Your Thoughts on "Midnight" (before the movie came out...) 

DAWN GREEN�Houston:
I have to admit, it wasn't until I heard that Kevin Spacey had been cast as Jim Williams in the cinema adaptation of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," that I became interested. Being such a big Kevin Spacey fan for many years, I decided to read the book while I waited for the movie to come out. Today's the big day. The movie comes out in Houston, today. I plan to be the first person in line for tickets at the best theatre in town. The book had everything: mystery, shady characters, murder, voodoo, southern hospitality.. I remember everytime a new mystery unraveled or a new character was introduced, I would run out of my bedroom, where I had been reading, and talk about them to my room-mates. One rolled his eyes. One listened interested. 

I'm now a humongous MGGE fan. Can't wait for the movie tonight! 

MARILYN HOLT�Toronto:
I'd just like to add a few short comments to the many interesting notes on your website. I am new to the "net" and your site was the first one I found--of course John Berendt was the first thing I searched for. Everything is so fascinating, especially the photographs. And I really enjoy seeing how many people all over the world are discovering this wonderful book. I have to say my favourite character is Mr. Glover and his dog patrick. I have one question that I have not been able to find an answer for. What is the significance of the cover photograph? Is there any special reason why it was chosen? What can you tell me about it?
Editor's note: See the section on my website called "The BIRD GIRL Statue" under "THE BOOK" heading on the main page. Also, there may be some aditional information on the subject in the Savannah Morning News special "Midnight" webpage (link can be found on my main page next to "MIDNIGHT LINKS" heading).--MM

LISA MADER�Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia:
Love your website. I only read the book in June--I was helping my sister move into her new place, and I found a box of books, and asked her if I could borrow a couple. "Midnight..." was one of them. I said, "Can I borrow this?" "You can *have* it!" she said. She hated it! I started it when I got home, and read it in one sitting. When I heard it was to be filmed and that Kevin Spacey was playing Jim Williams, I almost started foaming at the mouth. 

I read it recently again, and went crazy for it again. The movie looks great, can't wait to see it, John Cusack is one of my favourite actors! Thanks for the great website, which I've been visiting every day for the last few weeks now. 

ABBEY MOORE�New Orleans:
Hey, y'all! Although I am originally from College Station, Texas and I did graduate high school there, I consider Savannah one of my hometowns. I lived there from the ages of eleven to sixteen, for my mother was a Historic Preservation grad student (sadly, her hair is brown and not green). Midnight was a fun phenomenon, for I was definitely in the museum/antiques/preservation loop, and here I was fifteen years old, and knowing that I had been to cocktail parties with some of these odd characters! 

When I was fifteen, my mother became Michael Faber's general manager, and for all of you non-hard-core Midnighters, he is the owner of Clary's, along with six other restaurants (check out Mikey in the film in the food window at Clary's during the Luther scenes). I, as the lucky one, became a waitress at the infamous cafe at the age of sixteen. It's kind of funny seeing people that I have served and spoken to in a major film by Eastwood. I mean when I see Chablis on the television, I think, WOW! She tells great jokes, looks better in a dress than I do, and would regularly steal my coffee pot as so she could circulate and serve the masses of Book fiends that frequent Clary's. 

It's also funny, because John is as much of a character as anyone else, but you don't know it, because, he's the author. For example, whenever he goes to Clary's he wears the same shirt. (Blue denim, button-down, long sleeve) It was an amazing experience, and the fair and diverse Savannah holds a special place in my heart. I miss it dearly and wish that I never left. 

If anyone is planning a trip to Savannah soon and needs advice on where to go, what to eat at Clary's, or for you youngins (I'm 18), where to go to party or have a great cup of coffee, drop me a line: [email protected] 

Long Live Midnight! 

JOE McCARTHY�Milford Square, Pennsylvania:
My best friend moved down to Savannah (from Pennsylvania) right before the book came out. When the book was released, he told me to read it because it would tell me everything I needed to know about Savannah. I bought it, read it, and loved it. After reading the book I couldn't wait to go down and visit him. At the time he was living a few houses down from Mercer House. As I stepped into my friend's home at midnight, exhausted from the drive, I walked into a party, welcoming me to Savannah. As is tradition, before I even put my suitcase down I was asked, "What are you drinking?"
   As eager as I was to check out all of the sights in the book, I didn't want to "offend" anyone by walking around with the book in hand, "gawking". The week I spent in Savannah was one of, if not the best vacations I have ever had. I did not take one of the "Midnight tours", instead I was given a personal tour by a friend of my friend's, who actually knew the "characters" in the book. I did not get to see The Lady Chablis, but did get to see Emma Kelly (The Lady of 6000 Songs) perform and I visited the Hamilton-Turner House, now owned by "Mandy".
   Whenever anyone tells me they are planning a vacation and have no idea where to go, I pull out the Savannah pictures, lend them my book, and tell them they will never find a better place. Needless to say, I have not seen my copy of the book in quite a long time.
   I have a feeling that the film will not do the book justice, but I plan to see it anyway. If only to get another glimpse at that beautiful city one more time. 

CHRISTINE EDWARDS�Savannah:
It seemed like I was down on the set everyday. I remember going to see the first day of filming. I was excited to see Clint, Kevin and John. I couldn't believe they were right in front of me. I would go see the filming almost everyday. I then found out the cast and crew were eating in my dad's building where he works. This was on Monterey Square. I was so excited because I would watch the filming up close and personal. I got real friendly with the cast and crew. They would let me on the set and watch the filming. I would eat right ascross the table from there. I was star struck for awhile. Then I got over it. I did get my picture with all the stars. They were the sweetest people. The crew couldn't have been nicer. I even got a part in the movie. I am in the Lady Chablis scene watching her perform. I thought it was the neatest thing. I then was invited to the wrap party and the after-wrap party. That was neat to actually go to a Hollywood-type party. I can't wait until the movie comes out. I had one of the best times of my life. 

SANDRA OVERLY�Greensboro, North Carolina:
First, let me express my appreciation for your wonderful website; no longer do I feel a sense of frustration at feeling I'm missing something wonderful--it's all here! My husband and I have been "Midnight" and Savannah junkies since spring of 1994, having jumped into the car and headed down there almost as soon as he finished reading the book. Greensboro is only about four hours away, so we can get a "fix" several times a year of Emma Kelly at Hannah's East, breakfast at Clary's, just strolling around the gorgeous city. We were down in May when the filming in Monterey Square was going on and were pleased to be able to see the actors at work on something we had anticipated so very much. We met John Berendt at a reading and book signing at local bookstore a while back and enjoyed him so much. Please continue keeping us posted on articles and tv programs. LOVE THE BOOK!!!! 

DENISE�Woodstock, Georgia:
My love affair with Savannah and "The Book" started in late 1994. My husband's job took him to Savannah for a few weeks. Since I'd never been, I made the 4-hour drive down for the weekend. My husband had to work pretty much the whole time, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. From the second I hit the streets of Savannah, I felt like I knew the place. I went exploring, and at the third store I went into, I asked the clerk about "this book I keep seeing around". She told me to buy it, and if I didn't like it, she would give me a refund. She only told me that it was a true story and that a few people were still freaked out about it. I read it, in Savannah. I went to all the places mentioned in the book. It was so great. 
   I have had more fun with John Berendt's book. I've bought it for so many people, and we all have fun discussing our favorite characters. I've been back to Savannah quite a few times now. My husband and I went down around Memorial Day this year and heard a tip about film-shooting at night at Monterey Square. So we headed down there. The square was decorated for Christmas so we knew it had to be about one of Jim Williams' parties. We ended up being filmed as onlookers. And we had a chance to get up close to Clint Eastwood, Kevin Spacey, and John Cusack.
   Again, I've had more fun with everything associated with Mr. Berendt's book. I thank him so much for writing it and having the people to write about in a city that has a mind (and everything else) of her own. 

M.C.�Burlingame, CA:
First off I have to let you know how incredible I think your site is on Midnight. It is a treasure trove of information for huge fans of the book like myself. I have worked in a library for the last few years (I love my job!) and on our "Hold" shelf I kept seeing this book called Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil. People in the library were always talking about it and as far as I had seen it had been on the NY Times Best Seller list for literally years. So earlier this year I decided to read the book. And I am glad I did. It is truly one of the best books I ever read. Full of intrigue and humor, it is brilliantly written by John Berendt! I have read it twice and recommend it all the time to people. In fact, a few of my co-workers and I talk about it all the time and keep each other updated on the status of the film. I now am dying to go to Savannah!! In the three years that the book has been out it has never been on the shelf in the library because it is constantly checked out. Thre are currently over 40 holds on the book. And it doesn't look like that's going to change any time soon. Let me stress again that your web site is excellent. Keep up the great work! 

ANNA�Orange Park, FL:
I read "Midnight" a couple months after it came out, long before it hit the bestseller list becoming "The Book". And fell in love. It was an incredible experience. It remains an incredible experience. Mr. Berendt is a gift to the reading world, a gift to the writing world. 
   For the next year I raved, "You have to read this book. You just have to read this book...." to anyone who would listen--friends, aquaintances, total strangers... "you've just got to read this book..."
   Eventually, probably in self defense, some did and called to say "Thanks, you were right, this book is just great, I tell all my friends they just have to...." 
   After it found its place on the bestseller list I still raved on, "Read the book, don't take someone's word that it's great, you really need to read the book."
   A couple years ago my husband and I were transferred to Jacksonville from the West Coast. I got off the plane saying, "When are we going to Savannah?" I didn't shut up till I got there. It has become my all-time favorite "get-away". Every visit is unique and enchanting. I'll be back....and in the meantime, there are still a few folks on the planet who haven't read "The Book", so I will continue "You've got to read this book, you've got to see The Movie, ...but read the the book first...it's special..." 

CATHY BARBRAY�Jacksonville:
I must first tell you that I love this site. Anyone who has read the book would agree that your site is a must-hit on the web! Savannah is my husband's as well as my own favorite city to visit and we would move there in a heartbeat if at all possible. There is a mystically endearing charm that sort of draws you in to it. And once it casts its spell on you, you become a part of it. We fell in love with the city long before reading or knowing about THE BOOK, and love it more even since. By the way, of all the great places to eat there, nothing tops Mrs. Wilkes, or steak dinner at Clary's with a fried green tomatoes appetizer. The best! 

LENA KONTELA (age 15)�Greece:
Last night I finished the book. I read in 3 days because it was so interesting. It's the first time that I read something so fascinating. And the fact that is a true story makes it better.
   Jude Law is my favorite actor and is going to be Billy (Danny) in the movie. So, one day I was searching infos about him on the net and I found that is going to be a member of Clint Eastwood's cast for his new movie.... So I searched informations about it and I found your cool site. Then I read other people's comments about it so I bought the book and finished in 3 days!
   It is so wild, so weird and full of mystery. I have in my mind pictures of the characters. Minerva--the old witch, Danny--the helpless boy, Jim--the tragic character of the story, Joe Odom--the coolest guy of the company, everyone was great! And the writer himself, who lived those things....
   My favorite character is the boy from the store, the one who puted paint on his eyes. I believe that the writer should spend more time with him.
   Anyway, I am grateful to you Max, because your site was the main reason I read the book. I can't wait to see the movie, although people say that the book is always better. And I think that's true. 

BILLIE JACQUELIN AROLLA�Savannah:
Although I was not an extra in the movie "Midnight", I spent countless hours watching the filming. There were few days that I did not watch some part of the filming. I spent many lunch hours, after work and weekends watching Clint & Company. I became known as the "Midnight Groupie," in the positive sense of the word.
   I was fortunate one sultry afternoon after work. I went to the filming site on Liberty St., and I guess I was just born under a lucky star. Right there on the corner, after a break in filming, none other than Clint Eastwood came walking down the street towards me. I became very weak-kneed. I began taking pictures of him and then after he signed THE BOOK for a fan, I asked if I might have my picture taken with him. He smiled and said yes, I handed my camera to a lady fan on the street and asked her to take the picture. And then...and then...he put his arm around me so gently, and just as the lady was going to snap the picture, I laid my head upon his chest, and she snapped it. I was shaking...and felt as if I should find a fainting couch immediately. I drove home in a blur...thinking to myself that Meryl Streep doesn't have anything on me! (ok, ok, that was stretching it a little bit.:)
    I had the pictures developed the next day...had the one of Clint and I enlarged and set about getting him to autograph it. They were filming in front of Monterey Square that Sunday evening. I staked out a park bench in the square directly in front of Mercer House and waited for him far into the night...knowing I had to get up early for work the next morning, but knowing also that one must "seize the moment" in life. My moment came...and I "attempted" to seize it. Suddenly, I looked up and here came Clint & his bodyguards walking towards his silver bus...they were done filming for the night. I asked him if he would autograph my picture. In a very quiet, low voice he answered "No ma'am" and stepped into his bus. I couldn't believe it! NO???!!! He told me NO! Oh my, such disappointment I felt at that very moment. Well that just wouldn't do, so being the persistent lady that I am, when he exited the bus heading to his chauffeured Towncar.... I asked him once again. He ignored me, but I persisted still. He got into his car, and I said one more little "Puh-lease?" That one must have gotten to him. He rolled down the window and beckoned me over to him. I handed him my 8 x 10 enlargement and my pen, and there under the low lights shining from Mercer House, he autographed it. I thanked him and then quoted a line from "Bridges". I said very softly, "I am anything but a simple woman." He got such a kick out of that, he threw his head back and really laughed and just patted my arm!! That remark tickled him so!! And That... Made My Day!!"
   The cast and crew were all so very nice and I was struck by Clint's soft, gentle ways. Even when he told me "No, ma'am", he was so sweet about it. I was fortunate during the time they were here in Savannah to have lunch with the cast and crew one day, with Clint sitting just a few tables away. I also was able to get on the set more than once but one night I recall distinctly. Around midnight one night...a scene with Alison Eastwood and John Cusak sitting in a swing in the park, and somebody screwing up their lines and Clint and them all laughing...Cut! It was hysterical. 
    I became a celebrity of sorts. I was interviewed by the Savannah Morning News (the article can be read here on The Ultimate Midnight Site.) Being the Midnight Groupie, I also was interviewed by CNN for a story they are doing on the movie (soon to be aired). Newsweek magazine also took photographs of me with a few of my friends at the filming site. 
   I attended the wrap up party which was wonderful. I wouldn't have missed that for the world. Since Clint & Company left Savannah, there has been a void and I have channeled that energy towards a scrapbook I am compiling about the making of the movie. I have saved all the newspaper articles and pasted numerous pictures I took during the filming. It is a great work of art and something I will always cherish. 
    And very soon now, Nov. 20th, the premiere will be held here in Savannah. I only hope that my lucky star continues to shine brightly upon me...and that I am somehow able to get tickets to attend the premiere. I should think that Clint would want the "Midnight Groupie" to attend, don't you? "Yes, Ma'am." 

JENNIFER L.J.�Savannah:
Savannah, Georgia, the movie city. Movies being filmed to your left and to your right. One can hardly escape the bright lights of Hollywood moving in. I was lucky enough to have been chosen for an extra role in the movie. The buzz of the city was overwhelming, and to be a part of the whole experience. The swarms of onlookers and screaming Eastwood fans was overwhelming itself. 
   Day one was wonderful. We were put in our holding areas, and got to know each other. All of the other extras were great people. You should see the clothes we had to wear. Living in the 90's wearing the 70's. 
   Filming had started, and we were excited. The opportunity was one not to be passed up. We shot from 10:30 am until about 9:30 pm. Sound like a long time? It was the best time of my life. 
   My second day was the one I am sure to never forget. Lunch time, and the press was outside of our holding area. The stars got to eat, and then the extra's. A few of the extras and I went into line last, and got our scrumptious food!!! We walked to the back, and sat down. Guess who came and sat down in front of us? Clint Eastwood and his beautiful wife. They were so nice and interested if we were having fun on the set, and making sure that we were taken care of. And his golf game. I was so nervous I forgot to eat. 
   After lunch, a co-extra dared me to go get Clint's autograph before he left. He handed me a napkin of all things, and a pen. Knees knocking and palms sweating I approached him. I said "Mr. Eastwood, may I have your autograph?" He turned and gave me that Dirty Harry look and said "No." I didn't know if I was more upset or embarassed. I went to walk away and he said "Oh, I am just kidding--I just wanted to see your reaction." Whew! That was very memorable for me. 
   I wish this movie and all of the stars the best of luck. It will be great, I am positive. And my experience is one not to be forgotten. 

ALAN WEAVER�Norwalk, Connecticut:
Over 3 years ago we took a vacation to Hilton Head Island, SC�we landed in Savannah airport and drove there. As we were so close to Savannah, we decided to spend a day there. As we only had limited time to see Savannah, we decided to take a bus tour of the city which was quite enjoyable. The book had just recently climbed the best seller lists and was mentioned a few times during the tour of where so and so and such and such occurred in the book. After the vacation, I HAD to read the book�what was so amazing about the book is that although it was true, it read better than most fiction! And it was definitely entertaining as well as a quite fascinating character study of the people involved. In fact, my wife has even read Lady Chablis' autobiography. I also have to say that day was the best day of our week-long vacation. Hilton Head was definitely dull�one can play golf anywheres, but Savannah was definitely a city with a great personality and charm. Can't wait to go back there, to see the movie, and to definitely re-read the book. Hard to believe the book has been on the bestseller lists for so long now! A very strong and positive recommendation for the book. 

"Star Gazer"�Fort Washington, Maryland:
Browsing the websites of the cast, I couldn't help but notice the "star quality" looks on that "newcomer," Kevin Harry. Yes, I did read the book a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Almost wanted to read it again when I finished the last page! Just like the book immediately after release, I plan to be there when this movie premieres at theatres near me! 

ROBERTA BRAGDON BANGHART�Lansing, Michigan:
I want to tell you that I enjoyed your webpage, loved the book and am looking forward to the movie. One person not mentioned on your webpage [as of this writing] who is in the book and we have seen several times is Emma Kelly. It made me wonder if she still has Emma's Cocktail Lounge. I have one of her records and think she is a fascinating character. I live in Lansing Michigan, but my mother, now 95, was born and raised in Savannah and was in a Girl Scout troup that met in the carriage house of Juliette Low's. I love the city, and the book mentioned several sites that I have visited or heard Mom talk about. My grandfather was a turn-of-the century architect in Savannah, Robert Bragdon. Thanks for the site. (Click here to read Roberta's column about her mother and Savannah in the "Aunt Mitzie's Savannah" section of "The Ultimate MIDNIGHT Site".) 

MARK HAMMER�Austin, Texas:
My wife and I took turns reading "Midnight" out loud in bed shortly after the book came out. Like just about everyone else, we loved it. And like just about everyone else, we best enjoyed what we feel is the book's central character: Savannah. That summer we visited Savannah and took the bus tour that travels to many of the book's locales. What a terrific trip! And what a town, with its weeping moss, sexy heat, and intoxicating humidity. I'm drunk just thinking about it . . . 

JACK SILAS�Atlanta, Georgia:
Being originally from Savannah, I thoroughly loved the book. Myself and members of my family knew several of the characters personally and reading the book was like being home again. I hope the movie can come close to the book.

"MR. BENNET"
I'm a native Savannahian and was single, living downtown in the 80's when the action in the book takes place. I heard John Berendt say in an interview that the "Savannah that existed in the book, existed only during that interval in the 1980's." It didn't exist before or since. I've been wondering how true that is and if any other Savannahians agree with that statement. Here's some input:
Different from the past:
1. Interest in the historic district was very small until the federal tax credits in the 1970's led to a restoration craze. This was the first big change from the past IMHO. 
2. SCAD soon followed and the downtown area began to see young people with multi-colored hair walking around -- even late at night. That was a change!
3. Those students began to rent the restored carriage houses, etc, driving property values up. I rented my townhouse to a few of them, (which was an experience). 
4. On a symbolic level -- I-16, the very last link in the decades-old US interstate highway system program was completed in the 1970's, linking Savannah with Macon and eventually Atlanta and the rest of the world.
5. Because of all the restoration, Savannah's tourism industry was launched in the 1970's. The major unfortunate impact of this was that natives couldn't go to Mrs. Wilkes on their lunch hour any more because of the lines <g>. 
6. I don't think Jimmy Carter's being president in the 70's had any direct impact on making Savannah a more widely known locale. Maybe indirectly. 
Different from the present:
1. The good ol' boy politics are greatly diminished. We used to have the same democratic mayor from about 1970 to around 1990. Then we had a female republican mayor and now a black mayor. The City Manager who'd been on the scene from even further back in the 1960's is now also retired.
2. Savannah is far more well-known to the tourist industry, in part because of the movies filmed here and now this book. So there are 10 zillion more people visiting and Savannah has a much more beaten path to its door (if not already) than even the '80's. It can no longer be called obscure. 
3. Also on a symbolic level -- the Talmadge bridge to South Carolina was replaced with a prettier, higher bridge in 1991, I think (right after Desert Storm, whenever that was). 
4. SCAD is so large now that a major component of downtown property values revolves around this school. In the 80's there was considerable debate if not resistance to the influx of the students and to turning certain buildings into dormitories. All that's been done now. The debate is pretty much closed. 
Does anyone else have any input on this question? Some things remain the same, but these are the changes that I could think of. 
("Mr. Bennet" is a pseudonym. My family name appears in a list of names in the book.)

SHARIN M.�Greeley, Colorado:
This book was fascinating. The characters were all so interesting. It makes me want to take a road trip to Savannah to see this all for myself. I would especially like to see the squares. My favorite character was Joe. He was involved with so many things. I think I'd love to move into people's houses while they're out of the country. In fact, I have my eye on a couple of houses right now....The book also reminds me how much I enjoyed the few years I lived in the South. There's just something about the South--something I can't describe...although, John Berendt sure did a good job of it. 

DAVE BOULTER�LaSalle, Colorado: 
A good book is one in which characters are presented in such a way that you can in some way relate to them or the situation that they're in. A great book is one such that the characters come alive, and the setting becomes a "feeling" as well as something visualized. "Midnight" is a GREAT book, and could potentially�in the right hands�become quite a character-driven success. It will be fascinating to see the characters' transitions from book to screen, and it's an exciting prospect to see if Clint Eastwood can capture the depth of the characters as was done so well by Mr. Berendt.

CHRIS M.�New York, New York: 
I'm ready to read "Midnight..." since reviewing articles and visiting the town sites from your web page. Studying architecture and historic preservation in the late 70's was my introduction to Savannah, when its revered town squares and streetscapes were subjects of essays, teaching, and design inspiration. I've never visited Savanah, but the spiritual character of such a place fascinates. I'm ordering a set of Midnight site magnets for a sort of virtual trip to this garden of good and evil while reading the book.

KATHRYN PARTIN�Auburn, Georgia:
I thoroughly enjoyed "Midnight". Being from Savannah myself it was nice to read a book and be able to "almost" picture the areas in my mind. I have visited the cemeteries several times in my life (I am a big gravesite buff). I look forward to my next visit to my hometown to complete my photo book of the gravesites mentioned in the book, not to mention the other places mentioned, i.e: shops, cafes, and homes....I look so forward to the movie. Thanks for the web site...

MAX MOVSOVITZ, "The Ultimate 'Midnight' Site" web-host:
Never have I have enjoyed a book as much as I have Midnight. Of course, I can't say I've read any other books that have so exquisitely detailed my hometown, people that I know, people who are linked to my family, and places I know so intimately. It was, after all, only two doors down from the Mercer House that I spent many afternoons as a child that would more than any other experience influence the path I would choose for my career. It was there in the Noble Hardee Mansion at the southwest corner of Bull and Gordon that I took my first formal art classes. Few memories linger as clearly as those of the view out the towering windows to the ornate cast iron railings, or the echoing sounds of people walking up the old wooden stairs, or the incredibly tall-ceilinged rooms�which appeared cavernous to this "suburban-ranch"-raised 5 year old. It was also great fun to read about friends of my family, including attorney Sonny Seiler and the real-estate agent and family-friend who sold our childhood house (called "Badness" in The Book); and about Bonaventure Cemetery, where my great-grandparents and my grandparents Louis and Adele Kantziper are buried, along with the ancestors of many of my friends. And having worked for several years in the field of historic preservation (my first job out of college was with the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation), I greatly enjoyed reading about the trials and tribulations of Savannah's preservation community, with all its efforts to preserve the very buildings and districts that inspired me as a youngster to work in the field of preservation in the first place. 

Back to THE ULTIMATE MIDNIGHT SITE