Tuesday, December 15, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GWTW!!


On this date in 1939 - the national anthem of Georgia: GONE WITH THE WIND had its world premiere in Atlanta.

It took place at the long-gone Loew's Grand Theatre in downtown.

Of course, the city and state (and David O. Selznick) turned the whole affair into a gigantic celebration: parades, balls, parties galore. Everyone came, including the entire cast flew in from Hollywood. (With a couple of exceptions: Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen were not in attendance - they weren't invited.)

And Hattie won an Oscar for her performance.

My mother went to the premiere and she fainted when she was introduced to Clark Gable - NOT because he was (and still is) the most handsome man who ever lived, but because it was so hot in the room where they met. Go figure.

Yankees in Georgia!!

Check out Molly Haskins' take on it: Click HERE.

No comments: