Although billed

as a lecture, it was more like family members gathered by a fireside eagerly

listening to an elderly uncle reminisce about fascinating events from

days of yore. One of the members of the audience said afterward that it

was one of the most interesting talks he had ever heard.

Among the interesting

things noted by Bridges is the fact that "Gone With The Wind"

has far outsold any other novel ever published, and that only the Bible

has sold more copies.

Another astonishing

thing he mentioned is that one of the film's stars, Olivia de Haviland,

is still alive at the ripe old age of 86.

Among the many

other fascinating facts he noted is how popular GWTW is among the Japanese.

The fact that

Bridges became the leading memorabilia collector and one of the leading

GWTW authorities (with seven books to his credit) is itself interesting

because he is not a professor or scholar but has amassed his knowledge

through direct involvement as a hobbyist.

Although Bridges

is now 73 years of age, he still continues to give talks and interviews.

He will soon be appearing on several local television shows, information

on which will be announced later.

The Herb Bridges

lecture is the first in a series of Coweta Arts events sponsored by the

Newnan-Coweta Arts Council, which serves as the voice of the arts in Coweta

County.