So happy for all you Metro Gals. Seemed like a magical evening. I can just imagine him having that little bit of banter with Dorine and having that slightly flirty smile on his face. Got such a kick out of reading how Leslie let it rip. Sounds like not only was Colin in top form all of you were too.

I'm completely blown away by the success of the NYC contingent this weekend! Way to go! As soon as he came on stage and I heard the screaming, (sounded like it came from the right of the audience as you face the stage), I knew you'd made it in. And to Kimberly for finding out where the cast party was and for Dorine for brazenly crashing it (again), double kudos. I have to admit to being so jealous it almost hurts (okay, that hurting part may be a slight exaggeration). You actually spoke to him! Whole sentences! Not at all sure I could have managed that, but would sure like to give it a try some time! Maybe brush up on all Brit comedians for the last century first... Anyway, congrats again! And thank you so much for the sharing. You're all amazing and I'm so happy for you! Bet you won't really come down for weeks... wistful sigh.

In other news;-)....Coming Soon now saying Region 1 DVD release for GWAPE is May 4th.

From Moviehole.net Kim Basinger encounters Possession Posted on Mon, 8-Mar-2004 Comeback queen Kim Basinger is tipped for the lead role in �Possession�, a new supernatural thriller to be directed by Stuart Baird [�U.S Marshals�]. In the film, Basinger � next in the film �Cellular� � would play Alex, the attractive mother of a boy who tragically dies in a car crash. After his bereavement, she starts to have some rather freakish psychic experiences. Unable to call on anyone else, Alex seeks the help of a medium, but they refuse to continue, terrified of something - but unwilling to say of what. By this stage, the dead son is more and more present, pleading �Help me, Mother�. Alex comes to the grasp that she has to dig up her son�s past and find out what it could be that he�s referring to. The film is based on a book of the same name by author Peter James. It�s believed Hayden Christensen is in talks for the role of the dead son, Fabian Hightower, and Colin Firth has also been contacted about playing a role. �It�s an excellent script � I believe the actors that have been contacted about it are strongly considering it�, says scooper, Richard. �They hope to have it shooting Before Christmas�.

who tragically dies in a car crash...freakish psychic experiences...seeks the help of a medium Does this sound like another film?? ;-) Thanks Ada!

Ada- Re: the possible role in Possession... How odd that he's being considered for a role that has such strong parallels to Trauma. Is it possible that it's pure coincidence? Regardless, with Nanny McPhee coming up and now this possibility, he certainly continues his record of never lacking for work. If only one of them were *the big one*.

Interesting scoop, Ada, thanks! (Tress)Am now convinced of this.....how could he not know who The Blues Brothers were?? Or the show that launched the careers of Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, etc. etc. Here's further proof he was teasing: he has said his all-time fave TV program is the Larry Sanders Show (Garry Shandling). That show had a cult following. He knows a relatively obscure comedy program, but not SNL? No way. Well, for whatever reason he didn't want to tell the real story, and that's his right, I guess.

Ada- Re: the possible role in Possession... How odd that he's being considered for a role that has such strong parallels to Trauma. Is it possible that it's pure coincidence? Regardless, with Nanny McPhee coming up and now this possibility, he certainly continues his record of never lacking for work. If only one of them were *the big one*.

Karen, thank you for that pic of Colin as Paulie! LOL! When I was watching The Sopranos debut last night, I cracked up when Paulie came on. I'll never be able to look at that character the same way. Colin even had his facial expressons down pat. (Kim)That�s when I noticed the woman, who I believe was his wrangler for the GWAPE press junket Hmm, what's she, his rottweiler? Maybe someonme from his agent's or publicist's office. Speaking of which--and you know I don't do fan mail--I'm writing Colin a letter via his Los Angeles agent, giving him snaps for going on SNL. The boy deserves our positive reinforcement!;-) I refuse to send anything to the other office, aka, the black hole.:-( (Kim)As he went to return to his friends I caught his gaze, slipped up close to him. I put my right arm about his waist and leaned close to his ear He leaned into me a bit as I said: �Colin, darling Jeez, Kim, I'm about to have an orgasm-by-proxy here!:-)

(Kim)As he went to return to his friends I caught his gaze, slipped up close to him. I put my right arm about his waist and leaned close to his ear He leaned into me a bit as I said: �Colin, darling (Mari)Jeez, Kim, I'm about to have an orgasm-by-proxy here!:-) You said it Mari! LOL! I think many of us are feeling it! Zowie!

(from tvtome review)I also liked the reference to the omelette suit from the Justin Timberlake episode. This explains that line! I couldn't understand it and could only think of omelette mention in BJD. And I saw that Timberlake episode :-) Thanks so much a million times to all the Droolers for a wonderful weekend! You Metro Gals are brilliant and I bow to your fabulousity. As Wayne Campbell would say (but Colin would apparently not get the reference!) "I am not worthy!!"

Just for those who have convinced themselves that CF is winding Dorine up by claiming not to have heard of SNL ... can I explain that it doesn't air here in the UK - we don't see commercials for it - we don't see old clips - we probably missed the time they ran six episodes on BBC2 over ten years ago - it's just not a factor in British life. If that means we "live in a cave", so be it. Sometimes our cave seems all right to us. I have even managed to watch The Blues Brothers and Wayne's World without knowing they were spin-offs from SNL. Hats off to Dorine for giving the guy an interesting conversation though, and especially for honesty in admitting she didn't know of Tony Hancock. In her defence, yes he died a long time ago (and CF may have been a bit sneaky to pick him), but in his defence, any study of British comedy would have to mention Hancock. Colin probably avoided Ricky Gervais, Monty Python and Morecambe & Wise deliberately, but then again most Americans probably wouldn�t have heard of �Not The Nine O�Clock News�, a comedy sketch show which ran for some years on the BBC and launched a few comic talents. This isn�t shocking ignorance, it�s just ordinary ignorance. The Larry Sanders Show has been broadcast here a lot in the last few years, likewise many many US sitcoms, I even remember seeing an amount of Rowan & Martin�s Laugh-In, but SNL just doesn�t exist here. The point is � one country�s �world-famous� is another country�s �below the radar�, especially in terms of TV. He�s just not lying to you. And I'm very amused that his general point - that Americans expect the rest of the world to know their cultural reference points - has been supported here in the face of his own denial. Just my tuppence-worth;-)

Sorry - I mean the ordinary ignorance is on our parts as well, of course...

(Kim)As he went to return to his friends I caught his gaze, slipped up close to him. I put my right arm about his waist and leaned close to his ear He leaned into me a bit as I said: �Colin, darling (Mari)Jeez, Kim, I'm about to have an orgasm-by-proxy here!:-) (Maria)You said it Mari! LOL! I think many of us are feeling it! Zowie! Well he didn't seem uncomfortable when I did it . .not like that guy who tried to give him a big hug (which Colin didn't reciprocate and looked v. uncomfortable during) . .whether or not it was due to both of our SOS (state of squiffiness) at the time who knows . .it was nice it happened . . and he didn't look offended or anything . .I just didn't want to come off ala pink sweater girl from LA premiere!! Mari - are you going to put in the letter that we were at the dress rehearsal???:) He should know how fabulous he was that night!!!! I just re-watched my tape of SNL . .hmmm wonder what the audience was like . . . for some reason, got a feeling they wern't as enthusiastic as our audience was . . wish we could have been there just to boost him up some more . . . seemed like a very different show energy wise, very different from the dress rehearsal. Ada- thanks for the scoop. Will keep fingers and toes crossed for Colin! Sorry I didn't have a chance to ask about NMcP . .couldn't find a segueway into it . . .. There will be next time. (Mari)Hmm, what's she, his rottweiler? Maybe someonme from his agent's or publicist's office. Perhaps . . . I swear I had seen her in some of the pics from GWAPE or perhaps it was LA? . .asian woman . .I dunno I tired checking the galleries on colinfirth.com to see if maybe my mind was playing tricks on me . .but I couldn't find the pic I recall seeing.

Mark, you may have missed the point, which is that someone in his position, i.e., working in the entertainment business *and* having lived in North America for some years *and* visiting here regularly to see his child--would surely know the show, whether seeing it, reading about it, etc. No, I don't expect the average person to know our cultural reference points.

If I get fired today, it will be because I've spent too much time reading these fabulous posts! Congrats to all the Metro gals -- I'm so happy for you (and so jealous!). Thanks for sharing all the details with us!

But my point was that Colin in his interviews is always boasting of being such an "American". He lived in St. Louis (albeit a long time ago),his son is an American(teenager), and has been visiting LA for the past 14 yrs "as often as I can". He is not an ordinary British tourist who comes to the US on a holiday every now and then. And even if he hadn't seen SNL ,it comes up often in convrsation here in the US. Having said that, I bet there are many Americans who have never heard of SNL either. LOL.

(Tress), Not everyday I see him sitting holding magazine with ODB's face emblazed on the front. This man crush thing might be real....;-D He's probably trying to figure out what it is you and the Metro gals see in him. ;-) (Kim), Well he didn't seem uncomfortable when I did it You were fantastic! What an amazing time you girls had. I don't watch the Sopranos but I could tell Colin had something going with that character, and it really comes through in that picture as well, thanks, Karen! Who knows what will come off from SNL, but I hope he skips that "Possesion" role.

Mari, sorry, yes I did forget that he'd lived in Canada for a while, and it should make a difference; the entertainment bit less so, IMO, as he doesn't generally work in comedy; but I still think it possible he's being honest. Though I take Ev's point about him not being a regular tourist too ... and I'll admit I was surprised (but not staggered) that he said he hadn't heard of SNL. I just wanted to demonstrate how deep our ignorance can run sometimes (I still don't know who the real Fabio is...)!

Mark, you may have missed the point, which is that someone in his position, i.e., working in the entertainment business *and* having lived in North America for some years *and* visiting here regularly to see his child--would surely know the show, whether seeing it, reading about it, etc Actually I am with Mark on this. I have spent time working in the US. Not as much as CF and I don't work in the entertainment business. I recognised the name SNL but did not know what it was. Perhaps I have seen the odd promo for it which is why I recognised the name. Hey, its on Saturday night. As we know Colin is a party animal so would he be there watching it? When I am in the States I do not spend time watching TV on a Saturday night and I am a stay at home sort of girl ;-)

First Benny Hill then Rowan & Marting's Laugh In, this sure takes me back and dates me as well (Evelyn) He lived in St. Louis (albeit a long time ago),his son is an American(teenager), and has been visiting LA for the past 14 yrs "as often as I can". And promptly spends his time in front of the tv catching up on all things American when on this side of the pond;-) He may be in the business, he may visit the US often but I wasn't surprised he hadn't heard of SNL. After all (Evelyn) I bet there are many Americans who have never heard of SNL either. LOL. some may even be actors :-)

Sorry, I just have to weigh in on this one - and I dare *anyone* to accuse me of being "America-centric". *LOL* If he said he wasn't very familiar with SNL, had never *watched* SNL, etc., I could believe it. But I can't buy "never heard of it". Sorry. Doesn't wash. A show that launched the careers of John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Gilda Radner, Larraine Newman, Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, etc., etc., etc. And let us not forget - Chevy Chase. Now we KNOW he's heard of Chevy Chase! *LOL* I don't buy "never heard of it". I would definitely buy "never watched/saw it".

Well, if he hadn't heard of it, then he took a tremendous leap of faith in agreeing to do it.;-) Whatever, it's one I'm glad he took. Let's e-mail our feedback on the show to: SaturdayNightLive@nbc.com Two other comments: I could swear he introduced Norah Jones the first time as "Lora." Anyone else notice? Also, loved the suit he wore for his monologue; I do believe we have a new premiere suit!:-)

(Mari) I could swear he introduced Norah Jones the first time as "Lora." Anyone else notice? Cringed then 'cause that was what I thought I heard too.

Why do we have another "Possession" so soon after Jennifer/Jeremy's "Possession? Just watched the tape of SNL (I was away for the weekend). Thought he did well with what was given him, but watching some of the lame skits, I remembered why I never got into SNL. It is so uneven. Did enjoy the Cold Mountain bit, but that hotel one????!!!! Still, wonderful for him to have the exposure (no pun intended). He seemed to be enjoying himself a lot.

(Mari)I could swear he introduced Norah Jones the first time as "Lora." Anyone else notice? Erp . .just reviewed my tape caught it too . .chalk it up to nerves, I guess!:)

"Aye Dios Mio!" *cupping chin in both palms* Wish I could have been in NY this weekend with you Metro Gals! You are awesome! What a day you all had in NYC! Thanks for your up-to-the-minute and thoroughly amazing reports. I enjoyed every word you all wrote and every brave step you all took! (Lesliep)We did our best to �circulate, oozing sophistication�. Colin was in the way back talking with a ton of people and cast members. Love this. Am picturing the launch party, but with very worthy drooleurs invited this time. They even get to meet ODB while sipping chardonay! Dorine, Shoshana, Linda, and Kimberley, you are tireless and true in your pursuits of seeing and talking to ODB - from positioning yourselves during the NBC tours to positioning yourselves at the afterparty! You are terrific. BTW, Shosh, I think you did great. At least you were quite intelligent. When I meet him at the Paris Theatre at the "Earnest" premiere all I could do was gush and gush. Wish I had been able to hook up with Dorine at that afterparty ;-). Kim, you aren't so bad yourself ;-). Bee and little Bee, so sorry you couldn't see the show, but I'm sure you enjoyed all the excitement that was "buzzing" around you! Sounds like you helped make that stage door line move in the right direction too! I would have sworn that you guys were at the live performance too. They panned the audience a couple of times (either before or after the opening monologue) and I could see and hear some very enthusiastic fans. The audience also looked more crowded than usual to me. I watch the show a lot and it's never looked as crowded and alive to me.

I'll apologize in advance....I may have to make multiple posts. As this isn't my regular computer and this place had servers going down consistently yesterday, I don't want to do a huge post and lose it. I got lucky yesterday. It's luck of the draw here I think. (Mark) most Americans probably wouldn�t have heard of �Not The Nine O�Clock News� Wish he had mentioned that as I have indeed heard of and watched it at one time. Quite a while ago. It occurred to me to mention Monty Python, but that is too recognizable I thought. Smart of him not to go that way. In her defence, yes he died a long time ago (and CF may have been a bit sneaky to pick him), Yes, I just assumed he was alive if he was going to give an example. I would've told him that wasn't a fair comparison had I known. I'll be prepared to ask for clarification next time. Am learning how his mind works. ;-) It also occurred to me that he could have taken the tack of, "You American's think...." because he was riffing on a skit that was cut (the one you saw on the commercial Karen, with the baseball bats) where he was described as a pretentious Englishman, with various other stereotypical descriptions of Americans sitting at the table. I liked that skit, wish they'd left it. (Caribou) It's her name!!!!!! It has DOoR, IN, and 'E. Of course, she is IN the DOoR where 'E is.:-) ROTF!! You are so talented, Caribou!!

(Mari) I could swear he introduced Norah Jones the first time as "Lora." Anyone else notice? (Barb)Cringed then 'cause that was what I thought I heard too. (Kimberly)Erp . .just reviewed my tape caught it too . .chalk it up to nerves, I guess!:) I noticed it too, but thought it was just "me" ;-).

Well in the fog that was my brain yesterday (better today, I got some more sleep ;-)), I realized today I forgot part of the Trauma conversation. I'll just repost what I put before to keep it all together to be more coherent, rather than having to refer back to the first part wherever it is if necessary. I'll bold the new stuff. D: Congratulations, well done! C: Thanks. D: I was able to see Trauma at Sundance. I liked it. C: Oh, good. D: Have you seen it? C: Yes. D: A final cut? (He was interrupted by someone here. He was trying to listen to us both. I repeated the question.) D: You saw the final cut? C: Yes. D: Did you like it? C: Yes.......but it had problems. D: Problems with what? C: The narrative. D: Such as? He looks away for a moment contemplating C: It's not like Memento where it had kind of an exciting ending and..... I think this is what he said, but it didn't make sense to me as I actually found it similar in some ways to Memento. I could swear he said he thought it moved slowly, but it could be just me, though I just called Linda and she thought so, too. D: One thing I had a bit of a problem with was the accents.....(cue puzzled look on Colin)....just when you were talking to Tommy Flannagan. C: Really? I didn't notice a difference..... (Looked like he was really thinking about it) D: Yes, there was a very significant difference when you were speaking with Tommy than when you were speaking to Mena. C: (Still looking as if he's trying to figure it out).....Well, I don't think anybody would notice it in England. D: No, I certainly wouldn't think so there. I thought it was Linda who asked about the US distribution, but apparently it was Leslie.... L: Do you think it will get distributed in the US? C: I don't know. I don't know if it will be distributed anywhere. I didn't bother to inform him of the various countries it's been bought or that it has a tentative August release date in the UK. ;-)) _______________ Yes, I know Tress, this would've been a good time to mention speaking with Marc Evans, but he got interrupted and I wanted to get to the SNL question. ;-)

Ada, thanks for the Possession news (think they'll change that title due to the Paltrow/Northam/Ehle/Eckhart film?). Read the two reviews on Amazon. They didn't like it! ;-( http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0575042729/qid=1078771065/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-8522637-9488804?v=glance&s=books (Kim)As he went to return to his friends I caught his gaze, slipped up close to him. I put my right arm about his waist and leaned close to his ear He leaned into me a bit as I said: �Colin, darling (Mari)Jeez, Kim, I'm about to have an orgasm-by-proxy here!:-) (Maria) You said it Mari! LOL! I think many of us are feeling it! Zowie! LOL... and I was thinking "Wow...Kimberly is tall!" I would have been speaking into his nipple and not his ear (did that need a five second delay??) ;-0 (MarkG) The point is � one country�s �world-famous� is another country�s �below the radar�, especially in terms of TV. He�s just not lying to you. And I'm very amused that his general point - that Americans expect the rest of the world to know their cultural reference points - has been supported here in the face of his own denial. This is true! And I apologize for my assumption (I just always equated SNL to Monty Python...both shows starting the careers of many comedians). Plus, even if ODB is in the States a lot, he has admitted to not being a big telly watcher. I must make mental note that the US gave the world Baywatch (my apologies all around) and not SNL (but the UK countered with Teletubbies, we were trying for world domination through David Hasselhoff, but the UK was more clever...they gave us something that will come back to haunt us in twenty years when all the 'retro' toys of the 90s come back!);-D Okay, someone will probably come back and tell me they don't know what Boobwatch is... and I except that...I never watched it either. (MarkG) (I still don't know who the real Fabio is...)! LOL...I wonder about who the real Fabio is too! For you MarkG: (Dorine) Yes, I know Tress, this would've been a good time to mention speaking with Marc Evans, but he got interrupted and I wanted to get to the SNL question. ;-) Wot?? Are you mad!? LOL! Nah...I think you did the right thing. I wanted the SNL question answered! And I still think it is good that I was not there....cuz when he said (paraphrasing) that he didn't know SNL at all and that they just called him and he said "yes"...I would have piped up and said "Well, my birthday is in January and...." ;-D And now I have some idea about how/why he choses scripts! All you have to do is ask! ;-)

I realized last night, I was dangerously close to birthday question territory....it could have gone like this.... D: *And* you lived in America at one point! C: When I.....wait a minute....how do you know I lived in America? D: (Cue deer frozen in headlights look....Busted!!!) Would have been very convenient at that point to let someone interrupt him. ;-)

closing tag and opinionless ;-))))))

(me/quote from SNL sketch)"Aye Dios Mio!" *cupping chin in both palms* Just wanted to clear up that this was a repeated line and action in one of the sketches (said by a Latin TV host who thinks he's a comedian) that Colin was in, whose presence finally made the sketch worthwhile. I reread it above and realized those on the other side of the pond might not get the "cultural reference point." ;-) You make a very good point about our Ameri-centricness, Mark G. Thanks for pointing that out. Maybe Colin didn't know the show was still on the air after all these years.

Anyone help me with who Colin is supposed to be sitting on stool in brown jacket looking like Robert Vaughn in his "Man from Uncle" days?

Lizza - That actually was Colin as Liam Neeson, speaking for the History Channel. He was speaking about a movie about Jesus Christ, which ended up being by Benny Hill. According to Evelyn, Liam Neeson did a similar spot on another US cable channel recently regarding a "Passion of the Christ" similar movie . .

(Lizzajaneway)Anyone help me with who Colin is supposed to be sitting on stool in brown jacket looking like Robert Vaughn in his "Man from Uncle" days? That's when he's imitating Liam N. and introducing a Benny Hill version of "The Passion."

(Tress) LOL...just love that you two had a modern Elizabeth Benett/Mr. Darcy moment! ;-) LOL! Ironically, I don't think that would've occurred to me. ;-O "C: Tony Hancock!! He's one of the classic comedians in Britain!!' (Evelyn) Me:He is living? I only look at live actors. ROTF! I can imagine the look on his face would be priceless. (Kim) The line up and wait to see if we�d be taken in to the dress rehearsal was painful. Pure hell! We were all doing our own types of meditation and channeling of good vibes and wished from fellow Droolers. Kim, what technique were you doing, if you can mention that?....at the first part of the line, then you took all of our tix in your hands. (Kim) Making friends with another NBC worker who was also a fan of the man himself. I spoke with her for a bit at the party. She was with the page I'd met Sunday during my tour, and had seen earlier when I was looking for everyone else in the standby line. He was so sweet wishing us good luck. When he was doing door duty at the party and walked off down the street, this girl was with him....they may be going out, they make a cute couple, if so. Anyway, when she was talking to Bee and Little Bee, she said she'd seen Colin in 3DOR, so that was one of the things I talked to her about when I saw them in the party later. She had been studying drama over there. Now she just works 60 hour work weeks at NBC. :-( Does tours and Conan Tues-Friday and SNL on Sat. Dorine and I were a little miffed at not being center to see him dead on . .but the position seemed to be rather fortuitous. I would've been happy off to the side, on the curve, where I tried to sit down before they made us move all the way over, but it did turn out v. v. well. ;-) We were, by far, the loudest of Colin�s fans . .Dorine noticed people looking at us . .perhaps we were making too much noise?:) At one point, not long after it started, maybe even during the monologue, I noticed a page walk over from the center section to a couple of other pages near the door where we walked in, looked our way, whisper to another one, then she looked over. They didn't look too happy. I pointed it out to Kim, not sure if Linda also, then the one went back to the center. I noticed the ones near the door look over a few other times. I asked one as we were leaving if we too loud and he said no. Could have said that too avoid getting me irritated. Also, Linda said some woman in front of us was kind of "with us" in enthusiasm for Colin at first, but then when we continued to be kinda loud and v. enthusiastic, she kinda shunned us. I got that right, Linda? I heard Leslie yell: �Limo!� and sure enough there was a white stretch limo that was turning down the street towards the restaurant we were heading for. Have never chased a limo before, but found the rush quite enjoyable. And I will say they left me in the dust, LOL! (Meg) As soon as he came on stage and I heard the screaming, (sounded like it came from the right of the audience as you face the stage), Didn't someone at the bar mention SNL augmenting audience sounds during the broadcast? Is that possible, or likely? (Mari) Mark, you may have missed the point, which is that someone in his position, i.e., working in the entertainment business *and* having lived in North America for some years *and* visiting here regularly to see his child--would surely know the show, whether seeing it, reading about it, etc. Well, as he said, he lived in the US before it was on and I suppose I could give him a bye for not knowing while in NA...he lived in bumf**k Canada (practically his assessment) didn't he? Without a TV I'll presume and only short time periods in LA or elsewhere. Still suprised though, to not have heard about it at least in relation to other comedians/comic actors vs. not ever watch it is a stretch for me, too, but it could be. Maybe he meant he'd never *watched* it. The wrong verb as someone said. ;-) (Mari) Also, loved the suit he wore for his monologue; I do believe we have a new premiere suit!:-) And it mine! All mine!! ;-D

Dorine, Shoshana, Linda, and Kimberley, you are tireless and true in your pursuits of seeing and talking to ODB - from positioning yourselves during the NBC tours to positioning yourselves at the afterparty! You are terrific. "Aye Dios Mio," again. I forgot to mention you, Lesliep! What a trooper you were. And it was your first time. What a great experience for your first time!!! Btw, everytime I see your name here I see it as Viola (de)Lesliep(s) ;-). It keeps catching my eye that way.

Lora and Kimberly, thanks for clarification ;-) All making sense now. Mind was befuddled by MG's triumphant reports and too many Colin Darling moments!

You know, for an actor who won't audition, this was probably the biggest audition he's ever done. No more, "oh yeah, I think I might have seen him in such and such" or "he's the other guy in BJD" or "who was he in Shakespeare in Love?" That nameless guy has a name now. (But, of course, I'm only talking about here, in the US) ;-)))))

(Dorine) I just watched a snippet of the end of the show. We had been discussing at the Dress, that you can tell at the end of the show when the host and cast are gathered onstage to say goodbye, whether the cast liked the host or not. At the end of the Dress, he was hugged by many including a couple of the women, Jimmy Fallon, the tall black guy he gave a brother-ish handshake and they hugged and maybe Seth. I noticed that after the show, other than Norah Jones and Ana G, he spent most of the time wandering around the stage while everyone else hugged each other. He may have hugged or shook hands with one other person. Will have to watch again. You know I noticed that too. At the Dress, it was such a rush of excitement and energy at the end of the show . .it reminded me of a great opening night type of feeling and Colin was about and everyone was congratulating him . . I saw at the end of the live performance it didn't feel like that . . you're right Dorine . .it seemed like he just said congrats to Norah and Ana Gastmeyer and that's it . .everyone else was too busy congratulating each other and not him . .what's up with that??? a big turn around from a few hours before. .wanted to jump through the screen and just give him a hug and tell him BRAVO!!!!!

(Dorine) Still suprised though, to not have heard about it at least in relation to other comedians/comic actors vs. not ever watch it is a stretch for me, too, but it could be. Maybe he meant he'd never *watched* it. The wrong verb as someone said. ;-) I can believe he may have never watched it....that he wouldn't know SNL first hand...but (as MarkG's post reminded me) that he would know about the "I can't believe it's not buttah" Fabio commercials is the really odd thing....unless, Scarlett sat him down and gave him the skinny on both Fabio and the butter commercials that ran for six months in...when did those run? Early or mid 90s? I think that is v. v. obscure....so, he knows US cultural references that I wouldn't expect him to know...and others that I guess I assumed he did know...if that makes any sense?

(Dorine)Kim, what technique were you doing, if you can mention that?....at the first part of the line, then you took all of our tix in your hands. Ahh . .yeah gave the tickets a little Reiki (it's a form of energy work, much like a laying on of hands. If you're curious about Reiki, here's a link:http://www.reiki.org/FAQ/WhatIsReiki.html ) . .you can ask Shosh about it too - I gave her a bit b/c she was so nervous as we were waiting in that stand-by line . .great stuff . .the tix were a bit warm afterI gave back, weren't they?:) Didn't someone at the bar mention SNL augmenting audience sounds during the broadcast? Is that possible, or likely? Ha! . .I bet they taped our enthusiastic noise and added it in! It did sound a bit canned at some points, I think. At one point, not long after it started, maybe even during the monologue, I noticed a page walk over from the center section to a couple of other pages near the door where we walked in, looked our way, whisper to another one, then she looked over. They didn't look too happy. I pointed it out to Kim, . . I tried to keep it a little more low key after Dorine spotted those people eyeing us and told me . .but come on, really . .we were good during the skits and all . . .though during the Cold Moutain skit I think I was laughing so hard . .all of us were . .we threw Jimmy Fallon and Colin off for a bit. They had to stop and compose themselves they were laughing too . . but we just wanted to give Colin his due when he first walked on that stage for the first time. Just as a matter of experience . .a low energy audience brings a show down. We wanted to pump Colin up and sure enough we did and it affected not only his performance but that of the entire cast (now we couldn't help with the writing of the some of those skits), but you could tell the difference from the dress and live, IMO. And I think the audience response was a big factor. I mean I re-watched the opening monologue from the live show . .and hell, no one even responded after the P&P bit . .he had to explain that was a scenes from P&P . .he had no eed of doing it with our audience!! The live audience was nice, but in no comparison to the dress!

And what was the point of pumping up the audience with not one, but *2* people if they didn't want enthusiasm? They should've paid us for that. ;-) Yeah, I noticed it was a lot quieter during the show monologue. That would've been a good question...Did you feel one show was better than the other and if so, how?

(Tress) that he would know about the "I can't believe it's not buttah" Fabio commercials is the really odd thing....unless, Scarlett sat him down and gave him the skinny on both Fabio and the butter commercials that ran for six months in...when did those run? Early or mid 90s? I think that is v. v. obscure.... I wouldn't be surprised if PR or film marketing people made that up for the amount of times that it was said. Maybe it originated with someone on the set, but marketing or whoever decided they should run with it. A catch or buzz phrase for this movie, like triviality was the buzz word for TIOBE.

(Kim),We wanted to pump Colin up and sure enough we did and it affected not only his performance but that of the entire cast All that and reike too? No wonder he was your Colin darling! (Karen), You know, for an actor who won't audition, this was probably the biggest audition he's ever done. Really? Most of the cool people like us don't bother watching the show anymore.

(Dorine) I thought it was Linda who asked about the US distribution, but apparently it was Leslie.... As I recollect, Linda did ask the question first but Colin didn't answer it as his attention was drawn to finishing his conversation with the guy behind him. I re-asked the question once he turned his attention back to us. (Dorine) Didn't someone at the bar mention SNL augmenting audience sounds during the broadcast? Is that possible, or likely? I had mentioned it when we were watching the live broadcast back at the hotel. The laughter heard then had a definite 'canned' ring to it, very much like the stuff we heard them demonstrate on the NBC tour. It almost seemed as if they were augmenting the studio audience a bit. (Dorine) At one point, not long after it started, maybe even during the monologue, I noticed a page walk over from the center section to a couple of other pages near the door where we walked in, looked our way, whisper to another one, then she looked over. They didn't look too happy. I pointed it out to Kim, . . I didn't see this action nor did any of you point it out to me. I'm certain I was the worst offender - admit to being comletely out of control. In retrospect I guess I should be glad I wasn't escorted out. I did take notice of the woman in front of us. Initially she seemed to share our enthusiasm for Colin but by the end of the rehearsal I'm sure she'd written us off as 'fringe' characters, probably a bit scary as well. (Good thing I don't have any aspirations for membership in the Junior League.) (Kimberley) Ahh . .yeah gave the tickets a little Reiki The Reiki thing was very cool and yes, the tickets were very hot once you returned them to us after putting the 'iggy' on them. Very interesting stuff that just supports the contention that something more than luck was helping us along.

(Dorine)And what was the point of pumping up the audience with not one, but *2* people if they didn't want enthusiasm? They should've paid us for that. ;-) I know!!!! . .We should have been asked back,( though I�m glad we were able to share it with Bee and Little Bee back at the hotel) . .I betcha we could have made a world of difference. Yeah, I noticed it was a lot quieter during the show monologue. That would've been a good question...Did you feel one show was better than the other and if so, how? I really feel the dress rehearsal was better than the actual show. We saw everything, even worse skits that didn�t make the air, and I still feel that way. I believe it all boils down to audience response when we talk about any sort of live performance. Again, taking from various acting experiences of mine I�m saying this. There�s nothing in the world like positive response from a live audience for a performer. Can�t explain how it works . . .guess it�s an energy thing, a very palpable feeling for audience members and performers alike. . . but for actors in any sort of live venue there is a kind of symbiotic relationship we maintain with an audience throughout the performance. Hearing or feeling any sort of positive feedback, always creates a better performance. Better performance = greater response from an audience and so on. Like anything in life, any time you received positive reinforcement, didn�t it make you feel better about yourself? And therin made your own performance in doing whatever tasks better? Performers especially, when we know our audience likes what were doing, then something just clicks in us: we take risks, we stop worrying about the performance itself, any technical aspects, and we just let things happen naturally. When we don�t get that, we start doubting ourselves as performers . .and then things can start spiraling down from there: we forget lines, cues, get frustrated and sometimes lose control (ie the actor from that one-act play you saw me in!!) And I think, especially when working with comedy, which is such a fragile medium in and of itself, a great audience can help the performer relax, whereby jokes can then flow more smoothly, timing just falls into place. (God knows timing is so important with comedy!) Without that, there is the danger of trying too hard, working too much to push the jokes, to try to make it funny because, since you can�t hear the laughter, you are assuming you have to do something to make the response come. You think well, it must be me, let�s just try a little harder. I�ve been in shows that went downhill from the start just because we had a bad audience, even though the day before it was like we were on fire!

(Kim) I really feel the dress rehearsal was better than the actual show. I know we all thought so, just curious what he thought. Especially since we weren't in the second audience and he could hear it better than we could I imagine.

(Somebody)And what was the point of pumping up the audience with not one, but *2* people if they didn't want enthusiasm? I'm sure *Colin* was v. appreciative of the enthusiasm of the onsite fans. As an actor he understands the necessity of an involved audience. Even 3 DOR had "iffy" audiences (mostly confused) and it was reflected in the performances.

Ah Moon, he'll be "my darling", regardless . . (*sigh*) . .um, after my DH of course!!!! Oooop forgot to add with my post above . . Remember girls, those who saw the Showtime blurb I brought on Sat: The interviewer asked: "In a spouse, a lover or a co-star, what do you prefer: that you are able to make them laugh or that they are able to make you laugh . ."(I'm paraphrasing a bit) And Colin responded emphatically, that although it sounded a bit egotistical, that he much more preferred to be able to make his wife laugh - because he enjoyed the sound of the response.

(Kim) I really feel the dress rehearsal was better than the actual show. (Dorine)I know we all thought so, just curious what he thought. Sigh, there I go in eagerness to post . .ramble off a soliloquy . . .(Sorry Evelyn!) But I agree, great question . .I would love to sit with him after a show and ask him things like that and other acting related questions;). God, would love to work with him in general and just watch the process in his character development throughout a project.

With my usual glacial speed, have gotten some things up from the program: http://www.firth.com/snl.html Only two pages of monologue caps from KathyC are there; rest to come.

HOOORAYYY!!!! . Kathy C, Karen . .you are wonderful!!!!

Brilliant job on the SNL caps, Karen. They are a joy to behold. Many thanks. I only wish there was a way to get our hands on the many stills we saw during the rehearsal that never made it to the broadcast. They are quite lovely. I did hear from Kim today that she was going to do some investigating with her NBC contact. Hopefully there will be more lovely images to share with everyone on Drool.

That *would* be great. BTW, if anyone would like to write up better synopses for the skits than the quick and dirty ones lifted and revised, please go right ahead.

Karen . .do you want synopses or actual transcripts?

(Karen) With my usual glacial speed... Huh? I thought that was right quick! And it looks v. v. good (though when you click on the marquee, it shows you the pic from the Chiswick House...LOL...or is that some joke I'm just not getting (wouldn't be the first time...))! Thank you!

I'm posting twice again, but this was such a funny moment for me: When MR screams her lines...and Colin just calmly says "Oh....hello Maya!" and then she kinda whispers "Did you forget your part?" and she starts to thumb through her book...and he responds "Call me but love and I'll be new baptized"...then Maya: "oooooohhhhh.....he's goooooood!!" LOL! She was funny. The looks on her face were a hoot. Thanks again Karen and KathyC!!! I keep going back and peeking every few minutes!

Hi all, On poxy hotel computer, again. V. expensive and v. frustrating not to be home and be able to read and post at will. I can only say in regard to Colin's not ever hearing about SNL is very close to what has already been said, it's just that I can't, for the life of me, believe that he has not heard of it. Only because ODB has continually boasted in interviews that he is v. American, we know he spends a lot of time here for work and Will. It just seems so strange that he hasn't heard of it-not that I believe it-just a strange response. He probably doesn't watch a great deal of TV, but come on?? I love it when he's just being ironic;-) (Kim) I really feel the dress rehearsal was better than the actual show. Totally agree, and of course I've been thinking of all the questions I coulda, shoulda, woulda asked him had I not been in a fog. I would love to know what he thought of the whole experience--from first days of rehearsal to walking out on that stage. I know my stomach was in knots as we took our seats. Not just from the torture of the hour before wondering if we were getting in or not, but wondering how he was feeling in those moments just before the show began. He isn't a stand up comedian, though he has been on stage, but fergawd's sake, it was live TV. Live American TV, to boot. As far as making noise during the rehearsal...I believe that they want you pumped, our section won the contest for being the loudest. However, we weren't obnoxious, didn't disrupt the show, and I think that our laughter and noise wasn't a distraction--except for the Cold Mountain skit. We were all laughing so hard and I know that was the reason Colin and JF started laughing as well. Heck, isn't that what made SNL so wildly funny in those early years? The audience was a big part of that, and IMO that rehearsal was vintage SNL. If ODB had any doubts prior to coming on stage that night and bombing, or worried that the audience didn't know who he was...well let's just say that, that myth was dispelled in the first few minutes. OK, this is costing mucho $$$$$$$. See y'all tomorrow.

(Kimberly) do you want synopses or actual transcripts? For now, I'll settle for improved synopses. Transcripts might be a bit much, don't you think? (Tress) though when you click on the marquee, it shows you the pic from the Chiswick House I have no idea how that happened. This new program is driving me crazy and accounts for the slowness too. :-(

(Me, in my delirium) it shows you the pic from the Chiswick House I'm such a dork....I'm sure the article isn't necessary! Have just been so verklempt today! ;-) Chiswick House. (Karen) I have no idea how that happened. It's not a bad thing....I like that picture! Thanks again everyone for all the news, pictures, personal accounts! It has been a fantastic weekend and Monday! Grazie!

Dearest, loveliest metro gals, Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication this past week. You made me feel as if I was there with you. Love hearing all the details down to the most minor minutiae! Karen, as always you are the woman with the goods! Thank you!

(Kimberly) do you want synopses or actual transcripts? (Karen)For now, I'll settle for improved synopses. Transcripts might be a bit much, don't you think? I'd type out the transcript of the skits he was in or the opening monologue for ya only if you wanted (still no new temp job in sight so there is a bit of time on my hands), but I'll defer to you, whatever you wish:) Am still chuckling from my favorite line from the evening . .from the Cold Mountain Skit: "Every British actor's dream is to play an authentic American hero."

Kathy C's caps are incredible and your SNL page lay-out, Boss , mahvelous. What a Team! Offense gives us the "You are there" reports and back-ups are busily recording for posterity . I'm telling ya', we're NFL.

What a team! And you didn't even need to pizza trick.

After reading yesterday�s posts I sat down to watch the SNL broadcast once again for things I might have missed. I was amazed during the monologue when he uttered those words ��dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth� that the audience didn�t respond. He and the cast member (? Amy Poehler) had to come out and tell them it was a scene from P&P. Oh, did I feel bad for him at that moment. During the rehearsal you may remember we screamed so loudly after hearing that magic bit of dialogue that he looked our way, smiled, and uttered a direct thank you. So much for feeling a bit self-conscious about my behavior when I learned about those pages giving us the �evil eye�. In the words of our now de-throned Martha��it was a very good thing�. And yes, I re-state my opinion that the audience response was supplemented in spots by a laugh track. It just sounded a little contrived to me. Does anyone know if this is a regular practice during broadcasts and tapings in front of a live audience?

(Evelyn),Kathy C's caps are incredible and your SNL page lay-out, Boss , mahvelous. Fantastically fast work, Karen! I think it is a good idea to write to SNL as Mari pointed out, buut I would also make them aware that we had friends there and know of the other skits and can we eventually buy an unedited tape.

Thanks to KathyC and Karen! The SNL page is wonderful! I especially love the host pictures at the end, you guys are too good! Thanks!

How cool is he???! Love the SNL page, many thanks to Karen and Kathy! (When I click on some of the pics, I get "a page not found" message. Does this mean you're still adding?;-) Goodie . . .) Leslie, I'm confused, I thought you were at the dress rehearsal only, not the live broadcast? Anyway, the audience response sounded fine to me throughout the show. Don't feel bad for him; he did great. Did you see it last week with Jennifer Aniston? Talk about dead silence, LOL.

(Moon)I think it is a good idea to write to SNL And that number again is SaturdayNightLive@nbc.com If you want to write to Colin and give him an attaboy, send your letter in care of his agent: Chris Andrews ICM 8942 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Lola! Who's the idiot at Universal who removed Colin from the Region 1 DVD cover of LA? And who can we complain to? http://www.dvdanswers.com/index.php?r=0&s=1&c=3477 the last time I saw it, it had Colin and Lucia kissing at upper right. If this is the final art, I'm not buying it. Honestly.

(Kimberly) "Every British actor's dream is to play an authentic American hero." That line had us cracking up... My Fav stills: Who am I kidding?? They're all great...! Thanks for all the hard work!!! The page looks great!

(Mari) When I click on some of the pics, I get "a page not found" message. Does this mean you're still adding? 'cause the page isn't there. Yeah, I'm slow, so sue me. ;-) Am working on Cold Mountain now. Who's the idiot at Universal who removed Colin from the Region 1 DVD cover of LA? And who can we complain to? Yes, let's remove the one guy that Richard Roeper said deserved a Best Supporting Actor nod in his Memo to the Academy spot (far fetched but he was singled out!). Unbelievable and sad. v. sad. :-(

(Mari) Leslie, I'm confused, I thought you were at the dress rehearsal only, not the live broadcast? No, Mari, you're not confused. I was unclear. The comments I made about the broadcast were surmised by my watching a tape of it here at home. And Tress, I can't stop gushing about those still photos. I think they were a major highlight of the experience. So relaxed, so tongue-in-cheek. I love the way he was willing to just go for it. IMO some of the best photos of him ever. If there's any Reiki left in Kimberley, she'll be able to dig up the others that didn't make it to broadcast. They were amazing!!

All I can say, now that I've thought it through, is that Will has to know about SNL and therefore his dad does - even if he has never seen it. The kids talk about it. I know a 14 year old and 2 of his friends who thought this past week's SNL was "hilarious" and "better than it has been in a long time." Those are direct quotes from instant messaging (during a POS moment - parent over shoulder ;-)). The SNL page is awesome, thanks so much Karen and Kathy! The still photos are adorable and I can't believe there were even more adorable ones during the dress rehearsal. Can't wait to use them at birthday parties - if that's okay, Karen :-).

(Lora)...Will has to know about SNL and therefore his dad does ... If Colin really didn't know about SNL, then perhaps Will's opinion of it had something to do with his father deciding to do the show? That gets us back to yesterday's question from Kimberley....who were those 5 or 6 boys (approx ages 7-12) that were escorted into the rehearsal wearing large "Special Guests of Colin Firth" tags around their necks? (Lora)I know a 14 year old and 2 of his friends who thought this past week's SNL was "hilarious" and "better than it has been in a long time." It's always nice to get a reality check from (what I assume are) non-Firth's.

(leslie)I was amazed during the monologue when he uttered those words ��dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth� that the audience didn�t respond. He and the cast member (? Amy Poehler) had to come out and tell them it was a scene from P&P. Oh, did I feel bad for him at that moment. Have a sneaking suscpision they were expecting the same reaction like we gave at the dress . .that little explanation, I believe seemed a bit thrown in, last minute . . . one of the rough hazards of working with live performances;) . .nothing is ever the same the second time around!

(leslie)It's always nice to get a reality check from (what I assume are) non-Firth's. They are definitely non-Firths. But my son suddenly thinks my choice of CF as my favorite actor is much cooler than he once thought. (Of course, then he mockingly said to me, "I'm juss keeding." ;-))

The Paul Lynde page is up: http://www.firth.com/snl_movie1.html plugging away.... (oh, yes, these caps are going to provide years of entertaining visuals for the parties!)

LOL! Thanks again!!! Love the jacket in this...it made me laugh as soon as I saw it...ODB has looooong arms and well, the jacket does not!

(Kimberly) Have a sneaking suscpision they were expecting the same reaction like we gave at the dress Those silly people. Bet they were wishing they'd kept us. ;-) Thanks so much, Karen and Kathy C!!!! Awesome pics!! Am using them to illustrate our adventures to a friend right now. BTW, in light of this weekends events, I know what I'm getting Colin for his birthday. ;-) And I bet I know what I'll be getting for mine, possibly from the UK contingent anyway. ;-) Did anyone ever comment on the irony of the musical guest when Colin hosted is the same as Moon's birthday present to him? ;-)

(leslie)I was amazed during the monologue when he uttered those words ��dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth� that the audience didn�t respond. He and the cast member (? Amy Poehler) had to come out and tell them it was a scene from P&P. Oh, did I feel bad for him at that moment. That really must have thrown him! Here he was thinking that everyone knew him as Mr. Darcy. He'll probably throw that at some British journalist the next time they bring up the Darcy thing. And, he might even be happy about it. :-( So is there a chance we might be able to purchase an un-edited SNL? Agent Metro-gal Kimberly, I hope you're working on this. :-D

(Dorine), Did anyone ever comment on the irony of the musical guest when Colin hosted is the same as Moon's birthday present to him? ;-) That's right! I wish you had mentioned that to him, Dorine. ;-) Always happy to help Colin expand his record collection with my musical tastes. ;-)

(Moon)...He'll probably throw that at some British journalist the next time they bring up the Darcy thing. And, he might even be happy about it. Don't I remember reading a while back where he said instead of resenting the Darcy persona he had finally come to embrace it somewhat? He certainly looked happy with it that night, IMO.

(Moon) I wish you had mentioned that to him, Dorine. ;-) It'll be first on my topic of discussion list next time....his virtual birthday presents. ;-D Thanks for the addresses, Mari. :-) I will take my usual stance of being cautiously pessimistic about the tape. ;-) We could sign a waiver, like with the screeners, watermark them.....whatever. ;-)

Oh Karen . .Thanks for these pics!!!! Ssssssssssufferin ssssuccotash Ida, I 'm just crrrazzzzeee about yew!

(Dorine) BTW, in light of this weekends events, I know what I'm getting Colin for his birthday. ;-) Okaaaaay...I'll bite...wot (again, I may have missed something...)? ;-) Maybe a copy of this: or with....

Oooopsss...that was really big! Karen if you need to remove, please do so. My apologies!

"Ssssssssssufferin ssssuccotash" Wonderin' if he knows what "succotash" is ;-D LOL methinks the Boss should send him that book now : "Courtesy of Spring"

Ah yes, the book I hadn't thought of. I had in mind the DVD's of the individual cast members skits.....Best of Eddie Murphy, Best of Bill Murray, etc. Wonder if they're only on VHS still or on DVD, too. ;-) Maybe I should send him a few of those and ask for some Tony Hancock shows and other "classic" British shows in return. ;-D

(Mari)Who's the idiot at Universal who removed Colin from the Region 1 DVD cover of LA? Arrrrghhhhh!!!!!! Are they kidding?????? There's a big slip up there if I've ever seen one! (Moon)So is there a chance we might be able to purchase an un-edited SNL? Agent Metro-gal Kimberly, I hope you're working on this. :-D Moon, working on that and other things . .will see what happens . .keep your fingers crossed! Oh, and I know I've been behind on posts b/c of the SNL weekend . .but Hola Lola, wanted to say thnaks about your little blurb you sent about TEOR . .Can't wait till that opens!!!! Hope you and the little one are doing well. Karen - Just sent you the monologue transcript.

(Kimberly) Hola Lola, wanted to say thnaks about your little blurb you sent about TEOR Did I miss something somewhere?

(Dorine) Wonder if they're only on VHS still or on DVD, too. ;-) They are on DVD...and you can order them on Amazon.uk. Save on shipping! ;-) ...and ask for some Tony Hancock shows and other "classic" British shows in return. ;-D And they have Tony too! http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005M6OM/ref=sr_aps_dvd_1_1/026-4953058-0472449 They have loads of other comedians ..."Best of" stuff. Have heard of Morecambe and Wise! But they don't look familiar...thinking I may have just read a reference to them in a Bill Bryson book and that doesn't count. :-( (Dorine) Did I miss something somewhere? Post 1738 and 1742!

(Evelyn)"Ssssssssssufferin ssssuccotash" Wonderin' if he knows what "succotash" is ;-D . LOL, You Americans always think... (Dorine)Maybe I should send him a few of those and ask for some Tony Hancock shows and other "classic" British shows in return. Nah, Save your $$$$$-he only watches news programs;-) Mari, thanks for Colin's agent's address and SNL...will write as soon as I'm caught up. And I can't find your post just now about the Jennifer Aniston reference. I thought that was so awful. I was in knots all week worrying that the show would be just as bad, and Colin would be left twisting in the wind. Thank goodness it was so much better. Even the NBC guy checking names as the after party said he thought it was the funniest in a looooong time. Karen, fabulous job with the SNL pages. Thanking you a million times.

Uh, I know I goofed. Sorry, I'm just nervous about being back on my own computer. I hope this doesn't cost me a "keep";-)

Dorine - You saw them already - the posts #1738 & 1742. I just am NOW catching up on both sleep and all of the posts that came in in between all of our SNL reports!!!

Take a bow, everyone, we filled another topic.:-) Boss, we need a new one opened.