After all the premier hysteria here, I think I have to go to one (if there ever is one in Germany). I guess it would be in Berlin if there would be one. The only thing I need is an excuse for driving to Berlin (or wherever) :o) Maybe something like business. Damned it, I am a student. There is no business to do for me beside to study. Maybe I could say, I have to go to Berlin (or wherever) to …�h…because….�h….. I have no idea. Oh wait, I got one. I want to see Berlin. ….oh no….I already have. Oh…..I got one …..I just need to find a boyfriend in Berlin. I think I can not be honest and tell the truth if I don’t want my parents and friends to admit me for losing my mind. Damned it, who cares. Can I be blamed for wanting to meet Colin Firth? No, nobody could condemn me for wanting to meet this man. Anyway I got the feeling I meet Colin one time. Maybe I should change my study subject from economy to journalism. That would raise my chance. Dreams are allowed here, aren’t they :o) Sorry for writing complete non-sense but it was fun. :o) I’ll be better next time. Bye Petra P.S. Thanks Karen for the premiere pictures. I love them.

LOL!! I think you must have heard about the Berlin Film Festival. So, who knows, ODB may go to one of those premieres there one day!

(Barb)Not holding out much hope for "well-shaped", I bet "Trauma"-tized will mean it is more scraggly. (Josie)Sorry, Rika, I wish I could help but I guess all the droolers here must have fainted already! (Dorine)If he looks like this in Trauma, I think the think the throwaway rule must be expanded to include at least the first 2, maybe even 3 viewings. Plot, schmott....who needs one? ;-)) LOL I'd say we've all been Traumatized before the movie ever started filming! (KathyF)My favorite part is the little bit of stubble just below his lower lip. *swoon* Okay brief history lesson. Not that I've done any research on it. That little tuft of hair below the bottom lip is called a soul patch. A soul patch says things like "I'm cool", "I'm a little rebellious", "I'm sensitive" or "I can grow hair on that spot right below my lip and my friends can't." William Shakespeare and 15th Century ruler Vlad the Impaler sported a soul patch. Dizzy Gillespie sported a soul patch which then in the '50's was known as a "jazz dab", it has also been known as a "flavor saver" and a "cookie duster." I'm just quoting history here folks. Gallery looks incredible Karen. Thank you. I especially like the full length view from behind. Pesky photographers, they're always trying to photograph people's faces!

Karen It is just all so great! Thanks for slaving away for us. I'm delirious and seriously depleted of drool and loving it! Thanks for the poem Joyce! Where's the racy version? Come on, out with it! I'll take a rash from that stubble anyday! And I'm jumping on the ditto bandwagon re MD's ability to irritate, she looks so "affected"... Small interview with ODB on HS and 2 HS pics I had'nt seen before... http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/02/27/hope_springs_2003_review.shtml

Well, I was starting to come down off that cloud - except that I just picked up my developed photos from the shop. OH MY GOD!! The one of me and him - HE LOOKS SO GOOD! I got the best smile! Major dimples. Of course I look like a maniac (my eyes are basically screaming: holy effing crap I am standing next to Colin Firth, you know, as they should be!) but he looks so good! I am in shock all over again. It's almost a full body shot too. Kristen did so well. I wish she hadn't gone back to Canada so I could kiss her feet! Will scan tomorrow at home for interested parties. =) Thanks everyone for major support and encouragement during this most excellent time =).

(MariaT) Small interview with ODB on HS and 2 HS pics I had'nt seen before... Oh, that brush! I want (to be) that brush! :D Emma, I couldn't thank you enough for bringing us so many exciting news and pics. I do wanna see your photos, please add me in the list.

Welcome Monica and Petra! Thanks, Maria! From the BBC interview it appealed to me partly because it felt close to me in some ways - it's about a confused middle-class man adrift in smalltown America, and that has definitely been me! Great job, Karen! And an exclusive too! I like the small one on the third premiere page, the small close-up of Colin's face on Minnie. Thanks, Kathy and Annette for Hello.

A thousend thanks to Emma and Kelly for your first hand reports and to Karen for putting all these wonderful pictures up so fast. It's really overwhelming what you do for us. Welcome Monica, have fun!

(MariaT)Small interview with ODB on HS. It was basically hours of lessons to look like someone who wouldn't drop his paintbrush. I read this and thought that maybe he's a slow learner, but then thought... if I were the teacher it would have taken days, weeks even...

(Joyce) Okay brief history lesson. Not that I've done any research on it. That little tuft of hair below the bottom lip is called a soul patch. A soul patch says things like "I'm cool", "I'm a little rebellious", "I'm sensitive" or "I can grow hair on that spot right below my lip and my friends can't." William Shakespeare and 15th Century ruler Vlad the Impaler sported a soul patch. Dizzy Gillespie sported a soul patch which then in the '50's was known as a "jazz dab", it has also been known as a "flavor saver" and a "cookie duster." I'm just quoting history here folks. I absolutely, positively refuse to think of ODB's cute little spot as a soul patch, a fashion trend I sincerely hope has run its course (this time around). IMO it's only a soul patch when a guy shaves the rest of his beard (though he might keep the moustache) and lets the little thing grow (and grow and grow). Soul patches always remind me of the piece of fur stuck to the movable part of a cheap made-in-Taiwan nutcracker. I love CF's cute little patch of hair just as it is, and if he keeps growing this facial hair, I'll love it when it makes its journey down his cleft to join his beard. (Emma) Well, I was starting to come down off that cloud - except that I just picked up my developed photos from the shop. OH MY GOD!! The one of me and him - HE LOOKS SO GOOD! I got the best smile! Major dimples. Of course I look like a maniac (my eyes are basically screaming: holy effing crap I am standing next to Colin Firth, you know, as they should be!) but he looks so good! I am in shock all over again. It's almost a full body shot too. LOL! But at least you were still standing! If it had been me, I surely would have been passed out on the concrete. I hope we'll all be able to see your photos, somehow! Thanks, Maria, for the link to the interview. Very interesting.

(Joyce)it has also been known as a "flavor saver" and a "cookie duster." I'm just quoting history here folks. How about a tongue tickler? Works for me. Nothing wrong with creating our own bits of history. (Dorine)If he looks like this in Trauma, I think the think the throwaway rule must be expanded to include at least the first 2, maybe even 3 viewings. Oh Gawd...how many throwaways will that be for me? Heating up just thinking about it. I want to be the pencil from the HS picture, you know which one:-) If this week doesn't end soon I'll be totally useless. It's the stubble, I think that is probably the single most thing that has had me in fits for the past 48 hours. Of course the adventures of Emma and Kelli haven't helped the situation:-) Karen, I thank you a million bits of stubble. Thanks also to Maria, Emma, Kelli Welcome Petra and Monica Lovely, lovely, lovely!

(karen)Now, if only I could multi-task... answering emails, requests to join Drool.... I may set a record this time, sitting at the computer. heeeeemmmmm... guess some of this was meant for me... sorry sorry... i really picked the worst time to delurk ! (off to 174 i go) karen, emma, kelli, now about all the great pix and great reports : thank you, thank you, thank you, this is all fine, but *can't you people realize that some of us have work to do???* now look at me, glued to the stupid screen, going ohhh and ahhh every two seconds. not much work done today, no sirs... (not to mention major damage done to computers due to drooling on the board, etc.)

OMG!! I'm away for a few days and I miss everything!! I am in awe, thunderstruck, weak at the knees, and totally dazed trying to catch up. I have so much to do at home and I'm sitting here mesmerized at my computer. Thank you, thank you, thank you Karen, Emma, Kelli, Annette, Maria,everyone for all your hard work. My birthday is in a couple of days and no one could have given me a better present than this! (sorry Rika, but you've got to admit, it's true;-)!) Welcome Kelli, Petra and Monica. I must say you ladies came at the right time! (Dorine) Holy *freakin* cow!!! Can he get *any* sexier?!! I do love those little grays. Oh, hell....I love it all! You've said it so well that all I can do is say Ditto Ditto Ditto! ;-) Joyce, wonderful poem, but I really need to see the slightly naughty one. As your first one brought all kinds of things to mind, I'd like to see how great minds think alike ;-)! (Josie)Oh, that brush! I want (to be) that brush! :D (LindaK)I want to be the pencil from the HS picture, you know which one:-) If ya want it, ya gotta ask the keepsakes mistress:-P! Ladies, thank you again. I do love coming here!

(jocye) ....A soul patch says things like "I'm cool", "I'm a little rebellious", "I'm sensitive" or "I can grow hair on that spot right below my lip and my friends can't." William Shakespeare... I loved this �history lesson� Did I tell you about the proud of my small Colin Collection ? It�s the Soundrack of TEOBE. Colin and Rupert singing is just great. I�m pitiable that I have to mention this as the proud of my collection but anyway happy to have it :o) .Oh and I got his autograph (the official card). By the way, what does ODB means ? You English people seem to use to many abbreviations. I which we would have that in Germany :o) but for some reason we don�t have. So please help me out sometimes. Oh how I wish I could contribute more to his board such as pictures or stories like you do :o( Maybe when WAGW is in cinema in Germany, there will be some small articles. I�ll translate them to you, promise (if they are not all about Amanda Byrnes or Kelly Preston) :o) . Bye Petra

Petra-- ODB stands for "Our Dear Boy" (i.e., Colin). I'm not sure who coined it or how it got started, though. I love the Colin/Rupert song from TIOBE, also. My favorite part is the little bit of dialogue in the middle where CF tells RE to "go have a lie down." Cracks me up every time :-) Emma, I'm dying to see your picture! Is it the closed-mouth dimple smile, or the big toothy grin (my personal fave)? Does he have his arm around you?? Must have details!! By the way, how do you use italics/bold type in these posts? I'm not usually that dense about computers, but I can't seem to figure it out. Thanks!

"it appealed to me partly because it felt close to me in some ways - it's about a confused middle-class man adrift in smalltown America, and that has definitely been me!" Uh oh...I feel this will start to replace the bad school experiences. Thanks Maria. Sharjo is my hero for those exclusive pics, boss. But can't you find a way to cut out Minnie Driver .Enough already. OK gang remember how hard Karen has worked on these and how much you have enjoyed the exclusive to Drool pics when fund raising time comes around next fall. Start cutting those coupons now....let's have 100% Drool Darlings . How about it???

(Monica) By the way, how do you use italics/bold type in these posts? Anette's once mentioned this website in #174, which I can find it useful: http://austen.com/tutorial/index.html (Evelyn) OK gang remember how hard Karen has worked on these and how much you have enjoyed the exclusive to Drool pics when fund raising time comes around next fall. Oh yes, guess it's time for us to contribute! ;-)

OMG...bad thunderstorm cut me off from my drool world last night and I wake up to find....the most amazing photos of ODB! How are we to wait patiently for Trauma to come out when he goes around looking this *flippin'* good!!?! It's just not right! Already I have had two (yes TWO) engineers stop by my cube and ask if I was okay. Seems my face is red...even the DH asked if I was feeling well....NO! I'm overheating. Someone help!!! Thank you Karen! Bravo!!

(Barb) But if there's another version, I sure hope you'll share. (lindak) LOL, well??? (Dorine) Well? She wouldn't be the only appreciative one. (Maria) Where's the racy version? Come on, out with it! I'll take a rash from that stubble anyday. (Ada)Joyce wonderful poem, but I really need to see the slightly naughty one. As your first one brought all kinds of things to mind, I'd like to see how great minds think alike! Yes, Maria and Ada I think you were going right along with me on this one. If my Mom calls, I didn't write this. Ode to Stubble (Revised) by Joyce I think that scrumptious stubble deserves a naughty rhyme. A manly five o'clock shadow that's been working overtime. I love each tiny bristle, I'd hate to see it sheared. It's much sexier than a clean shave, much hotter than a beard. He wears it with such elegance, comports it with such grace. That prickly, brown and tickly brush at the bottom of his face. If I�d the chance to rub a dub, I'm sure I'd loose my diction. But promptly sacrifice my skin, to his beard growth and its friction. Be still my heart and body parts! Calm down! Don't hit the roof-ah! You�ll never get the luck to use his stubble as a loofah!

roof-ah! OMG! ROFL! (closing door to office!!!) Too good!! I'm copying this out, fully credited of course, for a keeper.

If I�d the chance to rub a dub, I'm sure I'd loose my diction.. Oh baby, I can think of a few other things I might loose besides my diction. (Joyce)You�ll never get the luck to use his stubble as a loofah! Wah-wah, *huge crying sounds* Talk about shatterng fantasies:-) Thank you, Joyce, yes I think we were on the same page:-) I wish I could find a naughty winkie icon...with stubble, of course.

You�ll never get the luck to use his stubble as a loofah! LOL!!! Joyce, you are a regular Shakespeare!! Thanks for reviving me from the stupor I've been in while gazing at the Stubbled One. My God, these photos are amazingly gorgeous. Thanks to Karen for all the hard work (how she remains conscience is beyond me!) and thanks to everyone for all the goodies. Welcome to everyone new!!

ROTFLMAO, Joyce! You have inspired me: Stubble: A Haiku Like small grains of sand Gently rubbing my hot flesh Abrasive? Schmasive!

Karen, THANKS for the superb job on the HS premiere coverage! I love it all, especially those exclusive pics from sharjo! I know yolu put a lot of hard work into brining this to us--and it's much appreciated! WELCOME Petra, Monica and Sophie--glad you've joined us. We've all lost our minds--and don't particularly care about finding them either.;-)

(Mari), Stubble: A Haiku Like small grains of sand For a minute there, I thought you were going with... and so are the days of our lives. LOL! (Joyce), his stubble as a loofah! Mmmm. Thanks for that. ;-D WELCOME Petra, Monica and Sophie

(AdaVW) My birthday is in a couple of days and no one could have given me a better present than this! (sorry Rika, but you've got to admit, it's true;-)!) Oh, I absolutely admit it! Incidentally, what day is your birthday, so we can launch the celebration on O&E at the right time? Welcome, Sophie! Emma - hooray about the picture! Want to see it!!! And to our poets - Joyce and Mari - let me just say I nearly spit Fresca all over my monitor just now. LOL!

A big thank you to all for sharing pics and experiences and Karen for getting everything up so quickly. Colin looks grrrreat! Really love the look of him with stubble.

EmmaB � I'd love to see your pictures also! I imagine there's not a soul reading this board that wouldn't! Just out of curiousity, how long does it take to "come down" from meeting ODB? Or don't you know yet?

Joyce!!! ROTFLMAO!! *standing ovation* Abrasive? Schmasive! LOL, Mari! A Hebrew Haiku? Be still my heart and body parts! Calm down! Don't hit the roof-ah! You�ll never get the luck to use his stubble as a loofah! (Linda) Wah-wah, *huge crying sounds* Talk about shatterng fantasies:-) Move over and quit hogging the Kleenex box! ;-) Can I reiterate....Livia is one *jammy* git. (Evelyn) Sharjo is my hero for those exclusive pics, boss. Absolutely ditto! Welcome Petra and Sophie!

Thanks everyone, what a marvellous frenzy of exciting posts to come back too at the end of the day. Welcome to Petra and Monica, great to have you along;-)) Joyce, love your work too ! Kelli, it's been wonderful to hear about the party and how the Firths operate in between canapes. Livia is very much her own woman, hence a happy and successful partnership,.Thanks for sharing. Janet, your DH needs to be an honourary "droolie", what a slick job he did. Emma, loving hearing that you are still on cloud nine, din't come down yet:-)) And Karen, I have no superlatives left for you ( used 'em all up on the stubble;-)). Am off to inspect your magnificent handiwork Boss. Hope you managed to get some sleep!

Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful reports and pics and a huge thank you to Karen for all her hard work. Disappointing interview on Good Morning by Paul Ross as Lizza and Janet2 have already mentioned but here goes: PR: Now Colin, at the start of the film, your character is perfectly miserable with a capital M. CF: Yes, he�s been made miserable by the brutal rejection of his fianc�e. What we come to discover is that she�s sent him an invitation one morning to her wedding to some-one else. PR: Which is always a bit of a shocker. CF: It�s not a good thing when it happens. No. PR: So, you are in a film with Minnie Driver and Heather Graham fighting over your character. CF: Mmmmmm PR: That must have been a nightmare. CF: You know what, it�s nice to have it turned that way round actually because if you remember in Bridget Jones�s Diary, I had to fight very, very, very hard, and not that I experienced any bruises or anything, because he was a bit of a girl really. PR: Were they like their characters at all? Is Heather as sweet and ditsy as she seems in the film? CF: She�s not as ditsy but she�s as sweet, yeah. Minnie is not as bitchy as she was in the film either. One of the film clips shown was when Vera tells Colin that the wedding invitation was a joke. �Enter Paul Ashworth!�

From Today's Daily Mail: Small diary snippet with small pic "Colin "Mr Darcy" Firth (hate it when they do that!) says there is one aspect of fame he does not enjoy - shopping. "When I am in the supermarket queue I hear people laughing at me and then I hear them on their mobile phones saying things like "Yes and he's even got toilet rolls in his basket." I had to remember it from the paper in the coffee shop, hopefully it's not exact but near enough. It's obvious that the "bog roll" obsession reported at the height of P&P has not been flushed into oblivion after all:-)) welcome Sophie too.

Oh Aishling thanks for the transcript, you were kind enough to leave out the bit with Paul waddling off into the sunset with two ladies from the audience supposedly mirroring Colin's love triangle Ughhhhhhhhh! what's your verdict on the roll neck sweater?

Thanks, Aishling! I'll admit I was waiting for that interview and it truly is just as you've all said. :-( Is there a decent interview show in Britain now? I don't like that flamming grovey, vulgar bloke, Gram Norton that we get via BBC/Am. And of course, Mr. Parker is so dry.

Yes and he's even got toilet rolls in his basket Wait! I need help here....Mr. Darcy needs toilet rolls? I'm all astonishment! ;-D If I were in that line, I'd be asking him to sign mine!!!

(Tress0 I'd be asking him to sign mine!!! And then some Tress LOL!

LOL Lizza. Your report from the Daily Mail is as near as dammit. You should have turned another couple of pages. "If anyone finds Colin Firth's sense of perspective, would they please return it to him. The star of such delights as Bridget Jones's Diary and Fever Pitch told me at a film premiere on Monday night that romantic comedy 'is not really my genre' before admitting "I have been in quite a few of them." The premiere, by the way, was for Hope Springs, a new romantic comedy starring, er, Colin Firth. From 'Wicked Whispers' column.

Damn, I knew I should have ordered that second americano ;-) thanks Aishling ( his roll neck Louisa, rollneck!)

If anyone finds Colin Firth's sense of perspective, would they please return it to him." LOL! Maybe it'll turn up on the Isle of Man. ;-)

I cannot find the words to express my gratitude to all of you. I'm afraid to forget some of you by mentioning any names, but have to single out Karen. For you, First Lady of the Firthhood: Emma, Janet, Kelli so nice of you to share your news. Kelli and Monica, welcome from a fellow-fan. Please stay on and join the fun. One more thing, all of your wonderful comments, poems, haikus and what have you really worked wonders. Thank you!

Thanks to Lizza and Aishling for the UK media news. What an interview....whoa. The guy on BBC America did better than that for WAGW.. Pssst, Colin, "If not being able to shop, is the worse thing that fame brings to you, you're lucky."

A few pictures, I don't think I've seen before. If they have been postet, I hope you will enjoy a second viewing ;-) http://www.rexfeatures.co.uk/cgi-bin/r2show0?k=colin+firth&f=Newest

Sorry to post twice, but I seem to be alone in here right now. In case there are any Danish lurkers: What a Girl Wants is sceduled to theatrical release August 8th (this year!) but - these things has been known to change before, so perhaps you shouldn't get your hopes to high-(

Joyce, you've outdone yourself! I still haven't recovered from my fit of the giggles brought on by your naughty ode to stubble. It was stubble-rific! CF: She�s not as ditsy but she�s as sweet, yeah. Minnie is not as bitchy as she was in the film either. Notice how he doesn't say she's not bitchy, just that she's not "as" bitchy! Hmmm...is he trying to tell us something?

Oops, double posting! I just realized he also doesn't say Heather Graham's not ditsy, just that she's not "as" ditsy, as well. That one flew right past me. Probably because I'm still a little put out with MD's lack of gratitude or appreciation of all the good Firth-lovin' she was getting the other day.

Thanks everyone and I really must send many, many kudos to sharjo and Karen - the source of much inspiration for me,Mari, the Haiku Schmaiku Kid and everyone else. Welcome newbies Petra, Monica and Sophie and thanks for the link Annette. And finally. (aishling)CF: You know what, it�s nice to have it turned that way round actually because if you remember in Bridget Jones�s Diary, I had to fight very, very, very hard, and not that I experienced any bruises or anything, because he was a bit of a girl really. That was two years ago. Wish he'd stop talking about it and Huge. Didn't HG say he even want to quit acting to Vanity Fair (again?). If there's no one sitting on throne, sit down for goodness sakes.

Brief hiatus over... If I�d the chance to rub a dub, I'm sure I'd loose my diction. ROTF, Joyce! You sure 'diction' is spelled properly? ;-) Loved both versions and I may investigate putting a little box next to the stubble pic for your ode. Thanks for all the updates today, ladies, and the news items. Not such a long bit on the chat show but it must have been better than nothing, considering the drought you've experienced since TD. CF: She�s not as ditsy but she�s as sweet, yeah. Minnie is not as bitchy as she was in the film either. Those are carefully chosen "ases." Like I said, HG didn't have to do any acting for this part, and evidently it shows. (Lizza) It's obvious that the "bog roll" obsession reported at the height of P&P has not been flushed into oblivion after all:-)) And he's the one who is obsessed! He brought it up. Wonder what a psychologist would say about it? Potty training problems?? *snicker* FYI, Janet's pics are fabulous. Her husband was so close. There's even a ... You'll see. ;-) I'm going to put together a page of our Drooleurs bounty to include Emma's and Kelli's as well.

(joyce)If there's no one sitting on throne, sit down for goodness sakes.. LOL. So well put. Thanks, Annette. Some of those are new. More Minnie and Colin hug-fest.Sheesh. Thanks Aishling and Lizza.

I've just created a background for my desktop of his 'look' into my DH's camcorder. I just noticed that he seemed to make eye contact with everyone he signed an autograph for, so I think he deliberately looked towards the camera, because my DH had asked him to sign to 'To Janet'. Well, I'll choose to believe that anyway!!

More Minnie and Colin hug-fest. You gotta give the woman credit for recognizing a good thing and making the most of it. Just want to add my thanks for all of your efforts. Karen-great job as always!

Joyce: That little tuft of hair below the bottom lip is called a soul patch. A soul patch says things like "I'm cool", "I'm a little rebellious", "I'm sensitive" or "I can grow hair on that spot right below my lip and my friends can't." And it goes perfectly with the suprasternal notch right below. Thanks, all, for news, pictures - Karen, you have outdone yourself! Welcome New folk! Joyce, I used to be called the "Royal Bard" in the long ago Castle of Firth, but you have definitely taken over that position. Great stuff!

(Joyce)the Haiku Schmaiku Kid Does this mean I have to give up my WAGW-induced title of Colonial Strumpet? Oh well, am willing to suffer for my art.;-) The latest news: ET: "Star Sightings" Matt Perry; no Stubbled One;-( Stupid, soul-less schmucks

Thanks for the Rex Features link, Annette. Great pics--even Charlie the Weirdo Webb was there. I didn't think they'd let him out of the home.;-) Colin really does resemble his mother (as someone--Karen, I think?;-) said the other day. The other two siblings look more like dad, who in turn resembles his brother, the lovely Uncle Firth.:-)

Interview with Mark Herman, at same link as the one Maria posted with CF earlier. Interesting comments on filming the nekkid scene. http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/04/29/mark_herman_hope_springs_interview.shtml

(Mark Herman Interview) The last two or three films that she [HG] had done had had no problems with that part of the contract, but on this one it was a problem. Wonder why the modesty now? The DH will be sorely disappointed! ;-) Interesting article Mari! Thanks. Also, as an added bonus, it you click on the second picture of MH, you can see a new pic (at least it was to me) of ODB!

(Mark Herman) How did that gag go down in America? It's interesting, the laughs it gets in different places. The smoking thing, they just don't understand - why would it even be a joke? How large of a sample population has seen HS here to generalize this?

Three nights in a row (can't access computer for personal use while at work) I've been mesmerized, overwhelmed and VERY grateful for all the information and photos everyone has shared. Finally, tonight I'm taking the time to say THANK YOU to everyone, welcome to all the new de-lurkers, and special thanks to Karen for all her hard work. As mentioned earlier, come pledge time we should all remember the work that goes into keeping this THE pre-eminent place for all things Firth!!

(Tress) wonder why the modesty now? That is odd, but it sounds more like a logistical problem than "true" modesty. MH talks about how she moved around. It probably specifies in her contract that some particular part of her body cannot be shown and that it was difficult to accommodate that contractual obligation given her movements in a scene. Do you recall Julia Roberts in Notting Hill explaining about how specifically it can be worded in contracts, "top part of cheeks but not hint of ...." Pure speculation on my part. (MH) The smoking thing, they just don't understand - why would it even be a joke? (Dorine) How large of a sample population has seen HS here to generalize this? He's comparing it to a foreign viewpoint. Nonsmoking and restrictions are far more accepted here, part of the landscape.

He's comparing it to a foreign viewpoint. Nonsmoking and restrictions are far more accepted here, part of the landscape. Sorry, I was too vague with my question. I completely got *why* he said it. My comment was a vague reference to the fact that virtually no one has seen it here (to my knowledge) and we're waiting for it with great anticipation.

a vague reference to the fact that virtually no one has seen it here Dorine, my guess is that he didn't necessarily want to highlight the fact that it's not been released here.

I'd say the film has been tested extensively, with poor responses. Continued reedited hadn't improved the situation. I had even heard not too long ago from the acting community up in Vancouver that rumors were rife that they were headed back to reshoot, which never happened. OK, new gallery of pics from our ladies (and their representatives) at the premiere: http://www.firth.com/hs_gal8.html Thank you Emma, Kelli and Janet. :)

Here's *lookin* at you, kid! Whoa! Janet, give that DH a kiss for me for a job more than well done! ;-)

Janet your DH is a real treasure! Give him the warmest thanks from me for these yummy pictures.

An article from a Norwegian website: http://www.tv2.no/underholdning/bok/article.jhtml?articleID=111348 A few snippets from the article The girl with the million dollar smile: All of the story is viewed through the eyes of Griet. �I didn�t want to make the story to obvious. Particularly not Vermeer. We know some of him through his paintings, and we know he had 11 children and a mother in law, who ran a business, but we don�t know what he was like as a person. I wantet him to be a bit irreproachable. He is not the main character in the story�, she says. TC did not expect the enormous interest in the book. Or that it were to sell more than 1,6 mio on the english marked only. She wrote the book in 8 months because she found out, she was pregnant. And therefor consciously chose storytelling and what she calls a simple structur. Now the movie based on the book is due to be finished this Christmas. Unlike other writers Chevalier is pleased with the process. Her greatest fear was that the movie would be to obvious, as for example the relationship between the books main character and Vermeer. �All I asked was, that there were to be no sexscenes� she laughs. �But the scriptwriter has don a beautiful script. Off course she has clarifyed a few situations, but it works. I am so happy. And Colin Firth has been intensly conserned to preserve the mystery of Vermeer. I think it will be really great�.

Hallo everybody As I got a day off today (public holyday in Germany) I want to use this to they that I love Emmas, Kellis and Janets premier pictures. They are unbeliveable great. And again I have to say, that I have to go to one once. By the way it seems like I spend my summer holyday in scottland and London Could ODB be around there in august ? Who knows. But anyway I know my chances are low. Did you know that BJD is called BJ-chocolade for breakfast i Germany. I don�t know why but I like it. I can�t wait to see WAGW. Unfortunaly I have an important test on 1st of august. So I can not go and see WAGW on 31st July but on 1st august. One day more to wait :o( Bye Petra

All I asked was, that there were to be no sexscenes Why, oh why?!

Hey, boss, for the sake of our health, would you please put up some warning sign next time? I opened the HS gallery, saw the photos, experienced this major electric shock, fell solidly onto the floor, and merely managed to crawl back in the front of the monitor and type this up - Janet, your DH is ABSOLUTELY adorable! Please give him a big kiss and tell him i love him...(sorry, I am still short-circuit...)

Eyes bugged.. Throat Dry ODB... So AFG... My my my my my Tanks..cough..Thanks Emma, Kelli, and Janet (&Tommy!) And Karen, of course.. My composure must be hanging out with his perspective..;-)

Janet, it looked as if that man leaning against the car was holding the door open for Colin, but Colin didn't look like he was headed there. Did he go to another car instead? Or the front seat of that one, maybe, which would seem a bit odd? XOXO to Tommy!

(MariaT) My composure must be hanging out with his perspective..;-) Oh, to hang out with his perspective :)))) (Dorine) If he looks like this in Trauma, I think the throwaway rule must be expanded to include at least the first 2, maybe even 3 viewings. *Only* three? If this is his Trauma look, I'm thinking double digits, easy ;)

Glad you liked the pics, ladies! (Dorine)Janet, it looked as if that man leaning against the car was holding the door open for Colin, but Colin didn't look like he was headed there. Did he go to another car instead? Or the front seat of that one, maybe, which would seem a bit odd? He walked back to the car on the right. He had signed autographs on the other side to my DH, and was walking to that car. Then some fans called to him, and he turned and walked back. Very nice of him, don't you think?

(Maria) ODB... So AFG... My my my my my What she said! But, add a *boom* (butt hitting floor) and then a *thud* (the rest of me). ;-D Thank you Karen, Janet, Emma, Kelli......and a very special thanks to DH Tommy!!!! (Petra) By the way it seems like I spend my summer holyday in scottland and London Could ODB be around there in august ? Baby Firth is supposed to be due in August....I think the little one will be earlier than that....but if they decide to have it in the UK, I would bet they would be around....otherwise, maybe you should vacation in Rome this year?! ;-D I was personally hoping that TEOR would begin filming in the summer, but it seems no one has signed yet. :-( (MariaT) My composure must be hanging out with his perspective..;-) (MeredithA) Oh, to hang out with his perspective :)))) LOL....is his perspective hanging out again??! Someone please tell him! (article) All I asked was, that there were to be no sexscenes (Odessa) Why, oh why?! I understand no Griet action....but we could have had some marital bliss! Eleven kids and no sex!? Bummer. Still, looking forward to this one v. v. much!!

And Annette! Thanks so much for translating that bit from the article. I went in to look at it and then decided....well.....I realized I couldn't read it! Thanks again!

The premiere pics are amazing! Thanks so much Emma, Kelli, Janet, Tommy and Karen. And those close ups WOW! Janet, were you and Tommy right up front? How'd you manange to get so close, must of gotten there really early huh?

Yow! Special pics are fan-freaking-tastic! Thank you all and special thanks to Tommy (and indeed, all indulgent DH's everywhere!) And to Karen, the author of our feast, more special-er thanks! The picture I stared at hardest was the one where he's walking away to the open car door (the one Dorine reposted above.) Never have expressed sufficient appreciation for his shoulders, they fill out that suit mighty fine. And you just know he's got the walk going. Too good. (Oh, and before I forget, I love this place!)

(dalec)Janet, were you and Tommy right up front? How'd you manange to get so close, must of gotten there really early huh? I wasn't there! My DH was in London on business, and he did it as a present to me! His flight was delayed 3 hours, but he went along anyway around 9.00pm. There were only a couple of other people there at that time, so he hung around just in case they came back out thru the front. And,boy, did it pay off!!!

a little poem about, well you know about who Everytime I hear your voice everytime I feel like this It tells me heaven must be missing an angel Everytime I see your face I�m thinking you must be a vision Heaven must be missing an angel Hope you like it. Lyrics are from a song by german pop group Bro�sis and partly changed by me :o) by Petra

(Tress) I was personally hoping that TEOR would begin filming in the summer, but it seems no one has signed yet. :-( But remember Lola said filming dates still firm and Renee is the holdout, er up. ;-) (Janet re CF) he turned and walked back. Very nice of him, don't you think? I wish ODB would be a real a**hole for once so I wouldn't like him so damn much. ;-) To reiterate my winkie, I'm kidding :-) (Tress) Baby Firth is supposed to be due in August. Yeah, and I'm supposed to be independently wealthy so I can travel the world, but I don't see that happening either. ;-) (MariaT) My composure must be hanging out with his perspective..;-) (MeredithA) Oh, to hang out with his perspective :)))) (Tress) LOL....is his perspective hanging out again??! Someone please tell him! ROTF! (BarbS) (Oh, and before I forget, I love this place!) Ditto. And it loves you, too! *hugs* ;-) (Petra) Heaven must be missing an angel I prefer to think of him as a devil. ;-) Thanks, Petra! And Annette, too!

Janet, I love your husband! Give him a big smacking kiss for me, please! Karen, Kelli, Emma, I'd kiss you all too but I wouldn't want the rumors to start flying again ;-)! Rika, my b-day is actually tomorrow but I'm not sure I can handle any more, my heart may give out (39 is not a good age to start having heart attacks).....ACK! what am I saying...no no I can handle it, I can ;-)!

What wonderful photos! Thanks to Emma, Kelli, Janet and her talented Tommy, and especially Karen for putting it all together. Welcome Petra and Sophie! Better late than never. To our talented poets: Joyce, loved the Ode to Stubble (Revised). Mari, your Stubble? A Haiku was LOL-funny! Thanks to everyone for the links and quotes.

(Tress) Baby Firth is supposed to be due in August. (Dorine)Yeah, and I'm supposed to be independently wealthy so I can travel the world, but I don't see that happening either. ;-) LOL Wot?! You think they'd be deliberately misleading?

(Karen) I'd say the film has been tested extensively, with poor responses Ouch! :-( I knew it was tested, but not extensively. Do they test films in the UK or anywhere else, too? One would think, but I never really thought about it til now. Continued reedited hadn't improved the situation Well, you can't get good acting out of a (blonde) stone. (Dorine) If he looks like this in Trauma, I think the throwaway rule must be expanded to include at least the first 2, maybe even 3 viewings. (Meredith) *Only* three? If this is his Trauma look, I'm thinking double digits, easy ;) As I said....plot,schmott! ;-)

Nice Premiere Page courtesy of UK Drool Ladies [ & "Sir Tommy"] I'm a bit late this time...but in the future, boss..do you think perhaps "Drool Darlings" could have a sneak preview of such a page.Before it goes on firth.com. Remember just because you register doesn't make you a "Drool Darling." Nice perk for donors. [Hey, beats a mug]. We could send the URL via email. (I'll be glad to be the "we".) Other perks: occasionally members have extra tapes they offer to send to fellow DD. "Ole -Money -Bag- E."

It gets better and better, Karen, thank you! Thanks, Janet! Well done Tommy! I also like the twinkle of the lights, it's quite an effect. ;-) It's interesting, the laughs it gets in different places. The smoking thing, they just don't understand - why would it even be a joke? I liked it, it was clever, but no funny. I've only seen the tiny clip on-line. Any news on the rest of the Trauma cast?

Oooh, thanks, Emma, Kelli, Janet, Tommy, and Karen! I had a near-tragedy with my laptop last night - was hurrying to sit down and see what was new on Drool, and I spilled some water on the keyboard. It froze up and I thought I had killed it, but I left it to dry out overnight and it was working this morning so I could see the latest wonderful pictures! That would be a better story if I'd actually caused the problem by drooling on the keyboard, wouldn'it it? With everything we've had lately, that would be a distinct possibility. Thanks for the translation, too, Annette!

(Evelyn) I'm a bit late this time...but in the future, boss..do you think perhaps "Drool Darlings" could have a sneak preview of such a page. Before it goes on firth.com. Remember just because you register doesn't make you a "Drool Darling." Nice perk for donors. Can I heartily second that?!

(TC) �All I asked was, that there were to be no sexscenes� she laughs. Harumph! Now, we know *who* to blame. Off to paste her picture on my handy voodoo doll. ;-) Thanks for the article, Annette.

Fiennes favourite to be next 007 Published: 30-Apr-03; 14:33 By: ITN Actor Ralph Fiennes has been voted by film fans as their favourite to be the next James Bond. The brooding star of The English Patient and Schindler's List beat the likes of Colin Firth and Robbie Williams as the best man to play 007. Almost a quarter of people surveyed - 24 per cent - thought Fiennes would make the perfect replacement for current Bond Pierce Brosnan. The 40-year-old actor recently showed off his romantic leading man credentials opposite Jennifer Lopez in Maid In Manhattan. Movie heartthrob George Clooney came second in the poll by amazon.co.uk, with 15 per cent of film fans believing the role should go to the US star. Colin Firth, who got pulses racing as Mr Darcy in the TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, tied with fellow British actor Clive Owen for third place with 12 per cent. And 11 per cent chose chart star Robbie Williams despite his lack of acting credentials. Hollywood heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe got only 10 per cent of the vote between them. Hugh Grant, Jude Law and Ewan McGregor were all missing from the list. The survey of 1,000 people was conducted by Amazon to celebrate the forthcoming DVD and video release of the latest Bond blockbuster Die Another Day. Unsurprisingly, women favoured Clooney, with 20 per cent voting for him, compared to 19 per cent for Fiennes.

James Bond must be dark haired and he must do a british accent. Not RF, please! Clive Owen is not handsome enough. Jeremy Northam would be great. Glad to see Tom Cruise is not included. Thanks, Murph.

Emma, Kelli, Janet and Tommy- Thank you so much for sharing your evening(s) with CF w/us. Great photos and job Karen! (Rika) Strange thing in the one where he's looking at Livia - his hair is mostly brushed off his forehead. Thought I missed this didn't you Rika? Are you volunteering for duty? (Petra) Hope you like it. Lyrics are from a song by german pop group Bro�sis and partly changed by me Petra hon, you've got it bad. You've come to the right place! Thanks for the poem. (Karen)Do you recall Julia Roberts in Notting Hill explaining about how specifically it can be worded in contracts, "top part of cheeks but not hint of .... Wonder if this could work in reverse where we could write the contract for CF? ; ) (Annette)�All I asked was, that there were to be no sexscenes� she laughs. Now let me get this straight. You write a book and you get CF to star in the film version, and you specifically ask that there be no sex scenes? Can we bring back the pillory? She needs to do some time in it to think about what she's done. :)

Many thanks to everyone for the roller coaster of reports and superb photos! Why on earth didn't the Sunday Telegraph use a better photo for its cover story? I wonder, has this HS review (Rotten Tomatoes Forum) been posted? "Film review: A little gem of a film I saw this film recently and should like to add my comments and would recommend anybody to go and see it if they have the opportunity. It's one of the funniest films of its genre I've seen in a long time. There isn't a poor performance in the film. Colin Firth and Minnie Driver spar wonderfully and certainly in as far as comedic roles go, this is Colin Firth as I've never seen him before. It's certainly a triumph for him - and a further honing of his already considerably well-honed talents (in more ways than one: he looks DELECTABLE in this one, ladies). To be honest, I didn't know much about Heather Graham before seeing this but she certainly acquits herself well and I personally would take the time to watch her other work on the strength of her performance here. This is not to detract from the performances of the rest of the cast, most notably, Frank Collison and Mary Steenburgen as the owners of the motel where the Colin Ware character stays, and Oliver Platt as the OTT mayor of Hope Springs who Colin enlists as an ally in his fight to rid himself of the tenacious and wonderfully bitchy Vera, with hilarious consequences. This is the fourth Mark Herman film I've seen (Brassed Off, Little Voice, Purely Belter being the previous three) and it certainly holds its own in such good company. I think he is a remarkable talent and look forward to his next project. Always assuming it is both well distributed and well advertised switch off the television and go out and see this - you won't be disappointed!" ..... Well advertised - so far, I'd say "no". The Telegraph article was more likely to discourage than attract. Are there any posters up?

Isle of Mann Traffic Reports - Hat trick Emma? Looks like someone started filming on the 28th The Department gives notice that it intends to make an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily suspend parking on that section of the landward side of The Quay, Castletown outside the Castle walls between a point north of the Castle Arms Public House northwards to the entrance to the Castle Gardens. The Order comes into force at 8.00am on Wednesday 7 May 2003 and continues in force until 8.00pm on Wednesday 7 May 2003 or until the filming work has been completed whichever is the earlier. The Department gives notice that it intends to make an Order the effect of which will be to prohibit the use to vehicular traffic of that section of the A26 Glen Vine to St Marks Road between but not including its junction with the B37 Clannagh Road and a point north of its junction with the B35 Garth Road at St Marks. The Order will come into effect from 6.30pm on Monday 5 May 2003 until 6.30am on Tuesday 6 May 2003, from 6.30pm on Tuesday 6 May 2003 until 6.30am on Wednesday 7 May 2003 and from 6.30pm on Wednesday 7 May 2003 until 6.30am on Thursday 8 May 2003. The Department gives notice that it intends to make an Order the effect of which will be to temporarily suspend parking on that section of the south side of King Williams Way fronting the British Legion Hall and that section of the east side of James Road adjacent to the British Legion Hall in the town of Castletown. The Order comes into operation from 8.00am on Thursday 8 May 2003 and continues in force until 8.00pm on Thursday 8 May 2003 or until the filming work is completed whichever is the earlier. RCO 6305

(Tress) LOL....is his perspective hanging out again??!. But the question is... from what direction is the perspective hanging? Thanks, Bethan...a very positive review. (Barb)Wot?! You think they'd be deliberately misleading? Not Mr. and Mrs. JG:-) (Barb)Special pics are fan-freaking-tastic!(sounds a bit like Darcy-tastic) O-M-G, I can really appreciate how close you guys really were. Oh I can't take anymore. Emma, Kelli, Janet and her fantastic DH...Thank you thank you thank you. Once again, hats off to the boss of this place. ***wildly clapping and cheering her on*** BTW, Karen...I know the transcript of the Lisa files is still in queue, thank Gawd, but can you give us a bit of a heads up before so we can have some pre-review time. I've been a bit stubble-drunk just now. Thanks Annette.

Traffic reports?! V. impressive reconnaissance, Joyce! (Bethan) Always assuming it is both well distributed and well advertised **snort** An assumption not to make when talking about ODB's films :( Welcome aboard all recent de-lurkers!

(Meredith) Traffic reports?! V. impressive reconnaissance, Joyce! Sulking now, was feeling v. clever and going to be v. important when Isle of Mann Online Updates came across with news... (I don't see any weekend chances for Emma to go but there's some night stuff scheduled...)

Especially for purists, I've added four new pics to the sharjo gallery, which is #7 I think. Only one has been polluted by MD. ;-)

I'm going to have to pass on the Isle of Mann. It is possible to have too much of a good thing, you know. =) (feeling the collective kick in pants from all who wish there were here this week) Actually, it's more like, I don't want to be the next woman in the red suit!

(Karen) Especially for purists, I've added four new pics to the sharjo gallery... Loverly! His hair is all pushed back and he looks 'warm' in those last two! Nice red cheeks (wine from the party perhaps or was this pre-fiesta?). Thank you Karen and Sharjo!

The Galleries are so fantastic, thanks a million Karen;-)) Emma, Kelli and that dynamic duo Janet and Tommy , your efforts are fantastic. In fact I'm all stubbled out, need to recharge! This has been a perfect few days , all the press coverage of ODB plus those extra delicious "insider" bits that we thrive on too! let's hope the British press are gearing up for lots more coverage. I want posters on the buses, on the tubes, adverts on tv, Colin on Parkinson, and at least one truly sexy cover picture plus some copies of HS in the bookshops (didn't the boss say they are doing a special tie in??)............;-))) (Mari) Uncle Firth You eavesdropper of old you1 propping up bars does have its compensations:-))

(Karen) Polluted by MD ROTFL! What a kind adjective!