Vivien Leigh, renowned for her iconic role as Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind," experienced a dramatic rise to stardom followed by a tumultuous personal life. A new book by Lyndsy Spence, titled "Where Madness Lies," delves into Leigh's battles with mental illness and her complex relationship with actor Laurence Olivier. The book uncovers previously unexplored aspects of Leigh's life, including her manic episodes, hospitalizations, and the impact of her deteriorating health on her career and personal relationships. Despite her early success and two Academy Awards, Leigh's struggles ultimately overshadowed her achievements, leading to her tragic passing at the age of 53 from tuberculosis.

Spence's research reveals that Leigh's mental health issues began manifesting early in her life. Her first major breakdown occurred during the filming of "Elephant Walk" in Sri Lanka in 1954. At this time, Leigh sent erratic postcards to Olivier, who was in Italy with his mistress. Unaware of the severity of her condition, Olivier did not respond promptly, exacerbating Leigh's feelings of neglect and isolation. This period marked the beginning of a series of events that would define the latter part of her life.

Leigh's mental health further deteriorated when the film production moved to Hollywood. During a flight back to Los Angeles, she suffered a severe breakdown, believing the plane was on fire and attempting to escape. Upon arrival, she was unable to perform adequately, leading to her replacement by Elizabeth Taylor. These incidents highlighted the severity of her bipolar disorder, which had been largely misunderstood and untreated.

Her marriage to Olivier, once a symbol of Hollywood romance, became strained due to his infidelity and her worsening condition. Leigh's behavior grew increasingly erratic, culminating in her commitment to Netherne Asylum in England. There, she endured harsh treatments, including electroconvulsive therapy and ice baths. Despite these interventions, her mental state continued to decline, affecting both her professional and personal life.

In the final years of her life, Leigh sought solace in religious texts and philosophies, finding a sense of peace before her untimely death. Her legacy remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those struggling with mental health. Spence hopes that her book will encourage open discussions about mental illness and provide support for those experiencing similar struggles. Leigh's story is one of resilience and tragedy, leaving an indelible mark on the history of cinema and mental health awareness.