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The latest musical adaptation of Gone With the Wind just opened this week in London. To be honest, I have not followed this up and coming new installment in the GWTW phenomenon all-too-closely, but as I was flipping through the news tonight, I saw some commentary on CBS. I wanted to make sure I posted something, so please click here to see the article / reviews.
Several of you have also been so kind as to send pictures and links to images. You can visit the official website at http://www.gwtwthemusical.com/.
Because of some other deadlines, I have not had the time to REALLY figure out all the bells and whistles to this new blog and I do apologize. After this week, I am going to figure out how to get a photo album up as well as an events calendar.
In the meantime, if you have any commentary on the new muscial — please feel free to post your comments! I look forward to hearing your comments!
Thanks!
Denise
Friday, April 25, 2008
The Role of Legendary Gunfighter Doc Holliday in Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind
By Denise Tucker
It has been suggested on numerous occasions that Margaret Mitchell’s second cousin, John Henry “Doc” Holliday was the inspiration for Scarlett’s obsession Ashley Wilkes. Certainly, there are similarities. Doc Holliday was said to have been a fair-haired Southern gentleman; well educated, with impeccable manners and a sophisticated dresser. Certainly, based on this description, coupled with his affection for his own cousin, Martha Ann “Mattie” Holliday – parallels can easily be drawn to Ashley Wilkes.
Margaret Mitchell introduces us to Ashley Wilkes’ appearance in the second chapter of Gone With the Wind, through Scarlett’s own recollections:
“She had been on the front porch and he had ridden up the long avenue, dressed in gray broadcloth with a wide black cravat setting off his frilled shirt to perfection. Even now, she could recall each detail of his dress, how brightly his boots shown, the head of a Medusa in cameo on his cravat pin, the wide Panama hat that was instantly in his hand when he saw her. He had alighted and tossed his bridle reins to a pickaninny and stood looking up at her, his drowsy gray eyes wide with a smile and the sun so bright on his blond hair that it seemed like a cap of shining silver. And he said, “So you’ve grown up, Scarlett.” [1]
Who wouldn’t melt?
One who would argue for the Doc Holliday / Ashley Wilkes connection would have to admit that the similarities are very superficial in nature. A man who physically resembles Ashley’s character, Doc Holliday lacks too many of the personal characteristics associated with Ashley Wilkes. Gerald O’Hara very succinctly closes the chapter on any meaningful similarities a few pages later when he says to Scarlett:
“Ashley can ride with the best and play poker with the best – that’s me, Puss! And I’m not denying that when he sets out to drink he can put even the Tarletons under the table. He can do all those things, but his heart’s not in it.” [2]
Ashley is best known for his love of books and music, beautiful scenery, and as he later states, “the glamour …of the old life I loved.” [3] Ashley was a man very conflicted with the life in which he found himself. By simply going through the motions, he demonstrates his preference to live in quiet shadows, observing rather than participating. Ashley, as we who love Gone With the Wind know, did not adapt well to change. Outward courage on the battlefield did not camouflage the weakness within.
The same could not be said for Doc Holliday who, when told by his uncle that leaving Georgia for the west might prolong his eventual death by tuberculosis by two years[4], led a full and adventurous life, in fact living fourteen years longer than predicted! His life was made notorious in part to his association with the Earp brothers. An active participant in the legendary gunfight at the OK Corral, it is suggested that he was the one who initiated the first shot fired[5]! Hardly the actions of a person content to live on the sidelines!
I just cannot imagine Ashley Wilkes exhibiting the same level of tenacity and gumption, though he does tell Scarlett that “Fighting is like champagne. It goes the heads of cowards as quickly as of heroes.[6]”
Doc Holliday had a healthy enjoyment of all that Gerald identified as perfunctory in nature when he spoke of Ashley Wilkes. A heavy drinker, he all but gave up dentistry in favor of the more financially viable role of professional gambler.[7]
But with all that said, I do not think for a moment that Margaret Mitchell was wholly uninfluenced by her notorious cousin. Writers have a natural tendency to utilize the influences around them in order to create stories and characters. I am certain that Margaret Mitchell was no different. Sally Tippet Rains is currently writing an exciting new book that will chronicle the life of Margaret Mitchell and possible influences on her masterpiece. Her book will certainly touch on the Doc Holliday influence! Upon publication of Ms. Rains’ book, we will learn more about the theories around the cast of Gone With the Wind. In the meantime, indulge me while I share my point of view of Doc Holliday’s impact on the story.
For those familiar with the book, the character of Philippe Robillard has striking similarities to Doc Holliday. We are not given a physical description of Philippe Robillard; in fact, we are given very little information about the character as a whole. But by looking at the situation, piecing together the few bits of information we are given, we learn that Philippe (like Doc) left Georgia and the cousin with whom he was in love (Scarlett’s mother, Ellen Robillard) and headed west according to his family’s wishes.[8] We know that he died in a barroom brawl.
Like Philippe, Doc Holliday was in love with his cousin, previously identified as Mattie Holliday. The family frowned upon their romance. That discouragement coupled with the issue of his health, Holliday left Georgia for the west. However, he never forgot his first love, just as Ellen never forgot Philippe, even on her deathbed.[9] Doc Holliday and Mattie corresponded throughout the rest of his life. It was she who was notified of his death in 1887.[10]
Interestingly, while visiting the Holliday Dorsey Fife House a few years ago, the docent I spoke with shared with me that Doc Holliday’s ghost is said to haunt the house. It was, according to family history, a house that both Doc and Mattie spent considerable time in as children and where it is assumed their love first blossomed.
While we know that Philippe Robillard died a violent death, it is only through luck that Doc Holliday did not meet a similar end. His lifestyle suggests that he was determined to die from any other means rather than tuberculosis. In the end, however, he died in bed with his boots off. It is reported that his last words were, “This is funny.[11]” as he fully expected to go out with gunfire or similar. Those who have studied Doc Holliday’s life would daresay he would have probably preferred to go out in the same manner as Philippe.
The similarities between Doc Holliday and Philippe Robillard seem to have more depth than do the Doc Holliday / Ashley Wilkes arguments. A correlation of characters must be based on more than physical characteristics alone. Meaningful and substantial evidence must be presented in order to associate a historical figure to a fictional character. While we know far less about Philippe than we do Ashley, the smallest details seem to carry more weight than the larger. Doc Holliday, in all ways that truly count, seems to have had more in common with the lesser-known character than the object of Scarlett’s obsession.
So – that’s my opinion. What do you think? Please click the comment button at the top and share your feedback! Remember, if you are the first to offer your comments, you will need to click where it states “No Comment.” I look forward to reading what you have to say!
[1] Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind, 1936 MacMillan Publishing, page 45
[2] Page 54
[3] Page 498
[4] www.theoutlaws.com/outlaws/htm, retrieved 4.14.08
[5] www.spearmanreporter.com/atoughofhistory/docholiday.html, Retrieved 4.14.08
[6] Page 497
[7] http://www.docholliday.info/, Retrieved 4.14.08
[8] Page 70
[9] Page 398
[10] www.theoutlaws.com/outlaws/htm, Retrieved 4.14.08
[11] www.spearmanreporter.com/atoughofhistory/docholiday.html, Retrieved 4.14.08
It has been suggested on numerous occasions that Margaret Mitchell’s second cousin, John Henry “Doc” Holliday was the inspiration for Scarlett’s obsession Ashley Wilkes. Certainly, there are similarities. Doc Holliday was said to have been a fair-haired Southern gentleman; well educated, with impeccable manners and a sophisticated dresser. Certainly, based on this description, coupled with his affection for his own cousin, Martha Ann “Mattie” Holliday – parallels can easily be drawn to Ashley Wilkes.
Margaret Mitchell introduces us to Ashley Wilkes’ appearance in the second chapter of Gone With the Wind, through Scarlett’s own recollections:
“She had been on the front porch and he had ridden up the long avenue, dressed in gray broadcloth with a wide black cravat setting off his frilled shirt to perfection. Even now, she could recall each detail of his dress, how brightly his boots shown, the head of a Medusa in cameo on his cravat pin, the wide Panama hat that was instantly in his hand when he saw her. He had alighted and tossed his bridle reins to a pickaninny and stood looking up at her, his drowsy gray eyes wide with a smile and the sun so bright on his blond hair that it seemed like a cap of shining silver. And he said, “So you’ve grown up, Scarlett.” [1]
Who wouldn’t melt?
One who would argue for the Doc Holliday / Ashley Wilkes connection would have to admit that the similarities are very superficial in nature. A man who physically resembles Ashley’s character, Doc Holliday lacks too many of the personal characteristics associated with Ashley Wilkes. Gerald O’Hara very succinctly closes the chapter on any meaningful similarities a few pages later when he says to Scarlett:
“Ashley can ride with the best and play poker with the best – that’s me, Puss! And I’m not denying that when he sets out to drink he can put even the Tarletons under the table. He can do all those things, but his heart’s not in it.” [2]
Ashley is best known for his love of books and music, beautiful scenery, and as he later states, “the glamour …of the old life I loved.” [3] Ashley was a man very conflicted with the life in which he found himself. By simply going through the motions, he demonstrates his preference to live in quiet shadows, observing rather than participating. Ashley, as we who love Gone With the Wind know, did not adapt well to change. Outward courage on the battlefield did not camouflage the weakness within.
The same could not be said for Doc Holliday who, when told by his uncle that leaving Georgia for the west might prolong his eventual death by tuberculosis by two years[4], led a full and adventurous life, in fact living fourteen years longer than predicted! His life was made notorious in part to his association with the Earp brothers. An active participant in the legendary gunfight at the OK Corral, it is suggested that he was the one who initiated the first shot fired[5]! Hardly the actions of a person content to live on the sidelines!
I just cannot imagine Ashley Wilkes exhibiting the same level of tenacity and gumption, though he does tell Scarlett that “Fighting is like champagne. It goes the heads of cowards as quickly as of heroes.[6]”
Doc Holliday had a healthy enjoyment of all that Gerald identified as perfunctory in nature when he spoke of Ashley Wilkes. A heavy drinker, he all but gave up dentistry in favor of the more financially viable role of professional gambler.[7]
But with all that said, I do not think for a moment that Margaret Mitchell was wholly uninfluenced by her notorious cousin. Writers have a natural tendency to utilize the influences around them in order to create stories and characters. I am certain that Margaret Mitchell was no different. Sally Tippet Rains is currently writing an exciting new book that will chronicle the life of Margaret Mitchell and possible influences on her masterpiece. Her book will certainly touch on the Doc Holliday influence! Upon publication of Ms. Rains’ book, we will learn more about the theories around the cast of Gone With the Wind. In the meantime, indulge me while I share my point of view of Doc Holliday’s impact on the story.
For those familiar with the book, the character of Philippe Robillard has striking similarities to Doc Holliday. We are not given a physical description of Philippe Robillard; in fact, we are given very little information about the character as a whole. But by looking at the situation, piecing together the few bits of information we are given, we learn that Philippe (like Doc) left Georgia and the cousin with whom he was in love (Scarlett’s mother, Ellen Robillard) and headed west according to his family’s wishes.[8] We know that he died in a barroom brawl.
Like Philippe, Doc Holliday was in love with his cousin, previously identified as Mattie Holliday. The family frowned upon their romance. That discouragement coupled with the issue of his health, Holliday left Georgia for the west. However, he never forgot his first love, just as Ellen never forgot Philippe, even on her deathbed.[9] Doc Holliday and Mattie corresponded throughout the rest of his life. It was she who was notified of his death in 1887.[10]
Interestingly, while visiting the Holliday Dorsey Fife House a few years ago, the docent I spoke with shared with me that Doc Holliday’s ghost is said to haunt the house. It was, according to family history, a house that both Doc and Mattie spent considerable time in as children and where it is assumed their love first blossomed.
While we know that Philippe Robillard died a violent death, it is only through luck that Doc Holliday did not meet a similar end. His lifestyle suggests that he was determined to die from any other means rather than tuberculosis. In the end, however, he died in bed with his boots off. It is reported that his last words were, “This is funny.[11]” as he fully expected to go out with gunfire or similar. Those who have studied Doc Holliday’s life would daresay he would have probably preferred to go out in the same manner as Philippe.
The similarities between Doc Holliday and Philippe Robillard seem to have more depth than do the Doc Holliday / Ashley Wilkes arguments. A correlation of characters must be based on more than physical characteristics alone. Meaningful and substantial evidence must be presented in order to associate a historical figure to a fictional character. While we know far less about Philippe than we do Ashley, the smallest details seem to carry more weight than the larger. Doc Holliday, in all ways that truly count, seems to have had more in common with the lesser-known character than the object of Scarlett’s obsession.
So – that’s my opinion. What do you think? Please click the comment button at the top and share your feedback! Remember, if you are the first to offer your comments, you will need to click where it states “No Comment.” I look forward to reading what you have to say!
[1] Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind, 1936 MacMillan Publishing, page 45
[2] Page 54
[3] Page 498
[4] www.theoutlaws.com/outlaws/htm, retrieved 4.14.08
[5] www.spearmanreporter.com/atoughofhistory/docholiday.html, Retrieved 4.14.08
[6] Page 497
[7] http://www.docholliday.info/, Retrieved 4.14.08
[8] Page 70
[9] Page 398
[10] www.theoutlaws.com/outlaws/htm, Retrieved 4.14.08
[11] www.spearmanreporter.com/atoughofhistory/docholiday.html, Retrieved 4.14.08
Welcome!
Welcome to my new blog, dedicated solely to the incomparable book and movie: Gone With the Wind. I am Denise Tucker, the Administrator and the owner of the supporting website, http://www.denise-tucker.com/. While I have had the great privilege of meeting many of my fellow Windies (or as I like to refer to us — Breezys), I am delighted to utilize this venue in order to meet more fans and learn more about this fantastic community of collectors and enthusiasts!
A bit about me — I have enjoyed a love affair with GWTW for over half my life. Admittedly, I didn’t think much of the book at first. I couldn’t seem to get past the first three chapters. Then, I saw the movie. Oh! The colors and textures, and suddenly — I couldn’t put the book down! I’ve probably read GWTW at least 50 times and seen the movie — only heaven knows!
I’ve been collecting since I was 18 and while my collection isn’t overly large, I have a great deal of pride in what I have amassed. I especially love collecting various editions of the books. To own a book that lived in a different time and place — it is, for me, like holding a piece of history.
I’ve met many of you who have named children after characters and I have to say — I’m no exception. My son is named Charles (for Scarlett’s first husband and since his father wouldn’t let me name him Rhett). I have two cats with GWTW ties - Vivien Leigh (no explanation needed) and Henry Rhett. Henry is named after a combination of Doc Holliday and our infamous hero….
Last year, I compiled a timeline of GWTW history and entitled it Gone With the Wind…But Not Forgotten. My biggest frustration in being a collector was the lack of ONE source to keep so much of the dated trivia in one place. This week-at-a-glance calendar was a true labor of love and I enjoyed every minute of putting it together. Starting out as a project just for me, it evolved into something so much bigger and I thank those of you who offered so much kind and generous support! I’m starting on the 2009 refill edition and it will hopefully be ready by October.
Okay — in a nutshell — that’s a bit about me. I want to get to know YOU! I would love it if this initial post generated conversation around the whys of our individual GWTW passions…I am planning to initiate a new post every week. I know that many of you know each other and many of you I know and correspond with… But to get us started, let’s take a few days to get to know one another.
As the Administrator — I have to offer the following disclaimer: these posts will be monitored for content. This blog is attached to my business website and while its purpose is for fun, I do want to keep the content to the point and relative to GWTW. Please have fun; please write lots and lots! Just keep it to its purpose. If you have any suggestions or ideas for a topic — please email them to denise@denise-tucker.com or gwtw_notforgot@bellsouth.net. I’d love to hear your ideas for the page! Also, please let me know if you’re interested in becoming a regular contributor and I’ll provide access for you to create your own posts!
Thank you so much for visiting my new blog! To offer your own comments / perspectives, please click the link at the top entitled comments. Please note that if you are the first person to respond — it will say “no comments” — that’s part of the template design and I cannot adjust it. It will take you to a text box at the bottom for you to type a response. I am delighted to have you here and I look forward to reading all that you have to say!
Denise
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