Elizabeth's Vivien Leigh Page

Forever Scarlett O'Hara!

Vivian Mary Hartley was born November 5th, 1913 in India. Her parents brought her to England when she was six, and her mother insisted that Vivian received a proper English education. Vivian was promptly dropped off at a convent school. Vivian was a lonely child, because she was the youngest student at the convent. Her best friend was a little eight-year-old girl named Maureen O'Sullivan. After a year and a half at the school, Vivian's mother picked her up and brought her to see a play in London. It was after viewing this play again and again (16 times in total) that Vivian decided that she wanted to be an actress.

In 1935, Vivian changed her name to "Vivien Leigh" and had a bit part in her first film. It was an English production called "Things Are Looking Up", and they truly were! In 1937, Vivien made "Fire Over England", which was shown in both English and American theatres. Vivien's co-star was Laurence Olivier, a rising actor who had already established himself on the stage. The two immediately fell in love.

Vivien in "Fire Over England".

In 1937 and 1938, Vivien made some small English films such as "Storm in a Teacup" and "A Yank at Oxford". But towards the end of 1938, Vivien did a screen test for a movie that would change her life.

Vivien tried out for the part of Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With the Wind". Vivien thought this was a longshot, because everyone wanted the part. But David O. Selznick's brother immediately thought Vivien would be perfect for the part. So Vivien got it!

Vivien (Scarlett) and Clark Gable (Rhett)

Vivien also won an Oscar for playing Scarlett. Here she is placing it on her mantle.

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Elizabeth's Olivia de Havilland Page
Elizabeth's Clark Gable Page
Author's Note

Please take a minute to look at my note from the author, which explains a problem that people have noticed lately. Thanks!

people have visited this site since June 4th, 1999.