(Matthew)Still resting? Still waiting for company? Oh, here I am dear boy. I'll say your name all day long if you wish. Woah! Rika. You have outdone yourself. AFG, and what a Valentine treat. (Matthew) We asked for the Top Ten, but this group has been known to go "over the top" before, so we weren't surprised when they couldn't stop at just ten! Yeah, that would be us;-) Special thanks for the "handing into the carriage capture". I told you no matter how many times I see that scene it drives me over the edge...the capture does the same.

Thanks Rika, excellent, of course. I didn't vote either, everyone else named all the good ones so all's well anyway! Big sigh at Darcy standing with huge trees and shrubbery around him as Lizzy's carriage pulls awa from Pemberley. :)))))

I'm with Barb on this....I'm doing a little Snoopy dance in my cube at work!!! Rika has a Snappy!!! I shall burst from pure joy! Thanks for the second 'set'! Numbers 15 and 13 are killing me! Good choices ladies! Mark Darcy in the snow trying to get a kiss from crazy Bridget who just won't let him....and THE HAND Louisa, THE HAND!! I feel faint....that little curl that has escaped as he hands Lizzy into the carriage....

Marvelous, Rika! The dimples, the hands, standing there as Lizzy's carriage drives away, reminiscing about "The Look".... I'm in heaven! And to think there is more to come! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

This is great, Rika! As the *only* one who posted a vote for anything in SLOW (I also could find 10 moments here), I'm thrilled to see Matthew as our host! (And it is amazing how great the color turned out on that). Darcy has quite a few Oops! moments, LOL. And in the series of Darcy helping Lizzy into the carriage, you got another one of my favorite "hair looks great on the back of his head" shots like in BJD. Love those waves. :-) I'm still resting.... If it were up to me, you'd need it. And then I woke up ;-) Am I not adorable Master of understatement ;-)

All I can say is a repeat of everyone else. Wonderful job Rika. You are indeed the master, and certainly have given me the best Valentines ever. Thank you.

Rika, as FanPam wrote, all to do is repeat everyone else. I thought that by now I was getting really good at varying my comments, but now - words fail me! And - I will try to give you time and wait patiently for the next part (or maybe not). btw, I was never one to acknowledge Valentines Day in any way, but this has most certainly turned me around;-)

I like the "Oops"captions, Rika.Thanks Hope "On foot" is coming in Part 3. Several years ago a friend made a Power Tape of all the Lizzie/Darcy moments. Nice that I don't have to plow through all six episodes for my P&P fix.

Rika, you are amazing at capturing CF's amazing moments! I didn't vote either, but I knew you all would pick what stays in the mind's eye of all firthettes everywhere. And thanks for making Matthew the host in your "Field" trip through CF's wonderful moments in film. Always gives me a sudden urge for a tomato salad ;-). (Barb)And him standing as Lizzy rolls away from Pemberley...mercy! Rika, your captures are so precise, we can even see that it's "to the left" even from afar in this one! :-)

I'm glad y'all are enjoying the Valentine's Day special. I had intended to start it on the 13th, but just wasn't able to do so. A couple of comments: For those who have mentioned poor Darcy and his "oops" moments, there's at least one more on its way.... plus one for someone else. Unfortunately, "On Foot" was on the honorable-mention list that Kathleen assembled when she tabulated the votes (thank you, Kathleen!) ...... so not in the Top 20. I wish I'd had time to do them all. Two or three things off the honorable mention list made it onto the top 20 so it wouldn't be a "top 17" (and I couldn't bear to cut anything out and make it a "top 10" or "top 15").... but there were so many good suggestions! Incidentally, the order of #7 - #20 was arbitrary, since they all got the same number of votes, except that I saved the VHS-based ones for later on, hoping my Snappy would arrive in time. And, as you'll see in Part 3, it did! Part 3 is up now. The last two parts (4 and 5) are almost done and should be posted this evening. http://www.spring.net/~rika/valentine/part3.html

Mmmmmm, Mmmmmm good! Nothing like a confident man with an unbuttoned shirt. :-D

And, how's our Valentine from Rika today? We are thankful.;-) I can understand some of the problems with SLOW but nonetheless, it is among my top five most-frequently-viewed Firthfilms. Rika, I'd say you are adequately capturing why! As they say, one finger can not bring in the harvest... No, no, one man can not bring in the harvest.. No, that's not it either, Here it is: One fine gal can harvest the snappies and one man can bring in the ohhs and ahhhs!

(Caribou)Here it is: One fine gal can harvest the snappies and one man can bring in the ohhs and ahhhs! LOL, you all seem to have a way with words!!! Rika, once again. Beautiful captures. I especially liked the middle of the AMITC pictures. So close, and yet so far apart (heartbreaking, sniff)

sorry, closing tags (I hope)

(Annette) Rika, once again. Beautiful captures. I especially liked the middle of the AMITC pictures. So close, and yet so far apart That one really got me, too. (Me) Mmmmmm, Mmmmmm good! Nothing like a confident man with an unbuttoned shirt. :-D On second thought....nothing like a confident man with *no* shirt (among other things). ;-D

Thank you Rika. So very very good and witty. Nothing is better than this.

(Annette) I especially liked the middle of the AMITC pictures. So close, and yet so far apart (heartbreaking, sniff) I know. I almost posted just that one for AMITC, but some of the close-ups were very good too. I was lucky to get that one - I don't yet have a set-up where I can pause the videotape and snap whatever I want, so I'm using a "continuous snap" mode where it takes pictures every few seconds till I tell it to stop. (Caribou)Here it is: One fine gal can harvest the snappies and one man can bring in the ohhs and ahhhs! Oh, I like that. Love the proverbs in that movie. I have a list of them somewhere.

Parts 4 and 5 of the Top 20 Romantic Moments are now posted: http://www.spring.net/~rika/valentine/part4.html Or if for some reason you want to start the whole thing from the beginning, now that it's finally complete. http://www.spring.net/~rika/valentine/part1.html Thanks to Kathleen for coming up with the original idea and doing the tabulations, to everybody who suggested such yummy scenes, to the people at Computers4Sure for shipping my Snappy quickly, and to everybody who's posted comments to let me know they enjoyed the pictures. Oh... and Evelyn, here's a bonus just for you. I wouldn't do this for just anybody! :-) "On foot?"

Rika, What can I say? I have just come across your Valentine snappies, and as usual, they are wonderful. And I have to say I totally agree with you. Matthew is AFG. The clothes! The hair!!

Rika, very nice job! Surely we can come up with an excuse to do this again...besides, you'll already have most of the pictures! Thanks!

LOL. Thanks, Rika, I'm honoured! D.(mockingly) "On foot"? L. (saucily) "As you see" Gets me every time.*sigh*

Matthew, Matthew, Matthew, Matthew....I'm a believer, Rika! I heard CF is looking for new representation. I nominate you because you can take someone AFG and make him even better. There are so many there that I don't get to see nearly enough (but I hesitate to say which one(s) because I don't want to hurt someone's ie. Matthew Tomahto, Say my name, Eddie Field's, feelings.) But let's just say how wonderful it will be to order up a big old bowl of #19,#15,#12,#8 or#1 just like a Chinese menu. It also has been nice to have a multiple day Valentines Day (similar to Hanukah or 12days of Christmas). I think we at Drool are the first in the nation. Always at the cutting edge. And you Rika started it! Really,really great. Long live the snappie!Thanks!

Rika, Rika, Rika Mark Darcy and Matthew...WOT an AFG combination.(And Mr. Darcy...you're not bad either) Oh that "string soup" capture is to die for. I'm sure glad Matthew gave Mark the leaning in lesson. He certainly put it to good use in the BJD doorway scene. Too bad we can't have sound. Just think about the little grunt that goes with that scene. I'm pure mush just now, pure mush. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

(Matthew Field)I don't quite understand what these Darcy gents have that I haven't..... a good scriptwriter, perhaps? Rika, loved the captures as well as Matthews commentary-track. I think, you should offer your services as scriptwriter! Evelyn, on foot gets me aswell (along with almost everyone of the captures) Thank you!

perhaps this is an old link: The CHIBI Strip Archive note the `firthette` charachter

(Kathleen) I heard CF is looking for new representation. I nominate you because you can take someone AFG and make him even better. Hear!! Hear!! Thank you again Rika for another wonderful job. Most appreciated.

Thanks for the CHIBI link, Odessa! Love those dreams.....

Well Rika I have nothing else to say 'cept.... BRAVO!! Thanks for the best valentine present! :-D And thanks for the "On foot?". One of my favorites, too. ;)

Rika you are a genius!!!! You put on all my favourites and I didn't even vote. Thank you so much. Too bad not every day is Valentine's day.:-(

Thanks, Rika!! Even after looking at them, I can't decide which one is my favorite. They are all too wonderful! And I thought Matthew's commentary was brilliant! Now that you have your snappy, I bet we can come up with all sorts of special interest projects for you. ;-)

Well done, Rika, thank you! BTW, I'm off to Grasse. ;-) An unusual number of you from Florida? There must be some explanation. To quote one of my colleagues, I shall conquer this - I shall! ROTF! There are quite a number of us here. ;-)

Rika, well done! Lovely pictoral--lovely commentary. A very nice Valentine's Day treat--thank you!

(Matthew Field, being petulant) An unusual number of you from Florida? (Moon) ROTF! There are quite a number of us here. ;-) I threw that in for you, Moon.

Loved your Valentine's treat, Rika! So funny and yummy. I especially love the BJD in-the-kitchen where he's really working those dimples. I always imagine the director coaching him on that look. And him practising in his mirror at home. Rika, these snappies are v. useful. I've managed to narrow my search for the china pattern from TIOBE thanks to the photo you posted a while back. Apparently the pattern is a Spode Trapnell Sprays, from the early 1900's. Thanks!!

I especially love the BJD in-the-kitchen where he's really working those dimples. I always imagine the director coaching him on that look. And him practising in his mirror at home. Oh please, no. This is as bad as telling us about all the "stand-ins." I have this fantasy that his smiles are all unrehearsed and extemporaneous.

Rika, I just wanted to add to the chorus of thank you's for your time & trouble in putting together a fantastic capture collection. Thank you *so* much!!!!!

Karen, The Valentine's collage is one of my fav's......thanks for putting it up again!

Rika, it bears repeating...thank you so much. I have, so to speak, tried to lead a few of the other female horses in the stable around me to water, with your Valentines show, but evidently they just don't know quality water when it is offered (they did like your commentary though...) Found this Italian link with 44 photos of ODB, a few of the older ones I hav'nt seen before.. http://film.spettacolo.virgilio.it/cinema/gallery.php?id=66907&persona=11990&ord=10

Maria, thanks for the link. The AMITC pics were the most interesting for me, since I haven't see that film. I swear he looks about 15, LOL! Love the one of him with the suspenders from TEP...

Thanks, Maria. Funny, though, pic #2 isn't Colin and Rupe from AC. It is Rupe with another of the boys.

(Moonstar) The AMITC pics were the most interesting for me, since I haven't see that film. I swear he looks about 15, LOL! A very skinny 15 year old!!!

Rika, thank you for your Valentine's Day treat: mmmm, better than Godiva. :-) Karen, the Valentine's Day 'card' on Drool's front page was delish, too. Thanks!

Thanks for the link Mari. The pics were good. Agree #2 wasn't Colin though.

(Evelyn) I have this fantasy that his smiles are all unrehearsed and extemporaneous. Me too. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

(Evelyn) I have this fantasy that his smiles are all unrehearsed and extemporaneous. (Rika)Me too. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. I'm glad we agree on this one. Couldn't bear(sp?) to se this fantasy squashed, like a stick insect on, well whatever.

Thank you Maria (moonstar)Love the one of him with the suspenders from TEP, I just watched TEP, again, last night. I did notice that I loved him in the suspenders, and today they show up. Lovely movie. I thought I rememberd his face being a lot fuller in this film. But on viewing last night, for pure CF factor, I noticed that he wasn't as filled out as I recalled. He looked great to me. Sigh...CF always looks great to me.

(BrendaL) Apparently the pattern is a Spode Trapnell Sprays, from the early 1900's. Thanks for sharing your find,BrendaL. I would not have had the first clue as to where and how to find out which pattern it was. When I first read 1900's, I thought they must have used a service from a National Trust house but Spode reissued the pattern recently. So, any of us who want, can, for a mere$105 for cup and saucer, join Cecily and Gwendolyn for a cup of tea. And if we want to pour from a matching pot, it will only cost an additional $470. Egads! Definitely added it's share to the cost of TIOBE production.:-)

Rika, thanks so much for the Valentine's Day "candy". Mari, thanks for the link. Quite a number of pictures I hadn't seen before.

I forgot to thank you for the link Maria. I went back to have a look at them all this morning (needed a "fix" to get startet on a long, busy day), and especially picture no. 42 produced, well if not vibrations, then an idea for Rikas next project. As far as I remember, I once picked up on ODB's singing performances, and would love to have an illustrated list. Is this something, you other girls would like aswell or am I being too silly on this one? (Rika - we (I) ask a lot, I know, I know - but you are the DVDiva and as with most titles - obligations follows;-)) I haven't postet anything about the bad manners of some people, and I do not want to continue along that road. Just want to say to Karen "in public", that I would love to continue to be a part of this group, whichever form it might take. And Karen - we love you, just as you are!

(Caribou)Thanks for sharing your find,BrendaL. I would not have had the first clue as to where and how to find out which pattern it was. You're welcome :-) All I did was email Rika's cup photo to various pattern search companies. And if you write Spode they'll tell you the store nearest you. Too bad about the price--I'll pass on this souvenir. Btw, Solomon Burke is on Letterman on Friday night. He was on Colin's latest CD list.

(Annette) Is this something, you other girls would like aswell or am I being too silly on this one? Pictures are *always* a good thing, as far as I'm concerned . See what you've started, Rika? You've spoiled us... (Caribou) for a mere$105 for cup and saucer, join Cecily and Gwendolyn for a cup of tea. And if we want to pour from a matching pot, it will only cost an additional $470 Yikes! The on-set insurance rep must have been a nervous wreck, LOL! Too rich for my blood; it'll have to go on the "things to purchase when I win the lottery" list, along with that fabulous chair from "La Selva" :)

(Evelyn) I have this fantasy that his smiles are all unrehearsed and extemporaneous. (Rika)Me too. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. (Annette)I'm glad we agree on this one. Couldn't bear(sp?) to se this fantasy squashed, like a stick insect on, well whatever. Oh, I couldn't agree more, ladies... I think that's one of his greatest appeals as an actor.. that he doesn't come across as forced, but very natural.. and those boyish unrehearsed smiles are to die for! Rika, you nearly killed me with your valentine.. no one could even possibly come close and you have now set the standard.. (laughing) I got so carried away from reading Matthew's suggestions that I had to go watch SLOW twice and eat a bowl of ice cream.. Yeah, I know, my psychologist loves me! (laughing)

(Evelyn)I have this fantasy that his smiles are all unrehearsed and extemporaneous. And I have this fantasy that I'm the director who's standing in front of a mirror with him, poking him in the cheek to show exactly which dimple I'm looking for. ;-D There are different degrees of dimpleness! Not to take anything away from his natural skills as a thespian, but I would like to know how aware he is of his dimple-power, and if he's ever uses it to his own advantage.

(Brenda) Not to take anything away from his natural skills as a thespian, but I would like to know how aware he is of his dimple-power, and if he's ever uses it to his own advantage. There are moments in his movies when I can't believe he isn't fully aware of what he's doing and the impact is has on women, which makes me think he's more than capable of doing the same off the set. Example: when Mark arrives at Bridget's flat on the blue soup evening and is trying to get himself invited in. He keeps his head more or less level, but raises his eyes up to hers, and it strikes me as very deliberately flirtatious. And entirely devastating.

(Rika) He keeps his head more or less level, but raises his eyes up to hers, and it strikes me as very deliberately flirtatious. And entirely devastating. Yes!! And then again at "Oh it's string soup"... Next stop, utter devastation...

Yeah, "string soup" was one of my favorite pictures in the Valentine's Day thing. I've had that capture sitting around for months waiting for a good occasion to use it.

(MariaT) Yes!! And then again at "Oh it's string soup"... Next stop, utter devastation... (Rika) Yeah, "string soup" was one of my favorite pictures in the Valentine's Day thing. I've had that capture sitting around for months waiting for a good occasion to use it. Gaaahh..*thud* Okay (picking self off floor)! I just had to go back and look at Rika's VD Special again (because I was questioning if that look was truly devastating ;-) )...I clicked on the bookmarked site (for easy and fast referencing I recommend this) and well, as Maria said...utter devastation! I must add that the pictures below that one are pretty dangerous as well (IMO)...the last two in that series ("Beetroot cubes, mini-gherkins, stuffed olives")! There should be cautions posted on any photos that have visible dimples...some of us can't view these without increased heart rate and light-headedness! ;-)

The string soup look is the most devastating use of dimples known to mankind, or firthettekind. It was that scene, that look, that brought the "moment" about. You know, the moment when your brain kicks in and says...Oh yeah...you've reached the point of no return, and obsession sets in. After two thousand rewinds of that first viewing of the string soup dimples, I ceased being the rational, level headed woman I thought I was.

(Tress) ("Beetroot cubes, mini-gherkins, stuffed olives")! There should be cautions posted on any photos that have visible dimples...some of us can't view these without increased heart rate and light-headedness! ;-) It is pretty much a charm festival and dimple decadence from when she opens the door to him to that last look over the wine glass. I think I would have thanked Daniel Cleaver for the champagne and asked him not to let the door hit him on the a** on his way out...

(MariaT) I think I would have thanked Daniel Cleaver for the champagne and asked him not to let the door hit him on the a** on his way out... LOL! "Buh-bye, Daniel!" And then told my urban family that although they were most welcome on most nights, a 'disappearing act' from them would be heartily appreciated on this occassion!

(LindaK) After two thousand rewinds of that first viewing of the string soup dimples, I ceased being the rational, level headed woman I thought I was. Well I can't say I was EVER rational or level headed, but I know what you mean about the "moment" and the 2000 rewinds (it is still not enough!)...;0)

Everytime I read your posting as to where his is most beautiful, charming and so forth I agree. Also about the multiple rewinds - that's why everything should be out on dvd (in my dreams, yeah). As to Murphys question about the romancepart (pardon me for being thickheaded), but isn't that our newly illustratet Valentine Special? I know, that still leaves the lovemaking scenes open for ranking. Is that our next project??? (wouldn't mind a little research;-))

I think the most devastating use of his smile(and dimples) is in DQ, when he is distribtuing leaflets in town. Totally natural and utterly breathtaking!

Who are we really kidding? It's ALL GOOD! (laughing) We've discussed "Our Precious" and his ambidexterous dimps before, and I still say the leaner he is, the deeper they are, and yep, I think if he's told to bring um on, he can... I can hear Ms. Maguire now.. "oh, Colin, (batting eyelashes) this time with MORE dimple" LOL... you KNOW it more than likely was like that, and probably will be again. He can also hide them sometimes.. as in "the look" in P&P .. his smile is almost completely in the eyes, and just the barest hint of left dimpleature. ;) So, what I'm saying now seems to not agree with my earlier statement about his smiles being natural, but I still say that most of his are.. with the exception of the obvious. (laughing) Look, I just finished Jane last night!

Re my "romance" question at 165. I didn't know it had already been covered -- sorry.

(Brendal) Not to take anything away from his natural skills as a thespian, but I would like to know how aware he is of his dimple-power, and if he's ever uses it to his own advantage. IMO of course he does. If you're blessed with the asset why not use it to it's greatest advantage. IMO it would be a fool who didn't or wouldn't. Besides have you ever met a man who doesn't use his good points to their best advantage. I haven't. And that IMO is to our benefit because we get to see those gorgeous dimples and smiles that much more. (MariaT) I think I would have thanked Daniel Cleaver for the champagne and asked him not to let the door hit him on the a** on his way out... (Tress) LOL! "Buh-bye, Daniel!" And then told my urban family that although they were most welcome on most nights, a 'disappearing act' from them would be heartily appreciated on this occassion! LOL Maria and Tress. Agree 100%. Would have done anything to be alone with him. Stupid Stupid Bridget.

(Jeanie) Look, I just finished Jane last night! I definitely see Jane but Murph's question about romance/love scenes made me pull out Nostromo and I also see Emilia Gould!

(Maria) a charm festival and dimple decadence I love this! (Murph) Re my "romance" question at 165. I didn't know it had already been covered -- sorry. Murph, Kathleen got us discussing this around Feb. 1. If you'd like to see the top 20, visit: http://www.spring.net/~rika/valentine/part1.html (Annette) I know, that still leaves the lovemaking scenes open for ranking. Is that our next project??? A couple of them made the romance list, but this still might have possibilities! (Janet) I think the most devastating use of his smile(and dimples) is in DQ, when he is distribtuing leaflets in town. Oh, heavens, yes, that's a good example. Visual aids: (Sorry they're a little blurry; I did my best)

Thanks for great "visual aids" Rika. The smile, nothing better.

(Annette) I know, that still leaves the lovemaking scenes open for ranking. Is that our next project??? (Rika) A couple of them made the romance list, but this still might have possibilities! I was kind of thinking along the same lines and was beginning some preliminary research. For instance, the mine scene in Nostromo is not romantic but it's always generated some heat for me, I guess that's what made me think of it. If we decide to proceed with this, fine, but I'll probably continue my independent study in either case ;-) BTW, unless someone mentioned it and I missed it, I don't believe Valmont's dance with Madame de Tourvel was mentioned for romantic moments. I'm not sure it's Top 20, but maybe it's Honorable Mention.

(lindak) It was that scene, that look, that brought the "moment" about. You know, the moment when your brain kicks in and says...Oh yeah...you've reached the point of no return, and obsession sets in. Yup, that was my "moment" too, LOL! Stomach does a little flip-flop, then a little gasp of astonishment and I thought "ohmigod...tall, dark, handsome, curly hair, and he has dimples TOO?!". Haven't been the same since :)

(lindak) It was that scene, that look, that brought the "moment" about. You know, the moment when your brain kicks in and says...Oh yeah...you've reached the point of no return, and obsession sets in. Got me thinking. When was your epiphany? I'm a late starter, but am making up for lost time! - Mine's was when he appeared outside Bridget's flat, as she was leaving for Paris. Made me go weak at the knees. I think my DH thought I was unwell, 'cos I left the cinema in a daze and had lost the power of speech. Quite unusual for me, I can assure you!

(Moonstar) Stomach does a little flip-flop, then a little gasp of astonishment and I thought "ohmigod...tall, dark, handsome, curly hair, and he has dimples TOO?!". Haven't been the same since :) The feeling was (is) exactly like falling in love. After the "moment" it was a continual awakening of the senses to his talents, his intelligence and humor, the causes (that we know of) that he believes in. It all came together for me when after watching BJD for about the 3rd time on cable, I really noticed him and then *noticed* how handsome he truly is, I got your stomach flops Moonstar and woke up with his name on my lips. That led to the internet and to lurking here for a bit before joining in and obtaining all his work I could and rushing home after work (literally breathless) to watch each one. The thrill definitely ain't gone!!

(Janet) Got me thinking. When was your epiphany? Mine is in two parts (I was 'born again' after several years)....the first time my stomach was a mess and I couldn't stop thinking about ODB was in 1989. My friend Pattie and I saw Valmont. That first screening....when ODB reaches down and kisses Cecile's hand. Mdme de Merteuil says something like: "Cecile, if you allow your hand to be held for too long, men will take that as an encouragement". I think I fell off my chair at that point. He flashes THE most amazing smile! I was a goner. I had the press kit and hung up all the pics that he was in on my dorm wall by my desk (not good for concentration). I re-rented AC to view (had seen it but not paid any special attention to ODB). And saw Valmont another 9 times in the theater...then all was quite for several years..... I noticed ODB in movies (SIL and TEP) but did not become born again until the first time I saw BJD. And again, it was the first scene....'Ding, Dong!' All he had to do was turn around (or he could stay with his back to me while I admired that too)! I had read the book (BJD) and had noticed the CF connection...thought it was very funny...had NOT seen P&P. I saw BJD several more times in the theater and then ordered my P&P copy. I have not been the same since.

(Janet) Got me thinking. When was your epiphany? It was during the first episode of the original A&E broadcast of P&P. The scene was the party at Lucas Lodge, right after Lizzy refuses to dance with him--the "fine eyes" talk with Caroline. I'd seen him before in LE and Valmont, and recognized his name on the opening credits of P&P ("oh, yeah, Colin Firth--I like him!") but it was not until that moment that I went totally round the bend.

(Janet)When was your epiphany? Like Tress, my epiphany was also in two parts, several years apart. The first was the episode in P&P (original telecast) when Elizabeth is leaving Pemberley and Mr. Darcy just looks so AFG when she turns to look back at him. Then I noticed him several times during reruns. He was always in the back of my mind, and I know I saw him on and off in other things. It wasn't until last January, that I picked up BJD in the video rental store...hadn't seen it when it was in the theater, didn't even know Colin was in it. (I know, I must have been on another planet). I even spent the first half of the movie convincing myself that it was Mr. Darcy. But, as I said as soon as he flashed the blue soup/string soup dimples...that was it. Then I found The Bucket, Karen, and the rest is history.

(Janet)When was your epiphany? 2 years ago, I rented a 'weekly' rental of P&P, a double video, not having ever heard of the specific production, wet shirts or CF. Mine was a pursuit of all films Austen. My husband was working overseas at the time and I recall being grateful, because I spent all my free time that entire week watching it. Over and over and over. My two sons were interested at first, but throughout the week, they would come in , shake their collective heads, and recite with the actors whatever lines were being spoken on the TV! :) A few weeks later I rented it again. This was about the time that BJD was coming out here in OZ, but for the life of me, I didn't connect the film with Mr. Darcy, having never read the book, and didn't go and see it in the theatre. Also, simply by some strange coincidence, I had never seen SIL or EP, the two more current, popular films he had been in. The scenes that grabbed me were when Darcy takes Elizabeth's hand in the inn, linda's 'leaving Pemberley scene', and my all-time heart-stopping non-Austen favourite is the 'On foot?' scene. Oh the dimples! And the delights that appear to be running through Darcy's head. There are more I'm sure, but the ones that don't do as much for me are the highly popular Music Room scene with "the Look", and the hand at the Netherfield Ball.

(Janet)When was your epiphany? A&E telecast, January 1996. All the Lizzie& Darcy scenes. Ditto with Linda's faves quoted above.

(Janet)When was your epiphany? I'm another whose interest goes back to the A&E P&P, and I'm also one of the two-stage converts. Like Lisa, my interest in P&P was Austen-related. As to when CF's Darcy really grabbed me, I cannot fix on the exact moment - I believe I was in the middle before I knew that I had begun. (Okay, that's not an exact quote from P&P, but I'm too lazy to look it up :D). I watched my own home-recorded VHS tape over and over and over and over.... but sadly, it never occurred to me to go online and look for like-minded people. I sought out CF in other movies, but the only ones I found were SIL and TEP, and it wasn't quite the same. Then I got busy studying for a Ph.D., and kind of lost track of him. I will always regret that I missed BJD in theaters - we were selling a house and moving and I was finishing my Ph.D, and I wasn't even aware it was out. DH came home from a business trip in the fall/winter and said, "I saw a movie on the flight that I bet you'd like. It's called BJD." Little did he know what he had just done. So I rented it and said, "Ding DONG!" And right around the same time, I got P&P on DVD for my birthday. And there were NEW SCENES that had been cut out of the A&E version (like "Wot?"). The one-two punch of these two things was more than I could stand. It took me a few months to think of looking online for information, but eventually I did, and here I am.

(Janet)When was your epiphany? I�ve always been a hopeless romantic and having read P&P, I felt the tv-series would �suit me just fine�. It did! I totally lost my heart to the whole production and to Mr. Darcy in particular. Then the the dry years followed. I missed out on seeing SIL in the cinema (for which I will never forgive myself), but went to see BJD as soon as it was in my area. This meeting with Mark Darcy knocked me right of my feat. I must have looked precisely like the maid (Alice?) in Relative Values, when she saw Don Lucas. I was floating on a sky when I left the cinema, and I have no intention of ever returning to �ground level� again.

I always wondered how P&P2 passed me by all those years ago. I then worked out, that at the time it was first shown, I had 4 young children, 2 of whom were toddlers, and transmission night (Sunday) was the night we visited my In-laws. I don't think I ever had time to read a newspaper or magazine, either. So I missed out on all the hulabaloo. Just as well that I did, though, 'cos I think I'd have lost the place completely!

I noticed him on the second time I watched P&P (where were my eyes on the first time?) Then I saw SIL trailer and it took me some time to discover why that one actor looked so familiar...and when I realised it was Darcy...I had to see SIL, and everything else he has done!

My epiphany? It was a Friday night, the second week after BJD was released. During the fight scene. I remember thinking how strange to be this excited watching 2 men try to fight. I don't want to analyze that too closely :-) I began a bit of research into CF. That was him in SiL?! That was him in CoF?! I reserved P&P at the library but it was taking weeks so I gave in and bought it. I was pacing myself by watching one hour a day but by day 3 I knew I was getting hooked. When I put in tape 5, the machine spit it out. I tried again and same thing. I looked at the tape and it was empty. I swear there was only a tiny bit of clear plastic tape. So at 8:30PM I was driving 15 miles to get to the store before it closed, praying there was another set of tapes there. There was and I spent the summer watching bits of P&P every day. I was very fortunate that the video stores in my town had quite a variety of his films. That just fed my growing obsession, and I'm still here.

Well, hmmm... (trying to recall)... I once saw "AZ" on cable, I think, or somewhere, I don't remember the details...AGES ago and was very much taken with "that darlin' boy" but didn't think about getting his name and such. Then came P&P, and it took me till about the middle of the second episode to make the connection... and, get this, I STILL didn't get his name. This is how things went for the longest time. I even walked out on "TEP" because he was cheated on.. (laughing), but I still didn't know his real name and he was always called "Mr. Darcy" in my mind. I also realized who he was in SIL, but still.. even though at that point (and you have to consider I was super mom at the time and hardly had a moment to myself)I was thinking.. "you know, you really need to find out who this beautiful man is and stop calling him "Mr. Darcy"..I didn't take time to do the research. LOL! Then, like Linda, I rented BJD for my daughter and I to watch, and I nearly passed out... I screamed as soon as he appeared in h s reindeer jumper, "That's the real Mr. Darcy and he's playing a Mr. Darcy in THIS movie!!!"... I think my daughter thought I had developed tourette's or something. Needless to say, I did take the time to find out his identity that time around. I had no idea he had such a following, and I didn't search the web for his name until last June, and I found you girls, and the rest is, (sighing happily), history. (grinning)

It started innocently enough. A couple of years ago I read BJD at the end of the school year during my traditional readahon. That reminded me how much I had loved P&P when I read it the summer before 8th grade. I reread it. Mr. Darcy was just as inviting 35 years later. So I rented P&P and within minutes found CF to be exactly the way I had pictured Darcy. I went over the edge about the time Elizabeth and Darcy walked up the steps at Pemberley. BJD reinforced the addiction. This board keeps it alive. I keep telling myself "It's a harmless thing . . ."

(MariaT) It all came together for me when after watching BJD for about the 3rd time on cable, I really noticed him and then *noticed* how handsome he truly is, I got your stomach flops Moonstar and woke up with his name on my lips. That led to the internet and to lurking here for a bit before joining in and obtaining all his work I could... The thrill definitely ain't gone!! Well said Maria, that's exactly how it happend with me too. I honestly feel the thrill will never be gone for me and that's a great feeling.

(Janet)When was your epiphany? (Annette)I?ve always been a hopeless romantic and having read P&P, I felt the tv-series would ?suit me just fine?. It did! I totally lost my heart to the whole production and to Mr. Darcy in particular. So it was with me. That was in the summer 1996 when it was first shown on Swiss TV. Luckily for me it was not dubbed as most films are, because his voice had a big part in my falling for him. From then on I looked out for everything about ODB. I'm very glad to have found this place where my obsession is shared by so many :-)

(NitaE) Luckily for me it was not dubbed as most films are, because his voice had a big part in my falling for him. Me, too! I am a huge fan of his voice as well...there are other handsome actors out there, but they just don't do it for me. When you get that voice (the dimples and fine eyes don't hurt).....perfect! IMO, no one else will ever play Mr. Darcy like ODB! He just sounds the part to me. Oh! And he's a v. v. good actor as well!! I sometimes forget to add that bit. ;-)

I have two very jealous relatives. I was talking to my sister-in-law and her best friend (who also happens to be my future niece!) tonight at a family birthday celebration - I know, I have a complicated family! They were devastated to hear that I had tickets for the world premiere of HS, because they, too, are devoted fans. The men of the family are totally perplexed, but trying to be cool about it. I think if we had our way, we girls would all disappear for the weekend and leave the men to it! BTW, My DH and I have decided to make a night of it, and booked into a hotel. If anyone else is interested, some hotels are offering special rates if you quote Bradford Film Festival at the time of booking. We got a great rate at the Hilton, which is only a few minutes walk away. Looking forward to meeting fellow Droolers there.

Oh Janet, I'm so envious!! Have fun and say hello to all the Droolers there!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that ODB will be there and you will all get to meet him!!

(Tress)Oh Janet, I'm so envious!! Have fun and say hello to all the Droolers there!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that ODB will be there and you will all get to meet him!! Me too!!!!

(Tress), I'm keeping my fingers crossed that ODB will be there and you will all get to meet him!! Have a plan in case he is also staying at the Hilton. ;-D Looking forward to your report, Janet. We want a complete synopsis of the movie. If you've read the book, we'd like to know how the two compare. And... you must take a camera!

Janet, I am all anticipation! I'm with Moon, you must take a camera so that your DH can take a photo of you with ODB's arm around you.

(LisaJH)Janet, I am all anticipation! I'm with Moon, you must take a camera so that your DH can take a photo of you with ODB's arm around you. Ditto, Good luck Janet. My heart is fluttering just thinking about it.

Good Luck, Janet, Emma and all you fortunate ladies going to Bradford. Really hope he is there. Can't wait to hear what you thought about HS. Have alot of fun.

Rika, I just got around to looking at your Valentine's Day treat--capital, capital! Not to mention yummy!:-) Thanks. Janet, I hope your video camera works under low light conditions.;-)

According to the lady at the Box Office, the actual premiere for HS is before the public screening . It will be invitation only. So far they know that the director is coming, but they don't know about the cast. I don't know when "before" is..... a couple of hours before the public screening, I guess. Th Museum at Bradford has a huge foyer, with entrance to the Pictureville to the left, IMAX straight ahead, and an open plan bookshop to the right, so it's very easy to hang around and monitor who is coming and going. If you have time to fill in, you can look roumd the museum (it's free), watch an IMAX movie, or have a meal/snack in the restaurant. No need to hang round in the cold!

(bethan)According to the lady at the Box Office, the actual premiere for HS is before the public screening . It will be invitation only. So far they know that the director is coming, but they don't know about the cast. Oh well, I guess I'm really not too surprised! - But I suppose at least I get to see it a good five weeks ahead of it going on general release. C'est la vie!

(Bethan)So far they know that the director is coming..... Don't dispair , Janet...maybe Matthew Mondine will show up;-)