This book gives a riveting look at Vivien Leigh's experience with bipolar issues. At this time, there was very little understanding of this medical issue so she received little support from her husband (Laurence Olivier), friends, and doctors. Even Noel Coward felt that Olivier should have "turned sharply on Vivien years ago and given he a clip in the chops" (page 171) shows the lack of understanding these men had. Additionally Olivier's and critic Kenneth Tynan constant minimalizing of Leigh's talent seemed so sexist. I just can't imagine what this poor lady went through, especially as she began to realize that she might be mentally ill. It is heartbreaking to read that at one screening of Gone With the Wind, she said to the person next to her that she didn't even remember making the film. While Leigh and Olivier were inseparable, as the mental ups and downs became more frequent, he pulled away instead of supporting her. Anyone who is a fan of Leigh, will appreciate this book. As usual, Olivier comes across as a self-centered, egotistical person. ( )

Vivian Leigh and Sir. Lawrence Olivier had the kind of love that movies are made of. Unfortunately it was also the stuff of nightmares’. When love and obsession are combined with mental instability, it makes for a sad story. ( )

It has been a while since I read a book about Hollywood--I used to devour these much like my Us Weekly or People Magazine.

This is a well-researched look at the relationship between Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier, their love, their relationship, and the tragedy when large egos and mental health issues meet. Leigh was bipolar and became increasingly unstable as time went on. It is amazing how much she accomplished despite several breakdowns.

I've always had a special place in my heart for Olivier as he was my first Mr. Darcy and my first Heathcliff. A friend and I went to a revival house and saw a double feature of both films and I was dazzled by his good looks. And despite the horribleness that is GWTW--you have to respect Leigh's Scarlett O'Hara and of course, her performance as Blanch DuBois in a Streetcar Named Desire. Those English gals have been stealing the scenes for a hundred years now.

I knew of Olivier's iconic roles in Shakespeare and bringing them to the screen, this book also explores the couple's love of live theater and their work to promote English productions all over the world. I may have to check youtube to see if there are any recordings.

I think the younger me would have enjoyed the juiciness of this book, but the older me is so done with relationship toxicity that I was relieved for Olivier when he finally divorced her and married Joan Plowright. Of course, ever the player, he still proceeded to cheat on her as well.

I could probably write here about comparing this to the Heard/Depp marriage and hoopla, but I'll save that for a private conversation with my girlfriends.

Overall, solid biography of a chapter in Hollywood history. ( )

Truly, Madly: Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, and the Romance of the Century by Stephen Galloway is a 2022 Grand Central publication.

This book narrows the biographical scope to focus on the intense, torturous relationship between two of the most lauded actors of their time… Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier.

Though chronicling the relationship between Laurence and Vivien, there is some background biographical and contextual information included so we understand the climate the pair lived in, and the lack of advancements in the treatment of mental illness.

The author does a great job describing the incredible intensity of feeling between the couple, though at times the writing is a little effusive. Still, the research is well-done, as is the organization of the material.

It’s a tragic tale, in many aspects. One must wonder if Vivien had been afforded better treatment for her illness, if things might have turned out differently. Laurence Olivier seemed to run out of steam in coping with Vivien’s various maladies, including her physical ailments and ‘moods’, which were completely misunderstood back then. He moved on with his life, but I think deep down, the one true love of his life was Vivien Leigh, as he was for her.

This piece of Hollywood history is riveting, with lots of recognizable names, and is filled with Hollywood lore and glamour, but is also a portrait of a dazzling, but tumultuous, and tragic love story, which is certainly one for the ages.

Overall, fans of old Hollywood, classical actors, and grand, passionate and poignant love affairs, the cinema, or history, will find themselves caught up in this true-life dramatic saga of love and heartbreak.

4 stars ( )

from Truly, Madly by Stephen Galloway

I love classic movies but I rarely know much about the personal lives of the actors I admire; I am more interested in the art than the tinsel fame of Hollywood. But, I was instantly intrigued by the cover, title, and theme of Truly, Madly.

I was actually mesmerized by the book! The instant passion between them that became a nightmare when Leigh’s bipolar disorder altered her beyond recognition, the tragedy of it all! These great artists created iconic roles while their private lives were rife with discord and distress. They were imperfect people who often made bad choices, and although one can esteem their stunning talent, they were very human and relatable in their vulnerabilities and psychological struggles.

Although the book focuses on their relationship, it is also about their careers. Olivier was driven to perfection, becoming far more charming on screen than in real life. Leigh was intelligent and well educated, an amazing actress, but with limitations.

Both suffered childhood trauma, leaving them with huge needs .Leigh’s parents sent her from her childhood home in India to a Catholic school, separated from the life and family she knew. It was a harsh and lonely life for a child. Olivier’s father was a poor priest who left a country parish for the London slums. His beloved mother died when he was a teenager. Olivier married, perhaps not for love. Leigh became “liberal with her affections” but married a rather dull, older man. Ten months later she had a daughter, and ten months after that, while at the theater she saw Olivier and she told a friend “That’s the man I’m going to marry.” Olivier later saw Leigh in her first stage success. They met, and their relationship escalated to a secret, passionate affair. Olivier felt guilty, but even his wife admitted that Olivier and Leigh had the kind of passion she had only seen a few times in her life.

It took years before Leigh was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Until then, she was held accountable for her behavior, as if she had a choice or control. The scenes of her behavior while ill is heartbreaking. I have known several people with family members with bipolar disease and have a greater appreciation for the challenges they have faced.

Galloway draws from many sources, and includes insights and stories from the Olivier’s friends and peers. Learning about how the actors were treated by Hollywood and directors, and their personal demons while creating iconic roles, will inform my reaction to their movies in the future.

After their divorce, Leigh still loved Olivier. She died of untreated tuberculosis. Olivier’s third marriage lasted until his death.

I received a fee egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased. ( )