Colin Firth comes to the defense of a small Brazilian tribe under siege

Gentle readers, Raquel Sallaberry from Jane Austen em Português has resurfaced to discuss a very important issue in Brazil. She informs us that Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy) is supporting the Awá-Guajá tribe from Amazonia and asking the Brazilian government to take measures to protect "the tribe most threatened of the world".

Click here to see a video of the tribe.

Awá-Guajá tribe

The tribe Awa-Guajá has about 360 survivors - with one hundred of them have ever had contact with the white man. Due to the violent action of illegal loggers and ranchers who invade reserves, Survival believes that the Awas are the tribe most endangered on the planet. Along with the campaign, the NGO has launched a website with information, pictures and videos on the tribe .

Colin Andrew Firth, 52, who became known in Britain for playing Mr. Darcy in the BBC adaptation of the classic Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin in 1995, has always been involved with the campaigns of the NGO.

The campaign proposes that the Internet, supporters of the cause the following message to send to the Minister of Justice of Brazil, via email, text or share on Facebook: "The isolated Awa are fleeing for their lives as loggers, ranchers and settlers invade their land. Please use your authority to remove the invaders and keep them off the ground forever. "

Click here for the full article, which comes with a translation.

Mr. Darcy, er, Colin Firth, Keeps His Cool in Mid-Air

Mr. Darcy on a white horse

Flying home with his wife and two sons on a London-bound flight, Colin Firth kept his cool as a fight broke out between two passengers.

Cabin crew on the British Airways flight called ahead for back up and armed police stormed the plane as soon as it landed at Heathrow airport.

But an eyewitness said the 'King's Speech' actor ignored the chaos and focused on reassuring his sons Luca, 10, and Matteo, eight, as well as wife Livia, 42.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "Passengers were in meltdown when it spiralled out of control. It was scary for flyers who feared for the safety of the flight.

"Colin Firth showed his usual cool and was more concerned at the well-being of his wife and kids. - NZCity

Click here to read the article on Enews and here on Huffington Post.

Colin Firth Talks About Meryl Streep at 2012 Oscars

Can there be a doubt as to Colin's class?

Colin Firth: Eye Candy

Colin Firth/Mr. Darcy
Absolutely the handsomest man on the red carpet at the 
2012 Golden Globe Awards.

Jane Austen Madame Tussaud Throwdown

According to the Press Association: Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth is used to handling statuettes - and now he will have to get to grips with being one .The King's Speech star is being turned into a wax figure for London attraction Madame Tussauds later this year. Model-makers have finished off the first stage by completing a clay version of his head. Principal sculptor Louis Wiltshire has put the finishing touches to the lifelike image which will be used to create a mould for the final cast of the actor's head. Firth - who can currently be seen in the hit spy thriller Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - will join a group of other A-list stars in December.

Do you think this is a good likeness of Colin Firth in his film role as King George VI?
	Yes
	No
	Not sure
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Contributed by Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen em Português

Collin Firth VS. Alan Rickman?

Who will be the Anglo Fan Favorite for 2011? Click on this BBC site to vote!!

"In one corner, we have Alan Rickman. As Die Hard‘s roguish Hans Gruber, he claimed ownership of the Accent of Evil, a prize he’s held for a quarter-century. He menaced a whole new generation as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies. But who knew the 65-year-old star commanded such a fervent fan following? If you didn’t know, consider yourself educated. The Rickmaniacs are not to be played with.

On the other side, you have Colin Firth, representing a far “nobler” breed of Britishmen. In 1995′s Pride & Prejudice, his quiet suffering and sopping wet underclothes got viewers hot and bothered, but his Oscar-approved performance as King George VI in 2010′s The King’s Speech signaled his arrival as the Fine British Actor of our time. For much of this week, his defeat at the hands of Doctor Who‘s David Tennant seemed assured, but a late surge lifted him into this week’s finals. Can Colin go Firth into the winner’s circle?"

Colin Firth's New Film Projects

Colin Firth and Tom Hardy Encoded in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. I can't wait for this film, as I was mesmerized by the novel.

Carey Mulligan (l) and Wendy Hiller and Leslie Howard in 1938

And how would you like to see our hero in My Fair Lady opposite Carey Mulligan (who looks so much like the young Wendy Hiller, who played opposite Leslie Howard in 1938's Pygmalian)? Colin has expressed a desire to play Henry Higgins. Be still my beating heart.

Colin as Henry Higgins?

Colin as Henry Higgins
	Yes
	No
	Unsure
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Pride and Prejudice Actors Among Vanity Fair's Best Dressed

Vanity Fair's 2011's International Best Dressed List recognizes the sartorial splendor of Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy) and Carey Mulligan (Kitty Bennet and Isabella Thorpe). What good taste the magazine has exhibited. Include in the mix are H.R.H. the Duchess of Cambridge and President and his First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama.

Ever sartorial, ever splendid. His Royal Firthness

Spectacular.

Beautiful Carey Mulligan made the cover of Vogue this past year

Jane Austen would have given Mr. Darcy with more than a modicum of good taste, but Isabella? Thankfully, Carey has a sensible and gifted head on her shoulders.

Click here to view the list.

Colin Firth, The Biography

Out now in the U.K. is Colin Firth's first biography by Alison Maloney, which

"reveals: his early life in Nigeria; the secrets of his escape to Canada with actress Meg Tilly, the birth of their first son and his heartbreak as the relationship floundered; the passionate affair with "Pride and Prejudice" co-star Jennifer Ehle; and his whirlwind romance with his Italian wife, Livia. Fascinating, revelatory and suffused with Firth's own dry wit, this is a must-read book on the man of the moment."

Order the book from Waterstones.com (delivery is free in the UK) or on Amazon.co.uk

Submitted by Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen em Portugues

An Uncanny Resemblance: Colin Firth and Tom Hanks

Inquiring Readers, Comparing Colin Firth as a young actor in the 1986 film, Lost Empires, and Tom Hanks in 1980's sitcom comedy, Bosom Buddies, I was struck by a resemblance of the two young actors wearing make up decades before they won their Oscars.

Colin Firth in Lost Empires (l) and The King's Speech (r).

Tom Hanks (Bosom Buddies, 1980) and today, right.

Oscar Nominees Before They Were Stars

Jennifer Ehle: I Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You, Colin Firth

When I espied that photo of Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth, I could not stop myself from singing "I can't take my eyes off of youuuu!"

Jennifer Ehle, Tom Hooper (director) and Colin Firth, The King's Speech

They are lovely, aren't they?

Colin and Jennifer in 2011. Image from @Bonnets and Bustles

In 1995

Also see Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth 16 Years Later.

Posted by Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen em Portugues

Jane Austen Film Actor Throwdown: The King's Speech

Colin Firth, whose fame began with his role as Mr. Darcy, has won accolades for his portrayal of King George VI, and rightly so. This week's question is simple: Have you seen the King's Speech?

The King's Speech
	I have seen it once
	I have seen it twice
	I have seen it more than twice
	I intend to see it
	I haven't seen it and I won't
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As reported previously, Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed the film. Here is the press release from The Weinstein Company:

New York, NY, February 4, 2011 - The Weinstein Company (TWC) is honored to learn that Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth, has enjoyed a private screening of THE KING'S SPEECH, as reported by Duncan Larcombe, Royal Editor, in today's edition of The Sun. The film, directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler, tells the story of Her Majesty's father, King George VI, as he struggles to overcome a crippling speech impediment while grappling with his sudden, unexpected ascension to throne and the mounting danger of Nazi Germany. THE KING'S SPEECH stars Colin Firth as King George VI, Geoffrey Rush as the King's speech therapist, Lionel Logue, and Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. 

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth

THE KING'S SPEECH has been seen and admired by many notable public figures, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, who hosted a private screening at his home over the Christmas holidays; Prince Andrew; Lord and Lady William Astor; Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill; and Edwina Sandys, the granddaughter of Winston Churchill (portrayed in the film by Timothy Spall). 

Screenwriter David Seidler said, "To learn Her Majesty has seen the film, and was moved, in turn moves and humbles me greatly. When, thirty years ago, the Queen Mother asked me to wait and not tell this story during her lifetime, because the memory of these events was still too painful, I realized the depths of the emotions involved. Now this story has been written and filmed with a great deal of love, admiration, and respect for Her Majesty's father. That Her Majesty has responded favorably to this, is wonderfully gratifying." 

Said Harvey Weinstein, TWC co-Chairman and executive producer of THE KING'S SPEECH, "On behalf of the director Tom Hooper; the producers, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Gareth Unwin; Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter and our entire ensemble cast: we are deeply honored and humbled by Her Majesty's appreciation of the film. It was a labor of love for all of us and this is high praise, indeed."

Colin Firth will be featured Inside the Actor's Studio, Monday, February 7th at 7 PM EST.

Mr. Darcy Wins a Golden Globe

Colin Firth looking sartorially resplendent at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards

His Royal Firthness won a much-earned Golden Globe for his spectacular performance in The King's Speech. If you are a fan of good films and great acting, this movie is a must-see. I actually paid twice (unheard of, really) to see Colin Firth in one of the best roles in his life (it is hard to choose between this role and A Single Man.)

Colin's tribute to his wife Livia was touching

The evening was tarnished for me almost at the start, however, since Geoffrey Rush did not win for his role as Lionel Logue. Giving the Golden Globe to Colin Firth only was like giving one bookend as a gift. You need two bookends, everyone knows that, and The King's Speech REQUIRED Geoffrey Rush's remarkable portayal of the speech therapist for the story to work. Geoffrey'r role was ESSENTIAL. His performance equalled Colin's - they were like bookends - each needing each other, and bouncing off each other for the story to make sense.

Geoffrey Rush as Lionel Logue

So how could the Golden Globes have passed Geoffrey over? I am all puzzlement.

Below, Colin speaks about seeing Jennifer Ehle, his costar in Pride and Prejudice at about 3:17 in the video clip below (which is rather boring, actually, except for his comment about her and about Geoffrey Rush afterwards).

A Husband's Funny Take on Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy

I adore Scott Herhold, although I have never met him. But a man with a sense of humor and fifteen years of  patient tolerance towards his wife's crush on Colin Firth must be adored and cherished. According to Scott:

"My wife can cue to exactly the point on our DVD where Mr. Darcy, beset by his love for Elizabeth, dunks himself at Pemberley.

The repetition of this scene has injected continuing life into the Colin Firth iconography in my household."

Scott even knows which sequels and prequels are in his wife's library:

"We've got the whole oeuvre of Darcy books: "The Second Mrs. Darcy" and the "Darcy Connection," both by Elizabeth Aston, and "Mr. Darcy's Diary," by Amanda Grange."

And he recalls with evident humor the time she went to the Santa Barbara Film Festival expressly to see Colin:

On the red carpet

In our case, Colin-mania has gone further yet. My wife, her sister and a friend went to the Santa Barbara Film Festival last spring to meet the British god himself.

Prevailing on her contacts at a party rental service that was contributing to the reception, my wife wheedled an invitation to a private meet-and-greet with Firth.

And yes, he was everything he was advertised to be -- tall, thin, handsome, impossibly charming and willing to pose for pictures.

Click on Colin, go jump in the lake. Wait, don't! to read Scott's charming, tongue in cheek homage to his wife's continuing crush on Colin Firth.

Way Back When: Colin Firth

Colin Firth is so swoonworthy he was recently voted Britain's sexiest man. But would he have earned the title way back when? You decide.

Colin Firth last year in A Single Man

Colin Firth at 19

Firth in 'Another Country', 1984

Colin Firth in the mid-80s

Firth, Vogue, 1986

Colin Firth as Valmont in 1989

Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy in 1995

Read more in this link: Colin Firth: Profile

The King's Speech Trailer

The King's Speech - #1 Trailer
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The King's Speech Wins Fan Favorite at Toronto Film Festival

"The King's Speech" won the Cadillac People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday. The film, starring Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter, is a period drama about King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Colin Firth at a press conference in Toronto for the King's Speech

The Toronto International Film Festival is noncompetitive event, and thus this prize represents the fan favorite.

• Read the article in the Huffington Post
• Click on The King's Speech label (below) to read our other posts on the topic.

Jane Austen Throwdown

Earlier this month, Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy) and Hugh Grant (Edward Ferrars) turned 50 within one day of each other. Can you believe it? Give me some of the pickling juices these men are drinking! In celebration of this happy occasion, we ask you to vote for your favorite films in which these men played leading roles. You may only choose one film per actor. After you have voted for Hugh Grant scroll down to vote for your favorite Colin Firth film.

Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars

Hugh Grant

Happy Birthday, Hugh! My favorite movie is...
	Love Actually
	Two Weeks Notice
	About a Boy
	Bridget Jones's Diary
	Mickey Blue Eyes
	Notting Hill
	Sense and Sensibility
	Four Weddings and a Funeral
	Impromptu
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Colin Firth as Mr.Darcy

Colin Firth

Happy Birthday, Colin! My favorite movie is...
	A Single Man
	Mamma Mia!
	Bridget Jones's Diary
	Love Actually
	Girl With a Pearl Earring
	The Importance of Being Earnest
	Shakespeare in Love
	Pride and Prejudice
	Valmont
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Where Are They Now? Jane Austen Character Actors

The Daily Mail recently published an article that featured three Jane Austen character actors: Colin Firth, Jemima Rooper, and Felicity Jones. Click here to read it.

Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy) and Helena Bonham Carter in The King's Speech

Jemima Rooper, Amanda Price in Lost in Austen, now in Me and My Girl

Felicity Jones (Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey) as Luise Miller, a woman in love with a prince.

Images from the Daily Mail

Images from Colin Firth's Latest Flick: The King's Speech

Colin Firth and Helena Bonham-Carter as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth

Can you stand to wait for the premiere of The King's Speech, biopic about King George the VI and his stuttering problem? Here are a few images and a movie trailer/interview.



Interview with Colin Firth about the film on Serenity of Period Films

Director Tom Hooper and Colin Firth

Article in the Daily Mail: A majestic opportunity beckons for King Colin the Firth

Geoffrey Rush as the speech therapist