"She was totally cooperative. She cares about her work, she prepared in the same way most major actors prepare — she went to the Smithsonian (where her character is employed) and talked to curators and things like that. The only thing that slowed us down was that during the shooting she was still breastfeeding her twins. But we knew that going in, that was part of the deal."

Ardolino says he purposely made "Chances Are" an old-fashioned movie, and the reaction from younger audiences confirms that he made the right choice.

"We wanted this movie to be a throwback, to go back to the '40s kinds of movies, and therefore we gave it a particular `look' and shot it in a particular way. The camera doesn't zoom in and the people move into the frame in a way they used to do in those old movies. The colors and vividness, the richness gave it a slightly unreal tone. It is a fantasy. It's more innocent and hearkens back to another time.

"One of the interesting things that came out of our marketing research studies and focus groups is that kids told us they love this picture. They love the fact that there's no killing, no drugs, no rape, no murder. Maybe if the movie's successful (Hollywood) will learn something from it."

What's next? Ardolino says he still has to decide, but he does have a long-range wish list.

"I wouldn't mind doing a drama. I certainly want to do a musical again. I would love to work with Bette Midler and, interestingly enough, Madonna, who, in the right musical vehicle, could be wonderful."