An experimental study of the deformation and drainage of a Newtonian liquid film trapped between two drops is performed for the cases of a constant and slightly rising interaction force. Series of polyethylene oxide (PEO) water solutions are used for the dispersed and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for the continuous phase. The film evolution is observed by an interferometric technique. Experimental data for the film thinning rate and for the film profile allow quantitative comparison with the available drainage models. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.