Olivia de Havilland: Doors Closing

She was, in fact, marvelous--in our meetings. There is tragedy and guile in her, even if her roles call for an ambulatory marshmallow slowly turning over a flame of matronly candor. One of the producers really wanted her, but Jack Warner and [Elia] Kazan kept eyes moving toward Vivien [Leigh]. I still think she might have shattered us though. Life is a series of doors closing, flowers dying, perfume wafting upward. --Tennessee Williams on Olivia de Havilland, who was desired by Charles K. Feldman for the role of Blanche in the film version of A Streetcar Named Desire.

© 2014  James Grissom