Hope Springs has been deleted from the danish releaseplan. Has been listet for late June until now. WAGW is not listet at all. But - TIOBE is released on dvd April 29 (R2) in Denmark, which is almost 5 months earlier than the UK-release date. (Well, since the movie hasn't had any theatrical release here, it's only fair, that we get the dvd first ;-))

(LindaK) 23. He had second thoughts about Livia wearing Angelina Jolie's missing dress to the WAGW premiere. *reaching for my Windex* ;-) Great ones Joyce, especially: 29. He's been told to limit his carbohydrate intake and this movie is just too damn sweet. 32. LD told him that What a Girl Wants is for his ass to stay home. They were worth the wait! P.S. Evelyn, who can't remember her password, is getting a real chuckle out of #29! Thanks EmmaB for the news about WAGW's release in the UK; it's very likely to be correct. And, you'll finally get to see TIOBE, Annette. That's great!

DH pointed out that there may be a sneak preview of WAGW this Sat. Too bad, he is going out of town, so I'll have to go without him ;-)

Just a little tidbit from the Bradford Film Festival newsletter in case any of our UK friends are interested. The screenings are for this week, no specific dates given. We are using all of the Museum's facilities at this year's Festival, the TV Heaven Viewing Room will host a selection of titles from the TV Heaven archive including Scum, Tumbledown, Monitor: Elgar, First Tuesday: the Falklands War, Hillsborough and The South Bank Show.

(Evelyn)I'm a Lindemann Chardonnay girl myself ( what we drank at "192", Mari.) Wonderful stuff! Instead of three days of bottled water . . . I keep that around.;-) (Joyce)29. He's been told to limit his carbohydrate intake and this movie is just too damn sweet. 32. LD told him that What a Girl Wants is for his ass to stay home. ROTFLMAO! Great ones, Joyce! The Hot Button's Dave Poland wrote this in his column, based on Universal's 2003 preview at ShowWest. He's predicting $130 in box office for LA--that's blockbuster territory, folks: "Love Actually was presented as a kind of music video to the song, �Love Is All You Need�. The most overwhelming thing is that the movie seems to have more stars in it than an Irwin Allen movie. But even in this odd format, you can feel the overpowering warmth of this movie. It has the scent of Four Weddings & A Funeral, which might seem to be an obvious comment, since the movie is being made by Richard Curtis, who is the writer of most of �those� films and who is taking the director�s chair for the first time. But how can anyone resist all these people in all these loving situations? The film opens against The Matrix Reloaded, but looks like it will be a Thanksgiving favorite, perhaps for a second visit from many, with only Mona Lisa Smile as real competition for the holiday heartstrings."

Er, that's $130 million, of course.:-)

(Joyce) 29. He's been told to limit his carbohydrate intake and this movie is just too damn sweet. 32. LD told him that What a Girl Wants is for his ass to stay home. ROTFL Great, so funny and clever Joyce. Thanks for LA article Mari. Looks promising.

If anyone is still planning on going to the LA premiere, WHO: From the film: AMANDA BYNES, OLIVER JAMES, KELLY PRESTON and Director DENNIE GORDON will be joined by celebrity guests. *sniff sniff* Sorry Moon Dreams... http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/cb_headline.cgi?&story_file=bw.032403/230835594&directory=/google&header_file=header.htm&footer_file=

The Touchstone site now lists HS as coming soon which is cheering...It had been removed entirely there for awhile...Hope they are'nt just toying with us....

The film opens against The Matrix Reloaded, but looks like it will be a Thanksgiving favorite, perhaps for a second visit from many No, really? Thanks Mari, Thanks, Maria for the HS news. Toying with us...nah.

Old Pals - Zeta Jones and Colin -- Out Of the Blue: Did either of them think in 1991 when they were Chirsty and Alan making love in the moonlight that one day one of them would win an Oscar? Let's hope Colin's time in that sun comes one day.

(Murph)Chirsty and Alan making love in the moonlight The song Blue Moon has a very special place in my heart, because of this. I've forgotten to comment on your entrys, Joyce. V.g. indeed. On my daily surf I came across this site with productionnotes. Nothing new, but quite interesting. If they have allready been postet, I apologize. http://movies.warnerbros.com/pub/movie/whatgirl/notes.htm

His other film credits include Relative Values, My Life So Far, The Secret Laughter of Women, Fever Pitch, Circle of Friends, Playmaker, and the title role in Valmont. Won't he be pleased to see PM on the list? Oh, well, at least L. isn't. Thanks, Annette! I recognized a few of the quotes, but that included lots of new information (new to me, anyway). Some interesting locations.

Director Dennie Gordon was so passionate and determined to make What A Girl Wants in England that before the film was even greenlit, she traveled to England on her own coin to woo Colin Firth and to snap hundreds of potential location photos. It's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it. ;-) Thanks for the link, Annette. Most of this was new to me. I believe the story synopsis was longer than the National Scholastic book.

Thanks, Annette, I hadn't seen most of this. she traveled to England on her own coin to woo Colin Firth Can only wonder how she feels about him not doing promotion for this.

Thanks, Annette. I recognized some things in there, but a lot was new to me as well.

she traveled to England on her own coin to woo Colin Firth (Mari) Can only wonder how she feels about him not doing promotion for this That's a v v good point. At least as bad as we do? :( It seems I have the opportunity to see it 3 days in a row next week, before it even opens. I may not want to see on opening day at this rate. ;-) Thanks, Annette.

Just got my tickets for the Saturday sneak preview. Can't wait. It will feel good to be doing theater reports, again. It boosts ticket sales, too;-)

Having read the productionnotes from WAGW more closely, I have to admit they held new informations to me too. Todays hunt gave this (at least one picture, I haven't seen before, no 15) go to the photogallery from this site: http://www.zap2it.com/movies/details/1,1295,34641,00.html

(Annette)(at least one picture, I haven't seen before, no 15) Thanks, Annette. I haven't seen that one either, reminds me of his look at the Polo event this past summer. Very British...Secret Service type of look.*sigh*

Thanks Annette, Great hunting! #4 also has him in tiny version..

From Robair (of the AmandaBynesNow website), Empire's comments of the trailer of WAGW. BTW, Lizza says that last line (re: David Brent) is extremely cruel (a major slur) but I think it does take aim at what I've questioned since day one... :-( Is there anything more frightening than seeing a grown man trying to express himself through the medium of dance? That's the question we're asking ourselves here in the Empire Online office after sitting through the trailer for the new teen film What A Girl Wants. Leaving no cliche unturned, the film follows an American bratty teenager's trip to England to find her long-lost father, played by Darcy himself � Colin Firth. That's the cue for obligatory shots of Big Ben, red double decker buses and mansion in the country...because you know, we British don't live in anything less than stately piles. Click here for the trailer, which features the most frightening dance sequence since David Brent took inspiration from Flashdance and MC Hammer.

Title of the item is: Colin's Groove Thang (Mr Firth gets down with his bad self) http://www.empireonline.co.uk/news/news.asp?4631

Yeah, but love the title of that little piece....Colin's Groove Thang. LOL! Between this and the silliness with the scarf in HS we've heard about (but may never see, Grrrr! ;-)), it appears he may be going through a kind of midlife crisis that's he has been exploring in his films lately. Getting in touch with his inner silliness......for all to see. ;-) How's *that* for armchair psychology? ;-) Just in case the winkie was overlooked, of course you know I'm kidding

On the positive side, another mention of Lions Gate's planned release of GWAPE for awards consideration: It is the smaller, independent companies that will have to make the most adjustments to the new Oscar date. Without unlimited marketing budgets, these outfits will now have to unveil their movies early and quickly. If they follow past habits and patiently wait for word-of-mouth to build, it could be too late for awards attention when a film's momentum finally reaches its apex. "We definitely are going to have to release our films faster," says Tom Ortenberg, president of Lions Gate Releasing, whose fall art house titles include William H. Macy's "The Cooler," Hayden Christensen's "Shattered Glass" and Colin Firth's "The Girl With a Pearl Earring." Says Goldwyn, whose company released the Oscar-nominated "The Crimes of Padre Amaro" on Nov. 15: "You just have to move everything up. You'll have to get your movies opened in September and October." http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/oscars/cl-et-horn25mar25,0,7200865.story?coll=cl-home-more-channels

Colin's Groove Thang (Mr Firth gets down with his bad self) I'd expect nothing less from someone dubbed "Hunk Daddy." ;-) Methinks HD will promote WAGW in Britain just as aggressively as he has in the States.;-) Speaking of which, a reminder that Kelly Preston will be on Letterman tonight; Luke Wilson is guest host. Also, saw brief KP interview bits from the press junket on ET and AH last night. She apparently lived in Iraq for a year as a child; dad was some sort of agricultural consultant, trying to help farmers become self-sufficient.

(Mari), Methinks HD will promote WAGW in Britain just as aggressively as he has in the States.;-) Can we blame him? What could he possibly answer that would really be of interest from WAGW? Thanks for all the links, ladies. I'm off to Los Angeles tomorrow, see you sometime in April.

(Moon)What could he possibly answer that would really be of interest from WAGW? Oh, I'm not the one to ask. *I* didn't take the role (and the money).;-) Enjoy your vacay, Moon.

Moon, enjoy your time in LA. (Mari)I'd expect nothing less from someone dubbed "Hunk Daddy." ;-) LOL, weren't you the one who did the dubbing?;-)

Have a good vacation Moon. Thanks for all the links ladies. There was alot of new stuff on WAGW for me Annette, thanks. Sounds promising for HS. Fingers crossed.

Don't think I've seen this yet... COLUMNS THE WICKED STAGE/GAG REEL March 27, 2003 By Rob Kendt My sainted boss has stepped out of the office for a week, daring to turn this column over to one of the inmates. "Rant," he said, "but nothing out of bounds." ... (snip) � Colin Firth stayed home rather than fly to Los Angeles for his press junket to promote What a Girl Wants. While this meant I didn't get the interview for the second year in a row�c'mon, Mr. Darcy, make another film next year and talk to me about the craft of creating an infinite variety of Englishmen�I couldn't exactly fault him for staying in England with his family during the first days of war. But in checking around L.A. theatres to see if performances were cancelled last week and weekend, I found theatre makers are a dauntless bunch�even if the audiences aren't. Publicist Philip Sokoloff reported box offices down about 25 percent for the shows he reps. But actor/director/teacher Laurie Woolery last week encouraged her cast and crew at Citrus College to continue prepping The Skin of Our Teeth. "We personally can't stop the war," she said she told her class, "but this can be our voice." http://www.backstage.com/backstage/columns/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1849008

Oh my....seems Colin gets teary in WAGW. Awwwwwww! ;-) KP and Luke Wilson cute on Letterman. She brought an excellent clip, lots of CF closeups. She and HD talking on the phone about Libby. He has to pause for a moment to wipe his eyes. Least that's what it looked like. Just realized she didn't mention Amanda once. If she did, I missed it. Kelly made comment everyone always says "Colin Firth, he's so great" and she readily agreed. Guess Mr. Preston wasn't around. ;-) Wasn't too keen on the new dark color of her hair with multiple shades of highlights. But she is gorgeous. Can't remember how old she is, but she looks so young.

Greg's Upcoming Movies at Yahoo: My Top 10 Best Picture Contenders: The Alamo (Touchstone, 12/25); Big Fish (Sony, December); Cold Mountain (Miramax, 12/25); House of Sand and Fog (Dreamworks, Fall TBA); Kill Bill (Miramax, 10/10); The Last Samurai (Warner Bros, 12/5); The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (New Line Cinema, 12/17); Love Actually (Universal, 11/7); The Matrix: Revolutions (Warner Bros, 11/7); Peter Pan (Universal, 12/25) My 11th Pick: Seabiscuit (Universal, 7/25) (note: as I made up my list this morning, I completely forgot about Seabiscuit; it definitely deserves to be in the top list, even if that leaves me with the uneven number of 11) http://movies.yahoo.com/upcoming/

There's a long article in the Australian Women's Weekly about Colin that was done from the GWAPE set. The magazine had contacted me a couple of months ago about pics, but they weren't able to secure one of Colin as Vermeer in time for publication. I'm awaiting the full text from Mimi, but Jane C has typed up some interesting tidbits from the article. I'll get the full thing up later... CF on Vermeer: "Very little is known about him, he is an enigma. he could well have been boisterous fun loving, completely bald, we just don't know. I already have a love of Vermeer but there is this particular quality about his paintings that I can't describe. I think they are serene. Then I look at them again and think they are rather troubled. I find I'm emotionally involved with the job. I love going to the gallery and pretending to be this bloke." CF on Lost Empires and acting: "I learned early on that having a sense of one's own ridiculousness can keep you sane. I was quite young and I had put a lot into a series Lost Empires (1986). It was one of my first disappointments. There was no ay that I could spin it to make it okay and I was feeling really bad about the whole thing. There was a moment where the misery of being an actor in something that nobody liked had just reached a peak, you know, and I suddenly found that it was hilarious, a fantastic feeling. [Ed note: Hmmm, L'dum and SLOW??] Now if something horrible has been written about me, I hone a friend and read it out. I learned that from another friend who once rang me and read out all his bad reviews. It is howlingly funny. The more precious you are the more it hurts, I think. And if it is hurting, it's a sign that you are being precious." That is not to say that he doesn't take his work seriously. He spent hours grinding minerals such as black onyx into powder to make Vermeer's paints. "I loved the smell of it. The actor's job begins where the words finish: you do the gesture, the walk, what lies in between. I try to work out what the person would have had to experience to have resulted in saying a line. I love solving how to say the line, and if I can't I will try and change it." On stardom: Yet Colin Firth is a reluctant star, uncomfortable in the media gaze and retreats from his fame with some alarm, wrestling with the dilemma of being a private person in a public occupation. "The normal things in my life are very important to me; friends, family, having a life.' You get the impression that he is far too intelligent to buy into the shallower, more hysterically egomanical aspects of celebrity. 'I don't occupy that zone, I don't have a star persona. That is a completely separate world and not where life's blessings are as far as I'm concerned. It is such an unnatural thing to watch yourself on the screen, it really throws you, and I have a tendency to withdraw. Sometimes, when you read your name, it is like reading about someone else. The name Colin Firth on a screen is very different from the name I used to see on my exercise books." A female journalist, going to interview Colin, was cautioned by a male friend who had worked with him not to be taken in by his "totally transparent mock modesty". there may be something in that. In the same way that there is always something going on underneath the repressed exterior of the characters he plays, there is something in the way Colin talks about himself that makes you suspect that there would have to be a healthy degree of ego and narcissism underneath the self-deprecating persona he presents. Given the amount of praise he receives from women, it would be hard to avoid at least absorbing some of it. This is a confirmed in a jokey but telling aside by his co-star Scarlett Johansson, who plays the servant girl, Griet, in Girl With a Pearl Earring. " Colin has such a huge ego he probably thinks he painted the paintings himself.' And so we leave him in his surreal pretend world of men in Flemish hats and women in tightly corseted brocade dresses, an exquisite work of art, smouldering among the sausages.

(CF in article) I love going to the gallery and pretending to be this bloke. I just love that he used the word bloke! ;-) (CF on Lost Empires) There was a moment where the misery of being an actor in something that nobody liked had just reached a peak, you know, and I suddenly found that it was hilarious, a fantastic feeling. Oh, now....I'm thankful everyday (okay, at least once a week) that he did LE! I love that movie!! (CF) I love solving how to say the line, and if I can't I will try and change it. Not if you are in a Milos Forman film you won't! A female journalist, going to interview Colin, was cautioned by a male friend who had worked with him not to be taken in by his "totally transparent mock modesty". LOL....hey, it is a girl's prerogative to be taken in by ODB's TTMM!! Thank you Karen and Mimi and Jane C....this was a very entertaining read!!

Thanks so much Jane C and Karen. Can't wait for the whole article from Mimi. Nicely done I thought. In the same way that there is always something going on underneath the repressed exterior of the characters he plays, there is something in the way Colin talks about himself that makes you suspect that there would have to be a healthy degree of ego and narcissism underneath the self-deprecating persona he presents. Given the amount of praise he receives from women, it would be hard to avoid at least absorbing some of it That's interesting that she's kind of "calling him on it", albeit not to his face it seems. I don't recall someone saying this quite so directly before, or it never struck me as such before. This is a confirmed in a jokey but telling aside by his co-star Scarlett Johansson, who plays the servant girl, Griet, in Girl With a Pearl Earring. " Colin has such a huge ego he probably thinks he painted the paintings himself." LOL! Wonder if he'll do demos of paint grinding and painting techniques instead of cooking demos on the talk show circuit during GWAPE PR. ;-)

In the same way that there is always something going on underneath the repressed exterior of the characters he plays, there is something in the way Colin talks about himself that makes you suspect that there would have to be a healthy degree of ego and narcissism underneath the self-deprecating persona he presents. Given the amount of praise he receives from women, it would be hard to avoid at least absorbing some of it I know I am biased, but if this were the case, what would be the point of all his false modesty? A man who is both a narcissist and egoist simply could'nt be bothered, unless he had a grand plan to manipulate the masses and the press so that they would think otherwise??? And he certainly does not seem to seek out the attention as this type of individual would be likely to do. The logic seems convoluted, but then again, I'm late for class again at USC (University of St. Colin) ;-))

Sorry, but I can easily believe that statement and have heard many intimations of such. His friends outside the Donmar were laughing at what was going on... Anyway, I have the scanned article and have started to type it up, but don't have time to deal with it now.

the way Colin talks about himself that makes you suspect that there would have to be a healthy degree of ego and narcissism underneath the self-deprecating persona he presents. I could imagine it. Much nicer and socially acceptable to quietly glory in unsought for attention rather than appearing to be needy or requiring it. Now, lest I find myself expelled from USC, the writer said "healthy degree of ego and narcissism." I can forgive him that, I believe it's generally agreed some measure of ego and narcissism is natural and probably necessary for actors. Besides, I'm sure he strives to keep it under good regulation. ;-) ``Nothing is more deceitful,'' said Darcy, ``than the appearance of humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes an indirect boast.''

(Dorine)KP and Luke Wilson cute on Letterman. She brought an excellent clip, lots of CF closeups. She was darling. She mentioned co-starring with Colin and added that "women are always saying--ooooooohhh!, Colin Firth, he's so great!--and he is great!" Good clip, but an odd choice for promoting a comedy; but clearly this is the adult audience they're trying to bring in, so I suppose it's fine. Thanks for the new article tidbits, Karen, Mimi, and Jane. Of course he has an ago--it's inherent in an actor's being. Some are obnoxious about it and some aren't. I don't think this reporter has said anything that we all haven't already thought, i.e., how the hell could he not know he's hot?;-) He tries to be gracious about it, but maybe it comes across as disingenuous to some. Like protesting too much. Also, keep in mind, as we have been told, that he is very careful not to say things in interviews that would upset people close to him.

Amanda Bynes will be on Caroline Rhea's show Tuesday, April 1.

Thanks Karen, Mimi & Jane C!!!! Mari, do you think Caroline Rhea will tell AB that she is a Colin stalker?

(Barb)...I believe it's generally agreed some measure of ego and narcissism is natural and probably necessary for actors. Besides, I'm sure he strives to keep it under good regulation. ;-) I agree with you Barb. I think most actors have to have some degree of ego/narcissim in order to do what they do. I can overlook this in ODB...besides, I don't know which is more disturbing, that fact that he may be like that or that I don't mind in the least bit! ;-) I honestly don't think the 'face' he shows to the public is what he is truly like anyway. (Mari)...how the hell could he not know he's hot?;-) ROTF! Indeed!

(Mari)Amanda Bynes will be on Caroline Rhea's show Tuesday, April 1. Thank you, Mari. I was wondering when AB was going to do some publicity. I was pleasantly surprised that AB wasn't in the clip on Letterman last night. Thanks Karen, Mimi and Jane... (Mari)Some are obnoxious about it and some aren't As for the article...I tend to think he is aware that he is, "What you Americans call a hottie"...as I remember him saying,(how in Gawd's name can he not know) but I don't think I've ever read anything or heard any co-star ever say that he has a huge ego or was difficult to work with.

(Mari)...how the hell could he not know he's hot?;-) Oh, he's just putting a *neutral(looking)* face on it;-)

(Barb) I believe it's generally agreed some measure of ego and narcissism is natural and probably necessary for actors. Besides, I'm sure he strives to keep it under good regulation. ;-) I agree Barb, IMO its part of the makeup of the actor or anyone in the public eye for that matter. May be what makes them chose their professions to begin with. The need to have the ego sated moreso than the average indivdual. IMO a certain amount of ego is necessary to want to achieve notice from the public. (Tress) I honestly don't think the 'face' he shows to the public is what he is truly like anyway. Oh, I agree. And that is what makes it so much "fun" for him IMO and others. I doubt very much that anyone but the nearest and dearest really know what any luminaries are really like and IMO that's just how they want it. Thanks girls for all the news.

(BarbS) Much nicer and socially acceptable to quietly glory in unsought for attention rather than appearing to be needy or requiring it. There are 2 extremes in this situation. One extreme is to consciously seek it out, possibly being cocky about it, and the other is to attempt to ignore it as much as possible and not acknowledge it or disown it as much as possible if attention is brought to it. Before I read Mari's post, I was thinking as a compromise, I don't think it's inappropriate for someone in his situation to acknowledge it very discreetly simply by saying "thank you or it's nice of people to say", or whatever. I thought if I was in a position similar to some people, I don't know that I'd have too much of a problem with it and might even take a peverse pleasure in knowing I have something others want and can't have. But a person has to be fairly secure in many areas to have that attitude and I realized some people may not. Therefore someone in his position might need to display a certain attitude that may or may not be genuine. Then I read Mari's comment......He tries to be gracious about it, but maybe it comes across as disingenuous to some. Like protesting too much. Also, keep in mind, as we have been told, that he is very careful not to say things in interviews that would upset people close to him

There's a nice long clip on AOL Movies:First Look - What a Girl Wants. It's their motorcycle ride to get away from photographers. They go to an outdoor market to look at clothes and albums (like in trailor) that are being sold. CF says (while looking at albums for sale), "I've been looking for Coo Coo Al." It's cute. And, yes, Daphne is trying to teach him how to head bang. Anyway, I'm usually not so good at providing links, but if you have AOL, it's right on the initial 'you've got mail' page on the lower right hand side. Just click on it. What's nice about it is that it's a long continuous clip instead of a trailor montage. There's also a funny scene with Duckface during the air guitar scene that I hadn't seen yet! Maybe I can send it to someone and they can link it here. Would that work?

Thanks so much, Lora! It wasn't on my Welcome page for some reason, but got it through Keyword: First Look. Alternated between ROTFL! and.....cringing is too strong a word. ;-)

Just saw the First Look, if you're not on AOL this probably won't work, but you might give it a try. For those who've seen it, did you see the place to rate it and its score so far? 41% loved it, 35% liked it and 25% hated it -- did you guys vote more than once? ;-) aol://4344:1566.FirstGrl.25309796.732394605

(Lora)There's a nice long clip on AOL Movies:First Look - What a Girl Wants OMG, thank you Lora. The black leather pants scene...Can he move or what? I have seen the trailer before, but Yikes! He really can shake his thang. Noticed the earring too, I don't remember being able to see that from the trailer, at least I couldn't. Loved CF's smile as they finished the head banging and began to walk away. Great facial expressions as AB was trying on different outfits. Also, I found it amazing that the entire clip was all about CF and AB, except for the small clip of Duckface. No boyfriend, and the KP clip from Letterman focused on Mom and Hunk Daddy. Great! Thanks again, Lora.

(Linda)The black leather pants scene...Can he move or what? You definitely get a nice long sequence of the air guitar moves! I noticed the earring for the fist time here also. Love how he goes right back to dancing after Duckface leaves crying and "wanting her Henry back" ;-). He also air guitar/dances with his pinky sticking out - how very English ;-)! The outdoor market is where Hunk Daddy gets his henna tattoo. Plus we get lots of cute fatherly looks from HD/HD towards Daphne! I'm so thrilled to have provided some new info for fellow firthettes. I've never done that before, but there's always a firth time! Sorry I wasn't able to show a direct link for it. Thanks Barb and Dorine for mentioning other ways of trying it. Thanks Karen, Mimi and Jane for the comments above about GWAPE and 'ego'...very interesting comment from SJ. Thanks Annette for the very informative article about WAGW. There was some good behind the scenes stuff there.

Oh pooh, for the first time ever, I regret not having AOL. Saturday night's sneak preview of WAGW will be at 1,000 theaters. Film is expected to open on 2,600 screens on April 4. That's wiiiiide! Just saw the HD snogging commercial--not bad . . . not bad at all!:-) (Jodi)do you think Caroline Rhea will tell AB that she is a Colin stalker? Hee hee. I wouldn't put it past Caroline to ask Amanda how she was able to limit her onscreen emotion to innocent daughterly affection.;-)

Hollywood Reporter review What a Girl Wants Mar. 28, 2003 By Michael Rechtshaffen Opens Friday, April 4 While it shares its title with a Christina Aguilera tune, what "What a Girl Wants" really, really wants is to be "The Princess Diaries'" sassy sibling. The only problem is, compared with that surprisingly successful fish-out-of-water fairy tale, the 2003 version looks more like the impoverished stepsister. Its makers have been so busy running around trying to push all the preprogrammed buttons that the tender father-daughter theme at the picture's core seldom feels like anything more than another opportunity to alter the frantically changing pace. Given the ardent following of the "Girl" in question -- namely former Nickelodeon star Amanda Bynes -- the Warner Bros. Pictures release stands to do at least moderate tween business, but it's destined to fall short of joining the ranks of boxoffice royalty. Very loosely based on the William Douglas Home play "The Reluctant Debutante," which was turned into the 1958 Vincente Minnelli-directed comedy of the same name starring Rex Harrison and Sandra Dee, the new edition has been considerably reworked. Bynes is Daphne Reynolds, a seemingly all-American girl who has been brought up by her bohemian wedding-singer mother, Libby (a tune-carrying Kelly Preston), while the father she's never known happens to be a British lord (Colin Firth), whom her pregnant mom left back in London 17 years earlier because she was deemed inappropriate wife material by his aristocratic family. Beguiled by Libby's bedtime stories surrounding that fabled past, Daphne one day impulsively hops a flight to London with plans to finally introduce herself to daddy. Naturally, there are complications. Firth's Lord Henry Dashwood is not only in the midst of a high-stakes political campaign, but there's also the matter of his social-climbing fiancee (Anna Chancellor) and her snooty daughter (Christina Cole). After a rough start, she and Daddy bond, and, while being groomed for her own coming-out party, she meets a sweet, young British musician with an angelic singing voice (newcomer Oliver James), who loves her for who she is, rather than the person she's trying so hard to become. As he puts it, "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" Alas, that's a question the filmmakers themselves never really figure out. Director Dennie Gordon ("Joe Dirt") and screenwriters Jenny Bicks ("Sex and the City") and Elizabeth Chandler ("A Little Princess") are so concerned with second-guessing what their targeted young female audience wants that the tone keeps hopscotching between goofy slapstick and forced poignancy. And when neither mode seems to fit, the prevailing wisdom appears to be, "When in doubt, throw in another trying-on-clothing montage." That scattershot approach extends to the acting styles, which are also all over the place. Providing something of an anchor is a convincing turn by the always reliable Firth ("Bridget Jones's Diary"), while Eileen Atkins ("Gosford Park," "The Hours"),strikes the right chord as Daphne's ally, the sympathetic Lady Jocelyn.

Moviehole review, 3 out of 5 stars: What a girl wants - Amanda Bynes, Colin Firth, Kelly Preston, Eileen Atkins, Anna Chancellor, Jonathan Pryce Ah, the return of the classic cinematic makeover. You know the one, a lass of incongruity or superficial ugliness, is suddenly altered into something of magnetic beauty and promise. Julia Roberts went from high-class hooker to elegant gown adorner, Anne Hathaway had her hair straighten and found herself crowned Queen of Genova and Freddie Prinze Jr removed the specs and undid the pony tail of Rachel Leigh Cook to mould that year�s prom queen. In �What a Girl Wants�, it�s not a conversion from ugly duckling to glistening swan that�s so much the case, but more a change of protocol and behavioural blueprint that the lead youngster has to endure. Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes) has always wanted to meet her estranged father, whom her mother Libby (Kelly Preston) shared a whirlwind romance with 17 years prior. The romance ended when his aristocratic family had the unsuitable Libby exercised from the high-class circle. Determined to live our her fantasy of forging a fairytale relationship with her long-absent Dad, Daphne hops a plane to London where she quickly discovers her father is high profile politician Lord Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth). Henry ultimately opens his front door to the daughter he never knew existed, which ends up having repercussions on his high-standing political position. Seems Daphne is just too skittish and typically teenage for the elite crowd. But with a splash of shampoo and a change of clothes, Lord Henry soon finds himself with a changed daughter, one he can truly show off to the royal crowds he floats in. But inevitably Daphne realizes that the change hasn�t been for the good, and although she wants to be her father�s daughter, decides it�s not worth it if she can�t be herself. Will Daddy come around? Of Course he will, and you know that within the film�s first meeting between Daddy and daughter. In fact, most of the film is as predictable as cats near a river. But as much of a rip-off as the film is � dating way back to the similar �The Reluctant Debutante�, released in 1959 starring Sandra Dee and Rex Harrison and to much more contemporary classics � it�s still an enjoyable outing. Having already established herself on Television and also recently on film with a role in the comedy �Big Fat Liar�, Amanda Bynes proves herself to be quite the comedienne, intertwining a performance of physical shtick and cutesy gesticulation. She�s definitely one to watch. In addition, British actor Colin Firth proves the perfect choice for the role of the high-class Politician, suddenly softened when he discovers he has a teenage daughter. It�s the charming performances of Bynes and Firth who�ll keep older viewers interested. I�m sure they won�t be half as interested in the cute boys, pop music and pretty dresses that the film is also littered with, but young teenage girls will, and that�s plainly who this film is aimed at. So while this is far from an avant-garde, ingenious flick, it uses a dependable formula that�ll definitely deliver �What a Girl Wants�

Variety review: By TODD MCCARTHY "What a Girl Wants" may be a modern-dress version of the frothy 1958 romantic comedy "The Reluctant Debutante," but it feels much more like a shameless reshuffle of "The Princess Diaries." This squirm-inducing catalog of Yank/Brit differences, which spins on the way a vivacious 17-year-old New York City girl loosens up her newly met, broom-up-his-bum upper-class British dad, no doubt will score with the sizable target aud of female teens, drawn by Amanda Bynes, star of Nickelodeon's "All That" and "The Amanda Show," as well as "Big Fat Liar." All others will have their teeth set on edge. Pic's title serves as fair warning that every element of the script by Jenny Bicks (a "Sex in the City" regular) and Elizabeth Chandler ("Someone Like You") is set up to inspire and quickly satisfy the desires of adolescent girls. It's a fairy tale, to be sure, but one in which everything comes so easily -- and all plot strand resolutions are so thoroughly visible from the beginning -- that there's no chance to build up any genuine longing for dreams to come true. It's fantasy time for the instant-gratification generation. The brunette, somewhat puffy-faced Bynes plays Daphne Reynolds, who's grown up in Gotham's Chinatown with still-bohemian mom Libby (Kelly Preston). Latter has long regaled Daphne with tales of her dashingly romantic dad, Henry Dashwood (Colin Firth), whom Libby met while traipsing around Morocco but with whom things just couldn't work out long-term. Without telling her mother where she's going, Daphne impulsively sets off for London, which gets the travelogue treatment to the accompaniment of the Clash's "London Calling" and where Daphne immediately meets cute young musician Ian (Oliver James). Meanwhile, Dashwood has removed all the dash from his personality to become Lord Henry, perpetuator of his ancient family's name, a current candidate for Parliament and, in the view of his longtime adviser (Jonathan Pryce), a sure-thing prime minister. When Daphne climbs the wall of the Dashwood estate and presents herself to Henry as the daughter he never knew he had, he can barely speak. Things don't get much better for Firth as the picture progresses, which means his character here is even more clenched and constipated than the solicitor he played in "Bridget Jones's Diary." Expressing their discombobulation at the news of Henry's fatherhood in more demonstrative ways are his conniving fiancee Glynnis (Amanda Chancellor), for whom every move is a political decision, and her snobbish daughter Clarissa (Christina Cole), who comes off like the sourest possible version of Reese Witherspoon's character in "Election." As if born to be evil stepmother and stepsister, the women do all they can to rid themselves of this potential scandal producer and rival for Henry's affections, but Daphne's winning New World ways keep jolting to life a society otherwise shown as teetering on the white cliffs of calcification. Pic's midsection is taken up with a succession of high-society events at which Daphne makes a spectacle of herself by puncturing all vestiges of propriety. She doesn't really mean to, but she just can't help herself when she dresses way down at the Royal Dress Show (with Prince Charles in attendance), sets off a musical outburst that makes a priceless chandelier crash at a formal ball, pushes Clarissa's would-be b.f. into the water at a regatta, endangers Henry's political prospects by inducing him to expose his old motorcycle-riding, leather-pants-wearing rock 'n' roll self and walks out of her own "coming-out" party just as the Queen herself is arriving. From anything but a teen wish-fulfillment p.o.v., story doesn't convince for a moment because the differences between Daphne and the society she's visiting are so artificial. Despite the wayward hijinx the scripters desperately concoct for her, Daphne is an unusually composed and presentable 17-year-old, hardly the stuff of anyone's worst nightmares. At the same time, the English upper crust here behaves as if the last 50 years hadn't happened, so flustered is everyone by even the slightest breach of decorum. Given the programmatic writing and cut-and-paste direction of Dennie Gordon, over whose debut film, the unforgettable "Joe Dirt," this must in all candor be judged a slight improvement, one can only be grateful for the small favor of Bynes. Not exactly a beauty nor a conveyor of character depth, she nonetheless displays an ease before the camera that is disarming and suggests a maturity beyond her years. She alone makes pic watchable to the extent that it is. Chancellor ("Duckface" in "Four Weddings and a Funeral") makes an easily hissable villainess, while Eileen Atkins sallies forth bravely as Henry's mother and Daphne's secret ally in the household. Sylvia Syms turns up briefly as a grande dame with an eccentric little dog. Extensive use is made of London and surrounding locations, while soundtrack collection of more than two dozen pop tunes is as predictable as the story.

'Girl' filming causes a royal fuss By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY Who stirred up more attention during the London filming of What a Girl Wants: Queen Elizabeth or British actor Colin Firth? Tough call. Firth may have emerged the winner, but only because Her Majesty was a pretender, played by an impersonator known as Elizabeth R. "She's the greatest Queen Elizabeth look-alike on the planet," director Dennie Gordon says. "She even goes to the queen's optometrist to get the identical glasses. We had 300 extras in St. James's Palace, and she was just walking across the room and all the extras started applauding. She was so great, she just stood there with her little wave." Off-screen, though, she indulged in some unregal behavior. "She lit up a cigarette and created a riot," Gordon says. "Oh, my God, the queen is smoking with the grips!" In the film, which opens April 4, the dashing Firth, 42, plays an aristocratic politician who realizes he has a 17-year-old American daughter (played by Nickelodeon star Amanda Bynes). Gordon says the married Firth works in the role, in part, because he has "that thing that adult women love. After Bridget Jones, Colin Firth makes us all weak in the knees." Some of Firth's fervid fans showed up unannounced during filming. "We had stalkers on the set," Gordon says. "One woman shows up everywhere he goes. She's very proper in her little red suit. He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here,' and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you?' "

He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here,' and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you? This, somehow, is very reassuring to me! Like if he starting noticing that some girl was at all the premieres and book readings etc, he wouldn't be too freaked out. Oh wait, sorry, he would need to attend any of them to notice that =)

"One woman shows up everywhere he goes. She's very proper in her little red suit. He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here,' and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you?' " Should that be the Firthette uniform? :) Thanks Mari for all the reviews!

The pictures are up at wireimage for last night's premiere of WAGW in LA. No ODB of course, but looked liked a good time anyway. Thanks Mari for the reviews. http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls===25016

Thanks, Linda. When I checked late last night, there were only 3 of Kelly with the guards up at that time. Thanks for the reviews Mari, and Maria for that cute little article. "We had stalkers on the set," Gordon says. "One woman shows up everywhere he goes. She's very proper in her little red suit. He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here,' and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you?' " Damn, I knew black would have been less noticeable to everyone else. ;-) That's pretty funny if that's true, but stil freaky as well. Hate that term.

I'm picturing a bunch of us showing up at one of his premiers next fall, all wearing red suits... Think he'd notice? Or do you think that the red would clash too badly with the potted palms? Seriously though, it's kind of creepy that he's being stalked. And yet, with the free time and wherewithal... No, no, not that bad off yet.

I've put the entire article up here: http://www.firth.com/articles/03auswomwk_april.html As I've typed this out, it looks to me like she supplemented her interview by the extensive use of "Internet" resources, but should've had a fact-checker at a minimum, as a latter-day CF fan, she hasn't a clue about his early films/career. Many of the observations and quotes come from other sources, including transcripts of his TV appearances. *chuckling* More to come...as I catch up

Courtesy of Silvie, from the Montreal Gazette: Amanda Bynes will surely bring a teen audience to WAGW, a coming of age story set in England. But director Dennie Gordon is counting on "hunka chunka" Colin Firth to draw grownups into the theater too. What a director wants: kids and adults Jamie Portman Canwest News Service Beverly Hills, Calif. � There she was � her majesty QEII � in all her regal finery, puffing away on a cigarette on the grounds of London's venerable St. James Palace and chatting with member of the film crew. Or so it looked to the scandalized security personnel. "Oh my God!" one of them exclaimed. "The queen's hanging out with those ruffians." Actually, what they were seeing was a British actress who's a dead ringer for her majesty. She was taking a break from a shooting - a scene from the new Warner Bros. comedy in which Amanda Bynes � in the role of an uninhibited U.S. teenager on the loose in London high society � makes a splash at a royal ball. "We had the greatest queen look-alike on the Earth in that movie," director Dennie Gordon said. But the trouble was that it was happening in a venue where the presence if British royalty is an everyday occurrence and security is high. "You cannot get in and out of that building without showing your passport and massive ID," Gordon noted. She said that's understandable given the frequent appearances on the premises of people like Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles. But no one had alerted security about the queen's look-alike. Gordon won't even give the real name of the actress concerned. "It's Elizabeth R," she said coyly. She loves telling the story as an illustration of how much fun everyone had making the film. She also wants audiences to have fun watching it. The one thing she doesn't want is for WAGW to be perceived as just another teenage flick when it rolls into theatres next Friday. This, she declares, is a teenage movie that adults will want to see too. The key component in her strategy is the presence of Colin Firth in the cast. Gordon knew the film risked being pigeonholed when she first took on the project. After all, the central character is a teenager, and 16-year-old Bynes would portray her. Bynes is something of a teenage superstar thanks to her various Nickelodeon TV programs and last year's feature comedy Big Far Liar, in which she co-starred with Frankie Muniz. "My 14 year-old thinks she's hot," Gordon said. Which is why Bynes was at the top of everybody's list for the role of Daphne Reynolds, a high-spirited U.S. teenager who lives with her bohemian mother (Kelly Preston) but yearns to be united with the British dad she has never met. After Big Fat Liar was released, Bynes said she was still "a Nickelodeon goofy Lucille Ball girl." But in WAGW, she must make an emotional transition as the story infolds. In an effort to fulfil her dream of a storybook relationship with her absent father, she takes off to London, where she discovers he's very much of the upper class � a high profile politician named Lord Henry Dashwood. Her arrival on the Dashwood doorstep causes chaos; her astonished father takes her in and tries to introduce her to high society, where her uninhibited behaviour creates an uproar. "When I met Amanda, she was so clearly this girl," Gordon recalled. "She's worldly, yet still in awe of the world. We captured her just at the moment she's becoming a woman, and of course she has this amazingly huge following, so once we knew she as interested, it was a slam-dunk. This is the movie where she gets to show that she's a big, grown-up young lady who can both wear ball gowns (yet) look fabulous in T-shirt and jeans." It's a given that Bynes will bring the kids into the theatres. But Gordon wants the adults as well, and that's why she cast Britain's Colin Firth in the role of Dashwood. Firth's performances in the TV version of Pride and Prejudice and the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary have spawned a huge international fan following. Ever since she saw Firth in Pride and Prejudice, Gordon knew he was "hunka chunka" and that he "smoulders like nobody else. I had to have him." She flew over to England and met Firth at a posh hotel in central London, where he started a mini riot as he entered the hotel, she recalled. During the meeting, Gordon chickened out when telling Firth what he would have to do: squeeze into a pair of leather pants from his youth and start swivelling about to a throbbing rock beat. But, screenwriter Elizabeth Chandler said: "He really got into it." What a Girl Wants is loosely based on two plays by British dramatist William Douglas Home, The Relucant Debutante and The Reluctant Peer, neither of which screenwriter Chandler read before she took on the final script duties. Much of the humour stems from Daphne's floundering attempts to adapt to the English way of doing things and the horrified response of the English upper crust. Chandler makes no apology for hauling out the timeworn clich�s and stereotypes about culture clash and the stuffiness of English society, but she insists the important thing is to have a sense of humour about it. "They do have these assumptions about us and we have assumptions about them, and what's really fun is poking holes in that and letting the air out."

"Oh, my God, the queen is smoking with the grips!" LOL, hands down, my favorite line from the article :-)

Entertainment Tonight will have WAGW premiere coverage on tonight's show. Also, go to the ET sight to see a clip of Kelly talking about the film. http://www.etonline.com/movie/a15141.htm

(article)Ever since she saw Firth in Pride and Prejudice, Gordon knew he was "hunka chunka" and that he "smoulders like nobody else. I had to have him." She took the words right out of my mouth. Hunka chunka...Hunk Daddy... During the meeting, Gordon chickened out when telling Firth what he would have to do: squeeze into a pair of leather pants from his youth and start swivelling about to a throbbing rock beat. But, screenwriter Elizabeth Chandler said: "He really got into it." From the looks of the AOL clip...he sure did. Thanks, Mari for the ET news

all that hunk stff has me nuts...sorry closing tags

Speaking of Mrs T... (Mari) She was darling. She mentioned co-starring with Colin and added that "women are always saying--ooooooohhh!, Colin Firth, he's so great!--and he is great!" Gaah! I thought that comment fell totally flat. There was not an ounce of reaction from either the audience or the lump sitting in Dave's chair to her comments. Both KP and LW were actually an embarrassment to watch (and I didn't like KP's hair color either.) Any reason you didn't bold Variety's comments about being clenched and constipated? ;-) (LindaK) but I don't think I've ever read anything or heard any co-star ever say that he has a huge ego or was difficult to work with. And no one was implying it. The Scarlett Johannson comment was clearly referred to as "jokey." C'mon people, let's not get too bent out of shape at everything. (Odile) Should that be the Firthette uniform? :) Absolutely not. Stalking is one thing this site doesn't condone or think funny in the least. Thanks Lora for the link on AOL and Linda for the premiere pics.

Really closing the tag...

(USA Today)He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here,' and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you?' " Too funny! Thanks for this, Maria. I have the print version and it's on the front page of the Weekend section, with the playground pic of HD and daughter. But Gordon wants the adults as well, and that's why she cast Britain's Colin Firth in the role of Dashwood. Firth's performances in the TV version of Pride and Prejudice and the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary have spawned a huge international fan following. Oh man, it sounds like they were really counting on him to do promo for this. Thanks, Karen and Silvie.

(Karen) Gaah! I thought that comment fell totally flat. There was not an ounce of reaction from either the audience or the lump sitting in Dave's chair to her comments. I noticed the lack of audience response, too. Made my heart sink, but not surprised either. Didn't expect one or much of one from him. Thanks for the ET info Mari. Doubt it will be on here. 7pm showing has been blocked out all week for expanded news coverage. There's always the 3am showing I suppose. Wonder if E! News and and Access Hollywood will have it.

(USA Today)He sees her and says, 'My stalker's here, and goes over and says, 'Hello, how are you?' " Actually that is encouraging to *real* stalkers. :-(

(article)I had to have him Well, who don't (at least in this crowd), but to actually stalk, no way! Thank you ladies (noone mentioned, noone forgotten ;-)) for the articles and links. (Dorine)Wonder if E! News has it I was kind of counting on this (perhaps Coming Attractions) but it seems, that both news and CA is no longer broadcastet here. All we get are old "revealed" and "Wild on shows" -(

(Karen)There was not an ounce of reaction from either the audience or the lump sitting in Dave's chair to her comments. LOL, did you expect them to jump up and start doing the wave?;-) Hey, like Karen says, c'mon peole let's not get bent out of shape at everything. Oh wait, you are Karen. LOL! Dorine, in my area, ET has been coming on a half hour later.

Just a little comment on the Australian article. I think you're right, Karen, about the use of sources, but I must say, that the way she describes him (long legs, hand around head.....) produces vibrations. I think, she's got the "bug" as well ;-) And it seems he will be wearing a wig -(. I comfort myself, that he can't look any worse, than he did in CoF, so if that is what it takes to do Vermeer justice, then bring it on. We'll cope!

"Extra" had coverage of the premiere by Charlie (ahhhhhhhh!). The clip didn't show YKW or even mention him as starring in it, only AB and KP. Several of the celeb guests (Jenny Garth and someone else) were pretty excited about his being there, asking how he was, etc. ;-)

(Dorine)Wonder if E! News has it Sorry to repeat, but according to this, they do: http://www.eonline.com/On/Enews/schedule.html please report back to those of us, who can't see this.

I grow weary... Commentary: Joe Bob's Week in Review By Joe Bob Briggs From the Life & Mind Desk Published 3/28/2003 5:46 PM Posters for "What a Girl Wants," starring Amanda Bynes, were airbrushed by Warner Brothers to eliminate the peace sign she was flashing. Studio officials said they didn't want any "political overtones" to be associated with the movie's April 4 release. The movie tells the story of a 19-year-old girl (Bynes is actually 16) traveling from New York to London for a reunion with her upper-class father, played by Colin Firth, and her efforts to fit into British society. One way she could probably fit into British society would be to tell them she thinks people who flash peace signs should be suppressed like the Zulus. http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20030328-025602-8101r

Studio officials said they didn't want any "political overtones" to be associated with the movie's April 4 release. LOL! Bet no one was allowed to say why Colin wasn't there. Or could be why no one is mentioning his being in the film. ;-) (Mari) Oh wait, you are Karen. LOL! Yeah, and I wasn't "bent out of shape" or "excited." Just making the observation because it it had been someone *else*, say the other CF, there would've been some audience reaction. Or these could've been Caroline Rhea's old audience members, woken from the dead. ;-)

(Annette) but I must say, that the way she describes him (long legs, hand around head.....) produces vibrations. At least! I must say that it was worth reading the whole "cut and Paste" article to get that description. Was hard getting my mind back to work after that. Had lovely visions for some time. Enjoyed the little bit of the Vermeer stuff, especially the fresh quip from Scarlett. Bet they had some fun together.

E! News Daily just showed the premiere, a bit of a clip (with Colin) and then that bleached blonde Guiliana (?) said that WAGW star Colin Firth opted not to attend the premiere. His rep said that it was due to "concerns about the war." BTW, you could see the movie poster in the background and the peace sign hasn't been airbrushed out.

From the WB network's website: The WB: What made you want to do this movie? Amanda Bynes: "The script seemed really cute, but I didn't know if it was right for me. Then I heard that Colin [Firth] was interested in doing it and I started to change my mind. I wanted to work with him so badly and I was shocked that he would even be near me, let alone do a movie with me." What a sweet kid. On the film's website, there's an Ask Amanda section: Q: What's it like to work with Colin Firth, is he as lovely in real life as he is in all his movies? --Obsessed Firth fanatuic in Bristol Amanda: He is amazing! I adore him, and feel lucky to know him! (Karen)Just making the observation because it it had been someone *else*, say the other CF, there would've been some audience reaction Well, that's because the other CF (Colin Farrell) actively courts the publicity and has a massive PR machine behind him. His film Phone Booth opens the same day as WAGW and he is scheduled for every--and I do mean every--talk show there over the next 2 weeks. Whereas, our Colin has . . ."concerns.";-) Not a criticism of either one, just pointing out that one can hardly blame the audience for not reacting to someone who goes out of his way to remain low key.

Thank you for all the news, articles and links ladies. Can't wait, a week to go.

I have a question. I unfortunately can't attend a sneak preview Saturday night (then again, it's because I have tickets for the ladies' free skate at the World Figure Skating Championships, and as I'm a skating fan that's a fairly cool thing to be doing too). So since as of Sunday morning a lot of you are going to have seen the movie, is it safe to assume that discussion of it will go on the film spoilers topic (is that 126?) and not here?

For: TodaySun Mar 30Mon Mar 31Tue Apr 1Wed Apr 2Thu Apr 3Fri Apr 4Sat Apr 5Sun Apr 6Mon Apr 7Tue Apr 8Wed Apr 9Thu Apr 10Fri Apr 11Sat Apr 12Sun Apr 13Mon Apr 14Tue Apr 15Wed Apr 16Thu Apr 17 in Enter ZIP code or Town, State Powered by Zap2it Celebrity News: 28th March 2003 Blake Pleads Innocent Troubled actor Robert Blake pleaded innocent to murdering his wife yesterday - in his first appearance since being released on bail. During an arraignment, Blake and his co-defendant Earle Caldwell waived their rights to a speedy trial until October, when proceedings are likely to begin. Deputy District Attorney Pat Dixon read off the charges against Blake - murder, solicitation to murder, conspiracy and the special circumstance of lying in wait. Dixon asked him, "Mr. Blake, to those charges how do you plead?" Blake replied, "Not guilty, sir." Caldwell, Blake's former bodyguard, pleaded innocent to a murder conspiracy charge. The 69-year-old actor is accused of killing 44-year-old Bonny Lee Bakley on May 4, 2001, after they dined at Vitello's restaurant - Blake's longtime hangout in his Studio City, California neighborhood. Blake claims he found his wife shot in the head and upper body in their car, after he went back to the restaurant to retrieve a handgun he carried for protection. But Prosecutors argue t at Blake despised Bakley - a con artist with a criminal record - and wanted to find a way to get rid of her but keep their baby. The actor, on the other hand, has suggested she was killed by a victim of one of her con schemes. At the end of the arraignment Blake praised the Judge who granted him release on $1.5 million bail, saying, "I want to thank Judge (Lloyd) Nash for saving my life." In a message to his supporters, he added, "I believe in America, I'm happy to be an American. I'm standing here in front of you and that's proof that this is still America and it still works." Sarandon Charity Event Canceled Susan Sarandon's upcoming spot at a charity event in Tampa, Florida has been axed - because of an overwhelming number of complaints about her opposition to the war in Iraq. The United Way Of Tampa Bay - which raises funds for a series of good causes in the region - had lined up the Thelma And Louise star to give a talk at their April 11 event, but were concerned it would provide a means for the actress to voice her views. When invitations went out about two weeks ago, the United Way received over 30 phone calls, e-mails and letters from donors and others criticizing Sarandon's selection as a speaker - because of her anti-war stance. Robin Carson, chairwoman of the United Way, says, "The focus of our whole meeting had shifted to whether or not we were creating a political platform for Susan Sarandon. That is not our purpose. That's not what we're about." Sarandon was to be the featured speaker at the event's $75-a-plate luncheon in Tampa to talk about the role of women as leaders and contributors. Sheen Tapes Up Mouth for Anti-War Vigil Hollywood anti-war protestor Martin Sheen covered his mouth with duct tape which had the word "peace" scrawled across it - before leading 60 demonstrators in a prayer vigil. The star of hit political TV show The West Wing carried a huge painted cross during Wednesday's protest in Los Angeles. A statement written by the outspoken actor was read out by the Reverend Michael Kennedy of Delores Mission Catholic Church in East Los Angeles. It read, "Nationalism and militarism have become the gods of our idolatry at the expense of our humanity. By some demented form of logic the men, women and children of Iraq are relegated to 'collateral damage' as the dogs of war slouch toward Baghdad." The vigil was held to pray for the safe return of American soldiers, and to express solidarity with two Catholic priests and one peace activist who have been fasting on a liquid diet since March 5. Halle Berry In Fur Furor Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry has sparked outrage among animal rights activists after she was photographed wearing a fur coat. The People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) blasted the big-screen beauty for her furry sense of fashion - and insist they've long had an eye on what she chooses to wear. PETA spokesperson Michael McGraw says, "We have written to Halle Berry numerous times over her wearing fur and have received absolutely no response. With so many fashionable alternatives, there's no excise for wearing fur." But it seems the uproar has been over nothing - the Die Another Day star's spokesperson in Los Angeles says the silvery creation is actually fake fur - although he refuses to deny or confirm whether or not his client likes to indulge in the real thing. Farrah & Ryan's Oscar Show Farrah Fawcett and Ryan O'Neal are fueling reports they're giving their romance another chance - after being spotted kissing and cuddling at a post-Oscars Vanity Fair party on Sunday night. The couple split in 1997 after a stormy 18-year romance, but arrived at the party hand in hand - and now pals insist they're even planning to wed. The pair's agent pal Jay Bernstein claims Farrah's devotion to her ex during his battle with leukemia touched actor O'Neal, and prompted him to start thinking romantically about the actress. Bernstein says, "Farrah's changed a lot in the past few years. Her acting career has become less important to her than her family. She's been right there for Ryan." And O'Neal's second wife Leigh Taylor-Young admits Farrah is just what Ryan needs in his life right now. She says, "He's like a wild stallion and he needs someone larger than life - someone like Farrah - to reel him in." Bo Derek and John Corbett's Trial Marriage 10 beauty Bo Derek and her Sex And The City hunk beau John Corbett have decided to take their romance up a notch higher - by embarking on a trial marriage. The lovebirds have set up house together in Corbett's West Hollywood, California, condominium and are now checking out life as a married couple, say friends. A neighbor says, "They certainly are not hiding their romance. You can often see them laughing and kissing as they walk hand in hand through the lobby of the building. They're friendly and smile at everyone." According to American tabloid the Star, the move comes after Derek spotted Corbett's co-star in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Nia Vardalos, licking his face backstage at an awards show. Derek reportedly gave her lover an ultimatum to choose her or Nia. Now pals say Derek, 46, and her 41-year-old beau are planning to make it official. A source says, "John and Bo are really into each other. She moved in with him about a month ago and they're always kissing and cuddling. They've been dating for about year and they are moving things forward by living together in a trial marriage. The next step is to actually tie the knot." Paltrow Hates Her New Film Gwyneth Paltrow is so embarrassed about her new movie View From The Top - she's dubbed the film "A view from my a**". Paltrow stars alongside Christina Applegate, Mike Myers and Rob Lowe in the much-delayed romantic comedy about a woman's dream to become a flight attendant. Critics have not been kind to the film - which was released in America last week. A New York Post review called it "a dire stewardess comedy that's the movie equivalent of airline food." And it seems the movie's lead has similar opinions about her latest work. A source tells gossip site The Scoop, "Paltrow thought it was sort of awful even while she was shooting it. She was calling it that until she was asked to stop. The people making the movie thought it wasn't a very supportive thing to be doing." Anger Over Dillon Film Hollywood hunk Matt Dillon's directorial debut City Of Ghosts has caused anger amongst Asians - because of its portrayal of Cambodian women. Arizona State University Professor Melinda De Jes�s says, "We thought it was very racist and problematic. Cambodia is a backdrop here for a story of white masculinity. There are almost no other representations of Cambodian women except as prostitutes in this film." Drugstore Cowboy star Dillon wrote and directed the movie, and also plays a con-man who travels to Cambodia to collect a share of an insurance scam. The professor confronted Dillon at a question-and-answer session following the film, and says, "He completely freaked out. He called me a 'paratrooper of political correctness.' He kept yelling, 'This is the truth about Cambodians!'" Dillon counters, "They saw the film and said they didn't like the way the women were portrayed - the characters who were prostitutes. They offered me some books to read. Women's studies or something. I think they were being a little too politically correct." Hayek and Norton Already Husband and Wife? Hollywood circles are buzzing with the news that Salma Hayek and her beau Edward Norton have secretly wed. Frida beauty Hayek, 36, and Red Dragon star Norton, 33, have been dating for almost four years and a source close to the talented twosome says they have now tied the knot. American magazine Us Weekly quotes one of Norton's handlers as saying, "They got married in New York two months ago. They've kept it secret, and they don't wear rings." But a representative for Hayek retorts, "No, they're definitely not married." Firth & Preston Pull Out of Junkets IMDB - Movie stars Colin Firth and Kelly Preston are rebelling against plans to stage the premiere of their new movie What A Girl Wants during wartime by pulling out of press junkets for the film. The movie is one of only a few that is going ahead with a glitzy premiere this week. Parties for Basic and Boat Trip have been scrapped out of respect for troops in Iraq. But Brit Firth, who plays a stuck-up aristocrat who discovers he has an American love child in the film, is refusing to fly to America for promotional duties and Preston, his former flame in the movie, has also pulled out of junkets. Mr. Preston is not hawking Basic. I choose to believe (student at UoSC) that OBD is also wanting to stay close to his little family at this tough time in London. We may be sorry to miss seeing him push this little gem of a film but only think, we might be spared having to read a "Hunk Daddy Dearest" expose' 10 or 15 years from now! Imagine the headlines.......Daddy Darcy left me and Mum in time of War! Imagine the page (literary) that poor Karen would have to put up then?;-)

Oops, sorry! Only meant to post the last paragraph of IMDB news. Back to my hole.;-(

Spoiler discussion of WAGW goes on 126 (IMDB) But Brit Firth...is refusing to fly to America for promotional duties and Preston, his former flame in the movie, has also pulled out of junkets. But that isn't true. KP is doing all the shows and was at the premiere. She's also filmed little messages to the troops for all the entertainment news shows that aired after the premiere coverage.

(Karen)And no one was implying it. The Scarlett Johannson comment was clearly referred to as "jokey." C'mon people, let's not get too bent out of shape at everything.. Actually, I wasn't referring to SJ's comment. I know that it was referred to as a jokey. I was reacting in general to our discussion of celebs who are clearly bit by the ego bug and those who are not. Thanks Beedee for the article, and to Karen in advance to my question about discussions of WAGW from those of us going to the sneak preview this evening. (Amanda Bynes): "The script seemed really cute, but I didn't know if it was right for me. Then I heard that Colin [Firth] was interested in doing it and I started to change my mind. I wanted to work with him so badly and I was shocked that he would even be near me, let alone do a movie with me." I would have changed my mind too, Duh! Smart kid. Sounds like AB had a bit of a crush on CF long before the script:-) Thanks Mari.

Don't know if this was mentioned before, but I was watching a couple of the programs I had to tape this week and I saw the CF kissing commercial for WAGW. When AB happens on Daddy doing his thing in front of the mirror and then gasps (all editing BTW), Daddy bends over to zip up his pants. Did anybody notice that? If so, never mind. I had to zip over things rather quickly.

(Karen) When AB happens on Daddy doing his thing in front of the mirror and then gasps (all editing BTW), Daddy bends over to zip up his pants. Did anybody notice that? If so, never mind. I had to zip over things rather quickly. I noticed this....initially I wasn't sure if it was a fly check or an adjustment...then thought about it and realized they wouldn't allow for adjustments on a PG film! It's very funny and I hope it is in the film (and not just a trailer thing). And was he bending over? I thought he was looking over his shoulder (to see if he was being observed)....

(Tress)I noticed this....initially I wasn't sure if it was a fly check or an adjustment I noticed it too, and I also noticed that the sound effect for this is that of a zipper as well. I will definietly keep an eye and ear out for uh, fly checks and zip ups;-)

(Linda) I noticed it too, and I also noticed that the sound effect for this is that of a zipper as well. LOL....wait! There is sound with this movie?? Gah! Hadn't noticed....I feel like I'm in a tunnel whenever I see the trailer! ;-)

More on GWAPE release: Release Date: November 14th, 2003 (LA/NY); December 25th, 2003 (top 20 cities); expands to other cities at later dates

Thanks Mari for the update! December 25th, 2003 (top 20 cities); expands to other cities at later dates I somehow doubt I'm in a top 20 city..... :-(

Regarding possible airbrushing of the peace sign in the poster, the ad ran in my newspaper this morning with the poster picture but no peace sign. Not proof positive (how many shots for ads were there?) but I don't think I've seen this picture before.

from Karen's post 334 : "Very little is known about him, he is an enigma. he could well have been boisterous fun loving, completely bald, we just don't know. I already have a love of Vermeer but there is this particular quality about his paintings that I can't describe. I think they are serene. Then I look at them again and think they are rather troubled. I find I'm emotionally involved with the job. I love going to the gallery and pretending to be this bloke." A quick hello to all dearly beloveds of Spring! Just thought I'd drop in to say I just spent a week at The Hague for work and arrived in London today. Work did not allow any private time but thought last Friday that if it was the only private thing I can do in The Hague - it was to go to Mauritshaus and stare at the GWAPE postrait. I took a short lunch, got on tram to museum, paid my 7 Euros and just sat in front of the portrait and stared for about 20 mins. Then calmly walked out and back to work again. Wouldn't have been so calm if I had seen a man lurking next to me "pretending to be this bloke". (Sigh!) Is there any ODB events/films that I should watch out for whilst I'm here in London?

Thanks Mari for the GWAPE update. I wonder if any NJ cities are in the top 20? We were for TIOBE. I'll be optomistic.

I found this Amanda Bynes interview at tribute.ca: B.L. You must get a lot of scripts coming your way. What was it about What a Girl Wants that intrigued you? A.B. There was just something about going to London and it was over the summer, so that was perfect for me. I just sort of liked the idea of the coming-of-age story and growing up, and it seemed a little older than what I had done usually. I definitely wanted to make that transition. B.L. How exciting is it that this is all your movie, you really had a lot of responsibility on your shoulders! A.B. It didn�t really hit me until I got to London and realized that the story mostly focused on me. Here is this girl who goes to London to find her father and everything that revolves around her. It was very cool and I have to say that I am really proud of the way it came out. B.L. What did you like most about your character Daphne? A.B. I liked that she was free-spirited and a go-getter. I liked that she wasn�t afraid to seek out what she wanted, and I really liked the fact that she was a good person. B.L. So you got to work in London, was it at all overwhelming for you? A.B. It wasn�t really overwhelming. I got to go there for three months and for the first month we just sort of got used to it and rehearsed. I think it was great for me because it gave me time to get used to the time zone and stuff. B.L. I know you got a little homesick. A.B. I got America sick. I think I missed the food and the weather and everything. It was my first time being away for that long a time. B.L. Did any one from your family come with you? A.B. Yes, I had my grandma there, so that made things a little easier. B.L. You got to co-star with British heartthrob Colin Firth who plays your dad. Did anything surprise you about him? A.B. I have yet to meet a woman who doesn�t love Colin. I just think he is one of the cooler guys you�ll meet. He is just so down to earth and so funny and so smart. It�s almost like he is too perfect, but he was a great father. The thing that sort of surprised me, I guess, was he was so funny. He had a really great sense of humor. B.L. He was absolutely perfect in the role. A.B. As far as I�m concerned there was no one better to play my dad in this movie. There was nothing intimidating about Colin Firth, he made me feel at ease right from when I met him. He is so talented and a real professional. He never made me feel awkward at all. B.L. You are now starring in the TV series, What I Like About You, with Jennie Garth, and you were a big hit in your own sketch comedy show, The Amanda Show. What is it you would like to see yourself doing in the next few years? Would you like to do more movies or more TV? A.B. I don�t really see myself doing sketch comedy just because I did it for so long. I did it from when I was 10 to 14 so I feel sort of burned out. I would like to continue doing movies and I would like to do my TV series What I Like About You for a few years because it�s a really great learning experience and I really like the people I work with. I would really like to do more movies, not as much quantity as quality. Even if it�s just one, and something that I am really proud of and that I think is a good story. B.L. In What A Girl Wants your co-star is a hot new up and coming young actor from London named Oliver James. How did you enjoy working with him, because you did have a big kissing scene with him! A.B. He was great, it was his first movie and he was really professional and always worried about how he could make it better. He was very sweet and all round a great experience. I was very glad that he got to be in it. B.L. What was the most exciting or most fun thing about making this movie for you? A.B. I think just going to England and getting to make a movie there. It was so cool and I just feel so lucky that I got to do that. B.L. Your birthday is coming up real soon, so, what does Amanda want? A.B. I don�t know! I wouldn�t mind a BMW but who wouldn�t really? Diamonds are also good if you�re buying! Who knows!

Thanks, Brenda Does anyone remember when AB is on Caroline Rhea this week? I can't seem to find the post with the date.