(Evelyn)We really wanted to ask her to move, but didn't have the nerve. Probably, she would always rather have us view him through the "Livia lens" as it were.:-) (Karen)Any answer from the weather man would probably be *precipitous* ;-) Isn't that the truth! So good to have everyone back on board! Am really looking forward to news from GWAPE BAFTA screening. Please, if you guys get the chance, ask CF if he's going with PW to any more film fests. You might suggest Santa Fe if he has trouble thinking of any nice ones.:-) (BeeDee)He was flirting with us! Did you ever in your wildest dreams think you would be able to write those words???!!!?? Did anybody just happen to have a video camera handy? (Evelyn)We wish all DD could have been there with us.....toasted: "To absent friends". That is so sweet. It reminds me of the International Sand Club toasting to absent wives.:-)

Don't know what I can add to all that you have already heard (but you do know I'll go on too long, so apologies in advance)! Was surprised that we were let into the press tent and wonder if things would have been different had it not been raining! We really lucked out....I believe there were 14 Droolers present and probably about 70 fans in the tent? We were representin'! ODB got the most applause and cheers. He looked amazing! Blue suit (again!) and black shoes this time! Livia looked lovely. Black cashmere type top with a red suede skirt....nice shoes (took a few pics of them) and the hair is faux. Goes down to her butt and is HUGE. Have a few pics of it as well (one with SAL-MAAAAAN Rushdie standing next to her and talking). BTW, did not get to ask Mr. Rushdie were the loos were....rather disappointed !! ;-D Is very important to me to know were all toilets are situated. Bill Nighy was a sweetheart! He came over to me (after noticing I wanted an autograph earlier, when he was done with his press obligations he said "where is that lady with the poster? I have to sign for her". Came over and personalized his autograph to me. We talked of LA (told him I thought he was brilliant....too funny) and told him I enjoyed I Capture the Castle. He said he was proud of both films. He then gave a big ol' belly laugh when KathyF told him that she enjoyed LA so much that "Christmas Is All Around" was growing on her.....he said "it's rubbish!" and laughed some more! Emma Thompson was incredibly nice. She came over to sign and said "I think you are all going to really enjoy this film". Most of us said that we had already seen it. I then told her that her part really moved me and was a real treat to watch. She said something like "that is really kind, thank you" and then asked "who are you all here to see?" When we said "Colin" she said something like "I'm so thrilled for him! He has so many fans here tonight!" She seemed genuinely pleased that ODB was having such a fuss made over him. ODB was friendly and talkative and seemed really relaxed (unlike Toronto). He spoke to our 'corner' for a few minutes (thank you Mari for keeping a cool head and being able to actually 'verbalize'). She asked him about The Dead Wait ("precipitous" he replied! He couldn't really talk about it as it was still up in the air). Mari also mentioned seeing him at Donmar and welcomed him to her 'neighborhood' (he smiled with dimples at that remark). She asked how long he had been in NYC ("three days now"). He was initially confused by a question (don't think he heard it all) when she asked "what is after TEOR?" and he replied "We are filming that right now". She then said something about "I meant projects" and that is when he used "precipitous" (my new favorite word now! LOL!). He touched me this time (no poking!). First when I handed him my poster to sign, he took the pen out of my hand and we had 'contact'. His fingers were cool (not hot or warm) and dry! Big ol' sigh! Then he asked "do you have something I can write on?" Linda was kind enough to hand over her book for him to use as a 'desk' (a hardship to have him fondle her paperback...LOL! ;-D). As he was signing, KathyF handed her book over to me over my shoulder. I stuck it out to ODB and he then took book and pen from me again (touched me at this point too....got the poster and pen back....and he touched my other hand getting pen away from me to sign for KathyF. This time he capped my Sharpie before it came back so I didn't get a 'pokin'). Managed to eek out a 'thank you' and he said "you're welcome" while listening to Mari's questions. It wasn't until after he signed for Linda that I realized ODB had signed autograph actually to me (thank you again Bill Nighy!!!!). There was an akward moment on the carpet, but ODB bounced back fairly quickly. I was taking pics and was messing with my camera...when I looked up, ODB was moving quickly backward with a shocked/stunned look on his face. I asked the girl next to me if he had been hit (as he was making a face as if he had been struck) and she told me that someone had just grabbed him and kissed him. This put a bit of a damper on the festive mood for a minute or two....but ODB recovered quickly and moved down and continued to sign.....I heard later that this woman had been told several times by security to calm down or they would escort her out. She had supposedly been hanging over the barrier and acting out a bit....is unfortunate. One person can ruin a mood or ruin something for dozens more. ODB was a trooper and continued down the row.....but it took a minute for everyone to get 'back to normal'. I don't think because ODB is an actor he forfeits his right to his personal space. I hope that doesn't happen too often o him. Would be very sad if he became like some of the other stars that were at LA who walked by their fans because they didn't want the bother (AR and LN spent no time with fans. Neither did Rowan Atkinson). Hugh was kind and signed for us as well (I saw that Mari has already told you her question to HG and his "Bloody Colin" response! LOL)! He was actually a very good sport. Thought he was very good to us....to tease us and sign. He has lovely blue eyes (incredibly blue eyes) but is showing his age a bit more than ODB. Someone asked "Can I take your picture?" and he responded with "of course" or something similar. Anyway...found him charming. Loved the ODB/HG hug on the carpet! This entire evening was magical! Made more so because I met so many incredibly funny and witty Droolers. Maria and I asked a security guard if we could walk the carpet when all the stars had left, he opened the 'gate' and we were able to walk upon the carpet touched by ODB. We talked to the head of security and Maria made me LOL...she said "So if I were to go to the afterparty, where would I be going?" He told her right away! LOL! He just said "The Metroland" and gave us the address (even drawing map of Manhattan...with his umbrella). He told us what time the stars would be arriving and maybe when we should arrive (which we didn't......I don't know about my fellow droolers, but I was just so thrilled to have spent 30-40 minutes in the same room as ODB that getting into the party was secondary to having cocktails and muscles and frittes at The Plaza with my fellow Droolers)! We did go see ODB arrive at the party (Dorine taking up post in the air.....I have come to believe that in some past life she was either a bird or monkey ;-D). We got to see ODB enter (after much applause and 'fuss' again!) and then went to bond at The Plaza. He gave us a nice wave and big, dimpled, full grin, toothy smile! I must say that the Droolers I met were an amazing group of ladies. I haven't had so much fun in ages.....it is amazing to me that we come from all over and yet when we get together, we have such a connection and can talk for hours about not just ODB, but other things as well. I'm going on 5 hours of sleep in the last 72? 80? hours! Laughed, talked and drooled my heart out this weekend! Thank you all ladies! I had a blast and it was a pleasure to meet each and every one of you! Special shout out to Dorine who organized many of the activities! Thanks! The island of Manhattan will never look the same (right Rika?) and the subway to the Village will be doing the silent hokie pokie thanks to Maria! OH! and several of us met "Lady Dashwood". She was a sweetheart. She took pictures with us...she is so wee! And incredibly kind! I'm off to Bedforshire!

(Tress) We talked to the head of security and Maria made me LOL...she said "So if I were to go to the afterparty, where would I be going?" Was that Mike with the hat? OMG! or did Maria and I ask 2 different people the exact same question, LOL!!!! The island of Manhattan will never look the same (right Rika?) and the subway to the Village will be doing the silent hokie pokie thanks to Maria! ROTFLMAO!! I'll never get on the subway without being a grinnin' fool again. (Dorine taking up post in the air.....I have come to believe that in some past life she was either a bird or monkey ;-D). Maybe a flying monkey? I've always had a huge affinity for The Wizard of Oz. ;-) Thanks so much, Terry! Didn't know about some of the questions and answers down your way. And, your welcome, for the little bit I did. :-D Got a ways to go 'til I'm Julie, the Cruise Director. ;-)

(Dorine) Was that Mike with the hat? OMG! or did Maria and I ask 2 different people the exact same question, LOL!!!! Yes! Did you ask that question? Am I still hallucinating? I thought it was Maria that asked Mike that! GAH! But I do think that Maria asked someone as well....the guy we took to calling Vinnie maybe??! He was the one that let us on the carpet I think....am now all fuzzy and warm after no sleep/all drool diet! Am incredibly surprised at how quickly the security boys gave up their info (they were practically willing to throw us all in the car and drive us there....LOL!). Must now learn to chat up the drivers of various limos and town cars for info....this would also keep us (by us, I mean Maria and I) from chasing the wrong car two or three blocks just in the hope of a glimpse! Not that we would do something silly like that.....;-)

It seems very sure that I can attend the LA London premiere. So everybody who is comming too, please feel free to contact me via e-mail. Also, I would appreciate some tips ( via e-mail), as it is my first premiere.

Just a quick note, then it's off to work! For those in later time zones, Colin is on in the second hour of the Today Show, about 20 minutes into the second hour. Adorable. And Katie couldn't resist a touch on the knee.;-) I want to know who the people from San Francisco are who had the big Colin Firth sign outside the studio.

Katie was cute on the Today Show.....she was too far away to touch him with her feet while they were sitting on those high chairs, but she just *had* to touch him. See that slow little jab on his knee? LOL! She's cute. Not so great lighting for him. He looked a bit tired (not surprising, I suppose) and the lights washed him out a bit.

(Karen)BTW, we don't think the photogs were yelling at Greg Wise (uttery doll) I don't think you saw what I was referring to. Emma Thompson and Greg Wise were being photographed together, and some of the photogs asked for shots just of her. Greg knelt at her feet (you can see a couple of shots of this on WireImage). It was while he was in that pose that one of the photogs yelled, "Get the f*** out of the way." They could have been yelling at someone else, but as nobody else was "in the way" I can't imagine who it would have been. Greg appeared to believe that it was aimed at him, because he immediately stood up and walked around the corner and waited while Emma finished up with the photographers. When she was near the end of the gauntlet, someone asked for a photo of the two of them, and he came back. Okay, on to something new! I just got back to my hotel from the area outside the "Today Show" studio in Rockefeller Center. I saw Colin's interview being taped through the windows. During the preceding commercial break, Katie Couric came over to him and got a kiss, and they chatted with quite a bit of animation until it was time for them to sit down and start the interview. When it was done, the two of them stayed seated for a few minutes chatting some more, before he finally departed. He stopped briefly outside the studio doors - some professional autograph sellers were there, along with one photographer who kept blocking my view, so I have one very bad photo from outside and that's all. Sadly, most of the people waiting by the doors were there to see Ann-Margret, who was on the show about half an hour later, and didn't even know who Colin was, but that didn't stop them from getting in the way! As you saw on TV, he was wearing a dark blue jacket and white shirt, along with light khaki-colored slacks. Maybe the matching blue slacks are at the cleaner's after his spill on Thursday. :-) (Mari) I want to know who the people from San Francisco are who had the big Colin Firth sign outside the studio. I saw them. Didn't get a chance to talk to them, though. I couldn't get into that area - even though it was fairly empty, the area you had to walk through to get there was completely jammed with people standing around a huge stage where they were doing Today's "American Idol" equivalent. And I also wanted to be able to pop over to the stage door afterwards - would never have made it back through the crowd in time. (Dorine) Not so great lighting for him. He looked a bit tired (not surprising, I suppose) and the lights washed him out a bit. He looked tired (though still gorgeous) in person too. Polite but subdued with the people outside the studio. But this was also a very different sort of atmosphere, where he wasn't called upon to be friendly and sociable. Most of the people waiting there just wanted their autographs so they could go sell them. One fan did get her picture taken with him, and I could probably have managed that if I'd been more aggressive, but because he looked tired I decided not to bug him.

Looks like Hugh is getting back at Mari: ;-) GRANT: FIRTH IS TOO OLD FOR COMEDY Actor HUGH GRANT has mocked his younger pal COLIN FIRTH's sex symbol status - claiming the screen star is "starting to look his age". Grant - who teamed up with Firth in BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY and new movie LOVE ACTUALLY - took a good-humoured pop at his friend this morning (10NOV03) on British TV show GMTV, questioning his handsome looks and suitability for film roles. When the NOTTING HILL hunk - who is actually one day older than Firth - was asked whether the pair are pals, Grant replied, "It's very difficult to like Colin. "I feel sorry for him on the regard that he is starting to look his age, poor old boy. The question arises, is he too old for romantic comedy now? I think he is. "The problem is one eye has started to droop a little." http://www.channel4.com/film/newsfeatures/news_story.jsp?storyId=2527

I don't want to be an alarmist, but why don't any of the t.v. listings show CF as being on Craig Kilbourn??? Maybe it's next week?

Tivoing the Today show in a later time zone channel, missed the local version. About how far in to the first and second hours is the Firth interview?

Cute interview on the Today Show. Thanks for being the on the spot reporter, Rika.The slacks looked like khaki cords...were they, ? Jacket , denim? Shirt looked like pajama tops; maybe he was in a hurry;-)

Dunno, maybe I missed reading about it, but on the night of The Daily Show, were any of "us" among the "hard-core" fans that were there and witnessed the "falling on his ass" before getting in the limo? Inquiring minds want to know. BTW - The posts the past few days are one of the main reasons why we LOVE this site! KUDOS and THANKS to EVERYONE from me too.

(Meg) I don't want to be an alarmist, but why don't any of the t.v. listings show CF as being on Craig Kilbourn??? Maybe it's next week? Unfortunately scheduled guests often change on these shows. Who knows what will be the case. You should recall the first time Colin was scheduled for the Today Show; it was even printed in the TV Guide (I kept it!!) but didn't happen. If you go to the Wayne Brady Show webpage, Colin isn't listed as a guest either for this week, yet the Late Show lineup page shows him, as well as online TV Guide. Better safe than sorry I say. Colin appears about 20 minutes into the second hour of Today...today.

(Evelyn)The slacks looked like khaki cords...were they, ? Khaki, but I don't think they were cords unless it was a very thin wale. Almost a denim-ish look to them. Odd choice with the jacket, I thought. Jacket, denim? Looked like a pretty standard dark blue suit jacket to me. Shirt looked like pajama tops; maybe he was in a hurry;-) LOL! I don't remember anything specific about the shirt except that it was white. I must apologize, though - I forgot to check the shoe color! Was it visible on camera? I couldn't always hear what was being said during the interview (I know they discussed his learning Portugese), but I saw that they showed publicity shots of the TEOR fight in Hyde Park. Did he get a chance to mention GWAPE or any other project, or did he just stick to the Universal projects?

(Louise) were any of "us" among the "hard-core" fans that were there and witnessed the "falling on his ass" before getting in the limo? My own feeling is that it was an amusing anecdote created for his interviews. Absolutely no rumblings from his *fan base* to validate and you can be sure world would've gotten around...like the lunatic fan who might have ruined it for everyone else in the future by kissing him. Wish the security guard had thrown her out as he had threatened several times. She's really living in a fantasy world if she thinks Colin thought it was cute or had brought it upon himself. :-(

closing tags. Sorry - haven't done that in ages. Must be "ODB Fever."

tag is closed now!

Lucky you, Rika. I'm so glad you got to see him, again, this morning. He looked lovely from a TV POV. Katie will be flustered for a month after this one. LOL that she pronounced Matteo wrong. Went well with the gist of the interview, actually. OK, off to NY in two hours. Hopefully the stars will shine on us again, tonight!!

My guess is that Universal booked him on Craig Kilborn in Los Angeles for Wednesday--without realizing he had GWAPE commitments on Tuesday night in NY. He could take a very early flight Wednesday A.M. and just make it, but it's tight. I'd imagine the Kilborn appearance won't happen. Still, we have The View coming up tomorrow. Terry--did you tape E! News on Friday for us? Since that's a one hour show, I imagine they had decent coverage of the premiere.

Here are some repeat times for the Starz Hollywood One on One program that Valerie mentioned yesterday. These are all Eastern time: STARZ Nov 11 09:00am STARZ Nov 12 03:30pm STARZ Nov 13 01:35pm STARZ Nov 14 07:20am STARZ Nov 15 04:40pm STARZ Nov 19 04:25am STARZ Nov 19 04:30pm However, if you do a search at Starz: http://www.starzsuperpak.com/se/ssp/schedule/grid_search.html you can see there are two versions of this program: a 15 minute one and another on Starz theater which is 24 minutes. V. confusing, though I suppose it doesn't matter, as I don't have that channel. ;-)

(Rika) Did he get a chance to mention GWAPE or any other project, or did he just stick to the Universal projects? Just Universal stuff, unless I missed something.....shades of Thursday night. Maria asked me a couple of days later what he said to me since she couldn't hear, and I freaked because I thought I missed something beside the "thank you very much." I mean it was loud, but.... To top it off she informed me I said something out loud that I thought I was just thinking when my pen didn't work for a sec. I definitely didn't have enough to drink beforehand. ;-) Awesome for you, Rika. Maybe he can get a nap in today and be refreshed. At least he'll be talking about something other than LA tonight and tomorrow night.

Colin's shirt this morning was striped. Very nice. I thought he looked handsome. Poor guy, we expect him to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed 24/7.;-) Good luck to Dorine and Linda at the GWAPE thingie tonight! Really looking forward to your report on the Q&A, darling girls!:-)

(Mari)For those in later time zones, Colin is on in the second hour of the Today Show, about 20 minutes into the second hour. Whew! Mari thanks for that post. You saved my bacon! I would have missed it totally--as it was just missed the first little bit (I hope). Because of my unpreparedness, I was on the wrong channel briefly and saw Russell Crowe. Colin was counterprogramming to R Crowe! Definitely makes him one of the big boys.:-) (Mari)Adorable. And Katie couldn't resist a touch on the knee.;-) I watched that bit a couple of times. She did that to reconnect with him! She had just said that he didn't do a good job with speaking Portegeuse (not really the ad line they were going for). When he heard that, he put on a fake smile and broke eye contact with her and looked down. Then, she kept talking, touched his knee to get him to look up and tried really hard to dig herself out of that hole by saying she thought it was really cute and worked well in the movie. Oh, I do love to watch ODB unrehearsed. Rika, Dorine, or Linda, I had an idea but don't know if it's feasible. On the casa site, there is a photo of him talking to Rushdie at the after party. I bet he would really like a hard copy of that. 4x6 that he could slip in his pocket when you see him tonight.;-) Just a thought. Still enjoying every post and tidbit!!

(Caribou)Colin was counterprogramming to R Crowe! Definitely makes him one of the big boys.:-) Prime Time, wow! When did we *ever* think that would happen. Remember the last time he was on the Today Show ? They put him on from 9 to 10. Who looks at that time...except the cleaning ladies.

Reporting in about the Today Show from the later time zone. It was great! I couldn't focus on anything he wore because of the way he looked at Katie! How could she stand it. He had a full blown BJ birthday Mark Darcy look. I also loved how he seemed to get distracted anytime they showed clips of his movies; he must have been watching the monitor...

Saw the Today Show interview. Nice...ODB did look a bit tired, but still incredibly handsome. Loved that Katie had to slip in the knee touch (reminded me of Bridget's chest touch at the turkey curry buffet) to get ODB to look back up at her (maybe he was dozing in his jammie top! LOL!). Anyway, he looked tired but sexy... Yeah! Rika!!! You saw him again! Good for you, I'm glad you went down even if you didn't get that close. BTW, I think the shoes he was wearing were boots. Dark brown, I believe. Good luck to the BAFTA ladies, Dorine, Rika and Linda! Have fun this evening and I look forward to hearing all about it!

For the crowd that couldn't watch him on TV this morning, the Today show has the clip up on the site now: http://www.msnbc.com/news/today_front.asp?0dm=-20VV

Here she goes... Colin, right after being petted: And his face after Katie congratulates him on the baby:

They're both cuties. Thanks, Karen. (Tress) Loved that Katie had to slip in the knee touch (reminded me of Bridget's chest touch at the turkey curry buffet) Yes!!!! LOL!! It was so far into the interview, I was losing hope of seeing any "moves" from her. ;-)

All together now: Awwwwwwwww!!!!!!!! What a sweet way to start my morning! And didn't the little knee-pat thing bring to mind Darcy's sympathy pats on the distressed Lizzie?

Karen, you really captured him at the right moments! And now we definitively have the correct pronunciation of Matteo. Rika, so glad you got in another peek this morning. I think the sign that was held up right after his segment said: San Franciscans love Colin Firth and the Today Show. We thought we'd tell you "Just in cases." (Which is so clever, because that's Aurelia's line to him when he comes to propose.)

(Mari) And now we definitively have the correct pronunciation of Matteo. Turkish, right? ;-)

Hi again! Just slept (only woke up for the Today Show). OK, I'll attempt to be coherent. I�m sure everything I�m saying has already been said already. And I�ll apologize upfront to Karen for using the plural sometimes. Meeting all of the Drooleurs was absolutely amazing. You all are wonderful and a wholeheartedly wish that everyone could have been there! Oh, and when I checked into the hotel, the first thin I saw was a LA poster outside the room. It was a positive sign! ;-) I saw GWAPE with Dorine and Linda. It was truly a piece of art!!! Before the premiere, everything seemed v. iffy. A bunch of lawyers were having a party that took up the side of the hotel opposite the theater and blocked off much of the access. Harumph! The gang stood on the edge of the press tent in the rain, which I thought was itself exciting. Then a bunch of fans were issued into the tent, but "Vinnie" closed off the barrier while I was outside with several others. Dorine, I think, (the whole experience is still v. dreamlike) pulled the rest of us in after the fans inside yelled that there was still space. We were behind a barrier right on the red carpet and across from all the press. Next to Karen and me were a couple of tourists who had blindly wandered into the tent off the street but had no idea about LA or just about any of the actors. Durr� (though the man did have a video camera). And I must say, I never realized the paparazzi were so nasty and beastlike. At some point (my only time reference is on my photographs) Bill Nighy walked in as the first of the stars. He was posing and really seemed into the whole experience and was great to Tress and Kathy (I wish I had been over there). Alan Rickman was next, followed by Richard Curtis, and then the girl who played Joanna. Oh, and Kelly Clarkston was in that group too. Rowan Atkinson rushed past the photographers and they booed him very loudly until he walked back to stop for a photo or two. Emma Thompson was beautiful, and I really felt sorry for Greg Wise. I have a picture of his picture being taken by Evelyn. ;-) Maurine McCutcheon wore a lovely gown and looked stunning. Liam Neeson was there with Natasha Richardson, but he completely ignored the fans. Rodrigo Sanchez practically slipped by. My heart has started pounding like it was while we were in the tent as a I think about Colin�s entrance. The screams were deafening (he was really the only one who got any screams). Livia was stunning and Colin glowed. He was all smiley and waved and seemed genuinely delighted to be so adored. Hugh came in a moment or two later and the fans were silent. Some publicist asked the fans if we were going to scream for Hugh, and he got a few cries. I remember yelling, �You�re nice too!� He and Colin got in a big bear hug and I thought the stardom torch had truly been passed. By this time the two random tourists had left and I was standing next to the infamous psycho fan �pink girl.� She kept on nearly climbing over the barrier and Vinnie threatened her three or four times that she would be thrown out. I told her to calm down, because it wasn�t worth it to be thrown out (ah, hindsight� had I known what she was about to do, I would have assisted Vinnie in escorting her from the tent!). TMH came over and signed something that pink girl was waving and a few other things from the area in which I was standing, before being swallowed by the press again. When he came back pink girl muttered, �I have to do this,� grabbed him by the lapel/shoulder and kissed him on the dimple. He was right in front of me at that point and he recoiled in abject horror, but was so gentlemanlike and continued to sign for the fans. Pink girl then stuffed another book in front of him and insisted he personalize the message, but he couldn�t understand the way she wanted him to have it spelled and finally scribbled something while muttering that he had to go on. He signed my Speaking with the Angel. I was certain he wasn�t going to after pink girl and all I could say was sorry and thank you over and over. He was like Adonis in person; so tall and broad shouldered in the blue suit! And the dimples when he gave a big smile� wow! Oh and his voice was so deep and resonant and I�m really starting to babble here. ;-) The experience was beyond my wildest expectations, but I think the best part was meeting the other Drooleurs! I had such a blast with the whole chase and New York�s dirty little secret and everything! So much to tell, so much to conceal! It was a dream!

(Shoshana)...but I think the best part was meeting the other Drooleurs! I had such a blast with the whole chase and New York�s dirty little secret and everything! So much to tell, so much to conceal! Girl, don't leave us hanging! Tell more, I beg you!

I really must thank everyone who takes the time and trouble to post video clips, pictures, and accounts of encounters! I feel almost like I was at the LA premier with you all. So...virtual roses and Godiva chocolates to you all!

This might be an entirely impossible link, but it is pics of Rodrigo publicizing the movie in Rio [pause] de Janiero (shaking her shoulders a la HJ) ;-) http://www.globephotos.com/scripts/kws30pre.exe?site=GLOBEPH&maxhits=12&picktype=GfxOnly&type=GfxOnly&search=K33884&hmessage=BRAZILIAN+ACTOR+RODRIGO+SANTORO+DURING+AN+INTERVIEW++RIO+DE+JANEIRO,+BRAZIL++11/03/2003&ShowTotal=on&fmaxhits=&submit=lsearch

Boss Lady, I'm not sure if this belongs here but I guess you'll move/delete if necessary. Don't think I've seen it posted already. Article and review from NBC site about LA, with photo of characters (including CF), but doesn't interview CF in article. http://www.msnbc.com/news/989220.asp?0dm=V22DL

Thanks to all our premiere ladies for the wonderful reports!! I'm sure you are all still on cloud nine and suffering from lack of sleep, so thanks for sharing. You made it possible for all of us to feel that we were there, as we were in spirit! Karen, thanks for getting the Today link up so soon. My VCR's on the blink, but a friend taped it for me. I'll see it tonight, but loved the sneak peek and the caps. Dorine, Linda and Rika: Have a wonderful time and ask some great questions, or any kind of questions, so you can keep him talking! What a marvelous chance to see him in a different setting, away from the press. Looking forward to your reports later tonight!

Thank you so much ladies for all the great stuff. I don't live far from the city but it was an impossible date for me. I can say though that I am extremely jealous of you all yet strangely satisfied b/c all your reports make me feel if I was actually there! On another note, psycho fan "pink girl" has posted her story elsewhere and she saw absolutely nothing wrong with what she did. I am with you girls though, definitely over the line. Thank you again and please feel free to babble on.

Pat O'Brien gave it a rave review on Access Hollywood, he said if it's in your area and you weren't going he would personally come and give you a ride to the theater.

(Jodi) On another note, psycho fan "pink girl" has posted her story elsewhere and she saw absolutely nothing wrong with what she did. One great thing about Drool is that we don't talk about other sites (behind their backs)...that being said, I'm grateful that psycho fan "pink girl" didn't have vampire tendencies. ;-)

Rex Features had a bunch of pics from the premiere and there's a couple of crowd shots with CF signing autographs. There's one shot of a woman in a pink sweater;-). http://www.rexfeatures.co.uk/cgi-bin/r2show0?k=COLIN+FIRTH&f=Next+%3E%3E&s=yPxhs0u6aqj@Pa@MTRcl-ih0&u=DEFAULT&p=b19F8068A0000000A&t=000000DB

Thanks ladies, for your ongoing reports. I, too, am savoring every litte tidbit. Rika, Dorine, and Linda have fun tonight at the Q&A. Mari, loved your report--as you gave us the scoop on his hair, and who was naughty and nice on the red carpet. ;-) So, does this mean that in addition to red suits, we must now avoid wearing pink sweaters? ;-) Lisa, whose postings are almost as short as Evelyn's. ;-)

Hi everyone, Rika, Dorine, and I just got back from the BAFTA screening and Q&A|

(Lisa)So, does this mean that in addition to red suits, we must now avoid wearing pink sweaters? ;-) LOL! Not a hardship here on either count.:-) (Linda the Tease)Hi everyone, Rika, Dorine, and I just got back from the BAFTA screening and Q&A| Yes? So.........? What's the poop?

Sorry about that, but this poxy hotel internet connection is the pitts. Colin, Scarlett, and Peter Webber entered the theater after the screening for the Q&A. We sat in the second row and the first row was divided with a space right in front of my seat. As soon as the screening was over, a women came out and placed four chairs directly in front of that space. I knew we sat in the right spot. I turned to my left as soon as the lights went up and there he was. OMG. Colin was dressed in jeans, a black t-shirt and a brown suede jacket. He was gorgeous. Then the three of them walked down and took their seats. Colin sat directly in front of me. With a bit of effort, I could have stretched my leg all the way out and touched him. Well it might have been a big stretch, but you get the idea. For the second time in four days, I felt like I died and went to heaven. Dorine asked the first question of PW about the ending being so different from the book with almost no passage of time. He had several reasons for this, but in a nutshell he wanted to leave it ambigious, and since it wasn't historical fact, he felt this was the way to go. I'll let Dorine tell you the rest, but it might need to go to Spoilers. There was a question as to why the decision to film in Luxembourg (sp). PW said it definitley was a question of money that helped with the decision. His answers were rather long, and try as I might pay attention, my mind and eyes just kept straying to CF. I was very discreet, but it was almost impossible not to look at him with him sitting not five feet in front of me. When PW answered the question about the shooting location and the money, Colin and Scarlett kept looking at each other and giggling, raising eyebrows, etc over his answer. A few questions came from the moderator. (I have no idea who he was or what he looked like);-) The Q&A lasted about 40 minutes. When we left the theater, Colin was in the hall signing books. I couldn't find my daughter, who attended with me, and as I scanned the crowd she was standing next to Colin and asking him to sign her book. I thought...good girl...the apple doesn't fall far from the tree;-) Colin joked around a bit during the Q&A when he talked about having nothing to do for two months except show up and give a brooding look to Griet and leave. He did say he was terrified when they finally began shooting his part because he had watched for so long and could see the beauty of the film unfolding that he didn't want to mess up. He also laughed about scenes that were cut, but he didn't go into detail. PW promised that all this would be on the DVD...(I hope) What an amazing night. I still can't believe I sat there and kept cool for that long a time in such close proximity. Wow! It was a blast, and like Thursday's premiere, I won't forget it for a long, long time. Have to go...6am train out of here, tomorrow.

I'm sorry, but I must make this quick. Left several mini-crises at home before Q&A, and gee, they seem to still be here. I'll leave the transcript, as such, to Rika and Linda. First things first....he looked AFG! Brown suede jacket shirt thingy, black T-shirt, stonewashed jeans, brown boots. Veeerrrry nice! Hair...awesome!! Really nice skin up close, wonder if he shaved not long before this. (The things we ruminate on here. ;-)) Stupid me, I asked a question about the end of the movie, therefore encouraging PW to speak as opposed to ODB. He's a talker, that PW. Very interesting and passionate about what he says. I really like him and would love a long conversation one day. Scarlett was cute during one of PW's answers....he kept going on and she was kidding around with the mic and Colin, subtly, acting like she was going to try to get a word in edgewise and couldn't. ODB did answer some ?'s, or his part of questions. Q&A was short and sweet and they left the room rather quickly. Must have had somewhere else to go or were just tired. He did stop outside to speak with someone he knew or who knew someone he knew (got that? ;-)). There was a big gap on his left I slid to, though some young guy slipped in between as soon as he was done talking to the other woman...or maybe there was just a lull, cause I think she just stood there while he talked to the kid for a sec. Linda's daughter wanted something signed and seemed reluctant to go up. As soon as that kid moved out, ODB took a couple of side steps away toward the direction to leave, I took a couple of big steps to take up the gap, he looked over to me, I asked if he minded doing something, he said "Wot?," ;-), I backed up a step, pointed to Linda's daughter who was just behind me, I looked at her, tipped my head toward him and said "Go ahead," and she asked him to sign something for her. He did, of course and she got a really nice smile. Way to go G!! :-) And while I had him there (oh the images that conjures up), I managed to get something signed for someone else, as well. To make things easier for him, I had her name on a Post-It sticking up out of the book so he could use it to sign and avoid the issues of Thursday. Almost didn't help too much, he seemed distracted, or confused, or both, because I had to point it out several times that it was the name I wanted on it. Bet he's tired of all this. Can't blame him really. And it's probably been a long day for him and one tomorrow, too. His handler said he had an elevator holding for him, but he still signed a few more, with the crowd getting more dense in front of him. When he stopped and turned to leave, you could tell he'd had enough. SJ and PW must have hightailed it to the elevator right off. We never saw them out there. They came to the event together, so they were waiting on him to leave, I suppose. Gotta say, we picked one helluva guy to Drool over. :-D Outside, ran into a BAFTA VIP, to whom I pointed out that last year when George Clooney was here, she said she could listen to him read the phone book and I had instantly remarked I'd rather hear Colin. I asked her if her opinion had changed at all. She said she was very surprised about how much ODB had "IT" outside of film as he didn't have "IT" for her in films. She did seem rather enamored now, but wouldn't concede ODB had it over GC. Give her time, just give her time. ;-) Bet she'll make sure someone at BAFTA tries to get him next year. ;-D Maybe for EOR, if we're lucky. This wasn't too short. :-( Will probably be incommunicado for the next couple of days. I'm looking forward to Rika and Linda's comments.

(me) When he stopped and turned to leave, you could tell he'd had enough. Gotta say, we picked one helluva guy to Drool over. :-D Just have to reiterate how gracious he was, even when obviously tired. He could be like AR or LN and dis fans. He seemed a tad more business-like in mood and less convivial and flirty as he was on Thursday. Not a huge surprise, really.

(Linda) Dorine asked the first question of PW about the ending being so different from the book with almost no passage of time. He had several reasons for this, but in a nutshell he wanted to leave it ambigious, and since it wasn't historical fact, he felt this was the way to go. I slid in a follow-up question about whether the different ending was in the script originally when he stopped at the end of the original question. He said the script was different, and he wanted it changed. At that point, didn't ask for follow-up to that, as I all of a sudden realized there were other people in the packed house. ;-D First time in weeks, there weren't droves of exits before the Q&A. ;-)

(Dorine)Gotta say, we picked one helluva guy to Drool over. :-D You've got that right! (Linda)With a bit of effort, I could have stretched my leg all the way out and touched him. Well it might have been a big stretch, but you get the idea. Thanks so much Linda and Dorine for those lovely reports. Know how tired you must be and your efforts are much appreciated.

Yipppppeeeeee!!!! Dorine! Rika! Linda! Way to go ladies! So glad you got to see him again....and it sounds like he was looking mighty fine, though tired (can you blame him?? Crikey! I still haven't recovered from NYC and he's still there and still going!). Glad you got to ask a question on the ending Dorine. I know that you had wanted to hear his response to that.... So happy for you guys!!!! Thanks for the reports ladies!

(Ada) Rex Features had a bunch of pics...There's one shot of a woman in a pink sweater;-). Captured for all eternity. *sigh* To the left were a pair of guys holding a white straightjacket. ;-) (Linda) Sorry about that, but this poxy hotel internet connection is the pitts. But do you have water? A flushable toilet? How about working elevators? ;-) Colin sat directly in front of me. With a bit of effort, I could have stretched my leg all the way out and touched him. But could you have kissed him if there had not been a plexiglass divider between them and the audience? Did you notice if he stretched out his legs toward you, indicating (naturally) that he wanted to play footsie with you? ;-) A few questions came from the moderator. (I have no idea who he was or what he looked like);-) Pffft! ;-) I thought...good girl...the apple doesn't fall far from the tree;-) Well done you! (All of you!) Great reports Linda and Dorine. Am savoring every word and trying to visualize Linda playing footsie with him. What a whirlwind week this has been and we're not done yet!

(Linda) A few questions came from the moderator. (I have no idea who he was or what he looked like);-) From EW mag....was a last minute fill-in. Original one cancelled. He left an event to do this. (Karen) What a whirlwind week this has been and we're not done yet! One more lovely course to go! At least here.

Thank you all for the wonderful reports. I am in awe of you all. However I always like to focus on the really important issues. ;-) Did someone say they had taken a picture of Livia's shoes? Any chance of a peek? Just to add to the collection that is...

Hello Everyone and a big THANK YOU to all for your reports, pics, news, etc. - we are all eternally grateful here Down Under for the selfless CF fans out there in the big ol' world. Terry - if you've put the Today show interview into a downloadable format, I'd be very grateful to you for it, since their website seems to have crapped out. Cannot get the darned file in any way, shape or form - it either gives me an error message saying the file cannot be found or it gives me a message saying that the media is downloading - but stays at 0%. :-( I guess all of CF's fans must have murdered the media site...

(Jane) Cannot get the darned file in any way, shape or form - it either gives me an error message saying the file cannot be found or it gives me a message saying that the media is downloading - but stays at 0%. *snort* and I thought it was my computer iliteracy showing. (I also can't get in). I want to add my thanks to all the Drool Reporters and their reports. I have had a great time reading and laughing at your antics.

*TV Alert** BBCA "Talking Movies" with Tom Brook (remember him...the bald guy across from us?) featured the NY Premiere this morning.It is repeated again this morning and this evening. Tress and Linda...you are there!! Look at the right when Richard Curtis is being interviewed.Tress holding camera and talking (surprise!) He interviewed Hugh (long time...catch what he says about American audiences reaction to the president scene!), Emma, but alas not Colin. (I'm taping the next show, Boss)

Too late! Next ep is not till 5:30 am tomorrow morning.

BBC American's Talking Movies airs at Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 am, 7:30 am, and 8:30 am/et and on Saturdays at 6:30 am Eastern. While they didn't air Colin being interviewed (cannot believe that, Evelyn, after that special rapport you struck up with Tom!!!) perhaps some of the footage will show up when he reviews the movie on a subsequent show. Note: There is also supposed to be something with Colin on today's Extra! Check for your local listing here: http://extratv.warnerbros.com/local/index.html

Wonder if Colin will be on before or after the knockoff shoe segment? ;-) Oh yes, I added the December Marie Claire (UK) article here: http://www.firth.com/articles/03marieclaire_dec.html for those who haven't read it yet. More imports to come... [suitcase got significantly heavier] ;-)

(Karen)Wonder if Colin will be on before or after the knockoff shoe segment? ;-) I'm imagining him squirming in the green room wondering if they're going to ask him about home videos, and cursing whoever booked him on this show!

I'm interested to hear that the US edition of Talking Movies doesn't include any coverage of Colin, as the edition I saw here in Britain at the weekend did include a brief comment from him about his character's romance across the language barrier. It also included TB's review. I hadn't realised they produced different versions for different countries.

The ladies on The View loved Colin. He did an excellent job of thinking on the spot,especially with Star Jones and Joy Behar. Joy told him is very funny. When Meredith Viera pronounced Matteo's name properly, he looked at her with a sign of appreciation. The only thing the producer did incorrectly was to to put the guest co-host introducing , beginning and closing the spot. Her voice is "eeewww". Fortunately, the other ladies piped in and carried the brunt of the time allotted.

Just saw Colin on the View. Who dressed him this AM? That shirt is hideious!!!! He was great, very charming and witty. And the ladies were a bit calmer than they had been earlier on the show--no questions about embarassing home sex videos. Same clip as on other shows--begining with the papers flyinginto the lake. Interesting that the clip was edited so that we see less skin/undressing when she runs toward the lake. (Disney at work?) He talked about his children, which always makes him look relaxed and happy. Meredith Viera dragged up the "turnip" description of Luca. CF said he grew out of that by about 8 months and is not an impossibily beautiful child.

Am going to have to replay my tape, but Colin started off rather slowly and appeared a bit uncomfortable, but soon loosened up. Loved how the ladies not only said he was gorgeous but that he was funny (that was right after the "I was four" quip). It was great hearing/seeing the audience's reaction to him (standing and cheering!!), with one person holding up a sign. I didn't think the shirt looked bad at all. Nice to see him wearing something different for a change.

ARRGH! bad typing! Luca is NOW an impossibly beautiful child.

Damn! I'm so sorry I missed his View appearance; sounds like he did well and the ladies and the audience showed proper appreciation.;-). (Freakin' job--necessary only to pay for NYC trips.;-)

Star Jones was practically quivering while she mentioned the "I like you just the way you are" line from BJD. Cute response to Livia's reaction to being voted sexiest male star in Britain (she probably calls his mother and says 'would you please stop voting') Joy was laughing throughout his description of the baby, not having human attibutes or accessories as he called them. Maybe he doesn't remember how his eyebrows never used to show either. ;-)

Agree that Colin started off slowly but blame that on the "auditioning" co-host... (please don't let her get the position full time!). However, once the regulars took over he loosened up and was charming and funny.

Was able to watch The View due to Veteran's Day holiday. He was absolutely gorgeous, funny and charming. The ladies seemed v. appreciative of his wit and loved the way he talked about the little ones. I thought he looked fantastic, flowered shirt and all. Couldn't take my eyes off his face long enough to check out the shoes;-)

(Kate) Just saw Colin on the View. Who dressed him this AM? Some hispanic bell-boy. But agree, it was a change from the black tee-shirt. Nice audience reaction. Such a difference from the Carolyn Rhea Show (RIP)where the mention of Nostromo brought a resounding silence. Play the tape again , doesn't he do those little purring sounds like he did on "Colin Unplugged"tape? Was v. poised...didn't scratch is nose..just kept re-arranging the pillows. The gals were well-behaved which helped. He's ready to take on Letterman and Leno now. Next time.

(Kate) Just saw Colin on the View. Who dressed him this AM? (Evelyn) Some hispanic bell-boy. And here I thought he was introducing his Darcy line of pajama tops. ;-) (Evelyn) He's ready to take on Letterman and Leno now. Next time. Couldn't agree more. So glad that his wit is coming through, too.

Congratulations Dorine, Linda, and Rika!!! Such a lucky trip over and over!! Dorine, I thought of questions for tonight, though they're not fully fleshed. One is something to the effect of how do you approach playing a historical figure about whom so little is known, or in SJ's case, someone who in fact never existed but is integrated into true history? Second would be about making historical behavior understandable to a modern audience (I'm thinking about the whole repressed relationships aspect which seems kind of funny modernly when you would just expect them to shag and get over it, who cares about social roles). Yes, they're rubbish, but I at least wanted to try. ;-) Boy, you can tell that I'm still not coherent. ODB is so amazing that he's only showing some tiredness (although he wasn't on the chasing limos/sneaking around hotel lobbies end of the weekend). ;-) Oh, and if anyone cares, my brother is convinced that he can see me in one of the pictures that shows pink girl (and this was without any coaching on my part). "I" am staring blindly (looks like towards CF's butt) and halfway behind his shoulder. LOL!

(Am going to have to replay my tape, but Colin started off rather slowly and appeared a bit uncomfortable, but soon loosened up. Loved how the ladies not only said he was gorgeous but that he was funny (that was right after the "I was four" quip). Actually, he started off that way, too, last evening. At first I thought, oh no, he's in a bad mood, but as soon as things got underway he was great. But on The View this morning it looked as though he had sat on something or maybe his battery pack or whatever it is had slipped to low for comfort. He was AFG this morning and last night. Glad they didn't bring up that sex video stuff with him. Those ladies are like dogs with a bone. They get on to something and keep it going. More about last night: I was trying to remember what PW said in response to Colin's remark that "it got cut" and PW said it will be on the DVD extras. I remember, now. They were talking about the weather and how cold it was. Colin said at some point during filming it was 15 below. Scarlett joked around about Colin not having any outside scenes. He responded, "Yes I did, but they got cut" And that during those scenes he did shoot outside the weather caused problems with his skin. (Oh Gawd that skin, it looked totally soft and edible last night)sorry! Another moment, off the mic,...(I could hear him breathe)Scarlett mentioned that she loved doing this film because there was so much underlying emotion, and that she had loads of fun looking at all the insturments from Vermeer's studio, she said they were phallic-looking. Colin leaned in to her really laughing and I could hear him say to her, "Wot did you do, steal them from the set, then"? (Evelyn)Tress and Linda...you are there!! ...that's it, I'm off to Hollywood. I've been discovered.;-) (Karen)But could you have kissed him if there had not been a plexiglass divider between them and the audience? Did you notice if he stretched out his legs toward you, indicating (naturally) that he wanted to play footsie with you? ;-). Absolutely, I knew by the look on his face that he was sending me signals to jump him, right then and there. I held back because my daughter was sitting next to me. ...And I knew he wanted to play footsie, too. I could tell.;-))))) But, LOL, I looked down at one point, and found my ankle doing a Couric move. I had to concentrate to stop it. I think I may have been the one sending the signals;-) Oh, and one more thing...I got to hear him say Ab-so-lutely. No wonder I haven't been able to sleep in days. I think if I don't sleep tonight, I'll be ready for the looney bin. OK, who said, "she's been there for ages"? (Karen)But do you have water? A flushable toilet? How about working elevators? ;-) LOL, thanks for the memories!!!

Sorry, here I am, again. I'm surprised Colin isn't on the Talking Movies clip. He spent a really long time with TB. Or, maybe it just seemed that way since I was anxious for him to come over to our side of the red carpet. Thanks for the TV updates, alerts, and phots. Still dreaming in NJ;-)

Finally back home - it's been a whirlwind day so far (5:30 am train so I could be home to teach a class at 10:30). Dorine and Linda have done a great job of covering the major points from the Q&A - let's see what I can add: When they asked about costumes, SJ said hers were pretty comfortable, then asked, "How were those pantaloons, Colin?" He replied, "How did they look to you?" He went on to say that the biggest problem for him was getting a pair of stockings to stay up. Described "straps, clasps, clips, pulleys" used for that purpose. Then he said it was his wig that was the problem, to which Scarlett piped up, "Yes, it was," but they didn't follow that thread any further. He and Peter Webber had a lot of fun with a remark Scarlett made about the "phallic" brushes in Vermeer's studio. They were both talking at once so it was hard to make out what they said, but their nonverbal reaction alone was very funny. As has been mentioned, they apparently shot several scenes that were deleted - Webber said he wanted to cut the film down to the most important stuff, which was basically Griet/Vermeer. (Among other things, there were multiple endings shot.) He said we'd get to see them on the DVD. At one point, CF remarked on how cold it was in Luxembourg - he said, "We were filming in 15 below, weren't we?" Scarlett said, "You weren't filming in 15 below; I was." He shot back, "I was too - the scene just got cut." Apparently they built a three-story set for the interior of the house. CF talked about how nice that was from the standpoint of the actors being able to easily immerse themselves in the fictional world of the movie, compared to situations where you leave a room, and walk into the room next door several weeks later, hundreds of miles away. They were both asked about preparing for their roles, given that they both did contemporary roles right beforehand. SJ said she was exhausted and feeling emotionally vulnerable after Lost in Translation "and I just stayed there." CF talked at length about his preparation process - lots of research, though it was of little help, and eventually he just had to do something because the cameras were rolling. He mentioned more than once the thing he's said before, about trying to leave Vermeer somewhat "in the shadows" as he felt the book and script did. He also mentioned more than once having some feelings of insecurity about the role. The first time, it was in the context of hanging around for five or six weeks and doing nothing but giving Scarlett "sizzling looks" on occasion or looking out a window (he repeated the "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" joke about her reaction to the looks). He said it was hard to hang about watching what seemed to be a masterpiece in development while his confidence "ebbed away" because he was afraid he'd be the weak link. Later he said that walking onto the set of Vermeer's studio was a rather magical experience, but it also gave him some sense of feeling unworthy. They spent two days filming on location in Delft, though CF didn't go. Scarlett said he was glad he didn't need to go because he'd been doing so much brooding (as Vermeer), and all those brooding looks were totally exhausting. I know there's more, but that's all I can recall right now.

Sorry to overlap a bit with Linda - we were posting at the same time. (Linda) And that during those scenes he did shoot outside the weather caused problems with his skin. That's right. He said he suspected the reason the scenes were cut was because of what the low temperatures did to his complexion.

(Rika) He and Peter Webber had a lot of fun with a remark Scarlett made about the "phallic" brushes in Vermeer's studio. Ah ha....I *knew* what I was claiming;-D Thanks gals...How about Dorine..is she still stuck on the Triboro Bridge;-)

(Allison) Did someone say they had taken a picture of Livia's shoes? I have two pictures of (just) the shoes and a couple of the hair as well....Loved the shoes (and the skirt). (Evelyn) Tress and Linda...you are there!! Look at the right when Richard Curtis is being interviewed. Tress holding camera and talking (surprise!) LOL...Evelyn! You didn't find me quiet and reserved IRL? I fear I'm a bit like Lydia ("Save your breath to cool your porridge! I will tell the tale!!"). Actually, I was being coached in that moment. The woman to my right was an Alan Rickman fan from the UK. She said that her English reserve would not allow her to raise her voice over a certain level and she wanted me to yell out to him to get him over to us (didn't work, he dissed his fans). Thanks so much for The View reports ladies! I am stuck at work and my VCR doesn't record! Must live vicariously through you all!!! Have been rethinking my career now as I think I could make a really good limo driver in NYC. Driving around in cabs is like playing Grand Theft Auto and I really had fun...limos are just bigger cabs with bars and posher seats....(and no engorged maps...you can ask Maria about that one! LOL!). And the 'fares'! Oh my! They do come all nicely dressed! (Shoshana) ODB is so amazing that he's only showing some tiredness (although he wasn't on the chasing limos/sneaking around hotel lobbies end of the weekend) LOL! Now Shoshana! We coached you on this!!! We weren't sneaking around hotel lobbies! We were "checking the menu" to see if there was anything we "wanted to order"! ;-D And with all that lurking about...we did get to see Peter Falk! And Rika sat in Laura Linney's chair!

Thanks again for all the up close and personal reports! I think it's great that CF is getting so much appreciation in the US, and of course in other parts of the world. The days have gone when British actors could potter along in the comfort zone of BBC2 films and Film Four. It all seems to be about bankability now, even for casting in "small" movies, and international recognition really does make a difference. And the reviews in the US or Australian or European press are generally much kinder and less biased than the British papers ("candidate for worst film of the year/can Colin Firth act?" blah, blah, blah, rhubarb, rhubarb, etc) One of the nicest things about CF is that he seems to be genuinely unassuming, which means that he sometimes needs other folk to sing his praises! So go to it, ladies! BAFTA UK are screening previews of GWAPE - 18 November in Glasgow (UGC 6.30pm) and 11 December in London (Screen on the Hill 6.30pm, introduced by Alan Parker)

(Tress)Have been rethinking my career now as I think I could make a really good limo driver in NYC. Driving around in cabs is like playing Grand Theft Auto and I really had fun...limos are just bigger cabs with bars and posher seats....(and no engorged maps...you can ask Maria about that one! LOL!). And the 'fares'! Oh my! They do come all nicely dressed! Oh dear Tress! LOL! Or you could be a security guard - I bet Mike wouldn't mind having you around! And with all that lurking about...we did get to see Peter Falk! And Rika sat in Laura Linney's chair! True, though I for all the world would have thought PF was a homeless guy if he weren't at the Ritz Carlton.

(Linda) Glad they didn't bring up that sex video stuff with him. Those ladies are like dogs with a bone. They get on to something and keep it going Hey, it might've been funny, sort of like the autoeroticism comment and we'd get to hear Colin's "I've-been-naughty" laugh. But they could be saving that discussionf for when Huge comes back on the show. ;-) Colin's remark that "it got cut" and PW said it will be on the DVD extras. Phew!! At least they *all* won't be Scarlett scenes. And that during those scenes he did shoot outside the weather caused problems with his skin. (Oh Gawd that skin, it looked totally soft and edible last night)sorry! Uh oh, a lot of subconscious promptings I'm sure. Wonder what kind of skin problems the cold would cause...other than it getting red? Is poor baby plagued by dry skin? Anyone recall if he mentined any skin care products in that silly interview awhile back? ;-) (Rika) He said it was hard to hang about watching what seemed to be a masterpiece in development while his confidence "ebbed away" because he was afraid he'd be the weak link. Later he said that walking onto the set of Vermeer's studio was a rather magical experience, but it also gave him some sense of feeling unworthy. This is an interesting comment. I'd wonder about my own abilities after having been in a string of .... oh nevermind ;-) Thanks for all the great reports ladies from all the NY venues, including hotel lobbies inhabited by Peter Falk and Laura Linney's bottom. Speaking of Bafta screenings, Colin is scheduled for the LA Bafta screening of GWAPE on 14 November, with the same crew: http://www.baftala.org/screenings/current/ No guests listed for the Love Actually one the day before though. Any LA Drooleurs get tix for these events?

(Karen)Speaking of Bafta screenings, Colin is scheduled for the LA Bafta screening of GWAPE on 14 November, with the same crew: Just checked this out and I must say it is indeed gratifying to see CF's name listed first, before SJ (since the movie has been reviewed in the press as mostly about her performance).

I know I'm late reporting but poxy work and a neglected DH were tugging on both arms, thanks to all the previous reporters, it certainly helps fill in the gaps (or is that gasps?)... What can I say? It was an absolutely amazing trip, fantastic meeting other DD (and how great to have faces to put to the names now!), getting into the press tent (thank god for the rain!) and realizing what a good choice we have made in admiring ODB. I flew in Thursday night, got in at 4:20pm, ran to the taxi stand and figured I would get to the theatre about 5:30 or so. My taxi driver had other ideas, like the scenic drive through each one of the boroughs. When I asked him where we were going he said, :"mjuboobbe mwata phlmmp shibby shabba". Right. Exactly what I needed to hear. Anyway, pulled up in the drizzle right about 6 with my silly red balloon tied around my bag so I would be recognizable (v.v. silly) and spotted Dorine straight away. The Photographers were jostling us around a bit as were just trying to keep under the tent and out of the rain. Under normal circumstances I might have been somewhat apologetic and have been quite concerned I was in their way, but these were NOT normal circumstances, many of us had flown quite a ways to have the privilege of taking up that one sq. ft of space (and the wine I had drunk to quell my nervousness didn't hurt either! ;-)) I was still trying to say hello to all the droolers and security or someone was try ng to roll out the red carpet when someone shouted, "come on!" and off we went into the long part of the tent (picture a backwards capitol L, the small part is where the stars made their entrance. Dorine and I were next to each other and directly across from the ET podium where they grabbed everyone after the photographer gauntlet. We were right near the right angle and so could see each person as they came onto the carpet. The lights were blinding but the energy in that room was exhilarating! I think I felt very together until he arrived, and then I had an out of body experience. Or, as I may have tried to explain it to some of the droolers, it was like those near death experiences and people say they saw this great light, and they felt joy and happiness and just wanted to be near the light�But you know, when I explained this in person it came out humorously and not so over the top as it is in print (always a problem for me!) so just ignore that bit! J) So ODB and Livia came up and let the photographers ha e their due and then just as he got in front of us (what was the area from barrier to barrier, 8 feet across total?) He was led up for his little interview. Did anyone here ever go to Catholic Church? Well, I remember being at church as a kid and listening to the raba raba raba and just waiting for the syncopation of the little bits we could join in on and while waiting for those would stare at the lights on the ceiling and then look back at the priest and blink and it looked like he had no head, or blinking away holes in the stained glass windows.(Oh, dear, please no disrespect to the church meant, just a recollection from a child with a short attention span!) but my point was that once Colin arrives it is impossible to take your eyes off of him so when he was being interviewed right in front I stared right up at him and into the blinding light, gladly burning holes in my cornea to savor each moment of seeing him in the flesh! From there memories are wonderful if hazy, he came over to our end, as he approached Dorine was upset as her pen wasn�t working, I think I started rummaging for another for her and then, boop, he was there in front of us and I could hear his lovely voice as he thanked Dorine but I was only looking at him through my camera as was experiencing a frozen moment and hiding behind the camera seemed like an intelligent thing to do when faced with extreme beauty.Then he went to do more interviews. He did come back our way a second time and I wanted to ask him to lean in with Dorine and I for a picture but this was after the infamous �pink lady� incident and all bets seemed off after that although he was still kind enough to not leave anyone without and signed a book for me. So much more to say but I�m sure I have said enough already, I could babble on and on about this fabulous night!! (Ildi)You know, seeing Colin in the flesh is like making love. Once you do it and discover how great it makes you feel you want to do it all the time. Exactly!! And this is what causes one to chase black vehicles around Manhatten on foot in freezing weather on Saturday mornings! (If it had been him my brilliant plan was to keep walking and pretend indifference so as not to bother him! Genius! Not.) Dorine) Was that Mike with the hat? OMG! or did Maria and I ask 2 different people the exact same question, LOL!!!! Great minds think alike�J) To top it off she informed me I said something out loud that I thought I was just thinking when my pen didn't work for a sec. I definitely didn't have enough to drink beforehand. ;-) Wouldn�t have mattered, even with a couple of glasses of wine in me, the adrenaline cancelled it all out! (Dorine)Gotta say, we picked one helluva guy to Drool over. :-D No argument here! We finally know first hand what it is to be jammy gits!!!

(Maria) once Colin arrives it is impossible to take your eyes off of him so when he was being interviewed right in front I stared right up at him and into the blinding light, gladly burning holes in my cornea to savor each moment of seeing him in the flesh! Lordy, you've got a severe case of Colinitis, and it's highly contagious! I do believe I've contracted it just reading all these exciting reports from NYC. I'm so happy for all the Droolers who got to see ODB up close and personal, and I'm also extremely jealous. Next time I'm going to plan ahead and be there with you. Jammy gits, indeed!

Maria, I think your report has become my favorite, as you really captured the emotional essence of the ODB experience. :-) (Cab driver via Maria)" mjuboobbe mwata phlmmp shibby shabba". Are you sure that isn't a refrain from a Neil Sedaka song? ;-)

(Maria) Or, as I may have tried to explain it to some of the droolers, it was like those near death experiences and people say they saw this great light, and they felt joy and happiness and just wanted to be near the light� I completely understood your analogy Maria! LOL! You want to bask in the glow of the light...it is warm and comfortable there...and when the light leaves, you are v. v. sad and want it to come back. And you are not afraid of the light any longer...you know that the light is good. ;-) (Maria) Exactly!! And this is what causes one to chase black vehicles around Manhatten on foot in freezing weather on Saturday mornings! (If it had been him my brilliant plan was to keep walking and pretend indifference so as not to bother him! Genius! Not.) We would have been cool and aloof ice queens....the intellectual equal of everyone there! ;-D (A hearty chase done pre-coffee too! "On foot" no less! Though I would have loved to have jumped into a cab and said "follow that car!" Seems so NYC!) ;-)

OK, absolutely nothing Colin on Extra! today...a bit of Huge though re: love life and Jim Belushi crossing North Ave with my Walgreens in the background...but that's it. Oh yeah, looks like Charley Maher finally found someone to style his hair properly. ;-)

(Cab driver via Maria)" mjuboobbe mwata phlmmp shibby shabba". (LisaJH) Are you sure that isn't a refrain from a Neil Sedaka song? ;-) LOL...and what is that? Turkish? ;-) And I agree with Lisa, your account definitely captures the essence of the ODB experience! I find it hard to put words to how it feels when he is in the room. I am in such a fog and it seems to happen in slo-mo while it is occurring and then afterwards it seems as if it was sped up or fast forwarded!

Maria, loved your report :-) You know, I can never get enough of your babblings, so please let it flow. And your comments, ladies. Words fail me - all I can do is smile and enjoy :-D

A couple of things I forgot that added to the magic - This may have been mentioned several times but it was so incredible. The interviewers appeared to all be pointing out to Colin his rather large "fan base" showing on the red carpet, and each time they did through several different "stations" he seemed to be making his way through, he would turn towards us all and wave and we made it worth his while screaming his name and laughing and waving back! Also, we had a full moon (or v.v. close on Friday night and the eclipse Sat. night with clear skies for enjoying! It seems all the stars were in alignment for a perfect weekend! (Cab driver via Maria)" mjuboobbe mwata phlmmp shibby shabba". Are you sure that isn't a refrain from a Neil Sedaka song? ;-) Hmm, or more along the lines of The Age of Hilarious (the whole weekend that is) (Tress) ....(and no engorged maps...you can ask Maria about that one! LOL!). http://www.nyctourist.com/images/map_manhattan.gif It could not be helped, you all decide, this map kept the hormones flying (only it was skin tone on the subway, and no one talks about it, NY's dirty little secret! ;-)) (Me)Maria) Exactly!! And this is what causes one to chase black vehicles around Manhatten BTW, I do actually know how to spell Manhattan, but was afraid that spelling it correctly might lead unsavories to Drool (see map) ;-)...

(Maria)It could not be helped, you all decide, this map kept the hormones flying (only it was skin tone on the subway, and no one talks about it, NY's dirty little secret! ;-)) As well as on my pocket map. Not that I had EVER noticed, of course. ;-) Loved ODB on "The View"! I thought the shirt was okay considering the tone of the show. And I finally had a chance to check out "The Today Show" on my tape. You can't ever see me clearly, but at one point I can just barely see myself walking by in the background, trying to snap a quick photo between the scrims that partially block the view along W. 49th Street (it didn't come out - not enough light). It's while they're talking about him having to learn incorrect Portugese. There were two other women out there doing the same thing at that time. When they showed the San Francisco women, I was standing behind them, but a substantial distance behind, for reasons I explained the other day.

(Maria) ...only it was skin tone on the subway, and no one talks about it, NY's dirty little secret! ;-) And all those cabs have it 'blown up' in the back seat. LOL! And it made asking for directions interesting because we didn't know what 'terms' we should be using in referring to different parts of Manhatten (keeping with Maria's spelling to keep out the unsavories!) ;-D (Rika) As well as on my pocket map. Not that I had EVER noticed, of course. ;-) Unless my memory is really failing....I believe it was you, Ms. Rika, that pointed out the possibility that the map may look like something else (and each time you took it out and unfolded it, it made me laugh because it was like looking at a centerfold)! ;-) (Maria) This may have been mentioned several times but it was so incredible. The interviewers appeared to all be pointing out to Colin his rather large "fan base" showing on the red carpet, and each time they did through several different "stations" he seemed to be making his way through, he would turn towards us all and wave and we made it worth his while screaming his name and laughing and waving back! This was great! He did this again and again! Seemed so relaxed and would laugh and wave at his fans each time an interviewer said something to him (and the noise level would rise considerably when he would turn around to us and give us that amazing smile....lots of teeth this time! Didn't get to see that too much in Toronto)....Emma T. commented on it (how happy she was for him to have so many fans in the tent).

(Tress) you know that the light is good. Am seeing arcade game plastic zealots from Toy Story... (Maria) This may have been mentioned several times but it was so incredible. The interviewers appeared to all be pointing out to Colin his rather large "fan base" showing on the red carpet, and each time .. he would turn towards us all and wave .. (Tress) This was great! He did this again and again! ...he would turn around to us and give us that amazing smile....lots of teeth this time! Can I just touch one of you? Or is the glow you still give off too bright to get near you? There ought to be an 11th commandment -- Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors' NC (near Colin) experiences, but I'd fail miserably. Re: The View. I got no Colin, no shirt to consider, only got Tara Reid, Bob Guiney and a Charleston SC road show. Please, someone tell me Indianapolis is merely behind the times and if I set the VCR for tomorrow, patience will be rewarded?

Today on "The View" they referred to having been in South Carolina the day before. Fingers crossed for you, Barb.

(BarbS) Am seeing arcade game plastic zealots from Toy Story... ROTFL!ooooooooooohhhhhh...the light is good....;-D

Just watched my TiVo'd View and I can't stop smiling! He was so utterly charming and I have never heard so much giggling out of those women before. Joy Behar had such a silly grin on her almost the entire time. I forced my DH to re-watch it with me and even HE (who is just sick to death of the man at this point) had to admit how funny he was!

Yes, I know it's blurry, but the whole experience was pretty blurry in a dizzying, euphoric sort of way. Still, they say a picture's worth a thousand words (and I've already given you thousands or words of babble), so this is my attempt to share the experience. (Tress) you know that the light is good Look how that light gleams off the dimple... mmmmm!