Olivia de Havilland — who died Saturday at 104 — is best known for her many film roles (including “Gone With the Wind”).
But in 1946 — 5 years before her Broadway debut in “Romeo and Juliet” — the already legendary actress appeared in the Westport Country Playhouse production of “What Every Woman Knows.”
As noted on “06880” last year, on the same day she was set to open the show, she married novelist and journalist Marcus Goodrich. The 12:30 p.m. wedding ceremony took place at the Weston home of Armina and Lawrence Langner, Playhouse founders.
For some reason, the poster that week clarified that the star of the show would appear “in person.” (Hat tip: Joey Kaempfer)
Every year, the state chapter of the American Institute of Architects runs a “Connecticut Treasures” contest. Each county is represented by one building; the public votes on its favorite.
This year’s theme is banks — either still functioning or repurposed.
The Fairfield County representative is the former Westport Bank & Trust, smack (and handsome) in the middle of downtown. Today we know it as Patagonia.
The flatiron-type Charles Cutler building dates to 1924. In 2005 it was restored as mixed-use retail space. David Adam Realty saved and refurbished the original exterior, terrazzo flooring, murals, and 4 of the 5 bank vaults.
To see this and the other 7 county entrants (and vote for your favorite), click here. (Hat tip: Jack Franzen)
Patagonia — formerly Westport Bank & Trust.
And finally … we missed Mick Jagger’s 77th birthday yesterday. So here’s belated best wishes. Fun fact: Olivia de Havilland was old enough to be his mother.
Seriously folks, is there any place like Westport? I think not. It has such a rich history.
Olivia de Haviland returned to the Playhouse in the 1951 production of Shaw’s CANDIDA. She also sent her video greetings to the 2003 kick off for the theater’s renovation, “Breaking New Ground.”
Thanks Dan. In respect o f Olivia de. In the early 70’s I wrote a book for left handed guitarists (I am not lh) and somehow I got to appear on WHAT’S MY LINE. The lady in person was one of the panelists, alongside Soupy Sales, Arlene Francis and others. The director of the program said to the contender’s , before we started ” the whole idea of this programme is to sell soap. In order to do this they have to appear clever and you not so” Don’t be offended.
Olivia’s sister and fellow Academy Award-winner, Joan Fontaine, also performed at the Westport Country Playhouse—actually more than once in the 1960s. I suspect the Artistic Director back then did not try to cast them in the same play.
“Hey bus driver keep the change, bless your children, give them names
Don’t trust men who walk with canes
Drink this and you’ll grow wings on your feet
Broadway Mary, Joan Fontaine, advertiser on a downtown train”
I have worked on the old Langner estate. I’m sure it was beautiful that day! It is on Langner Lane.