More than 70 years ago movie-goers flocked to see what would become one of the greatest theatrical releases of all time, Gone With the Wind. More than twenty years ago I became a dyed-in-the-wool fan of this most glorious movie.
I know it’s not very PC to admit this, but Scarlett is absolutely one of my favorite movie characters, as played by Vivien Leigh. The producers who created the sequel Scarlett were just fooling themselves thinking Joanne Whalley-Kilmer could ever pull off that role. Ms. Whalley is a beautiful, talented actress but no one could ever again portray Scarlett O’Hara with justice. Even the fact that there had been more than fifty years between the two films did little to ease another actress into that role. By the way, I’m so glad that Margaret Mitchell decided against the name of Pansy for her protagonist. Pansy O’Hara just doesn’t have quite the same ring, does it?
Anyway, one of the things I love most about Scarlett is her wardrobe. Why, it almost makes me wish I could go back in time just to wear her clothes. Well, not really. I love modern conveniences too much. Things like air-conditioning, hair curlers, and microwaves have spoiled me. Speaking of attire, did you know that Walter Plunkett, GWTW’s costume designer, created more than 5,000 separate items of clothing for the movie?
Many of the dresses worn by Ms. Leigh were given to director David O. Selznick, who later gave them to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, where they have been kept for many years now. I recently read somewhere that there is currently a donation drive under way to raise funds for the preservation of five dresses worn by Leigh. This prompted this week’s Thursday Three.
I know it’s not very PC to admit this, but Scarlett is absolutely one of my favorite movie characters, as played by Vivien Leigh. The producers who created the sequel Scarlett were just fooling themselves thinking Joanne Whalley-Kilmer could ever pull off that role. Ms. Whalley is a beautiful, talented actress but no one could ever again portray Scarlett O’Hara with justice. Even the fact that there had been more than fifty years between the two films did little to ease another actress into that role. By the way, I’m so glad that Margaret Mitchell decided against the name of Pansy for her protagonist. Pansy O’Hara just doesn’t have quite the same ring, does it?
Anyway, one of the things I love most about Scarlett is her wardrobe. Why, it almost makes me wish I could go back in time just to wear her clothes. Well, not really. I love modern conveniences too much. Things like air-conditioning, hair curlers, and microwaves have spoiled me. Speaking of attire, did you know that Walter Plunkett, GWTW’s costume designer, created more than 5,000 separate items of clothing for the movie?
Many of the dresses worn by Ms. Leigh were given to director David O. Selznick, who later gave them to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin, where they have been kept for many years now. I recently read somewhere that there is currently a donation drive under way to raise funds for the preservation of five dresses worn by Leigh. This prompted this week’s Thursday Three.
The Thursday Three
My Favorite Costumes from Gone With the Wind
Nothing modest or matronly about this one. My absolute favorite from the entire movie.
I love this one for two reasons. 1. Green is my favorite color and 2. It is an example of that Southern can-do spirit and determination.
6 comments:
I have cross-stitched pictures of those 3 dresses. Also, the one with white ruffles and pic of Tara. Mom still has them hanging in her living room with several snow globes, figurines and other items from GWTW. Have you read the book?
I didn't know your mom was a GWTW fan! Yes, I read it years ago. I need to re-read it sometime. I also read "Scarlett", just wasn't the same.
I wish I could cross-stitch. I started something for my niece when she was born. Maybe I can finish it before her birthday this upcoming Feb. when she turns 23!!!
I love the last one the most. And, of course, the curtain dress, but only as interpreted by Carol Burnett and Bob Mackie. ;)
I'm with you on that one, Carrot! The Carol Burnett dress is, in the words of my daughter's gen, the bomb!
once again, where have i been? how did i miss such a marvelous post? LOVE. THIS. SO. MUCH!
pc, schmee-cee! scarlett is my hero!
Kate, if we ever do get the chance to meet we'll have to play the GWTW trivia game or something. I htink it would be a blast to get a bunch of Scarlett groupies together and play. lol
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