Vivien Leigh’s sweeping period dresses in “Gone With the Wind” are almost as much characters in the film as Scarlett O’Hara herself. But Scarlett’s iconic wardrobe might not be around much longer for fans to appreciate if the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas in Austin can’t raise enough money to restore it.
The center is trying to raise $30,000 to repair five dresses from the 1939 film that have since become tattered and worn. The Ransom Center plans to feature a “Gone With the Wind” exhibit in 2014 to commemorate the film’s 75th anniversary, but right now most of the costumes are too fragile to display.
Though movie costumes aren’t typically made to last, Scarlett O’Hara’s gowns have become a piece of Hollywood history. Costumes the center hopes to restore include Scarlett O’Hara’s green curtain dress, burgundy ball gown, green velvet gown, blue night gown and wedding dress.
To find out more about the Ransom Center’s exhibition or to make a donation, visit www.hrc.utexas.edu/contribute/endowments/opportunities/costumes.
So what do you think? Do you feel like the “Gone With the Wind” costumes are pieces of cinema history that are worthy of preservation? What are some other famous movie costumes or props that you can’t imagine losing? Sound off in the comments section.
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Follow Alexa Milan on Twitter at http://twitter.com/alexamilan.
Hell, if a Michael Jackson glove, or a CHER concert costume are worth displaying, why not a piece of true cinematic history? Yes, I do think that they deserve the chance to be restored and displayed!