Allison, will you please email me, I have mislaid your address (re response 85).

Sorry I meant Echo.

Love the poster....Thanks boss. And sorry folks I like CF peaking around her diary,..cool.....maybe because I liked RV :-) See Eileen,a different perspective ...not like Mr. Darcy at all;-)

Allison, you're right about the RV pose! Still a clean looking poster and his presense for once is there. I hope they won't cut him out in the States, as tthey have done in the past and they could too unless he specifically had it written into his contract that he must also be included in the poster whenever HG is. That would have been a smart move.

(Moon) I hope they won't cut him out in the States, as tthey have done in the past I don't think he'll be cut out, as the advertising needs to emphasize there are TWO guys (Mr So So Right and Mr Fuckwit) interested in one girl. That's the campaign they should be waging. Mark Darcy's part is the mysterious stranger type as you can see in the bits of the trailer shown on Access Hollywood. The emphasis on Hugh but with Colin lurking about on the sidelines. Meant to bring this up before. In the articles, I liked how people had singled out scenes with Colin as being the most important (when he says he likes her as-is, or Bridget telling him that he makes her feel ridiculous). These are memorable scenes (serious concepts) that critics would focus on, rather than a drunken Hugh falling overboard whilst saying he's king of the world.

Mark Darcy's part is the mysterious stranger type as you can see in the bits of the trailer shown on Access Hollywood. OK, rub it in. You know I have not seen this. :-( Lucky you who can rewind to her heart's content.

Thanks for the poster, Karen. I think the "peekaboo" pose is very appropriate, but notice they used the CF and RZ pics from the website, yet substituted a more attractive photo for HG. No doubt he has approval on the publicity materials (they all may) and vetoed the one on the website, a more appropriate (but less attractive) peering-sideways look. I just wonder if CF has people looking out for his interests like that. I do love that he's on there, though! a corn-fed Texan LOL! They make her sound like a heifer.

Don't fret gals he is what he is. I guess he'll never change but thats why I like him.

(Evelyn) And sorry folks I like CF peaking around her diary,..cool.....maybe because I liked RV :-) See Eileen,a different perspective ...not like Mr. Darcy at all;-) Certainly not, the way you see it. ;-) I don't see 'gay' in this pose at all (no wrists flicking) and I also liked RV--loved seeing CF flouncing around, was ROTF. IMO showing CF in the Mr. D. aloof/smouldering/glowering mode on the poster would make him/his character look less appealing than this playful look. (Karen) The emphasis on Hugh but with Colin lurking about on the sidelines. Which is in keeping with the book, right? (Karen) I liked how people had singled out scenes with Colin as being the most important (when he says he likes her as-is, or Bridget telling him that he makes her feel ridiculous). These are memorable scenes (serious concepts) that critics would focus on, rather than a drunken Hugh falling overboard whilst saying he's king of the world. Good point!

Ooh, have had brilliant brainstorm for poster. Picture this: Small shot of BJ sitting on bed with diary open, superimposed on larger close-up of pensive Mark Darcy (head only). Perfect! Yet something about it seems familiar...

Suggest Bridget hold one stockinged leg up in air for nice central focus. Or else could have enigmatic Mark Darcy in shadowy doorway with Bridget sitting in lacy frou frou underwear or scary pants, whichever. ;-D

This isn't the same writer, but does this border on plagiarism? From reel.com: Zellweger Stars as Jones By Joan Tarshis Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding's hilarious, best-selling novel about a weight-watching, chain-smoking, man-chasing, gin-and-tonic drinking, pint-guzzling bachelorette makes its way to the big screen next month. Indeed. Renee Zellweger, best known for playing Tom Cruise's romantic interest in Jerry Maguire, stars as Jones. Mind you � despite that a blond from Texas is playing the eponymous heroine � the premise is terribly British. Hugh Grant plays the bad guy and Colin Firth is the love interest, while Bridget smokes and drinks and drinks and smokes in Jolly Ol' England. At the film's center are Bridget's desperate attempts to lose weight, smoke less, drink less, and meet her Prince Charming. The novel became a must for a generation of modern career women seeking an old-fashioned happy ending. In her diary, Bridget begins each entry with a total of how many pounds lost or gained, cigarettes smoked, and drinks drunk. The mission is to become beautiful and find a man. A typical entry reads, ``How is it possible to put on four pounds overnight? Could flesh have somehow solidified, becoming denser and heavier (repulsive, horrifying notion); alcohol units: two (excellent) cigarettes: 21 (poor but will give up totally tomorrow); number of correct lottery numbers: two (better, but nevertheless useless).'' What has surprised our friends across the pond is that an American actress, rather than a hip Brit, got the lead. Zellweger's past credits include the comedies Me, Myself & Irene and Nurse Betty, which earned her a Golden Globe award. Fielding has admitted to being fiercely jealous that her character gets to have an affair with Grant, whom she describes as "hilariously wicked, sexy, charming, and delicious." But, the author admits she won't let Zellweger steal all of Grant's attentions. "I'm keen on the idea of turning up on set in enormous sunglasses and a gold lam� turban shrieking 'it should have been me!' and having to be led away and given a trinket," she told Sydney's Daily Telegraph. The script was inked by Fielding, Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill), and Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice), and is being helmed by first-timer Sharon Maguire. Bridget Jones reunites co-writer Curtis with producers Tim Bevans and Eric Fellner, the successful team who brought us Four Weddings and Notting Hill. Now the trio hopes that the ramblings of a neurotic, single, 30-ish woman will give them hit number three. The movie, which was born as a tongue-in-cheek newspaper column, opens April 13.

(Karen) but does this border on plagiarism? Is there such a concept any more? It seems plagiarism went out the window when 'cut and paste' was invented. :-/

ATTN!! Full trailer is now available at the MSN site: http://entertainment.msn.com/bridget/default.asp Lots of Colin! You see when she first sees him at the party (he's wearing a dark turtleneck. He's specifically shown as Mr Wrong (in her mind) after the Mr Right intro. Then there's a darling bit, where he's at the door to somebody's apartment and calls Cleaver out. "OK, Cleaver, outside. [Cleaver: What?"] MD: Should I bring my dueling pistols or sword?"

Ooooh, and he throws a punch. Yippee! This is a 2:26 min trailer, as would be in the theatres.

And he says the lines about liking her just the way she is.

Oh Karen...the trailer is darling. I esp like the part that MD says: "To our Bridget, we love her...just as she is".Mr. Darcy's voice, for sure. Bridge's accent sounds good to me.She's got the Brit vowels down pat. Thank you Working Title....

Oh, bollocks, I can't view it! Apparently we have some security thingie here at work which prevents our PCs from downloading the viewing software. Don't they know people need a break at work? Honestly, this is something out of Dickens.;-) Tell us poor deprived souls more, please.

Ooh, v.v. cute indeed (note to self: begin each day by viewing trailer). *But* I think I see/hear a few things differently--it doesn't sound like MD's voice saying 'just as she is', though he definitely says 'To Bridget, whom we love' (could be my ears *klunking self on head*). Unfortunately, I'm sure it is DC, not MD who says 'should I bring my dueling pistols or my sword?'. :-( Oh, well, I still like the trailer. Agree with what the others say about RZ's accent but since I'm not British I'm hardly a judge. I like the what it does to her voice, though, which in JM sounded high pitched and little girlish.

It's what we saw on Access Hollywood and more. Starts out with the Still not married bit and how's your love life from everybody, with the "haven't had a sniff of a date for over 18 months" line. Then there's a shot at a party (could be literary bash), and v. possibly CF at center of shot at other end of room. Cue music: sounds like 1960s Frank Sinatra-y thing (or Gidget theme music) Car drives up to Snowshill and there's the Turkey Curry Buffet and Bridget being introduced to Mark (by mom). He looks v.good. Strange little incident with a taxi. Can't tell for sure whose voice that is saying "drive on. She's fine." Then there's that whole bit from TV we saw about starting a diary, making resolutions, not dating litany of bad guy types, holding up big pants, exercycling with Shaz, will develop inner poise (blender blowup)... Won't fantasize about boss (enter Hugh) and making date and rolling around on floor discussing enormous pants. Next we see Jim Broadbent as dad, asking her if she has a boyfriend, to which she replies "I have, father, and he's perfect." Voiceover about how she's finding herself caught between a man who's too good to be true (king of the world) and a man who is so wrong.... bunny outfit. Then we get the "I like you just the way you" are bit.... Music changes...oh, what is name of song. Every little thing she says and does... Cast intros: RZ (she's singing "Can't Live if Living is w/o you" v. drunkenly), THEN HG (a little dialogue about practicing french kissing with girls at school, Then CF (and dueling bit) -- shot of three girls and BJ saying "major dilemma" after punch thrown. Ends with answering phone. Sorry if it's so choppy. Had to keep pausing and writing and starting. Argh

One other thought: am surprised to see MD wearing sexy black turtleneck (*the* turtleneck!) instead of fugly diamond-patterned sweater in the turkey curry buffet scene. Guess they didn't want to overdo the nerd-dweeb thing. One can still hope for bumblebee socks, however. ;-)

Gaah! You're right, Hugh gets the pistols or sword line. *off to find Q tip* :-(

The song is from the Police *humming* 'every little thing she does is magic..' Just watched again (can't wait until these things are bigger than the smallest size post-it note). No longer think MD says 'to Bridget, whom we love'. Think someone else says the line *but* the camera shows smiling MD which is more important. Glad to see they have their priorities straight. ;-)

Grrrrrr. I cannot view it either. Probably due to hopeless internet peformance at this time in the UK. Am v frustrated gazing at blue MSN screen with nothing happening. Will have to get up v early tomorrow when I shall not be sharing my dial-up line with half of the southeast of England:-)

My wizzard line at work pipes it down so efficiently its like being in the cinema. Well, almost. A good two minutes. Now for the other 98.

The Police! Of course, I even own that one. *off to vacuum brain* Allison, try clicking on a lower connection type for viewing. If you have a 56K connection, try the 28K one. Was also v. surprised that Mark is not wearing hideously ugly sweater at the party. But glad is nice dark turtleneck. He should wear those more frequently, than basic black t-shirt we keep seeing.

Karen, thanks so much for posting the "full trailer" info. Rarely surf at work, but am so glad I "checked in". Brightened my day considerably! Will have to visit again at home, when, out of my "cubile" environment, I can crank up the volume. Have checked the Island Records web site, but they have no mention of the soundtrack. Wanted to pre-order from _somebody_.

(Eileen)I like the what it does to her voice, though, which in JM sounded high pitched and little girlish. Likewise in Nurse Betty.Renee should speak with a British accent all the time. V. flattering.I tell ya' it's those vowels.American accent has ugly vowels. Car drives up to Snowshill and there's the Turkey Curry Buffet and Bridget being introduced to Mark (by mom). He looks v.good. Doesn't mom say something like "You remember Bridget, she used to run around the lawn without any clothes on..." Bridget looking mortified. ..bunny outfit. Hilarious.Who hasn't appeared at a party dressed all wrong. Allison, it takes a little while to load esp. if your lines are busy. It would tell you if you didn't have the correct version of the video software. Good luck.

For some reason, the trailer works better for me from The Bucket than from the MSN website, LOL.I get interruptions (pauses) from the official website. Have to keep hitting the "Play" button.

HA! Have cracked code! Am overjoyed! Am bursting! Am drooling! Am probably also unemployed.;-) Love this. Superb trailer. Even if I had never heard of BJD or Colin (and oh, what an awful life that would be!;-), I'd go to see this. CF is . . . oh, my, my, my , my, my . . .When he says to her, "You see, I like you. A lot. Just the way you are." *Major meltdown.* And that shot at the end when they're raising a glass to Bridge at the dinner. . .*very* close to The Look. Mmmmm . . . .

Can't get the trailer but have just seen the video for Gabrielle's song & was surprised to see quite a bit of CF.

(Evelyn) For some reason, the trailer works better for me from The Bucket than from the MSN website, LOL.I get interruptions (pauses) from the official website. Am far from an expert on this but I think it has more to do with when you view the trailer vs. where you view it from. It was much clearer and flowed better for me this morning than just now. Sometimes it sticks on video while audio progresses so you think you're seeing everything. Must watch over and over! (Mari) *very* close to The Look. Absolutely. Very close without duplicating that which should never be duplicated, IMO ;-). How 'bout MD's expression when BJ's mom makes the intro? As Evelyn notes, Bridget looks mortified while Mark's expression is straight out of the Meryton assembly (and/or Netherfield Ball with Mr. Collins--take your pick).

Judy where did you see the video for Gabrielle's song and did they say when it would be released in the UK. I still think it is odd that the BJD soundtrack is being released on the 16th March before the individual singles, maybe it was a misprint by Annova but I am still going to check it out on the 16th March. I am so glad he looks and sounds so great, I am all anticipation. Thanks Karen for notifying us of the trailer and Allison I have been able to see it and I am in the South East also. Try what Karen suggested, it worked for me.

Ann it was shown on The Box a music channel on cable or satellite.It was new today & as yet there is no mention of the release date.There are some great shots of CF!

Oooh, I get The Box. Must check if same here. Which shots, Judy? The same as we've been discussing? That tears it! I'm definitely going to a mainstream movie complex this weekend. No esoteric Chinese films until I see that trailer up on a big screen, instead of postage size. Ann, that date has to be wrong. At the Gabrielle website, it says the single is coming on on April 2.

Nice trailer, from what I've been able to make out of it (too many pauses on this computer). Must run over to my good friend Pete-- who has forked over wads of cash to be be able to play feature-length films on his spiffy new computer.

Karen, someone at VV has seen the trailer at a Sony Cinema?

It doesn't look as if we are going to see Colin in his Barrister's Gown, does it? Oh well, mustn't complain, I love that grey polo neck!

I've just checked www.thebox.co.uk for the release date but the record isn't listed there yet.The first shot is head & shoulders & then it shows him in a reindeer jumper .(I wish someone had warned me about that -D)There's also one of him watching BJ with DC at a do.Another when he interrupts BJ & DC about to kiss.A few shots of the fight-crashing through a window,in a street high kicking DC & the punch.I'll have to watch the tape again as thats all I can remember.

Ann, the cinema chain isn't as important as which movie it precedes. I wish the person at VV had said. I do hope it isn't Chocolat (another Miramax release) as I don't care to see it again. ;-D A reindeer jumper? High-kicking DC? This is marvelous. Wonder if he learned to do that kick or was that the padded stunt double that Mark saw? *tingling* I cannot wait for this movie. Can't find The Box on my cable. Must've been dropped. Will tune in to MTV or similar.

Karen = I'm definitely going to a mainstream movie complex this weekend My thoughts exactly ! Thanks for the tip about lowering the connection speed, managed to see most of the trailer but it was very disjointed. Need to see a clearer view, oh how I need ;-) Love the Karaoke! A girl after my own heart. And mad 'inner poise' blender moment - d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode?? Also thanks Judy for tip re the video..now must hog parents' cable! Meredith I've also been scouring the various sites to pre-order the soundtrack ..nothing doing at CD now or Amazon or HMV ;-( When is it to be released anyone?

Think I'll go watch the trailer at an internet place which has the very high-speed connections. Then the pic is bigger too and it really flows well. (Tracy) d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode?? Fingers crossed, but I do expect we'll have to see foot in pot of mashed potatoes, as that is one of HF's most used anecdotes.

Meant to say thanks to everyone who filled us in on the trailer bits while I was plotzing over not being able to see it at first!:-) Good thing you thought to re-check the trailer, Karen; I figured it was just the same old, same old. Then there's a shot at a party (could be literary bash), and v. possibly CF at center of shot at other end of room. Yes, that's him. Looks like he's wearing a dress shirt and jacket, no tie. Strange little incident with a taxi. Can't tell for sure whose voice that is saying "drive on. She's fine." I think it's Tom in the back seat. Right before that, Shazz says something like, "mind your step," whereupon BJ falls down, drunk apparently. Voiceover about how she's finding herself caught between a man who's too good to be true (king of the world) and a man who is so wrong.... bunny outfit. Don't you love how one of the women says "I can't believe what some people find attractive," then they cut to Mark who manages, "um, er, (big gulp) yes." The look on his face--*he* is obviously finding the bunny very attractive!:-) Ends with answering phone. "Wanton sex goddess, here. Oh . . . dad!" How 'bout MD's expression when BJ's mom makes the intro? As Evelyn notes, Bridget looks mortified while Mark's expression is straight out of the Meryton assembly Her expression is pure Ehle, when the mortified Lizzie says, "Ma-ma, he willl hear you." I love that grey polo neck! Oh, me too! Do you think it's a different one than in the pic that went up on the website early on? Love the Karaoke! A girl after my own heart. So you've karried a bit of okie in your time, eh Tracy?;-) Moi aussi.:-) d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode?? Ooo, I hope so--one of my faves. I think one of the early reviews at AICN mentioned the funny dinner scene, so it seems they've kept it. Tracy, most of the scenes you mention in the video are not in the trailer, but they sure sound like goodies! I want my MTV . . .:-) Agree that RZ's voice takes on a v. nice timbre with the English accent--deeper than usual. But how does the accent sound to our experts? I have to say, I'm v.v. pleased with the bits we've seen so far! Hurry April 13--so glad that so many of us will be able to see it at the same time--a too-rare treat!:-)

Just in and I must thank all of you for your comments and Karen for the clip. I only saw it once but I loved it and plan to see it again... ! Will have to watch MTV too. Mari, her accent sounds good. I only found fault in the way she says diary. What do the Brits say? I loved the line about the duel, too bad Colin doesn't say it. (Cue in the music, I am ready to dance!)

Many thanks for the lead to the trailer, Karen. This Brit gives an A for the accent. I know it sounds ridiculous but when we previously got the five-second trailer with HG investigating the big pants and RZ just saying "No ... no ..." it actually did sound too posh. One word, I know, BUT the most telling Received Pronunciation vowel. However, my hopes went back up when one of the articles said "...if you found Gwyneth Paltrow's accent in Sliding Doors jarring...watch out, it's the same accent coach." GP (as I have said before) was perfect in SD, and from this evidence RZ is pretty close. Great trailer, though it's all a bit of a giveaway about who's going to get the girl, no? (I am aware that we knew already!) But it's looking bad for me personally. That scene where HG growls in the car is MY scene, but I suspect the best I can now hope for is a freeze-frame one day with me telling friends "that guy behind him...there, in the suit...did you see it?...no, no head, just an arm...it's me...honestly"

Thanks to Karen's Bucket, I have now heard the trailer and seen it until BJ says the bit about not having had a sniff of a date for 6 months and then the picture stops! So I can pronounce on the accent. v.v.good. Not too posh and perfectly Home Counties. In fact she has a very familiar voice and I cannot quite think whose voice it is. Pity I have not been able to see Colin ...

Speaking of accents and for the benefit of us Yanks, are RZ and GP using a regional accent and where exactly in England would we find that? Is their accents different from how JE talked in P&P?

The MSN site seems to have been revamped this AM, with new cast photos, including one with the aforementioned "reindeer" sweater (cannot believe it!) as well as other very dishy photos. Oh yes, I suppose I should look at the other cast photos... Have always liked HG, but putting him beside CF there is NO comparison in talent, looks, etc. People (in the US) may go to see the film because of HG, but they'll stay because of CF! And of course RZ is the "it" girl at the moment, deservedly so.

Speaking of accents and for the benefit of us Yanks, are RZ and GP using a regional accent No, all their accents are more or less RP ie Received Pronounciation - aka Standard english. The idea is that it is non regional but it is more likely to be spoken in the south-east. Being the UK of course we could have a whole discussion on what one might be able to deduce from minute variations in inflection, vowel tone etc:-) I would have put GP's accent in SD as RP but spoken by someone from the southeast of England owing to some slight, flattening, estuarine tendencies in the vowels (that is estuarine as in Thames Estuary);-) GP's accent in SIL was much more the sort of RP spoken by someone who has been educated at one of the more select girls' boarding schools. RZ's accent is appropriately between the two. v v good, v v clever voice coaches. See what a minefield it all is.

Being the UK of course we could have a whole discussion on what one might be able to deduce from minute variations in inflection, vowel tone etc:-) (Allison) From the brief sample in the trailer, I found RZ's accent better than GP's in SIL. (Look at what a dab hand I've become with the acronyms! Eat your hearts out Firthettes.) GP's was a bit TOO nasal and Estuary-ish - it was the kind of Sloane cockney beloved of hip, insecure London day school gals....not unlike Lady DI's accent. (Now THERE'S a minefield for you.) Mark's right - RZ's first 'o'-vowel was very distinctive. Can you blame poor Reese Witherspoon for being nervous? As if it isn't enough to have to act well. It's easier in a film, of course, but still...

Wow Meredith! Yes, they've revamped and added things from the production notes as well. I do like the little post-it notes (something I thought of using too), especially the one on Colin's page: Mmmmm Ding Dong Maybe this Mum had got it right. Maybe this was the devastating hunk I'd been waiting my whole life to meet...maybe not. That's the same turtleneck from the trailer. We just can't see the reindeer design in the shot. Fascinating discussion on RZ accent, but what was that area of North London Colin had mentioned in an interview? "And it's actually a little bit confusing sometimes," he adds, "'cos there's a great incongruity when she tells you something about her childhood in Texas. She says something like 'Dad lassoing mustangs and taking me to the rodeo.' And you think, 'What, in Croydon?'" Must have been joking. ;-D

On the Events selection, it mentions the blue soup. :-)

Also on the Events section in very small letters it mentions that the soundtrack will be available 3rd April - Island Records.

Thank you Allison, Mark and Ben for the Accent Address. ...all their accents are more or less RP ie Received Pronounciation - aka Standard english. Is that in contrast to what we call BBC English like in P&P? ..estuarine tendencies in the vowels (that is estuarine as in Thames Estuary);-) , ["estuarine vowels"...now how about that for impressing the folks around the water cooler, Mari;-) ]This accent thing could have killed the film in UK....so glad it "passes the mustard'. Eileen, do you see in your crystal ball more British films in the future for RZ?

Oh that reindeer sweater....too much...enough to say it won't replace the "wet shirt":-D Karen, I don't think those are posties...look more like polaroid shots to me. Allison, I find when the trailer stops, if you hit "Pause" , then hit "Play" it continues.I sorta play around with all those buttons.

Sure there are yellow post-it notes (with messages on them) plus the Polaroids. Thought I'd post these:

That second one is the suit he wore for the fight. Comments on the collar? ;-D

Looks like his barrister's collar! (she says hopefully.)

Thanks, Meredith, for the tip about the revamped site. Things are hotting up even further, as they say. (Karen) That's the same turtleneck from the trailer. We just can't see the reindeer design in the shot AhhhHA! Fugly diamond-patterned sweater has been replaced by kooky reindeer sweater--sexy turtle/polo neck from back, nerdy in front. Glad they kept to the spirit of the book here. (Mari) I think it's Tom in the back seat. Right before that, Shazz says something like, "mind your step," whereupon BJ falls down, drunk I think you've got it. (Tracy) d'you think we'll get the whole blue soup and marmalade episode?? (Mari) Ooo, I hope so--one of my faves. I think one of the early reviews at AICN mentioned the funny dinner scene, so it seems they've kept it. It has to be the scene from the trailer with the line 'To Bridget, whom we love, just the way she is'. BTW, any other opinions as to who says that line? It doesn't sound like CF to me. (Mark) Great trailer, though it's all a bit of a giveaway about who's going to get the girl, no? (I am aware that we knew already!) Usually I have the same complaint about trailers but with BJD, one can rationalize that the same kabillion people who read the book (thereby being aware of the ending) are the target audience for the movie. (Evelyn) Eileen, do you see in your crystal ball more British films in the future for RZ? Ummm, action in ball tends to stop-go and is only postage stamp size (must upgrade ball with faster modem--wonder if they're sold at gypsy store?) but I think I see something about the word 'edge'. Hmmm. All v.v. confusing ;-)

Is that in contrast to what we call BBC English like in P&P? All the same: standard, BBC, RP, Queen's english (latter little used now on grounds that queen no longer sounds like anybody else still alive). BTW I agree with Ann, that is his barrister's collar .... too...arghh... I am all overcome just thinking about it. Unfortunately (?) am off to Nepal of all places next week for a quick trip. That must be one of the few places on this planet which will never receive BJD so will be deprived of the delicious anticipation. Will be back in time for the opening here though.

(Ann) Looks like his barrister's collar! (she says hopefully.) To each his own, as my mother used to say ;-) Have been thinking about the storyline. We already know there's no Julio. It appears to me that the characters of Julio and DC have been merged, i.e., Mark rescues BJ from DC instead of rescuing Mama Jones from Julio. Don't think we'll see any blonde giantesses on the roof of DC's flat. The fight scene must be the climax, replacing the one from the book where Mark chases Julio through the bushes and gets all sweaty (BJ: 'let me tell you, it was damn sexy'). AAA's if this has already been figured out while I was in hibernation. Thanks for the pics, Karen! They look sharper here than at the MSN site. 8-D

Evelyn!! There you were, with the water-cooler crowd at your feet, and then.... "it passes the mustard". ....and they all amble off, shaking their heads. It cuts the mustard, or it passes muster. :-) God knows where these expressions come from (is the second something to do with the army?). I certainly don't see why passing the mustard should be any worse than cutting it. But there you are. p.s. It v. much looks like a barrister's collar.

Just filling in some blanks in case you missed them... Mark rescues BJ from DC instead of rescuing Mama Jones from Julio There is a Julian, a presenter from the Home Shopping Channel, but know little else regarding his relationship to plot. Don't think we'll see any blonde giantesses on the roof of DC's flat. She won't be blonde as the actress is a brunette (Lisa B???) but no reason to believe that Bridget doesn't discover them together after the Tarts & Vicars party. The fight scene must be the climax I don't think so. Did you read those *spoiler* bits from Mr Beaks?

(Karen) I don't think so. Did you read those *spoiler* bits from Mr Beaks? I did, but I can hardly recall the details (too many other things rolling around up there these days). I did know there was a Julian, but wasn't a conclusion reached that the character was nowhere near as significant as Julio was in the book? I recall Beaks didn't care for the ending...and didn't we read somewhere about speculation that the ending had been changed? Gaah, can't keep it all straight anymore. No matter. AAA's for being off-base about the story.

No need for AAAs, as some people didn't want to read the additional nonposted spoiler details from Mr Beaks about the ending. Couldn't remember if you had or not. But then again, it could've changed again. BTW, I really don't know the significance of the Julian character other than he would be someone Pam takes up with. (no scolding, Ben, on ending with a preposition as I could fix but don't care to) ;-D

April 13th is only 5 weeks from today...Karen, do ya want to start a countdown? *heheheheheheh* ;-)

More publicity for BJD - in the Times, today Section 2 a really funny article "Bridget's singular style - Where to get the Bridget Look etc. Apparently more than 20 designers furnished RZ's wardrobe.. I will check if it is online. Also Aishling tells me that HF was on GMTV this morning, afraid I missed it but Aishling has recorded it and will no doubt tell us more.

Well, it had better end just the way the book did, with MD giving BJ "pardon for"!

The Times article is online but it is a very long address, can you help Karen, it is in the Style & Fashion section, go to the Index. Picture of RZ in her red pyjamas and Annova have just announced the new BJD Official Website.

The accent is spot-on! Can't be faulted. Which will no doubt disappoint some of our less charitable reviewers! Reminds me of Kate Winslet/Caroline Quentin. The reindeer sweater must be a variation on the diamond patterned yellow/blue sweater of Turkey Curry Buffet fame. And that's definitely a barrister's outfit! Very sexy!

Sure thing, Ann, here's the article at The Times (no pics online). Note ending: Bridget's singular style BY TIM TEEMAN The unsorted urban chick is set to become chic with the movie release of Bridget Jones�s Diary For those inconsolable following the end of Sex and the City�s second series on Wednesday night, the imminent movie release of Bridget Jones�s Diary has a harsh message for wannabe Park Avenue princesses. OK, obsess about your weight, but accept the truth of being a size 12. Get drunk and bitter unattractively. Blousier is better. Somehow, Bridget Jones has become a style icon. In her eponymous first diaries, published in 1996, she was a crazy, endearing, middle-class girl who had enough trouble finding knickers in the morning. She had shoe and killer black dress fascinations, but that was it. Now, with the release of her movie, she is a demographic: Young, Urban, Distressed. More than 20 designers furnished Ren� Zellweger�s wardrobe in the title role. Her mussed-up bob is as ubiquitous as a Rachel from Friends. She looks inquiring, troubled, playful. But she overeats, substance-abuses, swears, (which separates her from Ally McBeal). She is the boho girl who gets on at Ladbroke Grove Tube, reading Pride and Prejudice while listening to Coldplay. Hail the unsorted urban chick. �She is the urban single thirtysomething who balances two extremes � absolutely not caring and caring too much,� says Melanie Rickey, the fashion features editor of Nova. �She can veg out with chocolate on the sofa in girly pyjamas, moaning �No one will ever love me�, yet knows she can brush up quite well. She�s in her early 30s, unmarried, childless and panicking.� Zellweger�s dedication to the role is well known: she drank Guinness and ate cake and weight-gain powder to reach a size 12 � though has now lost all the weight to return to her usual size 6. Katy England, the style editor of Dazed & Confused, says Bridget�s look will prove popular. �It�s great because we�re all a little tired of being a certain weight, having a certain look. Bridget is liberated from all that tiresomeness. I only hope the film doesn�t put the buckets of suffering she goes through down to her weight." Rachael Fleming, the film�s costumier, has already received requests for one of Bridget�s key outfits: a pair of red,penguin-patterned pyjamas purchased � shock � in an Oxfam store in East London. �This is girl next door gets it wrong,� says Fleming. �It�s a look that is going to be hugely popular with loads of female urban professionals. Bridget wants to be sexy in a city where most single men are either gay or assholes. Her clothes are either concealing or, if she goes for it, flamboyant � like a distinctive Vivienne Westwood number for a publishing party.� Zellweger�s beautiful choppy �do� has become Bridget�s �bedhead�, set to be this spring�s messy hit. �It takes more work than you would think,� says colourist Jo Hansford. �People are already emulating it. Denise van Outen and Caprice tried their own variations at the Brits. Rough-dry your hair, leaving bits damp. Do a zig-zag parting. Add dulling wax. Let it dry. Let the roots grow through. That�s Bridget Jones hair.� Like any W10-living PR professional, Bridget�s wardrobe veers towards the smart, styled boho-grungy. Her long, shredded-style black coat is by Helmut Lang, a favoured grey hooded top by Copperwheat Blundell. Who needs the tease of La Perla or fiddly kinkiness of Agent Provocateur with Bridget�s winning bedtime combo: a pair of pig pyjamas from Bella�s, an unselfconsciously retro underwear and nightwear shop in Islington, North London? Her regulation black day trousers and sober, smart separates are Joseph. A barrage of stretchy blue and brown knitted scarves are by Nicole Farhi. Zellweger�s least favourite outfit was a specially made bunny girl basque. Predictably, other pieces came from Jigsaw, French Connection, Warehouse, Hennes, Topshop and Marks & Spencer. �Young, urban, distressed sums it up,� says Fleming, who nevertheless reveals a happyish ending. The outfit Bridget wears in the denouement as she and ideal lover Mark Darcy finally connect is a simple, elegant, black knitted cowl-neck mid-calf dress by Karen Millen. Says Fleming: �The dress had to say �I�ve finally got it right�.� ~~~~~~~~~ Her regulation black day trousers and sober, smart separates are Joseph. A barrage of stretchy blue and brown knitted scarves are by Nicole Farhi. tut tut tut The book specifically mentioned these two as designers Bridget knew she should buy but couldn't afford.

In case you're been curious, this is Sharon Maguire: Pretty funny that she cast herself as a tall blonde. ;-D Now back to that reindeer pic (which I'll post again), aside from how youthful he looks (*a Mrs Stone moment*), which caption should I go with: Have you read any good books lately? or Maybe you should get something to eat (then he walks away)

Any thoughts on where they filmed this boating scene: I've put the other behind the scenes pics up on the Location page, but none are of Colin. :-(

ROTFLOL! That sweater *screams* of bargain basement, off-season sale! My mother would (god help her) would buy something like that in a heartbeat. Sequins would've made it even better (She's just come back from Mexico City with an assortment of ponchos for me and my brother). Love it.

Hotdog Magazine review, following screening - not very good only 2stars http://www.hotdogmagazine.com/reviews/cinema/bridget.shtml.

Toys for children: boy - Action Man, girl � Barbie doll. A generalisation, but for the most part it�s true. Without stretching the point any further, be warned that if you�re male, this film will make you either sleep, puke or kill. Some of you ladies might suffer similarly, although all of the females at my screening seemed to be having a right laugh. I�m not averse to girlie films, if they�re witty, funny, or entertaining in any way, shape or form, but this was a confusing experience which left me feeling like I was stuck at a particularly irritating and insipid hen-night. Ren�e Zellweger is admittedly very convincing, vaguely likeable and sporadically amusing. Hugh Grant is also good and rather than his trademark bumbling fop routine, he plays an arrogant bastard very well. Colin Firth makes the most out of an uninspiring character. But the performances can�t hide the fact that this is a painting by numbers fairy tale romantic comedy, with none of the wit, wry humour or belly laughs present in the book. Or so I'm told. In the interests of information you should know our reviewer consumed 84 calories, 6 units of alcohol, 4 nicorettes and thought about sex constantly during the screening. ~~~~~~~~~ Fairly ridiculous IMO even considering the source. Any Bridget responses, although I don't know if I'm going to bother putting this one up. ;-D

I'm *really* jumping the gun, but Amazon at least has the "e-mail me when the Video/DVD is available" option when you search for BJD movie. That's fairly recent. Of course, I signed up for notification. Still no soundtrack...

Mmmmm, just love the "here I go a-barristering" pic, so handsome. My cousin Guido has a pinstripe suit like that. From the Bada Bing label.;-) Karen, for the reindeer pic, how 'bout, "and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows." Thanks for the opinions on the accent. Very glad to hear that it sounds authentic; otherwise, would have ruined credibility in UK. Mark, don't panic yet. I for one will ignore Huge Growl and instead focus exclusively on debonair passerby/RZ driver/bodyguard/bouncer.:-) Sharon McG looks a bit like Bjork. Ann, do you suppoose the readers of Hotdog Magazine mirror the demographics of Horse and Hound? LOL! Thanks for posting the review; sounds like this kid is more the Dude, Where's My Car type. Don't worry--I have more faith in Baz, Mr. Beaks, Empire, the Reading and NY test audiences, etc.

although all of the females at my screening seemed to be having a right laugh Exactly! Nuff said. Ren�e Zellweger is admittedly very convincing, vaguely likeable and sporadically amusing. Hugh Grant is also good and rather than his trademark bumbling fop routine, he plays an arrogant bastard very well. Colin Firth makes the most out of an uninspiring character. So the performances are okay...what's the problem? Although the guy obviously misses the point completely about Mark Darcy! One to be ignored (although I suspect that there will be others like it). This guy would snore through Pride and Prejudice, and would rate Dude Drive my Car as a 5 star experience!

Agree wholeheartedly about the accent v accurate. Mark - it's looking bad for me personally. That scene where HG growls in the car is MY scene I thought it sounded like your scene I suspect the best I can now hope for is a freeze-frame one day with me telling friends "that guy behind him...there, in the suit...did you see it?...no, no head, just an arm...it's me...honestly ...does this mean we'll have to cancel your first night party?? :-) Oooh just lurve those pics Karen. The boyish reindeer one has shades of Joe Prince d'ya think? Mari....yup I'm afraid I have been known to 'Okie'. It's not a pretty sight but it's a darn good laugh ..all together now 'Can't liiiiiive, if living is without yooooooooouu' ....and there we all were looking forward to your first night party

(Allison) ...am off to Nepal Take tummy medicine ...pleeeze. Or we'll never see you again;-) (Ben)"it passes the mustard". ....and they all amble off, shaking their heads. It cuts the mustard, or it passes muster. :-) God knows where these expressions come from (is the second something to do with the army?). I certainly don't see why passing the mustard should be any worse than cutting it. But there you are. Hey Ben...if you're gonna give a correction, I insist on the etymolgy of the phrase. None of this..."But there you are"..;-))) Karen) Any thoughts on where they filmed this boating scene: [Picture on response #173] Looks like Greenwich in the background.

(Mari) Sharon McG looks a bit like Bjork. I was about to say the same thing... Bjork + 10 years

Evelyn _ I don't think it's Greenwich, if you mean the Queens House (White House as I believe it hasn't got a dome. I'm thinking that it could be somewhere further west like Kew or Richmond (Kings Observatory?) - but then of course it could be somewhere else entirely outside London...I'm no help at all really am I? ;-)

. I'm thinking that it could be somewhere further west like Kew or Richmond (Kings Observatory?) Let's ask the resident expert... Ben...?

From the Independent: Radio highlights The Funniest Thing I Ever Heard (3.30pm R4 Mon) Every weekday afternoon, R4 is inviting listeners to phone in and select one of two stories in aid of Comic Relief. The first choices are John Sessions reading from WC Sellar and RJ Yeatman's 1066 and All That, and Josie Lawrence reciting an excerpt from Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding. ~~~~~~ that's 10:30 am Eastern. You can hear BBC Radio 4 online.

(Mari), Karen, for the reindeer pic, how 'bout, "and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows." ROTFLOL! He's my favourite reindeer. ;-) Thank you all for such laughs. Are we getting in the mood??';-) Love the barrister collar. But you know I like men dressed formality.

(Mari), Karen, for the reindeer pic, how 'bout, "and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows." (Moon) ROTFLOL! He's my favourite reindeer. ;-) Now that passes the mustard. :-)

(Moon) But you know I like men dressed formality. LOL! Do chains count? ;-) Agree with the general sentiment about that Hotdog (no doubt Freudian phallic symbol) Mag review. Last line says it all: reviewer consumed far too many calories, drank too many alcohol units and was too preoccupied with sex to get it. ;-) Know what you mean about the Bada Bing suit, Mari. My cousin Silvio has one also. (Mari) and if you ever saw him . . .you would even say it glows." *snort* Though I like the 'read any good books lately' line best, Karen. My sentiments will always lean toward the book.

I've always used lines from the book for the pictures, although I did make one exception for when RZ notices our v. talented and soon-to-be star across the street. Don't you worry, Mark, I'll be watching for your arm and not paying one iota of attention to the growler.

"Now that passes the mustard. ":-) LOL. Etymology of both in Odds and Ends #136 thanks to the Boss. Plus my response:-)))))

Mohammed Comes to the Mountain!!! A friend has just told me that Colin is going to be on the Today show on March 22. So that's when the BJD junket will take place and all will be in NY doing interviews and shows. Will have to scour the listings that week for the other shows (GMA, the View, Rosie, etc.) Doesn't Today broadcast with that window to the street?

(Moon) But you know I like men dressed formality. (Eileen),LOL! Do chains count? ;-) That was 2 years ago, and a very wild birthday party! LOL! I see you still remember it. ;-) Colin is going to be on the Today show on March 22. (Falling off chair), I will believe it when I see it! ;-))) I hope this is a show that my dish picks up.

Yes!!!! I'm going to the city (NYC)!!! Yes, the Today Show does have the window on the street, at Rockefeller Center! Thanks for the heads-up Karen!

Wondered if it could have been Chiswick House in the location shot as this has a dome and there is a lake in the grounds but rather think this might have a flat dome with no spire on top.

Karen, Thanks for the word on the Today Show. Will start taping daily soon, so as not to miss it! Wonder if Katie has ever watched P & P ... We're going to be in NYC on "premiere" weekend [Easter](seeing DFL among other things). Too late for the Today Show! To see CF, would make fool of self at Rockefeller Plaza in front of millions!

Huge Growl Grunt. :-)

Janet told me this article existed so I looked it up. More info on the soundtrack from USA Today on March 2: Bridget Jones's album When Bridget Jones makes the leap from page to screen next month, she'll be joined by a bevy of pop stars. The soundtrack for the film version of Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding's international best seller about a thirtysomething single woman with a decidedly wry perspective, will showcase other campy Brits and independent-minded women. All songs on the Island Records soundtrack -- due in stores April 3, 10 days before the movie's release -- are either originals or previously unreleased cover versions. Shelby Lynne, the winner of this year's Grammy for best new artist, will introduce a pair of new tunes, Dreamsome and The Killing Kind, the album's first single. A double dose of Robbie Williams will include Frank Sinatra's Have You Met Miss Jones?, while erstwhile Spice Girl Geri Halliwell will deliver the Weather Girls chestnut It's Raining Men. Other featured artists include Lucinda Williams, Tracy Bonham, Texas, Gabrielle and Island newcomer Rosey. The CD's multimedia bonus is an exclusive excerpt from the book's sequel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, as well as a "Bridget-O- Meter quiz" and interviews and discussions with Fielding.

Didn't I say it sounded like Frank Sinatra? ;-D

Colin is going to be on the Today show on March 22. He's finally smelling the mustard.......oops, coffee! :-)

Gabrielle's website has put up the music vid. They (real player and windows media) weren't working for me right now, but perhaps they will later. I've linked them from the music page. http://www.spring.net/karenr/mdbro/bjdmusic.html