Vivien Leigh: Fame, Love and Affair Under the Hollywood Spotlight
Vivien Leigh’s life began in a world far away from Hollywood, in Darjeeling, India. When Vivien was born in 1913, British colonization in India was well-rooted. The English language, religion, judicial system, and trade became prevalent in Indian society, greatly benefitting the British economy. She was born to Ernest Hartley (a Scottish-born British stockbroker) and Gertrude Frances who herself was born and raised in India. Vivien was privileged and had all the comforts she could ever want and most likely did not need to ask for much as anything she coveted was usually within her grasp. Her mother and father were devout Catholics, particularly her mother, and when Viv was about seven years of age, she was sent to a convent school to study academics and religion. It was during this time that Vivien learned to play the cello and was provided the opportunity to see her first stage performance. Her youth was mostly spent within the protection and instruction of the convent, providing few experiences in the outside world. Even during the holidays when so many children were sent home to be with their families, Vivien remained at the convent, spending her Christmases with the Mother Superior and the teaching nuns of the school. To combat the loneliness that young Vivien endured, Mother Superior gifted her with a cat who stayed by Vivien’s side most of the time and…
