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(MarkG) you only have yourself to blame for this omission Bloody hell! Talk about cheek! Prime example of lack of accountability. Harumph, mileage chart shows I am 4000 miles away. Do your buildings lack windows? ;-D 30 yards away? Gaah! I cannot believe there were no signs on the street to prohibit parking, as that scene would've required a significant area to be blocked off. But you're right, it would've been filmed very late at night. Which reminds me...movie signs on next block. Must go check to see what it will be...

Will post the *missing* mobile in the dustbin scene later

Hmmm, looks like "Driven" wiped the floor with Bridge: $13,075,000 = "Driven" weekend numbers $7,500,000 = "Bridget" (Source: Hollywood.com)

Driven's $13 million is considered "modest" for that kind of movie (i.e., appealing to people who like to inhale exhaust fumes), and this is Bridget's third week. It's doing great. BTW, the wire services said this weekend was significantly down compared to last year, about 20% due to "a paucity of quality new releases as studios hold off from releasing their best films until the peak summer season, which begins next weekend with "The Mummy Returns." Bridget's earned $36.2 million. v.g.

Well, I saw BJD twice this weekend and it was packed Friday night but not even close on Saturday. But everyone that I know who has seen it completely loves it!!! Especially me!! : )

I'm gonna see it again, maybe next week.

On the AOL site they have been running a CF v HG poll. I am sure you all know about this. It was v frustrating as it is one of those polls which only allows you to vote once *shock/horror*. Well to start with, before BJD opened HG was way ahead but gradually CF cought up and overtook him. I think it now stands at CF 53.1% v HG 46.9%. At around the point that Colin overtook the Grunt a message appeared under the figures, saying something to the efect of .."this is not a scientific poll and only reflects the views of those who chose to take part"!! Do we detect bias on the part of AOL?

Karen: 30 yards away? Gaah! I cannot believe there were no signs on the street to prohibit parking, as that scene would've required a significant area to be blocked off. But you're right, it would've been filmed very late at night. There's no parking there anyway. Strange that there was never any sign of the fake snow left that I remember. But I think they play tricks with the snow-shots anyway. After all they couldn't have covered the whole Cotswolds - we went to Snowshill to look at it, and couldn't recognise the main view of the village properly (and certainly not the open country beyond).

(Mark) After all they couldn't have covered the whole Cotswolds Very likely the drive to the Darcys was done on a set somewhere. The stuff falling in the City did look computer generated. Speaking of snow, don't you like the little flakes that settle on CF during the kiss scene and that never melt as would real snow (for those of you who aren't accustomed to snow)? ;-D

(AllisonM)Do we detect bias on the part of AOL? If you could vote more than once, our efforts might be worthy of such a remark. But if you can vote only once, then disclaimers are unkind to ODB. Probably the F***wits at AOL only knew who HG is, so assumed they knew how the poll would come out. HAH! Any poll that ODB wins is scientific and extremely accurate! Ben, care to comment on scientific nature of statistics and polls on the web?

The stats on spring.net this week show a definite influence of Bridget Jones: Most Requested Pages Pages Views % of Total Views User Sessions Avg. Time Viewed 1 Area 404: Choose a Category http://spring.net/404.html 54,249 25.61% 10,011 00:01:44 2 Bridget Jones's Diary - news and more on the making of the movie http://spring.net/karenr/ mdbro/bjd.html 17,064 8.05% 15,286 00:00:19 3 BJD Premiere http://spring.net/karenr/ mdbro/bjdprem.html 4,313 2.03% 4,124 00:02:43 4 Colin Firth: Bridget Jones's Diary - photo gallery http://spring.net/karenr/ mdbro/bjdgal.html 3,803 1.79% 3,390 00:02:24 5 Bridget Jones's Diary - movie reviews http://spring.net/karenr/ mdbro/bjdrevsum.html 3,458 1.63% 3,218 00:02:37 6 The Bucket - Spring scoops on Colin Firth http://spring.net/karenr/ mdbro/main.html 2,983 1.4% 2,790 00:00:29 7 http://spring.net/yapp-bin/ restricted/browse/drool/all/new/ 2,719 1.28% 1,392 00:00:51 8 Colin Firth - News and updates to Colin Firth projects http://spring.net/karenr/ mdbro/news.html 2,533 1.19% 2,391 00:00:42 9 Cast Information for Bridget Jones's Diary http://spring.net/karenr/ mdbro/bjdcast.html 2,457 1.16% 2,380 00:01:41 10 Bridget Jones's Diary movie soundtrack http://spring.net/karenr/ mdbro/bjdmusic.html 2,314 1.09% 2,187 00:02:15 Sub Total For the Page Views Above 95,893 45.28% N/A N/A Total For the Log File 211,774 100% N/A N/A

(Karen) Is there a pending strike by all fact checkers? Am convinced there is no such thing as a 'fact checker.' Sorta makes me nervous when I think about all the other 'news' I read... (Karen) Had fantastic audience, which included several packs of loud female howlers, laughing at everything, hissing when Daniel returned, and oohing when Mark approached on the street. Perfect afternoon. *am content human being* Hurrah! Reminds me about the last time I saw BJ, last Tuesday at 1:45 matinee. There were about 15-20 gray-haired v. old ladies (so is not time to put that chestnut to bed, Heide ;-)). Someone who sat in the front was laughing in manner of crazed hyena at absolutely everything and even applauded at one point (not MD-related :-/). Think was either overzealous Miramax plant or v. late-blossoming Rosie Show audience member. Was a bit distracting, really.

04/28/2001 By ALINE McKENZIE / The Dallas Morning News Bridget Jones's Fan's Diary Before seeing the movie a fourth time, brush up on Jane Austen to catch the inside jokes and pass our viewers' quiz. Bridget Jones's Diary reached No. 1 at the box office this week, partly as a result of people going to see it again and again. Part of the fun for repeat viewers is catching all the in-jokes related to Jane Austen's novels. The entire plot of the original book is based on Pride and Prejudice, while the sequel, The Edge of Reason, is based on Persuasion. (Similarly, the movie Clueless was based on Austen's Emma.) But beyond that, the movie contains clever casting and cameos, using actors and actresses from movies based on Austen's novels. Crispin Bonham-Carter, for instance, appears so briefly in several scenes that he has become a sort of "Where's Waldo?" for fans. So herewith, gentle reader, we present Bridget Jones's Trivia. Colin Firth is a freebie, since he's just too obvious. Mark Darcy is based on Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Colin Firth, of course, played Mr. Darcy in the BBC's 1995 production. As he pointed out in a Today Show interview, "I'm playing somebody who's based on a character in a book who's based on a role that I played who's based on a character in a book. So I'm like one of those Escher drawings." Saturday, April 28 1. Spot Mr. Bingley at least once. 2. Loathsome boss Daniel Cleaver based on Jane Austen character. Who? 3. Bridget is not literary pariah as previously feared. Proved capable of directly quoting Jane Austen in which line? 4. V. appropriate to dump Hugh Grant in river. Why? 5. Publishing company called "Pemberley Press." Why? 6. Reindeer-clad Mark Darcy v. rude to call Bridget "a verbally incontinent spinster who smokes like a chimney, drinks like a fish and dresses like her mother." Was update of what line? 7. Loathsome-boss portrayer Hugh Grant was less loathsome in other Jane Austen role. Which? 8. Spot Bingley again. 9. What is "The Look"? 10. Snobbish, conniving Natasha based on what Austen character? 11. Was v. cunning to cast Embeth Davidtz as snobbish, conniving Natasha. Why? 12. Spot Bingley third time. 13. Mark Darcy's rather incoherent speech about liking Bridget despite having "elements of the ridiculous" about her is update of what scene? 14. Scatterbrained mum Gemma Jones played Jane Austen scatterbrained mum before. When? 15. Jane Austen never had dirty limericks in her novel. Who provided the one used in the movie? 16. Horrid blue soup not at all the thing to serve. What color soup would most oblige Miss Austen? 17. Must learn more from other fans. Bridget Jones's Answers 1. Crispin Bonham-Carter, who played Mr. Bingley in Pride and Prejudice, is talking to Salman Rushdie at the launch party. 2. George Wickham, the cad who tries to elope with Mr. Darcy's underage sister in P&P, slanders Darcy as the bad guy to Elizabeth Bennet, and later runs off with Elizabeth's underage sister. 3. "It is a truth universally acknowledged..." (Echoes the opening line of P&P: "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.") 4. He spoofs Colin Firth's scene in a sexy wet shirt in P&P. In the BJD books, Bridget and her chums watch that scene over and over. 5. Pemberley is the name of Mr. Darcy's estate in P&P. 6. After Mr. Darcy meets Elizabeth Bennet at a dance in P&P, she overhears him saying, "She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men." 7. Steadfast Edward Ferrars in Sense and Sensibility. 8. Crispin Bonham-Carter appears in Bridget's wedding fantasy scene. He's wearing a red tie. 9. How P&P fans refer to Colin Firth's intense, lovesick expression, which he reprises in BJD. See "The Look" at www2.hunterlink.net.au/~ddibd/jane/thelook.html. 10. The snobbish, conniving Caroline Bingley in P&P, who fails to marry Mr. Darcy. 11. Embeth Davidtz played the snobbish, conniving Mary Crawford in Mansfield Park. 12. Crispin Bonham-Carter is the co-worker holding the poster when Bridget quits her job. 13. In P&P, Mr. Darcy asks Elizabeth Bennet to marry him while simultaneously insulting her entire family. She is not amused. 14. Mrs. Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility. 15. Colin Firth. And we thought he was such a nice boy. 16. White soup was traditional at Austen-era dances. 17. See www.pemberley.com/bin/virtview/virtview.cgi/

http://www.hellomagazine.com/2001/04/19/bridget/ From Hello magazine, a rehash of the James Bond rumors and talk of the sequel. But the pictures posted are of RZ and CF!

LOL Mari, love that list! Essential to pass the time during certain scenes! No 18 How many times can you spot a zit on Daniel Cleaver's face, describe its location. Think you've started something , this could run and run!

OK, I shudder to admit that I am a Hugh Grant fan, so pelt me if you will...but I hasten to add that I also think Colin Firth is wonderful. (This reminds me of the days when you could be a Beatles fan or a Rolling Stones fan, but not both. I was both.) I thought I'd drop in to say that PeopleNews UK is reporting that Mr. Firth is signing up for a film version of "The Importance of Being Earnest" (the Oscar Wilde play), alongside Rupert Everett, Dame Judi Dench and (??) Reese Witherspoon. They say it will be released next year. (Meekly slinks offstage, picking ripe tomato fragments out of hair...)

You're a brave kitty. Thanks for posting. We have all that kind of Colin news over at another topic (143), but as a Hugh Grant (pls note attempt at civility) fan, I doubt you'd be interested to read that topic. This reminds me of the days when you could be a Beatles fan or a Rolling Stones fan, but not both. Quite true. I remember my older sister becoming a traitor and liking the Stones. ;-D Off to boil some pasta as have lots of tomatoes ready for the saucepan.

From Annova today - The American TV Rights to Bridget Jones' Diary have already been sold. TV Network NBC has bought the rights to show the film 3 times from December, 2003.

Here's the source article from the Hollywood Reporter: NBC puts 'Diary' down in its book By Nellie Andreeva NBC has snagged the broadcast television rights to Miramax Films/Universal's romantic comedy "Bridget Jones's Diary." In a standard acquisition deal, the network will get three airings of the critically acclaimed movie starring Renee Zellweger, beginning in December 2003. The licensing fee depends on the comedy's boxoffice performance and could be as much as $8 million-$9 million, sources said. During 17 days of release, "Diary" has grossed $36.2 million in the United States. The film adaptation of the popular British novel that co-stars Hugh Grant and Colin Firth also made an impressive debut in its homeland, bowing with $8.2 million during its opening weekend in the United Kingdom. This is the second Miramax romantic comedy with European taste and accent that has been acquired by a big U.S. broadcast network recently. CBS' deal on "Chocolat" came one month ago. ~~~~~~~ It will go to cable first though.

(Ann) TV Network NBC Bleech. Will hardly look like the movie we know. Swear words erased (what will Shazzer say?), some scenes nipped and tucked, and most importantly, cut to pieces by ten minute blocks of commercials. Am sure it will go through PPV then HBO/SHO/Starz/Cinemax etc. before it makes its way to NBC in '03. Noticed this in the print version of Newsweek yesterday, in the letters to the editor section: Bridget and Jane Your interview with the charming Renee Zellweger is very clever ("Jonesing for Miss Bridget," Arts & Entertainment, April 16). But your story neglected to credit an equally charming "older" woman whose work inspired the hilarious Helen Fileding's best-selling book "Bridget Jones's Diary." Readers and moviegoers may miss the references and a whole layer of humor if they do not realize that "Bridget Jones's Diary" is a takeoff on Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," complete wit a valiant Mr. Darcy--played, coincidentally, by the noble Colin Firth in both the new "Bridget" movie and the most recent film version of "Pride and Prejudice." Zellweger is indeed quite delightful, but as a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, I'd like to say that it's not nice to ignore Austen just because she was an even older singleton and has actually been dead for nearly 184 years. *** 'coincidentally'? Har har!

BJD is still #1 in the UK ahead of The Mexican (which incidentally received poor reviews) with over �3million. for the 3rd weekend. Excellent. I wonder how it will do against Captain Corellies (sp) Mandolin next weekend.?

I've had to sit thro' umpteen trailers of The Mexican while awaiting BJD, looks like it is "really the most incredible s&^%." as MD might say! So much publicity for CCM at the moment including a special CC night on BBC Knowledge (I think) this weekend, could well knock our Bridge for six, but doubt it will out-gross BJD's record. OK if it does I'll eat caperberry gravy!

(Lizza) OK if it does I'll eat caperberry gravy! You'll need to whisk it first. ;-) looks like it is "really the most incredible s&^%." as MD might say! *hee hee!* The Mexican got panned in the US but made decent $$, if I recall. JR and BP can't go wrong here. Hope BJD stays #1 for awhile in GB.

O.K Pam/Eileen I'm counting on your sieving skills!

(Lizza) OK if it does I'll eat caperberry gravy! (Eileen)You'll need to whisk it first. ;-) (Lizza)O.K Pam/Eileen I'm counting on your sieving skills! Oh just stir it ;-) (lizza)I've had to sit thro' umpteen trailers of The Mexican while awaiting BJD, And while awaiting BJD we are getting Capt.Corelli's trailers with Nicolas Cage's cartoonish Italian accent and Penelope Cruz's pouting lips.

(Evelyn) with Nicolas Cage's cartoonish Italian accent Now, here we go again... Whaddaya expect an Italian to sound like in English? Sounded just fine to me. Plus about all he said was "bella bambina." That's not exactly, "to be or not to be." ;-D John Hurt (playing a Greek) sounded a lot like Giancarlo Giannini to me. ;-D

Plus about all he said was "bella bambina." That's not exactly, "to be or not to be." ;-D I heard more dialogue than "bella bambina, two a'clocka.[Salute] ...you wait 'n see.

Oh just stir it ;-) All right, Una :-P (EvieUna) we are getting Capt.Corelli's trailers At least it's a new one. If I see one more for 'About Adam' or 'Serendipity', I'll scream (though like 'Schrek'. Love Eddie Murphy's line 'look at my eye twitchin').

Was at VV in Pemberley, read this: Bridget and Colin and 2 Darcys Written by L. Bennet (under topic of CF-Be still my heart) heeheehee the sequel to BJD (The Edge of Reason) was soooooo funny, I laughed till I cried when Bridg interviewed Colin Firth. She sounded like all of us would have! If Mark Darcy was supposed to be the modern day version of Fitwilliam Darcy, then....I dont know....there's something more attractive about breeches and swimming in a lake to wearing a reindeer jumper....though I would have to admit that fighting with Hugh Grant to 'It's Raining Men' was hilarious. (Colin is v. nice in person, I've met & spoken with him for a good 1/2 hr)

(Colin is v. nice in person, I've met & spoken with him for a good 1/2 hr) What,when, how??

Go and vote on the msn site for the best thing in the current crop of movies. Colin Firth's second outing as Mr D!! http://entertainment.msn.com/ Scroll to the bottom. Poll is in the right.

Hope BJD stays #1 for awhile in GB. We can't realistically expect BJD to hold off CCM even in the UK, but given its "legs", it should stay in the top three or four for a long time (or even return to No 1 in a week with no good new releases). It's not just living off repeat business. I'm always hearing people say they want to see it, or plan to see it, or even tried to see it and couldn't get in.

I'm always hearing people say they want to see it, or plan to see it, or even tried to see it and couldn't get in. Yes Mark, I have the same experience. It is almost like the old P&P days. It crops up as conversation at parties in a way that films rarely do in the UK, at least amongst wrinklies such as myself and friends!

I went to the poll and voted. ODB is in third place, but at least I approve of the first-place choice--fewer wiafs and more curves. As a "well-fed" American woman, I thought RZ looked healthy, not fat in BJD. Down with the tyranny of stick insects!

Bridget's not going to fare well this weekend in the UK. The Mummy Returns is opening and it's megablockbuster time. (Colin is v. nice in person, I've met & spoken with him for a good 1/2 hr) What,when, how?? Yeah, more details!

Karen, Guardian lists that as another fortnight away. But we do have "Along came a spider" and "La Bete." Also "Antitrust", had to sit thro' dreary trailers for that while awaiting BJD.All opening this weekend, as it is a bank holiday (and therefore likely to be awful weather!) they are counting on a good weekend showing.

(Allison, Karen) What,when, how?? Here's your answer, ladies: Written by L. Bennet ;-) (Mark) It's not just living off repeat business I'm still LOL as to how the 'repeat business' conclusion was reached (crack researchers checking fan websites, you think?). (Karen) Bridget's not going to fare well this weekend in the UK. The Mummy Returns is opening and it's megablockbuster time. Same thing over here. Definitely speaks to a different demographic!

Ooops, sorry, meant to write in the US. Gaah, have they moved my S key??? ;-D (Eileen) Here's your answer, ladies: Written by L. Bennet She only spent time with F. Darcy.

My friend who makes fun of my Colin obsession saw BJD Monday night with his cousin (and they didn�t ask me! Why? Why?). He loved the film, and finally �gets� who Colin is. My friend now wants to borrow the book. I asked him if he wanted to read the US or UK version, to which he replied, �I should have known you would have both.� His comment about Huge Gnat: �He�s lookin� old.� That made me v. happy. :-D

(Lisa) . I asked him if he wanted to read the US or UK version, to which he replied, �I should have known you would have both.� That made me laugh Lisa! :-) I mean, of course! why wouldnt you? *big grin* and couldnt agree more about HG - he looks so much older than Colin, particulary around the eyes.

Yup, his face was a lot more lined too

In "NOW" magazine HG commented about Colin being a shade older than him, but agree, ODB's 24 hours are on his side. Saw BJD last night again and Notting Hill on the W/e, it's amazing really because the last few years have not been as kind to one as to the other!

And while awaiting BJD we are getting Capt.Corelli's trailers with Nicolas Cage's cartoonish Italian accent and Penelope Cruz's pouting lips. Captain Corelli got a dreadful review in the Times today....and I mean DREADFUL. Not a redeeming feature....script, direction and acting all panned. BJD may well hold on at No 1 (had taken �21 million by the third weekend)

(Eileen) I'm still LOL as to how the 'repeat business' conclusion was reached (crack researchers checking fan websites, you think?). From that latest article in the Trib and others that mention websites, it would appear so. (Lizza) HG commented about Colin being a shade older than him, but agree, ODB's 24 hours are on his side. What a difference a day makes. ;-D Where were we listing RHPS-type directions for viewing BJD? Here or on Spoilers? Will put on Spoilers...

I found this in the Ted Casablanca column on E!Online. It sort of segues from the earlier story, but you'll get the picture. Note how Renee is now up to a 40 pound weight loss. :-)) _________________ "Will Ren�e Zellweger do?" I asked, munching on my own overpriced appetizer. "Omigodwhereisshe?" they all chirped. Apparently, diminutive goils will do nicely, thank you very much. Because that Ren�e is one tiny chick, I'm tellin' ya. Heading off my brigade of brazen vixens, I sidled up to Ms. Z. before my tablemates made a main course out of the sweet petite thang. "Oh, hi!" Ren�e said, as she waited patiently for the restroom. In jeans and a sweater that would've fit snug on one of my dining companion's delectable thighs, R.Z. seemed a bit in a daze. Twisting her hands and looking bashfully at the floor, the Houston-born lass accepted my compliments for her Bridget Jones's Diary with red-cheeked embarrassment. And since tawk of a B.J. sequel seems to be the only topic hotter than Ren�e's new lithe frame, I asked about the possibility. "Oh, I don't know," she said with a sudden will of womanliness. The little-girl act seemed to disappear right along with the 40 pounds she lost after her weighty role. "I'm not sure I want to go through that again." "You mean gaining back all the weight?" I asked. "No," she corrected. "I mean living in London again for nine months! Who cares about the weight?" Obviously, a lot of blokes--and babes. I've heard just as many critiques of Ren�e's calorie-free postperformance as the fab one she did onscreen. Regardless, Ms. Z. seemed hardly enthused by the prospect of a B.J. follow-up, my dear Diary readers, so don't hold out for a new chapter anytime soon.

(Karen) From that latest article in the Trib and others that mention websites, it would appear so. How else (unless movie theaters have installed ultra secret retinal scanning devices)? *waving to all the crack researchers* Speaking of repeat viewings (and I think I still have quite a few left in me), it's time for an updated list... YOU KNOW YOU'VE SEEN BJD TOO MANY TIMES WHEN... When dining out, you spot your favorite fish dish on the menu and promptly order the salMON. You've bought your husband a Frosty the Snowman musical tie and have it hidden away until Christmas. After seeing someone trip, the words 'mind the step!...'drive on' are out of your mouth before you know it. You find yourself wearing your sunglasses down around the tip of your nose more often. You refer to a disliked coworker as a 'verbally incontinent spinster.' You can't seem to run the vacuum cleaner without chanting 'ChechnYAAH' over and over. You know all the words to 'All By Myself.' You can't resist the urge to stock up on stuffed olives, mini gherkins and of course, Branston pickle. Breakfast is eaten straight from the box. Finally (for now ;-)), any tall, dark and handsome man you spot earns a silent 'Ding Dong!'

I was JUST about to post that from the Awful Truth! ick, I'm too slow!!!

ROTF, Eileen: Check -out your underwear... Black bra with see-thru- blouse? Nah... Chuckle when you pass a fire station. Agree with Karen...that white shirt coming down the stairs would have been perfect for a lake dunking. Bummer.

Hilarious, Eileen! Especially loved this one: You can't seem to run the vacuum cleaner without chanting 'ChechnYAAH' over and over.

LOL Eileen and Evelyn.

Great list, Eileen! Here's another one: You walk through the "intimate apparel" section of a department store and the first thing that comes to mind when you see controlling undergarments is "OH, Mummy!" I was shopping last night and saw something that would have solved one of Bridget's problems. Someone actually makes a tummy-control thong. I saw one "abandoned" near the register. Did not look too closely at this marvel of engineering, but somehow doubt that it really does much good. Finally, while I'm on this underwear thing, does anyone else find it strange that Bridget wore a bra to bed? (sorry if this should be on "spoilers.")

That was mentioned in one of the reviews, that she is never entirely in the buff in bed, but let's face it, wouldn't a girl want to wear as much as possible when faced with a huge gnat between the covers :')

Yup, I thought that was kinda weird too. I suppose it has something to do with the rating. Aren't bare boobs a no no if you want a particular raring for your movie ? They went to a lot of trouble in finding a big enough book to cover up Lara's nakedness too. Still, a sheet draped delicatley over her bare bosom, would have looked far more realistic, wouldn't it ?

That was mentioned in one of the reviews, that she is never entirely in the buff in bed, but let's face it, wouldn't a girl want to wear as much as possible when faced with a huge gnat between the covers :')

The movie was already going to be rated R in this country for the language alone. So, it's my guess that RZ didn't want to do it. That's her call and fine with me, even though it's so utterly unrealistic. ;-D

Hmmm, on second thought is udderly unrealistic. ;-D

..wouldn't a girl want to wear as much as possible when faced with a huge gnat between the covers :') ....."you mean between her thighs" But she didn't really look like a "wanton sex goddess "with that black bra. A "mummy bra too"...didn't look like no Victoria secret .

(Karen) on second thought is udderly unrealistic. ;-D Pffft! I agree with you--am sure it was up to Renee and she went for the bra. (Evelyn) didn't look like no Victoria secret Isn't that where her voluptuous boobs were housed (since hers did not cooperate with the weight gain--I believe I read that somewhere)? Had to cover up the padding. (Lizza) wouldn't a girl want to wear as much as possible when faced with a huge gnat between the covers :') *shudder* Armor would be most appropriate. ;-) (Evelyn) ....."you mean between her thighs" That would be 'a very bad huge gnat betw--oh, let's not go there!

LOL, ladies at your list. Too tired to play tonight, but you sure took the sting out of a tough day. Thanks!

Hey...I just heard that Colin Firth made it on People's Magazine "50 Most Beautiful People" list this year - woohoo!!! Has anyone read the article and wouldn't mind sharing it with? Anyone willing to scan the picture or link it for all of us?

Ela, please check the Colin Firth board (143). All the information you're looking for is there.

Not that it makes a whole lot of difference at this point, but I just came home from seeing BJD and there were four of us in the theater (1 pm showing) It was absolutely wonderful - and ..... HE WAS GORGEOUS!!! He was aborable and he was better than I dreamed he would be. I fell in love all over again. We just about collapsed with laughter at the blue soup dinner. I guess I better go claim something at 113. More soon - I want to see it again!!!

Really, Marcia, I can't tell. Did you like it? ;-D

BTW, Daily Telegraph panned "Corelli's" too, so maybe BJD can stay on top until the real mindless summer blockbusters start busting.

E-mail from my sis: saw BJD yesterday! It's hilarious!!!! And Mr Darcy...sexier than ever! nya nya nya :p your sweet sister Sweet? Does anyone have any tips on how to get through the next four months sans BJD?

Have just got back from friend Edge of Reason, only to read an Annova that Renee does not want to live in London for 9 months again and probably won't be doing the sequel, I knew I shouldn't have started reading the book again, will put it back on the bookshelf. Such a shame as there are some really lovely scenes with MD & Bridget!!

Tineke, I am glad your sister loved BJD, it really is unmissable. Could you not make a trip across to the UK in the near future, I am sure it will be playing for quite a while.

Ann, check Meredith's tip out on 143, Colin has some comments on doing EOR! Glass could be half full after all :')

Eileen, I love your list--too funny! Here's mine: You automatically answer any ringing doorbell with "Bugger off!!" Ann, don't put too much stock in the report about RZ not doing a sequel. That story originated in Ted Casablanca's column and he is a notorious shit-stirrer. Take with a big grain of salt. And while I can understand someone not wanting to be away from home for 9 months, really, most of that time was spent on weight gain, learning the accent, working at Picador, etc. A sequel would require 3--4 months time commitment tops, so Ted's "story" just doesn't hang together, IMO. Plus, I'm sure she's aware that the producers went out on a limb in hiring her in the first place, so she really should feel a sense of obligation. Most importantly, the "hottie" is ready to combust again.;-) ;-)

Thought the same thing when I read it yesterday. RZ wouldn't have to be in England for so long a time for the sequel, plus they could write in parts for LA as were in the column (thought not book). Plus, hated that they made it sound as though she just hated London. Never said why, when it's apparent, she dislikes being away from home and dog for that period. As ever, the hottie is 'keeping his options open' in the same vein as talk about James Bond.

And good news, Miramax isn't taking the Mummy's opening lying down. In the Sun-Times movies section, Bridget has a big half page ad (America's No. 1 comedy, even men will laugh, etc.) and then there are 5 small column topper ads on subsequent pages.

(Mari) You automatically answer any ringing doorbell with "Bugger off!!" Did that before BJD. You forget that 'eff off' is official northern NJ greeting. ;-) don't put too much stock in the report about RZ not doing a sequel. I agree. It's too soon for anything to be conclusive. Sounds like Ted is crack researcher in manner of all other crack researchers and is embellishing quite a bit.

(Karen) And good news, Miramax isn't taking the Mummy's opening lying down. Am v. relieved to read that given all the free publicity HG gave the movie. Hello Mummy! Hahahahaha! :-D

(Eileen) Did that before BJD. You forget that 'eff off' is official northern NJ greeting. LOL, Eileen! I make far too liberal use of the "f-word." But lately, I have taken to swearing in British, with bugger a particular favorite. You can be mad as anything, but still sound posh. That's me, a bad attitude with a posh (pseudo-posh?) vocabulary.

With exactly the same information posted on Eonlin, PeopleNews came to this conclusion for its headline: Renee Zellweger finds London v. dull Star of Bridget Jones hates London Expect these people were fired from one of your tabloids for going a tad OTT.

Eileen)Did that before BJD. You forget that 'eff off' is official northern NJ greeting.;-) Ahh, that's right, I keep forgetting about the great cultural chasm between north and south Jersey. Down here, with ow-ah gracious suthun mannahs, normal greeting is "eat sh*t and die!";-) Hello Mummy! LOL! You're on a roll today, kid! Yes, Miramax has smelled the coffee and gotten rid of those pathetic tiny ads from last week and properly replaced them with biggie CF-toters.:-) BTW, my local theater has an eight-foot 3-D BJD poster right in front of the two screens where it's playing, so you stroll past it as you enter. Has anyone else seen this? It's the same old poster, but the 2 guys are in the back dimension, the diary in the second and BJ in the top third. Cute.

Yes, perhaps, should submit to crack Miramax art department as raw concept to pursue:

Renee Zellweger finds London v. dull Star of Bridget Jones hates London Oh, for crying out loud. Hey, let's resurrect one for old time's sake: Helen Fielding hates Renee, wanted lead role herself (Mari) You're on a roll today Am brushing up my Jersey-quette before heading north this weekend. *waving* Has anyone else seen this? Theaters down here have giant cardboard thing--is this what you mean? Am too busy gazing at CF to notice if is 3-D. Am also trying to figure out how to bring it home without husband noticing. Hmmm.

*guffaw* Too funny, Karen!

In a recent UK programme The Making of BJD Hugh made a rather odd comment and it was that he was afraid "Colin would win the film", well Hugh it seems he has what with all this exposure and publicity especially in the US and now the 50 MostBeautiful poll. Absolutely wonderful and well deserved, just hope it leads to more than being described as a "hottie", which I like mind you but I would love to see him in something that would really stretch him and shfow what we have always known that he is a gorgeous, highly talented chameleon of an actor who is more than capable of being a leading man!! My wish for the day!!

Am now gearing myself up for viewing no 5. My local cinema (2 minutes walk from my ome ) has finally deigned to screen it..I mean after all it's only been out mumble days. Can add to the "you know you've seen it too much when..." You hear the opening bars of It's Raining Men and have to restrain yourself from bursting through the nearest door and yelling "It's a real fight" You cannot watch QVC without guffawing as soon as they get the tape measure out. You're planning your next dinner party and spend hours wondering how to make blue soup that's palatable.

he was afraid "Colin would win the film", Ann, I had been pondering that remark too. I bet HG is not best pleased that Colin is in the top 50. He, he!

I'm out in Los Angeles and it was very pleasant reading through the entertainment section of the LA Times. Just about every page had an ad for the movie, complete with pic of Colin :)

Karen (and other afirthionados). De-lurking (not before time) to say GAAAAAAAA! Nice to know I'm not alone in my BJD obsession. Off for 3rd viewing tonight. (Firth fanatic for five years). Ann: I'm out in Los Angeles and it was very pleasant reading through the entertainment section of the LA Times. Just about every page had an ad for the movie, complete with pic of Colin :) ...so, *without* Hugh? If so - hurrah, vvg!

Mark, to add to your walking tour: (WSJ) Daniel's apartment for rent in London's Southwark neighborhood: "the sprawling three-bedroom, 3,500 square foot duplex with views of the River Thames is home (in the movie) to Bridget Jones's womanizing boss, Daniel Cleaver (played by Hugh Grant). The airy Clink Street home is in a converted warehouse, complete with exposed brick and an ornamental staircase - in a style that resembles trendy Manhattan lofts. It also has secure parking..." Rental is 2000 pounds a week ($2,863)

Ann: I'm out in Los Angeles and it was very pleasant reading through the entertainment section of the LA Times. Just about every page had an ad for the movie, complete with pic of Colin :) ...so, *without* Hugh? If so - hurrah, vvg! Alas, no. It was the movie poster with the three leads on it (the one with Colin looking shocked by what he sees in Bridge's diary).

Good point - this was actually the site of my third Report from the Set (at your excellent direction); hmm, not sure that walking-tour candidates are keen to visit chez Cleaver, however. Do I sense you have a new toy (or sc**pt)?

Why's that? Can throw rotten tomatoes at door, spray graffiti on exposed brick walls, make kindling out of ornamental staircase and similar. Pity that the Ruby Wedding didn't take place at MD's detached Holland Pk home. Yes, have new t*y.

Just back from my fifth viewing. I went to a huge multiplex and looked all over for a cardboard stand-up for the movie, but didn't see one. I definitely have seen this too many times. I can recite whole stretches of dialogue. This time around my three favorite moments were the look on his face when Bridget is laughing at Daniel in the lake. So wistful. The nuzzle, sigh. But best of all is the smile on his face when he shows her the diary. mmmm, those dimples! Bought People mag on the way home. Am on total Colin overdose. My friends are considering an intervention. My newspaper (yes, Eileen, the Ledger) went back to the ad with the three stars. That's right, guys, figure it out. WHO is it that's selling this movie over and over and over again?!?

Gotta' give serious props to the media planning here in Atlanta too. The Atlanta Journal Constitution had some HUGE ads on the movie listings page and some more big ones the reviews page too.

I got mail: BJD will open in the middle of August, maybe. aaaaaaaaaaaaaagh! Atleast I saw some flashes of the movie when I managed to see the end of "It`s raining men" -video. He looked so good!

As its rather slow tody I thought this was worth mentioning - there is a huge photo of Bridget & Mark on the front cover of The Times Money Section, "Bridget Jones's fiscall diary. - If Bridget Jones married Mark Darcy will the taxman bless their union. Helen Nugent reports on tax breaks for Smug Marrieds." Great publicity and very eye-catching for a rather boring subject.

I agree Ann. Someone phoned me to tell me about it as they felt , like you it was so eye catching and not where you would expect to be hit by such a delicious image!

Bad review of Hamlet in Sunday Times Culture today.It says this of West' Hamlet: 'What is missing from his performance is a sense of anguish, of potential greatness, being destroyed from within and without. The self-torment. The insecurity combined with arrogance. The sense of waste. The sense of dangerous glamour. The play scene is like a workshop session, plus video cameras and studio lights: everything except the sense of a thriller. It is sloppily staged, too, as is his advice to the players, obscuring Hamlet's role as prompter and sardonic house manager. My guess is that, as in Pimlott's overdirected but underimagined Richard II, the production is a straitjacket for West. Here, the qualities that are missing from the performance could not be accommodated. Hamlet is about individuality, its glories, pains and perils, the first such play in literature. This production is hostile to individuality.' I think Christopher Fettes & Colin will do better than this

Mark, your third 'On Set' report? Hmmmm, first was Bridget's flat, second was office building in St James's, third was reshoot of what scene, thought was same locale or at Shad Thames St for restaurant. Big item in the Sunday Mirror about the Cleaver apartment: 2,000 KNICKER A WEEK FOR BRIDGET'S APARTMENT FILM FLAT IS BIG DRAW FANS of the hit film Bridget Jones' Diary can now rent the flat where she was seduced. But they have to pay dearly for the privilege. The pounds 750,000 luxury apartment is on the market at pounds 2,000 A WEEK. If they take up the offer, they will be able to sprawl out in the living room where Bridget had one of her famously embarrassing moments. It's where millions of movie-goers saw her and boyfriend Daniel (Hugh Grant) rolling around on the floor after he unexpectedly seduces her...and pulls up her dress to find she is wearing a huge pair of stomach-flattening knickers. The three-bedroom, split-level apartment overlooking London's River Thames is also the place where Bridget (Rene Zellweger) saw her dreams of romance shattered when she flung open the door of an en-suite bathroom to find Daniel's naked other woman. The 19th Century 3,500 sq ft flat, part of a former warehouse in Clink Street between London Bridge and Blackfriars, is owned by a businesswoman... who didn't tell the letting agents she is using that it was featured in the film. But Matthew Harrison of Chelsea-based John D Wood & Co recognised it at once when he saw the movie. He said last night: "There is no doubt it's the place - it's a marvellous and unique flat. "Over the last couple of weeks we have had a lot of interest and people have been keen to ask about the filming." Film location manager Adam Richards added`: "We wanted something in that area because the exterior of Bridget's flat was filmed just around the corner in Bedale Street. And some of the scenes where she meets friends in a cafe were filmed in the Tate Modern nearby. "The Clink Street flat was perfect because of its lighting and the height of the ceilings." The flat is believed to be one of the largest river-front apartments currently available in London. Its link with the film has helped push the rental price up from pounds 1,500 to pounds 2,000 a week. But any fans hoping to see the flat looking as it did in the film are in for a disappointment. It is let unfurnished, so the stylish interior plus the thousands of books seen lining the living room shelves have all gone.

If her flat was on Bedale Street...where is the stationery store where MD bought the diary...and wrapped her in his great coat....?*sigh*.

I thought Daniel's flat was a bit pricey! Sort of like the NY apts in "Friends". Hard to believe he could afford it.