(Bethan) Ah, but don't forget, there's also Sir Clifford, Lady C's cuckolded husband! :-) I would cast Ralph Fiennes as Sir Clifford. Turnabout is fair play! ;-) (Heide) ET will show scenes from the SIL premiere tomorrow (Friday) they just announced. All the entertainment news shows are on at the same time here. Argh!! Will be switching channels wildly with my VCR in a constant ready mode. (winter) Jeremy Piven...a good friend and writing colleague of John Cusack's...mentioned that...[High Fidelity] filming begins this coming pring, or Summer-- and get this-- the story's to take place in ....CHICAGO?! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!! JP and JC are both from here and still live here. (winter) 'Charlie Rose' on PBS tonight is supposed to do an interview with Tom Stoppard. That should be interesting... It was interesting, at least the parts I could keep my eyes open for (those nasty prepositions again). They showed the same (long) trailer that is shown in the theaters and another short one. He only mentioned Joe Fiennes in the context that he ran into him in a bookstore and was rather surprised that he was playing William Shakespeare. He took JF back to his flat and gave him some books on Will. He was aware that brother Ralph was under consideration. Saw another clip of SiL on E! Daily News show yesterday about the costumes. They showed Colin at that court gathering again, but the clip was different. He was applauding in a strange way. Palm to top of hand. Very bizarre movement. Wonder who came up with that one? ;-) I would think there would be an LA premiere, not quite on the scale of the NY one, but one nonetheless. Get your cameras and camcorders out of moth balls ladies!!

out I say

away, away! I bring news!

Don't worry your pretty little heads about being in NY--the film can't be seen here yet. However............guess who has the press packet? And a tipster from Miramax? Alas, I shouldn't be on the computer even now to spread the news--I've been under doctor's orders not to look at a keyboard or a mouse for 2-6 weeks, depending on how physical therapy and other drastic measures go. Needless to say, this really f**** up my work life. However. I wanted to say: now I can't put these things up on our si e myself (or anywhere else, for that matter.) Who can? And where should they go? I have color slides (10), black and white photos (11), and production notes (40+ pages). Colin is in 2 of the 1/2 page B&Ws--1 by himself, 1 in profile leaning over to talk to Judi Dench. I'll post this and send emails to some people with my phone number. My problem is, I'm not going to my freelance job right now, and that's where I'd get to scan the photos and put them up. I could get it done somewhere else; if that's the verdict of the Drool board, I'll pay for it and accept contributions. Or I could overnight it to somebody who can oversee the whole project. What do you want and how quickly? Maybe if everyone's seeing the clips, this isn't that important.

Good girl, Cheryle.!! There are enough people with scanners available that you/we shouldn't have to pay to have it done. I'll call Karen and see what she says. Will get back to you. Don't let the kit out of your sight, heah? (I lived in Atlanta too!)

Oh my, I feel foolish. I never look at other sites anymore except ours. Today I looked at ours (my congrats to the team! I'm so proud!) Then I looked around to see what else anybody else has on SIL, and I see mine is old news. That's what happens when you are out of the loop for a few days. I wish I could have gotten it to you sooner. (I read all our boards, but didn't see any references to the new stuff on Murph's Corner. Oh well.) Then I couldn't get back into Spring for 2 hours to post my apologies, or to re-email the pillars of the community with said apologies. I suppose now we'll have them for ourselves and not need permission to use them, but I did so want to have a scoop. I'm clearly not a journalist! At least you you all know I'd risk my mouse arm for the cause ;-) I tried to get stills from the set photographer, but we'd need to be a much larger circulation to get them to take the time to do so. Like Entertainment Weekly. Evelyn There are enough people with scanners available that you/we shouldn't have to pay to have it done For the color slides I think it's a special scanner. But once again, I'm probably the only one who's behind the curve on this topic.

Quick bulletin: I saw SIL this morning. Oooh, really good movie ladies! It's one that Colin can be proud to have his name attached to. Of course, his part is small (but no smaller than in ATA) and what we see of him isn't exactly pleasant. His character is completely unsympathethic and frankly, is the butt of an occasional joke. However, it's still Colin and therefore worth seeing. Love the earring, too ;-p BTW, the film itself is terrific--tight, intelligent, witty script, visually beautiful and, though I hate to admit it, Joe Fiennes is really good (but he ain't Colin ;-p)

Cheryle: You are OUR Journalist and we're proud of you to have secured a presss kit for Drool. I just talked to Karen. Yes, she will oversee the project... Will email you this afternoon. Thanks. We are v. grateful .

Karen, did you change the background???

(Cheryl) I tried to get stills from the set photographer, but we'd need to be a much larger circulation to get them to take the time to do so. Like Entertainment Weekly. Our circulation is huge!! This place gets tons of hits a day. Make up some number. It can't possibly be proven wrong. ;-) Or say we have a large, exclusive subscriber base, but can't divulge much because there are many famous people, royalty, captains of industry, movers and shakers, etc., on it. Very hush-hush. For the color slides I think it's a special scanner. The place I go to has a several different scanners, I'll check. One I know says something about photographic something.... Just saw the little tidbit of the premiere on CNN's Showbiz Report. Highlighted the First Lady and then had little snippets with Bennie and Gwennie (separately) about what it was like to have the FL at the premiere. Nada nothing nil. A background change? Huh?

For one brief moment, Spring went NUTS!!!!

Here are some Snappies from the first showing of SiL on ET. Heide taped and Nan snappied. These really reflect our team spirit!! Rah Rah!! Thank you both.

For one brief moment, Spring went NUTS!!!! And the date went to Feb 2036

Well, I've sifted and scoured in the hope of at least touching on some of the things I missed since I've been in school, but I might as well forget it. There is simply too much. So, I've marked everything as read and am starting over *sigh*. I'm particularly sorry I missed Ben's arrival. Fortunately, Arami asked all the nosey questions I would have asked, so I don't feel completely unfulfilled ;-) And now for something completely different... I had a little project to do for school. Now I didn't wish to do something entirely boring, so we now have a nifty little thing over at cf.com. Come take a look... http://www.colinfirth.com/chat/talk.cgi I can't remember the last time I was able to have a good drool in real time ;-)

Nan, just tried Chat...first time ever for me! I never realised it was so simple! But you've done all the hard work....clever girl! I suppose we all operate in different time zones, although at weekends I burn the midnight oil! Glad that you really enjoyed SIL! Sometimes there's just a lot of hype. I guess I was hoping for a slightly more sympathetic role (baddie with redeeming feature) for CF, but I recognise the advantages of his being associated with a critically successful film in the US....and he is an actor, not Colin Firth playing Colin Firth (which, actually, I wouldn't mind!)

(Nan) His character is completely unsympathethic and frankly, is the butt of an occasional joke. However, it's still Colin and therefore worth seeing. Lucky, lucky girl. Did you get advance tickets? Might you have a clue why Colin is getting absolutely no notice in the reviews I've read? Since he's fourth billed I would have hoped his role was large enough and since his character is the villain, it would be unlike the other roles in the film but still no mention. Judi Dench is already being touted for an Oscar nomination for chrissakes. Not that I expected the same for our DB but this is the role I was hoping would springboard My Life So Far into the theaters. I don't mean to sound down because I really am quite excited. After all, as you say, it's still Colin. Cheryl, you done good. Pictures of Colin are never too late. I'm glad to see there's a reason why you've been scarce here. I'm sorry though that it's so serious. Please visit when you can. Well, at least we got a glimpse of Livia at the premiere on ET. Too bad Geoffrey's head was blocking Colin's. Think the cameramen didn't recognize Colin sans beard and menacing expression? Sigh. Back to the future. Oh Terry?

I'm so F****** pissed off... ET was not shown in L.A. tonight because of some special bloody program spotlighting community service in the city! ACK! It's nice that people get their 15 minutes of fame for rescuing puppies or helping illiterate senior citizens... but I wanted to see at least 15 SECONDS of Colin Firth! And now I hear Livia was on camera too!?! I checked the local listings... they aren't even showing ET later in the evening to make up for this. Can someone PLEASE post the snappies soon? Sorry gals... it's that time of the month... I'm more touchy than usual I think...

(Bethan) Nan, just tried Chat...first time ever for me! I never realised it was so simple! I'm glad you found it easy, honey. And I can't take all the credit. I had help from a couple of my favoritest geekly peoples ;-p (Bethan) I suppose we all operate in different time zones, although at weekends I burn the midnight oil! Yes, we should probably pick a time when a bunch of us can be in there and have ourselves a little virtual Colinfest. (Bethan) I guess I was hoping for a slightly more sympathetic role (baddie with redeeming feature) for CF Me too. Unfortunately, it's not with this film. (Heide)Did you get advance tickets? I have a friend with the National Board of Review. He's promised to take me to any Firth screenings. It's a bee-yew-tee-ful thing ;-) Might you have a clue why Colin is getting absolutely no notice in the reviews I've read? Truth? I think it's because his part isn't really large enough (or important enough) to justify much notice...and it pains me to say it. I was much more annoyed after having seen ATA because I felt the part of Jess was critical to the plot. It was sinful to ignore Colin's role in that film. However, in this case, I can say that his part was really not a focal point, so I'm not very upset about it. He looks great, though...does that help? ;-p (Heide) Judi Dench is already being touted for an Oscar nomination for chrissakes. OY! For what? No offense to the great Judi, but really... (Heide) Sigh. Back to the future. Oh Terry? I don't think there's a cure for the back to the future bug. It's been part of Spring for so long that I became rather fond of it over time ;-) (winter) I'm so F****** pissed off... ET was not shown in L.A. tonight because of some special bloody program spotlighting community service in the city! Oh, don't be upset, winter--you didn't really miss anything. There was really only a piece of Colin's head--but we did get a nice shot of Livia :-/

winter, thanks for making me LOL and relieving my crabbiness. I actually remembered to set my VCR for ET, raced home from hideously crowded Christmas shopping, manged to scream in the driveway at about 7:10 only to flip on the TV and see Hollywood Squares and then puppy saving. I was yelling at the TV "where is ET?" as if that would make Colin magically appear. Sigh, at least we know we only missed the side of his head. Nan, oh Nan how lovely to see you back with us!

Wow girls the drooling is just electric !! Hello Nan, thanks for giving us your views of SIL, who needs the critics? You are soooooo lucky, we are counting the days until 29.1.99 over here. Cheryl, just to let you know that your efforts are MORE than appreciated on this side of the water too!! Thank you and I hope you will be able to manage to keep in touch.

What a great team, we have here! Nan, v.v. lucky girl to have seen SIL! I like the idea of setting a chat time. I hope you had a great birthday. Cheryle, the slide can be made into a color print, then scanned. Hope to see you more often. Karen, thanks for the snappies. I taped the ET segment and was v. disappointed, no Colin, now, I'll check for Livia. Lizza it's so nice to have another drooler amoungts us. Good news is that Colin does have our questions, lets keep our fingers crossed!

Take heart, ladies, about the lack of Colin on the entertainment news shows. We know that all of them spent time on the set and filmed quite a bit. Then there were the press junkets. Colin must have been interviewed and, if the interviewer had a brain in his/her head, filmed it. I'm sure that at the premiere (NY one) everybody, but everybody from cast was interviewed. You can bet that more filmed interviews will occur at the LA opening. (Fingers crossed that Colin & Livia stay for that, as NY openin was apparently mandatory.) These little snippets will be doled out to us frame by frame until the Christmas Day opening and then even afterwards. Hillary Clinton was the big deal on Thursday. As you noticed, nothing really was said about the film. We barely saw Joe Fiennes, except on show and he's the STAR of the film with whatshername. Don't stop watching, especially next week. GP and Ben Affleck will be on the Tonight Show and from that we'll find out if there's a second premiere (is that an oxymoron??) in LA.

Good news is that Colin does have our questions, lets keep our fingers crossed! Isn't the two weeks nearly up? Timely reminder?! Might you have a clue why Colin is getting absolutely no notice in the reviews I've read? I think it's also something to do with name recognition..he's not Gwynnie, Ben, Geoffrey, Rafe's bro, Rupert, Judi or even Tom (the Full Monty)! Am I right in assuming that the majority of moviegoers in the US won't really have heard of Colin? I think that SIL will be a springboard for MLSF in so far as Miramax can connect Colin with both TEP and SIL, which hopefully may get a few Oscar nominations (screenplay? director?)I noticed on the MLSF poster (which at least has a great shot of CF) that the cast credits are small and alphabetical...no names at the head of the poster. This suggests to me that when the poster was designed Miramax didn't see Colin as a starring "name", but they do seem to be promoting him in SIL. As to his part not being large (Nan), I mentally sighed then reconciled! SIL sounds as though it will be very successful critically in the US and around the world. There was an article in one of the UK papers about the abysmal state of the British film industry. I've said this before, but basically very, very few British made films ever reach the screen anywhere. Also British films are never marketed (no budget) whereas Hollywood really sells its movies. Add to this the fact that British actors are rarely offered lead roles in Hollywood backed movies, you can see how tough it is. BTW how many actors can convincingly play a charming sexy Regency gentleman, a "cuckold", a football-mad teacher and a villainous Earl? And BTW why is Wessex seen as so evil and villainous...there was absolutely nothing wrong in impoverished aristos marrying for money...and his plans to go tobacco farming in Virginia show some initiative and ambition, surely!!!

And BTW why is Wessex seen as so evil There is a comment somewhere from Colin saying just that. That this was a perfectly normal way for an impoverished aristocrat of the time to behave! And Let us not forget that Shakespeare was married at the time (I believe). What about poor Mrs S? Once again a Feinnes gets away with behaving disreputably and poor Colin gets the title of bad guy.

Nan, thanks for the Chat Room. My first time too Bethan. Only I'm still not very good at it. Will practice.Good idea to set up a time.When? -but we did get a nice shot of Livia :-/ I didn't see her...hope someone posts a snappy.Saw Harvey, though with Hilary and Gwynnie in a "see-through" dress, by Armani. BTW Nan thanks for the SIL stills.We have our own archives now and Karen doesn't have to beg permission from other websites to scan them on :-) I know SIL is a high-profile film for Colin...but I can't bear having him be the butt of jokes.I might punch someone in the face if I hear them laughing at him. As for MLSF only *he* can promote that film.

Thank you all for sharing your Colin sighting etc., how exciting! I'm just thrilled to have him on the big screen...even if he is the baddie. Entertainment Weekly magazine gave the movie a glowing review: "the dialogue just about percolates with bubbly finesse; SIL is that rare thing, a literate crowd-pleaser. Yet it's also the richest and most satisfying romantic movie of the year." Here's their description of DB: "Unfortunately, their love is doomed. Viola, you see, is set to marry Lord Wessex (Colin firth), a crusty lout who promises to take her to some dreadful place called Virginia." At least they mentioned his name.

Bethan, the two are nearly up but the DB has been busy, I am willing to him more time aren't you? I still don't see Miramax really promoting Colin with SIL. He is rarely mentioned on TV. Evelyn, I'm afraid my husband will have quite a bit to say about Colin...I will bare it, the best I can. Now let's see what happens at the LA premiere.

crusty lout?!?! Is this worse than a cuckold? (Evelyn) I can't bear having him be the butt of jokes.I might punch someone in the face if I hear them laughing at him. Me too, Evelyn. We should go together to see this film. I plan on loudly exclaiming as I walk out of the theatre how wonderful that Colin Firth fellow was. (Bethan) Am I right in assuming that the majority of moviegoers in the US won't really have heard of Colin? Dead right, unfortunately. But I like to think that the reviewers are more in the know. They have certainly heard of him. And even if they hadn't, they would still pick out a shining performance from an "unknown". But still, it's early. Plus the most important reviewers (we experts) have yet to see this film. Except for Nan who has given it a glowing recommendation. Thumbs up Colin! Karen, keep lifting my spirits. There's no reason for me to get down. Snippets of information will still be doled out for quite awhile. And yes, perhaps an LA "premiere". Winter, you'll be there right (if there is one)? Too bad Jana's going to be in the Philippines for 2 weeks! We'll miss you, dear. Bethan, Allison, you are so right. Colin is behaving perfectly reasonably. And I shall loudly mention that too as I leave the theatre. "Imagine, wanting to leave Lord Wessex for that scrawny Shakespeare", I shall snort. Moon, do you think Colin is carrying that fax around with him from country to country? Carefully weighing his answers. He wants to give them all the attention they deserve. ;-) No, I don't care if it take two months for a response.

Heide, it would be great if he responded just in time for Christmas, the perfect present. But if not it's something to savour for 1999. Well my tiny crumb of CF excitement is that ATA is finally released over here on video tomorrow!! It was previously mis-announced as 7th October and after beating a frenzied path to several shops I was turned away empty handed. Let's hope tomorrow is THE day!

Flippin' 'eck. Every time I go away, this board springs into verdant life. I suppose I should infer something. In addition, I always seem to be away just when The Firth is around, and I'm needed on some cloak-and-dagger operation to find out the brand of his toothpaste. (Hey...have you ever seen Colin and me AT THE SAME TIME? Perhaps I'm the Bruce Wayne to his Batman...) I think I'll go and see SIL tonight. This is the great advantage in living in the best city in the world. I understand the huddled masses have to wait until the new year... Speaking of which, hail Nan. I was in Cambridge, Mass. this week-end and had the great pleasure of having lunch w. two Pemberlians, Myretta and Jane. V. good to meet them both. Anyway, your name came up.

Lizza, I'm now REALLY looking forward to seeing ATA....I saw one brief clip (on good ol' Barry Norman) and he looked very dishy! I shall just turn the sound down and fast forward! Crusty lout, villain etc As Allison mentioned, I think CF has been quoted somewhere as saying that Wessex is not really a villain, that his behaviour is normal for the period, and that Wessex is quite right to resent the "snivelling playwright"! Actually, historically, Colin is quite correct. If we look at the example of the real life Earl of Essex.......He was a good looking man, a favourite with the Queen , but much disliked by most other courtiers for his arrogance and quick, ferocious temper. He was notoriously in debt (owing the equivalent of �1/2million in his mid twenties, and married for money (he married the widow of Sir Phillip Sidney, who was wealthy in her own right,...and then dumped her at his country estate and never brought her to court.) He was a famous "resenter", always challenging people to duels. The Queen favoured him for his good looks but there are several recorded examples of her making fun of him in public...once he drew his sword on the Queen. He was very interested in making money (had a wine monopoly) and was ruthless if anyone crossed him. In one instance, he arranged for an enemy to be falsely charged with treason, tortured and executed! But all this behaviour was regarded as normal for a man of his class and ambitio . Maybe the critics should have a history lesson! I actually wonder if Stoppard part based Wessex on Essex...there are parallels.

Ben: I am so jealous that you live in the world's greatest city. How I would long to live there. I hope that you enjoy SIL. Nan did. I can't wait to eee it. Rita

(Ben) I think I'll go and see SIL tonight. It's going to take living in the *world's greatest city* (cough, cough) to accomplish this, my dear. The film doesn't open until Dec. 11. ;-) I'd say Wessex's having a plantation in Virginia should suit our Colin. Tobacco, you know!

(Bethan) If we look at the example of the real life Earl of Essex.......He was a good looking man That's all I need to know... Seriously, my only info on the Earl of Essex is from an old Bette Davis film. Was he not eventually executed himself? Ladies, when you watch ATA soon, I'm sure you'll concentrate on just the most important parts and my, oh, my those parts are very nice indeed. Have fun and come back and tell us your thoughts. And Ben, please tell us your thoughts on Shakespeare in Love too. I'm a member of the huddled masses, I'm afraid. (Ben) (Hey...have you ever seen Colin and me AT THE SAME TIME? Perhaps I'm the Bruce Wayne to his Batman...) Nan, you'll have to meet up with Ben someday and tell us if he has some conspicuously placed dimples. One of these days I'm going to get into the chat room and someone else will be there! It's a lovely idea, though.

Karen, I'm in the chatroom. Are you coming?

Hello room !

(Ben)This is the great advantage in living in the best city in the world. I'm a NYer, but IMO London is.I guess we're both turncoats :-) (Heide)Imagine, wanting to leave Lord Wessex for that scrawny Shakespeare", Or Geoffrey Clifton for Count Almasy.!

(Heide) And yes, perhaps an LA "premiere". Winter, you'll be there right (if there is one)? Darn right, I'll be there! Have a fairly good idea where it might be held too. I'll give his agent a ring tomorrow, and see if I can scrounge up any info.. I have nothing better to do these days anyway... our teaching assistants' union is on strike at the moment. Must draw plan of action should the Man Himself show up at an L.A. premiere!

I saw "Elizabeth" and was disappointed. The one noticeable thing is how v. photogenic JF is. He was even handsome but, not handsome enough to tempt me! He does not look as well in the SIL clips.

Ben, you where in the Boston area and did not meet Laura? Laura, what happened?

More dream roles for Colin how about: Dante in "Dante and Beatrice" or Petrarca in "Petrarca and Laura" I think I'll start writing the scripts. We will have plenty of white shirts and a few wet ones as well. A wonderful love story and, there will be no prevarication on either Dante or Petrarca. Our hero all the way!

(Heide) crusty lout?!?! Is this worse than a cuckold? He can't seem to escape derogatory words, the poor dear. (Ben) Speaking of which, hail Nan. I was in Cambridge, Mass. this week-end and had the great pleasure of having lunch w. two Pemberlians, Myretta and Jane. V. good to meet them both. Anyway, your name came up. Indeed? Fortunately, I completely trust the two ladies you mentioned or I would be tempted to say they were lying ;-) Myretta and Jane are great company, aren't they? (Heide) Nan, you'll have to meet up with Ben someday and tell us if he has some conspicuously placed dimples. Well, we'll have to see what we can do about that. When the semester is over, perhaps. Ben, you're uptown, yes? (Bethan) If we look at the example of the real life Earl of Essex... You description of the Earl is very similar to the character in SIL. At least they didn't tamper too much. Did I mention that Colin looks great with that glorious dark hair and goatee. I think all men should be required to wear a goatee. It should be a law ;-p

Nan: I had a really good time chatting about our favorite person Friday night. I would love to do it again. We should all set up a time to be in there. Then we can all fix our addictions at the same time. Rita

To all: GP will be on the talk show circuit this week again. Rosie and Jay I believe. I wonder if she will mention our CF. Rita

To all: GP will be on the talk show circuit this week again. Rosie and Jay I believe. I wonder if she will mention our CF. Rita

Well gang, I finally saw a print ad for SIL in our illustrious rag, the LA Times. The film is opening Friday in a very limited release, only four theatres. As mentioned before, CF has fourth billing behind Gwynnie, Joe, and Geoffery Rush, but ahead of Ben Affleck and Judi Dench. For entirely selfish reasons I kind of hope there is no LA premiere of SIL, because I think I would cry if he was here when I was out of the country. I know our dear winter would give me the play by play, but it wouldn't be q ite the same as being there, ya know? I would like to get CF to sign my Fever Pitch screenplay though. Right next to where Nick Hornby signed it. Now wouldn't that be a souvenir to hang on to?

Do you know what day GP will appear on Rosie?

Friday

UTA...What a bunch of losers! I called Colin's agent here in L.A., and they have no info. regarding Colin's schedules or appearances re: SiL. I was flabbergasted...."You don't have your own client's schedule in town?" The agent's assistant said I have to call his ICM agent in London, as they haven't got a clue. No wonder Colin hasn't been able to get better PR. Any Londoners out there willing to make a local call for me? (please) I'd really appreciate it.

Think I'm going to have to learn how to *fix* these images... ;-)

Winter call Miramax in LA for the SIL info. They are the ones who would know not the agents. I believe there is a v. good chance of his being in LA (to visit his son), but his agents don't have to know that.

Diverting from SIL (sorry!), but I have finally managed to get a copy of the ATA video. I've not been able to view it properly yet because of lack of time, a sort of fast-forward preview! But I actually think I'm pleasantly surprised. I approached it with very low expectations...but it really doesn't seem too bad. CF looks very handsome!! Will post more impressions when have time!

(Nan) Did I mention that Colin looks great with that glorious dark hair and goatee. I think all men should be required to wear a goatee. It should be a law ;-p Yum, I do look forward to that. And the earring too. Ladies, what think ye of creating a topic (temporary) for Shakespeare in Love? Those of us who have seen it and want to talk about it without creating "spoilers" for the rest who have yet to see and don't want to know the whole story. Once it opens to general release in Europe (March?) we can transfer the comments back to one of the regular topics. I, for one, don't know if I could resist visiting this topic even if I hadn't seen the film but there are those who are stronger than I. Another note, we will be continuing our dear Colin Drool on a new topic number soon. These 1000+ messages get me nervous. How wonderful though that there is so much to discuss. So watch for the new topic.

Great idea, Heide ,for a SIL topic. I'll go on day after Christmas!! Winter, depending on what you hear from LA Miramax re: LA Premiere of SIL this week (and it could be imminent) I would go anyway...those agents aren't always infallible.But if you want me to ring ICM in London, I will be glad to call.

Thanks for the advice, Moon and Evelyn. I've just called Miramax, and apparently there's a 'special screening' (not 'premiere') that MAY be happening this week. The guy on the other line sounded almost as clueless at UTA... however, he did say that I should leave a message with the promotions department (I did) so that I could possibly be contacted about getting tickets!!!! I will keep you all posted...

(Winter)I should leave a message with the promotions department (I did) so that I could possibly be contacted about getting tickets!! If you don't hear in 24 hrs., call back. GP is to be on Jay's on Wednesday night. Karen says sometimes the guests go right to a screening aft.So maybe Wed. Good luck, Winter. Go for it!We're proud of you :-))

Thanks you to everyone with all of this information. You are so wonderful. It is so informative. Lord only knows we couldn't get it anywhere else. Rita

Ladies, I am confirming that Colin is in LA! There is no guarantee that he will be at the special screening, but it is worth a shot Winter so go to it. We will want to know all about it. Heide, an SIL topic sounds like a good idea.

Mornin' all. Another coup - Colin tracked to LA. I only hope your agents there will be more dedicated than me. (Winter looks as though she's primed and ready.) Actually, I rather regret I wasn't here - it might have been fun. (Karen - you are quite right - it doesn't open till Friday; forgive my exaggeration. NYC still a cool place, though. Nan, I am on the Upper West side - where are you? Finally, I didn't meet Laura, which I regret, because she couldn't come to lunch, I suppose. There was some Pemberley tea on Sunday, but I had to leave before then. Next time...) I have a question. Well, two. Wasn't there a post a while back (two weeks or so) saying that someone had seen SIL and thought it awful? And now the previews seem to be good? I will make up my own mind on Friday, but it seems to me that, for whatever reason, people come to these sorts of films with strong preconceptions. There are lots of people, I reckon, who are predisposed EITHER to love it (or, without naming names, to love someone's Elizabethan britches and what's inside them) OR to hate it. I've not ced that quite a few people here react pretty negatively simply to the accent - the voice of the typical English stage actor seems immediately comes across to them as affected and conceited, regardless of what he is saying (it's less of a problem for the women.) It comes back to what I was saying about Hollywood films and baddies, I suppose. Is this fair, or is it paranoid gibberish?

Ladies, I am confirming that Colin is in LA! Why does the thought that the DB is in LA send shivers up my spine? For a large part of the year he lives just a handful of miles from me! It must be the confirmation that he actually exists and is not just a hologram or a trick of the light. BTW someone has just posted a message over at Pemberley saying that they have just seen a poster advertising FP under "coming soon" at their local cinema. I got the impression that this person was in the US. Maybe CF is doing some FP interviews whilst he is in LA.

COLIN FIRTH IS GOING TO BE AT THE L.A. SCREENING OF S.I.L. TONIGHT!!! I just confirmed it with Miramax L.A.... unfortunately, I couldn't get a ticket (surprise surprise), but I will be outside the theatre (Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences) tonight, with my camera ready! Jana, if you're in town, the screening begins at 8:00 p.m., but I will be there by 6:00. It's on Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills (don't remember the exact address), but it's the one between LaPeer and Doheny, I believe. (on the left hand side if you're going East on Wilshire). Wish me luck! My camera is not of the best quality, but I'm crossing my fingers and hoping I'll get a long enough glimpse of him to snap a few shots, and maybe even yell a word or two at him. I'm so excited!!!! AGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!

Winter, buy a disposable camera if need be! Panoramic; that way you CAN'T miss him;)

Go to it Winter, best of luck! Ben, I believe the women in the US are quite taken with a proper british accent, not slang or cockney. CF not only has it, but a wonderful voice to match. It baffles me why he is not cast as a romantic hero.

One more thing Winter, I have been to many screenings there when I lived in LA, the place is huge, so if by chance you do get in by asking someone to take you in with them, hang out in the lobby, only the v. famous stars go to their seats straight away. You may find Colin hanging out with some friends there. Once again, buena suerte!

Excellent sleuthing!! Winter you carry our collective envy and longing with you to L.A. GOOD LUCK. we shall be hanging on your EVERY word (and snappy) when you return.

BTW there was a lovely pic of Darcy inone of the papers today - something about a Fay Weldon script/screenplay casting the Bennett Girls as men. I was too busy taking in CF's luxuriant locks to remember any more detail. Ben, could this be the very role you have been waiting for? Playing Lizzie could change your life and of course bring you so much closer to Jennifer!! How about it?

Oh you lucky dog! Hope you get lots of pictures and can post them for us to see. (You can always send them to me for scanning, btw, *hint, hint*) From USA Today, today (Dec 8) by Jeannie Williams: "Firth was on hand with lovely brunnette wife Olivia. Fans of Firth as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice will be happy to know that though he looks less trim in this movie, in person he's still boyishly handsome." Always good to hear a little reassurance from a *disinterested third party*!!

One more thing, since the special screening is tonight, we're going to have to watch ET and the others tomorrow for film clips.

Winter...take an extra disposable camera in your purse, in case yours malfunctions. Don't forget to take FP screenplay and two pens. Walmart develops pictures in an hour. If you send them to Karen (I'll send address in email) I'll pay for the overnight espress mail. Once again....You're Our Girl in LA!!

Almost forgot....TIME Magazine gives SIL a **glowing** review.... by Richard Corliss who is v. hard to please. If Movies be the Food of Love.... Let them be as romantic and ravishing as this one... But the true, rare glamour of the piece is the ...flourishing of words for their majesty and fun, and--in the love play between JF and his enchantress--the kindling of a playfully adult eroticism . Also talks about the cast...alas not a mention of Colin, but it looks like it's gonna be a winnah!!

Grabbed my Time Magazine, Evelyn, which just came today and rushed to the page before I finished reading your post. Can you believe absolutely no mention of even his character? Grrr. But the USA Today notice sounds great. Poor (O)Livia. Winter - you go girl! I e-mailed Jana at work to tell her but I know she's leaving for Manila in a day or two (might even be there by now). Wish you tons of luck.

Just got off the phone with Evelyn... what a sweetie! Yes, I will Fed Ex the pictures to Karen once they're ready (hopefully tomorrow). On my way home from school today, I stopped by the Academy, to make sure the screening was in fact going to happen. Sure enough, guys rolling out red carpets, setting up bright lights, and.. unfortunately, barriers to separate journalists from the stars as they walk in. But no matter, I will try to get as close up as possible. I also checked on the parking situation, as the theatre is in a residential district that requires permits. So, I spotted a side street where I can park my car for a few hours. Also I may come back to the theatre when people are leaving, so hopefully get a glimpse of Colin after the film's over. On another fanatical whim, I drove up the street to the Four Seasons Hotel, where Miramax usually puts their people up. No sign of Colin, but plenty of limos parked in front. Perhaps? I can't tell you how excited I am. I'm just so nervous that something may go wrong... but I will take all necessary precautions to ensure nothing doesn't... extra pen, back-up disposable camera, etc... I didn't count on anything happening this week-- so I'm so excited about this. Now I'm just going to take a deep breath, rehearse my questions, make sure my hair and makeup are in order (darn I wish I had plucked my eyebrows this past weekend!), and get my things together.. unfortunately, I do not have the ever Pitch screenplay (where do you all get yours?).

There's a review at imdb.com by James Beradinelli which actually mentions Colin "the British heart-throb who played the male lead in the superlative P&P (thank you!!)..plays the cold, loveless Lord Wessex." He says of JF/GP "not one of the great pairings of the year" but there's a lot of praise for the overall film. Perhaps reviewers who know CF notice him, otherwise not. I've noticed that quite a few people here react pretty negatively simply to the accent - the voice of the typical English stage actor seems immediately comes across to them as affected and conceited, regardless of what he is saying (it's less of a problem for the women.) It comes back to what I was saying about Hollywood films and baddies, I suppose. (Ben) There was a recent newspaper article about Hollywood's attitude to a "good" British accent. It really works for women....British actresses are much sought after at the moment, and their accent denotes class, spirit and intelligence. But the male actor with the equivalent accent is seen as (quote) "an effeminate twit!" Why does the thought that the DB is in LA send shivers up my spine? For a large part of the year he lives just a handful of miles from me! It must be the confirmation that he actually exists and is not just a hologram or a trick of the light. (Allison) Well, this is the man who I have yet to see give an interview, who often refers to the need to withdraw, and who once gave up acting completely and disappeared to Canada! He's very elusive!!! Winter, as Lizza said, "Excellent sleuthing!" Go for it!

I've said it before and I'll say it again...if the Marines had hired you lot the Gulf War would have lasted one hour, not a hundred. You are BRILLIANT! As for me, it appears I'm an effeminate twit. Mind you, it appears CF is too. I blame Hugh Grant. Why the extra pen, by the way? To poke competing fans in the eye? BTW, I am going back to Blighty for Xmas, and......I'm going to be having dinner with John and Maggie Castle! I've seen them plenty of times since the fated (and now feted) evening, but now I'll know the right questions to ask.

(Ben) .I'm going to be having dinner with John and Maggie Castle! I've seen them plenty of times since the fated (and now feted) evening, but now I'll know the right questions to ask Grrrreat. Hey, we've got Winter in LA and Ben in London...what more can one ask for!! Perhaps....just perhaps...you might come across The Man Himself. And Ben,...talked to Jenn's agent this week. She's back in London"reading scripts". Take a walk around Sloane Square :-)) .

...and since your going to see John Castle, could you ask the guy if he has a decent copy of Lost Empires. Based on the commercials I've seen on mine, I believe it walked across the US from New Zealand!! Yes, blame Hugh Grant for the bad rep. ;-)

Just think Winter is outside the theater now. I am all a-quiver!! Can't wait to see the pix and I promise to get them up on the board within 24 hrs. of receipt. That would be barring any acts of God, etc., written into the small print. :)

(Karen)Think I'm going to have to learn how to *fix* these images... ;-) If you want to schedule a time for a little phone meeting (after December 17, please) I think I can help you, babe. (Ben) Nan, I am on the Upper West side - where are you? Midtown, west side. (Ben) (or, without naming names, to love someone's Elizabethan britches and what's inside them) And lovely, frilly breeches they are ;-p (Moon) I believe the women in the US are quite taken with a proper british accent, not slang or cockney. CF not only has it, but a wonderful voice to match. I'm with you, honey...it does me just fine ;-) (Winter) (darn I wish I had plucked my eyebrows this past weekend!) LOL!

WInter: I am so jealous that you get to be there. Talke a long look for me. Hope you get lots of pictures and send them our way. You are so terrific. I wish that I could be there also. Congratulations again! Rita

So I'm posting this here, but emailing this to friends who also know how much I love Colin� I drive to Beverly Hills around 5:00. The traffic was of course, a nightmare, and I thought "will I ever get a spot to see him?" Well, after getting to the neighborhood, I park my car on Clifton Drive. That, my friends, is a good omen. I show up, and only one photographer is there. He and I chit chat about the business, until he points me in the direction of this tiny cage, where autograph seekers have to wait behind, and politely ask for signatures. Papprazzi get the privileged spot along the red carpet. The good paparazzo told me to claim my spot QUICK, before the professional autograph hunters take my spot. So there I am, at 5:15 p.m., standing alone in this make-shift police barricade square. But, sure enough, by 6, I was surrounded by people with 8 x10 glossies, talking trade and swapping stories about what premieres are going on that night too. "HA!" I think, "I'm the only civilian here!" It's f***ing cold, and I'm waiting till about 7:40 p.m.. A black Lincoln town car shows up, and I yell "IT'S COLIN!" Nobody out there (at least 20 autograph seekers and 60 camera people) don't flash their cameras or yell out the actor's name, as they had done with the stars who had arrived just minutes before (they all went wild for Diane Cannon, for some unknown reason). So I yell again, "Colin, can you please come here and sign an autograph?" He turns around, and with Livia, walk toward our barricade. I've got my camera ready and shooting, I hold up my "Making of Pride and Prejudice" book to be signed, as I wait for Colin to sign the autograph hounds' paraphanelia, I see Livia standing politely behind. She was toward me so I nudge to her, "So they had your name spelled 'Olivia' in the papers today." She smiled very nicely, and said something to the effect of, "It's Livia"� but really in the nicest way. She was gorgeous� I felt like such a toad Colin was still signing things so I turned to Livia again and said, 'You must be tired of this movie. You've seen it more than once now haven't you?" And she said yes, but she didn't mind because it's such a great film and it's funny and seems funnier every time they see it again. Then, Colin takes my book, and as he signs it I say "I hope you sign on to play Mark Darcy! I've talked to Helen Fielding about this!" To which he replied "Oh really?!" and then walked off. (note-I did talk to H.F. about this, but not in such the intimate manner in which I probably projected this scenario. It was at the BJD booksigning). part II to come...

part II: So.. with the autograph and pictures taken (I took about 8 with the disposable, and about 4 with the real camera), I wade out of the barricade, and stand there along with people who want to get inside and watch the film. I was on such an adrenaline high that I kept talking to myself going "I came here for one person, and I finally got his picture and autograph." Behind me I hear something to the effect of "Is it for Colin Firth?" Sure enough� a person from the listersev showed up! Her name is Elizabeth, nd she had her camera ready, but didn't get in on time to see him (she had taken the bus there from work). THEN� I hear Jeff, one of the bodyguards (whom I had befriended while waiting out in the cold) tell me that if I wanted to see them movie, I could stay in that line, and maybe there's room for "laughters". A laughter, in this case, is a civilian (non-film- industry) person who can sit in on a screening, and laugh at all the right parts because all these stuffy coats and ties have probably already rea the script or seen the film. Sure enough, Elizabeth and I get in!!!! HOLY F****!!!! This was more than I could ever ask for. Geofrrey Rush was there, and so was GP and BA. No Judi Dench nor Joe Fiennes to be seen. But, Elizabeth and I make our way inside, scan for Colin, find seats up toward the front (7th row-lucky number) and sit down. Harvey Weinstein (Miramax) gives an opening speech, introduces the cast who are in attendance, and lo and behold, Colin is toward the back, center row. The movie was so hilarious, so witty� it was a great ensemble cast. GP was alright-but I was much more entertained by Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Colin (so funny-the butt of jokes, but not too bad), and surprisingly, Ben Affleck (he was quite good).

part III (finale): After the movie, Elizabeth and I wait outside the screening room, which is on the 2nd floor. The 1st floor had a reception, with lots of people dispersing downstairs. I had just gotten out of the bathroom when I spotted Livia! I (politely) stopped her, and said, "Your husband was brilliant! I was so entertained!" I told her how witty the film was, and how it was just a great showcase for excellent writing. She thanked me (for Colin), got a tissue from the bathroom, and walked back to Colin, who was surrou ded by lots of unknown people (Geoffrey Rush was part of the crowd too). Livia, I have to say, is one of the nicest persons I've met in a long time. So genuine� I didn't feel an inch of jealousy as I used to back in the day. She's just the nicest person, very friendly and approachable� Elizabeth, in the meantime, is waiting to get a picture. She really needed to get one, as well as an autograph before going home. I myself was debating about staying around because Colin was surrounded by EVERYONE and we were told spefically by Jeff the Bodyguard that we would be ousted if we asked for pix or sigs. inside. So, as I mull this over, I turn around and who is standing right next to me? Ben Affleck and Gwyneth Paltrow! GP was talking to lts of people,as Ben stood politely behind. I nudged BA i the arm and said "I think you did a great job!" To which he replied, "Well thank you!" Nothing more I could say, and nothing more he could say, so he turned back to GP and the rest of the crowd. I didn't care, however, because all I kept thinking of was Colin, Colin, Colin. I'm standing next to an Oscar winner, and all I could think of was how I could talk to Colin and tell him more about us on the Internet! So Elizabeth spots them all walking down toward the stairs, to the reception� Oh my gosh! We fly down the stairs, and sure enough, Elizabeth catches Colin first. She exchanges some words with him (I'm in a daze at the moment, staring at him), and then I turn to him and tell him how we wanted to say hello to him, on behalf of all his fans on the Internet. He smiled very warmly to me and said thank you very much, and that he appreciated us (!!!!!). I then told him how big a fan I was, that I had already acc sted his poor wife twice tonight, to which he laughed and said "That's OK." We make our way down the stairs as this exchange is going on, and I notice that it's just us (me, Elizabeth, Colin and Livia) standing on the stairs, with HUNDREDS of people waiting below for the reception. (ROBERTO BEGNINI WAS THERE!!!! I was the 1st person to yell it out when he stepped out of the limo outside!) I felt like it was a scene from "Cinderella". We're being presented in court, with Colin standing next to us! Well, not really, but the thrill of it was priceless. I extended my hand, and he, after a second, got the hint and shook it back, and then others began talking to Colin, so I decided this was the end of the exchange. MIRACLE!!! By the way, he has much lighter hair than I thought, and is surprisingly pasty. He is in need of a tan, but he still looked so handsome. Very tall too. So that's the end, I may fill in with other details if people ask. I just wanted to share this with you all, and get this out of my system. The film will be developed in the AM and FedEx'd ASAP.

Winter, You are a wonder! More questions, of course. How good was Livia's english? Does she have a strong accent? Does he have a firm handshake? What was he wearing? What was she wearing? Do you still like him?? Thank you so much from us all. What an evening, you must be in shock.

(Allison)How good was Livia's english? Does she have a strong accent? Her English was excellent. I have a friend from the same area in Italy as Livia(Tuscany) who is a PhD student in the US, and Livia's English is better. The accent is there, but not strong to the point where she's unintelligible. She's not sing-songy either with her English, which is what I've observed with Italians who speak to me in English. Does he have a firm handshake? Can't remember. I kept staring at him thinking, "God he's pasty!" I know, it's awful, but that's really what I thought. What was he wearing? What was she wearing? Go to the 'English Patient' L.A. premiere pictures. It's the same outfit I believe! (I shake my head at this fashion faux pas). Light colored sports jacket, black top. Livia was wearing a flowy velvety pants-suit type thing (dark color-- either black, or wine, or both). She had the most wonderful black beaded choker around her neck. She's really beautiful... but so skinny! Do you still like him?? YES! I don't know what to do right now... I can't sleep... I kick myself for all the things I did not mention like: -How much I loved him in FeverPitch and thought it was his best performance. -Asking when MLSF or SLOW was coming out -To say "hello" to Jonathan, or Nick -To ask what's his next project -I had also wanted to tell him that now that I had met him in person, I was only one celebrity shy from my British icon Holy Trinity: Nick Hornby, Helen Fielding and him!

(Winter)I don't know what to do right now... You'll just have to come over for the London premiere! She's really beautiful... but so skinny! How skinny? Anorexic? You make them sound an unhealthy pair. Pasty and skinny! Now I think you should get some sleep. It's 4am there isn't it! Sweet Dreams.

He appreciates his Internet fans? But he has no way of knowing the difference between us at Drool and the FOF listserv, does he? I guess he appreciates all.

He appreciates his Internet fans? But he has no way of knowing the difference Difference? What difference?

Bravissima Winter! We have all stated before that if we ever met him we would probably do nothing at all, and look at YOU! We are so proud of you! Happy to hear he appreciates his internet fans and hopefully, he will answer our questions as soon as he returns home. Allison, had v. good questions. Just a few more: Is Livia v. tall? Where his eyebrows noticeable? Is his hair short now? Is his english closer to Darcy? Again, complimenti!

Winter, you lucky girl, you must be sooooo happy. Thanks for charing all this with us.

More questions Winter: Did Livia speak with a british accent? Most of the Italians I know do, including my husband's family. Was there other media interest in Colin? Did he smile a lot? OK, OK, I'll stop now!

It's 7 am right now, and I've gotten about 3 hours of sleep. I woke up this morning quite groggy, but after realizing that I had been at the screening, and recalling all the events that took place, my pulse went up about threefold, and then I couldn't ge back to sleep. (Allison)How skinny? Anorexic? You make them sound an unhealthy pair. Pasty and skinny! No, not anorexic skinny. I'm sorry to have portrayed them as so unhealthy. Livia was tall(er)-- I'm 5 feet exactly, and I estimate her to be about 5'7" in her heels. She was very slim, long neck.. sort of Audrey Hepburnish...but I know a girl who had anorexia/bullimia, and believe me, Livia was not in that category. She had a healthy complexion, nice cheekbones, the nicest smile. Believe me girls, I felt so bad about myself for being so jealous when they married. She's the nicest person, really. As for Co in, he was just paler, I think because his hair is really light (straw colored), and I'm so used to darker features. And I may be very subjective about the word pasty, since I naturally have a dark complexion. (Moon) Where his eyebrows noticeable? Is his hair short now? Is his english closer to Darcy? I didn't notice anything peculiar about the eyebrows. As for his hair, it's sort of moppish, and the curls are definitely growing out. Oh yeah-- you'll be happy to know he's not as jowly or heavy-set as I thought he'd be. Either the costuming in SIL was fantastic, or he's lost lots of weight since after the filming. His English is what I would consider Standard... From what little exchange there was, I couldn't detect anything in particular. Maybe because he was in the States, or whatever, but now that I hink of it, Darcy's English was a bit more "accented" than what Colin was speaking last night. Oh god, oh god, oh god... the most awful thing I've just noticed. My disposable camera had no flash! We were in front of plenty of floodlights/camera lights. Any film experts out there?! I will see in a few hours. At least my back-up camera had a flash! (Moon)Winter: Did Livia speak with a british accent? Was there other media interest in Colin? Did he smile a lot? No.. she didn't acquire a British accent, from what I could remember. It's funny, a few times as we were waiting outside the theatre, I would yell out stars' names as they arrived way before the papparazzi did (Thank you, People magazine subscription! I know my celebs!). That happened with Colin, Begnini (I yelled it out in a sin-songy Italian accent), and Jennifer Tilly (oh yeah, she was there with another sister, not Meg). The media seemed to know who he was, because they all called out hi name to get his picture. Also, as I chatted with the autograph hounds, they all knew who he was, and even had his glossies there to sign. (Note-- when seeking autogrpahs, the best pen to use is a Vis-a-Vis marker...no smearing! When the star approaches, everyone has a Vis-a-Vis ready, but it's used for doing ALL the autographs, so it's easier on the star). Livia is accustomed now to all this... She and Colin knew to smile in front of the papparazzi, walk a few feet, smile again, walk of few feet, etc... And YES! He did smile a lot! One of the things I noticed about him. It made him seem so.... contemporary. He has a nice broad smile, and he it made him seem so much more easy-going and friendly than the dark, brooding type I'm so used to imagining. Even now, I've noticed, it's hard for me to even visualize him if I read fanfic now... he's so much more lighter and more....real (for lack of a better word) than I had previously imagined.

Hello, everybody! I�ve been lurking here for ages and admiring your beautiful conversation in silence because I�m shy for my bad English. Now that Winter has done something so marvellous, I just have to speak. Winter, you�re wonderful, thank you very much for sharing your adventure with us. It�s like fantasies had become reality, I mean, He really EXISTS??!! I wonder how courageous you really are, I�m afraid I would�ve fainted out of excitement in your place.

I think we must all applaud Our Girl Winter for the great composure she showed under extraordinary circumstance. You did us proud.Just like last spring when you represented us at the Helen Fielding booksigning.We look forward to the pics. I hope there are listserve people lurking so we can share this account with them. Would someone on the listserve pl. copy this and post it on the list serve. We want to share Colin with them. And, at times, I wish they would share things with us.We are all Internet fans together.....ALL of us are Friends of Firth. Welcome Elena...your English is fine and we love hearing from you. and we encourage all lurkers to join in the fun with us.

Oh, Winter, you had the experience of a lifetime. Your write-up was great and I can well imagine that you'd be on such a high that you couldn't get to sleep (another Audrey Hepburn, "I could've danced all night" moment!) Could it be that he looked so pasty because you're in California. In non-sunny climes, we get used to *pasty*!! ;-) And then to have gotten in to see the film...before the great unwashed masses...sitting within popcorn-throwing distance of Colin, Gwennie and Bennie, and Harvey...hobnobbing in the ladies room with Livia...making small talk with Ben Affleck...dropping names like you did (HF). So proud of you. Is there an award we can give this woman? A statue we can erect? Bravo! Bravo! Question: Do you think you were caught on film by any of the entertainment shows? Did you see the ET, Access Hollywood, or E! people there interviewing? You will have to carefully scrutinize the shows today and let us know if you're in the shot (and what you're wearing). I'm going to reread what you've written and savor every word. Thank you so much and I eagerly await the package.

Got it!! Dame Winter. What say you all? A knighthood? I then told him how big a fan I was, that I had already accosted his poor wife twice tonight, to which he laughed and said "That's OK." What a guy! I loved this part. A very human response when the comment wasn't about him.

I have just gotten off the phone with Winter..... Disappointing news....pictures did not come out. The disposable camera did not have a flash and the other camera had crowd shots of people's heads. Of course, she feels terrible...I told it that it did not matter...her account was so fabulous; (I have downloaded it) . And the important thing is that She told him that she was representing all his fans on the Internet. Hopefully , Elizabeth , from the listserve , took a successful pic and she'll share it with us. Karen, I think, "Dame Winter" is definitely in order.I second the motion.

Dame Winter it is! Maybe Nan can air-brush Colin's pix and give him straw color hair!!! I can't imagine. I can see why you would have a hard time with the FF stories, the dark hair looks so good on him. So Dame Winter, would you say Livia is 5'5 without heels? If she speaks english with an American accent? She must have studied here at one point. Did you notice if she spoke with Benigni? This is so great, to be able to ask all these questions about the man himself!

It is a shame about the pictures, but as Evelyn said maybe Elizabeth has some to share, could you call her?

Yes, it�s a disappointment about the pics but I think what happened is very understandable. Don�t be sad, Dame Winter, you�re still my hero. In a situation like that one is more than likely to do something wrong with a camera and to tell you the truth, I didn�t expect wonders; needs a LOTof nerves to be able to take cool shots when you�re far from calm yourself.