She
managed to portray her with the inner dignity and strength that
was necessary to compete with the heroine of Scarlett O'Hara
played by Vivien Leigh. Rhett Butler, played by Clark Gable described
her after her death as "the only completely kind person
he ever knew."
Olivia
was nominated for an Oscar as Best Supporting Actress but lost
to Hattie McDaniel. Olivia said that Melanie was her favorite
role and has been quoted as saying that "she is the woman
I wish I could be."
I
think that Melanie is as important to the film as Scarlett
is. She is the film's soul and this was enhanced dramatically
by Olivia's skill and subtlety in the part. |