Stephen Galloway

This book gives a riveting look at Vivien Leigh's experience with bipolar issues. At this time, there was very little understanding of this medical issue so she received little support from her husband (Laurence Olivier), friends, and doctors. Even Noel Coward felt that Olivier should have "turned sharply on Vivien years ago and given he a clip in the chops" (page 171) shows the lack of understanding these men had. Additionally Olivier's and critic Kenneth Tynan constant minimalizing of Leigh's talent seemed so sexist. I just can't imagine what this poor lady went through, especially as she began to realize that she might be mentally ill. It is heartbreaking to read that at one screening of Gone With the Wind, she said to the person next to her that she didn't even remember making the film. While Leigh and Olivier were inseparable, as the mental ups and downs became more frequent, he pulled away instead of supporting her. Anyone who is a fan of Leigh, will appreciate this book. As usual, Olivier comes across as a self-centered, egotistical person.… (altro)

It has been a while since I read a book about Hollywood--I used to devour these much like my Us Weekly or People Magazine.

This is a well-researched look at the relationship between Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, their love, their relationship, and the tragedy when large egos and mental health issues meet. Leigh was bipolar and became increasingly unstable as time went on. It is amazing how much she accomplished despite several breakdowns.

I've always had a special place in my heart for Olivier as he was my first Mr. Darcy and my first Heathcliff. A friend and I went to a revival house and saw a double feature of both films and I was dazzled by his good looks. And despite the horribleness that is GWTW--you have to respect Leigh's Scarlett O'Hara and of course, her performance as Blanch DuBois in a Streetcar Named Desire. Those English gals have been stealing the scenes for a hundred years now.

I knew of Olivier's iconic roles in Shakespeare and bringing them to the screen, this book also explores the couple's love of live theater and their work to promote English productions all over the world. I may have to check youtube to see if there are any recordings.

I think the younger me would have enjoyed the juiciness of this book, but the older me is so done with relationship toxicity that I was relieved for Olivier when he finally divorced her and married Joan Plowright. Of course, ever the player, he still proceeded to cheat on her as well.

I could probably write here about comparing this to the Heard/Depp marriage and hoopla, but I'll save that for a private conversation with my girlfriends.

Overall, solid biography of a chapter in Hollywood history.… (altro)

Truly, Madly: Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, and the Romance of the Century by Stephen Galloway is a 2022 Grand Central publication.

This book narrows the biographical scope to focus on the intense, torturous relationship between two of the most lauded actors of their time… Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier.

Though chronicling the relationship between Laurence and Vivien, there is some background biographical and contextual information included so we understand the climate the pair lived in, and the lack of advancements in the treatment of mental illness.

The author does a great job describing the incredible intensity of feeling between the couple, though at times the writing is a little effusive. Still, the research is well-done, as is the organization of the material.

It’s a tragic tale, in many aspects. One must wonder if Vivien had been afforded better treatment for her illness, if things might have turned out differently. Laurence Olivier seemed to run out of steam in coping with Vivien’s various maladies, including her physical ailments and ‘moods’, which were completely misunderstood back then. He moved on with his life, but I think deep down, the one true love of his life was Vivien Leigh, as he was for her.

This piece of Hollywood history is riveting, with lots of recognizable names, and is filled with Hollywood lore and glamour, but is also a portrait of a dazzling, but tumultuous, and tragic love story, which is certainly one for the ages.

Overall, fans of old Hollywood, classical actors, and grand, passionate and poignant love affairs, the cinema, or history, will find themselves caught up in this true-life dramatic saga of love and heartbreak.

4 stars… (altro)