By LOUIS B. HOBSON --

NEW YORK -- The cast of the romantic drama Playing by Heart were captivated by their legendary co-star Sean Connery.

The first day of shooting was a family anniversary party which brings all the film's major character's together.

"Thank heavens I spent two years on Saturday Night Live, where we entertained a new, intimidating person every week. It braced me for meeting Sean," recalls Jay Mohr.

"He was very congenial. The producers brought him around and introduced him to everyone. We shook hands, smiled at each other and realized we had absolutely nothing to say to each other.

"I'm a legendary BSer, but I didn't try it with Sean. You just can't BS James Bond."

Ryan Phillippe says that Connery is "one of the few people who lives up to your expectations of a real star.

"We talked about soccer. He doesn't really initiate conversations, but he's a great talker once you get him going."

Almost a month after Connery had completed his eight days on the set of Playing by Heart, he left a message on Phillippe's home answering machine.

"He started by saying: 'This is Sean, Sean Connery' and then explained that he'd like to work with me again.

"Of course, I've saved the tape and I've played the message for absolutely everyone I know."

Madeleine Stowe was a bit apprehensive about meeting Connery on the Playing by Heart set.

"I'd auditioned for Sean for Medicine Man. The reading went fairly well --then he asked me to dance.

"There was an important dance sequence in the film. I knew I was doomed because I absolutely have two left feet. I stomped all over his feet."

When she was introduced to Connery this time, she pretended it was their first time.

"It didn't work. He remembered. He taught me to dance for this film. There's nothing that man can't do."

Gillian Anderson says that "Sean projects the same energy in person as he does on screen. It's not just sexual. It's radiant, intriguing and powerful and you can sense it the moment he walks in a room.

"Even my (four-year-old) daughter went straight to him the day I brought her to the set."

Dennis Quaid says that what he liked most about working with Connery is that the actor "is a no-nonsense professional.

"He's always on time and insists on starting on time. There's a feeling of urgency when he's around."

Quaid notes Connery "doesn't like to hang out on a set. He's there to work. He retires to his trailer when he's not needed.

"He doesn't invade other peoples' space in case they're trying to concentrate or work."


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