me(and beeyootiful hair) Poor child... Enjoy it whilst it lasts... ;-) child...child? umm, actually I guess that counts. Actually, the character of Mr. Darcy will permanently have a full head of beeyootiful hair. As for Mr. Firth, I don't think he'll go farther down than nine years anymore, so with a difference of 17, I'm out. Now if I use my parents' frequent flyer miles on British Airways to Heathrow or Gatwick during my March break next year...I might see his apparent lack of hair in person but I sincerely doubt it.

ahh, the ff miles aren't on any particular airline. must make that clear for some stooopid reason.

Isn't this lovely? From Ananova: Bridget Jones's Diary set to become most successful British film Bridget Jones's Diary is still the number one film in the UK after five weeks on release. The film made another �1.3 million this weekend, making its total �29.5 million. It now looks set to overtake Notting Hill as the most successful British film ever. Captain Corelli's Mandolin stayed at number two with another �812,070. Of the new entries, only The Dish managed to make it into the Top 10 with �218,114 to take the number five position in the chart.

oops, I did it again...getting lost in cyberworld. I meant to respond to 126 above. So sorry. I think I will just remain a lurker. Will try to transfer the above to 126 and not act "like an idiot most of the time".

After you transfer it, I'll take it down from here. No big deal; there have been other 'spoiler' type messages posted here (e.g., HG's perspiration problem). And no need to resort to lurkerdom. Everyone here makes mistakes. Only a few are considered fatal. ;-D

a few are considered fatal [Thud] ;-P

Bridget Jones' Diary (the film) was mentioned on "The Fighting Fitzgeralds" episode tonight. The bartender son and his date come in and say they've been to see it. When asked if they liked it, they say yes. When asked why, the son says something like "I liked it mainly because Renee Zelweger is really hot". No mention of CF, though.

Is that an ABC show? ;-D

Wotcha all. (Breathing through little pipe poking through work avalanche...moan, moan..) Hello again to friends MarkG and Moon. We must meet more often. Have started reading Mr Moon's book. Will report in due course. Have also seen BJD. Liked it v. much...for the most part. Some misgivings, however (i) had seen all the best bits in trailers. Why do they show everything in advance? It's bloody annoying. (ii) I must confess to having some mild sympathy with the long review posted above (thanks, Maryou). BJ is obviously no Elizabeth Bennet (Lizzie would have been running the whole company, if she'd chosen to). This doesn't matter that much - the film was based on BJD, not on P&P directly. But the Bridget of the film was much more ditzy, and less quick-witted, than I remembered her from the book. (iii) One comment on Our Times.....In Pride and Prejudice, it was the moral failings of the protagonists that needed reforming before love could take hold. Hence the title. In the modern version, BJ's weight is presented as the main barrier to getting the man. What piffle. Even allowing for C.19 bashfulness about physical attraction, we are a pretty shallow age by comparison. None of this, of course, detracts from The Firth's performance.

Hello again to friends MarkG and Moon. We must meet more often. Have started reading Mr Moon's book. Will report in due course. As it is fratello sole, sorella luna, Mr. Moon's book should be Mr. Sun. ;-) LOL! Do let me know. we are a pretty shallow age by comparison. Mr. Sun and Mrs. Moon strongly agree. had seen all the best bits in trailers. Why do they show everything in advance? I hate this too. This shows the filmakers insecurities and it feeds their peverted need to keep cutting the film up to the last minute in accordance with the reactions of their test screenings.

Is that an ABC show? ;-D Surprisingly, it's NBC. I do hate all that incestuous and sly advertising that goes on inside the Disney world, though. --- This shows the filmakers insecurities and it feeds their peverted need to keep cutting the film up to the last minute Usually director have absolutely nothing to do with the trailers, which are often made in advance of a final cut--so the ad editors have no clue what the film editors will cut out. The ads are made by the marketers and PR people, who seem to have a stupid notion that giving everything away in the trailer is the best way to sell a film. Makes some directors angry, but unless they are big-name, they can't do much about it.

a few are considered fatal [Thud] That reminds me, what happened to Arami? Where has she gone? We miss her so much.

(Ben)But the Bridget of the film was much more ditzy, and less quick-witted, than I remembered her from the book. I understand where you're coming from, Ben...but the wit was all in the narrative, not her activities ;-)I rather applaud Sharon Maguire.A few of us has misgivings that Bridget would turn out of be a little "Chaplinesque". I'll take ditzy any day;-)

She was always Lucyesque to me, especially in the columns.

I was in Target today when I heard Shelby Lynne singing "Killin' Kind". I looked around and found that the monitor in the music/video section was playing the song, accompanied by scenes from BJD. There wasn't anything new in the scenes--most were from trailers and clips shown when the film opened. But at least we know that if all Targets across the country are playing the clips they should raise awareness a little. Does anyone know if there is a music video playing somewhere for this song? That would be a nice addition to the Bucket collection, n'est-ce pas?

what happened to Arami? Where has she gone? We miss her so much. Maybe you should try an Ouija board? :-D

oops...I reread BJ's Guide to Life, and the first three names for shag/marry/throw off a cliff are: Russell Crowe, Mr. Darcy, Hugh Grant. that now makes shag: Crowe, marry: Darcy, throw off a cliff: Grant. Haven't really liked the latter since I saw "Nine Months." How long has that been? Can everyone tell me the best reasons not to buy BJ:TEOR? I find myself drawn to it even though I hated it the first time I read it, as soon as it came out in the States.

Sorry, I can't help you there. I thought that TEOR was just as funny, if not more so, than BJD, especially the CF interview. Also, there was so much more of Mark Darcy, so I could picture CF in those scenes to my heart's content. I can't wait for the film. I have a general question for all of you about BJD. Is the phrase "Ding Dong" (used to greet tall, gorgeous MD at the beginning of BJD) a quote from somewhere, or just a colloquial British expression of approval? Also, what type of accent involves putting an "r" sound on the end of words ending in "w", like "saw"? Bridget does this in the interview she does where she asks Heaney "Did you fancy Kafir the first time you "sawr" him." (Sorry, don't know how to spell it phonetically.) I'm asking because I was watching another film the other night (this time a really old one from the 30's) and an elderly English actress pronounced "saw" the same way. I'd heard it before but never really wondered where it came from. As an American, the closest I've ever come to it was in southern Louisiana, where people put "r" sounds into words with "oi" in them, like "oil" and "point". I'd appreciate it if one of you would answer these "burning questions". Thanks.

er... don't forget the "r" in "warsh" (Arkansan), as in, "I'm gonna go warsh the clothes now..."

I was just surfing around the internet today when I came across a site that was listing what different stars were doing for vacation. And guess who was listed right along with some of the biggest stars around . . . CF!!! Here's what they said: Colin Firth: The Bridget Jones's Diary star says it's going to be family time for him after wrapping The Importance of Being Earnest with Rupert Everett and Reese Witherspoon. "I want a vacation," says Firth, who has a 10-year-old son by ex-love Meg Tilly and a new baby with wife Livia Giuggioli. "We're both over the moon about our new baby boy. It feels unnatural to be away; our time will be spent with him."

Yes, Jenny, that was in People Magazine. We have another topic where we talk about general Colin news. There are other choice tidbits that you might enjoy. :-) http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/143/new

(Louise). As an American, the closest I've ever come to it was in southern Louisiana, where people put "r" sounds into words with "oi" in them, like "oil" and "point". Yes, you're right. Southern US dialects have preserved a few of the linguistic features one normally finds in British English. Granted, Southern dialects have also taken a life on its own, and incorporated other things. New England has also retained some features of Brit English. Take, for example, "soder" ("soda"). Scandinavian languages have had an impact on Midwest USA dialects too (just think "Fargo," and you'll see/hear what I mean).

"Ding Dong" is not standard - just Helen Fielding, I believe. When I first read it, I thought Ding Dong? what does that mean? but then I tried it a couple of ways and once I said Ding DONG to myself, I understood it - which may mean that I had heard it somewhere before. Hard to be sure. The "r" insertion is quite interesting: in British English and most other accents, it gets put in as a "liaison" between two vowels where the first is a vowel with a low ending (as in saw, pa, area, her, sure) Remember we don't normally pronounce those r's at all. This makes some foreigners confused because their name may end up pronounced as, say, Ursularandress, and they don't understand the middle "r". Then London English starts dropping its h's and "saw him" becomes "sorim" - this has pervaded many other accents including Renee's RP. It remains more commonplace in strong London accents, so Renee might sometimes say "saw him" and other times "sorim", whereas an Eastender will always say "sorim". Sorry, I meant interesting ... to me.

The "r" insertion ...gets put in as a "liaison" between two vowels I remember it from my language studies (quite a long time ago - it's a wonder I can still remember anything about it at all... ;-)). It's known as the linkig "r" and has always been a feature of certain regional variations, but not the so called Standard English (RP). Ursularandress You mean Usularundress...? (A very old one, I know... Just testing my memory! ;-p ;-D )

Linking!!! Linking "r". Drat. Fingers going limp as well... ;-P

"Underneath the Mango tree, my honey...." The perfect analysis from Mark. There is a difference between the r elision ahead of the vowel ("afteRall") and the one ahead of the h ("afteR'im"). I haven't heard of Ding Dong. But I will use it, where appropriate from now on. e.g., on spotting Jennifer Ehle in a sundress..DING DONG.

Someone has fond recollections of Dr No ;-D

There is a difference between the r elision ahead of the vowel ("afteRall") and the one ahead of the h ("afteR'im"). And the difference is...? :-) Come on, master of suspension, out with it! :-D

(Ben)on spotting Jennifer Ehle in a sundress..DING DONG. Clearly, my dear, you haven't seen her in "Design for Living," have you? I've never heard anyone use, "Ding Dong." I suppose it could end up replacing the over-used "HELLO!"

Re: Ding Dong I'm thinking that was a Richard Curtis insert. I have heard it before on something British but don't know now if it was Blackadder or Vicar of Dibley.

Re: Ding Dong I could have sworn BJ said it in her actual diary, but now I can�t find any references to it. BTW, my keyboard has just gone Spanish on me just for this page and I can�t do HTML anymore. Gaaaaaaah!

Right. Inquisitive as I am, since had heard the expression long before the book and film, have checked my trusty Oxford Dictionary (as non-native Eng. speaker) and "ding-dong" is a legit colloquial Brit. Eng. usage, actually originating in the 16th c. Am surprised no one ponders possibility of some connection, however vague, with BJ's meaning. Passing the Chardonnay bottle on along the line.

"ding-dong" is a legit colloquial Brit. Eng. usage, actually originating in the 16th c. Am surprised no one ponders possibility of some connection, however vague, with BJ's meaning. Now I'll be having strange thoughts everytime my doorbell rings. Passing the Chardonnay bottle on along the line. I prefer, it's time for a Cosmopolitan Martini. ;-)

Passing the Chardonnay... Am keeping Martini for myself. Hick. ;-)

Please check for 'rama lama'. Perhaps is related in origin.

Emily - Re: Ding Dong I'm thinking that was a Richard Curtis insert. I have heard it before on something British but don't know now if it was Blackadder or Vicar of Dibley. Ben and Mark will probably be able to put me right but didn't, bounder-playing British actor (see 'Doctor' movies) , Leslie Phillips have "Ding Dong" as his general response to catching sight of the ladies? Normally swiftly follwed by an "I say " or two. It seems slightly strange to hear a female voice uttering the words but she even has his inflection!

"Rama lama" seems strictly American usage only. You may think it's a joke? Well, consider the possibility of derivation of "rama" from Scottish slang "rammy" and "lama" (American, not Tibetan) from colloquial "to lam". The general meaning of "rammy" and "to lam" neatly coincide with the British "ding-dong"!!! And now despise me if you dare. ;-)

Yes, yes - should be "coincides", I know. Why can't this program have a spell-check and preview functions? It would help to avoid many unnecessary ding-dongs. ;-)

MarkG: Thanks for the information. I've never received a reply from an authentic film star before. It was nice of you to take the time to enlighten me.

Uh-oh. Echo will be reaching for her dictionary to check the exact definition of "star". I think Tracy is right ... it's very easy now to imagine Leslie Phillips saying Ding DONG! But I'm sure HF used it somewhere in the books or columns too. Echo, surely the BR Eng slang meaning is a fight (CF and HG had a right old ding-dong in the street)? Surely that can't be related to fancying someone?

Echo...the difference is simply that only in certain accents are aitches dropped. To a cockney "him" starts with a vowel anyway, so there's no difference between eliding ahead of "him" or "all". For others, the aitch is pronounced, so there's no elision. Re:Ding-dong. Mark's right - I've only ever heard it to mean a fight. However, what it DOES remind me of is Sarah Brown, in Guys and Dolls, after Sky Masterson whisked her off to Havana: "Ask me how do I feel, Ask me now that we're cozy and clinging, Well sir all I can say is if I were a bell, I'd be ringing. From the moment we kissed tonight, That's the way I just got to behave. Boy if I were a lamp I'd light, And if I were a banner I'd wave. Ask me how do I feel, Little me with my quiet upbringing, Well sir, all I can say is if I were a gate I'd be swinging, And if I were a watch I'd start popping my springs, Or if I were a bell I'd go ding, dong, ding, dong, ding!"

(Mark) But I'm sure HF used it somewhere in the books or columns too. Yup, she did. More than once, I'm sure. (Echo) Why can't this program have a spell-check and preview functions? Gee, isn't that your job?

(Winter) I've never heard anyone use, "Ding Dong." I suppose it could end up replacing the over-used "HELLO!" Or the proverbial "hubba hubba." :-)

Hi everyone! I'm a longtime fan and lurker. I just read BJD again yesterday and I found a "Ding Dong" on page 303 (Hardcover UK version). It's near the end of the whole Mom/Julio mess. "I looked out of the window and nearly jumped out of my skin. There was Mark Darcy slipping, lithe as a whippersnapper, across the lawn and in through the French windows. He was sweating, dirty, his hair was unkempt, his shirt unbuttoned. Ding-dong!" Geez, I get hot just thinking about it!

Loved that description from the book and wished we had him playing SAS commando. Thanks for delurking, Cheri. Do it more often.

Just a few words... In the final scene, when Bridget is apologizing ("I was stupid you see, so I didn't mean what I meant...veramente!") ...the italian word for "indeed!" does not appear in the script. An other reference to the fact that a certain gentleman's wife is Italian is at the end of UK version: "at least, she's not foreign" (says Pam), which reminds me one of Bridget's remark at the end of CF's interview in TEOR about "her not being English [...]". In the book, MD is a blend of Mr.D and CF. What are the mixing percentages in the film? On the drooling side, I like the moments when he is transfixed by her under-dressed silhouette. At the tarts and vicars party he is completely besotted by the bunny, and stays aloof from Una Alconbury's dialogue with Penny Husbands-Bosworth. In front of the store, at the end, he glances her knowingly, but can't keep his eyes from sliding down from her face towards... What other moments did you notice? :-)

(Cheri)...I found a "Ding Dong" on page 303 (Hardcover UK version). It's near the end of the whole Mom/Julio mess. In case anyone cares, it's on page 264 of the US paperback version, which is what I have. The phrase is italicized. BTW, I have Ren�e-as-Bridget on the cover. Has the book changed in any way besides the cover?

My local newspaper has a special weekend supplement with movies and other stuff that's going on. I was pleased to see that, in addition to the ad for BJD, they had a photo from the movie (Mark and Bridget in the snow outside her apt). Considering how many newer movies there are, this made me v. happy. Have not seen BJD in two weeks. GAH! Must find another friend who hasn't seen it as excuse so that DH does not have me committed... Hi, Ben, I love your reference for Ding Dong!

(dina) An other reference to the fact that a certain gentleman's wife is Italian is at the end of UK version: "at least, she's not foreign" (says Pam), Probably means "she's not cruel Japanese", meaning MD's first wife?

(Mark)Uh-oh. Echo will be reaching for her dictionary to check the exact definition of "star" Alas, poor me. Alas and alack. The gaps in my vocabulary must be too obvious. ([aside] Mark, if they say you're a star - you're a star, OK? :-)) (Ben)only in certain accents are aitches dropped Indeed, sir - but, of course, it doesn't apply to the mainstream (or is it "standard"?) English while the linking "r" may appear in the standard British pronunciation. Or so I'm told. I have found the relevant passages with "Ding dong" in BJD and am now of the opinion that it probably means something like "Uh-oh!" Or "Attention!" You know, the sort of "prick up your ears" sensation you get when you hear a door bell or any warning bell. Am I getting any nearer or is it back to the classroom? ;-) (Echo) Why can't this program have a spell-check and preview functions? (---) Gee, isn't that your job? Gee, I've been paid off.

BJD expected to fall to 5th place in weekend box office receipts in the US, with an estimated $3.8 million http://movies.yahoo.com/hv/boxoffice-latest.html. This would bring total US receipts to approx $56.6 million - not bad for a film which only cost an estimated 30 million GBP (a bit over US$43 million) to make. Haven't been able to find any estimates/rankings for the UK for this weekend yet...

Thanks for the stats. Am always interested in BJD's progress. What's with this Shrek? And I figured Angel Eyes would knock BJD down a rung but JLO is so over-exposed, her film may be a one week hurrah. Afraid Pearl Harbor will keep BJ down next week.

Someone complained about CF's lack of sideburns in "Conspiracy", which reminded me of the scene in BJD where Bridget tells Mark Darcy he should grow his sideburns longer. I thought CF's blank look was hilarious. Did anyone else notice this?

I believe BJD cost only about $25 million to make (plus marketing costs, of course). Between the UK and NA box office, it must be close to $100 million in revenue already--quite a tidy profit and it's still relatively early in the game.

Snuck out on Saturday to see BJD again. It's on fewer (and smaller) screens around here, a sign that it may be on its last weeks. Only three other people in the theater. It was a sunny Sat afternoon, so most people were in their gardens or playing golf or something. But not me. I was at the movies. I have never, never, never gone to see a movie more than twice. And this was my sixth viewing (I think, but am losing count). The three other women had not seen BJD before, and I think only one of them knew who CF is ("He was in Pride and Prejudice, right?"). I said that when they saw him in BJD, they would know why I'd seen it several times. So after the first sight of him, I turned around and said "See?" And they nodded. At the end, they said they liked it. The one who know about P&P2 said that I should rent that. Hello? am already proud owner of boxed set. I didn't even mention FP, SIL, et al as they were beginning to look at me as if I were a strange, obsessed person. They probably think I was heading home to a bottle of Chardonnay, my P&P2 tapes, and a couple of Alsatians. Gotta say, the look in the rowboat still melts my heart. So wistful. So when does the video come out???

I arrived at the movie later (the scene with "woman of substance with little skirt") ... at the door I had a little argument with the vendor because "there was not place left" (the guy was looking on some kind of screen) and he refused to sell me a ticket. He finally did sell me one, marked "Golden Bowl" ($8.25) - that was in the other projection room, but it did not matter. I've entered to see Bridget and the theater was packed ... finally spotted one place left in the corner. Better experience than yours, Kate F.

It's on fewer (and smaller) screens around here, a sign that it may be on its last weeks. I can't imagine Miramax taking BJD out when they still Chocolat out there.

Yes, BJD landed in 5th, but it couldn't hold out against the others. Very respectable though. In the UK, it was knocked out by the Mummy, which took in an estimated �6m.

Karen, are these just the weekend figures? If so what are the week's figures like? I imagine that kids go and see their movies on the weekend while grown ups who go to see BJD also go during the week. Or am I just wrong about this. It is just that the only figures I see here for the US box office only quote the weekend gross.

All are weekend grosses and that's how they determine box office rankings. Daily figures are reported in the US, but the rankings are determined by the weekend. From what I see, the kids go during the week as well. They are lined up at the box offices for late afternoon shows.

I've been looking at the weekday figures for BJD, and it's been steadily pulling in about a half million dollars a day--very good. I've noticed no pull back in my area--it's still playing in the same number of theaters and in several cases on 2 screens. This one has staying power and will be around for awhile.

BJD is "not yet scheduled" to open in Portuguese theatres, according to one of our magazines (Elle).

With a bit of luck it will go on playing for months to come and just as they are about to pull it the video will be released ;-)

From your lips to God's ears, Lizza! Esp. a DVD version with all of the outtakes included... and perhaps some cast interviews as well... just received my DVD player via UPS. Can't wait to wack a CF DVD into it! Must rent one tonight... perhaps FP, since there are some "clothing-free" shots in that one... mmmmm...

Actually, am glad Shrek won the weekend (yep, saw it and laughed like a banshee) however, and Karen will probably want to have words with me, I took my daughter to see BJD on Sunday, and can I tell you that she laughed her butt off!!! The fight scene she was the only one who was cheering for Mr. Darcy (when HG sucker punched him, Rebecca's reaction was "that is SO NO right!")... What can I say a child after my own heart! She LOVED the movie and told me to tell Karen that she covered her eyes during the part on the floor (because it was gross!);)

Oh the reason why I'm glad Shrek won the weekend is because I can't stand J.Ho... I mean J. Lo...

Ok, another obsessive niggling point about BJD that just occurred to me. Did they change the phone ring in the "Hello, Mum/Dad" scene in bed w/ DC between the UK and US versions? I was just looking at the clip on The Bucket, and noticed it sounded differently than what I heard in the theater. Seems sorta silly; after all, the ring pattern is different, but surely people would figure out it was a phone, no? :)

I still wonder what happened with the "Mum/Dad" thing. The commercials have "Dad", but the movie has "Mum". Was that scene longer with both parents calling, but only half of it was used?

(LauraT) Did they change the phone ring in the "Hello, Mum/Dad" scene in bed w/ DC between the UK and US versions? To my knowledge, the only difference between the US and UK versions is the ending. In the script, it says Dad and ends there. Could be they changed it to Mum after editing and the department store demo scene was next. Having Mum call right before would make more sense. Someone check her lips in the movie and see what they say. (Laura) I took my daughter to see BJD on Sunday *shaking head* ;-D

the only difference between the US and UK versions is the ending. What exactly, please? (Sorry if I've missed any previous comparisons).

The credits sequence. Did not mean the kiss in the snow scene.

The Stoke Park Club was Hotel of the Week in Sunday's Independent: WHERE IS IT? Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, 20 miles from London between the M4 and M40. Within sight of Windsor Castle. WHAT'S IT LIKE? A Grade 1 Palladian mansion created in the late 18th century by James Wyatt. The estate goes back to before the Norman Conquest, and part of the 16th-century manor is still visible. The grounds, landscaped by both Capability Brown and Humphry Repton, are now largely given over to a 27-hole golf course, designed in 1908 by Harry Shapland Colt. James Bond and Goldfinger played a crucial round here; Hugh Grant and Renee Zellweger just played around, in Bridget Jones's Diary. AMBIENCE? Feels like a film set even when the movie cameras are not around. The mainly sporting clientele makes the atmosphere quite informal in the many grand public rooms. Mansion and grounds have been expensively refurbished, with original marble fireplaces and artworks. SERVICE? Efficient, discreet, and lots of it. Foot and mouth having scared away the Americans, staff hugely outnumbered guests. ROOMS? The 20 antique-filled rooms, some with four-poster beds, are lavishly decorated in silk damasks. The vast bathrooms, clad in granite and marble, have heated mirrors which never mist up. Our junior suite cost pounds 365 a night; club rooms start at pounds 245. Daniel and Bridget's Pennsylvania Suite is pounds 1,100. Prices include breakfast and transfer from Heathrow. FOOD? Head chef Jerry Davies pulls off a difficult feat, satisfying both hungry sportsmen who just want a steak and school pudding, and diners who demand more elaborate cooking. While our neighbours happily downed prawn cocktail, sirloin and treacle tart, we were marvelling at pan-fried scallops with a crab and leek tartlet, and terrine of foie gras, duck, bacon and pistachio. The simpler club menu is pounds 19.85 for two courses and pounds 24.85 for three. CLIENTELE? Americans and Japanese come to worship at the shrine of Harry Colt. Also much in demand for weddings and business conferences. Reported sightings of Robbie Williams, Geri Halliwell, Caprice and Pierce Brosnan. THINGS TO DO? Golf (hotel guests pay green fees of pounds 75 on weekdays and pounds 100 at weekends), tennis, and fishing. Next year an pounds 8m health and beauty spa opens. Walk to the 800-year-old churchyard of St Giles, Stoke Poges, where Thomas Gray wrote his Elegy. A vast memorial to the poet contrasts dramatically with his humble grave. ADDRESS? Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG (tel: 01753 717171; www.stokepark club.com)

RZ is still being featured in our magazines. In a recent interview she was asked if HF gave her any advice when visiting the BJD set and she replied "No...Helen was too busy chatting up Colin and Hugh" (in that order, am pleased to note!)

Thanks for the article on Stoke Park, Karen. 1,100 pounds is a tad steep for my budget. Anyway, would not want to sleep in Gnat's bed. I love to go to movie locations, though. Sometimes it can be disappointing. The interiors of the Grand on Macinac Island (where Somewhere in Time was filmed) looked better in the movie. Scattered over this board are references to Bridget location visits. Who's the expert? Could someone do a recap? (in case I can convince the DH to do a Bridget tour when we go to London next winter)

This was posted on VV. I don't know how accurate. Courtesy of RoP. "The Darcy home, according to something I saw from Miramax, is Wrotham Park, Barnet http://wrothampark.com (Look at the interiors shots and see if it seems to match your memories of the film.) Also, the mini-break hotel was the Stoke Park Club: http://www.stokeparkclub.com/spc/film_locations/bridget_jones.html (interesting link to James Bond film also) The Jones home scenes were Snowshill, Gloucestershire http://www.completely-cotswold.com/snowhill/info/info.htm (Does anyone know the exact houses for the Jones's or for the Alconberry's?) Other places for London scenes include: The Cantina restaurant, part of a Conran complex, Shad Thames (date with Daniel) Tate Modern Royal Courts of Justice Southwark neighborhood apartment (Daniel), Clink St. St. Pancras Station Liverpool St. Station King's Cross Tower Bridge Globe Tavern in Borough (exterior of BJ's apartment)" I love to go to movie locations, though. Sometimes it can be disappointing Arsenal wasn't, or Paul's neighborhood. And I didn't even like the film!!

Excellent, Evelyn. Personally I think the key (recognisable) places in London are: The Globe Tavern in Borough, (Bedale St SE1) for the exterior of BJ's apartment and scene of the fight The Montblanc shop in Royal Exchange Buildings EC3, scene of the diary purchase & the kiss Clink St, SE1 for Daniel's apartment The Royal Courts of Justice, the Strand WC2 Restaurant interiors: The Cantina, the Tate Modern, apparently Outside central London, travellers could visit: Wrotham Park, Barnet (North London) Stoke Park Golf Club, Buckinghamshire Snowshill, Gloucestershire (but I couldn't recognise the actual houses - I think there was plenty of movie trickery going on there) I don't think the stations were used in the final cut, and there's not much point going to Haymarket to see the "Pemberley Press" building.

(Evelyn) This was posted on VV. I don't know how accurate. It should be because it came right off the Bucket. All those locations, precisely in that order, were described in the Production Notes section (from the press kit). See "Press" tab. While you're back in tour guide mode, Mark, did anything look like Hoxton to you? Remember, there were mentions that they filmed there.

It should be because it came right off the Bucket. Oops sorry.I didn't check, and the poster didn't give you credit. (They seldom do) BTW, I was surprised they didn't film in Notting Hill. Inasmuch as the book made so much of the area.Were there neighborhood objections?

An interesting tidbit: in a meeting this morning, one of my colleagues was complaining that she had planned a "date" with her husband Saturday night to go see BJD, and that they were in line for movie tix, but a bunch of teenagers managed to talk their way into line in front of them, and by the time they got to the front of the line, BJD had sold out. V. v. bad for her and her husband, but v. v. good for BJD! (And I have a feeling that she'll go to see it in the end...)

Golf (hotel guests pay green fees of pounds 75 on weekdays and pounds 100 at weekends), Yet another reminder of why I only watch golf in TV and never actually play the thing.

Yet another reminder of why I only watch golf in TV Ann, surely you jest?!

Is Wrotham Paek really the Darcy's home ? It looks far too big to me. When BJ was pullling up in front of it, with her Mom and Dad, I remember thinking it was rather like Longbourn, the Bennet home in Pride and Predudice. That ( like the Darcys' house in the movie ) only had a couple of windows either side of the front door and none of those big fancy pillars.

See, Ann, if you had HBO you wouldn't have to watch golf.;-) ;-)

Thanks for the tour info, Evelyn and Mark. BTW, Mark was it you who said the Clink museum wasn't good? DH and I went there a few years ago and found it fun--every trip we try to do something VERY touristy (as in not to be taken seriously, but good for a giggle). Must get out British Tourist Bureau info from files and start planning route for BJD tour...

Yet another reminder of why I only watch golf in TV Ann, surely you jest?! But I like watching golf!!! Played with my dad once this past year. I can hit a mean 5 iron and have a decent swing--dad was impressed ;) And they have a Golf Network on the radio too! Tthough that's a bit much...now, tennis on the radio is fun--you can tell who is hitting by the different grunts!)

Question for MarkG: Which fellow are you in the scene where DC picks up BJD in the convertible? Are you the fellow who walks by towards the end of the scene in a blue suit?

He is, he is! The star himself! ;-)

Are you the fellow who walks by towards the end of the scene in a blue suit? The Burberry Man, himself;-))

From today's Guardian: Proof that males go to see Bridget Jones, or just another campaign ploy? ;) "Speaking at the preview of the ad in the Criterion theatre in London's West End, Mr Byers was asked what the last movie he had seen was. After several seconds' pause, and prompted by an aide, he revealed it was Bridget Jones's diary, which he "quite enjoyed". Asked what he thought of the film's anal sex scene, he replied: "Er, that's outside my departmental responsibilities." He also refused to be drawn on whether he preferred the Hugh Grant or Colin Firth character."

Bridget has lose her #1 position in the Uk Box Office but still managed a creidtable 1.3million pounds to come 2nd, giving an incredible total so far of 32+million pounds for the 6 weeks. Incidetnally Heat magazine recently ran a poll on the "Best Bridget Moments" and Heat readers voted the Darcy snog in the final scene the Best Bridget Moment, followed by the fight scene and "All By Myself" in 3rd place, Yippee.

Who's Mr Byers? I'm asking because I'm not quite sure whether I should rejoice at, be in awe of, or deplore his tastes - or the fact that they are plastered all over the Guardian... :-)

Must be Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Trade & Industry. Yes that's me, Sarah, just after the growl, blue suit, faux-casual gait.

Oh, THAT Mr Byers. Of course. Silly me.

Sorry, sorry, thought I had included Stephen Byers title. Must learn to re-read these things before I post. Mark is, of course, right--Mr. Byers is the secretary of state for trade and industry. He was unveiling some negative campaign ads at the time, which for some reason led to the discussion of what movie he had last seen. Now, an OT question--being an American, I'm unfamiliar with what type of paper the Guardian is. Is it a rag, or is it a not-quite-as-intense-as-the-NY Times type of paper? I seem to recall some discussion in one of the books (TEOR, maybe?) about what papers Mark Darcy and Bridget read, adn I seem to recall the Guardian being mentioned.

National broadsheet, serious, socialist-democratic leanings.

Hello All, I used to lurk around and occasionally post a couple of years ago, but haven't been here in a while. However, the release of BJD has inspired me to return! I've seen the movie four times now, and as I was driving home from viewing number 4 yesterday I was trying to figure out why I enjoy the movie so much (apart from the obvious), and then I realized--this is the FIRST movie I've seen on the big screen with CF as the leading man! I've seen The English Patient, A 1000 Acres, and Shakespeare in Love on the big screen, I own P&P and FP on DVD, and just about everything else he's done on video, but this is the first time I've seen him in a "leading man" role on the big screen--there's just no comparison! All those close-up shots of his velvety brown eyes, and his dented chin. I have to say I think this is my favorite role--I like his hair, his clothes (exception: reindeer jumper and snowman tie, of course), etc. etc. He really is a wonderful actor--I don't think I've ever seen someone use facial expressions the way he does (or maybe I just don't stare so obsessively at any other actor's face...) The scene that makes me laugh the hardest every time (shows you my sense of humor): in the bar with the friends the night before the launch. Shazzer says something like, "This is Daniel Cleaver, he's in publishing and comes..." Bridget: "All over your face!" I laugh hysterically every time! It's been a while since I've read the book--is that line in it?

(Trina)It's been a while since I've read the book--is that line in it? No, it isn't. I don't remember seeing it. I just finished reading the book myself. And maybe you all have discussed this previously, but I noticed on pgs. 92-93 a very small "homage," not to Mr. Darcy, but to Paul A. in FP. Bridget has discovered that she is now 119 lbs. (a goal, maybe-no pun intended ;-))and is elated that she is finally thin, but all her friends can say to her is that she looks "tired and flat (chestwise)." She feels empty and bewildered about this and starts to do a very familiar rant of: "Eighteen years--wasted. Eighteen years of calorie- and fat-unit-based arithmetic. Eighteen years of buying long shirts and sweaters...Eighteen years of struggle, sacrifice and endeavor..." Seems like her friends are not that understanding about her joy in this(sort of like Sarah is to Paul). But I really think this is HF gently paying homage to Colin Firth here for another one of his wonderful leading roles. What do you think? Sorry if you've already discussed this ;-D. I did love/enjoy the reference, though ;-)

Trina. did you see him in Valmont. It's my favorite.

Very clever, Lora. I, for one, had not noticed. BJD has brought us many interested and interesting new people (and returns). V.v. good :-)