Gone With The Wind The Three-Day Premeire in Atlanta

By Herb Bridges
Mercer University Press
219 pages $32.95

By CAROLYN CARY
Staff Writer

Herb Bridges' latest book, “Gone With The Wind - The Three-Day Premiere in Atlanta,” is a photographic essay of the world premiere of the movie in December 1939.

It contains photos of the stars themselves, Atlanta before, during and after the premier and the citizens of the city who turned out, not just for the premiere but all the other events such as the Grand Ball.

All the stars in the movie were on hand with the exception of Leslie Howard, who had returned to England to join the armed forces at the advent of World War II.

Then Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield met the stars at the train stations and also at Candler Field (now the Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport).

A reception was conducted at the Georgia Terrace Hotel, where the stars stayed.

The movie premiere was Friday, Dec. 15 at the Lowe's Grand Theatre with five 800-million-candlepower search lights piercing the sky Hollywood style.

Bridges' book is full of fascinating photos and facts and is interesting reading for those interested in “Gone With The Wind” as well as those wishing to see the events that occurred in Atlanta for the movie premiere. It was certainly the social and historical event of the century.

The book is available at all book stores.

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