**************************************************************

From: <Jody

Date: 6/4/97 1:51AM

Subject: Stop reading for a week and....

 

 

Fellow BT'ers--

 

My god, I stopped reading for a week and I had close to 100 emails from BT!!!

(Not that I'm complaining mind you.) I got sidetracked working on a short

film script a friend of mine and I are planning on shooting this summer.

Once we actually make it to production, I'll give anyone who wants it

updates and blow by blows. Its kind of a challenge and bit scary for

me--though I've made some television/film stuff before, it was always as the

number two (or number five or number ten....) guy on the production. This is

the first time I'm the guy (nominaly) in charge. Sheezzz!!!!

 

Anyway, I've been scoping out, looking for the video of BT and it just isnt

on the shelf whenever I go by. That shouldn't be surprising since I live in

the gayest city in Los Angeles (West Hollywood) and that it's a hot

commodity for a large chunck of the neighborhood. Incidently, rumor has it

there were at least fifty rabid BT fanatics waiting outside the village video

shop for the Sony truck to deliver the tapes and that the driver made it out

alive only after point across the street and shouting "Hey, isn't that the

cute one from Beautiful Thing in cutoffs and rollerblades?"

 

Of course it was just a rumor....

 

Anyway, I love reading all the stories from across the planet of people

seeing the movie for the first time or having a party to premiere it to their

friends. If I wasn't a starving writer, holding on by the barest of threads

in my one room flat perched dangerously over the Santa Monica Boulevard

faultline, I'd have people over myself. (That is if I could find the tape but

we've already been down that road....)

 

And everyone with their Coming Out stories: Things are getting better! Hang

on and hold out! You'll make it! An aside to Davie... how about a book

entitled "Beautiful Thing(s): Coming Out Stories Based on The Hit Film?" If

everyone sends in their stories, tales etc, I'll offer to edit the book,

Davie can sell it, and we can all split the royalties 150 ways :^)

 

Anyway, I can't wait for the merchandise. I want to be one of the first on my

block with a BT -Tee.

 

Whoops--gotta go. I have to edit the script and show it to my friend, the

director. He wants Script Approval. Oh my, its going to be a long night.

 

Hugs from Hollywood

 

Jody

 

p.s. Glen Rules.

 

**************************************************************

From: <Cabaret

Date: 6/4/97 2:52AM

Subject: Re: Laserdisc release

 

I ordered my copies of the stage and screenplays through Borders Books and

Music, but I know that Waldenbooks can also order them for ya. The

screenplay is fab! :)

 

Ciao!

 

Mason

 

**************************************************************

From: <Cabaret

Date: 6/4/97 2:56AM

Subject: Fave character

 

LOL. I think it's hilarious that everyone's fave character is either Jamie

or Ste. My favorite is either Sandra or Leah. The ultimate mother and the

ultimate in fab fag-hags. :) Well, just had to toss in my thoughts on the

subject. C-ya!

 

Mason

**************************************************************

From: Gavin

Date: 6/4/97 5:48AM

Subject: Re: rented at last

 

At 07:46 6/3/97 -0400, Simon  wrote:

>At 07:31 PM 6/2/97, you wrote:

>>Tell your friend that economic reasons aside, the distributors of the film

>>acted brilliantly by NOT using the word "Gay" in their advertisements!

>Umm, actually I think that is pretty sad, if by that you mean that the

>destributors thought that the only way to get a wide audience is to

>essentialy trick people.

 

I think it's excellent if people can advertise a film by NOT mentioning the

word 'gay' even once. I think it helps people get used to the idea that two

people of the same sex falling in love with each other is a perfectly

natural, innocent, wonderful, beautiful thing. Love is love: why label it

as anything else?

 

 

Gav.

 

**************************************************************

From: Gavin

Date: 6/4/97 6:08AM

Subject: Re: Fave character

 

At 02:56 6/4/97 -0400, you wrote:

>LOL. I think it's hilarious that everyone's fave character is either Jamie

>or Ste. My favorite is either Sandra or Leah. The ultimate mother and the

 

Actually, I think Ben Daniels is pretty cute (in the physical sense of the

word: whatever else the character he plays might be).

 

But no: I fell in love with Jamie (not to confuse that with Glen Berry,

who's a different person ;-) ). True again. Looking at the posters for

the movie, my first thought was 'Gee, not really a pair of lookers are

they?' But then wayhay: personality counts for a lot!

 

 

Gav.

**************************************************************

From: David

Date: 6/4/97 6:39AM

Subject: Welcome new list subscribers, IRC chat, Newsgroup

 

Hi people,

 

Over the last few days I notice that the list has been joined by tens of new members. First

of all I'd like to say a big welcome to the Beautiful Thing family and hope you find

something here - I've found friendship in a way I never thought possible just a year ago.

 

You've joined us just as the list is experiencing a massive number of articles,

far far more than it's regular volume. Please stay with us even it does seem daunting or

just plain annoying.

 

EVERYONE on the list can help reduce the volume by considering first whether

what they are posting is off-topic, trivial, and if it is a follow-up to a previous article,

whether it is more appropriate to send it JUST to the writer of the original article,

rather than hitting the reply button and sending it to everyone else on the list.

 

The list has felt more like a chat channel recently, which although exciting is not

appropriate for email. We have a channel on the DALnet IRC network called

#Beautiful_Thing. If you want to chat live then that's the place to go. Best

hours are from about 6pm GMT through 4am GMT (12pm EDT - 10pm EDT)

although because we are in so many time zones the more people look in the

more chance there is of finding someone to chat with. Weekends of course

are a free-for-all.

If you're not sure about IRC and DALnet I will be adding a new page to the web

site later this week with instructions and information.

 

IS THERE ANOTHER IRC EXPERT here on the list that would act as helper to

new IRCers? If so, let me know - write to me

 

I've also begun the process of creating a news-group which can far better

handle the style and content of the list as it has become. News-readers can follow

threads, filter articles, and most importantly, you don't have to receive entire

articles that you don't want to read - just get headers and select which subjects

and articles you want to read.

For the Win95/Win3.1x PC users Free-Agent and Agent is a great news-reader.

The freeware version doesn't have filters, which I find one of the best features

of the commercial version.

 

I'm hoping the news-group will actually be created in a week, that assumes that

I don't receive any negative comments from news server managers around the world.

Once I actually create the group, it will take a week or more to spread to all the

news servers around the world. Individual servers might choose not to take articles

from the group even though they show it in the group list - you will have to ask your

news server manager to add the group to those your server collects.

 

Once the group is live all discussion should switch to it. My wish is to use this

list just for articles that you don't wish to be seen publicly.

 

Benefits of using the news group include:

 

If you are just reading articles, but not posting, your prescene on the group is not

known to anyone, including me, so it is safer and more comfortable for those

still in the closet.

 

Even if you post articles, you can alter your news-reader settings so that your

name and email address are either invented, or not shown at all.

 

Choose when to receive articles, rather than having to accept emails from

the list as at present - going away on holiday is no problem.

 

Look back through old articles even if you already deleted them from your PC.

 

Follow particular topics of conversation using the threads facility in

your news-reader.

 

Drawbacks:

 

The group is public, so anyone on the Internet can subscribe to it.

 

Inconsiderate people might 'spam' the group with material that

doesn't fit in with the group charter.

 

Articles advertising sex and chat web-sites, nude images, get-rich-quick

schemes might appear.

(Using filters, you can avoid much of this without ever knowing it was even there)

 

 

Regards, Davie

**************************************************************

From: David

Date: 6/4/97 8:06AM

Subject: Re: OFFICIAL GERMAN VIDEO RELEASE PARTY AND DATE

 

Ralf  wrote...

 

> The Beautiful Thing video (in German) will be released in Germany on

> July 2, 1997. Price: DM 49,90

>

> There will be an open-air video release party by the video release

> company Pro Fun Media on June 28, 1997 in Frankfurt. Special guests:

> GLEN BERRY & SCOTT NEAL. Admisssion: DM 13 VVK, DM 15 AK.

 

Sorry to disappoint, but the promoters are jumping the gun a bit here.

Scott cannot be there. Glen is still likely to go, but again it's not completely certain.

 

Regards, Davie

**************************************************************

From: Dennis

Date: 6/4/97 8:26AM

Subject: goofs!

 

4 June 97

 

I just joined the list, looking forward to all your e.mail--

Following is listed on the Internet as "Goofs" for Beautiful Thing--

 

CREW OR EQUIPMENT VISIBLE--

When Jamie and Saundra are figting on the floor of their living room, the

transmitter of the body mike is visible under his t-shirt.

 

BOOM MIKE VISIBLE

When Leah is "making up" to go out w/Ste and Jamie at the end.

 

CONTINUITY

When Jamie is in the tobacconist's looking at the magazines, there are three

copies of "Gay

Times" in the long shot, but only two in close-up.

Jamie's position after Ste asks him to help Leah down from the balcony.

After "rescuing" Leah, Tony goes downstairs barefoot, but the sound of shoes

can be heard.

 

 

I thought everybody might like to know this stuff. This is by no means a

critcism; "Beautiful

Thing" is perfect enough for me.

 

Dennis

 

**************************************************************

From: Gavin

Date: 6/4/97 8:37AM

Subject: Attitude article

 

I've got the article typed out. Rather than blast your mailboxes with it,

please mail me if you want a copy. No pics. That will have to come from

Leonard, who has volunteered?

 

Gav.

 

**************************************************************

From: Todd

Date: 6/4/97 8:48AM

Subject: Re: rented at last

 

I think you are right. Once again though, we have the problem with the US

video cover. It doesn't even catch anyone's eye to even see what the movie

is about. But I'm beginning to think more and more that we are the ones

that are pushing this movie, not Sony. We are a pretty good portion of the

population and God knows we know how to talk/gossip. I'm hoping to have a

BT party soon at our apartment.

 

I also finally ordered the stage & screen plays! As for the other

characters in the movie, I think they all did superb. The one my heart

goes out to is 'Tony'. He's the one who pretty much is left out of the

whole beautiful experience. In the end, he gets dumped and everyone else

is joyful. Pretty sad.

 

Todd

 

On Wed, 4 Jun 1997, Gavin wrote:

 

> At 07:46 6/3/97 -0400, Simon  wrote:

> >At 07:31 PM 6/2/97, you wrote:

> >>Tell your friend that economic reasons aside, the distributors of the film

> >>acted brilliantly by NOT using the word "Gay" in their advertisements!

> >Umm, actually I think that is pretty sad, if by that you mean that the

> >destributors thought that the only way to get a wide audience is to

> >essentialy trick people.

>

> I think it's excellent if people can advertise a film by NOT mentioning the

> word 'gay' even once. I think it helps people get used to the idea that two

> people of the same sex falling in love with each other is a perfectly

> natural, innocent, wonderful, beautiful thing. Love is love: why label it

> as anything else?

>

>

> Gav.

>

**************************************************************

From: "Harry

Date: 6/4/97 9:36AM

Subject: BT Fanatic

 

I thought I had finally gone over the edge into BT fanaticism until I read

Mark's comment that he had even flown into another state for a day just to

see Beautiful Thing on the big screen. Maybe I'm sane after all.

- Harry

PS: I found this morning that in the last 24 hours I have received 73

Beautiful Thing e-mail messages! I'm beginning to fall behind in my mail

reading again.

**************************************************************

From: "Harry

Date: 6/4/97 9:57AM

Subject: Glen and Jamie and Scott and Ste

 

I'm a committed (fanatical?) Glen fan, though I suspect Scott is one cute

hunk of a man in person. My impression, solely subjective, is that in real

life Glen may be a Ste and Scott a Jamie, which is OK by me. Only those in

the UK who've met them could properly comment. Scott seems to recognize

the enthusiasim that BT has generated in the gay community and

enthusiastically responds to it. There appears to be very little of Glen

about, apart from the film and the Virgin video launch party. Is it

possible that he is uncomfortable/shy with the BT gay content or community

or is it that he is regularly working in a soap on the telly and doing

commercials so that his time is much more limited? Could Davie comment? or

others of the UK BT enthusiasts give first hand impressions? Us Glen fans

want more!

- Harry

**************************************************************

From: "Michael

Date: 6/4/97 10:13AM

Subject: Re: Glen vs. Scott

 

HeadDr wrote:

 

> I'm standing my ground !!!!! STE!!, Ste!!! STE!!!, STE!!! :)

I don't understand the debate myself would anybody honestly say no to

either one of them?

**************************************************************

From: Simon

Date: 6/4/97 10:35AM

Subject: Re: Internet Movie Database Ratings

 

>(Maximum is 10 points)

>

>Citizen Kane 8.8

>Casablanca 8.8

>Europa, Europa 8.6

>Beautiful Thing 9.1

>Wild Reeds 8.5

>Au Revoir Les Enfants 8.3

>African Queen 8.2

>Clueless 7.9

>A Midnight Clear 8.8

>War of the Buttons 8.7

>Vertigo 8.5

>

>Anyone notice what film had the highest rating? Hmmm? :)

>

>Gary

>

 

Interesting choices in any case. I would be interested in knowing what the

demographic of the average IMDB user is. I suspect that it's very different

from the average citizen. If it was average, how do we explain Siskel & Ebert?

 

"A Midnight Clear" has a special place in my life. At the time I saw it it I

was an Infantry team leader in the US Army in Germany, and we were training

to deploy to Bosnia to stop the war by force. I don't know if folks back in

the States ever really realized just how close the Clinton Administration

came to sending troops into combat to stop the war in 1993, but we expected

to be gone within two weeks. Anyhow, we were training in the hills around

Kaiserslautern in the winter and it looked and felt a lot like the scenes in

the movie. After a few months things died down, and then just 2 months after

I got out of the Army my division was finally deployed to enforce the Dayton

Accords (but thankfully as peacekeepers, not peacemakers).

 

Don't know about "Wild Reeds," that was the movie my boyfriend and I rented

on our second date (and first at home), so I kind of missed the last two

thirds ;) The beginning was good though!

 

Simon.

**************************************************************

From: David

Date: 6/4/97 10:43AM

Subject: Re: Glen Berry

 

Yes, Davie can comment :)

 

Glen is working a regular five day week on the set of London Bridge. His contract

ends in September, there is an option to extend it but he hasn't taken it up yet.

 

You must remember that BT is a piece of work Glen did in 1995. He was 17

when it was filmed. In a teenagers life two years is an age, and Glen's only

contact with BT now is his friendship with the other cast members, the small

number of personal appearances, the feedback from the web site, and of

course the cheques (checks)!

 

Regards, Davie

**************************************************************

From: Todd

Date: 6/4/97 11:02AM

Subject: Re: goofs!

 

Another one I noticed is Ste is wearing sun glasses when they are kicking

the football around, but he doesn't when they do the close-up of him

looking at Jamie. It's funny because unless you've watched the movie as

much as we have, you never would notice these little things. I love it!

 

Todd

 

On Wed, 4 Jun 1997, Dennis  wrote:

 

> 4 June 97

>

> I just joined the list, looking forward to all your e.mail--

> Following is listed on the Internet as "Goofs" for Beautiful Thing--

>

> CREW OR EQUIPMENT VISIBLE--

> When Jamie and Saundra are figting on the floor of their living room, the

> transmitter of the body mike is visible under his t-shirt.

>

> BOOM MIKE VISIBLE

> When Leah is "making up" to go out w/Ste and Jamie at the end.

>

> CONTINUITY

> When Jamie is in the tobacconist's looking at the magazines, there are three

> copies of "Gay

> Times" in the long shot, but only two in close-up.

> Jamie's position after Ste asks him to help Leah down from the balcony.

> After "rescuing" Leah, Tony goes downstairs barefoot, but the sound of shoes

> can be heard.

>

>

> I thought everybody might like to know this stuff. This is by no means a

> critcism; "Beautiful

> Thing" is perfect enough for me.

>

> Dennis

>

**************************************************************

From: Todd

Date: 6/4/97 11:10AM

 

Subject: RE: BT -Reply

 

Sure. I'll have to try and find them again. I have them on my computer

at home. I'll forward them to you later tonight.

 

Todd

 

>-----Original Message-----

>From: Keith

>Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 1997 8:45 PM

>To: Todd

>Subject: BT -Reply

>

>Todd,

>

>Was there two or three of those outing stories that really left an

>impression, that you could forward to me?

>

>I'd like to see them!

>

>Thanks,

>

>Keith

>

**************************************************************

From: Todd

Date: 6/4/97 11:11AM

 

Subject: Re: Glen vs. Scott

 

I was just wondering. I didn't mean to cause a debate. It just seemed I

was alone in my fasination with Jamie. Don't get me wrong, Ste is

adorable too, but something about Jamie just tugs at my heart. Hell, the

whole movie does for that matter.

 

Todd

 

On Wed, 4 Jun 1997, Michael . wrote:

 

> HeadDr wrote:

>

> > I'm standing my ground !!!!! STE!!, Ste!!! STE!!!, STE!!! :)

> I don't understand the debate myself would anybody honestly say no to

> either one of them?

>

 

**************************************************************

From: Keith

Date: 6/4/97 12:03PM

Subject: Re: Glen vs. Scott -Reply

 

No, I wouldn't.

 

But I think Ste would be a better partner. I like his quiet vulnerability.

 

Keith

**************************************************************

From: Dead

Date: 6/4/97 12:07PM

Subject: Wow!

 

> Hello all!

> I just think this is great!

> I've been on the list-serve for a couple of days, but because of an error

> all the emails went to my mother's mailbox (that's the problem with

> signing on a list-serve through a browser and not checking the mail

> preferences).

> (Yes, I live with my parents. I'm 19, home from college in the lovely

> state of Wisconsin for the summer).

>

> Luckily, my mother is a very open person. She just didn't appreciate the

> barrage of mail :)

>

> I have only had the fortune of seeing the movie once while I was in

> Philadelphia at school (the movie came out really late for the "city of

> brotherly love", go figure). I saw it with a "girl" friend. She and I

> both loved the movie. She walked out of the theater, looked at me and

> thanked me for inviting her to come along. She was so afraid she'd be

> uncomfortable and not relate, but she too fell in love with the movie.

> I love it when movies cross boundaries like that.

>

> As soon as I came back home for the summer, I went to the video store I

> used to work at.

> When I worked there they would always ask me what movies to purchase

> (it's a small town store, and they knew my obsession with movies). I

> always recommended gay-themed movies (they still haven't caught on). Of

> course they ordered a copy of "beautiful thing" knowing I would recommend

> it. Unfortunately I can't seem to get my hands on it... oh well. I'm

> patient.

>

> As for those of you who purchased it already... that's a bit steep. All

> movies are that expensive to begin with when they come out on video.

> That's so that video stores can purchase them and force people to rent

> them because it's cheaper than purchasing them. Of course there are

> exceptions (like Jerry Maguire) where mass availability right away will

> provide a bigger dollar to the distributer, but that's more uncommon.

> But then again, if i had the $70-$80 dollars to burn I'd buy it too.

>

> I think this is great! I enjoy coming home from a hard days work and

> just reading the emails I recieve. This movie has crossed borders,

> oceans, and language barriers. It's great.

>

> As for the Jamie/Ste (Glen/Scott) debate. Highly irrelevant don't you

> think? The characters aren't real people, and the actors are straight.

> But for the sake of argument :) Jamie wins on personality and charm for

> me... and Scott on overall appearance. As to who I prefer. Why make a

> decision :) Can't you imagine having both?

>

> Enough of my midwestern ramblings.

>

> Keep it up you all, and sorry if you think my email is a waste of space.

>

> --Mike

 

> ----------------

> Mike

**************************************************************

From: JOE

Date: 6/4/97 12:35PM

Subject: IRC Tip

 

Here's a tip on accessing DALnet for IRC.

 

If you're using mIRC or some other Windows or Mac-based software, there

are several DALnet servers you could enter in the appropriate boxes for

your program to access. However, many of them may be temporarily

inaccessible or you'll not be allowed to connect.

The DALnet website advises that you simply try to connect to:

 

irc.dal.net

Port: 7000

 

Port 7000 allows DALnet to connect you to the best available server,

thus minimizing connection time and problems. Most IRC connects are on

other ports, but 7000 will work best, at least here in the US.

 

Gary

 

 

**************************************************************

From: John

Date: 6/4/97 12:43PM

Subject: Re: Fave character

 

>LOL. I think it's hilarious that everyone's fave character is either Jamie

>or Ste. My favorite is either Sandra or Leah. The ultimate mother and the

>ultimate in fab fag-hags. :) Well, just had to toss in my thoughts on the

>subject. C-ya!

>

>Mason

>

 

*GRIN* I agree with you on that one. Actually, I was blown away by

everyone's performance in the movie. Over all though, I was captivated by

Sandra (over protective moms rock *grin*). Character wise, I have to say

Jamie. His personality is so close to mine in many respects.

*Pax Mundi*

- We could change things back. If we believed. If we dreamed.

We are dreams of the carrion kind, they say, and perhaps it is so.

But if enough of us dream...if a bare thousand of us dream...we

can change the world.

"A Dream of a Thousand Cats."

**************************************************************

From: JOE

Date: 6/4/97 12:48PM

Subject: Re: goofs!

 

The first night Ste stays with Jamie, the video has a horrible "jump

cut" when Jamie finally turns out the light. He is close to the lamp

while it is on, then, suddenly, he is a foot away from it when it goes

off. A really trivial thing, but this former TV person (and I still

teach video editing) caught it. :)

 

Gary

**************************************************************

From: Mike

Date: 6/4/97 1:41PM

Subject: Posting guidelines (was: Welcome new list subscribers, IRC etc.)

 

Everyone,

 

I think David is right. As the volume of email on the list is increaasing

exponentially, we need to consider our options. It may be possible to set

up a "digest" mode at some point, but the current list serve robot does not

allow that option.

 

Therefore, I suggest we voluntarily adopt a few posting guidelines as

suggested by David.

 

* Use subject lines that accurately reflect the content of our posts.

* Consider whether what we are posting is off-topic or trivial. We are here

because BT is a magical film that has touched something important in us.

Let's talk about that.

* When following-up, consider whether what we have to say will add to the

collective discussion or would be more appropriate as a private response.

* Keep >quotes concise and to the point. Feel free to <snip>.

* When welcoming new members to the list (always a nice thing to do!), send

them a personal note.

* Use personal notes -or- IRC DALnet #Beautiful_Thing for chat.

* Hopefully a news group will be created for the movie soon.

 

 

Mike

**************************************************************

From: chakravorty

Date: 6/4/97 3:08PM

Subject: Re: Fave character

 

I loved all of the characters but I especially identify with Sandra (for

more reasons than three). I wonder if anyone would be interested in

discussing the relationship between Sandra and Tony with me? (e.g.,

dynamics, opinions of, did Sandra " do the right thing?", etc.). Reply via

the list or to my private email.

 

Best wishes,

Bonnie

**************************************************************

From: Alfred

Date: 6/4/97 3:10PM

Subject: BTBTBTBTBTBT

 

Hi everybody,

so many great things have already been said about this wonderful movie.

Nevertheless I feel the need do share my feelings. Never before I have seen such

a touching movie. Outstanding actors who are directed carefully through a

scintillating story, But, at my sader days, I feel some kind of a grief when

watching BT. It's only a film, I tell myself then. Yes, and that is exactly the

grief, istn't it.

 

"Thus have I had thee, as a dream doth flatter,

in sleep a king, but waking no such matter"

 

Love to everybody

 

PS: Todd, I agree with you. Glen is oh so cute. Especially when he (or Jamie) is

wearing his glasses.

 

PPS: Looking forward to seeing you all in Frankfurt.

You are visitor #

Last Updated on 10/10/98