Sorry :-(

My thought exactly, Gi. If I cannot get to 3DOR, at least let me see the theater posters. There are usually large easel-type and the smaller behind glass type. Perhaps you could get them all. I believe they just toss them when the run is over. Go for it Renate!

(Renate)If you don't hear anything it is because the tv does not report anything - or that I missed it. Are there any fans going to Berlin to see Colin?

In the interview he mentions a house overlooking vineyards, but around Citta delle Pieve they're really not found. Alas a mystery! (Moon) Aha! Perhaps a deliberate ploy to throw super-sleuthing fans off the track! it got him a 3 page spread and a not bad pic in the contents page of PEOPLE. (Evelyn) Forgot to mention...I thought that the People article was a very positive and complimentary one, and excellent PR for Colin, particularly if it was read by people who had heard of him but didn't know much about him. Would definitely appeal to Mums....nice upbringing, likes children and animals! 3DOR...I see that EM's last outing on the stage was in "Hurlyburly" in 97. If I'm not mistaken it won the Olivier "Best drama" award...I certainly remember some very glowing reviews for the performance. Ben, Evelyn...JE's new film opems on Friday, but against stiff competition...Eddie Murphy's latest , Nick Nolte in "Affliction", and Jackie & Hilary on general release. And SIL, A Bug's life, and Little Voice are still going strong. I coninue to be amazed by the sheer quantity of movies releases each week..the market really is saturated, as there's normally only room for one "winner", and some very good films go to the wall. No specific mention of JE so far, only Kathy Burke ("our most popular & talented ctress"...really, you could have fooled me!) Is GP in Berlin? Hadn't realised that Colin was going. He's very conscientious, these days, isn't he!

That's just it, he is being very conscientious and working very hard to promote SIL, and yet he appears to have been dropped in the run-up to the Oscars, Susan says he is not mentioned in the US advertising media hype anymore and there is no mention of him on the upgraded website, I feel really sorry for him, especially as BA is still there.

Kathy Burke? Que? "But what is it that it is, this history?" as our French friends say. A load of bollocks, that's what. Let the rest of England have Ms Burke, then; I will settle for La Deesse, Aphrodite herself, the blessed JE. While all the others are fawning over KB's decidedly unappealing face, I will marvel at Jennifer's peach-like skin, melt before her radiant eyes, quiver helplessly in front of her firm but..ENOUGH. Sorry. But I ask you.

Finally Shakespeare in Love has opened everywhere in the US this weekend. Should really see the dollars piling in now. I had to go to Philadelphia to see it the first time - bah! the heathens - they didn't enjoy it half as much as the good natured plebians in my hometown theater today. Feeling very good about the reception this film is getting worldwide. The hype is difficult to live up to but it seems to be meeting everyone's expectations. Have no idea who Kathy Burke is.

Kathy Burke ("our most popular & talented actress"...) Never heard of her. But I did hear that THis Year's Love is getting good reviews..... (NEON Mag...[never heard of it, either] gave it 5 stars.....) Right On!! **** I read in Variety that GP was going to the Berlinale for SIL release. (Germany is the second biggest boxoffice market in the world aft the US...sez Variety.) Then Kirsten posted that Colin was also going to be there. **** In Okla. City SIL went from 2 cinemas to 6 this week!!!It's featured in all the malls. Never thought these cowboys would go to a film with Shakespeare in the title!!They love it!! It's drawing people from all levels.

Kathy Burke was in Absolutely Fabulous and played Queen Mary in Elizabeth. the one who died of cancer. She is an extremely funny comedienne.

She is also in Dancing at Lughasa (the Irish film with Meryl Streep and Sophie Thompson among others), a real tearjerker.

Here's a Valentine's Day's link: http://www.firth.com/html/nanvald99.html

http://www.mediaweb-tv.de/english/ifb99/990214/shakespeare.html CF attending press conference in Berlin!!!!

With very short hair? I checked out the Sunday papers today incase there was anything about 3DOR. The Donmar are advertising their "American imports" season but list only the other two plays, not 3DOR. Other productions about to open in the next two or three weeks have largish ads with details and photos of the cast. It looks as though they're keeping 3DOR very low-keyed in terms of advance publicity. The last two Donmar productions.."The Blue Room" and "In the Woods".. both secured Best Actress nominations in the Olivier awards, so they're maintaining a high profile reputation.

Here's a place where you can vote for SIL. Or for any other film, for that matter, but this case does not apply here, or does it? Go to the "B�rometer": http://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlinale/

As the time nears for the run of 3DOR, my despair grows. Since I am unable to join the lucky ladies in London, I pretended I was readying myself for the trip: Items to Pack for the 3DOR Trip 1. Clingy little black dress (CLBD) 2. Tummy tucking, thigh slimming, hip slip to wear under CLBD 3. Large emergency reserve of chocolate 4. Loose-fitting, stretchy trouser ensemble (see no. 3) 5. Box of black Sharpie permanent markers (the best for autographs) 6. Travel-size tube of Renova (must look dewy for Colin) 7. Bottle of Valerian capsules (OTC natural sedative) 8. Lap top computer (to chronicle the 3DOR trip and log onto Drool) 9. Micro audio cassette recorder (for bootleg tapes of 3DOR) 10. Name and phone number of attorney (in the event of arrest at the Donmar for possession of No. 9) 11. Atomizer of CF-friendly cologne (essence of Creme Brulee, perhaps) 12. Large bottle of anti-frizz hair serum (March weather in London) 13. Paperback copy of Don Quixote (never too early to research background information on Dom Quick for future film discussions at Drool) 14. Small box of Altoids (industrial-strength breath mints for backstage visits) 15. Camera and several rolls of film (Firth photo-ops)

Lisa don't think that lot will fit in my handbag, even though my husband says I usually carry the kitchen sink in it, LOL. Renata, thanks for the Press conference link, however , if you click on to news there is another photo of the press conference which you can enlarge and it is clearer. Evelyn, I am home earlier than I expected, I shall go to Chat.

Lisa, that's wonderful. A definite Bridget entry. Will you lend me your clingy black dress? Sorry, that sounds like I'm rubbing it in. Perhaps you can fit in my handbag? Renate, the link is wonderful. I went to the press conference and love him in it. It took forever to download but the wait was worth it for his darling, pithy comments. Okay, I'm blithering again. He was the only actor there! What a good, good boy. There must be a reason he's working so hard for Harvey. It's got to be that push for MLSF, Bethan. I think he was wearing that same black shadow striped t-shirt he wore in the A&E interview. Could you tell Renate? Conference was very short and only 2 questions directed to Colin. He was self conscious, don't you think? but still charming. His public performance continues to improve. One thing he could improve on would be knowing how to end his an wers...sometimes they drone on though I can listen to that voice all day long. Any more news Renate? Pictures possibly?

Almost forgot and forgive me my self-indulgence here but my best friend Debbie had a dream last night and had to tell me. Here's her e-mail: It starts (I think) where we're at a Crime Watch meeting. My brother is there talking about GPU and the electricity choices you have and hands out a brochure which actually turns out to be an Avon catalog sponsored by GPU(!). ANyway, on the way out you ask me if my apartment is tidy and I said yes and you said good because Colin needs a place to stay for two days. I say, Colin who and you say Colin Firth!! The next thing I remember is Colin is sitting in my apartment (which really didn't look my apartment) and he's a little heavier, has a broken foot and looks so darn cute. Apparently, you and he have become internet buddies (I'm not making this up) and he's divorcing his wife and you and he are an item. I'm pissed because you never told me about this and kept it a secret from me. That's it, I think.

For those of us who can't download the press conference video clip there is transcript of the press conference at Lisbeth's Timeline website. I agree heide he is wearing the same t shirt, perhaps we should club together and get him another one.

Thank you Renate, for the beautiful Valentine...it's P&P for me tonight folks.

Lisa, LOL! Who needs Helen Fielding! And Heide, that dream! So, you and he are an item, we-e-ll!!!! :-) (Why the broken foot?)

Thank you, Renate. Some darling moments with him. And the wry comment about representing the very small contingent of those NOT nominated for an Oscar. I have it saved so I can watch it over and over. And, so I shall! Please, someone bring it to Hilo...Oh, yes, and the mandatory question referring to Darcy. I smiled knowingly!

Those attending 3DOR need a fashionable handbag which is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. I have been known to have one. That, or get one with wheels =)

MARCIA!!! How do you save a Real Player video clip??? Please let us know, quick!!!

Yes, Marcia, how did you do it? I have heard that you need a fully licensed version of the Real Player, not the free version most of us have. How large is the file? Would it be possible to send it as a mail attachment? Or could you save it on a floppy disc?

Boot the player. on top bar choose Presets, then the top option under presets is Add to Presets (or control+A) click add to presets. It will ask you where you want it. I made CF his own folder.

checking on your questions on how to get it to you if you cannot save it. Mine is not the paid-for Real Player!!! I watched him in full screen just like I watch the space shuttle. For best results, let the entire file download, then replay it.

Oh dear, I sincerely hope each of you download the file again and as it plays click the Presets and save it. I have used find/file or folder and it is no where to be found. Must be stored in the Real Player=) I have lots of files in there and none are in my PC files. (yes, they are, but I have not yet found them) I will keep at it. I know it works as it is playing as I write this - my preset file copy.

Thank you very much, Marcia, for your advice. Meanwhile I have downloaded an upgraded version, but I cannot find that preset button - guess I'll have to read the help file :-/.

He was quite the comedian at the press conference in Berlin. Got lots of laughs. Maybe this will encourage the Berlin Film Festival people to give him an award since he was the only star to stay for the press conference. Looked good too, lots of smiles (dimples). I wish I could get a tape of it. BTW who is going to London for DOR. (I would like to send you some hate mail), Just kidding.

Hold on....it is across the top of your player where File View Options Presets Sites Help are located.

It is a pulldown menu type item like you are looking at now on the top of your browser where is says File Edit View etc. Not a button.

If your Real Player is not in English, Presets is the fourth from the left, and the saving place is the first line when it unreels its menu.

I knew it. I just *Knew* it! We do get everything last in Hawaii. Tonight, after a lovely dinner out, we went shopping. There were Caroline-of-Monaco People issues all over the place. Loads of them. So, if anyone is still without, just let me know. My Email address here works. The one consolation is that hours after everyone's PC's and everything else has crashed on 1/1/00, ours will still be working!

Two thoughts have struck me recently seeing Colin in the flesh and in live interviews, and that is how well he is looking compared to how he looked in December and in the A&E interview. I have to say, and I would only say this to his friends, that his face was looking a little baggy in the film and in the A&E interview, but now it seems much firmer, he is slimmer and seems much younger and very happy and confident, it is amazing and I can't wait to see him in March in the "flesh" again. The other thing is that he seems to have a good relaltionship with Johm Maddan always joking and laughing with him as shown at the Berlin PC and the London Premiere, and he has said how he admires him as a Director (in the A&E interview) , that it would be wonderful if they could continue their collaboration by working together on the forthcoming Mary Queen of Scots, JM would be perfect to direct it for the BBC and I have always hoped that Colin would be offered a part in it, and hopefully a starring role this time.

(SusanMc) I guess they threw in BA because it's an American audience and he's a past Oscar winner (albeit for writing). And he apparently appeals to the younger audience segment who may be initially turned off by Shakespeare, IMO. BA brings them in so BA bumps CF. I saw the new ad yesterday. Pictures are different but those featured are the same going back to GG nominations. Colin's position in the credits hasn't changed because (I believe) billing is determined in the actor's contract (I remember Colin making a comment alluding to that in TEP). I also compensate for my frustration at his omission by noting the People article. As I said at 115, I'll settle for the subliminal approach! Thank you, thank you for the press conference (and other) links, Renate! Such an unexpected treat! Love his sense of humor!! He really broke them up. Yes, Ann, he does seem happy and confident but I thought that came through in the A&E interview too (once his nose stopped running). I fervently wish I could also see him in the flesh. Sigh. (LisaJH)Items to Pack for the 3DOR Trip LOL! Very productive way for you to sublimate your inability to go. I just pout :-p . I would also add: one (1) package of tissues (or large cloth hanky) to catch drool. May need more than 1 if reputed wet shirt scene is indeed included. So, Heide, do you know how to care for a man with a broken foot? He'd be rather a captive audience, I might add! Your friend truly knows you well!!

Thanks for all the links, plus LOL list Lisa, a veritable antidote to wet Mondays!!

SusanMc) I guess they threw in BA because it's an American audience and he's a past Oscar winner (albeit for writing). In an recent interview Harvey said he had to beg BA and RE to be in SIL. BA's "Good Will Hunting" produced the biggest box office revenue that Mira max has ever had. Both of these stars are recognizable and bankable worldwide.

Thanks Renate for the link. Unfortunately, it takes so long load and my husband has been around me all weekend, so no Colin for me. I'll try to read the transcript at Lisbeth's as you suggested AnnW, but it's not the same. I too noticed the new SIL ad. without him. I agree that they want the BA fans to see it.

I am sure you can still download it. Try! It is lovely to have his voice saying the words and his fantastic face smiling at you! BTW, did anyone succees in saving it on their Real Player other than me?

I tried to follow your instructions but don't seem to have been successful. It is possible that the free version of Real Player only allows the use of Presets as bookmarks.

Btw, what is the size of the saved file, Marcia?

The file is 20 KB plus a little. I asked my cyberson why I could not find the download(after convincing him I had all of my browsers offline). He says they are as streaming video and it just rewinds and plays what you have downloaded. If yours is like mine, when I download the file it somes in bits and pieces and stops freezing the picture and cutting off the sound. I looked again into my "REAL' files and there were about 15 files dated yesterday. It must have been the bits and pieces which it puts t gether to make the "movie". Once you have downloaded it and have your Real Player up, look in the File column, and it should be there. On mine it is. My version is 6.0.3.143 (Look in Help then About Real Player).

sorry for the mal-typing. Unfortunately I cannot tell which bits and pieces of the Real Player files belong to the press conference, as I downloaded severa; things yesterday.

My thanks as well for the link, Renate. It was wonderful to hear Colin's voice, even over my dinky little speakers. I thought Colin's response to the question re: whether he had accepted the part of Wessex to try to get away from the Darcy image was interesting. He said something to the effect that he had stopped thinking about Darcy as soon as he shot his last scene of P&P2. But in the '97 Vogue article, didn't he say he had felt haunted by Darcy, unlike with other parts he had played? Contradicting himself again. He obviously does not realize how we droolers hang on his every word.

Susan MC ...He said something to the effect that he had stopped thinking about Darcy as soon as he shot his last scene of P&P2. But in the '97 Vogue article, didn't he say he had felt haunted by Darcy, unlike with other parts he had played? What is it that Lizzie said to Jane when asked"But I thought you disliked Mr. Darcy"..."AT times like this it is unforgivable to have a good memory" ;-)

I want to thank you too, Renate. Great to hold the amplifier in my hand and feel the resonance of his voice... (Susan)Didn�t he say he had felt haunted by Darcy It�s interesting how eagerly he seems to be putting down the D role down again and again. After all, it WAS his biggest break ever and made him internationally known, not forgetting all the praise of critics, thousands of fans etc. It almost looks like ungratitude to me, and not very humble. So, there must be some pretty good reasons for his attitude, whatever they are.

I can think of much worse parts to be type-cast than Darcy. He does not protest about Playmaker! It must be because of his fondness for the part =P (Elena)Great to hold the amplifier in my hand and feel the resonance of his voice... Oh yesssss! As he was speaking during the initial download I came bounding into the room yelling "that's Him!" and rejoicing that I had the wonder of a permanent Colin voice file instead of just the short .wav files I have collected.

*^^&&#@$&^&% forgot the close italics bit. sorry!

this shall not be tolerated!!!!

He does not protest about Playmaker! Maybe I should see it, to gain some perspective.....it must be brilliant because he did once wish Playmaker to �sink without trace�!

(Marcia), He does not protest about Playmaker! It must be because of his fondness for the part. HA! The truth comes out!!! I haven't had the time to unload it yet, but I did read the transcript (such an impatient girl), Colin did seem more relaxed doing a group interview than a one on one. I would love to have seen the NY press conference with the whole cast. I wonder if he was able to get a word in. The questions were probably directed more to GP, BA, etc. I still have not been able to get a release date for FP. I'm starting to have my doubt of a US release at all.

The Three Deers! Your revised www.colinfirth.com site is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! Have barely had time to skim through because of family members breathing down my neck ("You're not on the Internet again!") Great Berlin pics. Moon, I think FP has a May release.

Sneaked back on! Hey, Ann, your Premiere photos are TERRIFIC!! You're a professional. I'd not seen them before, and I'm very impressed. As to the winner of "The Most Handsome" award...no contest! He really looks v.cute. Is that Tom Wilkinson next to him. and are Simon Callow and Imelda Staunton small? I think GP and CF make a good (professional) couple....maybe Viola made a wise choice in Wessex after all! :-) And, coming in very late on that fascinating debate, I do think Livia looks enceinte..otherwise it's a rather odd choice of dress!

Thankyou Bethan, and what do you think of my idea for John Madden to direct Mary Queen of Scots, with Colin starring, of course.

Oh yes I.S is very short and she is a very funny lady. No offense to JF, but in real life Colin is much better looking and much smarter than JF, but then I am rather biased.

" Re: Playmaker...Actually in an interview he did refer to P. as a "piece of crap". (No one will disagree with him there) ***** New colinfirth.com "facelift "is terrific....as we say now...cool! Congrats. ******* Re: His attitude towards the role of Mr; Darcy..wanting to shake it etc. Someone posted this on the P&P Board: On this Valentine's Day, you may be interested in a non-scientific poll conducted by the Washington Post's weekly Book World. Readers were asked to name up to 5 favorite love stories. Over 400 readers responded, with P&P ranked first (and JA the only author with two works in the top group). . "But the most popular selection was by a writer who was almost unknown during her lifetime and whose sphere was the narrow world of an English clergyman's spinster daughter. Yet 181 years after her death, Jane Austen continues to beguile readers of very different backgrounds. Of Austen's _Pride and Prejudice_ one of our respondents ... wrote, "This, without doubt, is one of the greatest, most timeless love stories ever written ... the characters are so realistic that it is almost impossible not to identif them with someone in your life." ****** I don't think he has a chance of ever shaking this role....it's his link to immortality...he better give up!!

I am sorry to say that I was not in Berlin to see CF. I had so many problems to get tickets ( I have spend hours on the phone or internet and DID NOT GET the tickets ;-( ) And there were rumours that a lot of big stars like B.Willis and Colin Firth !!! would not come to Berlin ! So I didn t went to Berlin. Now I know that HE was there ;-(((((( I hope you are not angree with me that I didn t make it ! But I will be in London and I am looking forward meeting a lot of Firth-fans there !! SORRY !!!

Could someone please put up the URL for Ann's pics? At colinfirth.com, the premier pix link gave me Geocities mainpage with "could not find" message. (Evelyn)I don't think he has a chance of ever shaking this role....it's his link to immortality...he better give up!! He should be grateful and gracious about it. Perhaps it will come with age. He is still a little new at this business of being the fantasy-figure (for lack of a better term) for so many!

Sabine, do not worry about Berlin. The weather was probably rainy, he would have had to hurry in with his coat over his head to keep from getting wet, and you would not have seen him anyway. There, do you feel better?! You will get hours of uninterrupted staring at him in London. On Purpose! And no one will mind in the least! I envy your closeness to him. Enjoy! Then recall every nuance and post back here. We forgive all in pursuit of CF =)

Could someone please put up the URL for Ann's pics? At colinfirth.com, the premier pix link gave me Geocities mainpage with "could not find" message. Strange, Marcia, because that page is not even near Geocities anywhere, but on firth.com. I would recommend to try that link again. However, here it is: http://www.firth.com/prempic/annprem.htm BTW, I definitely cannot find any file on my disk that resembles the press conference. You see it's a hopeless case. :-) But thank you anyway. I have now written to them, will let you know if there's some interesting reply.

Sabine, I want to join Marcia: don't worry you couldn't be there. The tickets were sold out early, and you wouldn't have had any access to the press conference - you wouldn't even have know he was there! But I think there may be a chance to get another glimpse of him (in the media) the next weekend. SIL seems to be ranking very high with the critics, so perhaps there will be an award, and subsequently an award ceremony!

Oooh, thank you Renate! I was just adoring and getting moist over the last pic of AnnW's. It is not his face this time, but from the bac; all torque, long lean, agile grace. Ummmmmm!!!!! The one I had trouble with was the offsite one of the Premier in LA and NY. I could not find a place title with Premier Pix on colinfirth.com. I should have hunted harder. Thank you for your help. I hope you were able to save your Berlinale file. You do not have to have your browser up, but you do need to be online to rerun it. Somewhere, where I cannot collect it and send it to others, it exists and reappears each time I want it.

Sabine....you were the first to tell us that Colin would be at the Berlinale and you were so right. So you see..you started the ball rolling.And ended with Renate giving us the press conference URL.So we are indebted to you!! Roll on March the 6th!!

I don't think our DB is ungracious about his Darcy role - he never said it affected him negatively (did he?). I don't think saying the role haunted him is a rap on the character but more on the sensation he created and which he was unprepared at that time to take on. I do agree it sounds contradictory to what he said in Berlin. Still.... Love the way he says "palpably" in a sentence so naturally as he does at the Berlinale... " the Mr. Darcy image isn't clinging to me as palpably as others may think." After all, it was his brains that first attracted me. ;-) Also like that he got Hostages into the conversation. That's something you rarely hear him talk about. Of Austen's _Pride and Prejudice_ one of our respondents ... wrote, "This, without doubt, is one of the greatest, most timeless love stories ever written Thanks for the quote, Evelyn. I agree wholeheartedly that P&P is one of the most romantic stories ever. Felt it at age 13 and still agree almost 30 years later. (Marcia) all torque, long lean, agile grace. What a marvelous description. Let me second your UMMMMM!

(Heide)P&P is one of the most romantic stories ever. Felt it at age 13 and still agree almost 30 years later. Indeed it is. I fell in love with it at 14 (before all of you were born=P). That is what makes the Fan Fiction so special. It enlarges and prolongs a story we cannot bear to have end. Thank all of you for being so inspired from this avid reader of FanFic.

I love P & P too. I always imagined as a young girl reading it and imagining what Darcy would have looked like. I loved CF as Darcy. I would have loved Greg WIse as Wickham though.

I think it must have been an Italian suit, (it hung so well) he really looked gorgeous in it and I too love your description Marcia, couldn't have put it better. That evening seems like a dream now but my enduring impression of that evening is how slim, young and well Colin looked, and so smart, obviously Livia's influence.

Let us fervently pray that the"costume" for 3DOR, is the same league!! Although I doubt it. I have noticed that he favours black a lot, as in Berlin. Perhaps he should "have his colours done"! I wonder which season he would be? perhaps the lovely Livia will encourage him to be more adventurous and now he doesn't have to worry about dropping ash on clothes or them reeking of smoke. I thought your description of him perfect Ann. He looked so good take note Martin Clunes.

Let me join the others in my praise for the new look of colinfirth.com. Great job, 3 Deers! Your efforts are appreciated. Interesting discussion about Colin and the consistency of his responses regarding Darcy and otherwise. IMO he's got mixed feelings about the whole Darcy thing and his response depends on his mood. He's grateful for the recognition but wants some for his other work, too. I also find it interesting to note the conflict in other areas--take the casting of Wessex, for example. In some quotes he says he was happy to take on the bad guy role, that he doesn't always have to be the romantic lead, etc. yet in the A&E interview he says (and makes similar allusive comments at the press conference) that he would have preferred to play Shakespeare. Again, I think his answer depends on his mood or the circumstances in which the questions are asked. I'm immensely enjoying all these opportunties to see Colin as Colin but nonetheless it's the "public Colin" we're seeing, sound bites, out-of-context or incomplete quotes, edited interviews and all. He's in there somewhere, protecting his privacy. And P&P--didn't read it until 1997, after I saw the miniseries. Never heard of Darcy until Colin :-p !

BTW, the Donmar says the running time for 3DOR is approx 2hrs and 30mins. Which gives some of us about 5 hours of reporting back to do! Some of you Ladies are in for a treat (or not depending on our ability to remain calm and coherent). Heide says the script doesn't appear to be that long so I will check again. Maybe he takes off his shirt in slow slow motion!!

Can�t believe it, we�re back in P&P! Great, I do not think that anything about it will ever grow too old to discuss or admire. (Heide)...Darcy role - he never said it affected him negatively (did he?) In an interview by the Finnish ANNA magazine (and it seems to have been a real interview, not just a mishmash from other sources, with original pics too) in 1997, Colin said that the Darcy role did not contribute to his career in the sense that after Darcy he did get much more scripts to read than before but they were also a lot worse than before, for instance a lot of parts were offered in �silly� American tv-series etc. About the renewed www.colinfirth.com: I believe it is now (as it was before) the sort of site that he could be really proud of, and that he�ll probably admire his fans for it. Good colours, good layout, easy to find everything, no naivety.

.....5 hours of Colin?! The thought makes me dizzy. Btw, I haven�t noticed anywhere any info about the roles in 3DOR, I mean, which one is Colin�s? Hope it IS a 2,5 hours role (!!) but of course we cannot know in advance by the script how the play and the roles are treated eventually.

Elena, That cover picture of him on ANNA is my favorite in Darcy Guise but not from the film. I think it must have been a publlicity picture. It most assuredly is DDG (Drop Dead Gorgeous). I truly hope that he never again tries a foreign-to-him accent. The only times Olivier made me cringe was when he did. F I V E hours of Firth! I shall stock up on vitamins and other fortifiers to be ready for every second of that time. What fun! I am looking forward to it as much as if I were really going to be there....well, Almost!

(Lizza) Maybe he takes off his shirt in slow slow motion!! (Elena).....5 hours of Colin?! The thought makes me dizzy. I have a mental picture of all you lucky ladies watching these performances. However shall you restrain yourselves?

(Marcia)Thank all of you for being so inspired from this avid reader of FanFic. I never thought Fan Fic existed till I logged on Drool...only on the Internet. The stories are better than the published ones.I am v. grateful to all the gifted ladies who post on Drool. ( I don't read 'em on any other website...except Laura's "Olivia", a cute take-off on Bridget) ******** Colin said that the Darcy role did not contribute to his career in the sense that after Darcy he did get much more scripts to read than before but they were also a lot worse than before, He said the opposite on this side of the pond in VOGUE. Agree that it depends on his mood.I am just grateful that he took the role and portrayed Mr. Darcy so romantically .I don't care how he feel about it now.It's Done...and we're the richer for it.Wonder if he regrets it.......

I've been working on these files and reading the postings about the 3DOR expedition to darkest London. If those purportedly going do not come back with some tangible evidence, we shall be forced to conclude you set up this ruse to make us jealous and have gone off to Cleveland for the weekend.

and have gone off to Cleveland for the weekend. I'd rather go to Philadephia.

Marcia, what kind of evidence are you thinking about?

Just a snap of grinning droolers in front of the DonMar Theatre. Do NOT (Please!!) try to lop anything off our man. He will never trust us again! You need not even hold up "We Love You Colin" signs which I know you will be hiding in those loose jumpers you all will be wearing ;)

I chose Cleveland because it is like white bread. Nice, but not as excilting as Philadelphia. OK, do not attack me...Cleveland just popped into my head.

You guys that are set to see 3DOR are in for such a treat. Please try to refrain yourselves. Five hours of Colin. Makes me dizzy also.

Slightly off topic but Jennifer Ehle is being interviewed today on This Morning at 11.15am GMT, first time she has been interviewed on British TV since P&P first aired.

(Marcia) That cover picture of him on ANNA is my favorite Afraid it�s not a cover pic, he�s never been in a mag cover over here and what�s more, that article was the ONLY one about him that I�ve seen here (except for a small picture of him and Livia with a few lines in the same mag before they married). Just a snap of grinning droolers in front of the DonMar Theatre We really should persuade Colin to join us in that pic!! Seriously, sieging the stage door or any other stunt of that sort is out of question (at least for me it is) because I believe he wouldn�t appreciate it.

Hi everyone. I just booked my tickets to 3DORs for Friday and Saturday March 5 and 6. (I need 10 hours of CF) Can I come to the dinner on Saturday, March 6? Or is it too late. My seats are in the stalls is that bad? The guy at the Donmar ticket office says they are downstairs.

(Elena)We really should persuade Colin to join us in that pic!! Oh yes! Please try. You are a great deal braver than I, my dear, but it would be wonderful. (Jana)I need 10 hours of CF I understand completely. I did the same with Henry V and Olivier. The first time through you are so busy staring at him you do not pay much attention to what is going on around him. The second time, perhaps you will be able to tear your eyes away from time to time!

From this week's Newsweek: "When the director of Sundance fave 'Happy, Texas' sold his film to Miramax last month, he insisted on a contract clause: the studio must actually release the movie. Each year Miramax buys up to 10 films it never releases, or limits to one-week runs. Sutdio cochairman Harvey Weinstein 'gets distracted,' says the director of a flick he paid for then forgot about. All studios buy some films that don't cut it, but Miramax alone seems to bank on buying more than it can use. Weinstein grabs promising flic s (1998 Sundance Fave 'Jerry and Tom'), but if they test poorly they get shelved or go straight to video. Thus Weinstein backs only hits, crafting the rep of a Midas touch while playing to broad audiences. Miramax guards rights to films it won't release, so filmmakers watch work rot in storage, and you may miss out on some great noncommercial flicks." If I interpret this correctly, it is referring to films purchased from the Sundance Film Festival. But it got me thinking about MLSF...of course Miramax made that film, they didn't buy it. But after so many delays in its release, one has to wonder. (Wonder, not panic. Things have been going so well for Colin so far this year!)

Hi JanaC. The saga continues as to where and when we will be eating on Saturday. Lizza or I will notify everyone when it's determined and we'll certainly include you. I hope you'll continue posting. Such interesting discussions we've been having. Poor Colin. We're having this ongoing discussion on conflicting statements he makes and I have to remind myself that probably everyone does this. We just never notice because we could care less what any other actor says. Poor boy, we dissect and interpret every comment out of his mouth. Ah, but what do we live for? ;-)

It is like Nan told me when I was a newbie all those years ago. We have unclothed him, washed him, examined him, dried him, reclothed him, etc. There is little about him that misses our notice (or words to that effect.) Indeed, it is what we love for.

(Marcia) it is what we love for... Indeed... :-)

Arami-- I asked you some time ago about the deprived noncomputerized friends who like a People copy, and you gave no answer...have they got their satisfaction?? Or have they ain't got no...etc? Anybody want a 60-p. e-mail of the script of "Three days of Rain"? I've heard it has already got out, but just in case you haven't gotten your connections yet and have lots of paper, I can e-mail you the whole thing (I thought I saw KarenR can do it too...but more compactly!) I,m wishing everyone going a wonderful time and enough chutzpah to dare to send the complimentary messages to our DB without going over the line into making him "go to ground". He deserves to know how important and admired he is, and you all deserve to know that he appreciates it (and he does, ladies...he does...in spite of all the edging around...). And especially compliment him on his taste in wives!!

Sutdio cochairman Harvey Weinstein 'gets distracted,' says the director of a flick he paid for then forgot about. Distracted is hardly the word... I had dinner with a film industry friend two nights ago, and the topic of conversation fell on Weinstein. He's known in the industry to sit through screenings with a plate of chicken wings or some other meal on his lap, and the joke is, he chooses films based on how rarely he needs to shift butt cheeks over the course of a movie. Remember-- he's got the big bank account, no one said he had to know anything about films. I'm such a gossip...I've already broken that 1999 resolution. BTW-- I posted this on SiL spoilers: Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman are both signing copies of the SiL screenplay this Saturday in an L.A. bookstore.

Hats off to the *renovated* Firth site, 3 Deers.....Understated elegance, just like the DB himself. I am finding it very hard of late to keep up with my prolific fellow droolers... Loved the quote about P&P, Evelyn... And as for CF ever being able to shake off the mantle of Darcy...nevuh!!!!!

MLSF and Harvey....Harvey co-produced, and it cost Miramax $8milliion. Not a huge amount in Hollywood terms I know, but I think enough to guarantee that we see it. But Harvey must pick up a lot of very low-budget indies at Sundance and similar festivals in the hope of spotting a winner! I must admit I'm not very pro Harve at the moment....I've just seen the latest SIL poster (featuring everyone except CF) and it really made me wince! What sort of message does this convey? Hardly boosts CF's bankability...4th billing, but hey, who is this guy, drop him. I know it's related to the Oscar nominations, but I'm beginning to think that JD and GR are benefitting disproportionately (it was an ensemble piece) And BA isn't even well known in the UK, so promoting him here is inappropriate. GRRRRR!!! I've lost Ann's marvellous photos. Where are they, Ann... I thought I'd seen tnem at the new 3 Deers site. And, my final gripe (I promise, 1999 is my year of positive thinking!), why, when he was looking so darned handsome and well groomed, did NO-ONE feature him in any of the SIL news items, when we literally saw everyone else, right down to the Fast Show bloke. Who interviewed him? Well, we will never know. It jusr irks me that we never see him in the UK!!!!! Thw world's best kept secret. :-) Ann, I think John Madden would be an excellent choice to direct "Mary Queen of Scots". I still think Bothwell could be a terrific role, but I supppose a lot depends on the script, and the relative emphasis given to the characters.

Throwing positive thoughts out of the window....the new SIL advert is everywhere! (Unfortunately my job includes scanning through the daily newspapers). Sorry, it really, really bugs me...it's the height of discourtesy to leave out just one of the principal players, particularly in his home country. Do Miramax have an email address? By contrast, I was reading the reviews for "This Years Love" (JE's new movie). Good reviews. What struck me was how all six performances (it's an ensemble piece)were singled out for praise. It can be done, and I continuue to be surprised at how CF was nearly always omitted, when, for example Simon Callow or Tom Wilkinson were mentioned.If Colin got half the praise given to the "brilliant" Kathy Burke, I'd be happy!!! Well, just call me grumpy. Reading papers doesn't improve my temper.

Bethan, the photos are still at the 3Deers site, go to Specials or Berlinale and scroll down to the bottom - ...annprem/ and Jana, you lucky thing 4 performances and 10 hourse of our DB, you must hold the record, I am only going to two performances, can anyone top 4 performances?!!

Also Bethan, if it had been E. Macgregor appearing at the Donmar , and appearing on stage for the first time in five year, it would have been in all the papers, but Colin nothing even though it will probably be a sell-out and only because of Colin and all his fans.

I'm with you Bethan, and it is particularly discourteous and upsetting in view of the fact that he has done an awful lot of publicity and promotion for SIL, the only actor at the Berlin FF, the London Premiere, the LA and NY Premieres, and as you say to leave out just one of the principal players is very insulting and unfair. I too will write to Miramax. As I said before I am losing interest in SIL, especially as I was only interested in it in the first place because of Colin, am now looking forward to 3DOR and DQ.

I'm a real grump today! I must admit another thing that has been seriously annoying me is the fact that the Donmar are not advertising 3DOR in the papers. For those of you in the US, i must explain that nearly every daily paper carries a half page ad showing what's on and what will be on( and who is starring) in all West End theatres. The Donmar is ALWAYS listed. But since "Into the Woods" finished, the Donmar has, surprise, surprise, not been listed. So, for once, actually doing something constructive, I pnoned the Donmar and asked why they weren't advertising 3DOR for advance bookings. Reply was that "they didn't need to advertise as it had been extremely busy". It's the first time I've known a West End production not to be advertised...so I suppose this must be a compliment to CF! Put that in your pipe, Harvey, and smoke it! Some "stars" don't need promotion!

(Bethan)...Donmar...."they didn't need to advertise as it had been extremely busy". It's the first time I've known a West End production not to be advertised. I'm glad to hear that....Although I was thrilled that Jana was able to get tickets for 3DOR on short notice, I was surprised that the weekend would not been sold out by now. Where are the adoring UK fans? Maybe he'd be happy to know of "the minute, crucial unappreciatedInternet contingent."