Paris Milks Da Vinci Code Mania

Paris has gone Da Vinci Code crazy. Everywhere you turn, the city is plastered with posters advertising the highly anticipated May 17 opening of the movie based on the best-selling thriller by Dan Brown. The French press is filled with daily stories on everything from ecclesiastical debate over the book's religious themes to profiles of the two French movie stars, Jean Reno and Audrey Tautou, who will appear (speaking in English) in the film. Then, of course, there's the merchandising. Bookstores and gift shops all over Paris are stocked to the rafters with copies of the novel in French and English -- hardback, paperback, special illustrated editions, you name it. And don't forget Da Vinci Code walking tours, playing cards, calligraphy sets, music CDs, video game, podcasts the list goes on and on. [More]