Film rumours, stage award nominations, Berlin memories and a WDW interlude

Twitter gives and it takes away... Thanks to Twitter - which, as well all know, is not the most reliable of sources despite being the most lavish - we learn that Jake Gyllenhaal will not take the place of Jude Law in Jane Got a Gun opposite Natalie Portman. The cowboy hat will instead be worn by the head of Bradley Cooper.

But hot on the heels of the disappointing news is the hint of a rumour of some more possible good news. Someone tweeted that Jake has signed on to appear with Colin Farrell and Amy Smart in The Land of No Return to be released in 2014. This could be a remake of the 1978 film. If so, Jake may need to pull on all of his Man Vs Wild training. Of course, all of this is floating about up in the clouds of rumour and we may never hear more about it again. If it comes to pass, the worry may be that it will mean a return of Sasquatch Jake...

There is some great news this week. Jake has been nominated for a Lucille Lortel award as Outstanding Featured Actor in If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet. In further good news for the play, Annie Funke has also been nominated for Outstanding Featured Actress and Beowulf Boritt for Outstanding Scenic Design. Personally, I would have thought that being called Beowul Boritt is reward enough. This bodes well for the Tony Award nominations which will be announced at the end of the month. Jake has good form for his stage career, having won an Evening Standard award for his debut in This Is Our Youth back in 2002.

Berlin memories - Two years ago today

Two years ago today I saw Jake in Berlin at the premiere there of Source Code. A fabulous day, not least because I also met Sasha and other friends and got to explore this incredible city (and drink beer in the zoo). For a trip down a very happy memory lane, here is the first report and here the second.

WDW Interlude - Broughton

Last week, we dodged the remaining snow drifts on the motorbike to visit Broughton Castle, a moated manor house in north Oxfordshire. This beautiful house, built in the 1300s, was the home of William Fiennes in the first half of the 17th century who led forces against Charles I at the Battle of Edgehill in 1642. Rather appropriately, we then headed to Edgehill for fish pie, overlooking the site of the battle in a castle folly that is now a wonderful pub.

Next to the Castle is the manor's church which contains the most impressive tombs, including one that was restored in the Victorian period to its medieval gaudiness. Wall paintings also survive.

To provide a link to the movies, Ralph Fiennes is related to the family that still owns the Castle (and serves the most delicious Victoria sponge cake and tea - although not by them personally...). There are film props in the tearoom.

Photos by IHJ and me.