Hello everyone, I am an old (pre-Pemberley) citizen of Drool who looks in now and then to see how things are going. I read Winter's tale of going to the L.A. screening of SIL and meeting Colin and then being shattered to discover that her photos didn't come out. Perhaps I can help. Two friends and I went to the premiere of SIL last week in New York, and were also lucky enough to meet Colin, however briefly. He signed autographs ("Love, Colin Firth x")very sweetly and posed for a picture with one of my friends. Fortunately, our photos did come out, and can be seen at: http://members.tripod.com/~i_love_movies/sil/silpremx.html (Note--I have the webmistress's permission to post this link.) So, go to it!

I don't know about everyone else but I'm loving those pictures! Real close-ups of Colin! Wow!!!!

Thank-you very, very much, Anne! Finally we get a good glimpse of him (and without straw-coloured hair. I�m relieved...) Could you please tell us a bit more about your meeting with him? Did you ask him something and what did he say? What was your general impression of him?

Thanks so much Anne, you've made my day!!!! He looks pretty good for pasty, don't you think. Winter talked of his face lighting up etc Any info on his expressions or gestures? Were you also impressed by Livia?

Great pictures, Anne. Thanks for returning and sharing them with everyone here. Saw The View this morning. It had Gwyneth Paltrow in a segment by herself and no discussion of the movie, although it was preceded by a long clip with a few shots of Colin that we've all seen before. Then they brought out the *rest* of the cast...unfortunately, that did not mean Colin... It meant: Geoffrey Rush, Judi Dench and Joseph Fiennes. The ladies started with Geoffrey Rush, moved on to Judi Dench for a question or two, then landed on Joseph Fiennes. Now I can see why he isn't on any othe shows. He cannot speak or string together more than one or two words. Then you could barely hear him. I can't imagine that he didn't have a microphone, but he was barely audible. Something about wearing tights being liberating, like at the beach.... He came across as a "no personality type" more so than a shy, introverted type.

I saw The View this morning also and got real excited when I thought that they might have Colin on there, but my excitement soon faded. There were quite a few long shots of Colin from the movie and I was surprised that no one said anything about him and that the show hosts didn't ask, especially since he was in 2 out of the 3 scenes that they showed. I think that they would have been much better off to have Colin on the show instead of JF, but he is the "star"!

Thank you, Anne, for your lovely gesture. One very much appreciated. Saw The View too. Now I know why I've never watched it before. This chatty girl-talk worked fine with Gwynie but they could only think of one question each for the guys. JF looked uncomfortable, GR looked bemused. JD was great and GP is getting very good. I have to applaud all the work she's doing for this film. At least the clips predominantly featured Colin.

Forgive me Winter. I referred to you earlier without your bestowed title, gained in the pursuit of bringing pleasure to hundreds( that's the lurkers as well). Sorry Dame!!

Every time I convince myself that it is Darcy I am in love with, a new photo of CF is posted and I fall in love all over again. These photos are splendid. What a Holiday Gift you have given us. Do not quite see the "straw-colored" hair, but that he is gorgeous, there is *no* doubt! Thank you, Anne and the rest.

Nan has been busy Snappying everything Colin that's been on TV. These are from the E! interview, which Winter taped.

....and more....

Hmmmm, those are different shots, but let's see:

Now, if we could only have the Voice!!

More Friendly FoF share their finds: An interview with HIM! Have you been there already? http://www.filmscouts.com/scripts/clips.cfm?Film=sha-lov And filmclips: http://www.nytimes.com/library/arts/shakespeare-in-love-film.1.ram.html It takes some time to load as Realplayer always does.

Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking with the straw colored hair thing... but it was a lot lighter than how I see it in the pictures. But maybe that was because we were standing underneath these huge bright lights, I don't know. Hey-- when is Ben getting back from England?

Thank you ladies for such a great group effort. *sigh*

People magazine this week referred to CF's performance in SIL and "stuffily amusing"....well..... it beats any remarks about being a cuckold. Thanks to Anne R. and FOF for the pics.

That *really* irritates me. People is published by Time-Warner, and Time Magazine did not even mention his name!!! (I subscribe to Time, but not to People.)

*Sigh on the pictures** Oh, he is too cute. Is so hard to forget he is very married. Rita

Lisa's Timeline of CF has a detailed transcript of his interview in the News section...he's still fond of "mmmmmmm"! I like his explanation as to why men of that period wore earrings....at a time of natical expansion, when most noblemen would actually so to sea, it seems a wise precaution!

Oops! One finger typing lets me down....."nautical" and "go"!

Rather than individually post the Snappies, Nan has created some lovely pages with the best of the best: E! Interview The View Clips Rosie Show Clips Hopefully, these will work! Thank you, Nan. :-)

Next week's Time Magazine has the "Best of 1998." Full list: 1. Saving Private Ryan 2. Decalogue 3. Shakespeare in Love 4. Happiness 5. The Butcher Boy 6. The Thin Red Line 7. Bulworth 8. The Opposite of Sex 9. Without Limits 10. Live Flesh

It was very gratifying to have Siskel and Ebert praising this movie. They even mentioned Colin's name and not BA's. I did wish they had preceded his name with the words fine British actor. Well, I can't have everything. At least they didn't mention Colin Friel and his wife Olivia. :-)) I love all the pictures that have been posted.

Well Ladies, our DB was on T.V this morning. GMTV (OK OK I am desperate) showed their Hollywood report with mostly Wessex clips. This was to have been followed by a GP interview but they ran out of time!!! Apparently it's a "surefire winner" for the Golden Globe noms. Are they out at the end of the week?

BTW I was so excited about SIL on Brit tv that I should have begun by thanking FOF for the truly delicious snappies. I shall devour them slowly.

I believe the Golden Globes are being announced this Thursday.

Great Karen. Please keep us posted.

This got in topic 97 before I froze it. Topic 97 of 116 [drool]: Colin Firth - PART II Response 1196 of 1196: Lucie (alyeska) * Tue, Dec 15, 1998 (18:14) * 3 lines Winter, it sounds like you had a great time. Thank you for the colorful account. It sounds like your experience was like every interviewer I've read. They all say how nice he is. I wish I could find the one that said she was so surprised to find an actor who wasn't concieted at all but very down to earth and a great sense of humor, with the ability to laugh at himself. Lucie

Thanks, Lucie. I had a lot of fun, and as I've said before, you were all there with me in spirit that night. Wow! I just realized it was exactly a week ago! Yes, Colin seemed very down to earth. His smile does it a lot...

Lisa's Timeline of CF has a detailed transcript of his interview in the News section. I'm looking all over the place and can't find it! Can someone give me the exact URL? Thanks!

Thanks Winter... Re: Lisa's Timeline ....I can't find it either. Which reminds me ...if anyone finds something new on one of the CF websites, would you pl. post it and the URL.Some of us don't have the time to hit all his websites v. often. Just think....last year at this time...we were all in the doldroms over ATA and what a lousy movie it was...hey, of the top 100 movies in '97 ATA was 94. Here we are in '98...looking for SIL as a Golden Globe nominee and TIME listing it as #3 movie of the year. Well done, Colin.

Here we are in '98...looking for SIL as a Golden Globe nominee Can SIL really be in the running for a Golden Globe? I saw in Variety that nominations had to be in by the 1st December, I think. Surely that would rule out SIL?

Thanks a million for all the info & beautiful pics that some of you (Winter, Anne, Karen) have provided us with. The pictures really make me weak at the knees, he�s so....you know. Beyond words. I hate it that I can�t give you anything in return because I live here close to the Arctic circle, far from the Firthlized world (!!). The Finnish press is not the least bit interested in Colin and as far as I know, SIL has been mentioned here only once this week in a tabloid. It was mainly about ms. Paltrow�s mammary glands. Aargh! (Rita)Oh, he is too cute. Is so hard to forget he is very married. Exactly, Rita. OK, jealousy is a forbidden feeling in civilized circles but how can I deny it? It�s such a paradox because one naturally wishes Colin ALL the best in life and his marriage is surely one of the best things in life for him. The premieres with Livia everywhere just made it so very very visible. Aargh again....:-)

I love it when this board is jam full of posts, so much excitment and anticipation. Thank you all for sharing. Finally, it takes a woman to notice. From NY Times Sarah Lyall's SIL review: ...the hunky Colin Firth as Viola's unpleasant fianc�, the Earl of Wessex... For those of you in the DC, MD, Nothern VA area: There's going to be a special preview of SIL at the United Artists Bethesda Cinemas to benefit the Shakespeare Theatre. Monday 12-21, call 202-547-1122 for more info.

(Allison) Can SIL really be in the running for a Golden Globe? I saw in Variety that nominations had to be in by the 1st December, I think. Surely that would rule out SIL? Sure can!! The critics saw the movies at previews, etc. Thin Red Line hasn't even opened anywhere is on Time's best list. I know some people put great stock in the Golden Globes, but I think they are closer to a popularity contest than anything. Sort of like a "People's Choice" award from the Hollywood Foreign Press. The Oscars have their own politics too. I tend to look to the Directors' Guild for Best Picture/Director clues, not the Golden Globes. Remember, the critics in LA, NY or Timbuktu don't vote for the Oscars. (Emma) Finally, it takes a woman to notice. I thought the exact same thing!! The reviews by women have mentioned his status as "British heartthrob" or "Mr. Darcy in P&P." We don't forget so easily and little padding and little sneering and subservience won't do it.

Now, here's a Keepsake that belongs to Winter!

Here's the link for the Timeline: Lisbeth's Timeline

Great Karen, many many swoonable thanks. Anyone want to analyse the DB's handwriting? I think his flourishes signify a passionate, private man with a great sense of humour and exceptional thighs.

My dear, I think it just shows a person in a hurry... Is there really an F for Firth?

Well his exceptional thighs are ideal for hurrying etc!!!

Lizza: I think his flourishes signify a passionate, private man with a great sense of humour and exceptional thighs. Gi: My dear, I think it just shows a person in a hurry... Lizza: Well his exceptional thighs are ideal for hurrying etc!!! Y'all have me ROTFLMAO!!!!!! Too funny! Thanks for the best laugh I've had all day. Boy, I'd love to see those thighs up close and personal... BTW, AnneR, THanks so much for sharing those pictures! What a sight to behold! And thanks Karen for posting the photo and the URL to Lisa's Timeline. I like the frequent "mmmms" peppered throuought the interview.... As long as they don't resemble Mr. Collins' 'Mmmms" :-)

I'd love to see those thighs up close and personal... There is an interesting glimpse or two in Fever Pitch... no doubt, Nan will be snappying in due course.

To be in such good company! Do you believe how exited we get at just looking at his signature? It is true that it has either changed or he was in a hurry, nevertheless, we are v. proud of you Dame Winter. I can't wait to meet you in LA this Feb. and shake the hand that touched the man himself! Thanks to Nan and Karen who are such sweethearts to snap and post. We do appreciate all your efforts.

There is an interesting glimpse or two in Fever Pitch... If so, I can't wait to see those thighs on the big screen! Whoa baby! Thanks to Nan and Karen who are such sweethearts to snap and post. We do appreciate all your efforts. I second that! Nan and Karen rock!

I third the motion Nan and Karen do Rock!!! This site is exactly what you need on any given day. Winter; I certainly would be glowing after looking at that signature every day. I am in awe of you. You lucky girl.

This is my first posting! I have found this discussion very informative. Unfortunately, I don't have any new info to add. I have enjoyed the past few weeks of seeing Colin's face on my TV screen. I caught Gwyneth on the Rosie show also and thought she was quite complimentary of Colin. Of course, we all agree with her assessment! Up until then, I had been disappointed that he wasn't getting mentioned even though all the clips predominantly featured him. Since the SIL openings, things seem to have died down ..I guess until Christmas and the film's nationwide release. Can't wait! There is a *GREAT* picture from the LA premiere at www.colinfirth.com (Murph's corner). Enjoy!

Hi Eileen....Welcome to the Spring Community. It's good to get your sentiments and comments . One doesn't have to report any news to post....Be sure to stick around and lets hear from you often:-) I think that next week the TV stations will start airing the advertisements for SIL in preparation for the Christmas Day blitz. Cheryle: We miss you. Is your wrist recovering?

I'VE SEEN IT!!! Last night, I was minding my own business, walking out of "Waking Ned Devine," when I heard three little words...Shakespeare in Love. I whip my head around and see three people standing near the entrance to the theater where "Elizabeth" was playing and they are holding pamphlets of some sort. I eye them for a while, wondering what is going on, watching if people have tickets of some sort, and then walk downstairs to the concession area to mull things over. I debate with myself for a couple of minutes a d then, what the hell, I go back up the stairs and walk right in. The theater is pretty crowded (it was one of the smaller of the complex) and seats are being held all over the place. I find a seat, making someone remove their coat in the process, and wait, not daring to ask anyone anything for fear I will be thrown out. All the while I'm thinking that if it is Elizabeth showing, I will have to crawl over all these people to leave, since I've seen the movie already. Lights dim. Screen illuminated. Big M....Miramax flashes...(Yes, I silently mouth to myself). Then Universal (Eureka!! I've hit paydirt!!). London 1593... It was a private screening of some sort. People had little questionnaires to fill out from Miramax on whether they liked the movie and some demographic information. It was great. So as not to spoil anything for anybody, more detail will be provided on the other topic...but suffice to say I want to see it again!

I told you Karen, you will see this movie about a hundred times, then you will buy it when it is out on video, and we'll probably bury you with it;) Hey, Lucky you!!!! Can we still see it when I'm in Chicago????

For Bethan and Allison: At the very beginning, Geoffrey Rush (Henslow) and Tom Wilkenson (Fennyman) do a great bit about movie/theater accounting. (Laura) Can we still see it when I'm in Chicago???? Only if I can put duct tape across your mouth!! hee hee

V. happy for you Karen. I got tix to a private showing on Monday but I'm leaving Saturday for CO. Ca va sans dire, I was most upset (the reason for my drinking a whole bottle of champagne), I couldn't bring myself to write it on the e-mail I sent you last night. I will now have to wait for my return to see it. C'est la vie! Wishing all of you lovely ladies very Happy Holidays, I will be back to celebrate the new year together. Still waiting for Colin's answers: fingers crossed.

From E! Online News: Thursday December 17 12:11 PM ET "Shakespeare," "Truman" Span the Globes One World War II drama got stripes; the other got stripped. But in the end, it was Jim Carrey and Will Shakespeare who carried the day. Life-as-a-TV-show dramedy The Truman Show, starring a surprisingly ungoofy Carrey, and meet-cute-costume-comedy Shakespeare in Love, featuring a surprisingly loopy Bard character, earned a field-best six nominations today for the 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan--the most likely of Oscar frontrunners--managed five nods, including ones for best drama film, best director (for Spielberg) and best actor (Tom Hanks). The upcoming The Thin Red Line, the other gritty battlefield flick praised by critics, was ignored--nothing for acclaimed director Terrence Malick, nothing for its all-star ensemble cast (led by Sean Penn). The other top multiple nominees (with three each): Warren Beatty's gangsta-rapping political comedy, Bulworth; the Queen Elizabeth flick Elizabeth; Gods and Monsters, the art-house drama about 1930s horror director James Whale; and, the British comedy, Little Voice. A-list stars celebrated by the Globe's Hollywood Foreign Press Association included: Cameron Diaz, nominated for pretending not to notice what was in her hair in There's Something About Mary; Gywneth Paltrow, nominated for pretending to be British (again) in Shakespeare in Love; and Sharon Stone, nominated for being Sharon Stone (and, oh yeah, being in The Mighty, too). Diaz is arguably the front-runner in her category. Wednesday, she was named best actress by the New York Film Critics Circle. After The Thin Red Line, the other notable snub was Pleasantville. The life-inside-a-sitcom fantasy might have picked up its share of critics awards, but got zippo today. Also shunned: Italian star Roberto Benigni's much-hyped holocaust fable Life Is Beautiful. Technically, Oprah Winfrey's equally hyped slavery epic Beloved was denied glory, too, but that box-office bomb detonated months ago--so what's one more snub? The awards will be presented January 24 in a NBC telecast. Here's a rundown of today's major nominations: Best drama: Elizabeth Gods and Monsters The Horse Whisperer Saving Private Ryan The Truman Show Best comedy/musical: Bulworth The Mask of Zorro Patch Adams Shakespeare in Love Still Crazy There's Something About Mary Best actress--drama: Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth) Fernanda Montenegro (Central Station) Susan Sarandon (Stepmom) Meryl Streep (One True Thing) Emily Watson (Hilary & Jackie) Best actress--comedy: Cameron Diaz (There's Something About Mary) Jane Horrocks (Little Voice) Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare in Love) Christina Ricci (The Opposite of Sex) Meg Ryan (You've Got Mail) Best actor--drama: Jim Carrey (The Truman Show) Stephen Fry (Wilde) Tom Hanks (Saving Private Ryan) Ian McKellen (Gods and Monsters) Nick Nolte (Affliction) Best actor--comedy: Antonio Banderas (The Mask of Zorro) Warren Beatty (Bulworth) Michael Caine (Little Voice) John Travolta (Primary Colors) Robin Williams (Patch Adams) Best supporting actress: Kathy Bates (Primary Colors) Brenda Blethyn (Little Voice) Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love) Lynn Redgrave (Gods and Monsters) Sharon Stone (The Mighty) Best supporting actor: Robert Duvall (A Civil Action) Ed Harris (The Truman Show) Bill Murray (Rushmore) Geoffrey Rush (Shakespeare in Love) Donald Sutherland (Without Limits) Billy Bob Thornton (A Simple Plan) Best director: Shekhar Kapur (Elizabeth) John Madden (Shakespeare in Love) Robert Redford (The Horse Whisperer) Steven Spielberg (Saving Private Ryan) Peter Weir (The Truman Show) Best screenplay: Bulworth The Truman Show Shakespeare in Love Saving Private Ryan Happiness Best foreign language film: The Celebration (Denmark) Central Station (Brazil) Men With Guns (USA) The Polish Bride (The Netherlands) Tango (Argentina) (I've left out the television nominations.) BTW, I had a feeling that they would go for Geoffrey Rush.

Thanks for the welcome, Evelyn! So, Karen, did you grab a fistful of those questionnaires and "stuff the ballot box" with positive comments? Although with this film, that probably wasn't necessary! Does Colin have alot of screen time? It seems so from the clips and commercials.

Missed the most recent entry while posting my last. Yippee! SIL is up for a Golden Globe! There's been much award buzz about the film for months now. Glad to see it's coming true. I hope bizillions of people see it and notice Colin. Frankly, I think that's why Miramax delayed MLSF's release.

(Laura) Can we still see it when I'm in Chicago???? Only if I can put duct tape across your mouth!! hee hee ] Not me, Rebecca will be with us! hahahaha. Hey is it safe for my 8 yo daughter?????

Just think....last year at this time...we were all in the doldroms over ATA and what a lousy movie it was.. (Evelyn) I know I'm a year behind (and there's all this buzz about SIL!), but having "sort of" watched ATA (didn't have time to watch it "properly" all the way through...will rent again), I honestly didn't think it was too bad. I genuinely liked the opening shots, the crisp cinematography and the voiceovers. I thought it was a worthy but flawed effort, with good performances, especially Jessica Lange (who was nominated for a Golden Globe). The male parts were all underwritten, and if compared with the novel, it w s disappointing....but if it was shown on terrestial TV on Sunday evening, I'd quite happily watch it! Nothing to be ashamed of! Is so hard to forget he is very married (Elena) I rather like the fact that he is very married! Actually, he's very, very married!! I attended a Catholic wedding last week, and I was very much struck by the seriousness (and beauty) of the marriage vows, and by the Catholic understanding of marriage...that when properly entered into, it is a holy sacrament dissolved only by the death of one of the parties. Anyone want to analyse the DB's handwriting? (Lizza) Too illegible! Looks like squiggle, squiggle to me! I hope bizillions of people see it and notice Colin. Frankly, I think that's why Miramax delayed MLSF's release. (Eileen) I hope so too, Eileen! I'm pleased that SIL seems to be a winner, and hopefully Miramax will also promote MLSF. There seems to be so much LUCK in determining how an actor's career progresses. CF had leading roles in "Appartment zero", "A month in the country", "Valmont" and "The Advocate", (all good, all different) and yet remained almost unnoticed. Time for a change!

Welcome, Eileen. Looks like you're in the swing of things here already. Like you, I'll be waiting for Christmas to see this (actually the day after). No sneak screenings in my town but I'm very happy for Karen. What terrific luck. Too late to play the lottery that day? (Bethan) t having "sort of" watched ATA (didn't have time to watch it "properly" all the way through... One can only imagine what you did watch "properly" in this movie. Was it the doorway leaning scene? the jogging scene? the bed of the truck scene? We did you a favor, Bethan, by panning this movie so severely. You could not have been disappointed. Is so hard to forget he is very married (Elena) I rather like the fact that he is very married! (Bethan) That's 'cause you're married, Bethan. We single girls once had hope. ;-) ;-) (That's a double wink so you know I'm not really serious. I think he's found the perfect wife.) That shot of Colin's autograph turned out fantastic. So what if no one else knows what it says but us!

Hate to dredge up an old question last mentioned in #97, but I am holding in my hot little hand a reply to sent mail. I sent Colin a birthday card with a short written note (complaining that as an artist, I was trying to get a likeness, but have found he doesn't HAVE a likeness!) plus a photo of my latest effort. Sent from Paddington London on 24 November (r'cd on 30 Nov.) was a small typewritten note. QUOTE: "Dear Karen, Thank you for your birthday card, your kind words and the photograph - I do appreciate them. Here is a recent likeness. Kindest regard, " Followed by first-name signature (matches one shown as sample. And accompanied by the most gorgeous portrait photo of him I have ever seen. I am willing to send a copy of it to anyone who has a scanner, given an address to use. YES, HE REPLIES TO ?SOME?) mail!

(KJArt)Hate to dredge up an old question last mentioned in #97 Hey, nothing wrong about dredging up old questions. I can�t think of anything about him that I wouldn�t like to talk or think about all over again (and again). I�m shocked, the man does answer to his fanmail? Last week here I was made coldly reconciled to the fact that he generally doesn�t. Should I dig up my steamy love letters from the waste bin after all? Anyway, thanks a lot for telling us about it, I�d love to see the picture. Wonder if he did type that note himself or has the famous assistant been busy again. We�ll never know. (Bethan) Actually, he's very, very married!! I attended a Catholic wedding last week... Oh, you put it so beautifully. You�re so right, but my heart is bleeding. Would he have married ME if I�d met him before he met Livia?? Yes, I�m absolutely positive about it...:-)

Just continuing my response 60... Yes, having lost that chance, what remains is to imagine what it�s really like to be Mrs. Firth from dawn till dusk and so forth. Perhaps continuous irritation for his smoking and some other terrible habits we luckily don�t know about, big rows because he�s so darn clever and very stubborn too I suppose...???? Btw, I wonder what he thinks about the equality between sexes, I don�t remember him commenting on the question. Does Livia wash his socks for example? And I DON�T mean to offend different domestic cultures, truth is if he were mine I�d gladly wash them even though I consider myself a feminist...(ha,ha)

KJArt, I've just bought myself a scanner :-) so if you want to, you can send "The Documents" to me, but I live in Portugal, so you'll maybe find someone closer to you (I don't Know where you live). E-mail me if you will.

KJArt: you can send the picture to me for scanning. You can email me at: rosie45@hotmail.com and I will send you the address. ****************************************************** (Eileen) So, Karen, did you grab a fistful of those questionnaires and "stuff the ballot box" with positive comments? Welcome Eileen. Wish I could have *stuffed* the ballot box. My comments to Miramax though would be: Give Wessex (Colin Firth) more roles, leading roles!! He's not only a hunk underneath all that makeup and unflattering clothing, but a fabulous actor. You're missing the boat!! (Eileen) Does Colin have alot of screen time? It seems so from the clips and commercials. Yes, he does pretty much. He keeps popping up everywhere from beginning to end. And he has lines in all those scenes as well. (Laura) Not me, Rebecca will be with us! hahahaha. Hey is it safe for my 8 yo daughter????? Is it OK for her to see Gwyneth's pippins? (Bethan) There seems to be so much LUCK in determining how an actor's career progresses. CF had leading roles in "Appartment zero", "A month in the country", "Valmont" and "The Advocate", (all good, all different) and yet remained almost unnoticed. Time for a change! Unfortunately, none of those were commercial successes in the US and that can play into it. Ditto "time for a change!" (Heide) One can only imagine what you did watch "properly" in this movie. Was it the doorway leaning scene? the jogging scene? the bed of the truck scene? Those scenes are definitely worth a proper viewing in slo-mo, something I missed not having available for SiL. I want my own copy to watch, rewatch, rewind and slo-mo. So many facial expressions that I need to study. ;-)

Ditto to all of you who think it's time to see Colin in more leading roles. I'm with you, Karen, that's what I would have told Miramax, given the opportunity! They are missing the boat because they're too busy worrying about money (well, it is a business). Colin has to prove himself at American box offices; I would guess given the size of the US moviegoing population that's where the big bucks are. At least SIL has a better shot at improving his recognition vs. ATA. I don't think that his part in that was underwritten, it likely landed on the cutting room floor as the film was edited into "the Jessica and Michelle show" (did you notice it was released on video the day after the Oscars last March? I bet there was great disappointment that neither actress was even nominated). Looking forward to seeing KJArt's Colin pic on-line! Thanks in advance for sharing :-)

Thanks for the offer, Gi, but I will probably send to KarenR so everyone can see the goodies sooner. And to explain that I have been lurking around drool, off and on, since late summer, and felt bad that I didn,t have anything to share...this is for all you've given ME.

(KJArt) I am holding in my hot little hand a reply... I sent Colin... a photo of my latest effort... QUOTE: "Dear Karen... Here is a recent likeness..." accompanied by the most gorgeous portrait photo of him I have ever seen. Oi... the man really has a wicked sense of humour... ;-D

Thanks KJArt for being so generous. Drool has lots of lurkers.Don't ever feel you have to contribute something material....your comments are just as welcomed. Good to know he answers some mail...but yours was special. (KJArt).....this is for all you've given ME. A nice way to put it. My sentiments too. Spring is a special community for me.

One can only imagine what you did watch "properly" in this movie. Was it the doorway leaning scene? the jogging scene? the bed of the truck scene? (Heide) You got it! V-e-ry handsome! V-e-e-ry sl-o-m-o!! I reckon he fancied Jennifer Jason Leigh..he gave her a very apppraising look! We did you a favor, Bethan, by panning this movie so severely. You could not have been disappointed. (Heide) I guess I was pleasantly surprised because I had such low expectations. I think Eileen is right...it was re-edited to focus on the Oscar-aspiring leads, the men's roles were diminished and the balance and credibility of the movie were undermined. I particularly disliked the line about Jess "I got sick, so he left". In the novel Jess was weak, but sensitive and caring...he wanted to re-build his relationship with his father and was uncomfortable about seeming to benefit from Pete's death. All lost in the m vie. There was nothing really there for CF...but he's certainly very good to look at! Deserves much better though! Colin has to prove himself at the American box offices...where the big bucks are. (Eileen) I think he's doing well by going for well-promoted (and good) movies that get international distribution. Hopefully MLSF will be well promoted and reach a lot of screens worldwide. I'd like to see him up there with Rafe Fiennes in terms of recognition and leading roles! It will be interesting to see what he does next. (Now when are you going to get those answers, Moon?!!!! You'll have to administer a verbal rap on the knuckles if there's no reply by the New Year! And we know he reads his post!))

Hopefully MLSF will be well promoted and reach a lot of screens worldwide. But HE is the star and only HE can promote it. Let's see how much he is willing to do.The rest of that cast are Europeans who have no name recognition in the US.SIL had a bunch. Also, remember, MLSF is only an $8.M film. SIL is $42.M; the most expensive Miramax has ever produced.Harvey pulled out all the stops for this one.

KJ: I knew that I should have sent COlin a birthday card. Our birthday's are one day apart. I sure would have liked a reply like that. Yes, Catholic weddings,girls are serious. I am the sixth generation of Catholics. My son is the seventh. They are very long and beautiful. I was only joking about being jealous of his being married. I am so glad for his happiness :)

This is from one of the pictures Winter took at the LA Screening. I cropped out all that wasn't relevant. Otherwise you'd be playing a Where's Waldo game! ;-) Sorry about the blurriness, but it comes with the territory.

Thanks for cropping and zooming the picture, Karen. It makes the picture seem less terrible, considering all the other stuff surrounding Colin. (BTW, the bald black guy on the left is Jeff the Bodyguard, the one who let me and Liz into the theatre!) Speaking of Catholic weddings... the ceremony may be solemn and serious, but you have to consider whether the groom's/bride's thoughts were solemn and serious as well...(Colin was brought up Methodist, no? )I myself come from a very long line of Catholics (mom was very close to being a nun before she decided to do her duty to God as a wife and mom), and I'm sad to say, that I never once took any Catholic ceremony seriously!

Why?

Am I the last person to discover CF's new website? http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Lights/2524/ What's the final number....anybody know.? He must have close to 20!! Karen...you've gotten to be a whiz with that scanner....Zooming and Cropping. Thanks for all the goodies. I'm glad he's married too.

(Arami) Why? Too much of something may not be a good thing, I guess. In my case, it was too much religion-- rosaries every night, mass every week, being told your entire existence is a sin... I guess my family's approach to religion wasn't my cup of tea. It certainly didn't make me happy for years. However, to appease my parents, I could see myself having a Catholic ceremony if I get married. That's why I just wondered about the sincerity of Colin/Livia when they got hitched. Evelyn-- I discovered that website this past week. It's so funny how the same info. can be circulating around the same of group websites, though we get excited once we discover a new website! Maybe in hopes of discovering some "never seen before" information?

A snippet in the Times.... Emma Thompson is being "woo-d" to play the part of Eleanor of Acquitaine in a re-make of "The Lion in Winter". No mention of who will play Henry II....an absolutely terrific role. Can someone woo Colin, please? There are three great roles out there at the moment...the Earl of Boswell, Henry II, and Mark Darcy (okay, lighter, I know, but good fun!). Oh, and they can't be played by Mel Gibson....he's apparently (in addition to playing Sydney Carton) also taking the role of the British polar expedition hero Sir Ernest Shackleton (dies nobly saving his men!), so he's pretty busy! Has CF got a chance? There are also regular snips about SIL...mainly about GP (nudity, luminosity etc), JF (imminent stardom) and JD (great performance)but no mention (predictably!) of CF. But there's definitely already a positive buzz about SIL.

It's so funny how the same info. can be circulating around the same of group websites, ... This new website features **New Recent Photos** of CF that bear a great resemblance to the NY Premiere pics on Murph's Corner.!! Has transcript of interview I had never read before, though.... It's a v. attractive websight. I think these editors have to be commended .

I must say I find the new website a bit funny, so much pink and rosiness dedicated to a very sexy and masculine guy! What I mean is, I appreciated the idea of www.colinfirth.com as a site that CF himself wouldn�t be ashamed of. Also, I wish that the various sites would make it quite clear that they aren�t officially connected to Colin. Girls, it�s been interesting to read your thoughts about Catholicism and marriage. It�s an exotic thing for a person like me, living in a secularized Lutheran society where marriage is really not such a big deal (but a good reason to have a big party of course!!) and according to statistics, about 50 per cent of marriages are destined to end up in a divorce (which is not such a big deal either because it happens so often). Still people get married a lot, it�s fun and romantic...! Anyway, I wish you all a very lovely Christmas time! And to Colin and his family of course, where ever he is right now. Bugs me I didn�t send him a Christmas card.

Hi Eileen. It's good to see you here. And it is wonderful to see so much of Colin these days. We better stretch this out for as long as we can. Might it be another long dry spell before the next film? (Evelyn on MLSF) But HE is the star and only HE can promote it. Let's see how much he is willing to do. The rest of that cast are Europeans who have no name recognition in the US. (snip) Also, remember, MLSF is only an $8.M film. SIL is $42.M; the most expensive Miramax has ever produced.Harvey pulled out all the stops for this one. Good points, Evelyn. Heck, Malcolm Macdowell might have more name recognition in the US than Colin. But still, I've heard Gwyneth called the Queen of Miramax. Then shouldn't Colin be called the King (or at least the Prince since his roles are mostly supporting)? It looks quite likely that he will be in two of the last three years' Oscar Best Picture nominated films. (Elena)...snip... where marriage is really not such a big deal (but a good reason to have a big party of course!!) I see we think alike, Elena. One thing to be said for those who don't think marriage is a big deal...when you do get married, it really makes a statement. And while celebrities get married all the time, they also get married quite often. It appears uncommon for these couples to make it past two years so it's quite a statement to me if they make it beyond ten years. I'd be quite unhappy if the Firth marriage didn't make it. (Bethan on ATA) V-e-ry handsome! V-e-e-ry sl-o-m-o!! I reckon he fancied Jennifer Jason Leigh..he gave her a very apppraising look! Ah, you caught that too! And didn't Jennifer give him quite a look at the barbecue? If she had lived on the farm, you can bet Jess would have bed all three sisters! Anytime, you want to discuss the "merits" of this film, I'll be right there with you. I particularly disliked the line about Jess "I got sick, so he left". Particularly since in the book, Jess left before she got sick. I haven't visited this website mentioned above (or have I?) but will check it out as soon as I return from more shopping. (When will it end?) The number of websites on our boy is amazing and while we may not visit all of them regularly, it sure is indicative of the loyalty and passion this actor inspires.

I don't know that much about the Catholic religion even though I am married to a lapsed Catholic,but wouldn't Colin have to have gone through all kinds of religious training and then be confirmed to be married Catholic. The Catholic church must have changed in the last 40 years because they excommunicated my mother for marrying my Luthern father. I hope Colin gets out to promote MLSF, but I think he will prob. only do print media as he has in the past. Unfortunately for us, MLSF does not appear to have the box office potential of SIL. I can't seeing a movie about an eccentic inventor on a moss farm being a big draw for the general population. I'm still hoping he gets the part of Mark Darcy. I think that could be a major role.

(Sue)...wouldn't Colin have to have gone through all kinds of religious training and then be confirmed to be married Catholic You're right. Especially since it's an Italian Catholic he's marrying! I would think they take that stuff even more seriously than maybe an American Catholic Church, where you can avoid those type of hurdles. If he did go through all the classes, training, baptism, etc... then...*sigh*...THAT'S a man who is really in love, and willing to do whatever for the woman he loves. (Heide)But still, I've heard Gwyneth called the Queen of Miramax. I actually would think Parker Posey would be the Queen of Miramax. I'd vote for her, personally, over GP any day! She's so spunky, that Parker! (Elena)Still people get married a lot, it�s fun and romantic Absolutely right. Aside from the seriousness of the act of marriage itself, c'mon sisters... you have to admit....the dress? The party? the presents? the cake? the walking-down-the-aisle? Who wouldn't!? I loved 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' because I'm such a sucker for weddings, and the film had so many variations on different approaches to a wedding. I think I liked the second wedding the best-- the one where Hugh Grant runs into duck-face at the reception.

I'm from a strongly Catholic country, but have never had quite the same problem with religion as I have observed since in other parts of Europe - maybe because my bohemian parents had a healthy attitude to these matters: basically, they taught me to keep faith and religion separate and in a reasonable perspective. Only when I left my country, I discovered with great surprise that I was a "lapsed" Catholic, and that despite being a believer, I am not religious... but I am more concerned with being Christia in attitude, than just Catholic in tradition. Since Colin is "bohemian" himself, I think his take on these matters may be similar. And I think that a lot of Italians, especially younger ones, also have a modern outlook on these things. People should be more preoccupied with living according to certain moral values, rather than performing rites mechanically. I do sincerely hope his marriage survives. He seems to be very serious about it and has once declared publicly that it is a relationship which he expects to last for the rest of his life.

Oh, btw, I don't think the Catholic church is so strict about cross-religion marriages anymore. I don't think Colin had to become a Catholic to marry one, although marrying in a Catholic church may mean having to promise to bring one's children in the faith.

There's another glowing review of Shakespeare...on one of my favorite sites, www.girlsonfilm.com While there's nothing special about the review, obligatory mention of Colin as Lord Wessex, there is a bit about a Lord Wessex scene that I had not heard before. Might be a spoiler for some. There is also a Message Board for SiL. No ones mentions Colin there either so I may just have to do so. Might be better though from someone who has actually seen the film.

Oh, btw, I don't think the Catholic church is so strict about cross-religion marriages anymore. I don't think Colin had to become a Catholic to marry one, although marrying in a Catholic church may mean having to promise to bring one's children in the faith.

This is a better address if you want to check out the above site: girlsonfilm yadda yadda

Oh, btw, I don't think the Catholic church is so strict about cross-religion marriages anymore. I don't think Colin had to become a Catholic to marry one, although marrying in a Catholic church may mean having to promise to bring one's children in the faith.

Someone stop this nonsensical program. If that's the way it wants to play it, then it's time to sail away. I'm sick and tired of the world today and the feeling seems to be mutual. :-/

Hi I finally made it. Hello everyone, I have been a lurker for almost a year and with a bit of pursuasion from a certain someone I have plucked up courage to join in. I amreally new at this and hope you will bear with me but I am an avid CF fan and love to read all you comments.

Arami,.......I believe you were having that same duplicating problem on #97.Count Almasy is at it again. (Heide)Anytime, you want to discuss the "merits" of this film, I'll be right there with you. Perhaps, since it is now available to everyone on Video, we could discuss ATA next on #98. Up to Karen and Heide.... Hey Girls...I am a practicing Catholic and it is a different set of rules now . Of course,it has always depended on the diocese.(And Italy might be more or less strict than most). But one does not have to go through all the sacramental rituals. Baptism from any Christian religion is accepted. And no, one does not have to promise to bring up children in the RC faith. Often priests and ministers/rabbis co-perform the ceremony. We're pretty hip....:-)) (But the 50% divorce rate holds true for Catholics as well)

****WELCOME ANN.....**** Hey kids...this is really a Red Letter Day. Ann is one of the most devoted fan of CF that I know. (JE too). And I've known her for over a year. Great to have you posting....(though she has always been with us in spirit.) (I should talk....I was a lurker for six months and as Nan says: "Now we can't get rid of her"!!)

(winter) I actually would think Parker Posey would be the Queen of Miramax. No, most consider her Queen of the Indies (the real indies). Was shocked to see that she has entered the mainstream with "You've Got Mail." Going to have to check out the new sites. Thanks ladies.

Haven't checked out the Sun-Times yet, but Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune didn't list SiL in his top 10 (actually 11) of 1998. Number 1 was Babe: Pig in the City.

(Evelyn)(But the 50% divorce rate holds true for Catholics as well) Well, that proves that we Catholics are human as well. ;-) * Ann, welcome to the madhouse. Another Brit? Yeah, baby, let's Firth! Round and round... that feels good...

(Karen)Re: Siskert top 10: Number 1 was Babe: Pig in the City. You're kidding....that was panned by every critic. The guy's losin'it.

Well friends, I just got back from the Philippines a couple of days ago and Drool has been abuzz! It has taken me two hours just to catch up on this topic and I have yet to go to all the other CF items to check what lovelies might be there. Dame Winter, you are my hero and I humbly bow before your bravery in the face of great odds. How I wish I had been there with you! Heide wrote to me in Manila about your adventure and I can't believe I missed it. I have to admit to a few days of severe depression to be stuck so far from home and missing such important things. I also missed getting to see Garth Brooks perform live and possibly meet him afterwards (one of my dearest friends got me a free ticket, if you can believe it.) I missed that to , sigh. This *#$&*@! job! Let's hope that Miramax puts on a premiere for MLSF and our DB will make an appearance. jen, I'll meet you there for sure! Now that you and Livia are old friends, we should have no trouble getting a group photo with you-know-who :-).

Welcome my dear Ann. I see that you made it. Do join in the fun. I know that you will enjoy it and you are in such good company. My dear friends: I have been Catholic my whole life. I married in the church many years ago and it was a long,long service. Very old fashion. Back then you had to marry a Catholic. Now, not that way. At least not in my parish. Even when y son was baptised 2 1/2 years ago not both Godparents had to be Catholic although his were. I hope that marriage survives, indeed, at times any marriage is trying.

Couldn't decide if this belonged here or in Darcy Drool??? By now, many have heard that P&P, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are featured and discussed in "You've Got Mail," but is it known that Colin's face is actually shown? There is a shot of Tom Hanks reading the Modern Library edition of P&P, the one with the A&E cover. Shame that Nora Ephron didn't take it further by having Colin and Jennifer sitting at the next table at one of the cafe scenes. Like a little Hitchcock touch...

Perhaps, since it is now available to everyone on Video, we could discuss ATA next on #98. Huh! I've just failed miserably to re-rent the ATA video. I've a bit of time to myself tomorrow as my family are all busy(and I'm on top of Christmas!) , so I thought I'd watch ATA properly! (We covert CF fans have to take our fixes secretly!) BUT, could I get hold of a copy...NO, I could NOT! Tried three video rentals ...and in each one, all copies were out on loan. Admittedly they don't hold many copies (as compared with wall-to-wall "City of Angels" , "Wag The Dog" etc.) But, STILL... At Blockbusters, I actually asked about the availability of "A Thousand Acres, with Michelle Pfeiffer" and was most taken aback when the assistant yelled out to his colleague "Hey Malc, any copies of that Colin Furf movie?". Damn, my cover blown! I don't know if this is news, but I'm an optimist by nature, so I'm taking it positively, as it's the first time I've seen a date mentioned. In Entertainment Weekly Online, there's an article on HF (she's no 12 in Entertainers of the Year...well done, Helen!) I quote.. "If BJD was a movie (and by early 2000 it will be, courtesy of Working Title Films, makers of Four Weddings and A Funeral) Hollywood would call it a chickflick.." The first details of SIL were released in January of this year, for a shoot beginning in March, and a release date end 98/beginning 99. So BJD could be similar. As I said, I'm an optimist!! The article also says that in the sequel to BJD, "we'll see what happens when someone like BJ actually gets the guy". The URL is: http://cgi.pathfinder.com/ew/features/981225/yearend/fielding.html Hello there, Ann!

Hello Bethan, and everyone for a lovely welcome. We Brits are few and far between, I guess we are still catching up on the internet. Does anyone know if Colin is still on his "well-earned break" (FAQ), one film a year is just not enough, I do hope we hear of something soon.