Winter, terrific stuff!! You've really made the evening come alive...and don't worry about the photos...your words supply the pictures! What pleases me is that you've met the "real" Colin and that you LIKE him (and almost become a bosom pal of his wife! :-) ) Is he still "Mr Darcy" to you, or will you now have a different sort of image. BTW most Englishmen are pale...we just don't have that LA sunshine over here! Lest I forget (in all this excitement)..!! Ben, you mentioned that you would be meeting up with John Castle again over Christmas. If you feel that it's appropriate to the occasion, could you please perhaps ask him if "Lost Empires", in which he starred with Colin, is ever likely to be shown again on one of the satellite channels or released on video. It's a major Granada production, like "Brideshead Revisited" and "Jewel in the Crown", both of which have been recently released on video. But no "good" copy of LE seems to exist! Thanks! I really admired John Castle's performance in LE by the way!

Gosh Dame Winter . . . .sounds like a wonderful experience! Great job!!!!!

WOW!!!!! What a night!! Winter you are our very own Dame of Drool. Thanks for sharing everything with us. Who needs snappies when your prose just conjured up the experience for us all so vividly. Now you'll give us all sleepless nights too!! I was interested to see you recognised his outfit ( from the snappy with Alan Cummings?). I read somewhere that he isn't interested in clothes but I'll bet the lovely Livia's outfit was getting it's first airing. Congratulations, you were just brilliant-- calm, cool and collected.

Dame Winter, Might you have your retinas scanned? I am sure He is imprinted on them - permanently! Thanks for providing us such a thrillingly vicarious close encounter. And, to have actually *touched* him!!! Never wash that hand again!!! Or let anyone use your Vis-a-Vis, either.

Karen e-mailed me the comments above to me at work so I could catch all this excitement. Your ladyship, I could barely work for the rest of the afternoon. Your evening was fantastic. I am so proud of you and glad you represented us. You did a terrific job. Don't be disappointed for us about the photos. As Bethan said, your words made the evening come alive. I know you're disappointed for yourself but just remember - he touched your hand!! If Elizabeth's photos came out, I'm sure they'll be public on omeone's website soon so we can all share in them (and print them!) Are your feet touching earth yet? Can you believe you got in to see the movie? And then shared the landing with him? Shook his hand? Got some words out of him? My dear, I'm still shaking my head in amazement. I have a question for you - did Livia pronounce her name with the accent on the first or middle syllable? Can you even remember? Thank you so much for going and then so quickly reporting back to us. Another exciting day.

Everyone... I'm so sorry about the pictures. I called Evelyn collect from the photoshop (thanks for accepting the charges!) and told her what had happened. Apparently, the disposable camera I used was for outdoor shots, and thus, no flash was attached to it. Typical me... I know nothing about cameras. I called Elizabeth at work (we're both at UCLA!) and asked her what had happened. Apparently, she waited over half and hour, Colin and Livia came out, and she got his autograph and his picture, and herself and Colin in a picture!! Oh! How I wished I had braved the cold to see him again. But I felt so obtrusive already, having stopped Livia in the bathroom, talking to her outside, and then talking to him on the stairs...I didn't want to come off as a stalker. Liz will make me an extra copy of the photos. Liz and I reminisced over the phone a bit about last night. You know what? We both noticed that when I mentioned his "Internet fans" -- his face lit up after a second, and he immediately recognized the connection! That's probably why he felt so appreciative and told us so. I guess that's a moment that couldn't be put into a picture anyway... I'm so upset over this whole thing, I taught class today in the worst mood. My students usually like me, but I think they were taken aback by my irritable behavior. And.. it was the last week of classes, so I couldn't even make it up to them! I cancelled my office hours, since I didn't want to sit there for 2 hours and brood over this in silence. So I went home early from school, and logged on to here. At least, on the Internet, I have a cyber-shoulder to cry on. Watch the entertainment shows tonight. I walked behind Jennifer Tilly as she was giving a TV interview (I'm not sure which show). Look for the short Asian girl with the pony-tail, wearing a black pea-coat and beige top-- that's me! I talked to a friend today about last night's experience. He told me that Livia was probably very friendly to me because I always come off as someone so young. She probably thought I was about 16-- when we're actually almost the same age, I think. Ben Affleck probably blew me o f because he might of mistook me for a teeny-bopper fan. And Colin might've thought I was a polite teeny-bopper fan:-). More details... Livia is probably 5'5.5 at least. I didn't take a look at her shoes to see how tall her heels were. (But I really liked her choker!)She pronounced her name, I believe, with accent on the first vowel. (Just rhyme her name with that hand lotion "Nivea". ) I keep talking about her, but that's probably because I was amazed at how nice she was. She hugged a couple of other women after the screening... I think wives of some studio exec's or actor's wives... The movie is great... Ben Affleck has a great little role. He plays a very pompous actor who is duped by Shakespeare to take on the role of Mercutio.

Just created Topic 15 for Shakespeare in Love spoilers. We know two people now who have seen this film. They can entertain each other there until the rest of us see this movie. ;-) Ben, dear, I don't think you're an effeminate twit though perhaps Hollywood movers and shakers do so you can forget your film career. However, most of the women in the US (and I am the official spokeswoman) love an RP Brit accent (short of the royal family's). Sounds dashing and heroic but also intelligent and sensitive - every woman's dream. A whopping stereotype, but what can I say. Glad you're going back to the bosom of your family for the holidays. We expect a full report when you return. By the way, many of us think John Castle was pretty nifty looking in Lost Empires too - you can tell him that. Maybe a little older than I like and of course 10 years later he's even older yet, but still a nice looking gent. Bethan, looks like the wheels of publicity are starting to turn in the UK! Bet DB will be coming home soon. Ladies, keep your eyes peeled for us. Elena! Welcome. Tell us where you're from, if you like. We hope Shakespeare in Love will open for you soon too. Your English is lovely and I hope you'll continue to post with us.

And of course that's Topic 115 for SiL.

Anyone want to chat tonight?

I'm so upset over this whole thing Winter, the photos really, really DON'T matter!!! The eye-witness account you've given us is marvellous, and I think you should be going around with a huge Cheshire cat grin on your face. Well done!

TV ALERT " E!CHANNEL" The E! NEWS DAILY

Congrats. to Winter. A flawlessly executed operation. I shouldn't worry about the photographs. They rarely capture the mood of the moment, in my experience, and your memories will be all the more vivid without them. Sounds like Colin has snared himself a wonderful wife, but none of you would expect anything less, I suppose. I have a v. good Italian friend who's just had a daughter called Livia, coincidentally. My memory is that Claudius' mother, Tiberius' wife, was Livia, and not a terribly nice one. (Pl ase correct me, classical scholars.) These two sound better. I'm glad you liked the film, Winter. (Serves me right for the idle boast about New York that half this board will have seen it before me!) As for the pastiness, it's an occupational hazard of living in England. (Or New York, for that matter.) You should make sure the next meeting is in September, after a few months of Tuscan sun. Now you know him, I'm sure you could drop by the Villa Firth for a glass of Chianti next summer... Heide, many thanks for the reassurances. I wonder how long the effect of the accent normally lasts before the horrible truth comes out....

TV ALERT " E!CHANNEL" (cable) The E! NEWS DAILY SHOW features Colin FULL SCREEN being interviewed at last night's LA Premiere. It will be shown again tomorrow at: 6AM CT and 12 noon CT Karen called me on this. She just saw it. I do not get E! channel. Look for Her Ladyship. Dame Winter...Your Ladyship...when you get the pics from Elizabeth our original mailing plan (Overnite to Karen) goes into effect...ok?

Winter: Congrats to you. You lucky girl. I am so jealous. I am glad that you liked the wife. I have always been jealous too. Rita

Okay, I've got the note pasted on my door again for the Fed Ex guy to just leave the package...whenever it shows up. I know you must be sad, Winter, but like everyone here says, we have experienced it vicariously through your words. Don't feel like you've let us down. We don't think so at all. You came through for us and we are so glad you made it and had the presence of mind to speak to both Colin and Livia. I know I'd be just tongue-tied like I was with Nick Hornby and he's no where near the same as Colin. ;-) **************** I've just received a message from Firth High Command for our *Batbuddy* You have been selected from thousands of able-bodied (just guessing, mind you) men to execute OPERATION FIND LOST EMPIRES!! The details of this strategically important operation will be made known to you when our military attache arrives with the sealed documents. Suffice to say, we'd like a copy of this miniseries (NTSC and/or PAL)...no questions asked. By the way, M has sanctioned your use of your double-o classification, if necessary. ;-)

Another thing: Siskel and Ebert will review SiL next week. Since it is syndicated, the dates will vary. Mine is on Saturday. Anyway, the new Star Trek is also on the bill, so who knows which will lead off. I am getting so sick and tired of Ben Affleck and his mugging for the camera. I liked him after Good Will Hunting, but now if I see him one more time being interviewed about this movie, I'm going to get seriously ill. On one of the shows, he actually said there wasn't any Shakespeare in SiL. Did this guy go to school or is he just another ignorant dropout? Who does he think Mercutio is? E! Update - My cable was acting weird yesterday so I am going to retape this snippet today. The 6:00 a.m. was not the same; hopefully the noon rebroadcast will be the same as yesterday's. Anyway, it showed Colin being interviewed by someone, although you couldn't really make out what he was saying. But as Evelyn posted, he was the only one on screen!!! You didn't have to use a magnifying glass to see him. Looked positively adorable. Not at all jowly or anything. Wish I had a Snappy.

Now that our very own Dame of Drool has experienced that gorgeous and expressive face light up at the mention of his internet fans maybe THIS should henceforward be known as "THE LOOK."

WOW! What excitement on this board. I usually lurk, but this event has driven me out of my lazy mode to actually post. Winter, You have my full admiration on your meeting with Le Firth. I would have been struck dumb, but you kept your composure and even got to talk to his wife. The pictures don't matter at all because in this case a picture would not have been worth your "1000" words. Anyway, E Entainment so kindly supplied us with the visual. His hair was a lot lighter and perhaps a bit more receding, but he still looked gorgeous. Now we know Livia is not pregnant. Thanks again for your account of your evening. BTW, for what does DB stand?

DB=Dear Boy You'll get the hang of our shorthand. :) Nice to see you posting here as well, Sue.

What do you mean, Winter? This is a great picture! No, actually this is from the Miramax site. Only one they have with Colin...at least so far...

Oh my god, I keep thinking over and over again about your magnificent experience, Winter. It�s so miraculous that you actually managed to meet him, stood close to him, could observe his features and hear his voice in real life, talked to him and even touched him....!!! I can�t get enough of the idea. On the other hand, isn�t it funny to say things like this, as if Colin was a deity of some kind and not just a good-looking bloke who�s exactly as human as we are. That�s actually what your adventure made so wonderfully clear to me, Winter, Colin�s lovely humanity I mean. There was such a long while without any news from him that he started to seem to me as something from a fairytale. I�m laughing at myself and the text I�ve written here but I have a hunch that I share these mixed feelings with some of you. By the way, I used to be jealous for Livia, now I�m deeply jealous for all of you who have been able to see Colin and his new look in tv. You lucky people. Thank-you, Heide and Evelyn, for welcoming me. I live in Finland and I guess it�ll take some time before SIL can be seen over here. Haven�t read one word of it anywhere.

I am somewhat mystified by the advertising for SIL. Miramax have, what would appear to be a coup, with the attendance of HC at the premier but we have seen almost no publicity for that event. Is that because it has just not appeared on the Net or has there been very little coverage in the press outside of specialist entertainment programs? Not being in the US, in particular in NY and LA, it is hard to judge. It opens there tomorrow, doesn't it? CF and Livia must have had their photographs taken sooo many times by the press, but nothing have we seen. Sob, sob!! (BTW that was meant to indicate sorrow not US swear word!)

(Allison) Sob, sob!! (BTW that was meant to indicate sorrow not US swear word!) The latter would never have occurred to me, but now that I think about it... Where are those !@##ed pictures and interviews? Who is hogging that film?

I've been particularly quiet about Winter's tete a tete w/ CF himself. I can't believe that my lunch buddy met him:) Oh, Winter, you definitely HAVE to come BACK to Boston, (this time my life isn't a mess as it was in August when you were here last!) You handled yourself better than I could've. I probably would've passed out:) Why do I all of sudden feel like Amazon woman amongst you little women:) and I'm only 5'6"!!!! I am completely and utterly;) enthralled by your narrative. Great Job!!! (PS. my favorite was telling CF that you accosted his wife not once, twice! I was chuckling it up. And his "That's okay." Quite the gentleman! (Ha! He did behave in a gentlemanly behavior!) to paraphase!

Hello, i�ve just seen the J. Leno Tonight show with BA. But I am so depressed. The film scene they showed didn�t bring CF up. His name wasn�t even mentioned while the talking (bla,bla). They only talked about BA (what a shame). I don�t know if this was a show from today, because I live in Germany and I don�t know if they just showed the Tonight show of today !? So some of you might have seen this show ? Does anyone know of a comming show with CF himself ??? Sorry for my bad english ! :-)

Hallo ladies, one cannot take a few days vacation but things happen around here. Words can't express my delight at Winter's adventure. Dame Winter, thou art the Indiana Jones of Drool, boldly going where we all would love to go - but would we dare? (actually, this is a very mixed comparison) When I read that you were going to the screening I felt a twinge of envy, but when I read your account I was just thrilled. A thousand thanks. How did you manage to keep your head?! And talk to both of them not once but several times! And get in a word about his Net fans! Much, much better than photographs. We all love you for your exploit, and sharing it with us. In Portugal, unfortunately, we can't be sure we will ever see SiL. We haven't seen a number of the other CF films (a few were given on television). But historical fiction appears to be in now, so maybe we will. Historical correction: Ben, Livia was not Tiberius's wife but his mother, the wife of emperor Augustus (who was not Tiberius's father). And Tiberius wasn't Claudius's father either, but his uncle.

Hey gang....remember a few weeks ago Ben initiated the contest of the opening "Chat up line that we would use when we met The Man Himself" And Winter was the winner with... "Didn't I see you in Far From the Madding Crowd?" We all had a good laugh over that one.....Little did she know.... that on December the 8th.....What did you say first Winter? Anyway, Your Ladyship...this was just a practice mission for MLSF in June. He'll remember you then....can you top December the 8th?!! And between now and then ...a photography crash-course, Winter??? :-))

(Evelyn)And Winter was the winner with... "Didn't I see you in Far From the Madding Crowd?" Was there a winner? I can't recall.

God. What a pig's mistake I made of Claudius' lineage. Thanks, Gi. (You can tell how much attention I paid in my Latin classes and how long ago they were.) So, if I've understood, Livia was Claudius' great aunt. Do you know if she was nice or nasty (in Robert Graves' mind)? I've a vague memory that she was horrid. Re: chat-up lines; I congratulate Winter on being able to say anything at all, let alone a coherent sentence, let alone one which signals her admiration. Extreme coolness under fire. Strangely I've already been to TWO Anglo-Italian weddings this year, both involving an English man and an Italian woman. So it's all the rage. How did they meet? Perhaps I should spend more time in Rome, or at least Little Italy.

Ben, Livia was actually Claudius'grand-mother, through her son Drusus. And Graves presented her under a very bad light, a manipulative and even murderous woman.

(Evelyn)And Winter was the winner with... "Didn't I see you in Far From the Madding Crowd?" (Gi)Was there a winner? I can't recall. You're right, Gi....we did nominate Winter and Cheryle whose line was: "I saw you in Playmaker...loved it...give it for gifts...." (Because no one has seen it...). OK, Ben...You're ON. It was your contest and you promised to judge it. There were several other good ones too. These two I remember well.

I am getting so sick and tired of Ben Affleck and his mugging for the camera. (Karen) Ah, but Ben and Gwynnie SELL the movie, Karen! It's all good marketing! An "interesting" snippet on SIL in the Daily Telegraph ...(quote) The delightful actress GP has been reduced to a flustered bundle of maroon embarassment in the hands of a bunch of English actors....SIL..for which she was required to dress as a boy. Once dressed as a chap, she found herself attracting unseemly amounts of attention from the male members of the cast. "When I was dressed up like a boy, the men's energy was so different with me than when I was a woman" she tells American reporters. "It was palpable to me, and there were a few men who were really, really fascinated by me dressed as a boy. This epecially happens in England, where they're very into that kind of thing and freely admit that they are." I think we can safely exclude CF (Gwynnie is always very womanly in the Wessex scenes!), Geoffrey (Austray-lian) and of course Ben (American) from this unseemly fascination!! I lead a very sheltered life( :-) )...so...what does "especially happen in England"?!!!

Didn't you know? We English only fancy girls if they're dressed up as boys. Public school, nannies, dormitaries, matron, chapel choir, fagging'n'all that. WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP. What is GP on about? Or maybe she's right, and Jennifer Ehle, God bless'er, would only need to slip into a pair of grey shorts, an airtex shirt and a prep-school blazer to send me into paroxysms of desire. Come to think of it, though, I wouldn't say no even if she asked me in a dress. I will print out all chat up lines and retire to my chamber to judge them tonight. Promise.

(Karen and her photo from SiL) What do you mean, Winter? This is a great picture! ROTFLMOL!! This cracked me up. Must be the wine I'm drinking. (Gwynnie's quote) "It was palpable to me, and there were a few men who were really, really fascinated by me dressed as a boy. This epecially happens in England, where they're very into that kind of thing and freely admit that they are." (Bethan) I lead a very sheltered life( :-) )...so...what does "especially happen in England"?! ROTFLMOL again!! I've heard of the other way around but this is news to me. Do you think she really said it? Just when I was beginning to think she wasn't a twit. (Sabine) Hello, i�ve just seen the J. Leno Tonight show with BA. We just saw the same one too last night. Like Karen, I was really annoyed with Mr. Affleck. He was trying really hard to be funny but I couldn't crack a smile. Guess I'm only amused by my Drool buddies or else I'M ANNOYED NO ONE MENTIONS COLIN!! Believe me, Sabine, if anyone knows of an upcoming show with Mr. Firth on, you'll read it here. But you might want to check Jay Leno tomorrow (for you, tonight for the US). Ms. Paltrow is on. (And your English is fine. You should see my German.) (Elena) isn�t it funny to say things like this, as if Colin was a deity of some kind and not just a good-looking bloke who�s exactly as human as we are....I�m laughing at myself and the text I�ve written here but I have a hunch that I share these mixed feelings with some of you. Exactly so. I don't dare speak for the rest but I know I'm laughing at myself as I type some of the things you see here. We're grown up women living our lives and then something about this guy just reached out, grabbed hold and stuck. I know I'm ridiculous half the time but I'm having a ball.

The 1998 Firth Chat-up Championship, Official Results. Due to the wonderfully high standard this year, we are awarding three prizes. In second= place, we have Gi, for #798, the "Bingley" line, and Karen, for #783, the Arsenal key-chain. And, with her nose out in first place, Winter, for #799, the inventive "Madding Crowd" line. Congratulations to all. See you next year.

CONGRATULATIONS WINTER....GI......KAREN..... May you all have the opportunity to deliver the chat-up lineto The Man Himself Up Close and Personal..... Thanks Ben. Happy Holidays!!We'll miss ya'.

(Heide)We're grown up women living our lives and then something about this guy justreached out, grabbed hold and stuck. I know I'm ridiculous half the time but I'm having a ball. Ditto, Heide. I wish, though, I would have chosen a better name...not my own. Now, let's see....what's evelyn backwards....nyleve...sounds Middle Eastern or Welsh!

Should I say that Karen really used that line!!! I was right there beside her in Irish Pub in Chicago last October!!! His name was Paddington! (yes, as in the bear!)

Whoa! I leave for about a day and there are so many posts already! Thanks so much everyone, for your comments. That night was truly a collective experience, and you were all in my mind as everything happened. How did I keep my composure? I still wonder at that myself. The only thing I can equate this to is those life or death experiences, in which you've performed beyond your own expectations, and your weaknesses fly out the window (temporarily). Ever have to rush a loved one to the hospital, even though you usually cringe at the sight of blood? It's that feeling... (Elena) isn�t it funny to say things like this, as if Colin was a deity of some kind and not just a good-looking bloke who�s exactly as human as we are. I know what you mean...It's so weird now reading the P&P fanfic, because I actually feel guilty picturing CF's face in the narratives, as I used to do. I almost feel like I'm imposing on him by doing that, because he was just so real...like, fantasizing your local butcher as Mr. Darcy! But I'm sure I will bounce back from this. Karen-- Since the pictures were not spectacular, I sent them to you regular mail. It will be about 3 business days, I think. The shot from the premiere was really bad... rather than playing "Where's Waldo?", it's more like, "Where's Colin?" (Ben) Jennifer Ehle, God bless'er, would only need to slip into a pair of grey shorts, an airtex shirt and a prep-school blazer to send me into paroxysms of desire. LOL, Ben! But what would you do, if she were to furthermore appear to you wearing the above, and ask you, "Prof. Broadbent... I'm in need of extra tutoring..." BTW, What's an airtex shirt? I'm assuming those white, button down, starched things some of us had to wear in Catholic School? Actually, a (British)friend of mine, who is v. beautiful, said she got more passes from the men as a young schoolgirl in a uniform, as opposed to now, in her mid 20's in provacative clothes. (Ben)And, with her nose out in first place, Winter, for #799, the inventive "Madding Crowd" line. Thank you, thank you. Though, obviously, that line didn't materialize. I wonder what the reaction would've been, had I used it... hmmm....

I almost feel like I'm imposing on him by doing that, because he was just so real...like, fantasizing your local butcher as Mr. Darcy! (Winter) My local butcher is about 5 foot small, fat and bald! Seriously, on the psychology of fan-dom, how do you now see Colin... as a nice, approachable bloke, and a good actor, rather than an elusive fantasy figure....or is there still a touch of the "fantasy heartthrob" figure? Are you still going to swoon when you see him on the Big Screen, or is that no longer possible when he's so nice and NORMAL...and you've chatted with his charming wife in the ladies rest room! If he had swept past you, unsmiling, clad in shades and a tightly fitting sharp suit (not last ear's oufit from the TEP premiere!), with tinted black hair and an artificial perma-tan, plus sulky, sultry partner, would your fantasy have remained intact....or are you much happier with "reality"? (I think I would be!) My only experience of meeting the "object of my affections" was as a teenager, when I queued to see a "famous" actor emerging from the stage door. I still remember thinking "Oh God, what a prat!" (He was SO churlish, and much smaller than I imagined). I lost interest INSTANTLY, and still dislike him to this day (the destroyer of adolescent illusions!). Will mention no names!

Winter, I hope you�re not saying that he reminded you of your local butcher...?! Seriously, I think it was very interesting what you said about feeling guilty about the fanfic. I really do wish that our feelings about Colin won�t be shattered by realizing that he�s real. Why should they? Can�t he be loved as he is, flesh and blood? My answer is: YESSS. The truth is that I haven�t fantasized about Mr. Darcy, not once. For me the role was only the reason why I got interested in the actor behind it. I want to confess to you that I�ve always daydreamt about meeting the real CF etc.... Looking back, it was Colin�s wonderful acting ability, his intelligence and ways of thinking that really made me fall for him. I loved him in P&P of course but it was only when I read his interviews that I got permanently stuck. My obsession would never have started without his lovable frankness and wit...(and those eyes....) By the way, what�s LOL, and ROTFLMOL???Sounds so funny I can almost figure it out but not quite.

(Bethan), Seriously, on the psychology of fan-dom, how do you now see Colin... as a nice, approachable bloke, and a good actor, rather than an elusive fantasy figure.... We'll see how quickly he answers our questions, and if he truly appreciates his internet fans as he says, he will! Dame Winter you are on a roll, first Colin now first start up line. Next you'll run into him at a restaurant, and if you do, we expect a full report as only you can do. Have a Happy Christmas Ben, on your return we will look forward to some news as well as your witty anecdotes.

Happy Xmas Ben. Please let us know how your Sloane Square vigil goes!!

After getting a courtesy phone call this morning (7:30) from Evelyn alerting me to the fact that GP was on one of those morning shows, I blew it!! They showed a different clip (GP dancing with JF) and Colin walks up to the couple and takes JP away, I think. But I didn't capture it on tape. Bwaaaa!!! Geoffrey Rush was on another show this morning. His clip didn't have Colin in it, but I didn't expect it would. Again neither star mentioned one single name of anyone else in the film. What is this????? Are they that egotistical? Gwynnie is on Rosie later. Will have the VCR humming.... :) BTW, sorry, Moon, I just can't take Roberto Begnini (and I've seen the movie)

Gwynnie will also be on Good Morning America next week. One has to hand it to GP she sure goes at this marketing. This am interview was taped and she was not nervous. And absolutely charming...talked about the bean bag in her tights to have her walk like a man...giggled and blushed. She has crossed this country several times since T'sgiving. (Wish I had her frequent flyer miles). Let's see how she does on Rosie this aft. Miramax is lucky to have her.

Now that I think it over, perhaps the butcher analogy is ill-fitted. What I really felt was more a discomfort for fantasizing about him, now that I've seen him in the context of a present-day situation, in which he was a real person, with a family, and friends and basically...just a person with a job. But like I said before, this is probably a post-event syndrome, and I'll go back to my usual drooling ways soon afterward. The very realness of him was the reason why I didn't wait for him outside the theatre, as Liz had done, to get his autograph and more pictures. He clearly wasn't the type of guy who was used to this fawning and attention, and I would've felt like I was imposing on his space had I stayed...Liz hadn't gotten anything yet, so I understood her position. But you know me... bathrooms weren't even off-limits that night!

But had you walked into the men's room, Winter, then we would worry;)

(Karen), BTW, sorry, Moon, I just can't take Roberto Begnini (and I've seen the movie) Don't apologize Karen, I don't understand why he choses to shout instead of talk always. I think he must be v. insecure about his english, and, he is short and tries with all his gestures to be larger than life. In italian he is v.v. funny, so do excuse him. Did you like the movie? I hear there's talk of an Oscar best picture nomination instead of best foreign film?

Just to let everyone know, there's a review of SiL in USA Today where it only lists CF's name twice as being in the movie. There's absolutely nothing else said about him which is kinda upsetting and what is more upsetting is that one time his name is listed as Colin Friel! FRIEL??? Also, GP will be on The View on Monday! I'll try to tape it, but I just wanted to let all of you know if anyone else is interested!!

I've got the Rosie tape. Unbelievably, the chose a clip of GP and Colin instead of JF. I am all astonishment. Snapping as we speak... Get back to you later.

I am beginning to feel sorry for J Fiennes (I never thought I would say that!) From what you are all saying, he has had little mention. He is Shakespeare, after all. I know CF hasn't been interviewed, but has there been any word from JF. He is on stage in London at the moment, so he is otherwise occupied But GP and BA are everywhere.

Stacy beat to posting about the USA Today name error. The only goods news is that they gave the movie 3 1/2 stars. Mr.Showbiz gave it 91 out of 100. The reviews are looking good on this movie even if CF is rarely mentioned. Our DB continues to be undervalued and unappreciated by the Hollywood film community, but not by us. Also in USA Today (I made a special trip to buy this paper so I could cut out the review and now the name is wrong)they had an article on how the Oscar race is stacking up. GP was mentioned as Best Actress with Cate Blanchett being the front runner. JD was mentioned as front runner for Supporting Actress. GR was mentioned as front runner for Supporting Actor. NO COLIN! If anyone wants to write in for the film you are rooting for th catch Academy Award recogintion email them at backtalk@usatoday.com On Friday, they include some of the e-mails in the paper. I think we should write in and bombarde them with SIL and be sure to spell Firth correctly. :-)) USA Today SIL Review

From the review that I was reading today it sounded like JF really didn't do a fantastic job in the movie. Supposedly GP and BA were just terrific but of course they both are very popular here in the US so there's going to be a lot of promoting with the two of them!!!

Sorry for typo- should be to catch. Thanks Nan for the Rosie update. I'll set my vcr since I pick up my kids from school when Rosie is on at 3:00. By the time the movie comes out, we might have seen all the scenes with CF already. Allison, Don't feel to sorry for JF,he got pretty decent notice in the Mr. Showbiz review and at least he gets his name spelled correctly.

I am having the same sort of luck with SIL and no Colin FIRTH!!! Time Mag (December 14th issue) reviewed the movie, liked it very much, mentioned all sorts of actors in it, but not one mention of DB. Cannot believe it. Watched both CBS and NBC morning shows today with their requesite SIL "famous actors", none of which mentioned HIM. I am all disgustment! (Is there such a word?!)

TV ALERT FOR GERMANY / REMINDER Set your videorecorder! About A Boy by Nick Hornby will be reviewed tonight at 22.20h, ZDF, im Literarischen Quartett.

I was just thinking, we all would love to see more of Colin but maybe he's not really into all of the fame. I would hate to see the photographers and reporters chasing him around all of the time. He would have absolutely no peace. Just look at it this way, he gets to do what he loves(acting) without being mobbed by every crazy person out there. He gets to have a real life and we should be happy that he has that opportunity because most actors don't. His true fans know how wonderful he is and we know wh re to look when we want to find out what he is up to! Just think of him like he was a private secret that you didn't have to worry about sharing with everyone else!!!!

Colin finally got some press from GP on Rosie! She said that he played Wessex brillantly and that he was hilarious, but nothing other than that! They also showed a pretty long scene with him and GP kissing. She wasn't enjoying it much, but I know I would if I were in her place!!!

I am so mad!!! How dare they interrupt the Rosie Show for the four thousandth apology from the President and then they cut away again for those useless people we've elected to vote on an article of impeachment. And GP had just mentioned Colin's name!! Isn't that what CSPAN was created for??? History-making vote, my !@# Anyway, fortunately, they Rosie at a *safe* hour in NY, so I'll post her Snappies. One more thing, I finally got through to the Oprah Show (took a whole week at least) and they haven't taped a show on SiL and they are not in production again until Jan 11th.

More from our DEER nan:

I agree with Stacey. If we profess to love him so much we should honor his wishes in this regard. Our NEEDING to know is for our own pleasure, not his. I wish him a HAPPY (and therefore, undisturbed) Holiday with his family!

Oooooh! Thank you! He is indeed gorgeous. Thanks for reminding me, as if I needed reminding. Sahll we all look for keepsakes?!

Reviews of SIL/CF.... net surfing, I've seen a couple of reviews praising CF, and didn't he get a decent mention in the New York Times? But I sometimes think he's the invisible man as far as critics are concerned!! Our Cable TV mag called him "a fine, but consistently under-rated actor." TOO true! Great pix, Nan! So he's not scowling ALL the time! Way, way back Ben (I think) asked how CF and Livia met. Not in Rome but in South America, on the set of "Nostromo". Livia was working as Producer's assistant, taking time off from her PhD studies (Eng. Lit) at Rome University. BTW, has Geoffrey Rush given any interviews on talk shows, or is the main focus GP and BA? But all credit to GP for promoting the movie. I think Colin must lack the "name recognition" needed for marketing. Perhaps after FP and MLSF, he'll be better known in the US....not Colin Friels (Australian actor)or Colin Frith!!!

(Bethan) BTW, has Geoffrey Rush given any interviews on talk shows, or is the main focus GP and BA? Geoffrey Rush was on one of the morning news shows today as well. He did not mention any of his co-stars either and his clip was naturally of himself. Yes, the emphasis is on GP and BA. Wait until the public sees what a small part BA has! :-) The one I also feel sorry for is JF...he's no where to be found. Could he be even more shy than Colin or is he just a poor interviewee? Sorry about the interruption in posting the Snappies from Nan. The computer was not cooperating. The remainder:

Let me try this again...

Oh Karen!!! If I just unfocus my eyes a little I can pretend it is me with my back to the camera. I wonder if his whiskers tickled?! Many thanks again.

Karen, are you able to get snappies from the E! channel's brief shot of Colin?I taped it, so if you can scan him on the computer, email me and let me know, and I can mail it to you. The pictures are on their way. They include a picture of his signature on my 'Making of P&P' book, the ticket stub from the screening, and that one and only shot of his hair amidst a crowd of journalists and photographers :-(

I can't do any Snappying. Nan has been doing the magic on those, but I'm pretty sure that shot of Colin (and it's good ladies) can be caught. If you don't mind parting with the videotape, I can email Nan's address to you. But first you need to email me: rosie45@hotmail.com We'll get this show on the road one way or another. (Marcia) I can pretend it is me with my back to the camera. I wonder if his whiskers tickled?! Excellent idea, Marcia. Would it matter, though, if his whiskers tickled!! (winter) that one and only shot of his hair amidst a crowd of journalists and photographers :-( Actually, I can't wait to see that one!

Winter: I am in awe still today. I can't believe that you actually got to meet Colin. I am so jealous. Of course, if I would have had the opportunity I am sure I would have really messed it up. You were too cool and collected. It is very disappointing that in Dallas SIL is no where to be found. I love all the pictures that have been posted. You guys are great. I watched Jay Leno last night and I was upset that Colin didn't get mentioned but, that is okay. We all know he is great. Rita

Elena-- Almost forgot... LOL means 'Laughing out Loud" ROTFLOL means "Rolling on the floor laughing out loud" ROTFLMAO = 'Rolling on the floor laughing my ass off" (my personal fav.) Check you papers and magazines and tv entertainment shows, sisters. Isn't this about the time all of those press junket interviews from SiL come out? I know that whenever a movie premieres, the stars are usually put up at a posh hotel for days, doing intervew after interview. You'd think Colin was part of that.

Winter, thanks for LOL etc. By the way, I loved your definition of our beautiful DB as �just a person with a job�. Right....just the most droolable person with a job I know. While waiting for him to answer your list of questions, I�d like to ask if any of you have ever written to Colin and if so, did you get an answer of any sort? I haven�t done it simply because I suspect he doesn�t read his fanmail. I guess somebody opens his mail at the agency by his permission and throws them away; it�s unlikely that he would open any his fanmail personally. Haven�t seen him commenting on this in any of his interviews (oh yes, he did say once that he was disappointed because no-one sent him their knickers or naughty pictures. Maybe that would do the trick...!)

(Elena) I�d like to ask if any of you have ever written to Colin and if so, did you get an answer of any sort? Actually, YES! I wrote him (for the first time) this week, after my pictures didn't come out. I wrote him a hilarious account of my night, waiting in the cold to see him, stopping Livia in the bathroom, etc. and then asked if he could send me an autographed photo. I doubt he'll get to see it-- You're right Elena. his agent, or even his agent's assistant will read the letter, and then send me back a stock photo with the typical 'Best wishes' or whatever. I jokingly told him to personalize the autograph, so that I could see how he signs the letter "J" (My real name's Jennifer).

(Winter) Isn't this about the time all of those press junket interviews from SiL come out? I know that whenever a movie premieres, the stars are usually put up at a posh hotel for days, doing intervew after interview. You'd think Colin was part of that. Colin was part of it; that was when he was in the US the week before. Some of the interviews (mainly of GP) have already been used. You can tell, she is wearing the same thing (a black outfit) and there are draperies and a movie poster in the background. It might be a little early for the rest of the country since the movie doesn't open until Xmas Day, although we've been barraged for weeks with Stepmom ads. For me, Siskel and Ebert will be reviewing SiL tonight. Check your listings!!

I didn't want to disturb the flow of Winter's narrative of her thrilling experience by doing this sooner. However, before this topic reaches 1200 posts (and this is Part 2!), I'll be opening up a new Colin topic (Part 3) so we can put this to rest before it blows up the Spring. Look for it soon.

(Karen) Marcia. Would it matter, though, if his whiskers tickled!! Since my huband is going to be Santa tonight and next Saturday night, and he uses no pillows or fake whiskers, YES, I know they do tickle! And, NO, it does not matter. It is the guy growing them which matters!

Thanks for the snappies of the Rosie Show Nan....they are great. Rita...only LA and NY are getting SIL this week. The rest of the country gets it Christmas Day; Dallas and Okla. City to be included, I hope.

(Winter) His agent�s assistant will read the letter, and then send me back a stock photo with the typical 'Best wishes' or whatever. Ouch, such pessimism. That�s not necessarily the fact, though. We just do not know the truth about this. If I were him I would read my fanmail regularly out of sheer curiosity and because it must be fun to get love letters from strangers. So, it�s possible that he won�t read your letter but it�s also very possible that he WILL (and remember you thinking, �Oh, what a lovely girl she was�)!!! So, if it happens that you get an answer, please please please tell us about it, at least about receiving one (we don�t want to be nosy about the contents.....do we...;-)

Re: Colin's fan mail: It is usually opened by someone he employs as his personal assistant, but if Colin is around, he has been known to grab a handful of letters and take them away with him to read. If Colin can't reply in person, the assistant will usually make it clear. The most usual reply is typed, signed by hand - often just his first name only - and contains words of thanks for taking the trouble to write to him. It would appear that the assistant types replies to Colin's specifications and sometim s the reply is more personal, but handwritten ones - known in the past - are now extremely rare. And he has referred to fanmail in some of his interviews: he has indicated that the volume and contents often baffle him.

Girls, it was me posting response 1180, not arra. That�s my husband�s pseudonym! He created it a minute ago while showing me how to copy and paste plus italicize!! I just forgot to change it when I posted. BUT I assure you, he didn�do it here in the Drool, I wouldn�t dream of letting him see all of this.

Elena, that makes two of us, Drool is my little secret too.

Sorry for my names mix-up. Arami, how do you know all this about Colin�s varying answering habits? Have you been corresponding with him? Sounds like you WERE the assistant in the agency....:-)

Re: Colin's fan mail: It is usually opened by someone he employs as his personal assistant, but if Colin is around, he has been known to grab a handful of letters and take them away with him to read. If Colin can't reply in person, the assistant will usually make it clear. The most usual reply is typed, signed by hand - often just his first name only - and contains words of thanks for taking the trouble to write to him. It would appear that the assistant types replies to Colin's specifications and sometim s the reply is more personal, but handwritten ones - known in the past - are now extremely rare. And he has referred to fanmail in some of his interviews: he has indicated that the volume and contents often baffle him.

Hey, I haven't posted this twice, I assure you! This silly program plays tricks sometimes. Now, how do I know... it's called research and deduction. Or an informed guess based on general observation and experience.

Arami-- it's a good deduction. I have friends here who work as agents' assistants and that's precisely what they do. I DO HOPE, however, that as he grabs a handful of letters to read himself, that mine gets somehow lodged into the pile! So, if it happens that you get an answer, please please please tell us about it, Are you kidding me?! You are all the first people I go to to share all this stuff. As Moon says, this place is my little secret too. None of my IRL (in real life) friends would get it... they already thought I was insane after this week's outing. BTW-- Renate: How was the Literarischen Quartett show (re; About a Boy)? I would love to hear what they had to say. Do we have a Nick Hornby board? Some people may not feel so "Drooly" about him in the same Colin Firth or Antonio Banderas way... but I love his work, and it would be great to talk about him in another forum. Esp. hear the accounts of people who got to meet him during his book tour.

Hey, I haven't posted this twice, I assure you! This silly program plays tricks sometimes. Now, how do I know... it's called research and deduction. Or an informed guess based on general observation and experience.

Oh, yes, das Literarische Quartett. To understand the following you have to know this circle is a very exclusive one, and that usually only the best of literature is their target. The head of the quartett is Marcel Reich-Ranicky, is nicknamed "Literatur-Pabst" (Pope of Literature), and his word - and to some extend the word of his 3 colleages - can decide over the future and the sales of a book, and perhaps about an author's career. The review was between mixed and good. They stated it may not be real good literature , but it came across that it is very entertaining. The strongest point of critic was that NH always writes about the same kind of man (himself?), the boy-man who never wants to grow up. They have a point here, IMO. I think they did the book and the author a big favour by a) putting it on their list at all, as one of 4 or 5 books b) not tearing it apart because it is not "high literature" c) Marcel Reich-Ranicky said he liked the book. I don't think NH needs their recommendation - but it cannot hurt to have this extra push. Don't know how much money someone can make with such a book (not too much I'm afraid), but I think NH shouldn't worry anymore how to pay the rent opposite the Arsenal Stadium. :-) Winter, good idea about a Nick Hornby (and Fever Pitch!) board. He surely deserves one! What about reading a book together and discuss it ... About a Boy?

Oy, oy, oy, time to freeze this board! Count Almushy is playing tricks again: now he has specialized in repeating Arami's messages.

Hey, I haven't posted this twice, I assure you! This silly program plays tricks sometimes. Now, how do I know... it's called research and deduction. Or an informed guess based on general observation and experience.

Yes, but how did Renate know about it BEFORE it happened again, huh? Spooks!!!

So now your message was posted 3 times, Arami! Count Almushy loves you! :-)**

I spoke about this with Kaylene some months ago and she assured me that any Conference can safely have 2,000 topics and 6,000 responses per topic--theoretically, anyway. I used to freeze the topics not because of the high numbers but because new people complained they would have to load 1,000 replies before they could respond. But I have to admit, between the time warp and the double posts, it looks like Yapp is choking :-/

Whatever... Anyway, I have created Part 3 at Topic 116 now. Just to be safe. ;-)

Winter, it sounds like you had a great time. Thank you for the colorful account. It sounds like your experience was like every interviewer I've read. They all say how nice he is. I wish I could find the one that said she was so surprised to find an actor who wasn't concieted at all but very down to earth and a great sense of humor, with the ability to laugh at himself. Lucie