Just had a quick browse through the papers. Telegraph has a pic of Hugh and Martine on the front page - "Hugh and Martine delight fans at LA premiere". Same pic on front of Express and Mirror. Full page spread in Mail of Hugh and his leading ladies, Martine, Emma, Keira. Hugh says Martine has a lovely bottom, Martine says Hugh is very fit. A small pic of CF and Livia. No Alan Rickman or Rowan Atkinson. Nothing in the Times, and I didn't even check the Guardian! Not bad coverage though, but Hugh definitely wins the day! I am curious as to how the British press will review LA. Big question: Will it protect its young or join the feeding frenzy? I think, fingers crossed, that LA may get off fairly unscathed. We've already been told that it had mixed reviews in the States, but that audience ratings are generally okay. Some of the papers have had a dig at the unreal "Richard Curtis land" and are asking just how long his run of success can last. But that's about it. I guess it will get middling reviews, but provided they're not "I'd rather boil in oil than watch this", there shouldn't be any damage! And if we don't have Richard Curtis, who have we got left?

No need for the NYT review; it was posted here when published, as I recall. I've put up a number of pics, starting here: http://www.firth.com/p_eye012.html and continuing here: http://www.firth.com/love_gal_londprem1.html I expect there will be more and I'll have to send a few to my dewatermarking expert Sophie. ;-) But I knew you'd want to see them sort of 'as is'

From a lurker, a fascinating look at the party planning for the NY post-premiere party inside that fortress (the Metropolitan Club) http://bizbash.com/content/editorial/e3310.asp

(Bethan)Not bad coverage though, but Hugh definitely wins the day! Understandably, he's the UK film industry's Cash Cow. Wow...Thanks 'Lurker' and Karen for the NY LA Bash account. Not just a wine and cheese do. Colin would be happy with the menu. Only people I know on the resources are the A-1 security;-) I'd like to know what the promotion tab for this film is.... Hope they make it.

Karen, thanks for the NY and London premiere pages; loved firth.com's narrative about our night in NY.;-) Thanks also to everyone who contributed pics, reports, articles, etc. Colin has really done some heavy lifting for this film. As Evelyn told him, "I'm very proud of you, Colin." :-)

Wow, Fantastic pictures of London premiere and after party. Thank you Karen, Ada, Maria and all for the pictures and links, Thanks also to Mark G for first hand insight at the premiere. Would love to know what the trophy is all about (loudest fans?);-) Love the picture with the waitress pouring the bubbly. Curtis said: "I'd rather make a film that most of the audience liked and some critics didn't rather than a film that critics loved and nobody wanted to watch." Bethan, keeping my fingers crossed, as well. Hope you're right. Some positve, preemptive spin, perhaps?

Karen - as always . .great pics! . .Intersting link for the NY premiere party . .I used to be a special events planner (one of a few jobs I had prior to leaving 9 to 5 work for acting)so I can only imagine what went into that shindig! . .How beautiful it looked!

(Kimberley) How beautiful it looked! Would've liked to have seen it firsthand, but no one put our names down on the guest list. ;-) Here's Hello mag's coverage of the premiere: http://www.hellomagazine.com/film/2003/11/17/loveactually/

(Bethan)And if we don't have Richard Curtis, who have we got left? Puh-leeze... You've got Anathony Minghella, James Madden, Stephen Daldry,Sam Mendes... RC couldn't clean any of their shoes. However, I do hope the film succeeds for Colin's sake. His segment is the best and he's worked at promotion. To his advantage, IMO. Got lots of recognition in the US .

(Evelyn) You've got Anathony Minghella, James Madden, Stephen Daldry,Sam Mendes... Yeah, but someone's gotta make you laugh sometime. ;-) (Kimberley) How beautiful it looked! (Karen) Would've liked to have seen it firsthand, but no one put our names down on the guest list. ;-) Hey, maybe that'll be our reward next time for making the US press take more notice of Colin. You can't buy publicity like that......oh, wait! Of course you can and they do. Silly me. ;-) Great pages, Karen! He still doesn't look as into it all overall, despite a couple of beaming smiles. After that bi-continental PR merry-go-round, I wouldn't either, I suppose.

(Karen) Would've liked to have seen it firsthand, but no one put our names down on the guest list. ;-) Ohhh....I think Mike could have arranged something...but I don't know at what cost! LOL! Wasn't willing to find out! Thank you Karen and everyone for all the pics and articles! So many to thank (it's like the Oscars)! Love it when news is coming fast and furious....is hard to keep up, but it sure is fun! (Linda) Love the picture with the waitress pouring the bubbly. LOL...I was kinda hoping she was picking up the glass, not setting it down. She's got her fingers all over the rim (pulling a Daphne)!

The first pic of Colin here made me LOL! Like maybe someone goosed him and he spun around to see who! No?...Could easily just be me.... http://217.158.83.123/scripts/kws30pre.exe?Firsthit=25&maxhits=12&hmessage=THE+UK+CHARITY+FILM+PREMIERE+OF+%27LOVE+ACTUALLY%27%2C+HELD+AT+THE+ODEON+CINEMA+IN+LEICESTER+SQUARE%2C+LONDON&search=LFLON+003944&type=GfxOnly&site=LFI&SEARCH_FILTERA=&Next.x=47&Next.y=14

Ooh! No! Sorry, It is the "I have no idea where that came from" Look!

I like this one

Lots in the ES today. Lots about the supposed spat between the two ladies MM and KK. Boring. Even an editorial telling everyone that LA is okay and that A/B's should not be so stuck up as to despise it (will make sure my DH sees that). One snippet. HG was overheard at the party telling someone that he and Colin did not like LA. Was too schmaltzy. Ooh all the men in my life agree. ;-)

Hi everbody, Here is my Premiere report. I have to keep it short, maybe I can write more later. I stood in front row and colin look so good and was so nice. He signed madly and signed my photo, too. I said to him �Don t forget your fans in Germany� I thought I would be nice for him to know that people from far away come to see him. He couldn t here me so he stepped back with an questioning look at me searching what it was I want him to sign because I thought he forget to sign for me. I repeated my sentence and he replied �I will� So I could hear his voice. I was one of the best moments in my life. By the way could it be I saw his mother

(Allison) HG was overheard at the party telling someone that he and Colin did not like LA. Was too schmaltzy Thanks, Allison. Colin said on The Today Show that it's not the type of movie he likes to see. Doesn't surprise me he didn't like it. Thanks, Petra. Glad you got to talk to him. Sounds like the noise was something there. They advertise premieres and stuff there, don't they? Presumably to get a crowd for the media? Who finds out about that stuff here? Unless for the most part, you are connected in some way to someone who does, how would anyone know?

I was wondering the same thing, Dorine. How do hundreds/thousands (?) of people know to show up at Leicester Square at a given hour on a Sunday evening? Is it announced in the newspapers or on TV? Over here, it's like a big secret, at least in NY. You call the studio to find out and they give you the third degree about why you're calling and who you're working for. I always tell 'em, "I'm just a member of the ticket buying public who pays the salaries." ;-)

|Thanks Maria...Agree that ODB doen't look like the happiest camper. Too much Hugh, perhaps? Methinks he needed the NY "fan base"contingent;-) FYI Leicester Sq on weekend is a hub of people...wall to wall.Mostly young. Not difficult to get a thousand folks at any time.

Let's enjoy this overkill while the gettin's good I say! http://www.rexfeatures.com/cgi-bin/r2show0?k=COLIN+FIRTH&f=Newest&s=gtKCD7hHLEl8Ik9XZ2bzoY-r&u=DEFAULT&p=b16813EF400000096&t=000000BA

Maria)Let's enjoy this overkill while the gettin's good I say! Thanks Maria! That'll do me for the ride home.

Oooh!! Got them all. Big ones. There's one with Jessica Callan, who is listed as the 3am gal. That would be The Mirror... Today's cover of the Daily Mirror had a pic of Colin and Livia, and there's one with this column on the event: http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/page.cfm?objectid=13631365&method=full

OH NOOOOOOO!!! His 'n her matching clothes -- say it isn't so. That only works for square dancing. Had to be Livia's idea, so there'd be no question about who "HE" was with. Let's hope this won't become his next favorite outfit.

Extra! shows the London premiere and Colin, though he isn't mentioned among the litany of castmembers. But then, they are talking to Huge about TEOR and flash a one of the doorway near kiss pics of RZ and Colin, mention that he's in it and Huge says that Renee hasn't gained enough weight but Colin has gained too much.

A 20-strong gospel choir serenaded guests ..... with The Beatles' hit All You Need Is Love as they walked up the red carpet. Did they crowd outside have to hear that continuously? Brings to mind the mental trauma of getting stuck inside that Small World ride at Disney World and having to hear that "It's A Small World" (after all) on a loop for 45 mins. :-( But the normally gorgeous Keira Knightley shunned top designers and plumped for a dowdy outfit made by a friend. "When you have friends who are this talented, you may as well take advantage of their skills," she said. And save yourself a few quid, too. Honey, spend the few extra quid. I think you can spare it now. (Deb) His 'n her matching clothes -- say it isn't so. Thank you!

Livia is so beautiful but I wish she'd get a stylist to help her out for these big events. I am not being catty, I just think she could do a better job on her outfits (& hair???) when she is going to be "In The Public Eye" and photographed so much. Luckily she is a natural beauty and her choice of arm candy is impeccable. Jodi

(Karen) ...Huge says that Renee hasn't gained enough weight but Colin has gained too much. LOL! I love what these two are doing. Keep it up boys, I'm having a lot of fun. Dorine) Honey, spend the few extra quid. I think you can spare it now. Honestly, I rather like what she is doing. She is "advertising" the work of a friend, presenting his/her design to the world, trying to help him/her instead of doing it for an already famous designer. She is taking a bit of a risk with it, and I admire her for it.

(Ildiko) Honestly, I rather like what she is doing. She is "advertising" the work of a friend I definitely applaud her effort for a friend. Many celebrities do that at some point. I was making more of comment on the style. Just 'cause it's a friend, doesn't make it the best outfit for you. Throw a party for him and wear his stuff. I just didn't find this particular outfit overly flattering on her, IMO.

LOL, if Colin and Livia can do it...matching outfits seemed to be "in" for both premieres I do like Colin's grey and black...a bit different than the usual. (Evelyn)Methinks he needed the NY "fan base"contingent;-) Doesn't he look a bit melancholy? He must be missing his NYFB;-) Again, thanks Maria and Karen for the great pictures, and Petra for sharing your experience. Good for you!! But would somebody, anybody, please please please tell me what the trophy is for. I don't see anyone else holding one.

(Linda)But would somebody, anybody, please please please tell me what the trophy is for. I don't see anyone else holding one. Must be for winning the Mr. Congeniality award! ;-)

(Linda) But would somebody, anybody, please please please tell me what the trophy is for. I don't see anyone else holding one. It's the middle weight 'ass whuppin' trophy. Colin won this round...maybe in BJD3 (The Edge of Senility) Hugh will get it back! ;-)

(Tress) It's the middle weight 'ass whuppin' trophy ROTFLMAO! And he lobbied hard for it, too, telling everyone within earshot he whupped Hugh's ass. Mari, that's what you should've asked!!! "Hugh, how was it to have your ass kicked by CF? LOL! Re: the pic of CF and HG above...was looking at a blowup of that earlier noticing how they look like conjoined twins with the outfits and hands in pockets.

I find it cute how Colin and Hugh affectionately jab at each other in their ongoing mock feud. Shows how much they care:) Most recent example from a video with Dave Sillito of the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3275283.stm .................................................................... COLIN: Well, a year(?) or so we had the film to ourselves for a while. So it's a bit of a shock to see all these imposters soaking up the attention. HUGH: I don't like it, I don't like it at all. But fortunately Colin's performance is very weak (shakes head and laughs). No one, um, no one will be waching that. .............................................................. I don't know what the question to Hugh was, but maybe he was asked what he thought about being in a film with Colin again.

(Kimberley) How beautiful it looked! (Karen)Would've liked to have seen it firsthand, but no one put our names down on the guest list. ;-) Ahhh . .that's our next task of subterfuge . .getting a Drooleur on the inside so we can get in on these parties!!!;) . .Preferably seats at ODB's table?;)

(Tress) It's the middle weight 'ass whuppin' trophy. Colin won this round...maybe in BJD3 (The Edge of Senility) Hugh will get it back! ;-) LOL! Might be the heavy weight class now. Hugh's been saying that Colin's gained too much weight. Question: Can you win an ass-whupping bout if you resort to hair-pulling? ;-) Very cute dialogue, Katty. Thanks for posting it. I couldn't get the player to work. :-( (this computer is going through the window soon like two v. bad street fighters)

hi all - just a quick note to say HELLO and to wave at all the Droolers i met in NYC for the premiere! i don't have much time to chat or to introduce so i'll keep it brief... and and post my own favorite pic of the ones i got that night ;) i got a bunch, but that one is my favorite. it's when he's signing for Mari!

I would be willing to sacrifice myself for my fellow Drooleurs and volunteer to date...ummm...maybe Hugh (since I don't fancy the missus beating me senseless or worse)so that y'all can come to the parties. Think that would work?

*Waving back to you, Risa!* it's when he's signing for Mari! Well, I do my best to keep the fellas smiling.;-) Dazzling photo, thanks! (Allison)Lots about the supposed spat between the two ladies MM and KK. Now now, ladies, if you're going to fight, learn to fight nice like Colin and Huge.;-) (Tress)It's the middle weight 'ass whuppin' trophy. LOL! HG was overheard at the party telling someone that he and Colin did not like LA. Was too schmaltzy. Maybe this person watched the US talk shows last week when the two of them kept saying it would make one puke.;-) Doesn't mean they don't like it, puking is fine in moderation.;-) (Dorine)Mari, that's what you should've asked!!! "Hugh, how was it to have your ass kicked by CF? Darn it, we always think of the perfect thing to say after the moment has passed us by.;-) Well, I figure we have a year until The Edge of Renal Failure premiere to prep our questions and fine tune our interview skills.;-)

Love Actually's sweet overdose By Matthew Slater BBC News Online Love Actually, the new film from the man behind Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill, is given its UK premi�re in London on Sunday. Just as ten spoonfuls of sugar ruin a cup of tea, ten different stories spoil a good film. In the case of Richard Curtis's directorial debut, Love Actually, his confection is so sweet it is almost impossible to finish. Curtis, of course, is the writer behind the smash hits Four Weddings and Funeral, Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill - not to mention Blackadder and numerous other TV credits. Curtis and his Working Title partners are clearly believers in the old adage that if ain't broke, don't fix it. So once more we have a group of articulate, middle-class Londoners struggling with their love lives and loved ones. As a director of his own material, Curtis is crying out for the editing skills of a less indulgent hand. He can knock out romantic comedies as easily as the rest of us breathe. But Love Actually only serves to prove another old adage that you can have too much of a good thing. What is good here - and there is much that is very good - is diminished by too many distracting plot lines and unnecessary characters. One look at the movie poster will tell you that this is a film not lacking in star turns, but at about 10 minutes of screen time per actor, they are only turns, not performances. Hugh Grant reprises his lovable posh bloke routine - this time as an impossibly youthful prime minister - while Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman and Colin Firth all try to bring a bit of depth to proceedings. Martine McCutcheon plays her appallingly underwritten role very well, Rowan Atkinson supplies another vintage cameo and Bill Nighy almost steals the entire film as a cynical rock star with Curtis's best lines. Love Actually is not a very good film - it's lots of bits of good films with some duff films thrown in too. But its irresistibly optimistic message, strong cast and clever marketing will make it more of a cracker than a turkey this Christmas.

Great pic, Risa! Thanks for sharing. More pics up here: http://www.firth.com/love_gal_londprem2.html (Psst, second row, pic on right.)

Hi all. It�s been quite awhile since I posted but I do try to keep up with you and with all the news. Sorry I�m a bit tardy with this report but here�s a little more info about the BAFTA-LA Q&A. Marianne already filled you in on most of the details since it was a pretty short session. The moderator asked a few questions about how the GWAPE project got off the ground and its development process, as well as how CF and SJ went about deciding to take the role. Honestly I can�t remember all the specifics but there wasn�t any information discussed that we haven�t already read in some other interview or article. The moderator only took about four questions from the audience since the group was being kicked out of the theatre at 10p.m. One question had to do with the lighting of the film and Peter Webber discussed this at length. Somebody else asked about the film�s financing and the number of producers and what their roles were � PW also fielded this one. Another question had to do with set decoration and art direction. This was primarily directed at Peter Webber but Colin talked about how the meticulous sets helped them to develop their characters. CF said he had done many hours of research on Vermeer in order to prepare and that most of his paintings featured the same corner of the same room. He mentioned that it was moving to actually get to see that famous corner in real life. CF also said that he enjoyed the fact that the sets were built more like a real house than typical sets in that they had to walk through the kitchen area to get to the other rooms and up stairs to get to the studio. He said this must have been very difficult for the technical crew but the fact that it felt like a real house made it easier for the actors. Somebody asked about the minimal dialogue and was it difficult to portray a character using so few words. SJ primarily answered this one and said that in this film she much preferred letting the emotions show in her face and expression particularly since the only alternative she could think of would be having to say a lot of cheesey �movie� dialogue. She gave the audience an example of what she meant by turning dramatically to Colin, grabbing his arm and saying something OTT like �Oh Vermeer, I want you like I�ve never wanted anyone before.� It was hilarious � I found SJ to be quite charming. CF also commented on the scant dialogue and said when he was reading the script he actually thought there was too much dialogue. He said something about pressing for speeches to be cut and the visuals allowed to speak for themselves. Sorry this report wasn�t more interesting, but the whole event was pretty short. Marianne already mentioned how awful the lighting was. I sat near the front and could still barely see SJ, CF and PW. Too bad they didn�t have it at the originally scheduled venue which is much nicer, and actually has decent lights. They said they had to switch to a larger theatre at the last minute. Foolish antelopes, didn�t they know CF would draw a crowd ;-)? BTW, Hart Bochner (CF co-star in AZ) was in the audience and it looked like he and CF may have left together. Can�t say for sure since they sort of disappeared into the crowd.

Thanks Jana and all the other ladies for your reports and pics.

Nice pictures of Livia - if I remember correctly, not many photos of just herself. And more importantly, she is neither "Olivia" nor "guest" anymore! ;-) http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=CLB&str=9874&styp=clbi&nm=Colin%20Firth

I met 2 other german girls at the premiere and we were screaming madly when Heike Makatsch (german actress) arrived. She was very surprised to hear her name (and very happy) , then signed for us . I ask her �What was it like with �.(I bet at this moment she though I would ask her about Hugh Grant. She was been asked this question a thousand times in interviews)��Colin Firth." She said: Oh he is really a nice and lovely guy�. Didn t we know it :o)

Extra was in London, Hugh is strating to really crack me up...Video clip also but real brief of Colin ... http://extratv.warnerbros.com/dailynews/extra/11_03/11_17a.html Star Sightings It is the hottest bunch of stars on either side of the pond. "Extra" talked "Love Actually" in London, where Emma Thompson, Laura Linney, Martine McCutcheon, Keira Knightley, Simon Cowell, and of course Hugh Grant all popped in for the premier. Grant says folks who have already seen the film have had an interesting reaction. He says, "People do come out feeling a little warmer about other human beings. And I think a little bit hornier." Some of that warmer feeling is being blamed on Rodrigo Santoro. And while Grant, the King of Romantic Comedy, enjoys the film's success, he gave "Extra" the inside story on his new "Bridget Jones" movie, "The Edge of Reason," now in the works with Colin Firth and Ren�e Zellweger. Grant says, "The only problem is that Ren�e has not put on enough weight and Colin has put on too much."

For any that hadn't already seen the E Talk Live clip (Yeah to September and long London shadows and first chill!) http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1068161731432_79/?hub=Entertainment#

Hi Risa! Lovely picture! I'd say if you wanted a new job, you could join the paparazzi, but you're far too nice to be one of them (though it could be a useful inroad). ;-) (Dorine)Mari, that's what you should've asked!!! "Hugh, how was it to have your ass kicked by CF? (Mari)Darn it, we always think of the perfect thing to say after the moment has passed us by.;-) Well, I figure we have a year until The Edge of Renal Failure premiere to prep our questions and fine tune our interview skills.;-) LOL! How about rehearsing how not to stand like a stunned dear caught in the headlights? I know I could use some help there.

Liquid News on BBC3 had a short, but entertaining piece on the LA premiere last night, presenting the event as a continuation of the fight btwn CF and HD in BJD. It ended with Richard C saying Hugh would make a dreadful PM, but that Colin would be good.

Lovely picture, Little Bee :-) Thank you for posting it. Maria, thank you so much for the links. Seems our only chance to see any of the premiere-fuzz at this part of the world.

Thanks Karen for your London preem pics .Can't wait for your own! Livia has looked better in former pics. Smashy 2 yrs ago at the BAFTAs. Jana..good to hear from you. It's been too long. Thanks for your on the spot report.

CF said he had done many hours of research on Vermeer in order to prepare and that most of his paintings featured the same corner of the same room. He mentioned that it was moving to actually get to see that famous corner in real life. In real life? *snort* OK, I understand what he meant but... ;-) Thanks for all the details on the screening. Jana. I bet SJ's demo of cheesy dialogue was a hoot to watch. I'm pretty sure this is the second time we've heard that Hart Bochner was at one of these things. I believe he's directing now. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences (premieres, screenings, etc.) and their wonderful pictures and news items. *smooch*

Oh yeah, I'm busy cropping and fixing up pics harvested last night, so the NY pics will be next up...

From the Tabloid Watch...still very positive about LA. The Mirror has a one page report on the post premiere party. The reporter says that everyone came to ogle Hugh and Colin, then goes on to say (quoting from memory!) "all my Christmases came early when I bumped into the lovely Colin Firth. His gorgeous wife Livia didn't seem to mind as he chatted happily with the women - and men - who threw themselves at him. At least someone was happy, unlike Hugh Grant who had a black scowl on his face for most of the bash. Definitely needs to chill out"

OK, the additions to London have been made, but they're all on existing gallery pages. http://www.firth.com/love_gal_londprem1.html http://www.firth.com/love_gal_londprem2.html I didn't want to rearrange because so many of you have used the pics here and on other topics.

From Jennie, a scan of the Sunday Herald mag cover, which Janet brought to our attention: (Pssst! I still want it.)

Capital, Karen, capital! You are such a good and thoughtful boss! And thanks for the news, reoports and links Jana, Josie, Petra, Maria, Barbara, and Bethan!!!

Karen -Love the London pics!!! Who is the lucky girl in lavendar? . .the one that ODB has his arm about her waist. That's a great pic . .the two of them. And as usual Livia and Colin looking wonderful! That Sunday Herald cover is too cute . .make me laugh . .Wish I could have ben at that photo shoot!

OMG!!! Jennie! Janet! Karen! Thanks! Those pics are some of my all time favorites...and to see a new one is a treat! Love the belly peeking through...Air Colin! And this one is too great for words: And "Hello Little Bee!!" Glad you stopped by! And thanks for sharing your lovely pic!

(Little Bee) got a bunch, but that one is my favorite. it's when he's signing for Mari! Thank you, Risa That's actually a very special smile... Not only was he signing for our dear Mari, he was holding my copy of GWAPE. (I think he was bombarded with such good vibes for the whole evening that he was just beaming). Now I have a new GWAPE that he signed for my daughter at the BAFTA screening. Oh, these good feelings just keep hanging around. the Sunday Herald mag cover...The rise and rise of Colin Firth. How great does that sound? Thank you Karen for the triple overtime, Maria for the clips that keep us in touch from across the pond, and Petra, Jana, Josie, Barbara, and Bethan for the news. Thank you,Karen and Maria

(Kimberley) Who is the lucky girl in lavendar? That's Jessica Callan, one of the three women who write the 3 am column for The Mirror. Now don't you think this makes him look...squishier? ;-)

I'm unhappy! GWAPE is showing in Glasgow tonight, but it is a private screening for BAFTA members only. :-(((

Debacklogging...from the NY Premiere as covered by In Touch magazine: I've cut off the unimportant parts below, so you can read the captioning.

That's my "Pen of Love" (at this moment still in my purse in it's protective 'wrapper'...my 'security Sharpie'....DH is lucky I don't sleep with it under my pillow)!!! ODB fondled it but so did Hugh, Emma and Bill! And that's my poster! Also recognize bits and pieces of Droolers! ;-)

Risa!! Awesome to see ya! Nice pics! Karen, nice LA London pages. I love how in wireimage, the pic of Colin and AR is credited as CF and "guest." Poor AR...they're going to make him stand on the side like Greg Wise soon. F Funny, I saw virtually no pics of Andrew Lincoln or Lucia Moniz, but he was on one of the clips for a bit. A cutie last night. (Bethan) The reporter says that everyone came to ogle Hugh and Colin... the Sunday Herald mag cover...The rise and rise of Colin Firth I'm ambivalent. We may have to start sharing him more soon. :-/ We'll have to show up 6 hours ahead next time. Good for him, though, long overdue. Thanks, Jennie and Janet. he chatted happily with the..... men - who threw themselves at him. That's funny, I know of several who left before he got here, who are hoping and waiting for another actor to attend someday. ;-)

(Dorine) I love how in wireimage, the pic of Colin and AR is credited as CF and "guest." Are you talking about the one where Colin is hugging someone?? First off, it is hard for photographers to keep all these people straight and most don't know who these people are, especially the underlings who will label the pics later on, when they're turned in. But second, that's not Alan Rickman. Hair is completely wrong color and, think about it, can you *really* imagine AR hugging anybody like that??? C'mon, you saw Mr Aloof in the tent. He'd be voted Least Likely to Hug Anybody from any high school class. ;-)

(Karen) But second, that's not Alan Rickman I thought it was Bill Nighy. The jacket looks the same...

One opinion from the Guardian - The 10 hottest films that will walk off with the Oscars 2. Girl With a Pearl Earring BBC drama veteran Peter Webber wasn't sure he wanted to make the transition to features with a conventional period romance about the painter Johannes Vermeer and his muse until he read the ear-piercing scene. Then he saw the heart of the upstairs-downstairs domestic drama: the conflict between the artist (Colin Firth) and his patron (Tom Wilkinson), the painter and his family, and the unspoken attraction between the man and his model (Scarlett Johansson). Webber was not afraid to fashion a quietly paced movie that is as visually lovely as a Vermeer. A hit on the festival circuit as well as with academy voters, Girl With a Pearl Earring could be the Frida of this Oscar race. http://film.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,4793219-3181,00.html

(Tress[pic In Touch])Also recognize bits and pieces of Droolers! ;-) The pretty blond is Meg's sister.

A few pics got lost into other folders, including two adorable ones of ET with Colin and BN at a table. They've been added to Gallery 2; the other is another with LL and there's a pic of the theatre on the In the Public Eye page. http://www.firth.com/love_gal_londprem2.html http://www.firth.com/p_eye012.html But these are too hysterical! Evidently, there was a massage chair at the party: And, lastly, some of the NY pics have gone up here: http://www.firth.com/love_gal_nyprem2.html The page is not complete (only has Bee/Little Bee, Shoshana and Meg's pics) and hasn't been linked to the rest of the galleries yet. Much, much more to come. Shouldn't we be hearing from the Survival crowd? Have they survived the evening? Has Colin survived another evening with representatives of his fan base? ;-)

He came and he looked scrummy! Managed to arrive after we all saw LA, apparently hopped across town on a motorbike again (does he *really* do this? are there confirmed sightings of him or is he pulling our leg and came in a limo or something?!). Good Mark Darcy hair (as was playing him at Sheperton Studios today), jeans, black t-shirt, brown suede jacket. My DBF took some decent digitals which I hope to get tomorrow and will send along. It was nice as I didn't have to worry about snapping them, I could sit back and listen to him orate about diamonds threatening tribes in the Kalahari! Except when I was prodding him to take more! Didn't take any questions, just quick speech about importance of supporting Survival. Another drool-er told me he sneaked out a side door after - perhaps more filming to do or just to go home. Won't add to LA reviews really, a lot has been said, but except for those few funny bits and Emma T and Colin, I wasn't into it and I was waiting for it to end really (not just because I was waiting for what was coming after the credits either!). DBF apparently was getting a little emotional at the end! But he was tired :). He laughed a lot though. And when I asked: didn't you think Colin just looked fantastic in person?, his response is interesting to me as he thinks he's just an average looking guy, a bloke you would see down the pub. Whereas Huge, you can't imagine that. But that he has aged well, as we all know. Must go to bed. Content though!

Oh! Thank you Karen for the new pics (and all the lovely goodies of today)! Love the table pic of Emma with the boys! And thank you Shosh, Meg and the Bees (Risa, your pic! The over the shoulder glance a Dorine...he's giving off an aura! ;-) )!!! EMMA!!!! Yipppppeeeee!!!So glad Colin showed up! Can't wait to see the pics taken by DBF! What a guy (to snap so you can do some proper drooling...er....listening...)! ;-)

Thaks to everyone for the links to videos and articles! Karen, your hard work is always appreciated, and it's obvious you've been burning the midnight oil. Love the pics taken by fellow Drooleurs, including the fantastic close-up by Little Bee. Thanks, Risa, for sharing! ODB appears to have once again been thrilled with his reception. Thanks to Petra for her on the scene reporting. And thank you Emma for keeping us posted on the Survival screening. Have vision of Hunk daddy flying across London on Ian's motorbike;-)

(Tress)Also recognize bits and pieces of Droolers LOL, That's me under the white caption...I think I may have looked better under a blue dot;-) That's my SWTA hanging out there just seconds away from Colin using it to finish signing Tress's poster. (Emma)Good Mark Darcy hair (as was playing him at Sheperton Studios today), jeans, black t-shirt, brown suede jacket Looks like he had time to do laundry. That's the same outfit from the BAFTA screening last Monday in NY. Emma, was it the dark brown suede or the light one like he wore for the PEN reading? Last Monday's jacket was the dark one. (Tress)I thought it was Bill Nighy. The jacket looks the same... My thoughts, exactly. Hair looked the same, as well. One opinion from the Guardian - The 10 hottest films that will walk off with the Oscars Bless you, Guardian! Thanks to all for the reports, and, again, to the hardest working Boss I know. Would love to know who was standing in front of the massage chair and the remark they made to prompt the finger. LOL!!

(Tress)I thought it was Bill Nighy. The jacket looks the same... (Linda) My thoughts, exactly. Hair looked the same, as well. He'd get my vote too. We'd have a positive ID, if there was just a little better shot from above...the thinning hair. ;-) Thanks for the report from the screening, Emma! (Emma) My DBF took some decent digitals Does you DBF know that he can get knighted for service to Drool? ;-) You probably should've told him that before giving him the assignment. Never know what that kind of motivation can produce. apparently hopped across town on a motorbike again (does he *really* do this? are there confirmed sightings of him or is he pulling our leg and came in a limo or something?!). Did he have wind-blown hair or helmet head? ;-) (Linda) Would love to know who was standing in front of the massage chair and the remark they made to prompt the finger. LOL!! Yeah, me too. ;-) Sorry I didn't identify the woman, she's Ruby Wax, an American TV personality on British TV. the hardest working Boss I know. *looking around* You must be speaking about your slave-driver husband, as most people would say that what I do is more like "fannying about." ;-D

(Karen)most people would say that what I do is more like "fannying about." ;-D But do you wear a short little skirt and see-through blouse?;-)

(Karen)Did he have wind-blown hair or helmet head? ;-) I'd say helmet head. Can't really add much to Emma's report. He said he was really pleased to see so many people there (only a few empty seats) and that he had made a journey of 20 miles in five minutes!! He hoped, after watching LA, that we felt 'fluffy and Christmassy'.

(Tress)Also recognize bits and pieces of Droolers (Linda)LOL, That's me under the white caption...I think I may have looked better under a blue dot;-) And that's my head on the lower right of Shoshanna's pic;-) Livia was in front of us the whole time. Never let him out of her sight;-) I ask you, why couldn't she go in and take a seat like the other wives.

Thanks for the reports of Survival from the Lucky London Ladies! (Emma)He came and he looked scrummy! Managed to arrive after we all saw LA, apparently hopped across town on a motorbike again (does he *really* do this? are there confirmed sightings of him or is he pulling our leg and came in a limo or something?!). (Hen)Have vision of Hunk daddy flying across London on Ian's motorbike;-) (Karen)Did he have wind-blown hair or helmet head? ;-) (Aishling)I'd say helmet head... and that he had made a journey of 20 miles in five minutes!! I'll have to say that I'm a bit skepitcal about the motorbike, but it is a lovely mental image (and I'm so glad he uses a helmet)!!! ;-) (Tress)Also recognize bits and pieces of Droolers (Linda)LOL, That's me under the white caption...I think I may have looked better under a blue dot;-) (Evelyn)And that's my head on the lower right of Shoshanna's pic;-) Awwww... Evelyn, it'd your portrait with ODB! I ask you, why couldn't she go in and take a seat like the other wives. LOL! At least you didn't yell at Livia to move like you did LL's mother! ;-) (that was a really big winkie BTW!) And another apology to Evelyn for the overabundance of quotes and sort-of-long post. ;-)

(Tress)I thought it was Bill Nighy. The jacket looks the same... (Linda) My thoughts, exactly. Hair looked the same, as well. I thought AR because I thought the hair looked darker. Then BN it is! Either way, he was "guest" to the press. ;-) (Emma) he looked scrummy! You're too cute! Glad he showed up for you. It's been a banner couple of weeks of sightings for Droolers. (Karen) First off, it is hard for photographers to keep all these people straight and most don't know who these people are, especially the underlings who will label the pics later on, when they're turned in. Oh, I know, but it's funny to see how they identify some people. (Tress) he's giving off an aura! ;-) )!!! Yeah, that aura was too much for my camera. ;-) Esp one (what would have been awesome) shot I got of him. (Aishling) He hoped, after watching LA, that we felt 'fluffy and Christmassy'. Awwww. Glad for you, too, Aishling. (Evelyn) I ask you, why couldn't she go in and take a seat like the other wives. LOL, remember he commented on the ET online pic that his wife had been squirreled (or was that squired) away somewhere? Thanks Droolers for all your pictures!

(Evelyn) I ask you, why couldn't she go in and take a seat like the other wives. I think all the wives (and a hubby...and a mum) stayed on the carpet, didn't they? I have a pic of Bill N with his wife (v. v. cute pic BTW), Princess Rosario was there (in my pics her bra strap tag is showing! Oops!), Natasha Richardson, Greg Wise....all hung out on the carpet. Besides, I think they have more of a right to be there than some of the other people....I mean, I know there were publicists and such, but there were tons of 'random sorts' whose sole purpose appeared to be to run back and forth and mess up my pics! ;-)

(Tress) but there were tons of 'random sorts' whose sole purpose appeared to be to run back and forth You mean like Joan Collins? ;-)

(Dorine) You mean like Joan Collins? ;-) ROTFL! I was going to mention her! Exactly! What was she doing there and why do I have her sequined backside in so many pictures I took of ODB?? ;-D

(Evelyn)I ask you, why couldn't she go in and take a seat like the other wives. Would have left him out there alone? I wouldn't! He was so lovely. LOL! At least you didn't yell at Livia to move like you did LL's mother! ;-) Oops, Shosh, that was me. Evelyn was the picture of decorum.But, but it was my first close encounter. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it. BYW, if I had known that she was a mother I would never have said such a thing. I thought she was one of those *ancillary* photo op spoiling types. I would never knowingly push around a Mom!;-))

hi and hugs and thanks yous to Mari, Karen, Shoshana, Annette, Tress, Linda, and Dorine! and Shoshana, special thanks for the paparazzi compliment! maybe i can take annie liebovitz's place as portraiture of the stars :D (just kidding!)

(Risa) annie liebovitz's place as portraiture of the stars :D OMG...just imagine an Annie Liebovitz pic of Colin.....**big sigh**. How would she pose him?? Love her pics!

OK folks this is the second attempt to post my observations on last night's survival showing. If it gets posted twice many apologies. I was really delighted to see Colin there last night even though it was only a few minutes that he was at the front of house.Thanks to those people who warned that he might not be there, at least I was a little prepared. Emma and Aishling have already posted and there's not much more to say. I also noticed his comments about the bushmen of the Kalahari and how their lifestyle and very existance is threatened. We listened to Colin's thoughts and feelings about the issues surrounding the work that Survival does and how he came to value their work. I couldn't have told you what he was wearing as the light was so bad, however, I did notice his jeans funnily enough! He was not at all formally attired and looked reminiscent of Paul Ashworth. He appeared very comfortable in his jeans and they were well worn and faded in all the right places!.When he mentioned riding at breakneck peed though London traffic ,I felt so grateful that he made such an effort to get there and was happy he got there safely. Now that I come to think of it I have seen many jeans in that state belonging to Bikers. Many a time in A/E (ER)I've had to cut off bikers trousers and leathers usually up the seams as leathers can then be re-stitched ! but perhaps I'd better not go there. Suffice to say he was his usual courteous, eloquent self and put the case for Survival in a way that no-one else could. Heartfelt thanks to Mr Emma who took digi photos while we looked at Colin.I think only one person got an autograph as he really did a speedy exit reportedly by a side door. I was delighted to hear him use the word fluffy as is a name by which I am known to my friends -it felt a little personal even though I know that it wasn't for me ! Many thanks to all those people who regularly post,I'm sorry that I don't post very often usually there's not much to share but I hope the jeans observation makes up for it ju t a little.

Ok Ok perhaps that should read " breakneck speed" through the London traffic although perhaps after a journey of 20 miles on good roads I might have been closer the first time.LOL!

Thank you all for all the wonderful reports and pics. I can't even begin to tell, how much I envie you. Karen you are the greatest! Thank you for all the effort.

(Evelyn) I ask you, why couldn't she go in and take a seat like the other wives. The only one I noticed who made a beeline into the theater, instead of hanging around on the red carpet, was the woman with AR. (Shoshana) At least you didn't yell at Livia to move like you did LL's mother! ;-) However, she looked pretty amused by the whole incident and kept looking back at us and chuckling. At least no one yelled, "hey, lady, you make a better wall than a window." ;-) You can bet that she would've been horribly yelled at if she stood in front of the press. Thanks, ladies, for your reports from the Survival screening. I'm so glad he did manage to be there for you. Several pictures have already been sent to me; so I'll get them up ASAP for all.

(Karen) The only one I noticed who made a beeline into the theater, instead of hanging around on the red carpet, was the woman with AR. There was a woman with AR? Must've been some beeline as my vantage point was just after he walked in. Obviously concentrating on looking for someone else. ;-)

(Shoshana) At least you didn't yell at Livia to move like you did LL's mother! ;-) (Karen) At least no one yelled, "hey, lady, you make a better wall than a window." ;-) My favorite :"Made of glass, lady". Note to self: Learn how to say that in Italian;-)). (Dorine) There was a woman with AR? His mother;-) Thanks Gina, drop in more often.

(Evelyn) My favorite :"Made of glass, lady". Note to self: Learn how to say that in Italian;-)). LOL!!!!

Thanks everyone for all the interesting write ups and pictures . .whew .go away from your computer for a few hours and there's so much to catch up on .gotta love it .there's always something new 24-7!

(Emma)I could sit back and listen to him orate about diamonds Ahhh, diamonds. Mmmm . . . dreamy sigh. . . threatening tribes in the Kalahari! Er, um, bad diamonds, bad bad. Never use 'em! ;-)

(Dorine) There was a woman with AR? Yup, and she got out of the same limo with him at the M Club. Actually, she got out first and that's how I knew Rickman was in that car. ;-) She had dark brown/reddish hair, cut short. That's all I remember about her, but she looked like a lady on a mission as she kept walking past on the red carpet. She must really have wanted to go sit in her designated seat labeled "Rickman guest." ;-)

(Emma) I could sit back and listen to him orate about diamonds threatening tribes in the Kalahari! (Mari) Er, um, bad diamonds, bad bad. Never use 'em! ;-) Must have been quite a sight! All the women in the audience throwing their diamond rings, earrings, etc., onto the stage and taking mass oath never to wear them again. Yes, I can just see Moon tossing her tiara into the bin. ;-)

I don't recall if this was posted, but a lurker from Japan wrote me about this featurette, which has behind-the-scenes commentary about LA: http://www.channel4.com/film/reviews/feature.jsp?V=4&SV=7&id=125840

"listen to him orate about diamonds threatening tribes in the Kalahari! " I hope Livia was aware of his position before she started dreaming of a huge diamond engagement ring. Makes you wonder what those pretty sparkly thangs on her fingers were -- I would suppose ANY natural gemstone would be OUT. Do you think the Firths shop at QVC for Cubic Zirconias and various "___-olites"?

From another lurker, the transcript of a PBS program in the DC area (Around Town on WETA), where LA was discussed. The relevant portions: ROBERT AUBRY DAVIS: THE CREATORS OF THE HIT FILMS, 'FOUR WEDDINGS And A FUNERAL,' And 'BRIDGET JONES' DIARY,' NOW BRING US THEIR NEWEST RELEASE,'LOVE ACTUALLY.' IN THIS SCENE, THE NEW BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, HUGH GRANT, SETTLES INTO THE JOB: [FILM CLIP] ROBERT AUBRY DAVIS: I love this guy's work, I've loved all his other movies. I was a sucker for this movie, it rang all my romantic bells. I thought it was delightful form beginning to end. BOB MONDELLO: I didn't resist it as firmly as usual. It was actually kind of fun. One of the quotes they use in the ads is "epic romance." Well, it is. It's weird, but epic has to do with lots of interwoven stories. And this has a lot of different stories going on at once. And it's quite fun. It's just incredibly stupid. There is one scene which has him and the American president talking. I love that sequence. ROBERT AUBRY DAVIS: There are some serious political digs. PETER FAY: This is a movie in which some terrifically talented British actors, directors and writers are really having at, among other things, American politics, which is such an easy target for them. But Tony Blair doesn't come off too easily either. It's so much silly fun that the intricacy, the well-craftedness of it gets hidden which is a good idea. So, it just seems to be a light romantic story, when it's actually more than that. JANE HORWITZ: I actually went to see it at a second screening. ROBERT AUBRY DAVIS: Me too. JANE HORWITZ: Because at the first screening I was not in a great mood. Normally, any time Colin Firth appears in anything, I'm a happy camper. But for some reason it didn't hit me right. And I have to say it did work the second time. It is totally contrived, all movies are, but the wheels do show a bit in this. BOB MONDELLO: The critics who dislike it have usually singled out the way that it treats older women and women in relationships. There are several characters that if they're not very young and sveldt in a specific way, then they're not going to fare as well in romance. You've got Emma Thompson and a couple of other people. JANE HORWITZ: All the young leads are secretaries or tea ladies. ROBERT AUBRY DAVIS: There's a moment with Emma Thompson listening to a Joni Mitchell song, her life collapsing in front of her eyes, as only a great actor can do. It's a fantastic moment. JANE HORWITZ: Liam Neeson plays a recent widower whose step-son by the wife who died, a young boy -- he's worried that the young boy is depressed -- that little kid -- his name is Thomas Sangster -- has a face on him. He may even be younger than eleven. He's small. But his suffering, which turns out not to be quite related to his mother's passing, although he misses her too, and Neeson's interplay with him -- it's full of little grace notes like that all the way through. http://www2.weta.org/productions/aroundtown/transcripts/at20031115.html [Ed note: How I wish that every program put up transcripts. ;-) ]