Gone With the Wind gowns raise funds

2010-08-31 20:07

The wedding dress worn by Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind. (AP Photo)

Austin - Legions of Gone With the Wind fans have together donated tens of thousands of dollars to prove they, frankly, do give a damn.

The University of Texas Harry Ransom Centre says it has met its $30 000 fundraising goal to pay for restoring five of Scarlett O'Hara's gowns from the multiple Oscar-winning Civil War drama.

Ransom Centre officials announced on Tuesday that contributions came from more than 600 people in 44 states and 13 countries.

The gowns worn by actress Vivien Leigh in the 1939 film include a green curtain dress.

The Ransom Centre is planning an exhibit to mark the movie's 75th anniversary in 2014. Once restored, the dresses may be loaned to other museums.

- AP