local 'museum' to be auctioned

frankly, my dears, do you give a damn?

from the atlanta journal-constitution peach buzz section:

By Richard L. Eldredge
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/23/07
Fans of the book, film and even the architecture of "Gone With the Wind" will want to circle Feb. 11 on their calendars. That's when "GWTW" memorabilia of all varieties goes on the auction block in Barnesville.

The sale will take place at the Gone With the Wind Hall of Stars Museum, an antebellum mansion owned by "GWTW" actor Fred Crane, who portrayed Brent Tarleton, one half of the film's Tarleton twins. Film buffs will recall that Crane, then a young man, had the film's first piece of dialogue.

Crane, 89, wants to slow down and leave the museum and its many artifacts to others. His dream scenario is to sell the property and everything in it to a sole buyer so the museum can continue.

Autographed items by "GWTW" stars Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Olivia de Havilland, Butterfly McQueen, Leslie Howard and others are up for grabs along with memorabilia from other stars like Hattie McDaniel.

A rare first edition of Margaret Mitchell's novel, originally given as a gift by the author to then-Georgia governor E.D. Rivers, is also being sold.

Perhaps the oddest stuff in the collection? Alligator dress shoes and cuff links once owned by "Superman" actor George Reeves. Reeves (originally credited as George Bessolo), played the other Tarleton twin in "GWTW." Crane and Reeves struck up a lifelong friendship (Reeves even performed best man duties at Crane's first wedding in 1940).

According to auctioneers, the mansion in Barnesville —- located about 35 miles northwest of Macon —- was built in 1849 and served as a Confederate headquarters and hospital during the Civil War. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The sale will start at 11 a.m. under a heated tent.

For more info, www.fsagallery.com and www.atlantaauctionco.com.