A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo

Ooh baby, now you're talking, this is the room for me! But I half expected Candace to have been here already and breathing heavily over the frequently wet Darcy/Firth! Oh well. Someone has to go first. My latest confession: Most of you know I was successful in applying my Darcy Look wallpaper. Love it. Also managed to download the "In vain have I struggled" speech from the FoF site. Love it. I have put this on my computer so that when Windows engag es, I hear Darcy professing his love for me. I must say that I knew it all along.

But "his hair, Cheryl, his hair! And his boots had at least 6 inches of mud on them! What can he have been thinking of walking, er swimming, in that way? I think it shows a certain boldness, a certain willfulness, not entirely proper." Caroline Bingley reached for Mr. Hurst's private reserve sherry, only managing to stop herself a the last moment, as Mr. Darcy reentered the room wearing his brocade robe and a superior smile. "I have decided," he intoned forecefully, "that in my own house I can wear and do what I d--n well please. Billiards, anyone?" Caroline slithered to the floor in a faint, not so much at the pronouncement as at the physique sheathed in silk. (This segment has been brought to you by Royal Ties, Purveyors of Accessories for Fine Gentlemen, and by EII (Exciting, Isn't It) TV.) Cheryl- Couldn't resist creating a new moment in P&P2 for you & others. As to your earlier claim that he is professing his love to you, bravo!

Yo! Cheryl he is a "Hunk a Hunk of Burin Love". It is definitly the way he "looks" "sarnades" and "professes his "love" ME.

Thank you Cecily, that was most kind of you. If you will excuse me, I believe that I have an appointment in the Billiard Room.

Bravo Ladies, Bravo! Mich

So, Donna and Candace and Cheryl, did we ever decide how to properly address Mr. L-B?

Kali, only a Mrs. Elton type would refer to him as Mr. L-B. We show proper respect at all times and use the full Mr. Love-Butt in public. When in the privacy of the Drawing Room, I believe I shall call him Hunk-a. or perhaps, My Dearest, Lovliest Hunk- a. Yes, that sounds quite nice indeed.

Amy, I predict that this topic board shall soon be the busiest of the lot. I say this knowing full well that it does not sho us in a creditable light, but the fact still remains...

Oohh - I love this thread. All your images are purrfect. Cheryl - I've also downloaded the In Vain sound, but how do you get it to come on when you open windows? That would be fantastic - unless my husband turns on my computer - he might get quite a sh ock!

this mildly off topic - I just found some potential new drooling material, and am debating with myself the pros and cons of buying a book the main advantage of which is one picure... Have you seen the new BBC books hardback version of P&P? It has some lavish photos of the P&P2 cast - mostly posed publicity photos, but with a few stills, some but not all are in "The Making of Pride and Prejudice". There is one lovely photo of Darcy a nd Georgiana that I haven't seen before, with Firth at his most decorative. I already have 2 copies of P&P, so I didn't buy it, but I was sorely tempted. Anna

Sorry, Cheryl...I just couldn't bring myself to write out "Love-Butt"! - K

Kali, dear, are you up late or early? Myself, I have no excuse. I have been polyphasicking. No, HC, don't get excited about my use of a word with a poly- prefix.

"We are such stuff as dreams are made of"- HAMLET A Personal Dream Sequence from 11/18/96 Note: This is retold for fellow-P&P2/CF fans enjoyment; identification with the I-speaker is encouraged, if desired, for further amusement. Last night I dreamt I went to Europe. The journey was full of more twists and turns than the real tour I took in college years: the landscape was overgrown with wild creepers; inns had a spectral look to them, despite the tourist crowds; and everythin g was seen in dim moonlight hues, since the dream indeed was one long strange night journey. Only with the entrance of a shadowy person who curiously resembled the owner of Pemberley did the mood lighten... I found myself in the middle of a trainride through the Black Forest, feeling out of sorts due to travel fatigue and loneliness, when a man entered the car from the back and took a seat across the aisle facing me (seating on this train was in foursomes , facing each other, on either side of the aisle). I thought him oddly dressed until I realized I myself was in Austen-era cape and dress. He reminded me of someone, though at the time I could not recall whom. But this face was that of a gypsy, and his clothes and manner freer than those of the other travellers. A maroon cape, white shirt, black pants in black boots, pistol thrust in belt, and gold earring under the black curls, along with a pair of fine dark eyes, focused many a woman's attention on h im, I was sure. I struggled to keep my own eyes on the evergreen scenery out the window, as a matter of principle. An hour later, a number of us got off at a small village and headed for the one inn. A genial chubby host, Herr Herzen (!) provided a simple but tasty meal of peasant bread, cheese, and pilsner beer for us all at one long table. The gypsy taciturnly ate amid the chatter of two frumpy women nearby, then stalked to the fireplace. The stuffy atmosphere of the room soon drew me from the table to walk outside until our rooms were ready. I was stargazing under some pines when I heard a step behind me; tr ing to appear calm, I halfturned towards the inevitable maroon cloak. "Good evening. You are, I believe, unaware of the fact that there have been robbers near here lately, and that it is unwise to be out alone." I admitted my ignorance but was grateful for his information, though I privately doubted its being the only purpose for his approach. Indeed, his eyes kept scanning the woods nearby, then coming back to me. Not thinking it suitable to remain there with a man I'd not been introduced to, I decid d to return when a thunderous sound of hoofbeats came toward the inn. "Quickly, come with me!" the gypsy muttered as he dragged me by the hand deeper under the pines shelter. A troupe of ruffians arrived, leapt from their horses, and stormed into the doorway, shouting and shooting. Panicked, I couldn't move, but my new friend did: he ran up to two of the horses, pulled them mightily by the reins back to the pines, and hel ped me mount up before whirling deeper into the forest ahead of me. Afraid of what was happening back at the inn, I found myself unable to question the idea of traipsing after this fellow into I knew not what. Besides, a little adventure seemed enticing And where had I seen someone like him before?? Some minutes later, he slowed his horse to a walk, and mine mercifully followed suit. "I believe we can talk quietly here as we go," he murmured as his eyes swept my bedraggled appearance and shaking hands clutching the reins. I admitted to being exhausted and unnerved by the incident and asked our destination. He told me of his gypsy camp at a spring not many miles hence. Of course, I thought, his gypsy camp; he's a real gypsy baron out of legend! I felt my cynical hu mor rise, and then I felt the worst was over if humor was returning. In fact, I had an inexplicable urge to verbally trounce this man, despite his just having saved my life. "I wonder at your knowing the robbers would be returning to raid tonight," I said lightly, probing the man of mystery with what I hoped was subtlety. It wasn't. "Are you concerned for your safety with me?" he mocked, brows arching quizzically. When I squirmed he went on more kindly, "Have you never heard of a gypsy's 'second sight' ability to foretell the future?" "I'd supposed to be mere fiction," I retorted, puzzled by other images starting to flash in my mind's eye of my 20th century job and hom and a film character called Darcy... "And have you never found someone in a dream of a deja-vue nature?" he continued, leaning over and resting his hand for a moment on my horse's bridle. Shocked into silence, I stared in the trees ahead at a nearing cam pfire. Was the man a mindreader after all? And what odd fancies and pictures were dancing in my head? It was a relief when we arrived at the gypsy camp. My companion was greeted like royalty by his people, and the little old lady whose wagon I was to rest in assured me of his kindliness (rather like the Pemberley housekeeper, I later realized). Durin g a tea and sweetcakes taken by the fire, I noted how the men spoke respectfully to him of their plans, and women and children rested peacefully nearby. I felt ashamed of my earlier mistrust. At the spring later, however, I was again startled while washing my face when I looked across and saw him standing on the far side. "Familiar?" he simply said, as he dove in fully clothed and swam to my side. "Vaguely," I gasped, as he hauled himself out of the moonlit pool and strode up, shirt billowing in the wind and tousled locks in his eyes. As the pine trees began to swirl around us and my knees seemed to buckle, he eyed me gravely but with a sweet look. "I know!" my mind shouted as my memory of Darcy came flying back. The gypsy bowed low, gently trying to grasp my hand as I felt myself slipping, slipping, back to a morning wake-up here in California. It was very hard to concentrate at work that day.

Happy thoughts indeed.... thank you

I can tell that this has been a very strange week indeed... Amy...to be perfectly honest...I don't know...this week has totally thrown off my sleeping cycle...I don't know if life will ever be the same again! ;-) - K

I can tell that this has been a very strange week indeed... Amy...to be perfectly honest...I don't know...this week has totally thrown off my sleeping cycle...I don't know if life will ever be the same again! ;-) - K PS...Maybe we should lay out some ground rules for the chat room, lest it degenerate into a debauched cyberorgy...! ;}

Aye, Kali. The drawing room is dangerous.

Kali, re Mr. L-B. I keep on imagining Lizzie having to interupt him and saying 'but Love...' and then getting all mixed up. A liability!

Re L-B; are you ladies using your imagination, or do you have a source I've not yet found. Except for a moment of indecision re colour of coat, the B is hidden. Thighs now there's evidencebut L-B? If you have evidence I *want* to see it. Please! Prett y pretty please!!

Anna, dear, how to explain the Hunk-a Hunk-a Burning Love-Butt nickname? Candace, Kali, Donna, help me out here! It began innocently enough with speculation as to what Lizzy would call her beloved after marriage; Darcy, Fitzwilliam, etc. Late at night I and the above mentioned ladies (who are usually of sober and reliable character!) got very silly and the end result is as you see above. Evidence as to its basis in reality is trifling at best, but the evidence of there being three, or even four, very illy girls on the BB is beyond question.

Kali and Amy (re notes 17 & 18): Yes the Drawing room is dangerous and yes, my sleep cycle is totally disrupted. but please do not make rules. rules can ruin things faster than bedlam ever could. Austen-l used to be this great mix of fun and scholarship - then someone decided to moderate, others decided to complain, still others decided to push the edges of the env elop. All the fun and frivolity is gone now - (probably moved to PPBB) - please don't make rules. I love this group - I love the banter no matter how far off target it seems to get.

I agree, Katy...I was half-joking when I said that...but, well, you understand what I mean! As for Mr. Love-Butt, yeah...DOnna brought up the song Sugarpie Honeybunch, Candace stated that she first thought the song lyrics were "sugarpie-honeyBUTT," and so I aksed whether the man was to be called "Mr. Butt" or "Mr. Love." Cheryl sta ted that Mr. Love-Butt, hyphenated, was most proper...so whoop! There it is... - K

In light of the fact that Colin "Shows-it-all" Firth is appearing in December on TV in HOSTAGES and VALMONT (see thread 23 for dates, times, etc.), I suggest getting a headstart on his other "look" (less refined than Darcy but sensual) by checking out h ttp://www.iupui.edu/~rogersc/images/ when there, scroll down to images called prvalm1.jpg and VALMONT8.JPG I think we're in for more sleepless nights!

Kali: Oh, it was a joke? golly, no one ever kids around on Austen-l any more. I had forgotten about jokes.

Katy, I love your images...thank you so much again for the kitten! Seriously, though...don't we get just a teense out of control? Or is that what makes it fun? Clueless, K

Kali asked if anyone knew of any 18th century nicknames Which struck me so funny Oh! Yeah, right you remember back in the 18th century "Duh" Cheryl Candace. Someone said I'll have to do some "Chaneling". It started from there " Hunk a Hunk a Burin Love" to "Mr. Love B... "I tell you though he is a Sugarpie Honeybunch in DEC A&E issue{ subsrcibtion or Barnes and Nobles}. Oh baby...... Cecily are these new pics. Oh Anna dear, you can't tell us about this BBC book without giving us more info w need more info. Like where did you get it ISBN number ect.can it be order. Just thought I should mention that.

Kali - the little-bit-out-of-control, or that fact that no one has to worry about being a little-bit-out-of-control is a lot of what makes it fun. Glad you liked the cat. My two cents, Katy

Kali - the little-bit-out-of-control, or that fact that no one has to worry about being a little-bit-out-of-control is a lot of what makes it fun. _______________ Katy, I think you nailed it. It is a) so freeing not to have to be ashamed of our obsession, and b) the joy of "being" with people with whom we have so much in common. Cheryl and I are continually finding things we both love and many others find it so as well. When this all settles down, I want to do a survey of our other interests. I think the results would be fascinating. But first, to put up the content ffrom the old board, get some back burner projects jump started again with all the new voluneer help, &etc . Amy

Amy, it is kind of scary how many things we are finding in common, I'm beginning to think we were seperated at birth!

My mother read JA out loud to me when I was a baby. That was so she would enjoy our reading-out-loud time.

Donna - I'll check out the ISBN no. and post later Cheryl - it may be as well we were seperated at birth. We seem to get a impressive mass effect merely on virtual pheromones. Imagine the consquences if it were for real! Anna

ROTFLOL -- I just found this -- I can't believe that you have been talking this topic without me!!!! Hunk-a Hunk-a, indeed!

Candace, we did as best we could without you, but now that you have found us, I am sure the tone of this topic shall rise, or perhaps, sink further. Either way, we shall be the better for it!

Oh Cheryl, you have given me such a bad reputation!

I? I have done nothing of the sort! I always speak the absolute truth!

Ow! My head! This is all just too deep for me, ladies...forgive me while I cower in fear over in the corner for a bit, because this thread has me on the floor, begging for intellectual mercy! ;) - K

Hey, Kali! I thought I was the resident smarta** here!

I am receiving the usual punishment for expressing my opinion frankly about a living creature: Almost as soon as I said the fun and frivolity had evaporated on Austen-l, it resurfaced. I have laughed my way through the posts for three days in a row. Ho w nice to be shown to be so wrong!

Cheryl, you are indeed the undisputed queen and reigning champion of smartassity...I am merely your brownnosing lackey-trainee...;) - K

And don't you forget it, baby! ;-)

Amy you are right. The FOF site is changing all the time. Just came from the pictures. To steal from Persuasion, "you pierce my soul" I CAN'T STAND IT! I want him. How can I get my mind off of him to do this Thanksgiving thing?It alos does not help that he is such an excellent rider. I have been on a horse since birth. I want to ride with him!

My dear Miss Leslie, We ALL want to ride with him. When he has spare time between films, perhaps we could encourage his setting up Darcy's Equestrian School For Ladies in British Columbia: I am convinced there are many of us who would pay handsomely to have him as our in structor (even those who already know how to ride), just to have him stand next to us, guiding our hands, helping us dismount into his arms, riding into the sunset, ...(fill in other private tutoring moments). Sincerely yours, Caroline I-saw-him-first Bingley (private secretary Cecily copied this, since due to the excitable state of Caroline, nobody but myself could have deciphered her appalling cursive)

Just came back from seeing CF as a blond in Nostromo at the FoF site. I had never pictured him as a blond, could not imagine it, and now that I have seen it, all I can say is: Ooh baby, ooh baby!

Can any of you ladies tell me -in a rational linear way for my feeble mind- what exactly you like so much about CF/Darcy? Besides the great physical traits you swoon over above, I mean, what else? Very interested to know what makes this actor (like othe rs) so popular?

Re the riding thread and the blonder thread - I've long thought he should play the role of Tom Booker in the "Horse Whisperer", but unfortunately Robert Redford bought the rights to the book and has appropriated the role for himself. The thought of CF as Tom Booker would lead anyone who's read the book into another drooling frenzy.

Can any of you ladies tell me -in a rational linear way for my feeble mind- what exactly you like so much about CF/Darcy? The heart has it's reasons that reason knows nothing of Besides the great physical traits you swoon over above, I mean, what else? Isn't that enough ? The smouldering certainly helps!

Donna - re the BBC hardback version of "Pride and Prejudice". The ISBN is 0 563 37190 0 the address given on the dust jacket is BBC Books BBC Worldwide Ltd Woodlands 80 Wood Lane London W12 OTT That said, I hope I haven't given you a false impression of this book. It is of good quality, but it's only 2 photos that make it at all remarkable; the one I mentioned of Darcy and Georgiana (excellent - if there was a poster of it I'd have bought 2 la st week) and a still of Darcy and Lizzy leaving the church after their wedding which is better than any other I've seen. The price in Oz is AU$20 (about U$17), in the UK 10 pounds.

Having not seen CF in anything other that P&P, I think I admire his intellectual approach to his job. Reading his comments about Darcy from various sources showed that he put a huge amount of effort in to "getting into the character". I think it's refreshing to see someone who could attract many roles simply because of his looks actually thinking about his acting. I like many actors simply for their physical features but Firth adds so much more to that admiration because of his approach. Saman

] Jake: ] Can any of you ladies tell me -in a rational linear way for my feeble mind- what exactly you like so much about CF/Darcy? Besides the great physical traits you swoon over above, I mean, what else? Very interested to know what makes this actor (like othe rs) so popular? Jake, a few weeks ago there was extensive discussion about this, and a significant number indicated that it is not CF himself to whom they are attracted, but to Mr. Darcy as portrayed by CF. So it is the package of the character of Mr Darcy as created by JA combined with CF's most excellent interpretation of this character that is so appealing. Joan, too

Thanks Anna, I will look into. I hope I will be able to purchase it in the U.S.

] rational linear way for my feeble mind _____________ Precisely the trouble with most guys. Jake, we like to tease our male friends. You see, in this way only the strong will stick around. Tell us about you in intro. Amy

The changing face of Colin Firth: pick darcy/Firth's most handsome look. Today, I am voting for his look as he ponders E.'s rejection and pens the famous letter. wow. For a single Firth moment, I vote today for his first visit to the Collins home. He sits there wanting to be part of the conversation with E and the colonel, finally talks over to her, and all he can think of to say is "Are you paretns well" - or somethi ng like that. He looks so determined and then so crushed. both the screen writers and Mr. Firth get lots of credit for making so much of the little dab of material JA gave them in that scene!

I will try that again with fewer typos! The changing face of Colin Firth: Pick Darcy/Firth's most handsome look. Today, I would vote for his appearance as he ponders E.'s rejection and pens the famous letter. WOW. For a single Firth moment, I vote today for his first visit to the Collins home. He sits there wanting to be part of the conversation with E and the colonel, finally walks over to her, and all he can think of to say is "Are you parents well" - or somethin g like that. He looks so determined and then so crushed. Both the screen writers and Mr. Firth get lots of credit for making so much of the little dab of material JA gave them in that scene!

Sheesh...you'd think Thanksgiving would have calmed the waters. ;-)

Alas Kali, the water may be calm, but there is an old Swedish proverb about what can hide beneath the surface of very calm water... I for one have enjoyed this thread from the love-butt to the look and to let my mind sink in the waters of Darcy-obsession or have it poured over me like the man himself in his bath. Renewed proof of the strong impact the Darcy character has on you was gained as I watched P&P1 the other day. As stiff as Rintoul/Darcy is there are moments and looks that hit you in the belly. But why could they not get him a hat of a proper size? Sometimes he looks almost as ridiculous as Mr Collins in his Water-planting one.

Saman and Joan, too--- Having not seen CF in anything other that P&P, I think I admire his intellectual approach to his job. Reading his comments about Darcy from various sources showed that he put a huge amount of effort in to "getting into the character". I think it's refreshing to see someone who could attract many roles simply because of his looks actually thinking about his acting. I like many actors simply for their physical features but Firth adds so much more to that admiration because of his approach. and So it is the package of the character of Mr Darcy as created by JA combined with CF's most excellent interpretation of this character that is so appealing. Thank you both for your discerning comments and Austen-worthy style. Amy--- The teasing, so much in evidence, is I believe the established mode and propensity of intelligent ladies when interacting with likeminded gentlemen. The delights of "oneupsmanship" (British term), however, can range from mere horseplay in some hands to m ore robust mental duelling in others. The goal os such gambits, too, can vary from a simple humorous putdown to a sexist generalization to a growing liking for the other person. In the latter category we find those beloved Elizabeth and Darcy characters Your own remark above indicates a similar bent; "why" must all gentlemen who post here be strong? En garde, Miss Amy!

] Your own remark above indicates a similar bent; "why" must all gentlemen who post here be strong? En garde, Miss Amy! ____ Jake, I am not given to being extra clever this morning, so you may take down your own guard (For now.) I quite agree with your characterisation of our kind of teasing, and all its various degrees and aims. Not all gentlemen who post here must be strong. Some have come and gone after a week or two. Those who persist and do not seen to mind being outnumbered win our affection. Maybe that is what I mean by strong. Amy P.S. The term "oneupsmanship" is regularly used in the States. I don't know when or where it started. But I am sure we think of it as quite our own. (No, I am really not trying to start a new battle. We care little for the history of Imperialism here.)

I agree with Katy's choice of CF look in the letter to Lizzie scene. WOW is a good word; so's Cheryl's OOOHH BABY! Having just seen Part 4 on Wed. again, I admit to losing my "habitual reserve" (yeah, sure) when I saw him lean back in his chair, (exhaust ed, neck exposed vulnerably, sighing)- well, I wished I could go through the TV barrier right then! Like Kim and others said "whew, is it getting hot in here?!" Yes, I know it's Darcy, but does that CF have sex appeal or what?!

My dear Miss Cicely, I am in all agreement on Mr. Darcy opening up a riding academy.I would prefer to have the academy in Charleston, SC. I do feel the society of Charleston, SC would be very obliging. We are, after all, listed as a source in the book Jane Austen's Town and C ountry Style. Perhaps Mr. Darcy would like to open up an academy in both places. What say you on the subject?

My dear Miss Anne (Leslie), How charming a suggestion! I take it upon myself to answer for Miss Caroline Bingley, who went to bed with a raging headache after I presumed to say she would have to share the exquisite pleasure of Mr. Darcy as riding instructor with other gentlewomen. Are there suitable ponds for swimming lessons there as well? British Columbia also has fair rock hiking sites, as in Derbyshire. Perhaps we should consider renaming these two places as Darcy's Northern Exposure Camp and Darcy's Southern Comfort Resort. Ladies could thus sign up for two completely unique weeklong experiences with the man of their dreams. What say you? Always practical, Miss Cecily

Re the exact appeal of Firth/Darcy...... I think that Andrew Davies (writer) and Simon Langton (Producer) have an awful lot to answer for here. But one thing that appeals particularly to me is the ambiguousness of CF's face at times(Really pretty profile, sometimes blank full-face,amazing eyes and mouth,cheeks sometimes a bit too chubby for perfection.)In the letter-writing bit,he leans back on his chair and does a real good impersonation of Tom-the -voice Jones. And inthe Pond sequence, there is a close-up of him removing his cravat that shows a sunburn line. For me, that one shot makes Darcy so human, so believable, and so lovable.And I have to admit, that the Pemberley LOOK, with its combination of love, admiration,almost-tearful adoration directed straight out of the screen at ME makes my toes curl!

Ooh baby, ooh baby...(sorry, had to do it, you were all expecting it anyway weren't you?)

for those in need of a daily jolt try http://www.iupui.edu/~rogersc/images/firthtst.jpg CONTROL + Drag across just the top of photo, then let go to see nice zoom Ah, Amy! Never one to pick a quarrel, unless it is exceptionally promising of strategic merriment, I bow Darcylike to your better judgment in this matter of verbal fencing. But, as to oneupsmanship, you must allow me to tell you how passionately and com edically Englishman Stephen Potter (1950s, Holt, Rinehart and Winston publisher) took up and epitomized the phrase, in such PUNCH magazine articles and books titled LIFEMANSHIP, GAMESMANSHIP, etcetera. Terribly English and terribly amusing sketches that ay make one not only snort coffee through one's nose (yes, I've lurked awhile) but WOM (as a kinswoman of mine embarrassedly calls it, wet oneself momentarily, in laughter). The books are probably still available on dusty university library shelves or th ose of larger Towns. I may start a new topic here at some point with excerpts, so we can all become as facile as Mr. Bennet or Ms. Austen with cynical wit.

My dear Miss Cicely, We have lovely ponds for swimming here. I only want him to swim if he has his clothes on. We can also add a new dimension to his sexuality in this part of SC. There are wonderful beaches here. Just imagine Darcy coming out of the surf in all his Darcy sul king. Shirt, wet with salt water. OH GOD!!! I hope this wonderful thought clears Miss Bingley's head. Please convey my wishes that she she has a speedy recovery. Please tell her that Charleston is the best and most elegant of society. Yours, Miss Leslie

Dear Misses Leslie and Cecily, OOPS! My fevered mind just did a Freudian that is shocking but comic. You wrote We can also add a new dimension to his sexuality.. Just imagine Darcy coming out of the surf in all his Darcy sulking. I misread as coming out of the surf with al l his Darcy showing #-} But perhaps we might add Life Drawing to your Darcy's Northern Exposure camp activities? Anything for Art, France, Curator for Museum of Regency Sculpture

ftp://ftp.ct.ebt.com/pub/figleaf/finl10b3.exe An earlier posting here gave my "jolt" photo site recommendation, but I forgot to mention you need to download the Figleaf plug-in (see above) first to be able to zoom, in Netscape. Another earlier oversight: Anna(?), I agree about the "heart has its reasons" and the smouldering ability of CF.

Play it again, Sam. For zoom. Go to http://www.shareware.com then type figleaf in QuickSearch; then choose MS-Windows(all) as platform; then hit Search; then click on finl1061.zip; then try a site like Hong Kong to get/save figleaf (30-day use) Adios. I quit.

No figleaves for Mac people?

You could probably configure your browser so that it can automatically send images to your favorite graphics program. For ex. in Netscape, under Options, General Preferences, at the Helpers tab you can set up your graphics program. Probably your browser for the Mac has its own equivalent to all this, since apparently Figleaf may not have a Mac version.

Actually, it is already configured to send graphics to various applications. I assumed (incorrectly?) that Figleaf must do something more than that.

I too use Figleaf (on Windows 95) and I like it because it is a more integral seamless process plugged into Netscape (and for me at least works quicker with a few deft strokes to get the exact zoom segment desired).

Oh dear...this is all too much for me...yet again, I must say that this is all making me go quite distracted! - K PS - Cheryl...Candace...Donna...where has Mr. L-B (sorry for the Eltonism) gone? is he still here? I'm lost...

I presume Mr. Hunk-a Hunk-a Love-Butt is still here under this topic somewhere, but Kali, you know that even if he has been removed from this thread, he will forever live within our hearts and memories and dreams.

Come on Ladies -- time to roll up your sleves and do your part on this topic. Cheryl, Kali, and I can't carry the ball ourselves!

(chuckling)you're right, judging by what you're doing in one of the new P&P2 scenes on topic 40something, carrying on with Darcy upstairs! That is becoming another Darcy amour topic area, if you'd care to join its creative heat. But to re-spin this thread: if you could have any shot from P&P2, other than the wellknown look at Pemb-piano (say it fast & italian) scene, for your computer wallpaper, what'd be? my preliminary vote=from the Darcycam dance: lots of good ones there, if you like him in sulky stalking mode, just starting to smoulder (for ME, of course)

Cecily - Any look other than the look ???? That is a hard one (no pun intended) -- I love the 'wet' look from the meeting at Pemberly; the dance scenes, the "I shall conquer this" scene and the piano scene at Rosings. Well, pretty much any scene in the show - I wouldn't be picky.

Oh very tricky, Cecily! Brava! I am excessively fond of the very intense look Darcy favors Lizzy with during the first proposal. The one where he is sitting down, ever so briefly, before standing and resuming his pacing. His legs are crossed, he is le aning to his right, his eyes are piercing her...of yes, excessively fond!

Yikes, Cheryl, I can sense your own intensity heating up the BB here! (more virtual phero-nomenon?) I suspect it's time to go to the morality topic where Eric safely and sanely visits...

Who wants to be sane Jake. Do we know how you feel about "Lizzie" He will always be a Hunk-a-Hunk of burning Love and Desire. Mr. Lovey Buns is always on my mind just wants to suckface with him {especially after watching the first proposal} every minute o f the day. Will that do, It will never do for I have struggled in vane not to be sane.

'I too use Figleaf (on Windows 95) and I like it because it is a more integral seamless process plugged into Netscape (and for me at least works quicker with a few deft strokes to get the exact zoom segment desired).'- F One of the enjoyable aspects of being mostly computor illiterate is that words retain some of their commonuse meanings, and so conjure up all sorts of strange immages. Can you, for example , imagine Darcy saying the above, as a recommendation?

Mr. Darcy should of sang this song to "Lizzie" "Handle With Care" written by George Harrison and song w/Traveling Wilbury's Been beaten up and battered around,been sent-up and shut down You are the best thing I've ever found Handle me with Care Reputation Changeable, Situation Tolerable,Oh Baby you adorable Handle me with Care Chorus: Iam so tired of being lonely I still have some love to give won't you show me that you really care. Everybody got somebody to lean on,put your body next to mine and dreammmm onnnnn I've been fobbed-up and been the fool,I've been robbed and ridiculed,In Day care Centers and Night Schools,Handle me with Care,I've been stuck in a port and terrorized, sent to meeting Hypnotized,Over-exposed and Commercialized, "Handle me with Care". Repeat Chorus: I've been Uptight and made a Mess but I cleaned-up myself I guess Ohhh the sweet smell of success. "Handle me with Care"

Dear Miss Hilary: I never use a Figleaf for any occasion. It denotes a man of the lowest order, certainly not a wellbred one. Yet a man of sensitivity, culture, and pride in his real superiority does consider the nature of the moment and the needs of a partner, and to tha t end I could recommend an "integral seamless process plugged into Netscape [which] for me at least works quicker with a few deft strokes to get the exact zoom segment desired." Chivalrously yours, Fitzwilliam Darcy One of the enjoyable aspects of being mostly computor illiterate is that words retain some of their commonuse meanings, and so conjure up all sorts of strange immages. Can you, for example , imagine Darcy saying the above, as a recommendation?

Hilary!!!! I am torn between saying "Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you!" and "You go girl!"

Cheryl: I'll accept both with chuckles! Donna: thats wonderful, I like that song and when I listen to it, it will now have added meaning. To Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Sir, thank you for your fullsome recommmendation. May I trouble you further by enquiring why a man of your sensibility and cultural taste associates a figleaf with ill-breeding? I myself have been in the habit of associating them with the classical sculp tures of young Greek gods. Sincerely, Miss Hilary

I feel some of Darcy's most physically attractive moments are during the first part of the proposal scene--his earnest, open, vulnerable look is unbeatable. At the beginning, he is healthy, his hair is clean and his face has color. He is the ultimate hu nk at his decorative best. However, it seems by the end of scene, the last 5 or 6 seconds, he looks oily, emaciated and sickly as though the beginning and end were shot with a month or two respite. I find this unsettling and it jars the ambience of a cr tical part, but I can't explain it away. Am I imagining that, "you have said quite enough madam" is delivered by a pasty, consumptive stand-in?

Dear Miss Hilary, You must allow me to declare that my earlier statement was that a man "of the lowest order" would use such a leaf, by which I meant "the natural man" of Eden or indeed Graeco-Roman legend and art. For such a man it might be an item of use or adornment, b ut for a gentleman in my day it would only be seemly in a play, artwork, or perhaps a momentary remnant from gardening on one's estate. I did not intend any slight upon such use in general, only to state my opinion as to my personal view and use. For my own private life, I believe in total, open immersion, in a pond, etcetera, without the coy use of artificial decoration or "plug-ins." I cannot speak more plainly, as I beg you to understand. Respectfully decided in my opinion, I remain, Fitzwilliam Darcy

Elaine,I beleive that the proposal scene was one of he first scenes to be filmed and in slightly warmer weather then most others {and before they new each other}.IMHO: I am sure if there was anything that could have been done to relieve him of his "oily, emaciated, and sickly" appearance,it would have been cold jump in the nearest pond,but alas there no was pond oh! hummm LOL{look of longing} at Rosiings at least I didn't think there was. I must say I never noticed, he always "looks" good to ME.

Donna, CF looks fabulous, better than fabulous for 90% of the proposal scene. My concern is the last few seconds. He looks totally different when he delivers his last few lines, rather gaunt to me and it's bothersome!

To Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy, Sir, I thank you for your explanation, and now have only to say that I comprehend your meaning exactly, and am pleased our opinions concur. Sincerely, Miss Hilary

God.

Yes, Kali, I believe your're right! CF's next role could be God, it's been so long since The Ten Commandments film. And Colin plays guitar so maybe he sings well enough to do a musical like J.C.Superstar. On second thought, maybe he'd bee more suitable as a Hindu god of love: wonder how he'd look in blue make-up, long black hair, gold adornments, and assorted girls around him in a flowery meadow? WE'd try out for the assorted girls parts, naturally. %-)

Just saw Part 5 again. Hard to believe still the sheer power CF's look. He definitely was channeling direct from whatever Love source there is in the universe (pardon the LA babble) to hit all us that hard. Feel like I've been magnetized (zapped) again this morning. Wheee!

What! The drooling stopped? Maybe this will help- In the San Francisco Chronicle on Dec.5th, there was an article titled "A Hunk-a, Hunk-a Burnin' 'Tap" by Octavio Roca about "Aussies rock in explosive dance show"...True, not about CF, but the title ca ught my eye (Cheryl et al., there's an imitator out there) AND it has a photograph of some hunks dancing you'd like AND it sounds like a great show, if you can make it to the S.F. area before show leaves Dec. 15th. (Ian may know this troupe.) An excerpt below: They've already taken a couple of continents by storm, and now they are poised to conquer S.F. They're hot, they're Australian, they won England's Olivier Award last year, and if they don't win a Tony next year there may well be a revolution. Dein Pe rry's "Tap Dogs," directed and designed by Nigel Triffitt, opened at the Orpheum Theatre on Tues. night on a national tour that will land these dancers on Broadway in 1997.It's the holiday event of the season, a sweeping, noisy, fast, and fabulous hit.... his is heavy-duty, industrial strength, sexy and just plain terrific dancing. I had expected a sort of Aussie "Stomp: The Next Generation" or maybe a "Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Hunks." The show is that of course but it is also much more..." For info, call (415)776-1999

Dear Jake, Thank you for your kind review and the claim that you think of me when when you see the words "Hunk-a Hunk-a" although I am not quite sure that I should be flattered by that! It is true that I am always on the lookout for new Hunk material, but there is only one "Hunk-a" and I think it scandalous for these Aussies to appropiate the title! Perhaps if you could arrange for me to have a backstage pass to the gentlemen's dressing rooms, I may do some field research and report back as to whether thes Beefcake Babes deserve the name "Hunk-a." I would take no pleasure in it, I would comsider it a service to my fellow women. Your humble servant, etc. Cheryl

Jake, Cheryl, Haven't see the Tap Dogs live myself - I would like to - but they are meant to be fantastic dance troupe. However, check-fleece torn-sleeve shirts and raggy jeans is hardly Darcy country. And as far as Chippendale style shows go, I'm not interested.

I have seen the Tap Dogs dancing - MMMMMMMMMMMH !!!! (and other Lydia type noises).

Anna, dare I say it? You lucky (tap) dog! And I bet they leave the Bay Area before I can see 'em, (doggone it)! (I know, a pun is the lowest form of humor). So here's my version of a scarcely remembered joke from years ago: The sexton goes to ring the chimes for service but runs into an obstacle- the bell rope is broken. However, a passerby who hears of his problem offers to help- and does so by going up in to the tower and running headlong into the bell, then hurtles to the ground below. Shocked others gather around the body and one asks "Does anyone know his name?" The sexton running up says, "I don't know it, but his face rings a bell." Next day, same roblem for the sexton- no rope, etc. Another identical passerby charges up and offers to help, saying he's the twin of the dead man. He goes up, runs headlong into the bell, falls to the ground, another crowd of grieved onlookers surround him, same ques tion to the sexton, who this time says "I don't know, but he's a dead ringer for the man whose face rings a bell."

I forgot to do some drooling above; pardonnez-moi! Dashingly daggy Aristocratic Ravenhaired Connubial bliss Yearning incarnate Remember Mae West's saying something to Cary Grant like "Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?" (Caroline B. would reel from the shock.) All your earlier daggy comments and current gift wish topic comments reminded me of Mae. ; -)

Lord, does it ever stop?!!! ;) I know this is sacrelidge, but I have a confession to make...I'm not a Mr. Darcy person! I never have been! All the while I've been secretly in love with Mr. Knightley and haven't realized it! AAAARRRRRGGGHHHH! Kaffeine, does your site offer counselin g for poor deluded souls like me? ;) - K PS - But if it's okay with Mr. L-B, I'd still like to be friends! ;)

NO NO NO how can this be Kali ,I don't know Kali, I feel that I should not be so fickle. When did you know It was Mr. Knightley Kali? After you read the book or after you saw the movie? Cheryl should we let her off this easy. Oh, will the shades in the Pe mberely chat room survive? I will have to think about it uh?

Kali, that you should have been so blind! How can it be that until this moment you hardly knew yourself? (Iknow it should be from Emma, but I'm too lazy right now).I could see this from half a world away! But we still love ya.

Okay Kali,I am sure I will be obessed with him too. As soon as the video is released.

Ah, Kali, what can I say - such truly excellent taste in men! (She says as she ducks for cover!)

Ah, Kali, what can I say - such truly excellent taste in men! (She says as she ducks for cover!)

Thank you, Kaff...it's us against the world, I'm afraid! ;) But seriously, I DO still love Mr. Darcy...but something clicked a month or so ago...it was the third re-read of _Emma_ coupled with an earlier viewing of the Miramax film...it darted through me with the speed of an arrow that Mr. knightley must marry no one but myself! ;) Plus, I think L-B would tire easily of someone so deludedly like Emma...

Oh, thank you, Hilary! Will you pay for my therapy? ;)

I might as well make my own confession. Before P&P2, Mr. Knightley was my favorite Austen hero too.

I am exceedingly fond of most of Jane Austen's heroes. Darcy has always been my favorite, but I believe that I like Mr Knightley as well as Capt. Wentworth. And Col. Brandon went up in my esteem after I watched (and watched, and etc.) Alan Rickman's ver sion.

Kali, I alone see through your paltry arts. You wish us to think you do not compete for Darcy's affections so that we will let down our guard....and you may sweep in to claim the prize! Knightley, indeed! I know the one you think of nightly! Grace

Oh Kali, Kali, Kali...And I thought I had raised you right! I like, I admire, I greatly esteem Mr. Knightly, and, were there no Mr. Darcy, he should be the man of my dreams, but Kali, why should you choose to settle for a hamburger when there is filet m ignon to be had! We shall have to have a little heart-to-heart very soon my dear!

Well, if you gave him to me for Christmas, Cheryl, i'd happily take him...not to mention ther fact that I'd love you forever...! ;) THanks a lot, Grace - your faith in me is encouraging...you doubt my love for my dear Mr. Knightley? ;)

Well, if you gave him to me for Christmas, Cheryl, i'd happily take him...not to mention ther fact that I'd love you forever...! ;) THanks a lot, Grace - your faith in me is encouraging...you doubt my love for my dear Mr. Knightley? ;)

Have to say, the Northam/Knightley combinaison is quite explosive and does great competition to our favorite Firth/D'Arcy hero. Yes, I too have to admit that Mr. Knightley's Miramax version is a most romantic hero. His sweet touch of vulnerability and hum ility is very becoming. Who would'nt wanted to be Emma and dance the Mr. B'Maggot with him? I'm sure others will indulge in rewatching this scene and others over and over and over an over.... It would'nt surprise me if the video came out on time for St. Valentin's Day.

Amy, I agree with you. Mr. Knightly was my favorite until Firth showed us the new Darcy. The older I get, the more I prefer Mr. K's solidity and general kindness and good manners. I am jealous that mere child of 21 who did not even appreciate him until the end of the book should have captured his heart. Of course, in any other 1990's movie, a late-30'ish hero who ended up marrying the spoiled, pretty, young heiress would be panned by the female audience.

Kali, where therapy is concerned, well...love does have its price.

Hey, what's wrong with being pretty, young, and 21? ;)

The FoF page has some new pics, including ones from the BBC hardback of P&P I mentioned a while ago - I'm going to attempt to link this to the one of Darcy and Georgiana. If that doesn't work the url is; http://www.iupui.edu/~rogersc/PicSite/darcygeo.htm

The FoF page has some new pics, including ones from the BBC hardback of P&P I mentioned a while ago - I'm going to attempt to link this to the one of Darcy and Georgiana. If that doesn't work the url is; http://www.iupui.edu/~rogersc/PicSite/darcygeo.htm

curioser and curioser - I hit the reload button because the image didn't load and that posted my message again ...I've also now lost all the images, including the 'wallpaper'. (and yes, I'll cross post this to yapp)

Very nice pictures. Thank you (but sorry about your wallpaper).

The real advantage of changing to a Northam/Mr. Knightly allegiance is at least one can anticipate additional romantic-hero parts from him. It appears Mr. Firth intends to cut his admirers off.

Hey...I was in love with Knightley AND Darcy before they ever became JN or CF!

Kali, you mustn't forget Captain Wentworth. Who wouldn't be in love with him even before he became CH and we got to see how funny those hats were. Jane

Have to confess that Captain Wentworth's always been my hero. But then, I'm still waiting to see the film adaption of Emma, so maybe Knightley will grow on me? I must say, I did NOT like Emma when I read it at school - I think it's the least approachable of Austen's work (though probably one of the better). Bye the way, I was amused to see references to Dein Perry's tapdogs (way back at response 94) ... they are rather good looking talented chaps (but, yes, this is nepotism)

I'm all astonishment at the drooling abilities here! Onesided (CF or Darcy), bilateral (Darcy and Knightly), triangular ...how do you ladies manage it without ruining your sprigged muslin, or your appearance around the gentlemen

I like that, France...since I drool bilaterally, does that mean I do so out of both sides of my mouth? ;) - K

Either that or you are leaking breast milk.

Amy...eeeewwwww!

Been there, done that!

A reminder emailed to me by one of our number who is too shy to post. Anybody else who feels this way, please always feel free to email me. I always like to hear about lurkers and never violate confidences. THE REMINDER: According to my local TV guide, Valmont will be showing on Bravo TV tonight at 10:30 PM EST.

Kali the bilateral drooling is ok, just remember *do not* connect the nostrils! Like when you ROFLOLNC after a glass of port.

Oh yes...ROTFLOLAN...Hilary, Cheryl, and I anticipated the need for that acronymn long ago...

The onesided drooling image reminds me of Bogart's sidelipped dexterity with simultaneously dangling a smoke and speaking many lines rapidfire. Me, I'm such a "onesider" (lefthander, to be exact) that my right hand is even computer-mouse-challenged. Are there keyboards designed for lefties? Naturally, I therefore unilaterally drool for Darcy. (Sounds like a sitcom voting scene.)

This was on Alicia's board from amy2." This from the 12/10 HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: "Colin Firth, who played Mr. Darcy in the BBC's highly successful adaptation of PRIDE & PREJUDICE, is tipped to be the lead in a new Australian film based on the classic novel "Seven Little Australians" due to go into production next year." So what's the novel? I am sure one of our seven or so little Australians can fill us in. I was going to post this query on the Favorite books thread, but I examined my heart and decided that my motivation had more to do with drooling than with literary c uriousity.

..ROTFLOLAN...Hilary, Cheryl, and I anticipated the need for that acronymn long ago... That's what I recollected....I was around during those daggy days... just got the abbreviation wrong.

a member of JASA has made a quilt of reproductions of stills from P&P2; predominantly showing the 'subtle facial expression' of Elizabeth and Darcy, with the wedding scenes as a central motif. What a way to keep warm. I want one! (I have never read 7 little Australians - sorry)

I've done a bit of drooling this morning - at the dentist's. And though I tried to close my eyes and think of...(no, not King and Country you fools) Darcy, I suspect I could not keep my mind focused. I can assure you that this here thread is vastly preferable !

Re: the Seven Little Australians The Seven Little Australians, is a "classic" Australian children's novel about seven (no!) rather mischievous and lively children who live with their father and stepmum in a house on the Paramatta River (near Sydney, one of Australia's earliest settlement s) in the 1890's. I guess if Colin is to be part of this movie, he will have to play the lucky dad, as I feel he's too much of a strapping lad to be cast as one of the young-uns in short pants. What an opportunity to drool ... Colin as a daddy ... though I don't know, a d ad with 7 kiddies might not be something worth drooling over! P.S. I've never read it either!

By the way (for the purists) when I said " one of Australia's earliest settlements" I was referring to Paramatta, not Sydney, which was of course, the first!

I wonder if: a) The Seven Little Australians is the same vintage as The Five Little Peppers, and How They Grew, another kiddie classic; and b) if CF is the sort of dad to allow his son Will to be in the new film with him? (Well, they are an acting family!)

Ann2...DAGGY DAYS...I love it!...I miss them...sniff...Hilary?! Where are you, Dagmistress.....????!!!!!!! - K ;)

The quilt sounds like a wonderful idea -- I thought that I might make one that only had Darcy and Lizzie's bodies. The pillow shams would have their heads. Then when my husband and I go to bed, lay our heads on the pillows, and tuck the quilt under our chins -- his head would replace Darcy's and mine would replace Lizzie's. All that would be left is for my husband to say to me "Dearest, Lovliest....".

Oh Candace, you are far gone!

Kali! - you called? Sorry if I'm slipping. Its not lack of interst, just that I'm busy trying to bundle up the family for a trip to Adelaide for Xmas. Also its not as easy at spring - don't know why. I haven't forgotten about the Ransome site.... I haven't read '7 little Australians' either! But will Colin come to Aust to be on location do you think?

Love you, Hilary! ;)

Ok ladies, I cannot believe that we have not posted to this thread since last Friday! I am so disappointed in us all, I am shock, shocked and grieved. The virtual birthday ball bash surpassed this thread in number of responses. It is up to us to see th at this this thread regains it's hottest posting topic status! I shall begin (as I always have to!): I missed the latest showing of "Hostages" (again) but someone "revealed" to me that there was a momentary glimpse of CF in the buff (and I missed it!) Those of you who saw "it" can I please have a full report? And, comfession time, how many of us have done a slow-motion or even frame-by-frame viewing of the famous bathtub scene in P&P2 hoping to see something interesting? I will confess that I have. Let me hear from the rest of you! And let the drooling begin!

Cheryl - nine minutes into "Hostages" CF (or John McCarthy)is stripped by his kidnappers. There is maybe a half second front view (his hands covering strategic body portions) before he is turned around by a kidnapper and pushed naked into a cell. After that, just a view of his foot and ankle being shackled. There was actually a longer view of him (if that was him) naked in "The Advocate", though I'm not sure whether that wasn't a body-double, unless he looks thinner from the back than from the front. Sure, I've slow-motioned the bathroom scene - but that darn robe gets in the way everytime! ;)

His appearance in the Advocate turned me off. In fact the whole movie did. The only thing I found redeeming was the premise, but somebody could have told me that.

O.K. I did slow-mo the bath tub scene, but I was only looking for chest hair. As for the Hostages, I was all astonishment! So those were his hands. Well that is certainly a welcome relief!

CF alert - Bravo is showing Valmont at 8:00 Thursday evening and again at 2:00am Friday.

''So those were his hands. Well that is certainly a welcome relief!'' Elaine, how shall we punish you for that remark? SQTM (Snikering Quietly To Myself)

I can't believe you guys. CF isn't even that cute, unless he's playing Darcy.;)

Kali, I totally agree. When I see non-Darcy pictures of him or films, I wonder where that wonderful appeal has gone. I enjoy his acting in other things, but no magic. I keep watching my P&P tapes to see what is so engaging about him. And I watch and watch and watch....As Amy says, it's Darcy we have the crush on.

Well, I used to think it was just DarcyVision that got to me, but ten days ago I my husband compassionately gave me as "wallpaper" the Friends of Firth (A Web Site On the Work of Colin Firth)opening page, center photo of him glancing sideways ve ry personally at me, in modern togs...and I have to say I'm hooked every time I turnn on the computer and that face smiles knowingly at me before he coyly half-hides behind a couple of icons! A shrink would have a field day watching my face and liste ing to my "Hi ya, buddy" before I swoosh to the internet. #-) oooh baby!

This is my wallpaper! Hope it appears below! http://www.iupui.edu/~rogersc/images/firtest.jpg

It's the voice that gets me.

Cecily, what a nice thing for a husband to do. Like our best Austen heroes. Jane

Kali, How about when he walks into Rosings after the first proposal. He is just standing there {thinking what to do next} with that look on his face and the dimple in his chin, his hair, his eyes.Then when he runs up the stairs three steps at a time. Ok, maybe he is just tolerable???

Kali, I am with you again. He isn't that cute. Have you seen him in "The Secret Garden"? UGH! It is Darcy that I am in love with, not Colin Firth.I had a dream about Colin Firth. Except I was thirteen in my dream. Ok here it is. I am going to cut it into segments because it is 3 pages long in tiny print. Colin Firth was filming a movie HERE! In south Florida! He wrote to us asking if he could stay at our house while filming. Of course we obliged him and let him stay. I was overjoyed and hoped he would answer some of my questions. He played Mr.Darcy i n Pride an Prejudice. I was curious about him. He acted just as Mr.Darcy did in the first part of P&P very proud and concieted. My parents at the time were divorced. Because my mother was at work almost all day and night to make money I had to care for my younger brothers, cook dinner, and clean the house. I went on with my normal life. I practiced my piano and singing for I took lessons. He thought I was just showing off and tried to distract me at times that he knew I was busy. I tried to find the reason why he was so proud. He ignored every attempt. I followed him to the studio to confront him. I bumped into his manager. He said that Mr.Firth had reason to act uptight. I asked why. He responded "His daughter who is three years old and lives in Boston. She is in the hospital. They think she has leukimia, and she needs a bone marrow transplant". "Oh" I replied. I left in search of Mr.Firth. He was in a room and the door was locked. I waited silently outside the door. After about 15 minut es he anxiously stepped outside the door.....

While browsing in a magazine store that sells foreign publications, I came across the January '97 issue of Harpers & Queen. It includes an interview with Ruth Gemmell, the actress who plays CF's girlfriend in the upcoming movie Fever Pitch. The relevant part is: "When I told them about my part, my friends used to scream down the phone, but I was quite scared of him. But he's a lovely bloke, unaffected and sweet, and not at all showy, so the only time I was nervous after the first day was when we had to snog. In front of hundreds of people." My next question was one I had to ask on behalf of millions. "Well, it wasnt' like the theater--we didn't snog properly. But it looks fine. Colin knew what he was doing--he's obviously had to snog on film before. When I told my boyfriend, he was delighted. He just said, "So, Mr. Darcy's a crap kisser?" (Snogging I think is British for necking) (Memo to boyfriend: In your dreams, buddy!) This brings up all the recent discussion, here & in other topics, of Darcy vs. Firth ("His mouth looks different, blah, blah"). It seems to me that some of us are getting awfully princess & the pea-ish here. Personally, I will take Darcy, Firth, or any combination of the two at any time. My optimal configuration would be Darcy looks + Darcy loot + Firth personality + a little Darcy attitude + some chest hair, but on this subject I am easy to please. I will gladly take an all-Firth packag . And the rest of you ladies can just eat your picky little hearts out! :-P

I completely agree with your liking CF and Darcy, in any combo. And cleverly put by you too, Anne3! ;-)

Donna, I say it again: CF is cute as Darcy, but not as anything else (even himself!)...Darcy was just a magical role for him...I can't explain it any other way! ;)

OK, ladies, picture this: the phone rings, you pick it up and you recognize Colin Firth's husky voice before he even says his name and invites you to meet him tea. What is your reaction? a) hang up the phone as soon as you hear his voice; b) give him th e ten seconds it takes to say his name and THEN hang up ; c) not hang up but sit there lie a blooming idiot without a word until he gives up & the line goes dead; d) say harshly "Sorry, Mr. Firth, I only liked you as Darcy" and hang up; or e) listen polit ly, speak intelligently, thank him for the invitation, and agree it would be pleasant, etc. AND GO! This is today's pass/fail quiz for you all; please respond below. Personally, I have already written MY polite phone response in case such a call ever comes through so I can simply read it to him, in case my brain goes numb. ;-)

Oh yes- please see Topic 106 for the way Colin would be looking at you when he came to your front door to pick you up. "oooooohh baby," as Cheryl would say!

God, any woman would be stupid indeed to turn down tea with Firth!!!

I'd choose E, but not without temptation for D...;) I'd do it just to make you dears jealous! ;)

Oh my dear Cecily, option E of course! At least, I would hope it would be option E, it does say "listen politely, speak intelligently, thank him for the invitation, and agree it would be pleasant, etc. AND GO!" It's that "speak intellig ently" part that may trip me up! But I should endeavor to not embarrass myself or all of you, my dear friends. Would it be ok if I got just a little drorol on the phone receiver? After all, he cannot see it! (Oh, and Cecily...ooooh baby, indeed!)

Cheryl, I'd be careful about getting drorol on the phone receiver.

I live in Sacramento, very near the beautiful American River, Sacramento River, and Folsom Lake. Can I exchange "Tea" for a nice long picnic along one of these banks which ofcourse includes a swim with Mr. Firth?

Option E, naturlich, though like Cheryl I'd panic and have a problem or two speaking intelligently/intelligibly; I'd also no doubt become an absolute clod, hitting my head on the top of his Jaguar as I try to get in, spilling my tea, etc. BUT, I p romise I'd also quickly have a friend photograph or video us discreetly from a distance because otherwise I'd (you'd, nobody'd) never believe it'd happened later and I'd want to see proof (again and again)(unless I was a total clod and spilled, etc ).

Just thought I'd let you know there's a great picture of CF in this month's PREMIERE MAGAINZE (the one with Whitney on the cover). He's at the premiere of ENGLISH PATIENT and looking very Darcyish.

Candace: "Can I exchange "Tea" for a nice long picnic along one of these banks which ofcourse includes a swim with Mr. Firth?" Candace, trust you to find a way to get him wet!

I too would have trouble speaking intelligently because I would be drooling on the receiver while my heart would be racing. Can't imagine anyone woman doing anything but...!

Push him in, Candace...need some help? ;)

From the Dec 15th Show World magazine (Stacy Smith): "Q. Please tell us about Colin Firth, who played the difficult role of Mr. Darcy in the Emmy nominated "P&P"? A. If reader mail is any indication - and it always is - the very easy on the eyes 36 year old British actor is hot and getting hotter by the day. He has a memorable tragic supporting role in the ecstatically reviewd film "The English Pateient" In spri ng, he'll be seen in the feature adptation of Joseph Conrad's " Nostromo". And he's in the forthcoming "A Thousand Acres" big screen adaptation of the Pulitizer winning novel starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Jessica Lange and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Firth got his start on the London stage and went on to such films as "Valm ont" Single, he's the father of a 6 hyear old son by former love Meg Tilly."

Thank you Terry for the quotes. It is very sporting of you to assist us in our drooling efforts!

Fess up, who sent this question in?

from Response #161 above: "Well, it wasnt' like the theater--we didn't snog properly. But it looks fine. Colin knew what he was doing--he's obviously had to snog on film before. When I told my boyfriend, he was delighted. He just said, "So, Mr. Darcy's a crap kisser?" (Snogging I think is British for necking) my addendum= snogging means kissing, embracing or lovemaking

I also wanted to mention that Firth apparently has some rather enduring insecurities. Although I've not read extensively, I do recall an article about the first day of filming P&P2 and Firth was wandering about trying to strike up a conversation with the other actors. Even though he had some acquaintances, no one seemed to want to speak to him. He assumed that he was being avoided because he had the romantic lead and he was very uncomfortable. He just wanted to be one of the gang, not BMOC. The incid nt was painful enough that 5-6 months later he still readily remembered it during an interview. What a little cutie-pie, not quite ready for the trial by fire. Perhaps once he outgrows this humble attitude, he'll try another romantic lead.

"what a little cutie-pie"--- I love that expression! Don't you think part of his appeal is that humble attitude? Thanks to AbFab at another site, here are CyberKisses for Colin (An Amusing Diversion): http://www.geocities.com/Paris/8801

He was so nervous and terrified at the first read-through. That he was found moaning in the gents room. He just wanted to be able to turn Colin into Darcy.You must get a copy of The Making of P&P Elaine. There is an interview and many pictures of "cutie-pie" that you will refer to many times. I can't wait to see him in "Nostromo" and "1,000 Acres ,if I may say will be his most romantic role since Mr. Darcy

I'm going to post this on a couple of topic threads--- there is excellent film discussion of Colin in A Month in the Country (AMITC) going on at http://www.iupui.edu/~rogersc/filmdisc/AMITC.html Another fine film by Colin (and his favorite); it's worth renting the video.

Fever Pitch is said to be a romantic comedy.

Ann, I was wondering about "Fever Pitch". When will we be able to see it? Do you know of a release date?

Donna- courtesy of FAQ: Mr. Firth next stars in Fever Pitch, a romantic comedy loosely based on a autobiographical book of the same name by soccer fan Nick Hornby. Mr. Firth plays Paul Ashworth, a football-loving teacher. The six week shoot at Maidenhead and London, England began May 7, 1996. This Channel Four/Wildgaze/Scala feature film ++ will be released March 1997. It is reported that Polygram has picked up the film for distribution. Variety described Fever Pitch as the "surprise hit" of the Milan Film Market. Cast: Colin Firth, Ruth Gemmell, Ken Stott, Neil Pearson, Holly Aird, Mark Strong, Lorraine Ashbourne, Luke Aikman,

] Don't you think part of his appeal is that humble attitude? ____ Yes.

You are very good Frances, thank you. I just went there myself.

] . . . no one seemed to want to speak to him. He assumed that he was being avoided because he had the romantic lead . . . In the interview in the Making of P&P2 book, he says, "I think because I was playing Darcy I had to work quite hard to convince people that I would be friendly during filming." I assumed this meant that this was because he was playing a character who is cold and unfriendly to strangers. It always surprises me how much trouble actors have in differentiating themselves--and each other--from the characters they play. Re Fever Pitch: In the Dec. 18- Jan. 1 issue of Time Out (London), there is a long article about the making of the movie. It includes a picture of Firth (possibly in character), looking quite hunky, and a couple of quotes from him.

Anne3: "Re Fever Pitch: In the Dec. 18- Jan. 1 issue of Time Out (London), there is a long article about the making of the movie. It includes a picture of Firth (possibly in character), looking quite hunky, and a couple of quotes from him." Please, don't keep us in suspense, Anne! Can you share with us, if not the actual hunky pics, then the quotes? We are ever on the lookout for more drooling material here!

Way back at response #160, Cat said- I had a dream about Colin Firth. Except I was thirteen in my dream. Ok here it is. I am going to cut it into segments because it is 3 pages long in tiny print. Colin Firth was filming a movie HERE! In south Florida! He wrote to us asking if he coul d stay at our house while filming. Of course we obliged him and let him stay. I was overjoyed and hoped he would answer some of my questions. He played Mr.Darcy in Pride an Prejudice. I was curious about him. He acted just as Mr.Darcy did in the first par of P&P very proud and concieted. My parents at the time were divorced. Because my mother was at work almost all day and night to make money I had to care for my younger brothers, cook dinner, and clean the house. I went on with my normal life. I practice d my piano and singing for I took lessons. He thought I was just showing off and tried to distract me at times that he knew I was busy. I tried to find the reason why he was so proud. He ignored every attempt. I followed him to the studio to confront him. I bumped into his manager. He said that Mr.Firth had reason to act uptight. I asked why. He responded "His daughter who is three years old and lives in Boston. She is in the hospital. They think she has leukimia, and she needs a bone marrow transplant". "Oh" I replied. I left in search of Mr.Firth. He was in a room and the door was locked. I waited silently outside the door. After about 15 minutes he anxiously stepped outside the door..... CAT, GIVE US THE NEXT SEGMENTS!

Re Fever Pitch Sorry I don't have a scanner to share the photo with my sister droolers, but I can quote you the relevant passages. CF's comments in the Time Out article relate primarily to Nick Hornby, the author of the novel on which the film was based. Hornby also w rote the screenplay, which apparently differs quite a bit from the novel. Colin is quoted as saying, "Nick is really using two voices in the book, the side of him that's an Arsenal obsessive and the side of him that knows he's being absurd. He's externa ised those two voices into the relationship between sad old me and Ruth, who represents all those people who think it's only a game, or say it's just 22 grown men kicking a piece of plastic around a pitch for 90 minutes." Later on, referring to Arsenal p layer George Graham, Colin says, "You have to admire Nick for not changing the text when the scandals about Graham broke." The article goes on to say that although Firth had only attended one football game in his life before filming the movie (Southampto v Hull, 1976), he "is now a convinced Gooner himself. He tries to catch every match he can when he's based in his Hackney bachelor pad." The article provides more information about the movie (but not, alas, when it is going to be released--it just says "in 1997"). It was not an easy book to transfer to the screen, "not least because it has no plot as such. . . . [The film] now homes in on the famous 1988-89 season which climaxed unforgettably with that game at Anfield, the first ever match in which a League title has been decided by the final kick of the season. Hornby's character is now 'Paul,' a schoolteacher played by the rather hunky and un-Hornby-esque Colin Firth. The focus is on his relationship with a colleague, Sarah (Ruth Gemmell), which goes through various peaks and troughs as the season progresses and is sealed on the night of the post-victory party . . . There are also fla shbacks to the period between 1968 and 1972, when 'Paul' started going to Arsenal with his dad, played by [Neil] Pearson" . . .Hornby is quoted as saying, "What we've done is make a film that isn't about football." Time Out asked if it was about sex. "N t really," Hornby says, "lots of relationships stuff though, lots of talking in bed, a bit of grappling, but seriously the book is more concerned with the way that things like football obstruct relationships." Later on he says again, "I don't think this is primarily a sports movie." The director is David Evans, who had previously worked only in television. Stephen Rea has a brief cameo as "a fanatical Gooner, which Hornby and Evans suggested he perform for free as penance for his role in Mike Leigh's Life is Sweet," in which he apparently played a fan of a rival team.

Amy2 is right Cheryl PREMIRE MAGAZINE has a very Darcyish pic. You must see it. It is the best picture so far of him not being Darcy,but looking like him and such a "cutie-pie".

I just wanted to say that at Firths FAQ is a list of all the books, audio recordings ect. pretaining to Mr.Firth if anyone is interested. Nostromo audio ISBN 0-14-086247-1,Penguin, 4 cassettes and 6 hours long price $23.95. This has been out for a while .

RE: response #192 FEVER PITCH Time Out asked if it was about sex. "Not really," Hornby says, "lots of relationships stuff though, lots of talking in bed, a bit of grappling, but seriously the book is more concerned with the way that things like football obstruct relationships." Later on he says again, "I don't think this is primarily a sports movie." Grappling?? What a nautical or male expression! "Snogging" then has major implications, according to Wendy in #179.

I just have to say that I am new! I am a helpless addict to P&P and Colin Firth. Someone please inform me on how this thing works!!

Hi, Lizzy! Well, you seem to have done the entry above just fine; what else do you need to know about how this works? When you've seen your entry submitted,you can click on austen conference (top or bottom of page) to see which other topics you'd like t o read or reply in by clicking on them in turn. Stay as long as you like at spring.com, then visit again when free. Some of these topic threads have hot links periodically about related CF topics, for photos, articles, etc. Try them too and good luck!

Welcome Lizzy. You can check out the porch conference too if you like for pointers to topics all around the Spring.

THANK YOU!!!!

This seemed to fit topic #4 so I've copied it here: (Cecily)...on recommendation I did check out A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY- FILM DISCUSSION site (have also seen film) and I agree with Carol's? comment about how, even at just 26? and in a different role, CF sunning himself on the tomb (right before the minis ter's wife wakens him) is a very kissable-looking stunner! (Where is MY fencing foil and pond? I shall conquer this!) Topic 24 of 113 [austen]: Duckface and Lady Catherine Response 63 of 64: Donna (Donna) * Sun, Dec 29, 1996 (14:22) * 2 lines Oh, I have not seen A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY but have read serval discussion. Sure would like to. I like "very kissable-looking". I guess I am back to "drooling" Oh well, can't help myself. Topic 24 of 113 [austen]: Duckface and Lady Catherine Response 64 of 64: Inko (Inko) * Sun, Dec 29, 1996 (15:18) * 1 lines LOL Cecily and Donna. Maybe we'd better head back to Topic #4 before we slobber all over this one!!;) Oh yes, that scene in A Month in the Country is gorgeous, as well as the final goodbye scene in the belfry with Mrs. Keach - oh those eyes. AMITC is indeed a fine film with spiritual and artistic themes well beyond the norm, along with all the fine acting. Good book, too.

I am glad you moved this Jake thanks and thanks for your opinion about AMITC. How can you stand all of this gushy stuff.

]How can you stand all of this gushy stuff. Simple: men gush too, just in a different key & laconically

Well....here is a really short part of the dream i had. I was standing patiently. I then said "I've figured out why you've been acting so rude and arrogant. Your daughter in Boston is in the hospital. They tink she has luekimia but are not sure. I would not have taken it out on other people who can maybe h elp you. She needs a bone marrow transplant. If I were you I would go to her." I began to walk away when he stopped me.

Cat, please don't tease us this way. THEN what happened? ;-)

It's New Year's Eve, so naturally I'm browsing here and other CF sites while waiting for midnight hour of champagne to hit the West Coast here...found this bit at the Paris connection for Colin, and in memory of "daggy days" post it here for Cheryl & C o.--- Male costume and the male body also figured prominently in the gossip that circulated ceaselessly around the adaptation. It was confidentially claimed by the Times on 20 November 1995 that a million women, no more and no less, wanted to unbutton the damp white shirt that was worn by Colin Firth when he played Mr Darcy. It was auctioned for charity and fetched � 500. What the Sun described on 1 November 1995 as Darcy's 'straining breeches with the trapdoor front' may well have fetched considerably more had they too gone under the hammer. Mr Darcy's trousers attracted even more attention than Elizabeth Bennet's frocks and cleavage. . . .Mr Darcy's trousers still figured prominently in the mind's eye of those who had to write articles recording the high point s of the year. According to the Times on 26 December 1995, they were, without any doubt at all, the outfit of the year: Nothing came close to Colin Firth and those trousers. . . .The sight of Firth wearing button flap, full-fronted breeches sent women everywhere into fainting fits. Thee Regency dandy's pre- ference for a snug fit added to the garment's charm. The Independent declared on the same day that Firth was its man of the year because he was a 'sex symbol to outshine all Hollywood's hunkiest'. Those trousers were speaking for, as well as to, England. Clint Eastwood they ain't.

I always liked The Independent..... Did Colin ever say which Football team he watches when he is in Hackney? If my memory serves me right, the nearest gound is at West Ham. Arsenal isn't far, and neither is Chelsea.....

Alfresco: " in memory of "daggy days" post it here for Cheryl & Co.--- " My dear, dear friend, on behalf of my "company" I do heartily thank you the fascinating words and the no less fascinating images they conjured (you will excuse the expression) up! Mr Darcy's trousers still figured prominently in the mind's eye of those who had to write articles recording the high points of the year. ...as they will ever figure prominately in our mind's eye... The sight of Firth wearing button flap, full-fronted breeches sent women everywhere into fainting fits. ...Oh my, yes...Candace, pass the smelling salts, please... The Regency dandy's preference for a snug fit added to the garment's charm. ...indeed it does! Oh most daggy indeed! What a pleasant way to ring in the New Year...now if I could only decide whether to ring to the right or to the left...I believe I shall do both...and enjoy the very great pleasure I am sure it will provide!

I wonder if, for a modest $75 per person, the new owner of CF's shirt could be persuaded to circulate the shirt (like a library book) globally every seven days? A Charlotte Lucas would see the valuable possibilities in that. (Sigh. but I'm too Marianne m yself to do that!)

Here is a bit more... "You are right" he said "I have not treated you or your famil the way I should have. You have inconvienienced yourselves for my sake. You have let me into your home but I treated you with contempt. How could you ever forgive me?". "Mr. Firth," I began . "Oh! Please call me Colin." he interupted. "Colin," I corrected myself,"You are forgiven. It wouldn't matter if you murdered my father. I would forgive you (yeah right). I cannot hold grudges against people. It is not in my nature. Now go to you daughter and hurry back." I said playfully nudging him.

While he was gone I went to get my bone marrow tested. It was a match. I donated the marrow she needed and told the doctor I wished to remain anonymous. When he came back I asked "Well?". "she will be fine. I wish I knew who gave her the marrow. The doctor told us a young lady came in and donated it but wished to remain anonymous. Who could do such a thing? I am endebted to that person. She saved my daughter's life!" he said. At that moment my good friend Shannon walked in the room. "Well?" she sked me,"does he know?"

Ooooh, I like the way you write so suspensefully, Cat!

Wendy: "Ooooh, I like the way you write so suspensefully, Cat!" She is such a tease, is she not? ;-)

Colin does have a way of fulfilling women's dreams..."straining breeches" and all.

I am sorry to keep you all in suspense. I hardly have the time to write it all out. I did write the whole thing out last week but something happened to where it could not get through. Here is some more. I shook my head no. "Hey!" Colin said, "What happened to your arm?" "I had an operation." I replied. "Why?" he asked. "To donate marrow to some little girl." Shannon said. "It was you?" he asked me. "Yes, it was me." I replied shyly. "I am FOREVER endebted to you." He said. "No." I replied. "I would have done it for others too." After Shannon left we took a walk to the park. I then blurted out "Did you really kiss Jennifer Ehle?" "Yes." he replied. "What does it feel like to kiss someone you on't love?" I asked. "It feels like kissing someone but not caring about it." he replied. I then said under my breathe "What does it feel to kiss someone at all?" He must have heard me or something because he then stopped and turned to me. and leaned t oward me. "He is going to kiss me!" I thought my mind raced.

From this point on it really gets out of hand.

Cat - you are a dreadful tease!!;-) PLEASE continue.

I think Cat must be running into the same PG innuendo wall we all do here ;-)

besides, imagination is often better than explication ;-)

Another tiny problem is I believe Cat said she was supposedly 13 in the dream. Why, we don't know, but CF would in real life be very wary around a minor.

I can't go on. The rest is TOOOOOO embarassing....

I was thirteen but I wasn't thirteen. I didn't know I was thirteen until this next part....

]..."Why, we don't know, but CF would in real life be very wary around a minor." I meant to say, Why Cat is 13 in her dream we don't know, but CF, being an intelligent/law-abiding person, would in real life be very wary around a minor.

Well here I am in Topic 4! Ostentatious Jane received some e-mail from J Brushfield regarding a New Book about Darcy (since this appears to be a Darcy thread too). S/he writes: At last, a new book about �Pride and Prejudice� endorsed by the Curator of Jane Austen's House at Chawton. Published in England in July 1996 and already reprinted twice. For more information, see - Our URL, which is: http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/town/estate/xda34/ if you want to see the cover or to read the author's comments. Darcy's Story is at present available only by airmail from England. The book has 240 pages, and the ISBN is 0 9528210 2 8. AS YOU LIVE OUTSIDE THE UNITED KINGDOM, If you want to purchase one or more copies of Darcy's Story, please send us a letter by airmail to the address below, enclosing: 1. your name 2. your address 3. an international money order for �9.00 (pounds sterling) for each copy of the book. This amount includes the cost of airmail postage and packing. 4. tell us how many copies you want. Your order will be sent immediately by return on receipt of your name, address and international money order. Please send your order to: COPPERFIELD BOOKS HILLBROOK HOUSE LYNCOMBE VALE ROAD BATH BA2 4LS UNITED KINGDOM and if you enjoy the book, please tell your friends. We offer 20% discount for orders of 10 copies or more at one time ! We look forward to hearing from you. And here's the cover!

Ooh, what enjoyable reading you all provide! With all this wet shirt talk and snug fitting breeches and Cat's eventually upcoming first kiss I hardly know how to keep up appearances. Maybe a book migth help me recollect my proper countenance. What!! is it all about Darcy from beginning to end?? Can it be just a bait for us droolers all over the world? Never mind 240 pages of Darcy for me would ,I suppose, be like a whole campful of soldiers to Lydia! I think I'll venture it.Will have to remake the cover pic though...

This is for you, Auntie! Quote from my newspaper on CF: "Firth, who was so persuasive in last season's P&P, once more proves he's one of Britains top leading men." AMEN!

Aaaaahhhh, Men!

]Ooh, what enjoyable reading you all provide! With all this wet shirt talk and snug fitting breeches Topic #43 has some hot Darcy stuff happening too; check out Wendy's 11-part rendition called Romance Under the Elms.

In response to Caroline's message # 206. I beg to differ. Hackney is in NE London. I'm not sure if Upton Park (West Ham) (East London) is the closest, Highbury (Arsenal) and Tottenham (both NNE London) are fairly near as well. Stamford Bridge (Chel sea) (South West) on the other hand is right across the other side of London.

After three months of faithful reading, I have finally penetrated the 'daggy' references -- or should I say they have finally penetrated me.

Katy: After three months of faithful reading, I have finally penetrated the 'daggy' references -- or should I say they have finally penetrated me. Good for you Katy! Welcome! ;-)

This is probably the wrong thread to be confessing this, but I have to get it off my chest, so to speak. Actually, better to confess it here than on FoF, where I would probably be virtually stoned. But, to the point, after seeing "The English Patient" a nd "Nostromo," I realized, as some others here have too, that it is indeed Mr. Darcy and not Mr. Firth that I am obsessed with. I understood perfectly why Kristin Scott Thomas had an affair with Ralph Fiennes when she was married to Colin Firth, whereas would never have understood if Lizzy-Jennifer cheated on Darcy-Colin. Does that make sense? As for "Nostromo," I thought Colin was cute, but he just didn't do for me what he did as Mr. Darcy. Am I a heretic now? Or have others experienced something similar. (I must say that I did find Alfresco's gypsy story quiet, umm titilating. Perhaps it all depends upon the role.) But it made me a little sad to learn that I was obsessed with someone who doesn't exist as opposed to someone who's merely unobtainable, i.e. Colin Firth. Does anyone know what I'm talking about?

Mary H, I think you'll find many of us agree with you. We've discussed this before and come up with the same conclusion, Firth is an excellent actor but it's Mr Darcy we long for. I think I remeber Firth saying pretty much the same thing in a interview I once rea d. Something to the affect that woman have been in love Mr. Darcy for 200 years, he just play the character. Mich

I can seperate Mr. Darcy from CF,but every time I think of CF it is has Mr.Darcy so far (no matter what else he has done). CF has but a face(as many have said)to Mr. Darcy.I have to say I do see some of the same mannerisms portrayed in other movies (No stromo. Maybe I shouldn't watch any of his movies.;-) Who am I kidding.

'I have finally penetrated the 'daggy' references -- or should I say they have finally penetrated me.' Now some people have all the luck, don't they?

CF has "but" a face? Donna, what does that reference mean! I think you really are trying to tempt me into making unladylike comments about Mr. Darcy. First the 5-6 inches in the chat room and now this!

Hilary - you are BAAAAD!!!;-)

Egads!Mary,Mary has a daggy mind.;-)

I saw Ghosts of Mississippi tonight and a character used the phrase "Hunka Burnin' Love"!! I almost spit up! Unfortunately, the person to whom this moniker was directed was decidedly unDarcy-like... :-(

For all the "Daggettes" - Firth: An Explanation in Rhyme There was a young man named Fitzwilliam Whom women swooned o'er by the million; Firth with his dark hair And wonderful stare Stood tall in those pants and quite filling 'em ;-)

Wonderful Wendy! LOL!! Are you still around? Come to Pemberley, there's a party going on! :-)

Katy, re: the penetration comment: YUCK!!!!! ;)

re: yuck Spelling problem or typo, Kali?;-)

Wendy - LOL! You are indeed a master at both prose and poetry. Congratulations!;-)

Here's a refined version of my Baths image for all of you, Ladies! But Amy, Cheryl and Candace, I suppose you will all prefer those nice images of the real wet Darcy sent by Anna! ;-) LOL

Colin Firth fans would enjoyreading an article in the English paper the Daily Telegraph which (in the colour supplement) this last Saturday 12 January has an article about CF which ends with him confirming that his relationship with his Italian girlfriend is serious (as shown by the handsome ring she is wearing).

Janet, I am so glad you made it in. Thanks for the pointer. I'll bet the firthlisters have a copy somewhere online.

The Firthlist apparently did have the Telegraph article, but I missed it as I only skim and often delete it unread (sorry, droolers, only so much time). The story is not yet up at the FOF site, but I am sure it won't be long before it is up. Keep checking http://www.iupui.edu/~rogersc/articles.html

Well, I for one am glad for Colin! At 36, with a child, a burgeoning career, etc., he deserves to be happily married and in love. :)

A real life romance...how sweet!

I'll bet Meg Tilly now feels lame for wasting seven years of her life. That ring should have been hers... ---- Katy, dearest...I think you know what I mean! ;)

A Clinical Observation of Post-Firth Engagenment Syndrome by "Dr. France" ;-) As is the case when an eligible bachelor film star becomes engaged or married, many female fans may find themselves with some of these symptoms: anger, denial, sense of betrayal, jealousy, envy, frustration, eating disorders,sleep disorders, withdrawal s ymptoms, tantrums, depression, ...the list is long. They will learn eventually to detach themselves from his life choices, but this may be accompanied for a time of disliking him or refusing to have to do with his films or frantic letters to him or friends involving detailed explanations of why his choice of partner was such a poor one, etc. Of course, many fans never develop this syndrome, having long ago separated their star's life from their own, and they continue to enjoy his looks and whatever films of merit he makes. Then we have the special case of Character vs. Actor Love, as some of my callers have spoken about on previous shows: Darcy vs. Firth is one such case. ]from MaryH. above: "But it made me a little sad to learn that I was obsessed with someone who doesn't exist as opposed to someone who's merely unobtainable, i.e. Colin Firth." This is a syndrome appears to affect a particular segment of fans, those wit h unusual reading habits, high IQ, dry humor, Anglo turns of phrase in their own speech patterns, a tendency to roll on the floor and laugh outloud when on the computer, bilateral drooling, and visiting chat rooms at late hours. It seems to be a harmless condition, however, that clears up on its on at death, leaving no distinguishing marks other than a certain smile. (this portion of Dr. France show brought to you by Depends...)

Thank you doctor. I feel so much better. (LOL, very clever)

Well, I still like my husband and he's married.

It's probably just a phase. All stars go through them.

Wonderful France! Thanks, I was ROTFLOL! ;-)

Thank you Dr. France. Since ROTFLOLing, bilateral drooling, and anglo turns of phrasing are included in your "normal" patterns of behaviour, I'm happy that I'll be able to continue these along with visits to chat rooms, etc.!;-)

'clears up on its own at death, leaving no distinguishing marks other than a certain smile' - hmmmm...its definitely chronic then? There could be plenty worse ways to go, I guess...... Thanks, France.

Thank you, Dr. France for diagnosing what ails me recently...but I must agree with Kali that Meg Tilly, mother of Colin's beloved son, should have been the beneficiary of such a most important event in one's life. It seemed to me that "they" who put such a premium on privacy should be together!

Thank you, Marina. ;) Actually, France, I'm not much of a Firth-drooler. I just like playing with you guys and taking potshots at snooty men who don't really like Jane Austen - like CF! :::)

I am beginning to feel that there's some type of an actors' hierarchy involved with perhaps Shakespear at the top of the pyramid and period drama or Jane Austen at the bottom. An actor perhaps agrees to do Austen when there is no other choice?

] actors' hierarchy involved with perhaps Shakespear at the top of the pyramid and period drama or Jane Austen at the bottom. __ I hope not. But I can see how there might be some carried over distaste of the old style BBC literary adaptations and the associations that go along with them -- chiefly: low budget. But I don't know. Just guessing.

And don't forget the fact that Austen, and most "romantic" period drama, is wimmin's territory...;)

Hullo, Kali! My above post re: CF engagement was not directed at your prior comment (Meg Tilly should've been the one...) which I agree with in principle. Some friends and I had such mixed reactions to the news that I was trying to put everything in a l arger perspective of (cosmic, ironic) humor.

It strikes me as strange that romance is considered wimmin's territory and at the same time men continue to profess a desire for a strong relationship with wimmin, but have little interest in romance. I used to believe the reason for this w as that genuine romance, not syrupy cliche, was so difficult to create. However, whenever romance is created, men run; they don't attempt to imitate or analyze it. This seems to go against basic Darwinian principals.

]However, whenever romance is created, men run; they don't attempt to imitate or analyze it. This seems to go against basic Darwinian principals. Actually, Elaine, I think Darwinian theory would predict that men would seek multiple partners and, therefore, would not tend to want to form romantic, long term relationships.

Yes. Four years is about right, according to a book about this. Only it's us. Women are wired to tire of partners for the sake of differentiation of the gene pool. Guys, they just have to spread around the seed as much as possible for the survival of spec ies.

But, could not one spread around the seed more efficiently if they had the ability to create romance?

Elaine. Yes one would suppose that ability to create and keep up romance for a while at least, would permit access to wider ranges of the female population. But if they won't take the troble to practise... To Frances, LOL and I simply love that smile on the lips of a deceased addict

Several comments: Re men running from romance of the real kind: I've always thought women tend to be more hard-nosed than men about who they choose for partners, Men often seem to me to get hopelessly carried away by those they are attracted to. Re syrupy cliched romance: There's so much on TV, its not surprising lots of people think its the real thing, or don't know any other approaches. P&P goes against the norm and thats one of the reasons I love it. Re Darwin: From what I can gather, this is such a complex field to understand, and there are many differing theories. The theory that does seem to be accepted now is the idea of the 'selfish gene' - that organisms exist to pass on their genes. Hence the idea that ea ch sex on an instinctial level acts to ensure that there genes will get passed on. For humans this pattern has to accomodate the fact that our babies require many years of nuturing. So while the instinct for men is to spread the seed, it is also tempered y the requirement of ensuring that the children concieved are also are reared well for some years, otherwise the genes won't continue. Womens interst in getting their genes passed on requires the protection and support of the male. But there is evidence that widenning the gene pool is accomplished but women having the odd affair, which the non- biol father then helps to rear.

. 'Womens interst in getting their genes passed on requires the protection and support of the male. But there is evidence that widenning the gene pool is accomplished but women having the odd affair, which the non- biol father then helps to rear.' LOL - that was a distracted and garbled ending. Let me try again. Women choose men who will support them for long enough to rear their children, because that is the best way of ensuring the woman's genes, hence their interest in lon term relationships. B ut this is tempered by the not uncommon action of women having the occasional affair, thus widenning the gene pool. In this case the offspring, if any, is supported by a (usually unknowing) non-biological father. So the society in general is mostly monogo ous, with exceptions built in. And I guess on top off all this is the influence of intellegence, and notions of civilization. I am not a biologist.....please excuse this rave if you know better!

Pray excuse my entering this conversation, but as a "romance" writer (usually I write satire, as it happens) I have been happily surprised at the gentlemen who have requested my booklet this past two weeks. But then, the persons who frequent this conference are quite different from the norm, and to be commended for their Austen spiritedness, as well as interest in romance of a teazing sort.

Am I on your list yet Wendy?

Okay, France...I hear ya! ;)

]Am I on your list yet Wendy? My dear Miss Amy, Had you not even asked it was yours as a gift, duly yours as proprietress of this charming Spring tearoom and one in the honeymoon epilogue! After all, one must show some token of gratitude for your commitment to P&P2 and us. Appreciatively, Wendy

P.S. The (summit) behind my name on posts here at Spring now accesses my true email account at AOL, instead of an apparent deadend at Netscape's innovations.com.

I think that there are some men who at least have an intellectual curiousity about romance, but this seems to be the exception...more often a man will make a cute, disparaging remark and roll his eyes. On the other hand, the need for adventure and risk t aking more prevalent in men is generally accepted if not embrassed by women.

Wendy, I am in the honeymoon? Now I really can't wait. A chambermaid maybe? Better still, valet? Clergyman? Doctor? Third in 3some?

Looking at all this from a Jungian perspective, a number of men (represented partly in the arts, writers, etc.) have a highly developed anima or feminine side that allows them a more balanced perception and appreciation of wimmin's take on love, li fe, and the world. This is not the exclusive ability of homosexuals, BTW. Conversely, a number of wimmin have an animus percentage above average so they find socalled male activities and perceptions easier to join in and/or appreciate than wimmin with a different ratio built in. I think these men and wimmin provide a sort of buffer zone between the more extremely opposite segments of the human population, and I am grateful that many of them, male and female, become writers, etc., to show everyone else the possibilities of connexi on between the two sexes (rather than just the "battle of the sexes" we often hear about).

Nicely put, France. Jung was onto something, a good many somethings, was he not?

Amy, this is an 1813 Austen romance, remember, so you are a very proper but convivial hostess of a Lake District restaurant Darcy and Lizzy frequent during their week's stay..

]Third in 3some? Amy!

I was going to say go for it, Amy! Now I have to offer commiserations. Nicely put, France. I like what you say.

France is smart - nice going France! :) --- Oh, come on, Myretta...;)

Gentle Readers: I've given some thought to Amy's comment above since yesterday and in her defense must say the following: a) it is only natural that we addicts of Darcy and P&P2 would want to be in Lizzy's place; b) my romance does contain explicit sex, which is why i t will not appear here; c) there is a part of us that want to enter their story in a permanant way, because as CF would say "it got under our skin"; for better or worse, we've been changed by it and this BB. Amy's dealt with all this longer and more creatively than any of us (with the archival exception of HC who's really been hooked awhile.) :-) While I cannot gratify a groupie concept, I think Lizzy & Darcy will titillate each other and many reade rs (after all, Darcy has done extensive reading of continental fiction & nonfiction so he's quite knowedgeable, and Lizzy was ever an independent person...) Of course, one hopes you will not skip over the lakes' descriptive passages but read with he patience of a judge every line I penned... ;-) Your humble servant, Wendy (Wendysum@aol.com)

Oh. what a tease.

P.S. Afterthought: Knowing that some readers prefer even more old-fashioned romance, I can create a different sex-hinted-at-only honeymoon part for those who'd prefer that version.

Oh, Wendy, now you have really piques my curiosity; please sign me up for the snogging, daggy version (ie; not the old-fashioned one). Here is my e-mail address; mari.topitzes@mfa.com. In addition, let me add that in such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the efforts expended; thank you in advance for all of your efforts on our behalf, for as someone else posted, we DO know to whom we are indebted.

Or is that ''addicted'' ? :)

Oh, Wendy, now you have really piques my curiosity; please sign me up for the snogging, daggy version (ie; not the old-fashioned one). Here is my e-mail address; mari.topitzes@mfa.com. In addition, let me add that in such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the efforts expended; thank you in advance for all of your efforts on our behalf, for as someone else posted, we DO know to whom we are indebted.

Sign me up too, Wendy. becka@interlog.com

Please add me to the list, Wendy....I'm dying to see what happened at the end of that carriage ride! Thanks! XBYK14A@Prodigy.com

Wendy, notice the upsurge in book orders?

Wendy, did you receive my e-mail? I hope so because I just can't wait for my copy. I too would like the daggy version.

I can hear the ghost of Austen now- "I am shocked and grieved" at what is happening to my neoclassically self-controlled novel!" ;-)

Cecily: I can hear the ghost of Austen now- "I am shocked and grieved" at what is happening to my neoclassically self-controlled novel!" ;-) Get over it, Jane!

Cheryl: You mean that Darcy and Lizzy's 200-year wait for their wedding night should be over? Well, perhaps that has been a trifle frustrating to our daggy Mr. Darcy, ever at the ready, and our curvaceous Miss Lizzy, whose banter may have become edgier over the decades... All right, go for it, Wendy!

Wow, that long? Are they vampires?

Merely characters from 1790s stuck in a 1995 miniseries ending in a post-marriage service carriage ride...

I hate to ask but What 1995 miniseries? (Reference to What).Otherwise I have to redisplay. How I hate redisplay.

Three hundred posts! The heck with "Intro" and "Help," this is the real heart of this Conference! Cheryl, as Drooler-in-Chief, aren't you proud? ;-)

Donna: A&E production of P&P2 was televised for several weeks in 1995 like a miniseries (sorry if I got your hopes up for another version) ;-)

Or was it 1996? More coffee, please.

Sorry but Anna Cecily that is not what I meant. If you are a new person here, you would not know what RE: Response (#299) you were referring to because there is no Ref: to it.

'Cheryl, as Drooler-in-Chief, aren't you proud? ;-)' I guess Cheryl hasn't answered because she's busy having some chocolate.

Wendy: Another Daggy version here, too - SDeckerCPA@aol.com

No kidding. There's something seriously wrong with the world if the hormonally-driven topic doesn't have the highest volume of trade...but still, I don't think CF has looks good enough to be worth 306 drools...

] CF has looks good enough to be worth 306 drools... I haven't reread the whole topic, but I seem to remember a few off-topic drools...

Hey, Anna! And yes, you're right...there have been some off-topic drools...I'm just giving everyone a hard time! ;)

]I'm just giving everyone a hard time! ;) Kali!

What?! Why not? :)

Anne3: Three hundred posts! The heck with "Intro" and "Help," this is the real heart of this Conference! Cheryl, as Drooler-in-Chief, aren't you proud? ;-) Ladies, ladies...I am but your humble servant, but I am pleased and proud to have led you, my troops, into the daggy battlefield and come out victorious with the prize of 312 drooling messages! Keep up the good work and let us push onward to 400! Hilary: I guess Cheryl hasn't answered because she's busy having some chocolate. ...and it was good for me, too! ;-p

..and it was good for me, too! ;-p But, did you same me any?

Myretta, dear, come to Pemberley and find out! ;-)

Kali: But C.F. as Darcy DOES look good enough for 300 drools (and counting). But I do whole heartedly agree with you that Firth as himself doesn't cut it. In fact, I saw those photos of him at TEP premier in L.A., and the looked pretty skanky. And who dresses him?

His mother?

Cheryl: What is the best time to check out Pemberly?

Sharon...early morning, PST, and 5-12, PST...though there are often people there at other times... I agree that the TEP premier photos were crappy, and that in spite of his usual skankiness, he makes the preemininent film Darcy. Still, having been listening to and engaging in the P&P2 BB Darcy drooling even before this topic got started here, and I've kinda been drooled out, ya know? ;)

I think he makes a cute Saint Nick.

Kali: Still, having been listening to and engaging in the P&P2 BB Darcy drooling even before this topic got started here, and I've kinda been drooled out, ya know? ;) My dear niece, if you are drooled out, then by all means do not feel it incumbant upon yourself to continue to do so, but also please do not hinder others from enjoying the experience. *samooch* ;-)

Yes, I would of liked if he had delivered my Xmas presents.....

I shan't, Auntie, I promise...but I imagine that this doesn't rule out a little good-humored razzing, does it? ;)

Kali - a word of advice: Just take a break. It comes back! Believe me, I went for about a couple of months when I thought I had gotten it out of my system. No book, no P&P2 on the VCR..and then I came across this conference center. The Darcy drool factor is back in FULL FORCE.

Kali - just watched Valmont for the first time - CF is definitely worth drooling over!!

Warning: Long Post Warning #2: Non-droolers kindly buzz off Attention all droolers: yesterday�s Sunday Independent (British newspaper) had a long interview with Colin Firth. Here are some highlights:The Failure of Valmont: I dredge up a memory of a conversation in which he privately ad mitted to a sense of grievance. Had you not laid claim to the memory I�d probably seek to deny that," he says now. "I can�t quite remember how I felt about it at that time. If you feel yourself marginalised slightly you can resent it and cherish it at the same time. I think you have a tendency to cling to the idea that you haven�t sold out, that you�re not mainstream because you�re too good to be mainstream. And at the same time you whinge about the fact that you�re not mainstream, privately o r otherwise. But it�s never eaten into me because I have always been involved enough in something." P&P A publicist who worked on one of his films says that, before Darcy, "you couldn�t give him away to the press. . . . The now-legendary story is that he hummed and haahed before accepting Mr. Darcy, acutely aware of the burden of expectat ion that would come with the role. He talks of a "fear of success," how it�s possible "to gravitate towards things that are doomed." He did turn down roles in a couple of huge British films, but it speaks well of his judgement that the actors who accept d them have not necessarily prospered. . . . Firth approached the role of Darcy no differently from any other he�s played. Ever since Judd in Another Country, he�s been cast for his ability to keep it all in, not let it all hang out. "I don�t fin d that I can define a character very well until I�ve given him big problems to deal with. If Mr. Darcy wants to have sex with Elizabeth Bennet, or he wants to scream at somebody or he wants to leave the room but he�s denying himself, you can create an in er struggle which cr eates a certain tension. Hopefully." Nostromo The novel is famously irreducible�"I was almost resentful of how difficult it was to get through it," he says�but for Firth the lead role basically came down to another study in humourlessness and withdrawal, another furtively dist urbed Englishman. So why play it? "It was curiosity. I felt that there was an awful lot more to Gould than met the eye. I found myself in the strange position of doubting what Conrad said about him�that the character had no sense of irony�and I wonder d whether that was a foreigner�s perception of an Englishman. It would be quite possible for a man like Gould to have a very strong sense of irony and for it to be invisible to somebody from Poland." On a less cerebral level, he was attracted by the hor se-riding, the explosions and the steamship�"a boy�s own instinct actually to go out on the big adventure, a childhood sense of why I wanted to be an actor." Acting/Love Scenes/Jennifer Ehle One of the mantras he learned to repeate [at the Drama Centre, where he trained] was "Make it more important to you." "The actor," he explains, "has got an awful lot of freedom to do a performance superficially, o r to go further with it. It�s quite conceivable that you�ll have an actor playing a scene in which his mother is dying who isn�t asking himself what that really would be like." . . . Later, in the bar, Firth is talking about his discovery of Caravaggio n Rome, and the transparent carnality of the relationship between the artist and some of his juvenile sitters. Well, Firth-watchers have been there too. Can a real-life subtext make the love scenes easier? "You mean with Jennifer? No, I don�t think it did. I don�t know. It�s impossible to know what it would have been like if things had been different. You can�t know. But I actually find that if you�re involved with an actress that you�re having to tell a love story with, it�s more difficult. I do �t find it easy to draw on it. Your relationship, your feelings aren�t the same as those of the characters. She�s not that person. And you�re not telling your own story. So I think you have to put all your own stuff aside completely and reconceive you r relationship as other people. So I think it stands in the way, to be honest." Fever Pitch/Pathology Fever Pitch is a delightful detour into comedy, of which he�d like to do more ("I don�t often get the funny lines, it�s true." Why not? "No one�s realised I can do comedy.") The film has provided Firth with his most autobiographical role yet. There�s a key speech where the narrator Paul tries to explain to his girlfriend why football makes him feel less rootless. "That was what made the connection for me," says Firth, who, even more than Hornby, is not really from anywhere. "That was the thing that struck me most when I read the book." Paul finds it easier to be emotional in the company of a thousand strangers on Arsenal�s North Bank than in bed with his girlfriend. That pathology is echoed in Firth, who is "awa re of the ironies of being on stage and being able to cope with feeling extremely exposed, and then in some personal relationship or other not being able to."The article ends by saying that Fever Pitch will be released in Britain on Ap il 4, and A Thousand Acres in the US in May. There are 4 photos.

Photos, Anne3, did I hear you say photos? Amy; IS there a person who has agreed to scan things in for us to put into our BB?

Photos, Anne3, did I hear you say photos? Amy; IS there a person who has agreed to scan things in for us to put into our BB?

There is a copyright problem with many photos.

Good find, Anne!

"he's been cast for his ability to keep it all in, not let it all hang out." Well, my goodness, this is not very consistant with our "Daggy" tread is it?

Anne3 ] "he's been cast for his ability to keep it all in, not let it all hang out." Candace ] Well, my goodness, this is not very consistant with our "Daggy" tread is it? Surely the daggy question was Where does he keep it? There was never any question of Mr Darcy letting it all hang out was there?

Having seen Colin Firth in a number of movies other than "P & P," I have become ever more convinced that he is definitely good-looking enough on his own, and is also an accomplished actor in the English tradition of "keeping it all in." I thought he was very handsome in "Nostromo" and can't wait to see "The English Patient." I'm afraid the drooling factor just increases with time!

Susan, yea - He was cute in nostromo. I personaly liked the facial hair.

Anne...thank you for sharing your find....the thought of photos out there that we can't see....it's too unbearable!

Does anyone know if there is a Colin Firth fan club anywhere...(I know everyone in this conference is his fan but I mean an official one)?

Linda, check out the Firthlist. Who knows to whom to write now that Robin ha abdicated? They used to ask you to email telling why you like Colin, then you get on the email discussion list. There is a small voluntary fee. There has been some discussion of a non-net real fan club, but some members of the Firthlist oppose the move. Hang out for a while on this, Linda, someone will help with the current pointers.

About the photos in the Independent article--there are four. The big one is a closeup, very strange in that his face is flatly inexpressive and unrevealing. It's shot against a ghastly yellow background which makes him look jaundiced to boot. The other s are from TEP, Nostromo and Fever Pitch. They are all new to me, but FP is the only one worth pining for. He looks cherubic and, well, adorable. (Excuse me . . . must find a handkerchief to mop my mouth with . . .)

About the photos in the Independent article--there are four. The big one is a closeup, very strange in that his face is flatly inexpressive and unrevealing. It's shot against a ghastly yellow background which makes him look jaundiced to boot. The other s are from TEP, Nostromo and Fever Pitch. They are all new to me, but FP is the only one worth pining for. He looks cherubic and, well, adorable. (Excuse me . . . must go find a handkerchief to mop my mouth with . . .)

re 331: I missed the Golden Globes, but told my husband I would find out from this bb whether CF was there. He helpfully pointed out that I would surely find out, ahem, more details of how he was dressed than anyone needs to know.

Anne, thank you for posting those articles. Sounds like an interesting man to me. I can see how a real love affair with your co-star could make the work more difficult, rather than less.

Jane...as much as I searched and searched...I could not see him anywhere at the Globes..however, when The English Patient won for best picture....the Director thanked several people...I only heard one name...guess who?

Jane...as much as I searched and searched...I could not see him anywhere at the Globes..however, when The English Patient won for best picture....the Director thanked several people...I only heard one name...guess who?

I watched the Golden Globes JUST to see whether Colin was there...but I didn't see him at TEP table either; perhaps at the Oscars? My eyes kept darting back and forth as the camera panned into the crowd. Am I pathetic or what? Linda, have you checked out the Friends of Firth website?

marina, you are probably not as pathetic as I am: I also watched the Golden Globes JUST to see whether Colin was there but I watched it live and it was 3:00 in the morning here in Israel... I didn't saw him there either, BTW.

Austen...are you really there in Israel...I love this WWW...it's wonderful to know that P&P has made an impact there....poor dear, having to wait until 3 a.m. Do you think that Colin may be at the Academy Awards...is it possible? That would certainly be my award, indeed!

Adi...just realized I typed the wrong name..I typed Austen (although not a bad name around here!). End of the day and I am brain dead...sorry!

Hi, Somebody mentioned they had just watched Valmont for the first time. How did you get hold of it (is it at the video store?) Many thanks. Paula

Yes, I rented Valmont.

Paula, I'm not sure where you are, but if you have a Just New Reeleases store near you, they often have a policy of finding a copy of videos like that for you.It's also for sale in some of the on-line video places, Like Movie Village.

Thanks to Ann3 for most interesting article on Firth and LOL on that hanky mopping excuse.I do not blame you. If I had a new photo...and you have got four....lucky girl!

I"ve also posted this in the "Newbie" section, but would somebody give me a real explanation of "daggy?" I've got the general idea; it just needs fleshing out.

Susan: I've got the general idea; it just needs fleshing out. I think you've got the correct definition there, Susan! ;-)

Maybe the Dagmistress herself should explain...Hilary? ;)

Ann2: ]If I had a new photo...and you have got four....lucky girl! Now you can have them too, Ann (and everyone else). Check out the following site: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Set/3891/newadds.htm There is a compendium of P&P photos (with the emphasis on Darcy) at http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Set/3891/index.html Caveat: This site can be difficult to access--it took me three tries. And when you get in it's slow to load, because of all of the pictures. But patience will be rewarded. If you have time for only one, check out the Time Out photo from Fever P itch. It's enough to make a convert of even Kali.

Time Out photo is "great",but what about his thighs in soccer shorts. Did anybody think of that?

Cheryl, in a dry tune of voice: I think you've got the correct definition there,....oohhLOL repetedly and then Donna comments on thighs in soccer shorts. Did anybody think of that? Boy if ever I heard an understatement! Prodidgiously amused!! And to Ann3, heartfelt thanks for supplying pictures to a drooler in waiting.

You called? You are on the right track, Susan. But daggy is a multitask word,and should be used with care. Daggy is an Australianism. It derives from the word dag which is the term for the matted mess on a sheep's tail. Daggy has 3 main meanings: dirty or slovenly; lacking in style, or appearance; somewhat eccentric. The last two meanings are often be used affectionately. Someone can be 'a dag' too. The Dagmistress

Ooh! Just saw the Fever Pitch picture and ooh baby, ooh baby! You are right Donna, shorts would have been very nice, but this was not at all unpleasing...;-)

Thanks for the "daggy" explanation. It helps, but it seems like you guys have come up with your own definition. Sorry I missed out on the original usage.

Susan: It helps, but it seems like you guys have come up with your own definition. It hasm shall we say, evolved over time...;-)

Anne3- WELL! Your photo renaissance of CF (sites above) could not have arrived at a more perfect time (Valentine's Day being close and all...). I searched the medicine cabinet for those gauze medical rolls to stop the rabid drooling but to no avail- wait, here 's an empty coffee cup ;-) Seriously, a couple of pix are gorgeous...time for a new computer wallpaper, or just sleep with one eye open watching my monitor permanently on the site and my internet provider bill going geometrically higher... ( What's hat, dear? Yes, Mommy's just looking at some world-class English football player again. Yes, he does look just the teensiest bit like Mr. Darcy. OK, yes, I'll read you a bedtime story; where were we, Pride and Prejudice, the proposal chapter? Allright , I'll be right there!)

LOL, Cecily!

Anne 3, thanks for these sites : IBM indeed (Sigh...) Cecily,

(I also posted this notice at Ramble.) To all fans of CF movies: I recently loaned my copy of "Dutch Girls" to Mari. If you want to see it let me know (email - H: kelder@miworld.net W: k_elder@fre.fsu.umd.edu), and I will ask Mari to send it to you when she has finished watching it. As l ong as I get it back eventually, I am most happy to share.

Cecily....Right On!!!! (We're you peeking in my window?)

Oh Kathleen, please sign me up as soon as you can. Let me know if you want me to email you my vital statitics or just want me to post it here.

Continuing in my role as Firthwatcher to the Spring (how did this happen? surely there are Brit lurkers out there who can do a much more efficientl job)--a friend just sent me a copy of the Jan. 11 interview in the Sunday Telegraph, the one in which he s upposedly announced his engagement to Livia Giuggioli. Well, I've been through it twice, and this is all I can find on the subject:On my way out, I decide to risk spoiling the atmosphere by asking the question everyone has warned me I must no : is his current relationship the big one? Livia has taken to appearing in public sporting a large diamond ring and been spotted moving a vacuum-cleaner into his Hackney flat. Well, Colin, is this it? Firth flashes me a look that would do credit to Mr Darcy on finding himself at an unfashionable provincial ball confronted by Mrs Bennet at her most tactless. Then suddenly he defrosts. 'Yes,' he says.Well, call me an ostrich if you like, but personally I think this amounts to something le s than an announcement of impending nuptials. I am cancelling my inquiry into china patterns. (And will be sleeping much better I'm sure! :-) The article is illustrated with 3 photos by Peter Lindbergh, 2 of which appeared in Harper's Bazaar last spring. The third--Colin lying on his stomach on the beach (fully clothed however) is new. Maybe our friend who put up the other photos at the geoci ties site will be able to get hold of this one too. For another tantalizing tidbit from the interview, see "Ayelet's Nonsense."

] is his current relationship the big one? Livia has taken to appearing in public sporting a large diamond ring and been spotted moving a vacuum-cleaner into his Hackney flat. Well, Colin, is this it? Firth flashes me a look that would do credit to Mr Darcy on finding himself at an unfashionable provincial ball confronted by Mrs Bennet at her most tactless. Then suddenly he defrosts. 'Yes,' he says. either that or he's got an expensive housekeeper finally to tidy up... Well, call me an ostrich if you like, but personally I think this amounts to something les than an announcement of impending nuptials. or at least it makes one wonder how cranky CF can be when his plans (for privacy or anything) go awry...sounds temperamental to me, if talented ;-)

I think you're right, France. He still refers to the last one as the "love of his life," and look what happened to her! ;(

Mr. Firth should be admired from afar. Apparently, he bites if you get too close.

That's okay. He can come nibble on me any time he likes.

But, first you will need to purchase a vacuum cleaner! One can only marvel at these modern-day appliances.

Isn't that funny? Out of all the things she could be seen carting into his place, it had to be a vacuum. A domestic appliance? What kind of omen is this?!

It is rumored that his flat had not seen a vacuum since he first took up residence there several years ago. Anyone willing to clean a bachelor pad certainly deserves the bachelor as part of the prize!

''It is rumored that his flat had not seen a vacuum since he first took up residence there several years ago.'' But Elaine, what about this quote from the Tatler interview..... ''Colin torches a Marlboro Light and his froideur ebbs away as he pokes fun at the yellow press - and himself - rather engagingly , in that low, rasping voice. 'I've had people saying, 'Oh come on , you love it', but, what's fun about somebody taking pict ures through your window? It gives me the jitters. There was a picture of me buying a vaccuum cleaner, not something I am particularly ashamed of, but it does make you think twice about going out to buy bog-roll and bin-bags if you think you might end up on page two of the Sunday Mirror. So you think, I won't pick my nose in front of the living room window, or wear that horrible sweatshirt to Marks and Spencer.' He laughs, devastatingly. Odd. My legs appear to be tur ning to jelly.'' Hmmmmm... what other use could they have for two vacuums? And what, pray tell, are bin-bags and bog-roll?

Mari: And what, pray tell, are bin-bags and bog-roll? Bin-bags are trash bags--trash cans are called dust bins in England! Bog-rolls I'm not sure, I think they're probably toilet paper. What's wrong, however, with buying either? I think it's rather endearing that a bachelor would do his own everyday shopp ing and they are necessities! Anne3: He can come nibble on me any time he likes! LOL - Ditto!!

Anne3, I also was sent the Sunday Telegraph article by a dear friend who understands my interest in the subject. She has also sent me articles on Regency gardening inspired by Austen-mania, etc. How nice to have friends. I had no idea when I read it that it was supposed to be a substantive announcement. Anyway, if he said, no, she's not the one, that would be the end of that, and who would vacuum?

The nibbling thing: Yes, Anne3, even biting would probably be permitted! His comment about the press makes me wonder if that's what was the bee in his bonnet over being asked about Livia. He probably would like to keep some things about his private life private, but I'd say he's out of luck. As for me, I'll take all the pictures I can get. And Inko, thanks for the definitions of bin-bags and bog-rolls. Inquiring minds wanted to know.

Anne3 or Jane: I'd love to see the whole Telegraph article! It's not on the FOF site--can either of you put it in here?? It's not on the electronic Telegraph, because I searched that with no luck!! I don't think they put their magazine articles on the net.

Inko, I'd be happy to put in the interview, but I have to defer to our gracious hosts here at the Spring on this one--there may be copyright issues involved. But if you e-mail me with your snail mail address, I'll send you a copy.

defer to our ... hosts here Anne, I guess I would rather leave the article business to the FoF page. They usually put things up in fairly short order. You might want to contact Carol and see if she has the copy yet.

What other use could they have for two vacuums?....The first vacuum was immediately lost under dissolving pizza boxes and undetected bog rolls. Vacuums seem to play a key roll in Mr. Firth's publicity.

This is stupid but I'm writing it anyway: this week has been so bad I have literally gotten the start of an ulcer; I came here to "lighten up" my mood and found that we'll be drooling , etc., outside the house, so to speak (kind of like a smoker going ou tside) from now on. This depressed me (anything would at this point!) for some weird reason, though Amy's need to PGify her BB again is doubtless necessary, given some of our recent remarks (including yours truly) of an astonishingly "dagger" nature. B t then, I'm never at ease around "remodeling" environments. (Maybe a week's hiatus from Spring will calm the gastric flow and I can return in jollier, more creative frame of mind.) Anyhow, good luck, ye carpenters, painters, and writers of Regency!

I share some of your concern France, but agree with Amy that this needed. And I kinda like change...everytime I log on there's something new to pique my interest. Like to day, for instance, I really appreciate this white background to write in, and Amy, is this the blue blankie fluff from the WNO? I like it, much lighter and pleasing to the eye. Can't wait to see what things will look like tomorrow! Change is Good!

Gosh...did that sound too Pollyannish? :-)

A little Pollyannish, but not too. Thanks. No, the blankie fuzz is a little more cyan and blurred. This is spilled dill weed.

Very refreshing, love the background !

Amy: This is spilled dill weed. Gosh, my countertop looks nothing like this when I spill dill weed...;-)

Spilled dill weed. Right. And that really was you growling on Joan's GRRRR graphic...;)

This is a representation of spilled dill weed. It really is me growling.

marker.