Gone With The Wind Olivia De Havilland as Melanie 19" Doll Franklin Heirloom NEW

Gentle Melanie Wilkes was very different from the tempestuous Scarlett O'Hara. Yet each represented much that was fine in the Old South. Scarlett was brave, alluring and indomitable, while Melanie was loyal, gracious and unfailingly kind. Each was a product of her environment, and each survived the brutal hardships of war with courage and determination. Scarlett inspired jealousy and disapproval in her acquaintances, however, while Melanie inspired only love and admiration.

When David O. Selznick began casting the major roles in Gone with the Wind, Olivia de Havilland was a young actress working under contract to Warner Brothers. She usually played opposite Errol Flynn or some other swashbuckling hero as a demure ingénue whose main duty was to look beautiful. Few realized she had the potential to be a really fine actress, but Selznick recognized her abilities as soon as she was tested for the role.

Dressed in a gown of shimmering sky-blue taffeta, the 'Olivia de Havilland as Melanie' portrait doll is an authentic likeness. The voluminous petticoats, beribboned pantalets and lacy shawl all contribute to the look of opulent 1860s fashion. And the luminous brown eyes and sweet smile evoke the patient, long-suffering character that Rhett Butler described as 'the only completely kind person I ever knew.' Olivia de Havilland was nominated for an Oscar for her

performance as Melanie. The following year the actress received another nomination for her work in Hold Back the Dawn. Her career was entering a peak period, and she was offered choice roles in some excellent motion pictures. In 1946 she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in To Each His Own, and again, in 1949, she was the winner for her portrayal of The Heiress. During the 1950s she interspersed her movie roles with acting on the New York stage. Her movie career was interrupted when she married and made her home in France, but she has since resumed making Hollywood films.

19" tall. - Franklin Heirloom exclusive 1987! - Intricately detailed! A beautiful piece! - Includes doll stand. - For the adult collector, age 14 and over.

The box has some edge wear, creasing and scuffing. The doll does not appear to have been removed from the box. Includes the Certificate of Authenticity.