travel - Vivien-Leigh.com Blog

Archives

January9th

The Vivien Leigh Theatre

Posted in: Articles

I traveled to New Zealand in 2009 for a vacation and had the lovely opportunity to meet a fellow Vivien Leigh fan. Selina, a native of NZ, has contributed to my website and ‘club’ for many years so it was wonderful to finally meet her face to face. We sat for a little while in a Borders bookstore and discussed Vivien topics and swapped book reviews. She brought with her a large packet of Vivien Leigh clippings (all from NZ and Australian newspapers). One of them caught my eye. It was a photo of Vivien in front of a theater named the Vivien Leigh Theatre! I was even more amazed when Selina said she could show it to me. Sadly, it is no longer called the Vivien Leigh Theatre, but the building still exists. So off we went, on foot.

First, a little info on the VL Theatre from an article in Selina’s collection:

Theatre history was made in Auckland on Saturday when Miss Vivien Leigh opend the Community Arts Service theatre named in her honour. The new theatre, a converted house in Wynyard St, was launched in gracious style. Miss Leith told a capacity house–in itself a happy augury–she was delighted to have her named associated with the theatre in Auckland. ‘I have grown to love this city and the people in it,’ she said.

It had been a joy to know that a new theatre was being built in Auckland and she had been moved and honoured to be invited to lend her name to the project.

Bernard Shad had said the theatre was ‘as important in the world today as the Church was in the Middle Ages’ said Miss Leigh.

To read more of the article above, please visit the Vivien Leigh Article Database, or click here!

It was hoped that this theatre would stimulate the local theatre scene…not sure if it did. Selina explains the current theatre scene in Auckland: “What I can say for sure is the theatre scene here is for the most part for amateurs. In Auckland there are only about 4 or 5 major theatres (Silo, Maidment, Herald, Sky City), a few suburban cellars(Titirangi, Pumphouse, Glen Eden playhouse, Dolphin). There’s nothing like the West End or Broadway or any glittering Palladium like venue. We have one company, ATC the Auckland Theatre Company, which puts on shows each year in a kind of repertory, they have a slick operation and probably only one of a handful of companies that comes close to professional acting in the country, apart from the Ballet company and various visiting troupes.”

Below is the photo I took of the present-day building. It isn’t a theatre anymore, but it still exists. And the color scheme reminds me of Durham Cottage!

One of the best parts of this photo is the reflection in one of the windows. You can see me, Selina, and a man inside who obviously took notice of us! Thanks again Selina for the tour and articles!
August6th

The Georgian Terrace Hotel in Atlanta

Posted in: atlanta, Gone with the Wind, the film, upcoming events

For those of you who intend to visit Marietta for the November event and perhaps would like to see some of the other ‘sites’ during your visit, here’s something to add to your list: The Georgian Terrace Hotel! Located in nearby Midtown Atlanta, the hotel is the perfect place to visit in honor of the 70th anniversary of Gone with the Wind. Here’s a quote from the hotel’s website about the history of the establishment: “The Georgian Terrace had an elegance Atlanta hadn’t known before. When the hotel opened its doors in glamorous Midtown nearly a century ago, it opened them to some very notable guests, including President Calvin Coolidge, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Tallulah Bankhead. In 1939, The Georgian Terrace hosted the premiere gala of Gone with The Wind. Every decade brought more notoriety to the hotel. In the 1970s, concert promoter Alex Cooley turned our Grand Ballroom into the famed Electric Ballroom, hosting concerts by musicians such as Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Fleetwood Mac, and Patti Smith.” The official website for the hotel is located at: www.thegeorgianterrace.com/

It’s definitely on my list of ‘things to do!’ And to give you a preview of this site, here’s Carolyn’s comments about her recent stay at the glamorous hotel! Thanks for sharing, Carolyn!

My husband and I stayed at The Georgian Terrace Hotel over the weekend for our wedding anniversary.

I had never been inside before; it was beautiful! It has gone through many renovations (and was in fact boarded-up and set for demolition for some time in the 1980′s) since 1939 when Clark & Carole and the cast of GWTW were there. Here’s an article they had hanging in the hotel business center:

Frankly my dear, Clark Gable would enjoy The Georgian Terrace Hotel today much more than when he last visited. Back in 1939, he didn’t get to hang his tuxedo jacket in a walk-in closet, brew a pot of coffee, microwave himself a snack, sprawl across a comfy couch and check out what’s showing on cable TV.

This landmark Atlanta building stands proudly in Midtown across Peachtree Street from the Fox Theatre. After an interlude as an upscale apartment complex, the building reclaimed its historic role as a luxury hotel. The conversion left a wonderful legacy for guests: All 320 guestrooms are suites, with huge closets and full kitchens.

Let’s explain the Gone with the Wind reference. Gable, Vivien Leigh and other GWTW stars stayed at The Georgian Terrace while attending the movie’s premiere(the movie debuted at the now-demolished Loew’s Grand Theater).

Today’s Georgian Terrace has been listed to the National Registry of Historic Places. It presents an intriguing blend of Old South charm, timeless elegance, and surprisingly contemporary architectural touches. The original 10-story brick building, completed in 1911 and described as “Southern style Parisian” in design, received a new 19-story wing during the apartment conversion that was made in the early nineties. It provides a dizzying view if you walk inside the main entrance and look straight up.

The space between the two wings forms the lobby. You’ll be charmed by sweeping staircases, ornate banisters, towering columns, tile floors, and other architectural flourishes.

You could just cocoon yourself in your suite. It’s certainly comfortable enough, with chairs you can sink into and framed artwork on the walls. There’s even a full-size clothes washer and dryer.

Clark Gable may have been a rich and famous movie star, but you get a better suite than he did.

Here’s the circular entrance the article mentions, picture taken from the penthouse level looking down:

We walked through as much of the “old section” as we could. Here are some pics of the hallway and an old safe that is built into the wall:

When we first arrived, there was a high school reunion going on in the Grand Ballroom (where the GWTW reception was held) so I couldn’t go in. Fortunately, by the time we left the hotel lounge after midnight, the reunion was over and the staff was cleaning up the ballroom, so I was able to get some pictures!

And here’s the plaque that is outside the door:

There is a smaller ballroom at the front of the hotel that is named after Margaret Mitchell:

This is funny…outside, while you are waiting for the valet to bring your car around, there are these windows on the side of the building where the hotel cafe is. Even though they are blurred and abstract looking, I recognized them immediately as Vivien Leigh waving to the crowd after speaking at the microphone in front of the hotel:

There are also giant black and white pics from the premiere like that in the restaurant, but we didn’t eat there and couldn’t get in.

I must admit, while we were strolling through the “old section” with its marble and vintage tile and gorgeous light fixtures, we reached an area that both my husband and I deemed as creepy. It was a room that only employees use to bring food to the ballrooms. The crown molding was gorgeous and ornate, the ceiling was a bit molded and there were still old furnaces against the wall. Something about that room creeped us out so badly that not only did we retreat quickly but we didn’t even feel comfortable taking a picture in there!

All in all it was lovely and I could just imagine them all standing in the ballroom…I want a time machine….

Oh here are two exterior pictures as well:

Car parked in front of the Georgian Terrace which says that Clark and ViviEn (yes they misspelled it here too!) rode in while in town:
July20th

Itinerary for the GWTW 70th anniversary weekend in November

Posted in: gone with the wind, Gone with the Wind, the book, Gone with the Wind, the film, museums, upcoming events
Connie Sutherland, director of the beautiful Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum, has organized a wonderful weekend full of Gone with the Wind events in honor of the 70th anniversary of the film. This November I hope to meet and see many fellow Vivien Leigh fans (and Windies)! As we get closer to the Re-Premiere weekend, I’ll plan an opportunity for some of us to get together to discuss the festivities, film, book, and of course, our beloved Vivien. In the meantime, be sure to book your ticket and hotel!! They will go fast!

November 13-14, 2009

70 YEARS OF GONE WITH THE WIND: A RE-PREMIERE

Package Price: $325 pp On Sale Now by calling 770-794-5145 or emailing csutherland@mariettaga.gov

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13—

10:00-11:00 a.m.

Gone With the Wind Authors Q&A (Strand Theatre)
- Herb Bridges – Gone With the Wind (The definitive illustrated history of the book, the movie, and the legend), “Frankly, My Dear…Gone With the Wind Memorabilia, Filming of Gone With the Wind
- Cammie King Conlon – Bonnie Blue Butler: A Gone With the Wind Memoir
- Mollie Haskell – Frankly, My Dear: Gone With the Wind Revisited
- Robert Osborne – 80 Years of the Oscar
- Sally Rains – The Making of a Classic – The True Story Behind Margaret Mitchell and Gone With the Wind
- Kathy Witt – The Secret of the Belles
- Michael Sragow – Victor Fleming: An American Movie Master (tentative)
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Gone With the Wind Cast Q&A (Strand Theatre)
- Ann Rutherford (“Carreen O’Hara”)
- Mary Anderson (“Maybelle Merriweather”)
- Mickey Kuhn (“Beau Wilkes” age 7)
- Cammie King Conlon (“Bonnie Blue Butler”)
- Patrick Curtis (“Baby Beau Wilkes”)
- Greg Geise (Infant “Bonnie” & Infant “Beau”)
Note: All books of visiting authors available for purchase at Gone With the Wind Museum gift shop. No autograph requests please…autograph session at museum on Saturday morning.

12:15-2:00 p.m. – Celebrities leave for private lunch and rest period

1:00-3:00 p.m. – Meet Disney artist Joseph Yakovetic who will answer questions about his work with Disney and commissioned art for Gone With the Wind and Wizard of Oz 70^th anniversary. You may also watch as he paints live GWTW piece for museum auction.

“Belles and Beaus” Costume Ball
- 5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception
- 6:30 p.m. Dinner
- 7:30 p.m. Introduction of Special Guests
- 8:00 p.m. Parade of Belles and Beaus
- 8:30 p.m. Virginia Reel Dance Instruction
- 9:00 p.m. – until: Dancing and Photo Opportunities with Celebrities
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14—

10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Gone With the Wind Celebrity Autograph Signing (Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum)

AUTHORS
- Robert Osborne – 80 Years of the Oscar
- Cammie King Conlon – Bonnie Blue Butler: A Gone With the Wind Memoir
- Herb Bridges – Gone With the Wind (The definitive illustrated history of the book, the movie, and the legend), “Frankly, My Dear…Gone With the Wind Memorabilia, Filming of Gone With the Wind
- Mollie Haskell – Frankly, My Dear: Gone With the Wind Revisited
- Sally Rains – The Making of a Classic – The Real Story of Margaret Mitchell and Gone With the Wind
- Kathy Witt – The Secret of the Belles
- Michael Sragow – Victor Fleming: An American Movie Master (tentative)
CAST
- Ann Rutherford (“Carreen O’Hara”)
- Mary Anderson (“Maybelle Merriweather”)
- Mickey Kuhn (“Beau Wilkes” age 7)
- Cammie King Conlon (“Bonnie Blue Butler”)
- Patrick Curtis (“Baby Beau Wilkes”)
- Greg Geise (Infant “Bonnie” & Infant “Beau”)
Note: All books of visiting authors available for purchase in museum gift shop

Other activities at Gone With the Wind Museum
- 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – exhibit of 70^th Anniversary GWTW artwork by Joseph Yakovetic at museum & DK Gallery (artist will alternate time between the two locations)
- 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Guided tours provided by collection owner, Chris Sullivan
Saturday activities at the Stand Theatre
- 12:30-2:00 – Celebrities leave for private lunch and rest period
- 4:30 – 4:55 – Gone With the Wind vintage car parade From Hilton to Strand Theatre with cast members and special guests
- 5:00-6:00 p.m. – VIP reception with celebrities
- 6:15-6:30 p.m. – Connie Sutherland, Earl Reece, Chris Sullivan offer acknowledgments
- 6:30 p.m. – Introduction of Robert Osborne by Connie Sutherland
- 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Salute to TCM and WB with introduction of cast members by Robert Osborne followed by program to introduce movie
- 7:45 p.m. – Showing of world’s most beloved film: GONE WITH THE WIND
- 8:00 p.m. – Celebrity guests leave for private dinner and retire for evening
July20th

The red carpet unfurls once again for Gone With the Wind and its stars. Marietta, Ga., hosts “70 Years of Gone With the Wind: A Re-Premiere” in mid-November

Posted in: gone with the wind, Gone with the Wind, the book, Gone with the Wind, the film, museums, upcoming events

MARIETTA – JULY 13, 2009 – Carreen O’Hara, Bonnie Blue Butler, Beau Wilkes and Maybelle Merriweather will be returning to Scarlett O’Hara country on November 13 and 14, when the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum-Scarlett on the Square, hosts “70 Years of Gone With the Wind: A Re-Premiere.” This two-day gala will include autograph sessions with the stars, author book signings, a lavish costume ball and a Big Screen showing of the 1939 classic movie, with pre-show activities hosted by Robert Osborne, film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies. Supporting partners include Earl Smith Strand Theatre, Turner Classic Movies and Warner Home Video. Book your Re-Premiere package by calling the museum at 770-794-5145 or emailing csutherland@mariettaga.gov. See what the package includes at www.gwtwmariettaga.com.

Not there in 1939? Then 2009 is your time

The Re-Premiere package has all the glamour, fun and excitement of the original 1939 premiere, including autograph and Q&A sessions with GWTW cast members Ann Rutherford (“Carreen O’Hara”), Mary Anderson (“Maybelle Merriweather”), Mickey Kuhn (“Young Beau Wilkes”), Cammie King (“Bonnie Blue Butler”), Greg Geise (“Bonnie Blue” and “Beau” at infancy) and Patrick Curtis (“Baby Beau”). In fact, Curtis notes that the 2009 event will emphasize interaction between the stars and fans.

“This will be much more hands-on than the 1939 premiere when everyone was kept at a distance,” he says.

Also part of the Re-Premiere package are book signings and Q&A sessions with authors Herb Bridges—preeminent GWTW authority whose books include Gone With the Wind: The Definitive Illustrated History of the Book, the Movie and the Legend; Molly Haskell, Frankly, My Dear: Gone With the Wind Revisited; Sally Tippett Rains, The Making of a Classic: The True Story Behind Margaret Mitchell and Gone With the Wind; and Kathy Witt, who just wrote the historical novel, The Secret of the Belles. Cammie King Conlon will also join the authors, signing her recently released memoir, Bonnie Blue Butler: a Gone With the Wind Memoir, as will Robert Osborne, signing his book, 80 Years of the Oscar.

Rounding out the package are a “Belles and Beaus” costume ball; VIP and cocktail receptions; dinner and dancing; a showing of Gone With the Wind—still one of the most beloved movies of all time; and a Parade of Stars. Chris Sullivan, the owner of the extraordinary collection housed at the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum-Scarlett on the Square, will provide guided tours.

Established in 2003 in a circa 1875 building that was formerly a cotton warehouse, the collection includes costumes and jewelry, signed first editions and contracts, movie props and scripts, scene drawings, posters, photographs and nearly 100 dolls, among its treasures—a veritable time capsule of the life and times of Margaret Mitchell, her seminal novel and the filming of the movie. Of special note is the famous Bengaline gown worn by Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara in the movie’s honeymoon scene. On special exhibit, at both the museum and at Marietta’s dk Gallery, will be 70th Anniversary GWTW artwork by famed Disney artist Joseph Yakovetic.

Classic show in classic surroundings

The screening of Gone With the Wind will take place at the recently (and sumptuously) renovated Earl Smith Strand Theatre. Formerly a major motion picture house that originally opened in 1935, this Art Deco masterpiece has been trimmed with classic theatre detailing, from its khaki, black and gold lobby to its burgundy interior with curving balcony to its rooftop terrace from which Kennesaw Mountain, site of a Civil War battle, may be seen.

On Saturday, a 1930s vintage car parade will circle the Marietta Square and deliver the stars and special guests to the front doors of the Earl Smith Strand Theatre. The celebrities will be greeted by white-gloved attendants who will open their doors and escort them to the red carpet.

“We will be embellishing the façade of the Strand the same way the theatre in 1939 was decorated,” notes Connie Sutherland, executive director of the museum. “We’ll have bunting on the windows and a large oval photograph of Rhett and Scarlett dominating the façade.”

Inside, guests will enjoy a VIP reception and have an opportunity to mingle with the cast members and authors. Once guests are seated in the theatre, they will witness the magic of Robert Osborne as he leads a salute to Turner Classic Movies and Warner Bros. for their roles in keeping Gone With the Wind alive for millions of viewers through the years. Special film clips will precede the movie.

Get ‘em before they’re Gone

To purchase your “70 Years of Gone With the Wind: A Re-Premiere” package before they’re all gone with the . . . well, you know what we mean, contact the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum-Scarlett on the Square at 770-794-5145 or csutherland@mariettaga.gov. Visit the museum online at www.gwtwmariettaga.com, click on “Events,” and see all the glam goodies included in the package. Visit the Marietta Welcome Center and Visitors Bureau at www.mariettasquare.com to learn about hotels offering special rates for this event and to see all the dining and sightseeing options located on the charming town square, just steps from the museum and the theatre, in this gracious Southern town.

Marietta is graced with an historic town square, five National Register Historic Districts, a dramatic mountain backdrop, a beautiful Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center, the charming Stanley House B&B and Whitlock Inn B&B—and just enough mileage between it and Atlanta to give it the élan of a cosseted and well-heeled small town with the vibrancy of an urban environment. A pocket-sized parcel 18 miles northwest of Atlanta, this county seat of Cobb County is rich in arts and culture, Civil War history and heritage. The Marietta Trolley offers one-hour, fully-narrated tours, Thursday-Sunday, from Antebellum Square, past grand Antebellum homes, to the battlefields at Kennesaw Mountain. Purchase a Marietta Heritage Passport for savings on admission to the Marietta Museum of History, The Root House Museum and the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum-Scarlett on the Square. For information about accommodations, theatre, shopping and dining, contact the Marietta Welcome Center and Visitors Bureau at 1.800.835.0445 or www.mariettasquare.com.