I think if anyone ever thought vivien was unintelligent, they never saw any of her films, never spoke to her in person. Look at how she holds herself in these interviews, especially with the nimwits surrounding her in this video (and it sounds like that goldwywn guy was also in the industry? Which is weird since is clearly a lot less knowledgeable than vivien Leigh).
Viven Leigh was giving them hell in this interview lmao....she stood up for orson Welles .and Laurence Olivier...she getting ready to slap somebody like she did prissy lmao....
She's just assertive if she feels strongly about something she will argue her point. I respect Orson too. Sam there says he will never agree but s moment later he agrees a little so she had persuasion to her. Of course to him she's just an actress he feels he is more of an authority on the subject than she. He thinks he knows Laurence better than her too though which I doubt.
I just love Vivien Leigh! I'm obsessed with her face expressions and her laughs every time she has been interrupted again! I would have loved to get a bit more if her opinion here. It makes me kinda sad to know that she's dead, i think of meeting her sometimes -3 :') anyway, she's perfect!
I love to see Vivien Leigh be so bold, forthright and opinionated. These days actresses like that get vilified. She made some great points. It's interested to see them discuss Citizen Kane's future when today it is THE gold standard of film.
She did get villified. They claimed she was a nymphomaniac and maybe this is why, she was giving these men hell which is what most strong minded intelligent demanding women do. And back then that was a no no a woman being so strong minded and independent. I think she would have done excellent and well during our time but definitely villified during that time. Lady gaga and other creative women of today probably would have been vilified and made a nuisance.
It's the second time I watch this interview and can't get enough. Vivien, my fave actress, was so bright and intellectual. Love her argument about Orson Welles. And as the pals said, I enjoyed very much seeing Viv as herself. It was the first time for me too. Thanks for this treasure.
Those damned cigarettes. She looked sexy as hell when she smoked them but they destroyed her face in terms of wrinkles. Also she had tuberculosis. Poor thing.
Here in circa 1957 she was age 44 years. Had it not been for her globetrotting demanding career, her smoking and tuberculosis, her youth, health and life would have lasted longer.
Vivien is such Queen here. She not only is eloquent but also very much into film (1958) just watching her get pissed off by the comments is for me to be admired. Plus you know she hit the Gin right after the interview!
Yes they were right!!!...the bad things die, and the good things live on forever like Gone with the wind will live on forever!!!...this means Vivien Leigh's wonderful performance will live on and it will never be forgotten!!!
I think Vivien is the most elegant woman that I've ever seen. What a classy lady, such an incradible actress, and for sure one of the most beautiful women that ever lived. Vivien we love you so so much, I hope to meet you someday in another life ❤ 🥰
Lady Vivian Leigh is the only one with any kind of control, intelligence, and any comments she makes are understated, and she stays in with the same quick, lovely, controlled person in the whole thing. She is all "Lady!"
Yes she has attitude about her reminds me a bit of Bette Davis that way but she has that British flair to her, her own distinct methods and personality. A bit more sensitive and reserved but a cool confidence to her as well.
Tynan was notorious for writing scathing reviews of anything Vivien or Larry touched. It made my night to hear her put him in his place time and time again! Her friendly sparring with Goldwyn showed her wit and sense of humor. Such a tragedy that we lost her so long ago. Thank you for posting this, it is a real treasure.
She’s 1000x smarter than him and it shows. Additionally, she shows about 10-100x more class and grace in this interview than him (the reporter/interviewer) which I find endlessly amusing.
And Tynan was a socialist activist anyways, which clearly took precedent over his “reporting” or “journalism.” That, plus his general lack of intellect (despite his Oxford education), are very clear even in this interview. Didn’t know he despised anything Laurence or vivien did, but given how emotional he is, I’m not surprised. All activists are irrational - they only care about seeing their values represented, and in terms of goals, they only care about their own desired outcomes. They care naught for actual skills, skill sets, intellect, or critical thinking.
All three parts of this interview are a film history lesson - Goldwyn seems so representative of the older Hollywood tradition as being a businessman who churned out what the public wanted, and Leigh and Tynan seem so modern by contrast (and maybe a little more foresighted) in knowing the importance of lasting artistic value. All three are fascinating.
Devin Melancon Yes, and add to this the fact that Tynan was a notoriously rough critic on some of Leigh's performances which other critics praised (most notably her Lady Macbeth) and that his criticisms haunted her and inflamed her well-known mental issues considerably, and you have an incredibly interesting dynamic at work in this odd, uncomfortable little interview. Leigh and Tynan do look, at the start of this interview, primed for a jousting with each other -- it's in both their eyes, particularly in Tynan's (who looks a bit as though he's been set atop a hot griddle) -- and it's quite a testament to them both that the bloodshed between them was diverted. They even agreed on some points. As for Goldwyn... well, my goodness: these literal inventors of Hollywood who made an industry out of guts and moxie and a few cameras are endlessly compelling. They were all a conflicting mixture of crassness and hope and high morals and ingenuity and balls and usury and even some strange manner of class somewhere within it all.
+Ian Thaddiam At this point I believe Ken Tynan had been a guest at Notley and they had a truce going...although I agree he looked like he was out to get Viv.. I am pretty sure she could take him though
XI loved this interview. Vivien was quirky and her smile at the comments of Ken Tynan echoed my sense of humour.She clearly had a soft spot for Sam Goldwyn. Her observations showed insight and intelligence.
I love listening to them discuss directors and movies back in the day, and to be on this end of the time calendar to see what movies made it which ones didnt stand the test of time... Thank you for sharing this....Vivian Leigh shows how a lady handles a debate...no screaming shouting name calling, all it took was a smile, a stern voice, and a look from those green eyes..:)))
Good on Vivien shes well able to stand up to people like Sam Goldwin Ken tinon.she was a person not to be fought with .rest in peace viviane Godbless You Amen🙏 🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🦋🦋🦋🦋🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🕊
It must've been so difficult being a woman before the 60s and women's lib. Viviene was ahead of her time and didn't take crap from her 'superiors'. Love her
It was so exciting to watch Vivien speak her mind and stand up for Olivier's work. It's quite clear that Ken Tynan had great insight and intellect, as did Ms. Leigh. I don't know why some people here have a problem with Tynan in this discussion/interview, because I'm in an altogether different era, yet I share his point on view on so many matters discussed in 1, 2 and 3. Excellent little "film!"
To answer (from 54 years after this interview) Mr. Tynan's question whether anyone would watch Cecil B. DeMille films in the far future, "yes," absolutely. Most of Mr. DeMille's films, from his 1927 King of Kings through 1955 The Ten Commandments, are universally relevant classic masterpieces.
Outside of true movie buff circles, people neither care for DeMille's movies nor do they know who he was, especially outside of the US. The works of Welles or Billy Wilder, for instance, lasted longer than he did, because great art connects with people and sparks discussion long after it's created and great art usually also doesn't conform.
Hear! Hear! It would be a great pleasure to hear Vivien and others talk about acting itself (both stage and screen) and about different characters without the arguing. I believe Vivien was trained at the Royal Academy of Drama Arts. I wonder how she would have been as a teacher or lecturer or even as a director. Probably terrific.
Goldwyn and Leigh have l left a faaaar bigger legacy than could only be dreamed of by Tynan! Makes me cringe to hear Tynan's sneering sarcasm directed at Goldwyn, although Sam took it in good grace. Sure he'd heard worse....what a life!
"Good night, and good luck," Ed. Vivian Leigh has the spit fire personality of Katie Scarlett! Good for her; you can see she respects Sam Goldwin, even when she disagrees with him, unlike her feeling for the critic. She put a little weight on, but is as sexy as she ever was, how about her sexy chain smoking? What a goddess, holding her cigarette as she does. Does she exhale?
Vivien ftw! Tynan is just being downright arrogant and annoying. Sam is okay but offensive towards Orson Welles and he tries to seem like he knows what's best, even when he's wrong which makes him look bad. Vivien is the only person with a brain here- her points were very clear, she's very intelligent and she not afraid to stand up for herself and make a point. Plus, she's so darn cute!
Yes, INDEED we’re watching Cecil B. DeMille pictures 50 years later….they’re absolute masterpieces! And will be watched, praised, & treasured for many years to come.
Vivien Leigh facinates me. I was only six when she died but I love her movies and seeing her in this interview was interesting. She's smart, assertive beautiful and classy. Except it's too bad she smoked so much. I t made her voice course and it aged her ... she only 45 when she did this interview. During GWTW she smoked four packs a day. By the way DeMille's pictures and GWTW still are going strong. They're timeless.
Very strong woman! If I were her, I would have lost it on them. No one puts Larry down and gets away with it! But she kept calm and used her wit. Love her! Thanks for sharing this!
The dynamics are very telling: Goldwyn and Tynan, as men, were very focused on posterity and legacy, though on two different sides of the coin of the film industry - Goldwyn was concerned about success in terms of the box office (in which his points stood) while Tynan was concerned about artistic value (on which he was spot on as well). It's a good thing they had a female perspective to reconcile the two views: Ms. Leigh did little more than point out the appeal she felt in the films and actors discussed, which in itself validates the truth of their artistic legacy. That's the "wisdom" of women for you: optimistic faith and uncomplicated observation. Superficial in retrospect, but this is art we're talking about - what is skin deep in art essentially hits the soul. She was able to cool off the steam given off by the two men, and the patience she brought along just adds to her charm.
+Fenton Abad ....When Goldwyn mentioned the box and the public, I thought about the superhero movies that make so much money now. They aren't very deep, but every six months the public like to escape into to that world for a couple of hours
Fenton wrote "That's the "wisdom" of women for you: optimistic faith and uncomplicated observation". Hahaha and is this YOUR wisdom and intellectual acumen? What a paternalistic, stereotypical, superficial and downright sexist shit you've written. Hahaha you're so Obsolete.
@@MsIthinkthereforeIamAgree with you 100%, thank you for calling it for what it is. How depressing that 10 other users, as of today, would have found those sexist and insane ramblings about the female soul and brain reasonable enough to give a thumbs up.
wow, this is fascinating. ive never seen anything like this, these personalities from this era having a frank discussion. Porgy and Bess actually was Goldwyn's last film
the hilarious moment 6:48 when Kenneth says "shakespeare's plays, and some of your films, and anything else Mr. Goldwyn? What else will live?" and Goldwyn just forges onward, ignoring (or possibly totally missing) the sarcasm
my goodness! having uploaded this interview has been a total win. thank you for sharing this interview. lots of jewels in here to enjoy in all kinds of respects. brilliant fun!
Goldwyn, as much as I like and admire him, overlooks the fact that Welles and Herman J. Mankiewicz's Oscar-winning script for Citizen Kane is the single greatest screenplay ever written. Welles could not have done such a superb job of directing the film if he had not so much invested in the words he wrote and the characters and plot he co-created.
Ah yes, back when people spoke their mind no matter how shameful the idea, rather than repeat popular politically correct sayings. Back when people were not crucified or insulted for coming up with ridiculous ideas or making no sense. Back when you could disagree wholeheartedly with someone's opinion and yet maintain a respectful "agree to disagree" conversation. I bet you they never imagined the future would be garbage in communication.
I find it really interesting how most of the comments are about how great Vivien Leigh was. I don't dispute it, but there's so much more in this interview than the poise and grace of an actor. She knew that too, no doubt. She performs here too. Sam Goldwyn is doing his best at being himself, Tynan clearly has his stance needling away at Goldwyn, who remains unmoved and oblivious as to how he looks - lacking in awareness, a capitalist (democratic, if you like), experienced and canny, but also of an earlier time. Vivien Leigh knows she is being watched. Her level of intelligence is visible, she's clearly smart, but the seams are more visible than they are in her greatest performances.
@HotVoodooWitch I read that Vivien signed a contract of 7 years when she was cast as Scarlett, but she did no film under this contract: after GWTW she went back to England to work on stage with Olivier. And despite of liking the movies her real passion was theater. I think very few actresses had the security and no fear of producers as Vivien. She was unique.
This is really terrific. Thank you for uploading this. I never saw any interviews growing up, although I have read a lot of bios. But interviews of people talking about this craft is fascinating. I have a small 4-minute recording of an interview with Herrmann on film music and it's an incredible gem.
"The movie "Wuthering heights" will be a classic, but "Citizen Kane" will be forgotten in 50 years." .... oh well. xD This man is nuts. 6:52 "Shakespeares' thing lived for 100 years and more" .. Shakespeare lived in the 16th century! So yes, 100 years .. and a bit more.
He's a doer not a thinker aka the money behind the pictures not the writer, nor director. He provides the funds, artists put on their show, they all get a slice of the profits.
I stumbled across this interview a few years ago here on YT and it remains one of my favorite exchanges! Such interesting perspectives and insightful counterpoints when talking about certain pictures that will live long periods of time... "KT" to "SG" Oh, do tell, what will live exchange was very funny and "VL❤"... "Any🎞others😉?" -💚*🙏🏼
Goldwyn described African Americans as naive. That certainly is a political statement, one I suspect Hattie McDaniel's father who fought in a USCT unit during the Civil War would not agree with.
I wonder if Tynan ever ate his words in thinking about how well-remembered many of Samuel Goldwyn's films are well into the 21st century? Will Tynan's reviews be as well-remembered and revered as time goes on...and on? One of the reasons producers in the US may've been well-known vs. producers in other countries (if that is really all that relevant) is because the kinds of films the Goldwyn-level producers made were often made on a very grand and hugely-complicated scale requiring tremendous personal drive and commitment to realize. Not so much productions/producers in other countries (with quite a few exceptions, DeLaurentiis etc etc.) Really what this talk reveals is the real beginning of the "changing of the guards" in regards to how films were going to be made, and new types of subjects and treatments. Somewhat an applies and oranges attempt to co-exist together all in one conversational "basket". Interesting, and a bit strained.
this was outstanding, a true intellegent serious conversation by 3 very great people, this could not be done today, it would be planned, and every smart ass answer would be given including a studio audience that would over clap and give standing ovations at 3 min intervals
Sam Goldwyn's views are purely business. Although Orson Welles' movies have stood the test of time, they were duds when they were released. Citizen Kane was not a success in theatres therefore in Goldwyn's mind Welles is not successful. If his movies don't make money then its not a good picture. Leigh (the wisest in this entire discussion) and Tynan prefer the art of films and therefore they look at Welles as a great success. Which is the way he is viewed to this day by many film buffs.
I think Tynan was being an ass to Vivien Leigh, I think his criticisms of African Americans in film is spot on and I am glad someone had such gall to say it to a movie producer such as Samuel Goldwyn.
He meant a producer who supplies the funds (pushes "money under the door") and does nothing else -- "goes away fishing" or to the racetrack or otherwise ignores the production.
Tynan will always be associated in my mind with his love of "Look Back in Anger" and his heavily supported "Oh Calcutta." Osborne's play has aged better than the erotic hit of the 60s, but they frame an anger and hedonism that celebrates negativity and cynicism that I suspect will work against him being celebrated outside all but the most academic circles. I could be wrong, but I doubt that Leigh's electric performance in Streetcar and GWTW, or Sam Goldwyn's "Best Years of Our Life" will ever be forgotten by our popular culture.
@Taylormayes I couldn't agree more. I agree with Tynan that there is a difference, but I do not think it has anything to do with Vivien being British. I think there is a difference because most of the cast were method actors and she was not. And the difference was totally justified like you said! It couldn't have been done any better!
This is 2012 & I still watch the older films as do alot of people.They have lived on longer than 50 yrs & will continue to do so.Eat your heart out tynan..Good things last longer than jealousy!! What a silly interview for vivien to have to endure! She made them look like the shallow fools that they are/were.R.I.P. viv.
Them damn dudes needed to shut up and let Mrs. Leigh TALK. Vivien Leigh Interview? Really? Misleading title @UC9aDrQoLXbQdGlPDovfDHoQ. Leigh barely spoke, Goldwyn the ham and that douche bag , Ken took up all the screen time, UGH!! Leigh is adorable, charming and highly intelligent. Luv her!
