Thank you Ladies, you are amazing!!!! Dorine, you must have nerves of steel not to fall into a blathering heap on the floor. Could I beg a photo of the hand that touched CF, have you washed it yet ;~}? Has a very silly thought this morning reading all this, Could the Minkeeland premier be delayed so we could have a "proper" premier with stars? As I said an extreeeemly silly thought.

And the reports keep coming in! I think I need to add the names of all you ladies who attended the premiere and/or party to the Public Eye page, right after Reese's and Frances' names. ;-D You are celebs to us. (Amy) After a few drinks I got up the nerve to ask for an autograph Did you notice if he did autographs for any of his other adorers at the party? (Lora) We could lean over and watch Colin's reactions to the movie (he was at the end of our row). *choking* Holy cow!! which also consisted of Barnaby from Ealing Studios So, you're now on a first-name basis with him? ;-D Colin stayed at the party for 3-4 hrs? Yeah, I guess he doesn't like to attend these functions. *snort* Amy, I think I lost your email????

If you want to listen to the soundtrack, including the lovely "Lady Come Down" on two tracks, go here: http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=1303972075/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/popsearch.html/clickID=tn_srch_txt

(Amy)He is tall, thinner that in the photographs, and extremely handsome. And, as has been mentioned numerous times, has great hair. He is definitely a lot thinner and a lot younger looking in person than in the photographs we have seen and than he is on the big screen. I was struck by how much. His hair is great looking, but I did notice a small white spot toward the back. Pretty sure about it...sorry to disappoint. Am getting my pictures developed tomorrow. Can't wait to take a good look at them, since everything was so surreal and like a dream in person!

Sorry, Karen, I can't remember Barnaby's last name :-/. The seating was like this: (screen) (X's mark middle of theatre) XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX DH, me (last two X's in center section are Livia & Colin) Glad the theatre is small. The right section was already filled up when we got there :-(.

The diagram got closer together after posting. The X's in italics are the seats I was refering to above.

I've made an egregious error! I have not thanked Kate and Amy for being there with me for support! Quite frankly, if they had said they were going home because it was too cold and wet, I would have done so as well, more than likely. Lora, sounds like you had a great evening, too! An especially dry one ;-D ! The stress of having the plane land late must have been unbearable!! How did your husband get tickets to this anyway? And you got door prizes! I'm sorry we missed meeting...I don't recall seeing anyone with your description. Colin was sitting at the end of your row....how many seats away? Did you even concentrate on the movie? God knows I wouldn't have! (Amy) ....since he was by himself at his table OOOh! I didn't realize or pay attention that he was by himself when I saw you over there. Good deal!! (Amy)He was drinking white wine. I knew I wasn't really noticing his drinks...and when he turned around and acted like he spilled some of his, I wouldn't have cared if it went on my shoes...they were so soaked anyway ;-). (Lisa) Sounds like you all were in the right place at the right time What was Colin like in a party where he could relax and mill around freely? He was very friendly and talkative. I think he talked the entire night non-stop...he must have been exhausted. (Lisa)How touchy was he? NOT touchy enough to me, for me, on me ;-D How was Livia's accent? Is she v. pretty up close??? She seems friendly. I can't believe she asked if you wanted to talk to Colin! It was getting harder to hear when I spoke with her (music might have been louder or...). It was certainly a pronounced Italian accent. She is VERY pretty up close...they are a very attractive couple. I can't imagine what it's like for her to have women fawn over him at parties. I imagine she must be used to it...and laughs because she's the one who gets to go home with him. In retrospect, if the setup leading into the party had been the same as the "Insomnia" premiere party, it probably would have not been as accessible. A fortuitous security "mistake". Also, a big thanks to Karen for the heads-up about the premiere in the first place!...Would never have known about it otherwise. As far as being briefed about OP's brother...who knew we'd need briefing about anything. And a special thanks to our favorite security guard who tipped us off to the party location and was very patient at the theater; (he shall remain nameless in case Colin discovers the internet and decides to have him fired for tipping us off)

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(Amy) Unlike Dorine, I just watched. I followed her around like a puppy. Except when you were engaged in a long conversation with Morgan (which Sheridan didn't seem to appreciate after a while) ;-D We were talking to these two people periodically through the evening. (Lora) His hair is great looking, but I did notice a small white spot toward the back. Pretty sure about it...sorry to disappoint. Actually it was easy to spot from my perch on the flowerpot (it is thinning quite a bit on the top, more than one may realize). I caught it when he turned to go into the theater. In the bar I didn't notice it at all, but he is significantly taller than I am. Kudos to the makeup people in "Earnest" for fixing his hair so nicely in the movie.

As far as being briefed about OP's brother...who knew we'd need briefing about anything. LOL! Thank you for answering our questions, ladies. Lora and Kate can't wait to see your pictures. (Lora),But we were supposed to land at 3pm and didn't ultimately take off until then! We finally landed at 6:15 pm and got to the Paris Theatre at 7:15 pm. But it was in the stars and you flew right through cloud 9. ;-D

I've found a new pic of Colin from the premiere, one of those with Livia glancing up at him. It's on the same page.

I must de-lurk, after just reading for so long -- you must allow me to tell you how I have enjoyed living vicariously through you New York party goers!! Amazing stuff. All I can hope for is that one day, American Girl will be shot in Toronto (sort of ironic, but a possibility...) and I can do my own detective work eventually... This board is just fantastic.

Welcome EmmaB Glad that you've decided to delurk and hope it wasn't just for this one comment. We have lots of fun here, and things go wild when we have some "up close and personal" Colin encounters.

From Cindy Adams's column in today's NY Post: AT the Paris Theater premiere of Miramax's "The Importance of Being Earnest," co-starring Reese Witherspoon, Rupert Everett, Dame Judi Dench and Colin Firth, Colin told me he's finally beginning to get recognized. "It's just sort of starting to happen a bit. Mostly what takes place is, when I walk along the streets in New York, just as I go past, one person will elbow his friend with, 'Look, there's . . . oh, you know . . . it's . . . whatsisname.' ********** Also, I understand that one of the NY TV stations (NY1 ?) showed an interview with Colin after the premiere. Maybe they'll repeat it.

From James Barron's column in today's NY Times: Speaking of Accents . . . Don't ask REESE WITHERSPOON, a star in the new and very British film version of "The Importance of Being Earnest," about being the only Yank in the cast. Wrong word, Yank. "I'm not even a Yank," she said at a party after the film's New York premiere on Monday. "I'm a Southern girl, which is even worse, because it's that much harder to get rid of your Southern drawl." . . . And Even More Accents SALMAN RUSHDIE, who went underground after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a death sentence, was out on the town again on Monday. At the New York premiere of "The Importance of Being Earnest," he sat with two of the film's stars, COLIN FIRTH and FRANCES O'CONNOR. Nearby sat HARVEY WEINSTEIN, co-chairman of Miramax, with SPALDING GRAY and BOB BALABAN. It was his second premiere (and second star-table dinner) in three days. The enduring memory of the party for "Insomnia" on Saturday was of Mr. Rushdie making BILLY CRYSTAL and ROBIN WILLIAMS laugh. So what did he tell them? "I can't remember," he said on Monday. "It's a very dangerous thing when Billy Crystal and Robin Williams are there to try and do funny accents." Mr. Rushdie does funny accents? Like Robin Williams? "At one point I did," he said, "and Billy Crystal pointed out to me that it wasn't the best funny accent he'd ever heard."

Was there anything on the entertainment news shows last night? I missed E! News Live, but did catch Access Hollywood (only Reese shown) and ET (nothing???).

(mari) Colin told me he's finally beginning to get recognized. "It's just sort of starting to happen a bit. Mostly what takes place is, when I walk along the streets in New York, just as I go past, one person will elbow his friend with, 'Look, there's . . . oh, you know . . . it's . . . whatsisname.' hmm.. what part of NY do u guys think he's mostly likely to hang out. anyone going to try their luck this weekend? certainly none of us here will give him a "what's his name".

Thank you for all the postings, ladies! Very exciting. :-) Hope springs eternal or does this lady know something we don't?! (From a Shakespeare lit.crit group) "Kronborg Castle at Elsinore was constructed on the site of a medieval fortification there. The castle seems to have four sides built around a central courtyard...... Productions of HAMLET are often done there: I think Colin Firth's doing it this year. I've never been there, but my Mum was there in 1951. Standing on one of the bastions, she asked one of the guards where the ghost of Hamlet's father had been. The guard, nodding diligently, answered, 'Yes! In the courtyard, every Summer!' :)"

(Me)Glad the theatre is small. What I meant by this was that it made it easier to see Colin. The glow of the screen made the lighting perfect, too. He laughed at the JD lines. If the theatre had been larger and wider it would have been harder to see his face. But with a larger theatre, maybe Dorine, Kate, and Amy would have gotten in!!! I'm so sorry I didn't get to meet you guys. But you accomplished amazing things at the party! Coming as late as we did made it immpossible to do anything but get tickets and seats (and stare as C. and L. arrived). It was a big blur. (I'll look for you guys in my pictures - I have some near the photo sessions! ;-)) (Dorine)An especially dry one ;-D ! The stress of having the plane land late must have been unbearable!! It was dry in the theatre for sure, but you should have seen us racing out of the airport looking for the car service that we had luckily reserved in advance (but were very late for) and looking for a taxi in case the car service didn't show - all in the pouring and very cold rain. We found the driver finally and if it wasn't for his efficiency, we never would have made it. (I think that's when my head was singing, "Ain't no mountain high enough..." But I didn't need to tell the driver to "get out" because he was driving "too slow." ;-D) Yes, Dorine, the stress was unbearable. That's when I was saying to myself, "you crazy girl" over and over again! (Dorine)And you got door prizes! I'm sorry we missed meeting...I don't recall seeing anyone with your description. Colin was sitting at the end of your row....how many seats away? Did you even concentrate on the movie? God knows I wouldn't have! The favor bags were at the party right near the security women and guards. Dorine, you were too busy walking in with OP to notice ;-D! They let us have one as one man was walking out with 8 in each hand! But they wouldn't let us into the party. But I thought DH had put up with enough already, so a quiet dinner was a good idea :-). And, yes, it was very hard concentrating on the movie and on Colin at the same time! He lauged at some of the DJD lines. Will post on 126 when I get my thoughts together about the movie. (Moon)Lora and Kate can't wait to see your pictures. They are being developed as we speak! *crossing fingers they came out well* (Moon)But it was in the stars and you flew right through cloud 9. ;-D We were so lucky that everything turned out okay. Thanks for emailing the others for me and thanks to Karen and this board for providing vital information in order to know these events are even happening! :-)

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I think that's when my head was singing, "Ain't no mountain high enough..." But I didn't need to tell the driver to "get out" because he was driving "too slow." ;-D) . . . "you crazy girl" LOL, Lora. Reading all these wonderful accounts (thanks to all of you!) I keep thinking "This really is the most incredible sh*t." ;-) Can't wait to see the pics! Was there anything on the entertainment news shows last night? No, but if there's anything at all you want to know about the Star Wars London premiere, or Rosie's baby, or Rachel and Ross's baby, or Nicole K's love life, just ask me.:-( Was just thinking that there were 3 former co-stars of CF's at the premiere--Stanley Tucci, Christopher Lloyd (remember Tales From The Hollywood Hills?) and of course Sal-MAHN.

Lora, Dorine, Kate and Amy, you guys are amazing, i doubt i'll ever have such an opportunity stuck here in the mid-west, but even if i did i'm generally so shy i don't think i'd have the guts, at least i can imagine myself there through you all, thanks for standing in the rain (and enduring late planes) for all us drooling women

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Lora, what a lovely husband you have! :) Thanks to all for the reports on the NY premiere and party. The fact that ODB, OP and Co. did not know that the Q&A was cancelled was surprising. Do they just get carted around without knowing in advance their schedules? Or could it be that they decided to close it to the public, but then who would do the Qs? Unrelated note. I went to B&N online about the Valmont DVD: it used to show a release of May 15. That is no longer the case; only shows VHS available and no release date for the DVD. Grrr!

Cannes starts today. They had the live broadcast of the opening on IFC. Missed it. Hopefully it will be on tonight too. I wonder if they will be there? Reese is on Leno tonight.

Hey, Dorine, did you remember to ask my question? And was the security guard still outside when you left? He was there when I went out. He said something about being surprised to see me. I just said, "I heard that the party was here, but I can't recall where I heard it." He laughed at that. He was sympathetic when I said that my friends got in but I got snagged. He said that you owe him two drinks. I was tempted to tip him, but I had nothing at hand, and no way to dig subtly in my bag. He was nice to us, given the constraints of his job. I am still feeling very angry at being made to feel like nothing by a little twentysomething (well, you get the idea)

I can help with this...I'm stuck home sick today, so was able to watch some, although not all, of the Cannes ceremonies. I didn't see anything *particularly* interesting, although someone else (who's not so groggy) should probably double check. The replay is one hour long, at 8:00 PM EST tonight on IFC.

(Odile)what a lovely husband you have! :) Thank you :-). He actually had a lot of fun, too. (Kate)I am still feeling very angry at being made to feel like nothing by a little twentysomething (well, you get the idea) Do you mean the girl at the rope letting or not letting people in? Don't feel angry, Kate, I thought she looked like Monica Lewinsky ;-) (and she wouldn't let us in either). She also had to ask her blonde twentysomething superior if we could have a favor bag!

(Kate)Hey, Dorine, did you remember to ask my question? To Salman Rushdie asking the location of the loos? (Kate) I am still feeling very angry at being made to feel like nothing by a little twentysomething As I said previously, you were very gracious in your earlier description of her. (Kate) He was sympathetic when I said that my friends got in but I got snagged. He said that you owe him two drinks. Kate, email me with the name of his company if you remember it. I couldn't really read it on the little pin he was wearing and don't remember what he said it was. I actually do want to track him down if poosible (subtly) and buy him those drinks; I did promise him. Been trying to figure out today how to do that. He was a very sweet man. I didn't see him out there and I would hope he would've said something if he saw us.

(Karen)I've found a new pic of Colin from the premiere, one of those with Livia glancing up at him. It's on the same page. Why can't I find this one? is it on the Public Eye page? (Mari)No, but if there's anything at all you want to know about the Star Wars London premiere, or Rosie's baby, or Rachel and Ross's baby, or Nicole K's love life, just ask me. Isn't that the truth? I can't believe that ET or Extra didn't cover the premiere. I am so totally saturated with the same stories over the last three weeks I'm beginning to have nightmares. However, I had v.sweet dreams last night after reading the reports from our very own reporters. ET, Extra-eat your hearts out! I have also been watching WB11 and News 7, both NY news shows-no mention whatsoever. Only a brief segment on the TFF last week.

...Last night I dreamt I was at Star Wars premiere again...Oh,Sorry, that was just me having another nightmare after watching the evening entertainment shows again. In case anyone was wondering if anything worthwhile was covered...You really needn't bother. I had another thought about the lack of coverage for the premiere on Monday.If ET, Extra, or Access Hollywood had been there-they most certainly would not have covered the party. Thanks to Dorine and Company we all got to go!

gosh, i hate that i get in so late from work. I too wish to thank Karen and Co. for the information. Without you I wouldn't have gotten this great opportunity. And, if you--Dorine and Kate, hadn't been there, I would have packed it all in and went home too. I am really sorry that you didn't make it in Kate. Sorry I didn't get to meet you Lora. Sounds like you have a pretty swell husband! Sorry you're ill Elizabeth.

Back to the task at hand..... About asking for the autograph. I was sweating that a bit, only because I thought that if anything would get us kicked out, that would be it. But he was sitting there, not talking to anyone (rare) next to some sort of pillar. So when I went up to him, I was between him and the pillar. It was sort of dark and I was crouched (sp?) down and asked. He was very gracious and didn't seem put out in the least. (When he asked my name though, I had to stop to remember it!) The hair, yes, it is thinning but any hair on his head is good enough for me. And since you have to look up, you don't really notice it ;^). (Kate--don't let that girl make you think you're nothing. Who was she? She had a cell phone and a clipboard. BIG DEAL.) Karen--I'll send you my email.

Odile)what a lovely husband you have! :) (Lora)Thank you :-). He actually had a lot of fun, too (Amy)Lora. Sounds like you have a pretty swell husband! I move we give Lora's DH the Hubby of the Year Award! The guy's a prince...tell'em Lora!!

(lindak) Thanks to Dorine and Company we all got to go! Indeed. ET showed about 15 secs of Reesie last night--blink and you would've missed it. Am bowing and scraping to Dorine (you GO, girlfriend), Lora, Amy and Kate. We are not worthy...we are not worthy... Am off to the bucket. Thanks for the pictures, Karen!

(Amy)About asking for the autograph. I was sweating that a bit, only because I thought that if anything would get us kicked out, that would be it. But he was sitting there, not talking to anyone (rare) next to some sort of pillar. So when I went up to him, I was between him and the pillar. It was sort of dark and I was crouched (sp?) down and asked. He was very gracious and didn't seem put out in the least. (When he asked my name though, I had to stop to remember it!) The hair, yes, it is thinning but any hair on his head is good enough for me. And since you have to look up, you don't really notice it ;^). did he write anything or just signed his name? what did you have him autograph, did u bring a picture or something? sorry for all these Qs. just reading all these reports have gotten me very excited hehe... u gals are great.

For the autograph... I had a small notebook and marker with me (planned ahead). It reads: "Amy, Best Wishes, Colin Firth X".

Amy wrote: Sorry you're ill Elizabeth. Thanks! Just a touch of fever, that is now well under control. Will wait to look at the photos until tomorrow, though, just in case! :) You got an X ! How sweet of him. Planning ahead has its rewards.

As they say on SNL, "simma down, now, simma down." ;-D I feel like I'm in the land of Italics. I know we're excited, agog, and apopletic but, if there's one thing that's really important, it's closing that tag. So I'll end by quoting Hill Street Blues: '"Let's be careful out there." I'm not sure why everybody is thanking me. I don't think I posted the original info about the premiere date (Mari probably did) and I don't provide the space here. That's courtesy of all the lovely people here (participants and lurkers) who make contributions to Terry to help defray the significant costs of running this place. I agree there's nothing like Drool. You can't have the kind of fun we do on a threaded message board or by email. This place is the best, and you all help make it that way. *clapping*

Everyone, I've been reading here for a while now (Karen, thanks for logging me in.) I've got to say that you are an amazing bunch... intelligent, articulate and amazingly creative in the ways you have to learn about ODB and even to meet him. and then sharing your EXPERIENCES with the rest of us!! Thanks so much for the detailed reports. Odile, BTW, re: Valmont on DVD. I preordered it from B&N and just got a notice tonight that it had shipped. I went back, checked that my order was indeed for the DVD. Don't know what that is about it not being available yet. I'll just have to see what arrives in the next few days.

OK!! We've got another Colin on TV appearance and just in time!! On Monday, May 20 VH1 CAST PARTY: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST VH1 hosts a cast party produced in conjunction with the movie "The Importance of Being Ernest" starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth and Reese Witherspoon. Two young gentlemen (Rupert Everett & Colin Firth) living in 1890s England use the same pseudonym ("Earnest") on the sly, which is fine until they both fall in love with women using that name, which leads to a comedy of mistaken identities ... (Premieres from 7-7:30p)

(Evelyn)I move we give Lora's DH the Hubby of the Year Award! The guy's a prince...tell'em Lora!! He is a prince (as in Joe, perhaps ;-)). And I told him what you said and he said he's flattered and it made his day to be honored on the drool conference center!

Okay, I'll respond by quoting Robert DeNiro in TD, "You talking to me, you talking to me? ;-) Sorry, I think I was the last one to not close the tag. But it's been quite a couple of days and you should see the dimples on the picture I got from the premiere :-)

On Monday, May 20 VH1 CAST PARTY: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Soooo . . .Colin returned to VH1, the scene of last year's crime which starred "Hugh I Can't Shut My Pie Hole Grant.":-( I hope they can persuade "the boys" to do their duet on air for us.:-) Should be interesting, thanks! Did anyone catch Rupert Everett tonight on the Daily Show? What a riot. Jon Stewart was really *on*, and Rupe had a few good comebacks too. I almost want to transcribe it--but if you're from France, you'll need to hide your eyes.;-) The show was clearly taped a few weeks back, right before the French elections. I hope we see CF on this show. Jon did mention his name, so I'm thinking he taped a show as well.

Dorine, my question was about whether he has any plans to do a play. If I had been there when he was jokingly defensive about the cancellation, I probably would have said something smart-assed about feeling a bit touchy about cancellations, and by the way, why don't you do a play and make it up to those of us who had Hamlet tix. (This probably would have made him call security) But I'd really like to see him do a play again (wouldn't even have to be Shakespeare) Sorry, didn't get the name of our friend's company. There were other guards around when I was leaving, so I really couldn't say too much. Amy, why didn't you get me an autograph, too??????????????????

Thank you all for your wonderful reports! I have just one question. Was ODB seen smoking? Have wondered how his anti-smoking resove was holding up since I understand he smokes in TIOBE.

(Kate)my question was about whether he has any plans to do a play. Sorry I didn't get to that. :-( It was to be one of the questions before the PR chick whisked him away and then the second time I admit I forgot and just asked about the panel cancellation. I wanted to know whether he'd consider doing Shakespeare in the Park. They had such a stellar cast for The Seagull last year. (Allison M) Was ODB seen smoking? Have wondered how his anti-smoking resove was holding up since I understand he smokes in TIOBE. I didn't see him smoking myself and I did glance over his way VERY frequently...but then apparently I didn't notice he had a glass of wine in his hand when standing right in front of me.

Phew! What a lot to read! CNN has really been very busy. Thank you so much to all for sharing and making us feel we were there! The anticipation for the tv appearances is so contagious - even I feel excited even though, 'cept for Lady Katie, we're not going to see any of those shows down here Sorry , it's nice to have a continent named after one's nom de drool and all that, but am too shy to write it down. ;-) (Amy)I had a small notebook and marker with me (planned ahead). It reads: "Amy, Best Wishes, Colin Firth X". I've already said "you rock" to Odile and Amy but here's another one for Amy - the Colin Firth Girl Guides award - "Always be prepared". Is someone keeping a tally of all the awards already conferred on the Golden Girls of New York? Lora - does YDH have a twin brother? Kate - don't worry about THAT girl. Do you believe in karma? Imagine the possibilities.... (Mari)No, but if there's anything at all you want to know about...or Nicole K's love life, just ask me. LOL, Mari. Ok, I'm asking. Heard she's now a cradle snatcher! But don't answer me here - the BOSS is watching! Finally, to Boss Karen - thank you for the pics, the updates etc - Drool is all a-buzz!

Question: Is BWTA CF interview a sure thing? I checked its schedule on May 19th. It says "Frederic and George". There is no mentioned of CF. BWTA on May 19 Thanks to all for the wonderful reading here in Drool last couple of days, especially to the ladies who went to the NYC Premiere, great experience and excellent reports! I felt like I went and stayed with you the whole time.

No need for concern. BWTA rarely mentions the people who will be interviewed (usually two) during the breaks from the main program.

(Karen)You can't have the kind of fun we do on a threaded message board or by email. And you can't post pics anywhere else either!! (Karen) This place is the best, and you all help make it that way. *clapping* Yeah...sure. But mostly it's *you*, Boss;-) The Bucket is the glue that keeps this place hopping. Welcome Kathy C. It's great to get so many newbies when the Colin-news is hot, but don't you all desert us this summer when the drought sets in;-) It gets pretty lonely around here.I don't want to go back to discussing cricket!!

Welcome Kathy C, and definitely let us know about the Valmont DVD when you get it! (Mari) I almost want to transcribe it--but if you're from France, you'll need to hide your eyes.;-) The show was clearly taped a few weeks back, right before the French elections. Please do post the transcription if you have time. I'm French and there was enough shame about my fellow countrymen after the first round of elections that I'm shock-proof now (it was so much my dad talked about moving to England even though he doesn't speak English :) ). One a different note: Reese on Jay Leno last night, did not mention any of the cast this time (except Rupie when introducing the clip)... same accent story but a few extra non-TIOBE related (dog having a physical trainer,...)

(Evelyn) It's great to get so many newbies when the Colin-news is hot, but don't you all desert us this summer when the drought sets in;-) It gets pretty lonely around here.I don't want to go back to discussing cricket!! i'll definitely be around as long as you'll have me, all twentysomethings aren't bad you know, (i would have been nice to you kate :-), you all will have to give me tips on which cf films to rent when things calm down welcome kathy c!

Mari spotted some online listings for Colin's TV appearances, but I've tried to get them confirmed with Miramax. All I hear is that they want them aired during the week of release (week of May 22). All but one correspond to the tentatives we had before. Anyway here they are: Today Show - Tuesday, May 21 Regis & Kelly - Monday, May 27 Early Show - Tuesday, May 28 There is also the movie review program "Hot Ticket" which will review TIOBE on Sunday, May 19, repeated early May 20. I would advise checking this one out in your own area, as it is shown late on Saturday night here, repeated very late Sunday night. Even though the Ebert & Roper listings do not show TIOBE being reviewed this upcoming weekend, it is a possibility as they typically only show the names of the "big" releases. And... Kathy C!! I too am interested in hearing about the Valmont DVD and whether there are any extras to justify the rather high MSRP. I've yet to place my order.

TV Guide has Rupert Everett listed for the Early Show Friday, May 24. Welcome Kathy C-You picked a great week to join us. I'll be here all summer too, Evelyn. Just think, we will soon be discussing HS and AG, and fingers, toes, and eyes crossed-TEoR. Of course we can always discuss cricket if we need to. Liz Smith's column in the Times this morning: For you New Yorkers who cant't get enough of Judi Dench: You'll find her May 22 in TIOBE at the Paris Theater. Judi plays a mighty mite characterization of Lady Bracknell and, as usual, is marvelous. The cast includes Colin Firth, Frances O'Conner, Rupert Everett, Reese Wihterspoon, and Tom Wilkinson. I think her little blurb sounds second hand. IMO,if she had attended the premiere or the party I think she would have said so. She didn't have a problem writing volumes on every tid bit about Liza's wedding.

The accent is on 'Earnest' By Jeannie Williams, USA TODAY NEW YORK � Southern-born Reese Witherspoon joins big British acting names in The Importance of Being Earnest. At Monday's premiere, she admitted that while shooting she was "extremely intimidated, nervous, shaking in my boots, terrified to say anything above a whisper in front of Judi Dench." But the Legally Blonde star, doing her first English accent and first "corset" role in a period film, says, "I finally worked up enough courage." Dench was "so incredibly giving and kind, and Colin (Firth) and Rupert (Everett) and Frances (O'Connor) were also helpful." Witherspoon needn't have worried. Oliver Parker, director of Oscar Wilde's Earnest romp of mistaken identities, says it's mainly about "girls pushing men around," and Witherspoon "has enormous intensity. She's a little powerhouse." Firth, who sings a delightful duet with Everett in the film, adds, "I don't consider her to be any less qualified. We're (all) fairly well removed from 100 years ago. I think if you're a brilliant actor, which she is, it's just as much in your domain." Witherspoon got the accent down with six weeks of vocal coaching, practicing ordering coffee at Starbucks. She wore a black and gold Vivienne Westwood gown to the premiere and said she'll be with hubby Ryan Phillippe (also at the premiere) this summer when he shoots The I Inside in London. The Importance of Being Earnest opens in New York and L.A. on May 22 and in other top-10 markets May 24, then goes wider in late May and June.

Nick Hornby will be Terry Gross's guest on Fresh Air (National Public Radio)tomorrow: http://freshair.npr.org/ Odile, I'll try to get to the Rupie transcription over the weekend.

From today's Variety (thanks to Lilli & Eclipse); pic is a variation of the CF/RW/FO'C group shot: A Wilde night for 'Earnest' Weinstein braves wet weather to tout Brit pic Co-stars Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon and Frances O'Connor reunite at the bow of "The Importance of Being Earnest." By LILY OEI Ladies, gentlemen and perhaps a handful of secret Bunburyists all braved a torrential downpour Monday night to enjoy the preem of Wildean classic "The Importance of Being Earnest." Wet weather added to the veddy Englishness of the evening, which started off with salutations from producer Barnaby Thompson, who took a moment before the unspooling to thank Miramax honcho Harvey Weinstein: "I can't think of a better friend to British cinema -- long may he continue." Civility continued at the after-party at the Hudson Hotel, where polite lines formed around the bars and buffet, and no one had to be kicked out of reserved seats. "I love the process of taking something with only a narrow audience and bringing it wide," said writer-helmer Oliver Parker, on tackling such a well-known play. "Wilde was a radical populist entertainer, and now he tends to be the preserve of an elite audience -- which irritates the hell out of me." Co-star Colin Firth agreed: "It wouldn't be humanly possible to make this play more accessible than we've made it." Joining in the jubilee were co-stars Frances O'Connor and Reese Witherspoon, along with guests Ryan Phillippe, Bob Balaban, Stanley Tucci, Mark Ruffalo, Joshua Jackson, Alexis Bledel, Rosario Dawson, Paul Rudd, Salman Rushdie, Tina Brown and Harry Evans. Date in print: Thurs., May 16, 2002

karen-- i sent you a few pics. (sorry for the dust)

(Lily Oei of Variety) ...and perhaps a handful of secret Bunburyists Hmmm...Not as clever as we thought, perhaps? ;-D

Allison--definitely no smoking. Kate--sorry about the autograph. As for the secret Bunburyists...isn't that what we all are here in this conference...as it states on the header ("A Place for Ordinarily Sensible Women Who Have Temporarily Lost Their Heads Over Movie Stars")? Who would have thought Mr Wilde would have been so current as to be able to be applied to the internet?! (I emailed a friend of mine the story of sneaking in the the premiere party. She replied: "Great story, wish I could believe you."--but she doesn't know about Bunburying, I guess.)

She replied: "Great story, wish I could believe you." O she of little faith... :)

Ladies, here are Lora's pictures from the TIOBE premiere. http://www.geocities.com/davidia7/cflora.html Welcome newbies!

Those are absolutely fabulous pictures, Lora!! And Moon you did such a great job scanning and putting them up for everybody to see. I especially adore the one where Colin is standing in front of the poster, directly in front of his own image. Thanks so much for sharing them with us. Warning: To reiterate the notice on the webpage, these photos should not be uploaded to other internet sites, which includes group and community photo albums. Please respect the photo owners' wishes, otherwise no other personal photos of Colin will be posted here in the future, but will only be circulated privately. Enjoy them where they are. Thanks.

Thanks Lora and Moon! My favorite is also the one by the poster. Lora--is that Livia's hair encroaching a bit from the left on the top pic?

No, that's Lora's hair.

thanks so much Lora and Moon for the pics. Lora, did he put his arm on your shoulder for the pic?

thanks so much for the pictures, so is the one with you and colin mounted on your wall already or are you hiding it away so that you hubby won't be constantly reminded of your infatuation for another man, and what a man he is :-p~~~~, just a sec i reached a lip stick mark on my screen, i have to clean it off before i continue

(Karen) I especially adore the one where Colin is standing in front of the poster, directly in front of his own image. It's like he stepped out of the poster and into Lora's life! I also like the limo shot. Not something you see every day!:-) I'm with Dalec, we need more details about the photo shoot. Where were the hands? How tight was the squeeze? Only one take or two for safety? My thanks also to Dorine, Amy, Kate and Lora for all they have shared about their adventures.

Lora, did he put his arm on your shoulder for the pic? Yes, he did! And, what about that smile? It's Mark Darcy. Lucky Lora! I too like the poster one very much. :-D

Lovely photos! The poster one is surreal! On that note I thank Lora and Moon very much for giving me the perfect mental picture to take with me to slumber. If I die in my sleep, it will be ok. I will come back as a TIOBE reviewer ;-) Nighty night!

Ah, Lora, you lucky girl. Very nice photos. Speaking of photos, there's a new poster of TIOBE in my newspaper today. It has CF (looking more like CF than Jack) sitting on the grass with FOC's hand on his chest. Lady B is standing behind. RE is sort of lying with RW behind him. The house is in the background. It's a composite but I like it more than the 1st poster.

Lora, I love these pics, especially the poster shot! Did you plan that one in that way? How cute is that. Moon, thanks very much for the scan and link!:-)

(Karen)I especially adore the one where Colin is standing in front of the poster, directly in front of his own image. Thanks so much for sharing them with us. (Caribou)It's like he stepped out of the poster and into Lora's life! (Minkee)The poster one is surreal! It is such a surreal picture, isn't it? It's a true illustration of the whole premiere experience! Caribou, your description is exactly right! I had to pinch myself several times. It's a pleasure to share them with you all. Thanks for all your comments - it allows me to relive the experience :-)! (Karen)No, that's Lora's hair. And it's totally frizzed-out because of the weather :-/. He looked like Mark Darcy and I kinda resembled Bridge after the ride in the convertible ;-(. (Caribou)I'm with Dalec, we need more details about the photo shoot. Where were the hands? How tight was the squeeze? Only one take or two for safety? It was just one shot, and he couldn't have been more willing and sweet about taking the photo with me. He put his arm around my shoulder so I naturally put mine around his back. *sighing and gasping as I remember it all* You can see his fingers on the top of my shoulder and it was a very nice moment. It was a friendly squeeze (remember Livia was right behind us and my DDH was taking the picture!). Moon, you did such a terrific job scanning and putting them up in such a lovely sequence! Your talent for style and good taste is beyond compare :-)!!! Thank you! Karen, I went back and checked my tags! :-) ;-)

Moon, you did such a terrific job scanning and putting them up in such a lovely sequence! Your talent for style and good taste is beyond compare :-)!!! Thank you! I still can't believe that we live so close, and that we have many mutual acquaintances, Lora! It's always fun to get together. I am happy I was able to nurture your cf affliction with my video collection to the point that your DH gets you such a great Mother's Day present! Thank you for sharing them!

(Mari)Did you plan that one in that way? How cute is that. No, it wasn't planned, it was just being in the right place at the right time and snap, snap, snapping away!

Just got my A&E newsletter, and he's on there! BREAKFAST WITH THE ARTS SUNDAY MAY 19, 2002 8:00 AM Eastern Time Elliott Forrest, host **************************************************************************** Chopin: Frederic et George This week's show features the premiere of a dramatization of the love affair of Romantic composer Frederic Chopin and controversial French female writer, George Sand, whom he met in Paris. The film tells the fascinating story of this unusual couple. Artist of the Week: Julie Kent, principal dancer, American Ballet Theater, talks about her work and her upcoming role as Titania in Frederick Ashton's enchanting rendering of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." For more info, go to: http://chtah.com/a/tA85RTYADspiuAJfHqiADIUhsAu/ae1 Arts and Entertainment News: Artist James Wyeth discusses his exhibition of paintings of ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev, on display at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. Celebrity Interview: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE'S Colin Firth talks about his work, and his role as "Ernest/Jack" in the new Miramax film THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, co-starring Dame Judi Dench, Rupert Everett, and Reese Witherspoon. Open Book: Dominick Dunne discusses his book "Justice: Crimes, Trials, and Punishments" and Jimmy Breslin talks about "I Don't Want to Go to Jail: A Good Novel."

Hi everyone! I guess I would be a newbie to the board, but not a newbie where Colin is concerned : ) I am loving all the stories and the pics are just incredible...*sigh*...Oh to be so lucky!Oh...and Thanks Karen!!

From Roger Friedman, Fox News: Earnest Star Says AI Ahead of Its Time Frances O'Connor, one of the stars of Oliver Parker's The Importance of Being Earnest, told me the other night that audiences simply weren't ready for Stanley Kubrick's last movie (directed by Steven Spielberg). O'Connor, you may recall, played the mother in A.I.: Artificial Intelligence. When her son falls into a coma, O'Connor and her husband adopt an android boy played by Haley Joel Osment. When the son recovers, O'Connor dumps her adopted son in the woods. "So many people came up to me and said, 'How could you do that?'" O'Connor recalled. "I guess it struck a nerve. But also, they seemed to forget that he wasn't real. He was a robot!" The actress � who also did a smashing job in Mansfield Park � agreed that A.I., like many Stanley Kubrick films, was ahead of its time. "People forget that no one liked 2001 when it was first released," she said, "and now it's considered a great classic." O'Connor recently finished a long run in London's West End playing Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof opposite Brendan Fraser and Ned Beatty. Although she loves theater, she told me she turned down a chance to be directed by Sam Mendes at the Donmar Warehouse in London � now considered the hippest theater in town � because she has to get back to making movies. Next year she'll star in Timeline, the movie version of the Michael Crichton novel directed by Richard (Superman) Donner. The Importance of Being Earnest opens today in a limited run, (Ed.Note: Where??) and then branches out to more theaters shortly. My advice: When you see those long lines for Attack of the Clones, give Earnest a chance. The costumes are just as good, and the dialogue is a whole lot better.

Thanks Lora for making your pics available!! And Moon for scanning them :-)

Thanks Lora for the wonderful pictures and sharing your experiences-you certainly did your part in giving us the experience of a lifetime. I can only imagine how you felt at the moment he put his hand on your shoulder, and you put your hand on his back. OMG. As I said last week-You guys are killing me! Thank you, Moon, for scanning.

Possible schedule change: TV Guide had Colin listed for the Today Show on Tuesday, but this is from the Today website--Rupie on Monday, Colin on Friday (opening day for most of us!:-) MONDAY, MAY 20 7:00 A.M. ET - Garage sales Actor Liam Neeson discusses his role in the Broadway play, �The Crucible.� Tips for treasure hunting at garage sales. Actor Rupert Everett talks about his role in the movie, �The Importance of Being Earnest.� �Today�s Style� with Judy Gordon. Men and osteoporosis on the �Forever Young� series. FRIDAY, MAY 24 7:00 A.M. ET - Bryan Adams performs Bryan Adams performs live on the Plaza as part of the 2002 �Today� Summer Concert Series. Actor Colin Firth talks about his role in the movie, �The Importance of Being Earnest.� Ten things to know about car rentals on �Today�s Money.� �Al Roker�s Big Bad Book of Barbecue� on �Today�s Kitchen.�

Where's the segment on innovative uses for support hose? ;-D Thanks, Mari, this is going to be a day-to-day thing. While I'd opt for the Today Show's own listing, we experienced ones know that wasn't the case last year. Oh no, a week's worth of Today Show viewing. My, I'll be incredibly informed when it's over. Am positively on edge of seat over "men and osteoporosis."

Lora and Moon.....thanks sooooooo much for sharing the pictures. Lora, I think someone got cropped out of that first one!!!! I don't blame you if you didn't want to be plastered all over the internet, but I for one would have liked to see you too! If it were me, I'd get a real nice copy made of that picture of Colin in front of the movie poster and find the best place to send it off to him along with the absolute nicest note he's ever recieved. Betcha get something like a personal thank you back from that man. ;)

(Lora) It was a friendly squeeze (remember Livia was right behind us and my DDH was taking the picture!). LOLASMKWMH!! What I mean by that is Laughing Out Loud and Slapping My Knee with My Hand!! When I caught myself doing that I couldn't resist turning it into an acronym.:-) Do you think maybe Lora got the dimples instead of the killer Hollywood smile because it was her DH with the camera?

We-el, *I'm* gonna thank Lora's DH , the prince, who made it *all* possible! So there.. Lora...he looks soooo happy. And those outrageous dimples!!! I'm glad Rupe was MIA; he would have hogged the scene. This way ODB was the King of the Night. Lora and Moon..

Lora, thanks so much for sharing the pictures and Moon for scanning them in. I've been bouncing back and forth between your description of events and the pictures themselves. Having a wonderful time fantasizing vicariously through your experience. Your DH IS a paragon. I know it's been asked already but are you SURE he doesn't have a twin stashed away somewhere??? Mari, I guess it'll be Today all week next week. Don't want them to sneak ODB in early and run the risk of missing him. Seriously though, if the Monday schedule hold I'd catch the Liam Neeson segment too. A little off topic but for any of you in the NY metropolitan area "The Crucible" is a powerful and moving production. I recommend it highly. Neeson was wonderful and I'd love to see him walk away with the Tony for it.

All I've got to say is that Lora's M-Day present sure beats flowers, a box of candy, and a bottle of perfume.

(Karen)All I've got to say is that Lora's M-Day present sure beats flowers, a box of candy, and a bottle of perfume. Thanks, Karen. I'll take outrageous dimples and a DH who made it *all* possible over the above any M-Day! :-) (Thanks, Evelyn!) Lisa, that's a great idea about sending the poster pic with a note. But you'll have to help me write it since you're soooo creative! Any ideas about how to start it?

Argh! can't see the pictures. The georcities web page is down. :-(

It is probably down because of too much traffic within a given period. Try back later, or I might get around to adding them to The Bucket today as it is still bloody freezing here.

Silvie sends this excerpt from an interview with Caroline Rhea from the May 2002 issue of Canadian Elle (no pics): Elle: Rosie's crush was Tom. Is your's going to be Bruce Vilanch from Hollywood Squares? CR: No! he's a lovely man and I hope he'll be a guest one day, but Benicio Del Toro is my Tom Cruise. Elle: How about Colin Firth? CR: I interviewd Colin Firth when Rosie was in hospital.**He's "so" gorgeous.** I made him look into the camera and say hello to Celia, my sister, because she loves him.

I made him look into the camera and say hello to Celia, my sister, because she loves him. So do we Celia, so do we...

(Kathy C) A little off topic but for any of you in the NY metropolitan area "The Crucible" is a powerful and moving production. I recommend it highly. Neeson was wonderful and I'd love to see him walk away with the Tony for it. I have tickets for May 29th. He'll have to duke it out with Rickman for the Tony, though. *running before The Boss shoots me for the OT here*

-add bad language here- Geocities should start working tomorrow, but I want to see those photos now!

LindaK typed this up from the NJ newspaper The Times. She posted it on the Spoiler topic, but since many people won't go there until they've seen the movie, I am reposting it here: A Pairing of Opposites: Rupert Everett and Colin Firth move from Shakespeare to The Importance of Being Earnest. By Joyce J. Persico The first time actors Rupert Everett and Colin Firth laid eyes on one another it was hardly love at first sight. It wasn't even mutual admiration society time. "But I've loosened up now," the normally serious Firth concedes. "I've given in to my superficiality. "Rupert is a lot easier to get along with. He was outrageous then and now he's very funny." Everett, a flamboyant type known as much for his good looks as for his ribald sense of humor; noticed the change in the co-star he first encountered on the set of "Shakespeare In Love." "Colin was very dull in the old days,"Everett announces. "He was always strumming on a guitar; going to give his first million to charity. "I was going in the opposite direction." The two reunited in one of the few art films scheduled for release in this popcorn movie-filled season, an adaptation of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest." It opens Friday. Directed by Oliver Parker, it tells the story of a bachelor from the English countryside named Jack Worthing (Firth) who assumes a false identity under the name of Earnest while pursuing a carefree life in London. There are comic repercussions as Jack's friend, Algy (Everett), pretends to be Earnest in order to court Jack's niece (Reese Witherspoon.) Firth, also known for playing Mr. Darcy in the BBC adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" and the suitor in the film "Bridget Jones's Diary," admits that he is not quite what he seems, despite his serious on-screen persona. "I wanted to be a rock star," he adds, sheepishly. "Like others of my generation, it didn't happen. "I don't know what I'm like, but I'm not Mr. Darcy. I didn't grow up with a gigantic mansion in Darbyshire." Unlike some actors who "sleep rough or learn to box," Firth simply acts the part. "I don't think there's a brilliant actor alive who works in isolation," he insists. "There was fun on our set, a sense of mischief bordering on hysteria." Everett, a scene-stealer as the gay friend in "My Best Friend's Wedding," joined in the fun, beginning with his admiration for the colorful author of "Earnest." "I love Oscar Wilde because his life is a kind of awful inspiration in a way," says Eveett, dressed in two layers of skin-tight T-shirts. "But I don't think I'd have liked him very much if I got too close to him. He was always pouring sweat. He was a great snob. But he kind of flaunted this life he knew was unacceptable. He drove toward the cliff's edge, like someone drunk on success." Everett would like to make a film based on the final two years of Wilde's life, a project slated for a time when the youthful looking Everett is a bit older. Part of the amiable ensemble cast is American actess Reese Witherspoon, who plays Jack's sheltered niece, Cecily Cardew. She claims to have been "terrified of Rupert." "But we became fast friends in a day," says the actress who won kudos last summer for her lead in the comedy "Legally Blonde." "Colin's a buddy, but I can't like him that much in front of Rupert. He gets too nervous." Calling herself "just a little girl from Tennessee," Witherspoon was concerned about doing an authentic British accent for her role. "She found it absolutely terrifying to step into the legacy of Wilde and felt everybody else could do it in their sleep," Firth explains. "It would be like me playing a biker. But she was wonderful." "She was really great," Everett agrees. "It's a pretty scary thing to come into a group of English accents and come into the culture. For an American, it's like speaking another language." Witherspoon isn't the only on who feared the outspoken Everett. Even Firth admits he "tends not to be on the wrong end of Rupert's humor." But he isn't frightened of British audiences because of some affinity they may have for lofty works. "They're not interested in Shakespeare," Firth says of his countrymen. "The English people aren't interested in culture at all." Response 1377 of 1377: Evelyn (lafn) * Sat, May 18, 2002 (10:06) * 9 lines Thank you Linda for typing up that article (CF) "But he isn't frightened of British audiences because of some affinity they may have for lofty works. "They're not interested in Shakespeare," Firth says of his countrymen. "The English people aren't interested in culture at all." Ug...such generalizations *shaking head*

V. sorry, Boss, 126-162 it's still too early for a Saturday.

For those who haven't seen Lora's fantastic pics, I've put them up here: http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/earnest_nycprem.html (no red eye either) I'm going to add two pictures from Amy when I can figure out which folder they landed in.... *shaking head*

http://globeandmail.com/servlet/GIS.Servlets.HTMLTemplate?tf=tgam/common/FullStory.html&cf=tgam/common/FullStory.cfg&configFileLoc=tgam/config&vg=BigAdVariableGenerator&date=20020518&dateOffset=&hub=thearts&title=Arts&cache_key=theartsFilmHeadline¤t_row=1&start_row=1&num_rows=1 This should take you to the globeandmail.com site that has an interview with Colin today. Big page with famous 'running shoes' photo (B&W). I only found this because the woman in my library were reading it.