Well I will be the first person to post on all of these. I LOVE COLIN FIRTH!!!! oops sorry, Rupert, didn't know you were looking over my shoulder

Amy, I am so ashamed that some of our raunchiest drooling occurred under the thread named for a little girl. Please accept my apologies for my contributions--I forgot we had youngsters looking on. But can't they get here, too? I guess the best differen ce it that here they are forewarned. . . . . .

Please don't anybody apologise for anything. We jsut have to segregate the content I think, if we want to stay clear of the Surf Watch/Net Nanny filters.

I'm all for a no-holds-barred Colin Firth drool thread. Obviously, he's got something that we all recognize and love!!

Ladies, Start your droolers! ;-)

Oh! and I forgot to add...Ooh baby, ooh baby! ;-)

#7 Not a chance! One of my favorite things about CF is the way he says "hmm" just before or after he says things. An interviewer mentioned this in an article excerpt posted here, but I had already been enjoying it for some time. It's really noticeable during the wet scene at Pemberley when he can't think of anything to say to Lizzy and keeps inanely asking about her family. He asks once, thinks, says "hmm," then asks again when he can't think of anything better. Love it excessively!

I love the way he mumbles in the surprise meeting scene, too. His "Adn where are you staying?" is great. Barely intelligible but so much in context that you know instantly what is is saying.

And what an engagement or even marriage has to do with drooling? As long as we differenciate our enjoyment of the image and the public man instead of the real private man (which he's allowed to be), we will surely keep it under good regulation :)

Tis better to drool then not to drool.His Adn where are you staying and hmmm have always had my (swooning) attention.

I tend not think he is engaged, only because he won't comment on it. Listen the guy was desperately in love with Meg Tilly, she had his kid, but yet he did not marry her. He could be engaged but then nothing comes of it. He seem the type to like his freedom and independence. Besides he hasn't met me yet. I too am not averse to getting married, but I do like the life I have now. My mom always said that you should be hap py with your single status. When you FEEl you have to get married (i.e. because everyone else is) then you are not happy with your status. A man should complement a woman and vice versa.

I think he should break up with that Italian actress and return to JE. He will be sorry!

I think that the guy is a very normal human being, who deserves the right to privacy the same as anyone else.It's just that his smile is imprinted on my retina.And unless he does something monumentally stupid and gets caught at it, � la Hugh Grant, I'll j ust continue to drool, whether he marries or not.After all, is Mel Gibson any less an object to drool over because he's a happily married father of six? Not in my book.

HC, are you whipping that old horse again? Ladies, I think he's jealous!

Whether he's engaged or not doesn't make any difference to me!! After all, it's his image on the screen or TV set that I drool over. By what I've read, we could walk right past him in the street and not know it's him because he always looks so different. Amy2, I think his Italian girlfriend might be right for him; she's not an actress but getting her PhD in English Lit. That might be the attraction - she won't be filming in one part of the world while he's in another--plus she might be his intellectual e qual. Part of my drooling reason is his intelligence. Just a few random thoughts as I mop my drooling lips!!

#14 and #16: I AW. Whether or not he's married is irrelevant to the drool factor. He's just fun to fantasize about, and I think we all wish other men would take a page out of his book!

Sorry, it's me again; I keep forgetting to ask about the daggy thread. I read in another topic that we could find the old info at aprice@mail.newcastle.edu.au, but no luck. Can anybody offer clarification?

Linda mailed me a number of the daggy thread files today. I will try to sort through them this weekend and figure out a way to present them.

Amy: I will try to sort through them this weekend and figure out a way to present them. Oh that may be ticklish! ;-)

Ladies, I saw a promo for TEP tonight and guess who was in the very first scene shown? Yes, our dearest, loveliest Colin! Whereas before he was merely a brief glimpse in the background walking from his plane, he is now seen resplendent in his tuxedo! S eems that the powers that be have noticed that our boy is a bigger attraction than they thought...:-)

The drooling which will not cease just because he is to marry reminds me of a "Friends" episode where Ross and Rachel could make a list of 5 unattainable people which if faced with the opportunity, it would be OK to sleep with. The key word here is unatt ainable. My husband and I quickly made out our own lists. Here they are: My List: Colin Firth / Jackson Browne (which by the way, up until CF, I told my husband would be the only man who I would ever leave him for) / Aiden Quinn / Richare Gere / Brad Pitt (for the let me play Mrs. Robinson factor) Louie's List: Sigourney Weaver / Helen Hunt / Megan Gallegher / Amy Irving / Jane Pauley. So who would be on your lists?

Though I belong to those who look favourably on whiskers, beard and the unshaved face of Mr Firth, I have been lately contemplating the very great pleasure which a smooth and curved line from ear to chin in the face of this handsome fellow can bestow. Ver y appropriate for kisses in my opinion ..... At my nearest lunch place where they sell pizza and other greasy stuff, they have covered the cash register's keyboard with plastfilm....migth be a good idea for us heavy droolers, don't you think?

] covered the cash register's keyboard with plastfilm.... __ Market it, Ann2.

HI ALL! hope you're having a good weekend so far. Here's my list: winter's unattainable list: 1) Jeremy Northam (sorry! but CF ranks just slightly lower) 2)Colin Firth 3) Ralph Fiennes 4) Leonardo diCaprio (yes, he IS a bit young, I know) 5)Harrison Ford (if he wears his 'Indiana Jones' hat ;-) ) MAY THE FIRTH BE WITH YOU, win

they have covered the cashregister's keyboard with plastfilm....migth be a good idea for us heavy droolers, don't you think? You have done it again, Ann. Fell Off My Chair Laughing!

Listen girls, more Firth news..... My friend in England has just informed me that CF is starring in another hot and steamy period piece/miniseries, although she did not give me the name.... I have made further inquiries, and will let you know the name of it as soon as I find out.

CF is starring in another hot and steamy period piece/miniseries Rebecca, your words are for me the most heavenly honeydripping piece of information that I have ever had the pleasure of having dripped into my ears on the net so far. Thank you and don't let that friend of yours get off the hook. Make her speak!

Rebecca: My friend in England has just informed me that CF is starring in another hot and steamy period piece/miniseries, I hate to dampen everyone's enthusiasm, but could your friend possibly be referring to Nostromo, which is being broadcast in England this weekend?

1.) Colin Firth 2.) Kevin Costner (and you must approve, H.C., because he's divorced!) ; ) 3.) Harrison Ford 4.) Stephen Spielberg (so I can make him do for CF what he did to HF) 5.) Bill Gates---all that money! There"s nothing wrong with ol' Bill that a lot of money won't fix! Please, as you read these, set your tongue firmly in your cheek----that's where mine is!

1. Colin Firth 2. Edmund Grey on All my Children (can't remember his real name) 3. Nick Nolte (he's moved down the list in recent years) 4. Tom Berenger 5. Daniel Day Lewis (esp. in Last of the Mohicans) Being held to five is really difficult -- "so many men, so little time."

The old Darcy/Firth drooling topic is now in the austenarchive conference, but you can't post there. Post new messages here. Here are the last 4 days of messages from the old topic: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 371 of 391: Elaine (Elaine) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (08:05) * 1 lines Mr. Firth should be admired from afar. Apparently, he bites if you get too close. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 372 of 391: Anne3 (Anne3) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (09:26) * 1 lines That's okay. He can come nibble on me any time he likes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 373 of 391: Elaine (Elaine) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (11:24) * 1 lines But, first you will need to purchase a vacuum cleaner! One can only marvel at these modern-day appliances. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 374 of 391: Kali Pappas (Kali) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (14:56) * 1 lines 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?! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 375 of 391: Elaine (Elaine) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (15:17) * 1 lines 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! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 376 of 391: Mari Topitzes (Mari) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (15:55) * 16 lines ''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? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 377 of 391: Inko (Inko) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (16:21) * 10 lines 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!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 378 of 391: Jane (jane) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (17:53) * 5 lines 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? ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 379 of 391: Susan Christie (Susan) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (19:48) * 8 lines 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 380 of 391: Inko (Inko) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (20:34) * 4 lines 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 381 of 391: Anne3 (Anne3) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (22:33) * 1 lines 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 382 of 391: Amy (Amy) * Wed, Jan 29, 1997 (22:52) * 4 lines 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 383 of 391: Elaine (Elaine) * Thu, Jan 30, 1997 (10:51) * 1 lines 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 384 of 391: France Osegueda (alfresco) * Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (19:28) * 8 lines 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! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 385 of 391: Cheryl Sneed (Cheryl) * Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (23:16) * 9 lines 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! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 386 of 391: Cheryl Sneed (Cheryl) * Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (23:18) * 1 lines Gosh...did that sound too Pollyannish? :-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 387 of 391: Amy (Amy) * Fri, Jan 31, 1997 (23:57) * 1 lines A little Pollyannish, but not too. Thanks. No, the blankie fuzz is a little more cyan and blurred. This is spilled dill weed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 388 of 391: Johanne (JohanneD) * Sat, Feb 1, 1997 (00:57) * 1 lines Very refreshing, love the background ! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 389 of 391: Cheryl Sneed (Cheryl) * Sat, Feb 1, 1997 (02:30) * 4 lines Amy: This is spilled dill weed. Gosh, my countertop looks nothing like this when I spill dill weed...;-) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 390 of 391: Kali Pappas (Kali) * Sun, Feb 2, 1997 (05:06) * 1 lines Spilled dill weed. Right. And that really was you growling on Joan's GRRRR graphic...;) ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Topic 3 of 4 [austenarchive]: A thread for Darcy/Firth drooling and PG innuendo Response 391 of 391: Amy (Amy) * Sun, Feb 2, 1997 (06:23) * 1 lines This is a representation of spilled dill weed. It really is me growling.

France said:drooling outside the house (kind of like a smoker going outside. But just consider, while outside for a smoke (and I am one, occasionally) you might just meet Colin there for the same purpose!!

My list of unattainable: 1. Colin Firth 2. Alan Rickman 3. Jeremy Northam 4. Ciaran Hinds (notice a pattern here?) 5. Jean Reno (not in any Jane Austen movies, but I love his eyes) And Henry: We women do not reserve our drooling for unmarried men only. Besides, fantasies can include a brief affair or a divorce! ;-}

I'd smoke with him anytime,Inko;-)

Ah! I see where everyone is meeting now...let's see, 5 top hit men on your list, drooling abatement procedures, smoke alarms, spilled weed...say, what's going on here, ya wise guys? Sounds like another case for The Thin Man, aka Nick Charles. And if he ain't around, how 'bout that Inspector Colin Lestrade with the Hackney accent and the daredevil dimple? The gangster dolls sure can't keep anything from him! Whya, just the other night this dame, whatser name...oh yeah, Cheryl Baby Sneed, she fing red (squealed on) every gangster this side of Chicago in three minutes just so Inspector Colin would personally handcuff her, read her rights in a sweettalkin' voice, and promise to visit her every day in Ladies Detention Hall. What's that guy got, anyho w? Bay rum?

Cecily: Whya, just the other night this dame, whatser name...oh yeah, Cheryl Baby Sneed, she fingered (squealed on) every gangster this side of Chicago in three minutes just so Inspector Colin would personally handcuff her, read her rights in a sweettalkin' voice, and promise to visit her every day in Ladies Detention Hall. And don't forget the private interview in the interrogation room! Ooh baby, ooh baby!

Cheryl! You were listening over the intercom again...I didn't want to mention the private interview for fear all the other dames would rush the room while you were midway through the, uh, interview ;-)

Anne3, that is probably what she is talking about.....(frown)

Cecily: I didn't want to mention the private interview for fear all the other dames would rush the room while you were midway through the, uh, interview That was real stand-up of you sister, but we ain't gonna be needin' the interrogation room no more...seems the inspector has a thing for vaccuums, and I got me hot little Hoover number that I'm bringin' over to his place tonight...if it does the job, I'm there for keeps!

I agree with Laura M. - considering all that came before with Meg, I'll consider his engagement reality when it turns to MARRIAGE! Hey, Amy2, is Livia really an actress? I thought she was just an English Lit. graduate student...;) My unattainable list: 1) Jeremy Northam 2) Jeremy Northam 3) Jeremy Northam 4) Colin Firth 5) Jon Christensen 6) FDR (he's dead...that counts as unattainable, right?) I'll add as I remember... Oh, who put Bill Gates on their list? Not to be witchy, but isn't that considered on par with sleeping with Satan in some circles? ;)

Susan... have been a John Callahan fan (Edmund Grey's real name) since he was on Santa Barbara. You can go back to your dreams now that you know... nothing nagging in the back of your mind to wake you up at the wrong time...(grin)

Mari, thanks for Edmund's real name! I could have looked on the credits, but now I don't have to and I won't lose any more sleep over it! How nice to know his appeal is noticed by others (not the least by Eva LaRue, his costar Maria and now his wife in real life). Whoever started this thread said, before Colin Firth, Jackson Browne had been the only man she'd leave her husband for. Edmund (John) was that for me. But seriously, I love the way that CF is the only constant on all our lists. There is something about him that's universally appealing to a broad range of women. Whatever it is, I'm glad we get to see it onscreen! Viva la Firth!

Whatever it is, I'm glad we get to see it onscreen! Viva la Firth! .. or rather, 'MAY THE FIRTH BE WITH YOU!' :-) winter

Whatever it is, I'm glad we get to see it onscreen! Viva la Firth! .. or rather, 'MAY THE FIRTH BE WITH YOU!' :-) winter

FYI - With all the rumors of CF's marriage, I wanted to mention one reason why he and Meg Tilly never got together. I read (I think on the FoF page) that Meg had married an older gentleman last year (early '96, perhaps). As for drooling, I know his appea l for me is he is really intelligent and attractive. It is rare to find those qualities in men (even fantasy men on screen). Kali - love your comment regarding Bill Gates and him being Satan in the mind of many.;-)

He broke up with her in '94, I think. I understood that there was no other relationship keeping either of them from tying the knot! Thanks, Karen...to this day I refuse to use any microsoft products. This summer at work, I switched windows off and used OS2...

Kali--you use OS/2? Always nice to find a sister-in-arms against the Gates brigade :)

Why is it generally believed that Collin Firth is intelligent? I have never heard the man speak but the few printed interviews I have read seem to go both ways. Some reporters appear to be making fun of him (men?) while others gush all over him (women). I would be more comfortable with CF if he were a "thinking being" but I harbor contrary suspicions. Besides, it has often been said that intelligence gets in the way of an actor.

Could be his professor parents that gives him the rep. I have heard some interesting quotes. What was it he said about how only a dark Darcy could smoulder?

] only a dark Darcy could smoulder? that a blond would merely have looked sulky...

Karen I agree with you. A large part of his attraction to me is his intelligence, especially the way he has to get all the background on a character before he can become that character. Too many actors, I feel, get by on their looks and just spout the w ords given them by the author without really feeling and internalizing the meaning. CF seems to understand not only the words but also the motivation behind them.

I would be more comfortable with CF if he were a "thinking being" but I harbor contrary suspicions. Interesting, Elaine.I often get the impression that he is extracting the michael out of his interviewers. And himself. I give you "bin-bags and bog-rolls" as an example.

oh, I don't know... "bin-bags and bog-rolls" has great alliteration AND it sounds like a firther parody of that Julie Andrews classic in Sound of Muzak... (virtual soundtrack and Firth in pajamas made from old drapes, singing away) Bin-bags and bog-rolls And soup-cups with noodles, Vacuums with hairballs And fans with their poodles, Silver-white diamond that shines on her ring, These are a few of my bachelor things

ROTFLOL Cecily!! I love it.;-)

Cecily - you have done very well indeed. :-) Elaine - I understand your skeptism. I made that comment based on the interviews I have read about him. When he talks about he researches his characters, he sounded as if he had thought things through in order to bring certain emotions and intensity to the screen. It is similar when I read interviews and screenplays by my favortie British (now-defunct) couple - Ken and Emma. Each of them sound as if they would be excellent companions for scintillating conversation.

Brava Cecily! :-)

I know what you mean, Elaine...In the "Making of" snippets they showed on A&E, he sounded so stupid it wasn't even funny. My friend Liz was, like, "I guess they don't pay him to think, Kal!" Guess not. But I'm certain he's much smarter than we gave him credit for. --- Thank goodness for people like you and me and Karen, Tracey! I own a Mac, but at our office this summer used pc's, so...OS2 it had to be! I kinda like it better, even though my first experience with computers was with Windoze...

Cecily, you are too funny. Talk about people I'd like to hang out with...

My cut on Colin Firth is that he's intellectually lazy, lonely, and immature. If he is researching his characters, he's probably bored. I believe he was quoted in the NY Times as saying something about researching his character for A Thousand Acres. He wasn't certain if researching made any difference;but, nevertheless, it gave him something to do. Apparently, he didn't enjoy sitting around the Holiday Inn in rural Illinois.

Well that's because all of us lovely ladies weren't there to enterntain him. You know there's just something about Italy Italians. They aren't as funny as american Italians.

"bin-bags and bog-rolls" has great alliteration I believe he was quoted in the NY Times as saying something about researching his character for A Thousand Acres. He wasn't certain if researching made any difference;but, nevertheless, it gave him something to do. Apparently, he didn't enjoy sitting a round the Holiday Inn in rural Illinois. Ladies, this is exactly my point. Imagine, for a moment, that you are a reasonably ordinary man, who has spent the the last twenty years trying to make a living in an uncertain profession where looks and charm are as important as your ability. you cash in on said looks and charm because t hey bring in the money, but at the same time you try and live a normal life, have a relationship that means something with a woman and stay sane. After taking on the most exhausting role of your career, you suddenly find yourself a success, your screen haracter so powerfully affecting everyone around you that you cannot see or do anything that does not go un-noticed.Your past life, your romantic mistakes, your child, your parents, your work are all a matter for public scrutiny.People want to interview you, not because you have anything important to say, but because you sell papers.People pick apart your every pronouncement, even those you said ten years ago that were possibly misinterpreted by the reporter. Your girlfriend is watched wherever she goes At your new work, where you are tired, probably not very comfortable,and far from those you care about,you are trying to do a decent job of work and people ask you the same impertinent questions that you answered at the last interview, and you answer the m as best you can, knowing that even your tiniest "hmmm" will be food for the publicity mill.How do you cope with all this?Colin uses a sense of humour that no-one wants to acknowledge he posesses-everyone is still looking for the humourless Mr.Darcy. Can you honestly criticise him for not enjoying living out of hotel rooms for months on end? Or for occasionally poking fun at his own image and at the very people who are interfering with his life? I hope he never gets to hate Mr Darcy!

My Collin Firth opinions are based on a very few articles and by reporters which are quite unfamiliar to me. I'd love to see a live interview, even a rehearsed, live interview is more telling than an article which factors in reporter bias. Few would cri ticise CF for disliking hotel living. Acting is a mean job and most have not the grit to be successful. I am simply questioning whether CF is thoughtful, introspective or is that the way I want to perceive him...the old image versus substance.

Brava, Caroline. Very eloquent and true. Elaine, I've read all the interviews at the FoF site and a few that have appeared since then, and while CF's opinions aren't always consistent, his personality is. I don't need a reporter or interviewer to tell me whether the man is intelligent; that is obvious from the quotations. While anyone can be misquoted, there are too many examples of Firth being articulate, analytical, and honest (sometimes uncomfortably so) for me to doubt that we're getting a glimpse of the real man here. I don't know why yo r opinion of him is so negative, but if you really dislike him, why not just ignore him?

Elaine, I apologise.Guess I am just crabby today. Must be the snow! Anyway, can we start droolig again, please? It's much more fun!Does anyone else think he has lovely hands?And feet! and bits in between!

Ooohhh yes, Caroline: hands, feet, broad shoulders, slim hips, long legs, curly chestnut hair, etc., I like the whole package!!!;-)

He should really go on "The Charlie Rose Show" PBS it would just be "CF" and Charlie.Just like when he interviewed Juliet Binoche,Richard Gere and Dave Lettermen for an hour. There isn't anyone in the audience. Now that would be something. These view inte rviews that I happen to watch were "great". Richard Gere was wonderful, Juliet Binoche cried and is very cute and Dave kept trying to light his cigar,but Charlie kept him talking. Charlie really gets everyone to talk. http://www.charlieroseshow.com/

#66 Caroline, I agree. It's the fantasy of Firth that I like -- I have no desire to marry or date him and don't care to debate his intelligence or lack thereof. Drooling is much more fun! And he certainly provides plenty of drooling material!

Since we are drooling again, which of CF's qualities (I won't force you to select one) make you weak in the knees (or more specifically the jaw)? For me it is a combination of his deep resonant voice (with the bonus of a British accent), his wonderfully expressive eyes and when his hair is curly.

I would die to see him mess that hair up in frustration.

I would like to dance with him at a formal city ball, just to get him in a modern Darcyperfect attire, good manners, and the right mood for an elevated sort of chat AND of course to get me in the same elegant attire, mood, etc. We would both then be at o ur best (in this best of all civil fantasies), with the bonus of waltzing, tangoing, etc., ever so close and in perfect rhythm. (Hey, I'm a married woman, so I'm being old-fashioned here!) :-)

I shall abandon my question. I'm communicating poorly. I do not dislike Colin Firth. Concurrently, he's worth your attentions and difficult to ignore because of the fire he has the capacity to deliver.

Elaine, you are found out!you are a closet Colin-ist! (just joking, my love!) As for Colin's parts, I really, really do like his hands.And like Amy, I would love to see him mess up that hair.And I like the fact that his walk is slightly off-balance, that lovely long stride when he gets worked up! And the fact that his body, all of it, doesn't quite match up(his hands are kind of stubby, and workmanlike)He is a bundle of delightful imperfections!

His shoulders! His wet-shirt draped shoulders! Ooohhh! My spring is a-tingling!

Elaine, I have just gone back and re-read what you said about CF's intelligence, and your last post, that sounded oh, so sad. You have made me think a little more on the subject.Elaine, I cannot find a bio for you anywhere, so I don't know if what I am go ing to suggest is completely new to you or whether it is teaching a grandmother to suck eggs, so please forgive me if I seem a bit patronising.The question of "what is anyone's intelligence?" fascinates me and if you are really trying to make a decision n Colin's, then look up this internet address http//k12.cnidr.org:90/edref.mi.intro.html (sorry, I don't do links yet).This site may bring you a bit closer to an answer.

http://k12.cnidr.org:90/edref.mi.intro.html Needed a colon in here. You know, I know and I think everybody knows there are different kinds of smarts. I also know that IQ tests are culturally biased and all that. But, am I being terribly snooty, or has anyone else ever wondered whether these alternate theories are sort of an apology or an "out" for people who are not really with it? "Well, he has street smarts," is something always said about a person who does not read, just the large woman's pretty face is always pointed up in polite company.

The voice and the eyes, and the half smile; not the full out one, but the soft, wry or self-deprecating one (sigh...). I just saw 'Dutch Girls', courtesy of Kathleen Elder (Thanks again!), and all of these lovely qualities are present and pleasing even a s a youth. My only quibble (and I admit that it is a very personal preference; so please don't go bonkers on me!) is that his chest needs SOME hair on it! For perfection, I think this necessary. All right, you rabid anti-hairists; go to it! ;) ;)

#77 Amy. Dunno, Amy. This one has a lot of backing to it in the teaching world in the Great White North. I put it in just to try and help Elaine come closer to answering her own question. Thanks for making it more accessible, anyway!

I don't know either, Caroline.

Bravo Mari! It seems British actors that I think can act, lack that gene!

The eyes, and the "hmm"... but mostly the eyes.

Colin Firth's best feature...now this is something I can sink my teeth into! Starting from the top and working my way...down...I love his hair when it's curly and messy...very expressive eyes...cute little dimple in the chin...I am very fond of hi s neck, especially when he leans back in a chair...I agree with Mari that he needs a little more chest hair, not much more, but just enough to snag a ring in...I also like the slim waist and hips--hey, one of us has to have them, and since he does, I can stop worrying about mine! While we're in the waistal region...no, no, I cannot even speculate, well I could, but I shall refrain...moving on...thighs, I really like this man's thighs, especially when riding a horse or climbing up stai rs...there could be more meat on the calves...I am afraid I am not well acquainted with Mr. Firth's feet, but I am willing to be introduced... What was the question again?

...just enought to snag a ring in... ...I am willing to be introduced... Cheryl, you are the best! Ditto, DITTO, DITTO!!!!!!

DITTO, DITTO, DITTO, from me too Cheryl. His curly hair...his eyes... (swoon)...and other parts hereto unknown!

Cheryl, I'm still laughing as I post this; you are a mess :) Amy - I'd love to have a conversation with you about IQ. I understand what you are saying about street smarts and agree this can be used as an excuse. But having been in academia and watch how intelligence testing is used as a club (and to prove eugenic theories of racial hierarchy), I can't take it too seriously. Loved your messing up the hair thought. Actors and intelligence - Is it just me, why is it that most British actors and actresses seem very smart? I know quite of few of the popular ones today went to Cambridge (Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant). Now of course my yardstick is I'm comparing them with American actors/actresses.

Karen: Is it just me, why is it that most British actors and actresses seem very smart? Karen dear, it's the accent! ;-)

Standardized test results, I believe, are a very good measure of one's attention-span (of which I have none).

Can someone please tell me, why a British Accent seems so smart to an American? I have one, and I am constantly baffled by this.I talk more like Lizzy than Lady Catherine(can you tell the difference between the two?)I cannot see any advantage of a brit accent over, say, that of Bill Clinton or Dolly Parton. Do you find a regional br it accent, like John Lennon's or Jimmy Nail's more or less smsart than standard BBC/Stratford pronounciation?

Caroline: To me at least, the British sentence structure and vocabulary add to the intelligence factor and impression given. As to accent, 1) there was never any doubt of Lennon's IQ, given his content and creativity, so the Liverpool accent only added a soupcon of rebellious artist/young tough to his image; 2) BBC accent, like formal American standard accent, sounds great, but I honestly enjoy Scottish, Welsh and Irish accents too (and confess they all sound "smarter" to me than muttered mericanese). Perhaps some Americans have an inferiority complex regarding sounding smart enough, too, but how can we? Listen to our TV and film stars talk and the scripts given them; read our very mediocre diction and syntax in most publications; if tha t's what we're exposed to 24-hrs-a-day in media, how can we grow up sounding remotely intellectual? Only diehard Austenites, PBSers, THE NEW YORKER readers, and so on, have much exposure to classy style and indepth thinking... (sorry about the length, an no, I'm not antiAmerican!) About that CF person, Cheryl summed it up! :-)

Am I imagining it, or are we Americans lazier about our vocabularies?

I like the way Americans can't be bothered to spell the entire word, such as humour, colour and aluminium.

and then of course you have the likes of "thru"!! >.

#92Actually, Elaine, most of that can be blamed on old Noah Webster, who not only wrote dictionnaries telling Americans how to spell, but pronounciation books on how to talk as well!And you know what? He was far more logical than the Brits are about it! #90Perhaps some Americans have an inferiority complex regarding sounding smart enough, too, but how can we? Listen to our TV Most t.v. in most countries reaches the bottom level, Wendy. I can assure you , not all brit t.v. is as good as Masterpiece Theatre. #91 I don't think so Amy, speaking as a non-American! Anyway, dealing with the refined society we have here is doing wonders for my vocabulary!

''I also like the slim waist and hips--hey, one of us has to have them, and since he does, I can stop worrying about mine!'' - Cheryl Cheryl, I blush to say I almost overlooked this very important consideration. It is fortunate that you are attentive to this sort of thing (grin).

Amy : "Americans lazier about our vocabularies" Funny you're mentionning this, just heard Rosie O'Donnell yesterday saying the major difference was England being a country of adjectives (a nanny originally from Britain introduced her), I think she's partly right. We have the same idea regarding French from France. We are "americanized" in this too thus simplifying and more to the point, less flowery, less researched. Why does it sounds so much better : well for starts the accent is intriguing and the range of vocabulary far more extended. There is still a decorum in the language that lacks the fast paced american english. Aussie english took a similar but different co urse, also simplified but kept different words for usual purpose such as reckon vs think/believe. I call it the Barry White syndrom : everything (and I mean everything) you say sounds darn good!

You are too nice, Johanne!One difference on this side of the pond- American/Canadian English seems to have far less colour and variety than both Canadian French and British English in the matter of "swearwords." I have often wondered why.

Caroline....finally able to get your recommended site on MI. I appreciate your concern. I hadn't meant to use the word "intelligence" in that sense. I had thinking or thoughtful even intellectual more in mind, but; nevertheless, this is probably not th e appropriate thread as this topic is essentially non-drooling. From my own experience, I have drooled, even slobbered over men who would not have scored well on any derivation of an intelligence test and have always adored slightly tousled hair, coal bu ning eyes and thighs that grip a meddlesome mare like denture fixative.

Amazing how attractive some dangerous rebelious (but good looking) bad guy gets us going compare to the sweet and kind-hearted Bingley type, well at least for me Heard once, Caroline, how much the type of swearing in a country/group of people actually shows of its cultural tabou are concerns, you can do the same analysis with the type of advertising. French canadian are about things related to the church, under its boot since the English regime we kicked it only 30 years ago (during the French regime the colony was not that religious at all, but took refuge after the "conquest") Continental French is a mix of sex with residues of church/religious. Our close religious compatriot the italians and the irish share some similarities. You can distinguish the US by its religious connotations mixed with some related to bowel movement. Italians, obviously the church

LOL and DITTO Cheryl. I would also like to be introduced to everything that hasn't been covered (is that uncovered) in this topic - up close and personal!!;-) Even his chest hair is enough for me - have you seen him i n "The Advocate" - there's quite a bit of hair there!!!;-) I'm like you Caroline, still talk with a British accent, although by now I consider it to be a mid-Atlantic accent. The worst was when I first came to the States and someone would say "I love the way you talk, please say something" at which point I never knew what to say!!