to hear what they had to say and all that!

Thanks,

KB
Princeton, NJ -- USA -- Friday, June 20, 2008 at 5:55 (PDT)

Back in the year 2000 Dr. Dave was able to import cuttings of the Judi Dench Rose. He had to put it in quarantine for 3 years before releasing cuttings to anyone who requested them. He only requested that a donation be made to the monastery where the cuttings were quarantined. I requested a few cuttings and the attached pictures show the one which survived. Just thought the people on this website would be interested in how beautiful this bush has become in only 4 to 5 years.

Emma
USA -- Friday, June 20, 2008 at 5:17 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ -- USA -- Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 10:03 (PDT)

Paulina
Warsaw, Poland - Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 5:45 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 21:25 (PDT)

June 17 Judi awarded the King's Stand Stakes prize at Ascot. Doesn't she look fabulous in this hat? A very unusual picture of her: no scarf and....no Finty!

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, AZ -- USA - Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 18:58 (PDT)

Tena Isakson
Port Orchard, Washington --USA - Monday, June 16, 2008 at 15:51 (PDT)

Peggy in Ohio
USA - Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 19:39 (PDT)

Apart from his appearance in a BBC TV play about Margaret Thatcher tomorrow, he's in a new radio series of the museum sitcom "The Maltby Collection" now on Radio 4, in repeats of his weird sitcom "At Home With The Snails" on BBC7, and on Saturday [June 14] he's in a new radio play, David Hare's Plenty with Miranda Richardson.

Glad to see there's life in the old boy yet !

Cheers

Phil
UK - Wednesday, June 12, 2008 at 12:45 (PDT)

Four in the Morning will be released in the UK on June 23, 2008. It is in the Region 2 (PAL) format and is not playable on the majority of US DVD players.

Judi Dench's outstanding performance as the young mother gained her the British Film Academy s 1966 Award as the Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles. Four in the Morning was shown at the 1965 Cannes Film Festival and won the Specialised Cinemas Award: Prix des Cinemas d'Art et d'Essai.

You can click on the link to go directly to the listing at Amazon UK or you can visit my Atgbcentral UK store by clicking at the top of this page.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Monday, June 9, 2008 at 19:57 (PDT)

Hello Everyone

A little snippet about Geoffrey Palmer. He is playing Sir John Crowder in The Long Walk To Finchley a feature-length TV drama about the life and career of ex PM, Margaret Thatcher on BBC4, Thursday June 12th 9pm.

on BBC4, Thursday June 12th 9pm.

Finchley was Margaret Thatcher's constituency in North London and she applies for the 'safe seat' when the incumbent, Sir John Crowder is retiring.

The trailers look very good!

Best wishes

Helen Ayres <info@helenayres.com>
Tenterden, Kent, UK - Friday, June 6, 2008 at 9:13 (PDT)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEOFFREY!
June 4, 1927

From the June 4, 2008 Times Online: The actor Geoffrey Palmer is spending his birthday fishing in Scotland. His popular television series with Dame Judy [sic] Dench, As Times Goes By, ran for a decade until 2002. Speaking from Scotland, he says: "I've got a couple of radio plays coming up and I turned down a film part last week because I thought it was rubbish. At my time of life if is ain't fun I don't do it." Of his other work as a familiar voice-over for commercials, he says: "I've been flavour of the month for three or four years for the second or third time in my life. Now it has dried up, but who knows, perhaps I will be the flavour again?" On his birthday he'll be with his with daughter and granddaughter and says "It's a full life, a wonderful life, but that's what I do now. I go fishing." Geoffrey Palmer is 81 today.

I grew up listening to the radio and still remember many of the programs. It's a shame that this didn't continue in the United States. I wonder why. Kudos to the BBC for keeping radio drama alive and to the well-known actors who appear on these programs.

Marla
Euclid OH, USA - Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at 8:27 (PDT)

I came across a nice site this morning called M Radio which deals in Old Time Radio and the spoken word. Sites like this and all of BBCs radio programs are absolutely wonderful and have brought me hours of entertainment over the years. This site encourages you to download the programs, listen, email to friends and share. It also allows you to make your own podcasts. This morning's offering included one of the many Hercule Poirot mysteries: Dead Man's Folly. Jenny Funnell, who is a frequent radio voice in the UK, is included in the cast, which features John Moffat and Julia Mckenzie in the lead roles. Since I haven't yet heard the program (I'm saving it to listen to in the car) I can't say how big or how small her part is. I've listened to and recorded most of Agatha Christie's works and this one was new to me. If you have time, have a listen now and, if not, record it for later. Or both. There are many, many more choices at the site.

And don't forget episode one of Geoffrey Palmer starring in the second series of the Maltby Collection on BBC Radio 4. See the link below on May 28th's entry.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Monday, June 2, 2008 at 9:13 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE:I'm really grateful for you're having sent these photos, Sharon, because they actually show the inscription on the grave. In my own mind this might have reduced the sentimentality of the story a bit, but only just a bit.

Sharon Breden
San Jose, CA - USA - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 10:45 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 9:22 (PDT)

Found this interesting article on the Beeb website about the 'perfect human voice'.

Needless to say, "Our Judi" features!

Best wishes

Helen <info@helenayres.com>
Tenterden, Kent, UK - Friday, May 30, 2008 at 9:15 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: The answer to the first question is, yes, you're right and I found three references on my own site when I looked it up in the search engine in the blue box on this page including this one:

For 12 years, Dench and her late husband, the actor Michael Williams, lived six miles outside Stratford at a converted stables in the Warwickshire village of Charlecote. It wasn't a typical actors' menage, certainly not once the couple had invited Williams' parents and Dench's mother to move in, but it apparently worked beautifully as an experiment in communal living. "It was a very special time, and Fint remembers it terribly well, being brought up with three grandparents. Those were good times, it was absolutely wonderful and it kept them all pretty sparky."

So how did it end? "My ma-in-law died first, and then my ma. Then Michael's brother and his wife moved in with my father-in-law, and then he wasn't well and was put into a home nearby. That's another story; I wish that had never happened. But it was expedient." For a moment Dench seems on the verge of tears, but she stops herself just in time.

Michael's own death from lung cancer - almost three years ago - is clearly never far from her mind as we talk. Their marriage was a remarkably resilient partnership, on stage and off, and tales of Williams' weekly delivery to Dench of a single-stemmed red rose are still repeated with awe.

Marla
Euclid OH, USA - Thursday, May 28, 2008 at 13:40 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: If it would, just think of all the airline miles you would earn. On second thought, people at those levels just don't worry themselves about things like that.

Larry Lain <Lain@udayton.edu>
Dayton OH, USA - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 12:46 (PDT)

So, an overcast but thankfully dry day rolled around in the Midlands on Tuesday, and, as I'm spending the half-term break at my parents house, they decided that we should spend the day at the National Trust site of Charlecote Park in Warwick. It's a lovely Tudor house that belonged to the Lucy family and Shakespeare was reported to have poached deer from the grounds. Also, apparently Dame Judi Dench grew up in the village and her father and grandfather worked on the estate. We even visited the church and happened upon her husband's tombstone. It was quite sad to see it actually as I am a big fan of hers. The inscription was very simple -it just said Michael Williams, Actor, 1935-2001 and the inscription around the edge said "I am bereft of all words without you".

Eleanor wrote back within minutes and sent along some wonderful pictures that she took (two of which follow the email I received). She said:

I am very sorry but I am afraid I did not take any photos of the actual headstone. It was at the end of the day and we were rather rushed so I am afraid it didn't occur to me. I did take some photographs of the church and I have attached them in this email (you can probably tell how rushed I was by the wonky camera work on the ones in the actual church yard). You are very welcome to use them if you wish. Apparently Judi's mother is buried there as well, although I did not see that grave.

Michael's grave basically looked like this:

Michael Williams
Actor
1935-2001
(with the inscription curved around the top)

Charlecote isn't near York at all really. Charlecote is in Warwick in the county of Warwickshire (Shakespeare's county as we call it) which is in the middle of England. York is in the county of Yorkshire and is in the North East of the country. The staff at the house told me that Dame Judi spent her childhood there, although how much of it I do not know. They said that her grandfather and father worked on the estate but I imagine her father worked there as a young man, before he became a doctor. Apparently she and Michael lived in the village of Charlecote when Finty was younger and she now has a house in Hampton Lucy which is the adjoining village to Charlecote.

This kept me busy for most of the morning looking up Charlecote, which is linked above and "Hampton Lucy" (which is not, but you could do a search for it. And it finally lead me to my own own website which in an article from the New Yorker contained the following paragraph:

On July 9th of last year, a muggy Monday, at St. Paul's Church in Covent Garden, a standing-room only crowd heard Trevor Nunn eulogize Michael Williams as a fine actor and partner. "I remember them courting," he said, standing opposite an enlarged photo of Williams, who was five feet four and puckishly handsome. "When they got married, Mike said to me, he was in the grip of feelings 'beyond any happiness he had ever dreamed of'. He told me more than once that his favorite line in Shakespeare was 'You have bereft me of all words, lady.' Because when he was with Jude, he knew the full extent of what Shakespeare was saying."

I thought you'd like it.

Thanks very much to Eleanor for allowing me to use the pictures.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Thursday, May 29, 2008 at 11:01 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 8:05 (PDT)

Next week's Radio Times has a nice photo of GP in an article about a new radio series of The Maltby Collection, by David Nobbs, writer of Reginald Perrin. It's the second series about the people who work in a museum, with GP as the Curator. It's on Radio 4 at 11.30am Mondays and will be available on the Listen Again page for a week after each broadcast.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 7:32 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA - Monday, May 26, 2008 at 7:19 (PDT)

Phlip Bretherton is in a very old Nescafe Gold coffee commercial from the 1980s in Britain; he shows up at about the 37-second mark as "The Other Man".

This was a whole series of commercials that captured the UK's imagination back in the 80's; the commercials "starred" Anthony Stewart Head (who was Rupert Giles in the American tv series Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Sharon Maughan.

Happy Memorial Day to you and your readers.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Friday, May 23, 2008 at 16:08 (PDT)

Larry Lain <Lain@udayton.edu>
Dayton, OH, USA - Friday, May 23, 2008 at 11:24 (PDT)

Joan in PA
USA - Friday, May 23, 2008 at 10:02 (PDT)

Larry Lain <Lain@udayton.edu>
Dayton, OH, USA - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 19:30 (PDT)

Also, I've been bombarded with emails about Judi's honorary Doctor of Letters degree at the one of her country's oldest institutions, the University of St Andrews. You can find many many many more references to this award on any search engine, but basically she'll be coming to that university on June 24th to receive this distinction.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 8:47 (PDT)

I's nearly 25 years since Stephen Poliakoff's play, inspired by the experiences of his grandfather's family, had its premiere in an RSC production. Its first major revival, directed by Esther Richardson, proves the work to be filled with enduring interest; its themes of memory and of history refracted through individual lives have become Poliakoff hallmarks. But while Richardson's staging displays a sensitivity to the absurdities that can arise from extreme circumstances, it suffers from a shortage of tonal variety and theatrical impact.

In post-Revolutionary Russia, the Pesiakoffs, a well-to-do Jewish family, are turfed out of their comfortable Moscow home and resettled in a dilapidated railway carriage. Nikolai (Philip Bretherton), the fastidious head of the household, is ordered under Lenin's new regime to become a regional telephone-line examiner, a position that involves the family trundling from one bleak or bandit-infested backwater to another, in their cramped, vermin-infested new quarters. But Nikolai's lively mind is concerned not with telephones but with communication of a different kind: he is developing the process by which sound can be recorded on film. Ironically, preoccupied with that ground-breaking work, he is wilfully deaf and blind to developments within his family and beyond the carriage's bullet-hole riddled walls.

The writing hums with resonance. The necessity of honouring the past without becoming trapped there emerges powerfully, and sociological change is vividly suggested in the family's shifting relationships. Nikolai's wife Eugenia (Diana Kent), permitted to work for the first time, finds a release from years of stifling bourgeois marital frustration. Their former servant Polya (Celia Meiras) gradually sheds her subordinate status. Their son, Ilan Goodman's gawky Sasha, grows from a cossetted boy into an anxious young man whose privileged upbringing makes him feel an imposter in his home country.

Nikolai, meanwhile, clings to the old ways that gave him status in Moscow society, throwing a farcical candlelit dinner party in the carriage, unashamedly sporting his expensive clothes and endangering the entire family's lives with his flouting of Soviet authority and his absorption in a scientific discovery that he dreams will make and record history.

Yet even as the shadow of Stalin looms, Richardson's production never darkens sufficiently to suggest either personal or political crisis. The acting, a hammily played pair of guards aside, is competent, but the pace is ponderous and there's a tension-sapping absence of passion. Jamie Vartan's hefty steam-filled set looks impressive, but Richardson's staging is diffuse, characters seeming barely to connect, physically or emotionally. We scarcely feel the intensity of Nikolai's obsession, the fear and frustrations of Eugenia and Sasha, or the terrors of encroaching totalitarianism. The play's extraordinary journey deserves to traverse much more colourful, dramatic country.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: This review appeared on the London Times website dated May 22, 2008 (tomorrow). It was written by Sam Marlowe. I posted a link to another review below. Click on the title of the play to read it.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 19:08 (PDT)

Lisa
UK - Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 7:45 (PDT)

I particularly enjoy the comments and the updates on Dame Judi. So many of the comments have expressed so precisely how I feel.

I think that Dame Judi is the #1 best actress of all time! She never fails to blow me away. I, like so many others, "found" her by watching "Mrs. Brown." Then I became hooked on "As Time Goes By." I am now the proud owner of the complete "ATBG" series, numerous DVDs including "The Judi Dench Collection," many, many audiobooks read by Dame Judi, a copy of her "Scenes from My Life," and my most recent purchase "The Nation's Favorite Love Poems" (a 2-cassette BBC offering which I had made into a 3 CDs) which includes many, many read by Dame Judi and Michael Williams.

To say that I am fascinated by Dame Judi is to put it mildly.

I have viewed her many interviews on U-Tube and her singing of "Send In the Clowns" moves me to tears everytime. I am riveted to her face each and every time. I never even understood the meaning of the song till I "heard" it on her face.

Thanks to the encouragement of one very special lady whom I contacted via your site, I am heading to London next April to see Dame Judi in "Madame de Sade" and I can hardly wait.

It will be so nice to be with others who actually know who Dame Judi is! Ha!

Hello to all fellow Denchophiles!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Glad you spoke up, Mary. Be sure to let us know how the experience went after you come back.

Mary Bentley <mnbentle@southernco.com>
Birmingham, Alabama - USA - Monday, May 19, 2008 at 10:06 (PDT)

Marla
Euclid OH, USA -- Friday, May 16, 2008 at 10:06 (PDT)

If the face looks familiar he was the Coronation Street car dealer who had his wicked way with Sally Webster.

Philip Bretherton, also Alistair Deacon in the sitcom As Time Goes By and ice-cool manager Stefan Hauser in Footballers' Wives, is in Nottingham to take the central role in Stephen Poliakoff's drama Breaking the Silence.

"Nikolai Pesiakoff is a flamboyant character," says Bretherton of the patriarch of a family uprooted in the Russian Revolution.

"He is eccentric and emotional. He is also an anglophile with his taste for English clothes and English manners - but he has a very Russian temper. It's nice to have a part to get stuck into."

The story of middle-class engineer Nikolai was inspired by the history of Poliakoff's own grandfather.

In the play, his family have been turned out of their home by the Soviet system and he has been appointed a travelling inspector of telephone lines. The family travels thousands of miles in an old imperial railway carriage.

While Nikolai is hopelessly wrong for what turns out to be an impossible job, he secretly works on what he believes is his life's mission - to pioneer the introduction of sound to moving pictures.

The rise of Stalin brings matters to a head, and Nikolai's son Sasha plays a decisive role. His father is caught unbearably between fleeing the country or fulfilling his life's ambition.

"Nikolai's wife Eugenia is also an interesting character," says Bretherton. "She is much more restrained and keeps a lid on what her husband does.

"I think the play shows how the Soviet system tried to shoot down individuality and sit on self-expression."

As a schoolboy Philip Bretherton longed to play men on stage.

"I went to a boys' grammar school and when the school play came around the women's roles were handed out to callow, pre-pubescent boys. After three or four of those parts it was my greatest ambition to play a man - and at last it happened, I think in John Whiting's play A Penny For a Song."

He subsequently chose to study both English and drama at Manchester University, but picked up an Equity card while still a student and elected to "give it a couple of years".

His successes include Alistair Deacon in As Time Goes By - later this spring he travels to the US for an event in support of the Judi Dench/Geoffrey Palmer sitcom, which is massively popular on PBS television.

In Coronation Street three years back he was philanderer Ian Davenport: "He was a sleazy dealer in high-end second-hand cars. He employed Sally Webster as a secretary and he was soon closing the blinds at the back of the office. "My character cooled off and treated Sally very badly. Kevin got wind of it, punched me on the nose and that was it. At least they didn't kill me off!"

Esther Richardson directs Breaking the Silence, which has its first preview tonight and continues until the end of the month.

Stephen Poliakoff's TV dramas often explore the impact of memory and family history. This play, premiered in the 1980s, tackles these themes directly, immersing the audience in a historical situation so remarkable that it would seem fantastical were it not grounded in fact.

Playing Eugenia is Diana Kent, who has had screen roles in everything from Bergerac to Billy Elliot, Heavenly Creatures and New Tricks, and among many theatre credits was in the original cast of Stephen Daldry's landmark production of An Inspector Calls (twice seen at the Theatre Royal). Celia Meiras plays the formidable family maid Polya, towards whom the balance of power inexorably tilts, and Ilan Goodman is Sasha, maturing from spoiled boy to self-possessed young man.

Party official Verkoff is played by Owen Aaronovitch, who once portrayed Jon Lindsay, the Coronation Street conman whose fraud sent Deirdre to prison. Jim Findley and Jonathan Wright, both familiar to Playhouse audiences, are two guards with a pivotal role in the Pesiakoffs' fortunes.

A play about invention has an appropriate Designer in Jamie Vartan, in international demand for both theatre and opera work. Renowned for extending the possibilities of the acting space, his set for Breaking the Silence is a railway carriage that can swivel and tilt.

James Farncombe contributes lighting design, sound is by Stuart Briner and movement by Vik Sivalingam.

This article appeared on the This is Nottingham website on My 16, 2008. My thanks to our anonymous friend who always sends me something wonderful to post. I also noticed that Philip appeared in a movie called Dark Floors and I watched as much of the trailer as I could -- this is not my kind of movie -- and didn't notice him. There are several trailers for the film, in fact.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Friday, May 16, 2008 at 8:12 (PDT)

---

After reading the reference about Krossroads and the movie trailer, I did an IMDB search for Morgan Freeman, who was also listed in the movie credits. Supposedly, he's involved with a project called "Rendezvous with Rama", in production for 2009. (Perhaps that is the title of the movie, not Krossroads.) It's based on a novel by Arthur C. Clarke, set in the 22nd century and centering on a team of astronauts sent to investigate an interstellar spaceship. You can view a more detailed synopsis at this link.

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I did a similar search yesterday and also included a search for Gary Dourdan, who is also in the credits on the Krossroads video. He is not shown as part of anything in production. Considering that Judi has been in so many voice-only productions lately, maybe this is an animated project. Again, who knows?

Margaret
Clearfield, KY - USA - Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 8:34 (PDT)

---

A couple of interesting You Tube videos featuring Geoffrey Palmer in the Season finale of UK's Ashes to Ashes and Krossroads -- a curious reference to an upcoming something or other that I haven't yet been able to figure out. If you do a search for Krossroads and Judi Dench you can find a few blog references to Star Trek and something new coming in 2009, but I have no idea what and neither, apparently, does IMDB. The song sung by Johnny Cash is nice, though, so if anything comes from it, at least you'll not be caught unaware.

NOTE: I've just been told that the whole Ashes to Ashes episode is online. Go here to see it in 6 parts. [And thanks, as always, to our friend, who wishes to remain anonymous, but provides such great information to the site.]

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Monday, May 12, 2008 at 9:54 (PDT)

---

Happy New Year all! I am re-watching the entire series (I always do after Christmas, it chases the post-holiday blues away better than any therapy!)�and I have a question ... something I've wondered about for a long time:

I am watching "Rocky and Madge's Wedding" episode, and I want to know what are "crepes and drapes", and what is a "very old Teddy Boy?" Oh, and what is the reference to "old butlers discussing the 'relief of Mafeking' " ... not sure if I spelled it right. Just some things I have wondered ... thanks all!

Oh, and I got to ride the new "Spaceship Earth" at Epcot the other day, with none other than Dame Judi as the new narrator ... it's awesome! Come see it if you are in town!!!!

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I remember in one of the the Reunion Shows the topic of the Relief of Mafeking was discussed in connection with how old the magazines in the Dr. Plankk's waiting room were. That's because Mafeking is a town in Africa which was liberated and celebrated around 100 years ago during the Boer War. I don't remember how it was used in context in the other episode, but if you're interested in more specifics, you can do a search for "Relief of Mafeking" in any search engine. As for Teddy Boys, according to Wikipedia, "The British Teddy boy subculture is typified by young men wearing clothes inspired by the styles of the Edwardian period, which Savile Row tailors had tried to re-introduce after World War II. The group got its name after a 1953 newspaper headline shortened Edward to Teddy and coined the term Teddy boy (also known as Ted). The subculture started in London, England in the 1950s and rapidly spread across the UK, soon becoming strongly associated with American rock and roll music of the period. The Teddy Boys were the first youth group in England to differentiate themselves as teenagers, thus helping to create a youth market." Again, you can look this up at Wikipedia or use any search engine to find out more. And you can look up crepes and drapes in connection with both Teddy Boys and ATGB here.

This episode took place pretty early on in the series and it wasn't until later that I began to highlight and post links for things I really didn't understand because I thought other people might be curious about them as well. It's been so long since I've actually seen most episodes that I forget the context of many of the phrases.

Ann
Orlando Florida -- USA -- Friday, May 9, 2008 at 18:04 (PDT)

---

And now, we have the rest of the story. Judi might have envisioned a different kind of plan for her contribution, but at least it won't be sitting in storage for another seven years.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Friday, May 9, 2008 at 9:23 (PDT)

---

Masterpiece's 'Cranford' allows a peek inside Victorian life

It's been an excellent spring for devotees of costume drama.

HBO gave us an upstanding look at colonial life in "John Adams," Showtime is offering a sexed-up version of the reign of the Tudors and among a slew of decent-to-good Jane Austen adaptations, PBS' Masterpiece has also given us the period dramas "My Boy Jack" and "A Room With a View."

But Masterpiece has saved the best for last. "Cranford" ... is a particularly savory treat. Even if you're not a particular fan of frock coats and corsets, I highly recommend this finely wrought, exceptionally well-acted three-part series. An adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell's classic novels about an 1840s Victorian English village, "Cranford" teems with life and is packed with subtle, engrossing performances.

There is nothing like a dame, and "Cranford" has two: Dame Judi Dench plays Matilda Jenkyns, a sweet and slightly timid spinster who is part of the pack of middle-age, middle-class women who rule the small northern village. Their acknowledged and somewhat feared leader is Matilda's sister, the decisive Deborah (Dame Eileen Atkins), whose rulings in every matter, from how one should eat an orange to whether women should attend funerals, carries the force of law.

What "Cranford" does so lovingly is show the tender hearts that often lurked behind these formidable Victorian exteriors. Deborah is so rigid about the rules of propriety that she won't allow her servant girl to have "followers," and she rues the day the railroad will come to Cranford; the trains will bring not only change, Deborah sniffs, but "noise, disease and the Irish."

Yet Deborah also notices the broken heart of a new neighbor, the daughter of a retired Army officer, and does all she can to engineer a match for the woman.

The lively, gossiping women of the town, especially the excitable Miss Pole (a highly enjoyable Imelda Staunton), dominate every event, large and small. And though their adventures are sometimes played for laughs (as when a cow goes missing), "Cranford" doesn't settle for merely satirizing Victorian life. The fine script by Heidi Thomas depicts the women of the town with complexity and compassion, and the men don't get short shrift either, though they have to have commanding presences to compete with the formidable women of the town.

Philip Glenister, so forceful in BBC America's "Life on Mars," is more modulated but no less effective here as the savvy estate manager of haughty aristocrat Lady Ludlow. Simon Woods, so spookily fascinating as Gaius Octavian Caesar in HBO's "Rome," is quietly charismatic as the town's new doctor, who brings fresh ideas to a town that prides itself on never changing.

The doctor's sweet, tentative wooing of the rector's daughter has unexpected moments of tragedy, but the most affecting scenes are of Dench and Michael Gambon as two former lovers who had lost track of each other for decades but meet up again. Unlike some of Masterpiece's recent historical dramas, "Cranford" depicts their rekindled relationship without forced melodrama and with admirable restraint. The problem with the Dench and Gambon scenes is that there aren't nearly enough of them.

This article was written by Maureen Ryan for the Chicago Tribune and appeared online on May 4, 2008

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 8:35 (PDT)

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Judi Dench feels at home in "Cranford"

If "Cranford" were a residence, the real estate listing probably would read:

"Charming Victorian, painstakingly constructed by skilled craftsmen. Absolutely packed with character. Must see to appreciate."

... Academy Award winner Judi Dench and former Oscar nominee Imelda Staunton ("Vera Drake") head a star-packed cast in this engaging adaptation of three novels by Elizabeth Gaskell ("Wives and Daughters"), set over the course of a year (1842-43) in a sleepy English village.

"This is Cranford, unchanging, perpetual, a society that knows itself, a place of peace," one villager tells a newcomer.

That peace is about to be shattered, however, by the Industrial Revolution, embodied by an encroaching railroad line that will bring unwanted change and strangers into this quiet hamlet, where tradition-bound order is maintained largely through a close-knit group of women: Miss Deborah Jenkyns (Eileen Atkins), the iron-willed spinster daughter of a deceased vicar; her mild-mannered sister, Matty (Dench); Miss Pole (Staunton), who has elevated gossip to the level of a news service; and the aristocratic Lady Ludlow (Francesca Annis), who feels a keen sense of noblesse oblige while clinging to prehistoric attitudes toward education for the lower classes. Lisa Dillon ("Hawking") plays Mary Smith, a new arrival in town.

All these characters are vividly realized in both the writing and performances, yet they feel familiar as well.

"I think anyone who comes from a place where there is a close-knit community recognizes this," Dench said. "It's just something to do with people looking out for each other. If you have somebody like Miss Pole, why do you need a computer or a mobile (phone)?"

"What is so charming about those books is that these people actually care about each other. The lucky ones of us have experienced that."

The early part of the miniseries is dominated by Atkins' iron-willed Miss Deborah, who keenly dreads the day, as she tells her sister, "when Cranford is overrun with noise and disease and the Irish, and there are more streets and more strangers than we can either know our neighbors or keep anything in check."

If Dench and Atkins make such a convincing sister act, it's partly because the actresses have known each other for nearly half a century.

"Working with her on this was just hugely fun, not to negate the fact that it was also very hard work," Dench said. "But you can cut certain corners when you know the way someone works, and knowing someone as long as we have known each other is really grist for the mill when you are playing sisters."

The only drawback to working in such a huge ensemble spread over multiple shooting locations, Dench said, is that she never got to see some of her co-stars, especially Annis and Philip Glenister, who stars as Lady Ludlow's compassionate steward, Mr. Carter.

"I said jokingly to Philip later, 'Oh, were you in this?'" Dench said with a laugh. "We all met for the first couple of days, of course, when we read and talked about the story and the period, and then many of us never saw each other. When I watched it, even though I knew the stories, I was terribly shocked when (one main character) dies. It just happened so abruptly."

"But it's everything you would ever want in a part, really. The whole business of acting is telling an author's story. I think everybody (in the cast) gets a good turn, and it was exciting to work with friends and people whose work you know. I have no interest in doing something on my own, a one-woman show. I've been asked to do that so many times, and I wouldn't know who to get ready for, in a way."

"Cranford" was both a critical and popular success in the United Kingdom. Now plans are under way for the cast to reassemble for a sequel revolving around the same characters.

"I'm not sure when that will happen," said Dench, "but I would just jump at it."

This article was written by John Crook for the Boston Herald and appeared online on Sunday, May 4, 2008.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 7:55 (PDT)

I'd also like to put my two cents in regarding "Cranford". I too watched it on YouTube in December, the short time it was available, and loved it. Those seeing it for the first time should look at the first hour as an introduction to the characters. As you may have noticed there are quite a few people to keep track of. The rest of the series will flesh out the characters and their story lines, as there is at least one for each of the characters we've been introduced to. For the DJD fans, you will be happy to see the character of Miss Matty come out from the shadow of her sister Deborah and her on screen time increase. I have heard from 2 friends that are not DJD fanatics like most of us are, but watched the first two hours on my recommendation, and they are hooked. So if anyone is "underwelmed" stick with it. You will not regret the time you invest.

Peggy in Ohio
USA -- Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 11:21 (PDT)

Sharon Breden
San Jose California -- USA -- Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 16:48 (PDT)

I recently wrote to silksoundbooks.com asking whether Dame Judi and Finty had ever recorded "Evelina" by Fanny Burney, as had been advertized by them last year. They replied that the taping had been delayed due to Dame Judi's many commitments, but that it is scheduled for completion early this month, and then the Audio Book should be ready a week or two later.

"Cranford" is charming and VERY moving. It cannot/should not be judged in the first viewing; every single line of the text is relevant and intense. I have watched the series on DVD four times already, and am still discovering bits I've missed. It's a pure delight, and the DVD special feature on how it was made is also tremendously informative, with great comments from the main actors.

Miss Matty's feelngs are breathlessy portrayed by Dame Judi, and the camera captures all the emotion she experiences from her knack of being totally inside the character.

Enjoy, and thank you Bonnie for this wonderful website which is a part of my daily routine !

Rosemary
Nevis, West Indies -- Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 15:09 (PDT)

I am not saying that some pieces aren't better than others. As the years passed, due to the magic of DVD's, you can see what a great actor she has become. She makes me believe and for that particular short period of time I become lost in the adventure.

I agree with Bonnie. I have seen all of Cranford and I loved it. I watched it on YouTube where every nine minutes you have to move to a new episode, but it was worth every frustrating moment. I can't wait until the DVD arrives in the mail so I can sit with my iced tea, homemade popcorn, and fall in love all over again.

I am an unashamedly passionate DJD fan and always will be.

Kathy N.
El Paso, TX -- USA -- Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 9:24 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 8:52 (PDT)

Marla
Euclid OH -- USA -- Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 8:34 (PDT)

Although I thought Eileen Atkins did an excellent job, I don't think her role was that creative or challenging to deserve a BAFTA for best actress. Certainly Judi's role was even smaller and less significant. One "bit" I did enjoyed was listening to "Mrs. Bale" coming through the voice of Eileen Atkins. Some of her phrases reminded me so much of Mrs. Bale in ATGB. Am I the only disappointed fan out there?

NOTE FROM BONNIE: I think it is a mistake to get an impression of a performance after having seen only 40 percent of it. Judi actually has a big part and it was only after her sister died that Miss Matty was able to expand her role in a life dominated by Deborah. As for the length of Eileen Atkins' role, I really don't have to say more than two words: eight minutes. And as for the quality of the performance: there's no accounting for taste. Personally, I don't think they should have even been in the same category. Apparently those behind the Emmy nominations agreed with me because they are not competing with each other.

My advice is to stick with Cranford. It gets better with each episode and you can see the episodes online at PBS.org.

Sue
Portland, OR -- USA -- Monday, May 5 2008 at 21:41 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista,Arizona -- USA -- Monday, May 5, 2008 at 10:54 (PDT)

Marla
Euclid, OH -- USA -- Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 14:25 (PDT)

NOTE FROM BONNIE: Harry Hill is profiled here. I'm sure that if you go to YouTube you can catch many examples of his work. Here's an odd one to start you off.

Marla
Euclid, OH -- USA -- Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 7:25 (PDT)

Thanks to Phil for sending this scan of a page from next week's Radio Times. He says that each photographed BAFTA winner was asked three questions. Here are the questions, along with Judi's answers:

Q: What's next ?
A: Most likely the film of Nine, the musical. I'm scared though. I've sung in lots of things but I can only sing as I speak.
Q: The show you'd like to have done?
A: I loved Andrew Marr's History Of Modern Britain, but I couldn't do something like that. I can only be told what to do, and then do it, and then be told to do it better
Q: Who did you want to meet (at the BAFTAs) ?
A: Harry Hill. He's anarchic - a very funny man.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Friday, May 2, 2008 at 14:37 (PDT)

Christopher
Irvine, California -- USA -- Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 23:24 (PDT) )

Good thing Judi Dench has a healthy sense of humor.

The Oscar winner, 73, stars in PBS' Cranford, a miniseries set in an 1840s English village. She's one of a gaggle of busybodies, and as the saga unfolds, villagers drop dead left and right.

When a question arises about surviving for the sequel -- 2009's Christmas in Cranford -- Dench assumes her own longevity is being called into question.

"Well, I certainly hope I'm alive," she says with a slightly uncomfortable laugh.

Once she realizes it's her character who's in question, her little laugh becomes an outright guffaw. "Oh, that is funny," she says, assuring that she will take part in the follow-up.

In a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel, Dench is finishing the last of some hot chocolate with a side of miniature marshmallows. She has flown to L.A. for just a few days from her English country home on the border of Surrey and Sussex.

She tells how, in the VIP lounge at Heathrow before her flight, a man tapped her on the shoulder and told her he was going to inspect the plane for safety. It was Pierce Brosnan, who played 007 to her M in four James Bond films. "Please do," Dench told Brosnan, playing along. "Let me know if it's safe."

In November, she'll be seen for the second time with the latest Bond, Daniel Craig, in Quantum of Solace, her sixth Bond adventure. She spent four weeks shooting in London plus a week in Panama. This time, M will be giving Bond "a much harder time," she says. "It's gloves off!"

Things are far more restrained in the sleepy village of Cranford. Dench remembers reading the Cranford series of books by Elizabeth Gaskell when she was a schoolgirl.

"It's wonderfully intimate and the antithesis of parts I've been playing," Dench says. She's one of two spinster sisters who sacrifice joy for the sake of appearances. Michael Gambon co-stars as a lover with whom she reunites decades after she turned down his marriage proposal.

It is a bittersweet love story that mirrors the real-life loss in 2001 of Dench's husband of 30 years, actor Michael Williams. Dench believes Williams' spirit still visits from time to time. "Funny enough, quite often," she says. "In my house."

Five months after his death, a mole in her garden crossed her path. She believes it may have been Williams, who played a mole opposite her ferret in a 1972 Stratford production of The Wind in the Willows. "I'd never seen a mole anywhere," she says. "We lifted it away, and then it came back again."

Since then, Dench has not entertained the thought of dating, though that hasn't stopped the British tabloids from speculating. Not long ago she was photographed with her Iris and Notes on a Scandal director, Richard Eyre � the husband of Cranford writer/producer Sue Birtwistle. "And by God � wasn't it in the paper, asking, 'Is this my new man?' " Dench says with a chuckle.

"Poor Sue. But I thought it was very, very funny."

A colorful dame in more ways than one, Dench was dubbed "Dame Judi" by Queen Elizabeth in 1988. Though people routinely make the mistake of calling her "Dame Dench" instead of the proper form, she says with a shrug, "I don't care what I'm called."

She was also the recipient of an Oscar for 1998's Shakespeare in Love and has been nominated for five other roles, including Mrs. Brown (1997) and Notes on a Scandal (2006). She is now in line to take on the designer role in Nine, the movie adaptation of the Broadway musical to be directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago). "I sing exactly like I speak," says Dench, who received high marks for her role as Sally Bowles in the 1968 London premiere run of Cabaret.

Though she appreciates her Oscar and her many other awards, she is not defined by them. In fact, she is not above spoofing her little gold man's significance.

"We have a crossing near where I live that is very, very difficult to get across, so we call it 'Oscar Crossing,' " she says. "I had a replica made of my driver's car with a little Oscar in it."

But to her great disappointment, her driver, she says with a frown, "made no acceptance speech at all."

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 20:17 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 15:12 (PDT)

"Very excitable virgins" dominate town

"Cranford" doesn't follow the trend to sex-up TV adaptations of British classics, and the screenwriter is proud of it.

"There is no sex," laughs Heidi Thomas, who adapted Elizabeth Gaskell's witty and astute observations of mid-19th century village life in Northern England, where a group of spinsters dominate social mores. "You are dealing with a lot of very excitable virgins, and that to me is so much more delicious than sexing it up."

The cast concurs.

"If it's not there, you don't think about it," says Imelda Staunton, who plays Miss Pole, the most nosey and gossipy of the group.

"I think it can be sexy if it's suggestion -- touching hands can be erotic," observes Judi Dench, a teasing sparkle in her eyes. She plays Miss Matty Jenkyns, who's at the heart of the story, her chance at marriage denied by prudence, duty and fate.

Both diminutive but commanding, Dench and Staunton were seated side by side at a press appearance. With a few sidelong glances and an occasional chuckle -- but mainly with unfussy common sense -- they mused on an era where the cut of a bonnet denoted status, and feelings were buried deep beneath propriety and etiquette.

The three-part miniseries, on PBS Sunday at 9 p.m. EDT (check local listings), first aired on the BBC last year. The British media had expected the adaptation to be just another in a long line of period dramas. But the production went on to garner critical acclaim and strong ratings, prompting plans for a two-part sequel next year.

Dench feels the British audiences responded "to the sense of community" depicted in the sweetly sad and quaintly funny story of everyday life and eternal values. "Despite everyone knowing everyone's business, in a nosey way, nevertheless it's about being there for each other," she said in a later phone interview.

At one point, the project was deemed too expensive to film -- and ultimately, fewer episodes were made than originally planned.

Dench's involvement was always paramount. Luckily, when filming finally began last year, she was still available, despite her high-profile, international career, which includes her recurring role as M in the James Bond movies.

"I had read 'Cranford' at school, but I hadn't remembered much about it," says the 73-year-old Academy Award-winning actress. She reread the book and immediately recognized the quality of Thomas' adaptation. "You know straight away -- when you read something and you can hear how you are going to say the words. The whole situation and the characters just jumped off the page. The adaptation was very, very true."

She particularly likes that, although Miss Matty's joys and sorrows lie at the core of the adaptation, it's an ensemble piece. "Everyone gets a turn, and a very good turn, a very good go," she says.

The cast also features Eileen Atkins, who plays Miss Deborah Jenkyns, Miss Matty's firm but fair-minded sister; Michael Gambon as Thomas Holbrook, Miss Matty's one-time suitor; and Philip Glenister as Mr. Carter, a modern-minded land agent

Additionally, Francesca Annis portrays Lady Ludlow, the local landowner trying to cling to a heritage threatened by the rise of the Industrial Revolution and the coming of the railway. And Simon Woods proves that while the series may not depict anything blatantly sexy, it certainly offers up a handsome romantic hero. His character is Dr. Frank Harrison, whose arrival causes hearts to flutter.

The town of Knutsford, Cheshire, which Gaskell fictionalized for her story, proved to be too altered by time, so the historically preserved village of Lacock in Wilshire provided the main location.

Dench says that the Victorian costumes were a huge asset in dictating the way the actors portrayed the manners and mannerisms of the Cranford folk. "If you put on those clothes you can't slouch in a chair, you have to sit on the edge," she says. "The costume entirely informs -- the minute you put it on all the other bits fall into place."

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 14:32 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Monday, April 24, 2008 at 8:18 (PDT)

Judi Dench attends the Cranford press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel on April 24, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Monday, April 24, 2008 at 7:27 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista, Arizona -- USA -- Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 13:52 (PDT) )

Thanks to Sue and Peggy for sending me a link to the National Public Radio site which is promoting the PBS airing of Cranford beginning May 4. To listen to an interview with Judi click on the red "listen now" button at the site. On the same page you will find links to a couple of scenes from the mini-series. Or you can click here to listen to the audio anytime.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 10:20 (PDT)

If you are are planning to attend Shakespeare & Stratford (see below), you may want to stick around to attend the 11th year of the Winchester Festival in July. Judi was named the first president in 2007 and she's appeared there in Fond and Familiar with various co-stars. Last year was the 10th year of the festival and it opened with a tribute to Dame Judi, presented by John Miller, her biographer -- and Artistic Director of the program. This year Miller will direct Judi and Michael Pennington in the Great Eccentrics...and the eccentricities of the Greats -- a comic recital with contributions from Oscar Wilde, Ogden Nash, Hermione Gingold and others. Performance is July 13 and tickets are can be ordered on the site.

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Friday, April 25, 2008 at 16:05 (PDT)

Judi Dench attended the launch party for BritWeek held at the British Consul General's Official Residence on April 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Friday, April 25, 2008 at 6:20 (PDT)

Bonnie Rottstin <rottstin@atgbcentral.com>
Henderson, NV - Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 19:34 (PDT)

Marisetta Magliocco
Sierra Vista,Arizona -- USA -- Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 10:36 (PDT) )