LOL Dorine! Okay, there is a new feature on Amazon.com called Search Inside the Book. If you type in...say a phrase...or, let's say......someone's name, it will search 120,000 titles and find that phrase for you (and you can view the page(s)). Well. Other than BJD/TEOR, I think this is a new favorite mention (from "The Ticket Out"): "You were way right about Moulin Rouge and Shrek, Ann, but not so right about Bridget Jones's Diary. Bridget was a howl, and Colin Firth, pass me a spoon, I'd eat him with fudge sauce anyday. I've heard he's straight, tell me it's true." [note: I wouldn't need fudge sauce.] ;-)

Rubbing more salt into my gaping wounds... As reported by Momi, who hasn't jumped over her final hurdle for posting here at Drool yet, GWAPE is playing at the Hawaii Intl FF on Friday, Oct 31 http://www.hiff.org/2003fall.html

OMG, I'd have to see Walkentalk. ;-) Isn't Mambo Italiano just a Canadian The Wedding Banquet (a movie I loved)?

NY Post Business: On this week's magazines -- Time tackles the Iraq mess with a shorter takedown on Donald Rumsfeld that finds the defense chief losing his magic touch. For the cover, though, the weekly plays up two hot-button words - "kids" and "drugs" - to tease an article on the growing use of medication to treat teens' emotional problems. Time's best bit: A snippy roundtable with British stars Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth.

Thanks Mary! And here it is... R T S / M O V I E S Pouring On the Charm By RICHARD CURTIS; HUGH GRANT; EMMA THOMPSON; LIAM NEESON; Monday, Nov. 03, 2003 It can't be true that all British actors are more charming and witty than American ones, but it often seems that way, especially in movies by Richard Curtis, the writer of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Bridget Jones's Diary. Having given them so many great lines, Curtis was able to assemble quite a constellation of stars for his directorial debut, Love Actually, which opens next week. In a web of interconnected love stories, Hugh Grant plays the Prime Minister, Emma Thompson his sister, Liam Neeson a widower with a stepson, and Colin Firth a writer who moves to France after his girlfriend cheats on him. Curtis and four of his stars sat down with TIME's Josh Tyrangiel in London to discuss love, Governor Schwarzenegger and Grant's inimitable dance moves. EMMA THOMPSON: I think Hugh is quite hung over. [Grant, with a box of Advil, groans.] RICHARD CURTIS: So this is one of those things where you'll put our initials, like E.T., and then it's all boiled down ... EMMA: ... into the stupidest thing you ever said ever, which you then wear round your neck. RICHARD: Talk about stupid things around your neck, what is that? [Thompson is wearing a fur collar.] EMMA: [Laughing] F___ off, all of you. You should be appreciative I've made an effort for your bloody film. RICHARD: You look absolutely gorgeous. Now I don't want that bit in � the "your bloody film" bit. COLIN FIRTH: Do we have to cut it anytime anyone says "your bloody film," or just Emma? RICHARD: Cut that bit too. LIAM NEESON: So why was my computer scene cut out of the film? RICHARD: You see, we've got to give them something for the DVD now. LIAM: But was it hilariously unfunny? RICHARD: It's absolutely lovely. The truth of the matter is that the bonding between you and your stepson, which that scene was meant to achieve, was there from the start. EMMA: What about the scene with my son in the corridor, about the farts? It's gone. RICHARD: Oh, shut up, the whole lot of you. TIME: The story lines that actually made it into the movie are about love between a husband and wife, husband's best friend and wife, brother and sister, mentally impaired brother and sister, language-impaired boss and employee, boy and girl, and a widowed stepfather and son. It all takes place at Christmas, with loving families and adorable children. Did you ever think, O.K., enough is enough? HUGH GRANT: I thought it was very brave. As you say, it runs the risk of being unfashionable to be that positive and warm about life and people. And Richard doesn't seem to care at all. He goes full out for it. His saving grace all his life has been that he takes you to the edge, where you're about to say enough already, and then there's a good joke that undercuts the whole thing. It's a great feat of trapeze. COLIN: You cannot afford to miss, picking up on that metaphor. You miss by an inch, and you've got something that's catastrophic. There's a thin line between being deeply moved and the desire to vomit. RICHARD: Can the vomit bit not be in? EMMA: No, I think we need vomit. TIME: Liam, people tend to overlook your comedic work in Schindler's List. Is that why you wanted to be in this movie? LIAM: That and knowing it was Richard and all these extraordinary actors. I thought, My God, I could only wish. RICHARD: I had just rewatched Husbands and Wives, and there's a fantastic scene where Liam's come back from a date and he's trying to work out whether to kiss Judy Davis. He's so calm, and that magical calm that Liam can do was crucial. I like to feel that in this film people are allowed to do things that are very natural to them. TIME: Like Hugh Grant being Prime Minister? RICHARD: I met the Prime Minister after Notting Hill, and he said he enjoyed it, but why were all the characters in my movies such losers? So I thought, I'll pay him back. TIME: Hugh, did you enjoy playing out the fantasy of global power? HUGH: Well, I do quite like to be the focus of attention, so as far as the Prime Minister gets out of his car and waves, I liked that. But if the question is, Did I enjoy doing the part?, the answer is of course no. Acting is unmitigated torture for me from beginning to end. LIAM: Is it, Hugh? I remember reading something about this. Why? HUGH: Because I don't like the pressure. I don't mind rehearsing. You do something in rehearsal and someone says, "Hey, that's pretty good. Quite funny." And then from that moment on you're just dreading trying to repeat it. LIAM: You repeat it very, very well. RICHARD: Yeah, in film after film after film. [Much laughter.] I've got a terrible thing to admit. Whenever I look at the end of the movie, when Hugh's in front of that audience and they're all clapping and he does that little wave and disappears, I keep thinking, I hope that when he dies, that's the bit they show at the end of the news. HUGH: It'd be either that or the mug shot.

There is more!! Page 2 & 3 here... http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101031103-526493-2,00.html

HUGH: It'd be either that or the mug shot. Hilarious! I love his sense of humour. Thanks, Maria and Murph!

Same issue of Time has a review of LA as well! Sweet Agonies of Affection By RICHARD SCHICKEL Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003 A Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) rattles lonesomely around 10 Downing Street, mooning over his pretty tea lady (Martine McCutcheon). A trashed rocker (Bill Nighy, in a great comic turn) tries to find his old adoring audience with a ghastly Christmas song. A cuckolded writer (Colin Firth) falls in love with his housekeeper (Lucia Moniz) but can't communicate with her: she speaks only Portuguese, he only English. A shy office worker (Laura Linney) is too tongue tied and tragically preoccupied with her mentally ill brother to consummate her passion for the hunk at the neighboring computer. A recently widowed dad (Liam Neeson) tries to reach out to his love-struck 10-year-old stepson. And that's less than half the cast of writer-director Richard Curtis' epic romantic comedy, Love Actually. As you can see, a lot of Love Actually's humor derives from the fact that people are struck dumb by their passions. But as he proved with his script for Four Weddings and a Funeral, Curtis has a deft hand with multiple stories. And as he showed in writing Notting Hill and co-writing Bridget Jones's Diary, he has an acute sense of the desperate needs that underlie our often comically deflected longings. In his comedies people always act improbably, but they are full of a sort of fierce wistfulness too. They will eventually go to extraordinary lengths to find romantic fulfillment. Thus Grant's PM finds himself singing carols on Christmas Eve to bratty children. A horny, socially inept waiter (Kris Marshall) flies all the way to Wisconsin hoping for the sex he can't get in London and, of all things, finds it. A couple of movie stand-ins repeatedly get naked for the cameraman, boredly discuss London traffic and don't confess their love until they get their clothes on. On the other hand, several characters besides Linney's overly devoted sister do not get everything they want. For although Alan Rickman's emotionally constricted businessman does consummate his affair with his nastily manipulative secretary, it does not mean all ends well. Indeed, you could say the wife he betrays (Emma Thompson) carries the film's heaviest emotional weight. She's brave and � because Thompson is such a wise, fine actress � utterly winning in her devastation. Her work does not dim the general merriment; it simply colors it with a touch of heartfelt reality. But enough of Curtis' other lovably crazed characters do succeed in finding love in all the unlikely places that you leave the theater with your heart humming happily. He has his dark � well, darkish � side under control. Which is to say that he is an Englishman, well practiced in masking pain and absurdity and descents into sheer goofiness with mannerly behavior, sly irony and stiff upper lips. Don't get me wrong: Love Actually is not a black or even a particularly bleak comedy. But it does remind us � sometimes with a winning, unpolished awkwardness � that the pursuit of love is a game that is as dangerous as it is exhilarating. From the Nov. 03, 2003 issue of TIME magazine

� Colin Firth; Josh Tyrangiel I just realized that it was Colin! Tiranous Angel. Well done!

(Moon)� Colin Firth; Josh Tyrangiel I just realized that it was Colin! Tiranous Angel. Well done! Oh Moon, could you please fill in? This is code from what, where? Thanking you in advance, Bee.:-))

Oh silly me! I forgot to Thank you very much Maria! Will run out at lunch time and grab a copy.:-)))

Oh Moon, could you please fill in? This is code from what, where? Beedee, read the interview, at the end, Colin gets the credit, he is Josh, the interviewer. ;-)

LOL! very funny interview. Thank goodness Colin had a couple of good quips to keep up with the others and didn't come off too serious and too boring. COLIN: You cannot afford to miss, picking up on that metaphor. You miss by an inch, and you've got something that's catastrophic. There's a thin line between being deeply moved and the desire to vomit. I'm surprised by Liam's humor. He's quite clever and funny. Can't wait for the magazine to be delivered this afternoon. Thanks Murph and Maria!

(Momi via Karen)GWAPE is playing at the Hawaii Intl FF on Friday, Oct 31 Ohgoodie...hope Momi reports back to us. We never seem to hear from some of these folks. Louise at Austin FF? Telluride by- the- sea folks??

(Moon) read the interview, at the end, Colin gets the credit, he is Josh, the interviewer. ;-) I thought this too but Josh Tyrangiel googles as a Time movie/music writer. Wonder what the story is?

I don't think Colin is doubling as the interviewer; it could be a picture caption. Will have to wait until mag is delivered later to see what this means.

Thanks for the Time mag articles, Murph and Maria. Time is wonderful exposure, but whose idea was it to sit him down among these logorrheic magpies? I can imagine what that scene was like around the table, waiting for one of these self-absorbed luvvies to come up for air. Or as Emma T. might so charmingly say, "Shut the f___ up." ;-)

BTW, it's absolutely a photo caption. Hey, Moon, whatcha smokin' down there?;-) godferbid he has those glasses on

Time is wonderful exposure, but whose idea was it to sit him down among these logorrheic magpies? It's known as pulling your own weight. Nothing wrong with it and may help his bankability. If he's included in this group, maybe there's some hope (every body part crossed) for a Charlie Rose show with a few of them.

(Karen)If he's included in this group, maybe there's some hope (every body part crossed) for a Charlie Rose show with a few of them. Oh my!! Be still my foolish heart! I would love a Charlie Rose show!

(Karen)It's known as pulling your own weight. Nothing wrong with it and may help his bankability My point is: he has to force himself to speak up more among this type of crowd. These are the type of people who will run right over you if you don't. None of them are the type to try to draw out the quiet person. I'd much rather see him do Charlie Rose with Scarlett for GWAPE, not for this film. And Dorine, count me in the Letterman camp!

(Mari) I'd much rather see him do Charlie Rose with Scarlett for GWAPE, not for this film. So would I, but Charlie has to meet him first. Maybe he'd be impressed enough with him after to invite him back for a more serious discussion. Sheesh, I was flipping through the channels last week and saw Charlie 1-on-1 with Mark Ruffalo. Didn't watch; wasn't interested. But you've got to get Charlie Hangdog Expression's interest first.

(Karen) But you've got to get Charlie Hangdog Expression's interest first. Just like Letterman.

(Dorine) Just like Letterman. Not quite. 1-on-1 is far different IMO from being the second guest who is there to do a brief plug for a film. If you impress Letterman with that, then he'd get called back as the first guest on his next round of promos. Hey, the other CF didn't start out as the top billed guest initially either on the late night shows, but it didn't take long for their talent bookers to see his ability to draw.

Letterman will go to Hugh or Liam or Emma. The Jon Stewart show confirms that, IMO. And I would like to be wrong. But for GWAPE? Are we just going to see Scarlett? That would be his time to push too. Hey, Moon, whatcha smokin' down there?;-) LOL! Blame the Marlins, they're psychadelic. ;-) I had a hard time believing that he would only have what, two lines? ;-)

(Mari)My point is: he has to force himself to speak up more among this type of crowd. Yes, I cringed for him during his VH1 appearance for BJD. He couldn't get, nor IMO, did he try to get a word in with RZ and HG. He did much better the second time around for TIOBE with RE, RW, and FOC. (Moon)I had a hard time believing that he would only have what, two lines? ;-) I was wondering if he went off to the loo, and maybe ran into Tress;-) Thanks, Maria

Hey, Moon, whatcha smokin' down there?;-) LOL! Blame the Marlins, they're psychadelic. ;-) I had a hard time believing that he would only have what, two lines? ;-) Hey, then I'm stoned too! I thought he wrote it as well and that the name used had some sort of interesting meaning.:-)) Well, it was early!

Those Brits and their sense of humor -- That roundtable was hilarious. Curtis is a real hoot. Thanks for bring the link over, Maria.

Have my Time magazine. This spread is 4 pages long. There's a big pic at a restaurant table (with CF and HG standing behind the seated ET, RC and LN, like a wedding photo, where half the table must stand behind), another group shot on the Table of Contents page--uhmmm, ET, LM and Huge got separate headshots with quotes inset, though there's a pic of Colin and Lucia from the movie over the sidebar with Schickel's review. BTW, Colin looks a bit dorky. Sorry, you'll see.

Hi everyone Hope all is well. I apologize for not stopping in sooner but I've been out of town on several junkets and have been ill as well,especially in the mornings :) Anyway, Colin will be doing some of the morning shows, like Today and The View, but so far, none of the late night shows are interested, probably because of November sweeps--they all have bigger names they can book. But we're still trying! He did our press junket, so he'll be all over local and cable as well. My assistant will be posting shortly with some dates and all that stuff. As for the contest I had mentioned prior, we're still trying to determine a good one for it but I'll let Karen know. Karen, I've got a surprise for you in the mail in the next few days. Be on the lookout. I think you're going to like it :) People love Colin in LA and the comments we've heard have been outstanding! I gotta tell you that this man is great and it's always such a pleasure and joy working with him. He's the best. Anyway, that's it for now. More later. take care!~

(Hola)I apologize for not stopping in sooner but I've been out of town on several junkets and have been ill as well,especially in the mornings :) Congratulations Hola! Hope it's not too bad! :-) My assistant will be posting shortly with some dates and all that stuff. Oh yes please! I gotta tell you that this man is great and it's always such a pleasure and joy working with him. He's the best. Always nice to have your greatest hopes confirmed! Thanks so much Hola!!!

RICHARD: Yeah, in film after film after film. [Much laughter.] I've got a terrible thing to admit. Whenever I look at the end of the movie, when Hugh's in front of that audience and they're all clapping and he does that little wave and disappears, I keep thinking, I hope that when he dies, that's the bit they show at the end of the news. HUGH: It'd be either that or the mug shot. Thank you Maria! I nearly snorted when I read that line! He really can be quite funny! Colin didn't say too much...and Moon! When I read that CF did the interview, I laughed...I thought...Josh...er...ODB said "Dude"! Now I'm a bit sad that he didn't! LOL!

Me too Tress! (Lola)I apologize for not stopping in sooner but I've been out of town on several junkets and have been ill as well,especially in the mornings :) Congratulations Lola! I hope you don't plan to retire. ;-) My assistant will be posting shortly with some dates and all that stuff. Excellent! I gotta tell you that this man is great and it's always such a pleasure and joy working with him. He's the best. We'd love a few stories. :-)

(Hola) and have been ill as well,especially in the mornings :) Ohhhhh!!! Congratulations! Sounds as if you understand what ODB is talking about in the Time Mag article: There's a thin line between being deeply moved and the desire to vomit. Hope you are feeling better real soon! Need anything? A beetroot cube? Mini-gherkin? ;-) Please do let us know dates! Am very interested (I do hope we see the blue suit again, I've grown quite attached to it, actually)!! (Hola) I gotta tell you that this man is great and it's always such a pleasure and joy working with him. He's the best. **big sigh** Thanks Hola! Always enjoy hearing from you!

Hola, Congratulations!!! and thank you for bringing us the news. Hope you feel better, soon. (Hola) I gotta tell you that this man is great and it's always such a pleasure and joy working with him. He's the best. It's always great to hear that. ***one huge sigh***

(Hola) and have been ill as well,especially in the mornings :) Congratulations! Take it easy and I hope you get over this particular phase soon. I've got a surprise for you in the mail in the next few days. Be on the lookout. I think you're going to like it :) Yippee!!!!!!! Would park myself on the front stairs but it's a little nippy out. ;-) I can't wait to see the surprise. I *love* prezzies! Thank you.

I'm going to add the Time article to these, but here are the pics: (This one took some doing--don't look too carefully at Colin's left shoulder/side--because naturally it was spanning two pages and had staple issues); had to piece it together, align, color in, etc.) to make the two parts fit. The little one on the Contents page: and this was with the review:

(Karen) BTW, Colin looks a bit dorky. Sorry, you'll see I'm sorry, did you say something Karen? Was fixated on ODB's left shoulder.....;-)) Nope, he looks darn cute to me, dorky is poor Liam's haircut, pretty sure a flowbee would have done a better job! Thanks!!

Thanks Boss...did you also staple something to Colin's face in the first one? Looks bloated. And where is Huge's hand going in the second one ;-)) Good PR.

Cute pics, Karen, thanks! I was all prepared for the rose-colored glasses.;-) He looks very youthful in these. (Tress)dorky is poor Liam's haircut, pretty sure a flowbee would have done a better job ROTF! Evelyn, that's Emma's hand. Congratulations on your good news, Lola! Thanks for the info, will look forward to seeing where you've booked him. So glad he's coming over and doing TV appearances again.

(Karen) But you've got to get Charlie Hangdog Expression's interest first. (Dorine) Just like Letterman. (Karen) Not quite. 1-on-1 is far different IMO from being the second guest who is there to do a brief plug for a film. If you impress Letterman with that, then he'd get called back as the first guest on his next round of promos. Yeah, but you have to get his/the producers attention even for second string. I would've been happy with that. Matter of fact, I even had in my note to Hola, that I would be happy if he went on with SJ and he was the 2nd guest. Can't imagine everyone doesn't want her. But, I decided to delete it for a variety of reasons. Thought I might have to duck tomatoes. ;-P (Moon)I had a hard time believing that he would only have what, two lines?I thought that was pretty odd. I was like why even be there if you aren't going to say anything? (Karen) Have my Time magazine....BTW, Colin looks a bit dorky. Sorry, you'll see. Grrrrr, Newsweek came today, no Time. Maybe tomorrow. (Hola) Colin will be doing some of the morning shows, like Today and The View Oh yea! We get to watch flirty Katie play with her hair and try to play footsy with him again. Always such fun to watch. And certainly, who blames her? ;-D The View....hmmm, will be curious to see if they fawn over him, as they should. Sometimes they annoy me, sometimes they don't. Interesting choice. I wonder how many of his fans watch this show already. No reason, just curious. No mention of Reege and Co. Does that mean he's skipping this time around? (one can only hope. 2 years in a row of inane baby banter and other inanity....how much more can poor Colin endure from them? ) And one can only continue to hope for other late night spots. ;-) (Hola) I gotta tell you that this man is great... No ya don't, we already know. :-) Though unfortunately, not so much from extensive personal/professional experience, as you. ;-) People love Colin in LA and the comments we've heard have been outstanding!I look forward to seeing it on the 4th, with or without a Q&A. ;-) If I love it, I'll sit right there and watch it a second time if there's room. Anyone find out preview info for Nov. 1? Muchas gracias! Will be waiting for your assistant's post on scheduling. (Moon) Letterman will go to Hugh or Liam or Emma. The Jon Stewart show confirms that, IMO I'm not quite sure of your meaning. I have a couple of theories, but could you 'splain, please? :-D

(Moon) Letterman will go to Hugh or Liam or Emma. The Jon Stewart show confirms that, IMO (Dorine), I'm not quite sure of your meaning. I have a couple of theories, but could you 'splain, please? :-D L and Leno would want the big stars and will probably have Hugh, Liam and Emma on sepately promoting the same movie. Overkill. Colin did well on Jon's show, so it was divided and decided, that's in MNSHO. ;-) Thanks, Karen! I agree about the dorky pose. I do like the second picture. Emma looks better than ever, a little nip 'n tuck? ;-)

COLIN: I do find a lot of American actors, quite creatively, use the text just as a starting point. We're much more fixed to the discipline of what's on the page. Do you think he's talking about L-dum or HS? ;-)

Are you saying that the indigestion scene in L-dum was Colin being creative? ;-) Or the scarf twirling scene in HS? ;-)

(Maria) dorky is poor Liam's haircut, pretty sure a flowbee would have done a better job! Thanks!! ROTFL...he looks like a baby chicken! ODB looks good, except what's wrong with his shoulder (I'm kidding! ;-)). His hair is a bit flat again, but I'm tickled at HG in the first pic....he's appears to be laughing at somethin' ODB did/said! (Evelyn) And where is Huge's hand going in the second one ;-)) Looks like he was attempting a bum grab and was intercepted! Is that the blue suit (she asks with bated breath!)?? And did they all plan to come dressed alike?? Liam and Richard didn't seem to get the memo about two buttons, not one! ;-) Thank you Karen for piecing ODB together and sharing!

I must say thanks to everyone for all the news and photos! I wouldn't be able to keep up with a quarter of this if it wasn't for Droolers. Here's my contribution for the day: http://www.thezreview.co.uk/trailers/trailersg.htm I think this trailer is a bit longer than the one I've seen. It's certainly clearer. I hope this means the theatres will be showing it soon.

(Tress) xcept what's wrong with his shoulder (I'm kidding! ;-)) Maybe I should've just paraphrased EmmaT... "F___ off, all of you. You should be appreciative I've made an effort for your bloody enjoyment." (and don't look at the bloody teapot either!)

In the TIME article you referenced, Maria and Karen,it was cute when ET said "Yes, with "Nobody's perfect," the best line in any film ever. Tony Curtis is probably the sexiest actor who ever lived, present company excepted." ODB should have blushed at that comment if he's as reticent this piece would demonstrate.

To: Mrs. Hola Lola From: Dorine Re: Your response to our inquiries Dear Mrs. Hola Lola, Thank you very much for your information regarding Mr. Colin Firth's upcoming television appearances. We know you are v.v. busy and appreciate any little bit of your time to check in with us. We look forward to hearing more details from your assistant, as well. No Letterman.........again, for now. :-( We shall conquer this, we shall! Also, please accept congratulations on *your* upcoming event! Hope you start feeling better soon. :-) As always, we look forward to any of Mr. Firth's publicity events, on television or in person. ;-) Thank you very much again. Have a good week! Sincerely, Dorine ;-)

(Karen) "F___ off, all of you. You should be appreciative I've made an effort for your bloody enjoyment." (and don't look at the bloody teapot either!) Ooooohhhh...she's testy (and HG isn't even near her bum!)! ;-) I didn't even notice the bloody teapot as it was not a part or near ODB (but now that you mention it....LOL...;-D)! But I bloody well appreciate all the bloody work being done to bring us the most current and up to the minute news in regards to all things Firthlike. Thanks!

(Karen) "F___ off, all of you. You should be appreciative I've made an effort for your bloody enjoyment." (and don't look at the bloody teapot either!) (Tress) I didn't even notice the bloody teapot... I think it's a case of, "if you don't mention it, no one may notice." ;-) Frankly, as I don't have a mondo size screen, I didn't, and might never have noticed either one. Thanks Dr. Frankenstein....er, Karen for your efforts at patching the picture together into a cohesive whole. Or whatever. ;-)

So much great news Hola...the CF news is wonderful but your own gave me the best grin! Thanks and good luck! (MCP) "F___ off, all of you. You should be appreciative I've made an effort for your bloody enjoyment." (and don't look at the bloody teapot either!) ROFLMAO Do you not know we worship the keyboard you type on? I came here *knowing* pics from Time would be up, but take you for granted? Nevah! flowbee Still cackling over this one...poor Liam, but who knew he had such a sense of humor?

Now that you mention it, it looks like ODB just made a *crack* about the teapot and Huge thinks it's funny!:-))) My maxim at work: No good deed goes unpunished.;-) But seriously folks, Karen you are such a doll! I ran out at lunch to get a copy of time forgetting that the mag shop gets it's delivery on Tuesday! I get back and Walla! Such a treat. Ms. Hola, thanks so much for great news about the junket and the best to you and yours. Get as much sleep as you can now!

Thanks MCP, (er, Karen) for the bloody marvelous job you do with getting news and photos to us with lightning speed;-) We are so lucky to have you at the helm! Thanks Hola for your good news and congratulations on the cause of your temporary illness. Hope you are feeling much better soon. Love to hear your praise of YKW since we know you have spent time with him. Your updates allow us to hope as we've never been allowed to hope before that we'll be seeing a lot of ODB on the talk shows. Brenda, thank you for the gorgeous GWAPE trailer. I think *Lick your lips* may join *Say my name* among my favorite ODB lines;-)

http://www.burnsfilmcenter.org/FilmProgramming/Docs/special.html#girlwithpearl Colin, Scarlett and Peter Webber will be discussing GWAPE at the Jacob Burns Centre, Pleasantville, New York on November 11. Tickets available from November 6. REVIEW EVENT *GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING Tues. Nov. 11 at 7:00 Peter Webber, 2003; 95 min. PG-13; UK A speculative account of the life of Griet, a 16-year-old girl who appears in Johannes Vermeer's painting of the same title. Set in 17th-century Holland and photographed with all the sublime incandescence of the portrait, the film features Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth and Tom Wilkinson Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth and director Peter Webber will discuss the film with New York Times critic and JBFC boardmember Janet Maslin. JBFC Members at the Film Buff level and above may purchase tickets now. Remaining tickets will go on sale on Thurs. Nov. 6. oback to top obuy tickets

A panel discussion with Colin about one of his movies. Think it'll happen this time? ;-) Thanks so much, Bethan!

Oh, and Janet Maslin isn't the greatest moderator, IMO.

(Moon)I had a hard time believing that he would only have what, two lines? (Dorine)I thought that was pretty odd. I was like why even be there if you aren't going to say anything? Give 'im a break , he's swimming with 'big fishes' here. I was glad to see him in the picture even if he never said a word.

(Evelyn) he's swimming with 'big fishes' here. Survival of the fittest. I was glad to see him in the picture even if he never said a word. So am I, but that's a different matter. I should've put a winkie or a LOL after the "not say anything" comment. I didn't mean it as a serious criticism, but you gotta admit it's odd (yes, not necessarily considering the company. And who knows what of his might have been cut). Like on the VH1 Cast Party.

(Evelyn)And where is Huge's hand going in the second one Forget Huge's hand..check out Liam's! Thank you Lola for all the info..and congratulations! your DH works fast;-)! Karen, you are the best, thanks for the pics! didn't notice anything wrong with CF's shoulder or the funky teapot...all I saw was Huge's huge head and that's certainly not your fault;-)!

will be discussing GWAPE at the Jacob Burns Centre, Pleasantville, New York Think they'll show it in black and white? ;-)

Bloody hell, I go off to a hockey game for a few hours and the whole bloody board has gone to bloody hell. (Karen)had to piece it together, align, color in, etc.) to make the two parts fit. Well at least your job is v. important. Good to know you weren't just fannying about with the press releases;-)Thank you v.v. much...lop-sided shoulders and all. (Dorine)Like on the VH1 Cast Party.. Except I don't think anything was cut...his lips were sealed tighter than when he kisses;-)

(Linda) his lips were sealed tighter than when he kisses;-) ROTFL!!

(Dorine)Like on the VH1 Cast Party.. (Linda) Except I don't think anything was cut...his lips were sealed tighter than when he kisses;-) LOL! But we're talking about the BJD VH1 show, right? Now, that was uncomfortable to watch, not the TIOBE one. Rupe was determined to embarrass him and make him speak.

(Karen)But we're talking about the BJD VH1 show, right? Now, that was uncomfortable to watch, not the TIOBE one. Rupe was determined to embarrass him and make him speak. Clicking heels and repeating 3 times...forward not backward...forward not backward...forward not backward...(that bad huh?)

BarbS: (that bad huh?) The BJD one, yes. He said hardly anything and looked bored out of his mind, except when RZ mentioned a certain singer (can't remember which one right now) and there was a flicker of interest. Otherwise, it was the Sharon Maguire and Huge Show, with RZ and an unidentified lump on the sofa.

I never saw the BJD one. I thought TIOBE was bad for him, though that chicken pecking thing had me rolling. Unfortunately at ODB's expense. ;-)

Moon)I had a hard time believing that he would only have what, two lines? (Dorine)I thought that was pretty odd. I was like why even be there if you aren't going to say anything? I wish he had been able to say more as well, but under the circumstances, with those (thanks Mari!) logorrheic magpies, I just find myself humming that old Seame Street classic, "One of these things..." and that is definitely part of his appeal, that he is not like the rest...Or maybe he shares the same problem as me...The Michigan J Frog Syndrome, you will be laughing and telling stories to one person and then that person calls over someone else and says, "hey, tell your story to Macchu and Picchu.." and your little frog lips seal up and all you can manage is a dry croak...

(Maria)The Michigan J Frog Syndrome, you will be laughing and telling stories to one person and then that person calls over someone else and says, "hey, tell your story to Macchu and Picchu.." and your little frog lips seal up and all you can manage is a dry croak... ROTFL! So right on and humorously told! Can you tell it again at the *opening*? Machu and Picchu, what a hoot!

Besides, I didn't think the TIME interview was all that scintillating anyway;-P Although all the participants thought it was.

Colin is known to be "lively enough in other places", so it was hard to understand why only the token lines. I thought Hugh was very funny. Thanks, Bethan! Dorine, will you attend the Q&A? We must come up with questions. ;-)

Here's a better version of the pic accompanying the review in Time: I expect I'll have a higher quality one when Hola's package arrives. ;-)

(Linda)his lips were sealed tighter than when he kisses;-) LOL, Linda, you've nailed it: he was practicing for when he resumes TEOR filming.;-) Except I don't think anything was cut... Surely at some point in the interview someone sneezed, and surely OBD would have said "Gesundheit." Why couldn't they have put that in?;-) Perhaps an irate missive aimed at Time's editorial swine is in order.;-) ;-) ;-)

(Mari)Surely at some point in the interview someone sneezed, and surely OBD would have said "Gesundheit." Why couldn't they have put that in?;-) Perhaps an irate missive aimed at Time's editorial swine is in order.;-) ;-) ;-) LMAO. Oh, there went the diet coke. Or he could have said, "more tea, anyone"? Or, "my left shoulder is really sore";-) (Karen)Otherwise, it was the Sharon Maguire and Huge Show, with RZ and an unidentified lump on the sofa. Yes, the first interview. That was oh so painful to watch. I did enjoy the TIOBE Cast Party. He took RE's ribbing as all in good fun and got some funny lines in himself. He looked much more relaxed and I think he was more comfortable with the company. The difference between the two shows was amazing. IMO.

Apparently, there was some kind of LA premiere (gala screening???) in Madrid yesterday. Pics of Huge, Bill Nighy, Richard Curtis, Lucia M and Heike Makatsch here: http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=gls====40607

(Moon) Dorine, will you attend the Q&A? Yep, got my ticket....and my Time. :-D Thanks again, Bethan!

Just got tickets for the GWAPE showing at the Hawaii International Film Festival on Friday night! I thought it would be hard to get, but there were lots left, apparently. Guess the movie's not prominent on the radar here in Hawaii. Don't think any people associated with the production will be here, but just seeing the movie 2 months early will be great. Can't wait to see it!

Radio Times mag in UK has free LA tickets for more screenings, this time Tuesday Nov 11. I don't have it with me or I would type up the list of cinemas. Also heat magazine has a two page spread on the fight scene in Hyde Park and admits that if they keep their coverage up, we will see the whole movie in photos before it comes out.

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND WORKING TITLE FILMS HOST THE WORLD PREMIERE OF 'LOVE ACTUALLY' THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6 AT THE ZIEGFELD THEATRE IN MANHATTAN WHAT: The world premiere of "LOVE ACTUALLY" WHO: "LOVE ACTUALLY" cast members Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Martine McCutcheon, Rowan Atkinson, Thomas Sangster, Claudia Schiffer, Shannon Elizabeth, Olivia Olson and January Jones; director/screenwriter Richard Curtis; producers Duncan Kenworthy, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner; and soundtrack artist Kelly Clarkson. Plus, additional celebrity guests including: Anthony Edwards, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's Fab 5 (Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Thom Filicia, Carson Kressley, Jai Rodriguez), Josh Groban, Heather Matarazzo, Greg Wise, and many others. WHERE: Ziegfeld Theatre 141 West 54th Street New York City WHEN: Thursday, November 6, 2003 5:30 PM Press Call Time 6:30 PM Celebrity Arrivals 7:30 PM Screening Begins http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-28-2003/0002046410&EDATE=#

Never mind; is exactly what had been posted on Sept 29. ;-)

From an online Q&A with Tracy Chevalier in The Times today: Do you approve of the casting of Colin Firth as Vermeer and Scarlett Johansson as Griet? If you had had completely free reign which stars would you have cast in those parts? Jo Smertin, Wiltshire I think they both did a great job. If I could choose an ideal cast, I would have a younger Alan Rickman play Vermeer, and a complete unknown play Griet � a 17-year-old would-be actress plucked out of drama school. That would mirror what Griet went through � an unknown thrown into a different world. However, in the real world that just doesn�t happen. For one thing, the part of Griet is tremendously difficult because you have to act just with looks � she has very few lines. What young, inexperienced actress could pull that off? Scarlett is the best compromise � she�s still very young (turned 18 on the set) but she�s experienced enough to know how to act, and she�s not yet too well known. She will be now, mind you � I think her time has come. In the character of Griet completely fictional? Josie Butterfield, Norwich Yes. No one knows who any of the models in Vermeer�s paintings are. Some believe her to be his eldest daughter, but she would have been 12 at the time and I think this girl is older. Besides, that look, with its underlying eroticism, is not a look a girl would give her father. It is an intimate look, though, of someone who knew him, who was around him. So I chose her to be his servant. What influence, if any, did you have in the making of this film? Did you have any reservations about selling the story to a film company? Kevin Chamberlain, Cardiff I had no influence on the film � deliberately so. I am no filmmaker and know nothing of that world. Also I�m so close to the book that really I�m the last person to decide what scenes would work in a film and what wouldn�t. I thought I should leave it to the professionals. As a result of taking a back seat, I got on very well with the producer and screenwriter. So they kept me informed about what was happening � often a little time after dramatic events (financing falling apart, actresses pulling out, etc.) so that I didn�t have to suffer with every twist and turn. I did have some reservations about selling the book � it is so visual that I think many readers have a little film of it in their heads, and it pained me to think that those imagined films will get replaced by a real one. However, I�ve been delighted with the result; I think the film is a good companion to the book, like two sisters, and I don�t think readers will be disappointed. Did the director of photography draw inspiration from Vermeer�s paintings for his lighting in the film? Melissa Danby, London Yes indeed � from Vermeer, and also from Rembrandt, de Hooch, Metsu, and other Dutch painters. In fact, the film is like a series of gorgeous tableaux � I kept wanting to shout out, "Stop the film!" so I could gaze on another would-be Vermeer or Rembrandt. Did you ever fear that the Dutch cultural circles would not receive well the construction of your novel so close to Professor Philip Steadman�s ideas on Vermeer�s using a camera obscura to paint realistically? Cristina Musat, USA I was terrified the Dutch would hate the book on many levels � Vermeer�s possible use of the camera obscura was really the least of my worries. Luckily, however, the Dutch readers who have been in contact with me have been very supportive and remarked on how well I captured the Dutch mentality. Concerning the camera obscura, Professor Steadman has written a book in which he suggests Vermeer used it extensively in his work. Other scholars say he didn�t use it at all. I fall somewhere in the middle of that spectrum � I think he was interested in it, and used it a bit. That�s me, middle of the road. ~~~~~~~ You can read the rest here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/printFriendly/0,,1-7015-865286,00.html

Darker but no less engaging, is Peter Webber's Girl With a Pearl Earring, which imagines the story behind Johannes Vermeer's famous painting, as depicted in the best-selling novel by Tracy Chevalier. With each shot drawing on the soft color and studied composition of Vermeer's paintings, this beautiful film is almost swallowed up by its own imagery. Luckily, there's just enough room for some surprisingly nuanced acting. There's been Oscar talk surrounding Scarlett Johanson (whose lips rival Angelina Jolie's as Hollywood's most luscious) for her part in Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation, but she could just as easily grab the golden guy for her turn as the girl in the painting: subtle, delicate, unintentionally sexy. The chemistry between her and a brooding Colin Firth is almost indecent. http://www.time.com/time/europe/arts/article/0,13716,525536,00.html Now I'm awake!

Stylistically Jan Vermeer might be considered a Dutch Caravaggio with his spare use of light, an effect used throughout Girl with a Pearl Earring, a film from Peter Webber, adapted by Olivia Hetreed from Tracey Chevalier�s novel based on the artist�s life. I haven�t read the book, but their movie plays like a bodice ripper with bodices refusing to be ripped. Such were the times in 1665 Delft with staunch religious and powerful sexual divisions. Long before we see him, Vermeer is set up visually and musically as some kind of sacred monster, so we are surprised to see gentle Colin Firth step out of the shadows. His mother-in-law whispers to the new servant girl Griet (Scarlett Johansson) �You�re a fly in his web. We all are!� which would seem to suggest he rules that roost, but in truth it is the women who are in control. Men only lust and paint � or buy the paintings. Never has it been made so clear that Art in these early times was a sort of pornography. It seems to run longer than it does because of its steady pace and mystical, even holy aura around pretty Griet, who threatens to turn into Joan of Arc rather than just that titular Girl. Did we need that homage to David Hockney by introducing a camera obscura but doing nothing with it? If they wanted to expand, why not dig into Jan�s daughter�s naughtiness? There was much I wouldn�t buy, obsessions forced and magnified; but all the downs were over-balanced by the inspired visuals, and we are dealing in great art, are we not? http://www.audiencemag.com/festivals/millvalley.html

(Maria's ime.com article)The chemistry between her and a brooding Colin Firth is almost indecent. Oh my.........., (fans self), Thanks Maria!

(TC)If I could choose an ideal cast, I would have a younger Alan Rickman play Vermeer, and a complete unknown play Griet � a 17-year-old would-be actress plucked out of drama school. That would mirror what Griet went through � an unknown thrown into a different world. However, in the real world that just doesn�t happen Thank Gawd we're in the real world. Long before we see him, Vermeer is set up visually and musically as some kind of sacred monster, so we are surprised to see gentle Colin Firth step out of the shadows... �You�re a fly in his web.. ...gentle Colin Firth. Now that's a visual! Counting the hours till I'm a fly;-) Thanks, Karen and Maria

BaftaLA is showing November 14 as the screening date for GWAPE at the Pacific Design Center, though you cannot RSVP as yet. Love Actually is listed at "anticipated" only, with no date.

Another glowing review with an especially nice take on Colin: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/click/movie-10002174/reviews.php?critic=all&sortby=default&page=1&rid=1211223 Firth is broodingly virile, amply suggesting why Griet might be in a state of arousal over more than his painting talent, which plays into the ignitable intrigues permeating the residence. His portrayal also captures a degree of sympathy for the man of art threatened by the parlor politics of three generations of women... Cinematographer Eduardo Serra doesn't only expertly render the textural richness of the scenery, costumery and cast, but he takes his lighting cues from the master's eyes. That highly directional Vermeer side light with gradations of tonal values into deep shadow are used in his photography to maximize the third dimensional effect, with the added enhancement of an amber-gold overlay. This is marvelously applied to the Johannsen features enveloped within the framing of her headpiece. The Kodak moment, however, comes when she at last reveals her red hair in all its flowing magnificence. The impact of it is a breathe-taker, as designed. This emphasis on looks is not merely a voyeuristic or idle issue. The entire drama revolves around the emotional waves set in motion by the presence of unusual beauty. What novelist Chevalier imagined is that the girl in the painting might have created this kind of havoc and disruption in the very household of the admiring painter. As director Webber's camera rests lovingly and longingly on the big eyes and lush lips of the subject, he is supporting that proposition and making art out of speculation.

To: Mrs. Hola Lola [and special guest] From: Jane Re: Colin Firth/Love Actually Launch/Australia Dear Mrs. Hola Lola, Thanks so much for dropping in and giving us the good news - congratulations on your impending "special guest". Could you please have your assistant also post info about Colin's rumoured upcoming visit to Australia, if you are privy to that info? Also, I have a contact at the ABC radio station, so if you'd like Colin interviewed on ABC radio, please email me and I can probably help out a bit. Sincerely, Jane (with apologies to Dorine! ;-))

So far, we've got Liam, Emma and Laura Linney scheduled on the Today Show (Tues, Wed, and Friday, respectively) and Liam and Emma on Reege & Kelly for those same dates. Is v. painful thinking about this... ;-)

"Firth is broodingly virile" Ladies, I do believe that says it all!

(Karen)Is v. painful thinking about this... ;-) What's is? The thought of him *not* being on these shows, or the thought of him being on these shows? ;-);-) Katie Couric will get him on Today if she has to put a muzzle on the other 3 and tie them up in the green room.;-) (Tracy C.)I would have a younger Alan Rickman play Vermeer Bitch. ;-) Thanks for the latest reviews, ladies! BTW, I've been getting mail from Kelly Ripa every other day for the past two weeks (She is originally from a few towns over and her dad is running for local office.)

(Tracy C.)I would have a younger Alan Rickman play Vermeer I was v. surprised she answered this. She's right and you can tell she's not of the filmmaking world. I don't think anyone else would have answered it straight out like that. (Mari) Katie Couric will get him on Today if she has to put a muzzle on the other 3 and tie them up in the green room.;-) LOL!

(Mari) What's is? The thought of him *not* being on these shows, or the thought of him being on these shows? ;-);-) (c) the thought of Liam, Laura and Emma on R&K. ;-) Bet we get "baby" talk with Emma, she says whilst rolling her eyes. (Tracy C.)I would have a younger Alan Rickman play Vermeer (Mari) Bitch. ;-) You know that's not what Moon would've called her. ;-) ...ah, the AR luvvies cannot be restrained. Once a Rickman luvvie, always a Rickman luvvie. LOL!

(EmmaB)Radio Times mag in UK has free LA tickets for more screenings, this time Tuesday Nov 11. I don't have it with me or I would type up the list of cinemas. Thanks, Emma. Picked up my tickets tonight! It makes up a little for being unable to travel to London for any of the premieres/special screenings.

Think I'll start counting number of times cliched/trite are used... http://latinoreview.com/films_2003/universal/loveactually/review.html

I felt that I had just been emotionally manipulated for two hours and twenty minutes. It�s a cheap feeling. I usually go to the movies to be emotionally manipulated;-)And I never feel cheap. (not with my movie expenses) And just what's wrong with leaving the theater with that "feel good" feeling?

Love Actually opens 21 November in South Africa, and the ads have started appearing on TV.

(Tracy C.)I would have a younger Alan Rickman play Vermeer (Mari) Bitch. ;-) (Karen), You know that's not what Moon would've called her. ;-) LOL! Well yeah! That was not very nice of Tracey, was it? Especially since she gave in and said that Scarlett was perfect and in turn implying that Colin as Vermeer, was not. (Karen)Is v. painful thinking about this... ;-) (Mari),What's is? The thought of him *not* being on these shows, or the thought of him being on these shows? ;-);-) ROTF! But at least Livia will get a trip to NYC and get to do her Xmas shopping. ;-)