Mr. Whannell said: "I call it our Hollywood trial by fire. I used to read all those books where directors are complaining about the studios, and I remember thinking, 'That's a Champagne problem to have.' Then you live through it, and you say, 'O.K., now I know what they were talking about.'"

She's nice, easy to laughter and modest, which makes her all that much more approachable to the fans who insist that she inspired them with "Eat, Pray, Love" or that she has insight into their marital affairs based on "Committed." Gilbert laughs again.

"It's the very definition of a champagne problem," said Gilbert, who calls her fans "really nice responsible people who are just a little tired."

In fact, given the weak dollar's ability to help make exports cheaper, it's a boon to the aerospace industry generally and McDonnell Douglas specifically.

"We think it's very positive," he said. "There are some concerns on the offset, but frankly, it's kind of a champagne problem, really. It's a helluva great problem to have."