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An English Rose

On June 10, 1939, was art imitating life? When "Scarlett Runs Through The Fog" was filmed, it is possible that Vivien Leigh did not realize herself how symbolic this scene would be of her own life. She was, at that time, a 26 year old beauty portraying the most famous female role ever put on film and, above that, she was intimately involved with the famous and much sought after matinee idol, Laurence Olivier. Her expression and demeanor in this scene were probably, in part, a reflection of her exhaustion after long months of filming and her unhappiness that Olivier had, by this time, left Hollywood when his work on "Rebecca" was done. It is also a glimpse of a great actress. But could it possibly be the first of those haunting moments when the character and the woman became one?

Vivian Hartley was born to parents who, though not from affluent or connected backgrounds, did enjoy newly acquired wealth. Her father was a charming and astute businessman who loved horses, theatre and the company of women other than his wife.Her mother was a devout Catholic who loved gardening, literature and the rituals of her faith. Vivian was, even at a young age, a curious blend of both parents. She was charming yet manipulative, energetic yet poised beyond her years, gracious and unselfish yet always striving to be the center of attention. She loved acting in children's theatre productions, yet delved whole-heartedly into her religious training.There were indeed, even as a child and young woman, signs of the "dual personality" which later became her distinct trademark in films and on the stage.

Always, it seems, her needs and her wants were at odds. She desperately needed security in her life and, at age 19, she married a man 12 years older than she. Leigh Holman had a promising law practice, connections with royalty and a desire to love her and make her happy. Yet Vivian found it impossible to sacrifice her wants which placed the marriage in jeopardy.

Vivian wanted to give and be seen at the best parties in London, she wanted to model and take bit parts in films as all her friends were doing and she wanted passion and excitement in her life. All of the things which she wanted were at odds with reality. She was, at the age of 20, the wife of a mature and settled businessman and the mother of a new baby. On the day of her daughter's birth, she entered one telling line in her diary which read, "Had a baby- a girl". Perhaps motherhood was the natural progression for women Vivian's age in the 1930's.