Ooh, very nice. Thanks, Mari! Can't see why that poster wouldn't have worked here too.

(Rika)Ooh, very nice. Thanks, Mari! Can't see why that poster wouldn't have worked here too. I copy the thank you, Mari. That poster would have worked very well, here. I would order that one if it's available. (Mari)I'm glad our friends across the pond figured out a way to get the great looking dad and daughter on there without it being "icky.";-) I also hope they are trying to figure out a way to "be nice" with some decent reviews after the HS disaster...wishful thinking, I know.

(Dorine) Aren't they actually Scots Guards? Maybe they'd be offended being called bobbies. ;-) I was thinking about this last night, but didn't feel like going back on to correct.

Well the headline caught my attention, but unless you can make out our charming scruffy stubble anguished boy amongst the crowd, these are just a couple of behind the scenes shots... http://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view.php?ArtID=550

(Rika) Can't see why that poster wouldn't have worked here too. Probably because WB didn't think of it until it was too late!;-)! Thanks Mari, I do like it much better than the other one.

(Mari)I'm glad our friends across the pond figured out a way to get the great looking dad and daughter on there without it being "icky.";-) Thanks Mari! Looks like HD borrowed the CT's from Daphne for Trauma...Is it just me, or does his hand on the chair look broken at the wrist?

Thanks for the poster, Mari! A great improvement although I wish they'd get everyone in the same room when they take a photograph. And I suspect the arm on the chair with the broken wrist isn't his arm. Just seems a bit off to me. Maybe we'll get a close-up and will be able to examine fingernails more closely ;-) Thanks for the Trauma link, MariaT. Any coverage is good coverage, even without a clear shot of ODB. And if Trauma is getting this attention, what will TEOR get?!

Isn't that the same article Mari had posted?

Thanks for the poster, Mari. Too bad the creative minds didn't cross the pond. (Maria) Is it just me, or does his hand on the chair look broken at the wrist? LOL. Looks that way to me too. Btw, thanks for the where's Waldo behind-the-scenes.

(Maria)Is it just me, or does his hand on the chair look broken at the wrist? Yes, I noticed that, too. I think it's caused partly by the way the back of the chair obscures most of his sleeve/arm. There's always something a bit odd about these "assembled" pictures. Great poster, even with the broken wrist. It's what the girl wants--hunk dad, cute boyfriend, hunk dad, gorgeous mansion... (did I mention hunk dad?) I like the fairy-tale style font they used for the title, too. And the throne-like chair. I wonder if they'll change the trailer for UK, add AB's line about Cinderella? Just back from a trip out of town and so much to catch up on. Trauma looks promising! Thanks to all who found photos and articles. BTW (sorry, Karen, if this is the wrong board), I read the in-flight mag on Continental and discovered that they're showing BJD this month, part of "latest blockbusters as well as films from the last decade." Unfortunately, my puddle-jumper flight didn't have movies (anyhow, BJD is on flights to Guam or Lisbon). But the interesting thing was that the mag listed only RZ and CF as stars. And the photo was the familiar (to us) shot of the two of them outside her apt near the end.

(about mari's post for the poster) *lalala, low-cut chuck taylors, lalala...*

Hey Mari , great poster. Now am lighting candles and chanting so will poster on side of buses, on the tube.....;-)) Seriously it would be great to lifesize Colin in a suit everywhere!

Whoops that's to see Colin in a suit! Still new vocab is always welcome here (eh Boss? ;-0 ) so that's "I'd really like to lifesize that guy sometime." ;-))

I don't thin his wrist looks broken, looks almost like a stunt hand. Just kind of flopping there over the back of the chair...looks like it doesn't belong to ODB's arm. Heck, it's still better than the US poster.

Thanks for the poster peek Mari! I'm wondering were they are...I mean, Daphne is sitting down and making herself at home....but home is across the way! Are they at the neighbor's house? ;-) I do like this one better than the US version...but like others have said, ODB's arm and hand appear to have had all the bones removed....(but the 'hand in pocket/blue suit 'hunk daddy' look' makes up for the weirdness). Has anyone received their copy of 'The Dead Wait' yet? I just got mine in the mail today and remember Evelyn mentioning a graveyard of projects....do I need to light candles or something? Should I hide it under my bed until ODB's ink has dried on the contract? Should I not make eye contact with it? What are the rules? I don't want to be the jinxer (or is it too late cuz the book has crossed the threshold?).

What are the rules? I don't want to be the jinxer (or is it too late cuz the book has crossed the threshold?). Am also waiting for the answer on this before I order a copy...... I'm still waiting for the Maid of What'sername too!

(Tress)do I need to light candles or something? I'll do whatever can secure the project. But - I dreamt last night that I was meeting ODB after a readingsession followed by a few minutes of "fondling" with his guitar. In this dream I asked for new project, and said I knew about Trauma and The Dead Wait, and he answered, that other than those two he knew of one more to follow later, but could not reviel anything yet. Later on he played barefoot on our beach with a couple of friends ;-) The reason for telling this is, I've heard that you have to tell someone of your dream for it to come true - so it had to be here ;-) And - thank you Mari for the poster. I like it too! I don't see any problems with any parts of HD's body ;-) Maria, thank you for the article. As someone said: any mentioning of ODB even without pictures is better than total silence.

(Tress) I'm wondering were they are...I mean, Daphne is sitting down and making herself at home....but home is across the way! I hope everyone realizes that posters are not photographs from the film. In some cases, they've been known to cut and paste the actors' heads on others' bodies (Pretty Woman poster and probably the FP poster too!). Think Playmaker, The Advocate, and Femme Fatale. Who were those people on the posters/covers? or is it too late cuz the book has crossed the threshold? It's too late. It's crossed the threshold. Well, at least we'll know who to blame this time. ;-)

(Karen)It's too late. It's crossed the threshold. Well, at least we'll know who to blame this time. ;-) I'll help shoulder the blame, too...if we have to shoulder it...My copy should arrive today. Of course, I could always refuse delivery;-)

or is it too late cuz the book has crossed the threshold? It's too late. It's crossed the threshold. Well, at least we'll know who to blame this time. ;-) But, but...I held off! This must count for something as I am not known for self contol in this area, or too many others.

(Annette) - I dreamt last night that I was meeting ODB after a readingsession followed by a few minutes of "fondling" with his guitar (...) I've heard that you have to tell someone of your dream for it to come true Crikey! If you need a companion to any and all reading sessions, I'm your girl. And while you "fondle" with his guitar, I'll "tickle" his ivories ;-p

http://icthewharf.icnetwork.co.uk/thisweek/news/page.cfm?objectid=13031907&method=full He's not 43 yet! (Although charming, no doubt!)

Thanks Maria. IT WAS LOVE AT FIRTH SIGHT Jun 5 2003 Heart-throb Colin Firth visits the Wharf during filming FILM STAR Colin Firth took time out of his busy schedule to charm Wharfers. The 43-year-old heart-throb joked with Wharf commuters and London Underground staff while visiting the estate for his latest film role. LU's filming boss, Kate Blow, said: "He loved watching the people come and go through the station. He thought it was really fascinating." A new TV drama - Love Actually - uses the Jubilee Line Extension for a number of key sequences and pitches the star against his old Bridget Jones's Diary love rival Hugh Grant. The drama, which will be shown later this year, follows 10 separate but intertwined love stories in the capital, leading up to a huge Christmas Eve climax. ~~~~~~ The Wharf Tube station is that itsy bitsy pic that we saw from Tube magazine. What is the "estate"?

(Karen) I hope everyone realizes that posters are not photographs from the film. LOL...I was teasing....I know the cut and paste routine (and remember the big James Bond "For Your Eyes Only" leg debate over. One girls legs, another girls hands...)....but I thought it was funny that their house would be in the background. I mean....how American of her to go to someone else's home and plop down, hang all over a chair and use their phone! ;-D (Karen) It's too late. It's crossed the threshold. Well, at least we'll know who to blame this time. ;-) Well....good to know! If everyone has to start throwing things, face west! ;-D (Beedee) But, but...I held off! This must count for something as I am not known for self contol in this area, or too many others. You obviously have way more than me!! (BTW, I'm nearly done and this is gonna be a doozie! SEE! No self control....I didn't even wait for an answer....tore right into it and started reading. If ODB doesn't do this project...I'll be incredibly sad....and in big trouble!!!);-)

(LU's filming boss, Kate Blow) "He loved watching the people come and go through the station. He thought it was really fascinating." LOL. I too enjoy people watching but ODB needs to get out more. ;-) Thanks for the article, Maria.

while visiting the estate for his latest film role. Are they talking about Trauma? Or Love Actually? LU's filming boss What's LU?

What's LU? Same I expect as "A new TV drama - Love Actually," one of many mistakes. ;-)

Oh right, Love Uctually.;-) Can't believe I didn't put that one together.;-) He loved watching the people come and go through the station. He thought it was really fascinating." Yeah, it's fascinating unless you're a working stiff who has to do it every day.;-) (Tress)I thought it was funny that their house would be in the background. I mean....how American of her to go to someone else's home and plop down, hang all over a chair and use their phone! ;-D LOL! Is part of our charm.;-) Maybe there's an entire sub-division of these homes, and she was visiting her new neighbors;-) "Dashwood Estates, an exciting new community of mansions situated on 20 acre lots in the middle of London. Priced from the low 40 millions . . . move-in condition . . . Mrs. Clean lives here . . . so just bring your toothbrush. If you have to ask if it's convenient to public transportation, you don't belong."

Pic must have been taken before the high wall was constructed.

LU's filming boss LU = London Underground? Presumably they have film units there often enough to pay someone to sit with luvvies while they watch real people go to and from work ;-)

Thanks, Mari for the poster. (Karen) I hope everyone realizes that posters are not photographs from the film. Wot? I thought that was the Colorforms edition of WAGW. ;-) Let's see, I think I'll take Hunk Daddy's hand and put it on Libby's... ;-) Gee, where's Libby? LU's filming boss, Kate Blow, said: "He loved watching the people come and go through the station. He thought it was really fascinating." As does every three year old...er, I mean almost 43 year old... What's LU? Same I expect as "A new TV drama - Love Actually," Yeah, and its sequel will be called "Typos and Fact Checking Actually." ;-) Loved your dream, Annette. I've never experienced an ODB dream, but God knows I spend enough of my waking hours obsessing about him!

I enjoyed your dream too Annette and am choosing to believe that it is a good omen that will dispell the evil eye cast upon us from those early *amazonian* orders!;-) .......lighting candles just in case.

(Allison) LU = London Underground? Give this woman a prize...but there are other errors. ;-) So what is the estate? FYI, I've put up the first of who-know-how-many pages of HS screen captures done by KathyC. http://www.firth.com/hs_sc_gal4.html

Lovely, Karen! Vg quality too! Thanks you! The link to the next page did not work for me.

Thank you, Karen. I've waited oh so patiently for these since I missed them last week. Thanks to KathyC., too. Love that torso, ribs,and chest hair too, in the second picture, I would just love to pull at the string of his trunks...so inviting, just there waiting to be untied...ok, I'll stop.

Wonderful Karen and KathyC, thanks! The picture right in the middle is striking with that absolute straight line of shadow and light bisecting his beautiful face.. (LindaK)I would just love to pull at the string of his trunks...so inviting, just there waiting to be untied...ok, I'll stop. Pshawww on the stopping...the string is history and the trunks are flying...

(Maria) The picture right in the middle is striking with that absolute straight line of shadow and light bisecting his beautiful face.. That was the pic that I kept going back to (well...not the only pic I kept going back to, but you know what I mean)! Lovely!!! (LindaK)I would just love to pull at the string of his trunks...so inviting, just there waiting to be untied...ok, I'll stop. (Maria) Pshawww on the stopping...the string is history and the trunks are flying... LOL...Quick! Snatch the melon (it belongs to Rika) and fold the trunks (those are Karen's)....now....what to do the the boy?? ;-) Thanks so much for the pics Karen and KathyC! Love the bus pics...and the trunk pics are...well....too good for words!

sing along with me : a shrine, a shrine, a shrine for kathyC yaaaah, and stubble as well, hats off to you & karen. but how frustrating that the next gallery sent me to nowhereland. you weasel-teases you...

Thanks Kathy C and Karen for the HS screen captures! I find that if I click on them really quickly and in rapid succession, I can simulate a moving picture, which is probably the closest I'll come to seeing HS in that form for who knows how long.:-(

A wonderful day for passing my way. Knock and my door and even the score With your eyes. Lovely to see you again my friend. Walk along with me to the next bend. (Thanks, Karen and Kathy C. Loved this picture which reminded me of the MB song. ;-))

(Maria)He's not 43 yet! Maybe the scar makes him look older? (Mari)"Dashwood Estates, an exciting new community of mansions situated on 20 acre lots in the middle of London. LOL! I was ready to buy until I saw the price! Karen and Kathy, thanks for the pix. HS is looking more and more like something to buy for the sake of freeze-frame. Love the photo on the bus. It must be his inner child making an appearance--similar to fascination with people on the Tube. (Karen)So what is the estate? Not sure, is the Wharf area industrial? Offices? What we would call an "office park" or "industrial complex" in the US is sometimes called an "estate" in England, so it might be that. The first time my Yorkshire cousins mentioned a restaurant being "near the estates," I expected a posh neighborhood (see Mari's Dashwood description above), but it turned out to be a bunch of old factory buildings turned into office and warehouse space and studios for Yorkshire TV.

Great HS pix, Karen & Kathy! I love the sandy ones especially. And "busyoga"!!!! LOL! The photo I've been waiting for. If you showed it to someone who knew nothing of HS, what would they think it was? ;-)

(Maria) The picture right in the middle is striking with that absolute straight line of shadow and light bisecting his beautiful face.. There are a number of these from various scenes. Very striking IMO also. (Moon) The link to the next page did not work for me. It won't, until the next page goes up. Saves me some time. These galleries have not been announced on firth.com yet and won't until completed. You all (and the lurking public) are getting a preview. (Linda) Love that torso, ribs,and chest hair too The towel ones should be studied by the people (especially the director) at Working Title. ;-)

(Karen)So what is the estate? (Kate)Not sure, is the Wharf area industrial? Offices? What we would call an "office park" or "industrial complex" in the US is sometimes called an "estate" in England, so it might be that. I think you are right, Kate. I found this digging google, which sounds very much like what you suggested: The recent extension to the Jubilee Line is crucial to this fast-growing area of London � more than 40,000 people now work on the Canary Wharf Estate with another 13,000 predicted to move in by the end of this year. from this site: http://www.thetube.com/content/pressreleases/0204/11.asp (Karen)The towel ones should be studied by the people (especially the director) at Working Title. ;-) Oh Karen, I think you may have hit upon something there ;-) (Linda) Love that torso, ribs,and chest hair too What is there not to love? Me too ;-) Thank you for the captures, Kathy and Karen. My favourite would be the very last one. What a face !!!

(Karen)The towel ones should be studied by the people (especially the director) at Working Title. ;-) The towel ones??? Wot towel ones??? Oh, I get it, the ones I missed last week that aren't up yet. Sorry, boss. You know how I get when one mentions towels and towel scenes:-) Take your time, I know you're busy, so when can we expect them??? Tonight, tomorrow... Thanks for the preview...quite lovely. Working Title, and Beeban Kidron are you lurking?

As a member of the lurking public, just want to say thanks to Karen & KathyC for the HS sneak peek. Great pics! (Waiting for towel scenes.)

(Karen) These galleries have not been announced on firth.com yet and won't until completed. You all (and the lurking public) are getting a preview Thank you Karen and KathyC. Please don't feel pressured. There's a lot of time and effort that goes into this site. To all who make it happen: you rock! (Leona) Great pics! (Waiting for towel scenes.) Never thought I'd ever be this interested in linens.

(Linda) Take your time, I know you're busy, so when can we expect them??? Tonight, tomorrow... How can I resist such understanding and compassion. OK, here's the towel that was briefly posted last week. Many more to come from the seventh-floor Bed and Bath Department.

OMG'd! Now that't an image to go to sleep with! Gotta use this one again!

THUD! Karen, you got many more like that towel picture? Heheheh...'cause you know, if that pesky old garden is giving you trouble, I could come help out, you know, anything to help the cause! (I'm thinking whatever HS is missing in the way of script or direction, lighting was not a problem...)

i'll second-thud you on that one barb. i truly believe the wdisneyco should have used this pic for the poster. would have definitely boosted the admission figures, at least for the ladies-who-lunch marketing segment. oh, wait, they would have had to skip the billboard marketing plans though, for fear of road accidents due to excessive fainting and drooling...

Anyone care to join me for a trip to the home store for some towels?

I'd like to join, Shoshana, but I'm afraid my knees are too weak and can't climb those floors to the bed and bath dept!

*hee hee hee* I tend to think the towel scene will have its own gallery.

(LU's filming boss, Kate Blow, said: "He loved watching the people come and go through the station. He thought it was really fascinating.") I love that they make him sound like he's so amazed by the masses of common folk using the Underground. I heard at the IOBE premiere that he had gone to the SIL premiere by tube. Donovan's not so quickly forgotten how public transport works, surely?! Strange how they release this now when the filming happened so long ago.

(BarbS)(I'm thinking whatever HS is missing in the way of script or direction, lighting was not a problem...) LOL! And so much mileage from a film we *Ami's* have no promise of seeing any time soon! Has he ever had a geater bod? In any case I've not seen a lovelier Snappy. Thanks for putting us in and out of our misery Karen!

closing tags

(Karen)*hee hee hee* I tend to think the towel scene will have its own gallery. Thanks, OGO (Oh Great One). You have relieved my suffering. That body is at its AFG best... AFGAFGAFGAFGAFG...and so on.

Ouch! My jaw hurts. What a sight to wake-up to!! Karen, you need to come up with a warning system. Maybe if I stare long enough, I'll get immune. That's it, I'll just keep staring. By the by, that man is AFG and I mean AFG. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Definitely worth the wait.

How can I possibly be expected to know if this movie sucks or not? They throw those images at me and I can't tell (and don't even care)! Thank you Karen!! (Karen) *hee hee hee* I tend to think the towel scene will have its own gallery. You're such a tease!! ;-) BTW, love the tummy dent thing....he's thin and he has that valley going doing his stomach....GAH! Leading right to the bellybutton....I'm feeling faint...need a lie down! (LU's filming boss, Kate Blow, said: "He loved watching the people come and go through the station. He thought it was really fascinating.") (Emma) I love that they make him sound like he's so amazed by the masses of common folk using the Underground. I heard at the IOBE premiere that he had gone to the SIL premiere by tube. I was thinking about this....I think maybe ODB's fascination was a bit like the one I have.....me thinks ODB and I share the same hobby. People watching. Train/underground/el/subway....those are the best people viewing spots ever invented. And thanks Emma, for the tidbit about the SIL premiere. I had not heard that! Glad to hear ODB still takes public transport (and if I were on the tube with him, I'm sure I would be fascinated)! ;-) I can't even imagine....looking up and seeing 'all that'! Hmmmmm......

Sorry to burst anyone's proletarian bubble, but CF and the Mrs. did NOT take the Tube/walk/crawl/run to the SIL premiere. We had Firth fan spotters at all the SIL premieres--London, New York, Los Angeles--and it was first class travel, limos all the way, baby! And that's as it should be. Who the hell would schlep to a premiere on the subway in heels and evening attire? Yuck!

(Tress)How can I possibly be expected to know if this movie sucks or not? They throw those images at me and I can't tell (and don't even care)! LOL. Yes, it's a very hard one to call.;-) Not only has he been working out, but, compared to earlier films, he's miraculously grown a fair amount of chest hair. A patron of the Chest Hair Club For Men, maybe?;-) I wonder if they glue on tufts of what they need for the shot. Also, I wonder how they got the chest hair so nice and dark, again comparing to previous films. They may have had the make-up people mascara the hair (as was done for ATA), or possibly they just dyed it. Or, perhaps the Lee Press-On Tufts were dark to begin with.;-) Am starting to sound like BJ in TEOR, i.e., did they have to wet the shirt again . . .;-)

Karen, omigod! Someone send that pic to WT ASAP. And who says women aren't visual? ;-) At this point I don't care if the film's a semi-dog (since we already know it sorta is), as there's always the mute button on the remote. ;-) ( Although, I don't want to deprive myself of hearing that voice, either.) (Karen) *hee hee hee* I tend to think the towel scene will have its own gallery. And would that be the Towel Hall of Fame? ;-)

(Mari)but CF and the Mrs. did NOT take the Tube/walk/crawl/run to the SIL premiere. We had Firth fan spotters at all the SIL premieres--London, New York, Los Angeles--and it was first class travel, limos all the way In NY and LA they were Lincoln Town Cars. And when we saw him coming to the Donmar it was in a taxi. Maybe they were talking about Jon who does take the tube;-)

(Karen)Many more to come from the seventh-floor Bed and Bath Department. Find I am unable to comment on picture without resorting to lust crazed spluttering...Will be checking myself in later to Miss CP's Home for Wayward Women in a bit(after I drool over it a bit more...) (lisaJH)At this point I don't care if the film's a semi-dog Hmm, a semi-dog for a demigod? Is it right, I ask you?

(Maria)Find I am unable to comment on picture without resorting to lust crazed spluttering...Will be checking myself in later to Miss CP's Home for Wayward Women in a bit(after I drool over it a bit more...) LOL Maria. Would that home be located in Chicago? I may join you and volunteer for gardening detail so Miss CP has plenty of time to work on the towel scene gallery. That towel is definitely below the waist on one side. I'm feeling quite weak in the knees at the moment. Thank you, thank you, thank you Karen!

(Mari) Sorry to burst anyone's proletarian bubble, but CF and the Mrs. did NOT take the Tube/walk/crawl/run to the SIL premiere......Who the hell would schlep to a premiere on the subway in heels and evening attire? Yuck! Well...there goes that little fantasy! But LD wasn't in it...and it didn't involve evening attire! ;-D (Mari) Not only has he been working out, but, compared to earlier films, he's miraculously grown a fair amount of chest hair. LOL....maybe they used 'Velvet Black Ultra Lash' mascara this time! Or...like some men, as he has aged, the hair has thinned up top and retreated to other regions! Maybe in a few more years he will get eyebrows (don't get me wrong...I love ODB's hairlessness....he's slick...like a baby seal...and he is capable of growing the most amazing stubble...and I am humbled by the stubble) ;-)

(Emma) I love that they make him sound like he's so amazed by the masses of common folk using the Underground I know and feel the same way. He was a Tube rider in his pre-P&P days, but certainly not for a premiere. When the studio sends the car, he gets in. When they send the private jet, he takes it. (Mari) he's miraculously grown a fair amount of chest hair. Haven't you noticed that as men age, certain ones lose it on top and then more comes in elsewhere. Somehow I can't imagine them adding (Lee Press-on) though dying is a good bet. I would have to get up real close to a screen to check for mascara, hopefully the nonclumping type. The job combing the mascara'd hair might be interesting. ;-)

(Karen) Haven't you noticed that as men age, certain ones lose it on top and then more comes in elsewhere. (Me) like some men, as he has aged, the hair has thinned up top and retreated to other regions! Wow....JINX! Okay, I can unjinx you...don't want anything to stand in the way of HS pics or gardening! (Karen) When the studio sends the car, he gets in. When they send the private jet, he takes it. As he should (and I would)! Why pass that up? ODB deserves the best and if they send him cars, limos, jets, free Chuck Taylors and Armani shirts, tickets to Portland...he should take them! ;-)

(Tress)I love ODB's hairlessness....he's slick...like a baby seal... Find I am unable to comment on your comment without resorting to lust crazed spluttering...yada yada (Tress)and he is capable of growing the most amazing stubble...and I am humbled by the stubble) ;-) LOL! Yes, humbled and grateful!

(Maria)Find I am unable to comment on your comment without resorting to lust crazed spluttering...yada yada Allow me to copy that, Maria. In such cases as these (towel-stubble-chesthair...) - words fail me ;-) Thank you, Karen. (LisaJH)A Towel Hall of Fame That'll do me just fine!!!! (Mari)Am starting to sound like BJ in TEOR, i.e., did they have to wet the shirt again . . .;-) LOL, don't we all sometimes? :-)

Ohhhhhhhhhh, Karen. Thank you for that wonderful picture. I missed that brief appearance/disappearance of photos that people have mentioned. Are there MORE of these towel pix? I'm thinking endosements for Fieldcrest, I'm thinking commercials in which he models towels in a variety of colors, I'm thinking personal appearancs at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. (suddenly the name of a store I've known for years has a whole new meaning) Speaking of towels, I need to mop up puddle of drool on my keyboard. Hey, Colin, could I borrow your towel?

Judging from everyone's reactions to the towel pic, I think you may now better understand why I prefer HS to WAGW! - He has never looked better. And up there on the big screen - simply breathtaking!!

(Hen)LOL Maria. Would that home be located in Chicago? I may join you and volunteer for gardening detail so Miss CP has plenty of time to work on the towel scene gallery. HRWT!(Have Rake Will Travel!) (Tress)like some men, as he has aged, the hair has thinned up top and retreated to other regions! Oooo, lets be careful with future close ups on the ears:-( (Janet)And up there on the big screen - simply breathtaking!! Arg! You are breaking my heart! Will we ever, ever, ever get the big screen treatment?

(Beedee) Oooo, lets be careful with future close ups on the ears:-( LOL...ODB's ears looking amazingly yummy and not scary...very bitable (going off of HS premiere pics and The Leopard reading pics here)...am hoping scary hair skips migrating to eyebrows, ears and nose and just goes to chest and treasure trail! ;-)

(Karen) *hee hee hee* I tend to think the towel scene will have its own gallery. Oh honey, it had better! And not that I'm complaining or anything but do you think that you could maybe make the pictures just a tad larger, like maybe 15x15? Janet, no wonder you wanted that towel for a keepsake...woof;-)!!

(Beedee)Will we ever, ever, ever get the big screen treatment? THIS could send me out shopping for a big-screen TV! (Tress)treasure trail! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Tress)I love ODB's hairlessness....he's slick...like a baby seal... Good thing I was away, yesterday. That scrambled all of my senses, especially the slick part. Oh, my, Gawd! (Karen)The job combing the mascara'd hair might be interesting. ;-) I believe several of us wanted that one last summer. (Janet)And up there on the big screen - simply breathtaking!! ...Ouch;-)

Picking self up off floor and wiping puddle of drool, thank you so much for the wonderful pics Kathy C and Karen. He is amazing. Thank you for the articles ladies.

Posted on Dark Horizons, from another who attended a UK test screening, this time likely a real person (no mention of Bill Nighy!): Love Actually: Its got a geat cast and one of the best British comedy writers out there penning and helming it, but does that mean it will translate across the Atlantic? Here's 'Dobbin the Wonder Horse' with one hell of a juicy rumour: "The filmed was screen in it's entirety at our local cinema a couple of weeks ago, I'm not sure how complete it was but looked complete (it was shown on Betacam tape via a digital projector). Richard Curtis was apparently in attendance along with Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner of Working title (although I didn't see them). It was a typical test screening although no questions were asked of the audience and no questionaires were filled out, I imagine the idea was to gauge opinion from the response in the auditorium. Unfortunately the audience reaction was muted to say the least from my perspective. Several people I talked to mentioned that it was corny and cliched with very few flashes of Curtis brilliance...and it was generally muddled with several strands of the story disappeari g and others being heavy handed".

No big deal as far as I'm concerned. Anyway, I've said before that Richard Curtis writes some of the most cliched and corny stuff (cringeworthy dialogue) myself. Besides, this is early and this guy probably doesn't like this kind of movie anyway.

Oops....Forgot my winkie;-))))

Unfortunately the audience reaction was muted (...)it was corny and cliched with very few flashes of Curtis brilliance...and it was generally muddled with several strands of the story disappearing and others being heavy handed. Here we go again ;-) Can't wait to read what the pros think. Hee hee hee ;-D (Evelyn) Curtis writes some of the most cliched and corny stuff I agree yet it hasn't made the movies unwatchable or unlikable. I find it interesting that with all the known actors appearing in LA, not one was mentioned. Hmmmmm!

(Evelyn) Forgot my winkie;-)))) And your quotation marks! ;-D

(Evelyn) Besides, this is early and this guy probably doesn't like this kind of movie anyway. Ohhh....now, what's not to like! It has Shannon Elizabeth and Denise Richards....! ;-) Regardless of what anyone says.....I think this will be a successful movie. Has a great cast (okay....see above....there are a few week links in the chain) and it is coming out at a good time. Written and directed by the guy who worked on the BJD script and wrote Notting Hill. I know I'll see it a half dozen times (at least) in the theater. This is one I can probably get the DH to see (if he sees just two people on a movie poster, he begins to panic....if he sees a bunch of people on a poster, he doesn't even realized he's going to see a rom-com....until it's too late.....*insert wicked laugh*.....although anytime he hears HG's name associated with a project he immediately becomes suspicious) ;-)

(Karen)from another who attended a UK test screening, this time likely a real person (no mention of Bill Nighy!) ROTF! Especially with 2 typos and a grammatical error within the first 6 words (which, I believe, breaks my old record;-) 10 story lines is a lot to juggle, but Curtis never puts out a dog, so I'm sure they'll fix whatever needs fixing.

Here's a another review from somebody at that test screening, on AICN. Once again, CF's performance is not singled out as the other actors are; I have to think his role in this is very small.:-( Last night I was roped into attending a test screening for the new Hugh Grant, Colin Firth film "Love, Actually", and having nothing better to do, decided to give it a go. It was made clear that the copy shown was a "work-in-progress" and that the film/sound quality and music choices may be vastly altered when the film goes on general release. Coming in at the 2 and a quarter hour mark, there are bound to be some cuts too. "Love, Actually" follows the interlinking relationships of 10 or so couples (though some of the storylines may be cut to speed the film along), primarily based in London, in the month leading up to Christmas. The ensemble of characters includes the aging rockstar making a comeback (with a truly cringe-making song) and his manager (Gregor Fisher), the newly-wedded couple (Keira Knightley), the prime-minister (Hugh Grant), the novelist (Colin Firth), the boss of Fairtrade Coffee (Alan Rickman) and his wife (Emma Thompson), the cater-waiter (Kris Marshall from My Family), the artist (Andrew Lincoln), member of the prime-minister's staff (Martine McCutcheon), the American President (Billy Bob Thornton), a newly widowed Liam Neeson and stepson, and a rather interesting couple, one half of which UK viewers will recognise from The Office (Martin Freeman). There are also guest appearances by Ant and Dec, Denise Richards and Rowan Atkinson. The storylines are somewhat predictable and as a romantic comedy it's not hard to spot which couples are going to end up together, though there are some serious issues tackled as well (though these may end up on the cutting room floor). The film marks Richard Curtis' directorial debut and it's a feel-good romp around London in the style we've come to expect from Richard. If you were a fan of Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Sliding Doors, there's a good chance you'll like this film. Despite the predictable plot lines, this is an enjoyable film, with surprisingly good performances from Martine McCutcheon (better known as Tiffany in UK soap opera Eastenders) and Liam Neeson. The script is well written and delivered well. An overly slushy beginning may put off some viewers with it's reference to September 11th (a cheap point), and some people may be shocked at the level of nudity (though this will most likely be toned down in the final version). All in all it is a nice little, non-taxing comedy that will probably do well in the UK (though the lack of big US stars may make it difficult to sell in the States). Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson are, of course, outstanding and Hugh Grant not too annoying. Suspension of belief is only required in a couple of places (the British Prime Minister speaking out against the President at a press conference is a bit far-fetched, and you're left waiting for a punchline that never comes when Kris Marshall lands in Wisconsin looking for fine American booty), but, all-in-all, not bad. It should be interesting to see how the film is marketed and when it is released. With it's Christmas countdown storyline it's probably looking at a November/December release which will put it up against the Matrix Revolutions and Return of The King, so may turn out to be the girlie antidote to an action-packed couple of months (but don't rule out blubbing in ROTK).

Hmmm, a good smattering of details and idiotic conclusions. I vote: Real ;-D the novelist (Colin Firth), the boss of Fairtrade Coffee (Alan Rickman) Wonder if those are reversed. ;-D An overly slushy beginning may put off some viewers with it's reference to September 11th (a cheap point) Suspension of belief is only required in a couple of places (the British Prime Minister speaking out against the President at a press conference is a bit far-fetched v. Richard Curtis. and some people may be shocked at the level of nudity (though this will most likely be toned down in the final version). Especially for us prudish Americans. :-( Unless it's by Rowan Atkinson or Denise Richards, cut away. Thanks Mari!

More, specifically about Colin, from the guy who saw LA: All of the storylines get about the same screentime (which led to the long running of the film as it was). His storyline concerns finding his girlfriend/wife/lover being unfaithful with a friend of his, which prompts him to decamp to the south of France. Colin's character in a crime novelist, and he takes the opportunity to bash out another novel in his holiday villa. His next door neighbour finds him a cleaning lady, and whilst Colin can speak no French, this isn't a problem as she can't speak it either (she's Portuguese). Colin doesn't get any nudity - so don't worry about any of him getting cut out because of that. The story progresses as Colin works on his book and his new cleaner cleans around him, bringing him cups of tea and so forth. One day he is sitting outside by the lake when as the cleaner (Aurelia, I believe the character is called) replaces one cup of tea for another, a stack of papers blows off into the lake. Aurelia strips off and dives in after them, as does Colin. There is a brief exchange (subtitled) in Portuguese and English where they say pretty much the same thing, and afterwards they try to talk a little about the book. Eventually Colin returns to England for Christmas and we see shots of him learning Portuguese in language class and practising whilst doing his Christmas shopping. He arrives at his relatives house but stays about 2 seconds before getting on a plane back to France to ask Aurelia's father for his daughter's hand in marriage. He proposes in Portuguese (bad, subtitled Portuguese) and she responds in equally bad English.

which prompts him to decamp to the south of France. Colin's character in a crime novelist, and he takes the opportunity to bash out another novel in his holiday villa. His next door neighbour finds him a cleaning lady, and whilst Colin can speak no French, this isn't a problem as she can't speak it either (she's Portuguese). I wonder if he had a Saracen communicator to help out with that language barrier. ;-) Colin doesn't get any nudity - so don't worry about any of him getting cut out because of that. That seems to be the one thing we may never have to worry about anymore. ;-( The story progresses as Colin works on his book and his new cleaner [landscape architect ;-)] cleans [plants things] around him Did I miss the part where his name is Matthew? ;-)

GDI! there

His storyline concerns finding his girlfriend/wife/lover being unfaithful with a friend of his We know he will be good in this film will because... he's a cornuto again!!!;-) Obrigado muito muito, Karen!

Colin doesn't get any nudity. Aurelia strips off and dives in after them, as does Colin. Did I miss something? Or will the lake scene mirror Darcy's pond scene? he takes the opportunity to bash out another novel in his holiday villa. (Dorine) Did I miss the part where his name is Matthew? ;-) LOL. It's Matthew in a parallel universe! Thanks for the test screening reviews and spoilers, Karen. This is going to be one fun year. ;-)

practising whilst doing his Christmas shopping. He arrives at his relatives house Wearing a reindeer jumper?;-) Great minds, K, I wrote to him too, but you got an answer.;-) (Moon)he's a cornuto again!!!;-) PFFT! His plotline seems a bit thin, i.e., mais que nada And I won't even mention Brazil 66 by name because the same people who didn't know Jethro Tull wouldn't know Sergio Mendes and then I'd have to get upset and depressed again.;-) ;-) (Dorine)The story progresses as Colin works on his book and his new cleaner [landscape architect ;-)] cleans [plants things] around him Did I miss the part where his name is Matthew? ;-) LOL, Dorine, and godferbid! If his cleaning lady turns out to have a colorfully-dressed family who interact with each other like the people on Jerry Springer . . . I'm outta here.;-)

(Mari) mais que nada And I won't even mention Brazil 66 Am humming here. One of my favs. Am going back to ask about Colin's performance, what he thought of it, etc. Anything else?? LOL, I immediately thought of Matthew too, but we know they didn't film in Grasse, so it won't be the same house. ;-D I had hopes with the dives in the lake bit, but he already says Colin doesn't take it off. :-(

Nevah mind. I've emailed him again to ask about Colin's performance, since he singled out a couple of others, and who plays his wife/girlfriend (is it Laura Linney?) and who does she cheat on him with?

(Dorine) I wonder if he had a Saracen communicator to help out with that language barrier. ;-) And what are we interpreting as a 'Saracen communicator' today? ;-D (Mari) PFFT! His plotline seems a bit thin, i.e., mais que nada And I won't even mention Brazil 66 by name because the same people who didn't know Jethro Tull wouldn't know Sergio Mendes and then I'd have to get upset and depressed again.;-) ;-) Hey now!! I know Sergio...I'm slow...but I do know some things! Just a bit rusty on the older, cooler stuff (you don't wanna know what my parents listen to...though I do know the words to "Folsom Prison Blues"....the entire album...) ;-D (Mari) LOL, Dorine, and godferbid! If his cleaning lady turns out to have a colorfully-dressed family who interact with each other like the people on Jerry Springer . . . I'm outta here.;-) Didn't we get word that her father kisses ODB on the lips? They sound colorful...but I think in a whole different way...

(Mari)I have to think his role in this is very small.:-( Glad to hear since your post that the screen times seem to be equal. I was surprised, given the other big names in the cast, that the music video I saw of it was mostly Colin. Just a quick shot of HG, no Liam. Most of the scenes Karen mentioned...the papers flying, the lake scene, arriving at relative's house were all in the video. Also in the video, was the kissing scene...sounds like it must be the girlfriend's father. Looked very much like a European type of family kiss. Probably after he asks for her hand in marriage. Colin did not jump in the lake but watches the girl strip off, very nice look on his face, and she dives in. Another scene had his "walk" he looked angry and walks away from someone, but we don't see who it is. Thanks for the LA inside info, Karen.

(Linda) the music video I saw of it was mostly Colin Video? Video??!! What are you talking of? What are you telling the Ladies Who Lunch? I must have my share in the conversation. :-) Another scene had his "walk" he looked angry and walks away from someone, but we don't see who it is. Wait. I've seen this film. They end up shagging on the carpet. ;-) Or was it the carriage? The cottage maybe. The shower? No, I'm pretty sure there was a carpet. It's just that, this reminds me of someone. I'll find it. I'll find it...;-)