Tennessee Williams on Judy Garland: Freak




Interview with Tennessee Williams
Conducted by James Grissom
New Orleans
1982


A lot of people have a bit of talent, so it isn't talent that frightens people: It's genius. When someone utterly unique and bold comes along, there's fear and hatred. And it cannot be explained. There is no explanation for genius, and we can't assume bad childhoods and misplaced affections lead us toward it, or the cities would bulge with Picassos and Garlands, and instead we have indications and grudges.

Judy Garland was a genius stuffed into a tiny, fragile body, and it walked right out and did what it did, and people went absolutely insane. Some of us insane with admiration and incredulity; others insane with envy and lack of understanding.

She was a freak. They happen rarely, and they never have a good time of it.


©  2017  James Grissom

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