30 years later, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" author is still exploring Savannah

[@Honestfeedback1]

I read this book while my husband was working in Savannah for fun. I m from NY and he’s from Germany. I loved Savannah but the book made me feel connected to everything we did. My son 13 (2024) just finished the book for his 8th grade AR reading. Although some of the content is racey for an 8th grader he knew Savannah as a child and the places mentioned. The book was written perfectly to be engaged. My son had to give me a recap every chapter because he loved the characters and once it went from the people to mystery he had to know more. Same here and I read it at 40.

[@TiaCatR]

This book was part of the reason I moved to Savannah. I've lived here over 20 years now, most of that time downtown in the historic district. It has gotten more homogenized over the years with the influx of people like me, but there are still plenty of eccentrics. It's a beautiful, quirky place to live. Glad Mr. Berendt's publishing a 30th anniversary edition. I'll pick one up. 😊

[@samanthab1923]

I knew a couple who moved down there years back & did ghost tours 👻

[@boxofmoles4057]

🤮

[@dianapearson1771]

I have never been but hope to someday

[@fearsomebeard4290]

Still one of the best books I’ve ever read.

[@marysheehy4733]

Lady Chablis came to Aiken SC for a charity event years ago. It was fabulous- the whole place was dancing!

[@ncavlleguy]

I visited Savannah for the first time time in September 2002 and I was fortunate enough to meet the lady Chablis , have my photo taken with her and received an autographed copy of her auto-biography, which everyone should read, and the she wowed us with a fantastic show, I’ll never forget it, and the city tours are ok but I had my own private tour guide, who took me places the other tours don’t . I especially enjoyed the movie and seeing the Mercer house in person, I really loved that after all that’s my last name too. IT WAS FABULOUS YALL !

[@bbills4186]

Loved the book and the movie! Savannah will always have a special place in my heart. Back in 2017, I was briefly unemployed and one of my closest friends asked me if I wanted to visit Savannah. I jumped at the chance and we spent 5 days exploring the squares and talking to the people who live there (there are still some eccentric people there lol). Little did I know this would be the last girls trip I would take with my friend as she passed less than 9 months later. But, Savannah will always be in my ❤ as a result.

[@RaymondInSC]

I lived in Savannah from late 1977 to mid-2002. Savannah looks as beautiful as ever, but the eccentricities Berendt observed and wrote about are long gone. But that's to be expected. Nothing stays the same.

[@samanthab1923]

I can’t believe they didn’t show UGA. Sonny Siler died last year but his son still takes UGA to all the games. Go Dawgs!

[@boxofmoles4057]

Faux eccentricities. A perpetually obnoxious passion play. 🤮

[@EdelweisSusie]

For anyone who hasn’t seen the film, please do - it has THE most stunning cinematography of any film I’ve seen in my life! It will take your breath away.

[@Mrsplanetmaster9]

I will, for some Saturday night entertainment... 🌹

[@davidgeorge8226]

One of the fabulously eccentric ladies that lived in Savannah a singer piano player and fashion icon, was Diana Rogers! Did anyone get a chance to see her perform at the pink house or one of the many other venues? She sadly passed in jan 2024 she will be forever missed and a huge part of Savannah!

[@510trouble]

One of my favorite books and movies. Do the tours every time I visit Savannah.

[@dwoodw6990]

Thank you for this piece on Savannah and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I've read the book and watched the movie a few times since it came out. I am always recommend the book when I hear someone talking about Savannah. Its about time for another reread.

[@MadisonBriggsArtchick]

Excellent segment! Thank you! One of my favorite books and movies even now!

[@samanthab1923]

Happy to hear there is an update ❤

[@sburris65]

Love the book and the movie. I also fall in love with this beautiful city more each time I visit.

[@samanthab1923]

Loved that book. Can’t believe it’s been 30 years! I also read John’s book on Venice The City of Falling Angels. Used to watch Southern Charm Savannah & that’s how I found out The Lady Chablis died. Looking forward to the update ❤

[@GraveTalkswithShannonScott]

I met Jim Williams, renting from him while in art school, spending lot of time around the book's "characters," and The Mercer House. It was a novel hour to live here before and after "The Book." Now I just tell their tales graveside oddly enough, but all part of how it continues. Certainly, it wouldnt be the same place without the impact. #savannah #Bonaventure

[@cil20002000]

Read the book 30 years ago and thought how great it would be as a movie, a few years and 16 million visitors later it’s still going strong. Probably one of the best places for St Paddy’s Day celebrations

[@millerforester6237]

This movie directed by Clint Eastwood is my favorite of all this works. One of the very few movies I have ever seen that left you wanting more. Casting was superb. Kevin Spacy needs to get back to work.

[@christinebuckingham8369]

I love Savannah - it’s a beautiful city.

[@ec8687]

One of my favorite cities♥️

[@sampa2nyc]

This book would make a great mini series like Feud: Joan vs. Bette or Feud: Truman Capote vs. the Swans

[@bindagr]

Savannah is a unique place with an iteresting history and even more interesting people. Children and shallow people won't appreciate it, but for everyone else it's must visit.

[@kayeroskaft9619]

Fun to see this segment all these years later about a favorite book of mine.

[@macdisciple]

Moved to Savh in 1994 for SCAD. Downtown was deserted. Broughton St. was boarded up. Watched the filming of the movie through Mercer House windows. Now there are too many people and too much traffic downtown. When I go back - it’s changed for the better and for the worst.

[@giannalee8586]

loved this book and i hope to visit Savannah Georgia in the future

[@AngelaMadray]

I am from Savannah and to this day have dear friends there that owned a restaurant on River Street and one still owns a vegetable stand on Wilmington Island! I read Midnight, I've seen Lady Chablis at Club One, under the city😮and she signed my book! Long ago..I visited Savannah with my youngest son this year and it's BEAUTIFUL AS ALWAYS, but too many visitors. Naturally, the world is more populated, but do your sightseeing early morning downtown, go to Bonaventure Cemetery beautiful and located on a bluff on the river. We used to run around it at night as teenagers and jump into the river and were scared by oyster shells!! unfortunately unfortunately

[@tishw4576]

Love love love this book. The movie is excellent as well.

[@samanthab1923]

Still have my copy from 30 years ago! My old neighbor had a copy of the Bird Girl statue out in her front garden.

[@kayhammock]

One of my all time favorite books! I have an autographed copy of this book. Visited Savannah, following in the steps of the people from the book.

[@cynthiagale6794]

One of my favorite books and movies!💖💞💖

[@knottynumbers44]

I used to visit Savannah in the 1980s, I thought it would never change. I wish I had spent even more time there than I did.

[@IrishPinkMilo]

Never read the book, but the movie is why I visit so much. I love Bonaventure, and I love finding my own history in the area.

[@reginalddawson9258]

I purchased this book my first and only visit. One of my favorites.

[@CA-tk8yn]

The city especially in the Historic district is one of the best walking cities I've visited. There are charming shops and around every corner seems to be an unexplored knook. Riverwalk is a great place to see the many blooming artists from SCAD, who put on daily shows for a donation or two. I enjoy going there every x number of years just to recapture the essence of how different these folks live. I got into the book and movie after visiting SCAD with my daughter on a summer program, who has bloomed into quite the artist herself. It is expensive especially during St Patrick's day, so be aware of that.

[@annerfrancis]

Loved this book and Eastwood's movie!

[@maryettamoody5079]

Read years ago still have ot

[@pateder83]

The first thing I thought was oh my God that was 30 years ago and that's when I started crying and I don't cry

[@MonticaT6479]

My favorite book and movie!!!

[@thegreyhoundgirls536]

This is one of my favorite books. I loved the movie too.

[@brandywineblogger1411]

I saw the movie and then visited Savannah, walked down sleepy Bull Street with all the squares. I bought the book while I was there. Totally loved it and realized how Clint Eastwood ruined the balance of the book and most of the characters. In the book, Joe Odem, who in real life was blondish, a real cutie, and a great dresser, had much more time, as his "watching" people's historic homes while they were away turned into a business where he would book tour buses to come in and serve tea sandwiches. I think Eastwood was taken by Lady Chablis who steals every scene she's in. In addition, it was a vehicle to give his daughter Alison a suppoting role as Mandy. Mandy was a tough looking lady and not as sweet as Alison. If you haven't read the book, please read it.

[@JoanGillespie-l3k]

I have the book, loved it and the movie!!!

[@CrazyMaryJo]

Excellent novel 📚. Very good movie 🍿

[@dellahayden5606]

I absolutely loved the movie and the book was fantastic too 🎉❤🥰

[@esthert6416]

Loved the book and movie ❣️

[@dianapearson1771]

AWSOME book! AWSOME movie! I have the book and he movie! Think I’ll watch it right now!!!

[@lissa4306]

Loved the story! Quite intriguing!

[@evelynmayton470]

I love the book and Savannah ❤

[@judithparsons1920]

Stood across the room from Berendt- a Christmas party. My family was in his book. When someone asks-“Can I get you a drink?” They don’t mean iced tea.

[@sandisteinberg731]

The movie doesn't begin to do justice to Berendt's terrific book.

[@normadesmond6017]

wonderful book

[@maryburrell3948]

That was such a good book and movie

[@cheribee968]

The movie is one of my top favorite films

[@bettyvann5499]

Love Savannah !

[@tabithabell7126]

Love Love this movie ❤

[@jhardy0786]

I love savanna

[@cocoaorange1]

I would like to see the movie.

[@angelikasakaguchi]

Love this movie

[@katemoore6249]

Great book!!!

[@LisaGemini]

It just blows you away, that book! Has created a whole tourist industry there. I've been there, loved the book. I cannot believe they got away with trying Williams four times. What happened to double jeopardy?

[@pdmacguire]

That's the whole point. They kept finding him guilty, because the man was clearly guilty as Hell - and he kept buying a new trial. Justice used to be the most expensive thing you could buy in Chatham County. Now, it's cheap.

[@michaelcain9324]

The book is spectacular. The movie... Though we'll cast, Eastwood as director wasca mistake. He made Savanna look pedestrian, and cut fabulous characters so his daughter could play a nonexistent love interest. And sing badly. The Lady Chablis stole the whole movie. She was sensational. ❤

[@decencywarrior9598]

great movie

[@harper7509]

Give it back

[@chipmunkvernoy]

The 1997 A&E special, MIDNIGHT IN SAVANNAH is also great (not so the Clint Eastwood misfire movie).

[@charleshamilton9274]

I would never, ever live in a squalid Red State, but visit Savannah, why yes, yes I have. And yes I will. Like Charleston, it is a pocket of absolute beauty. I keep a list of those who’ve passed but would be more than welcome to a dinner party, of sorts, a gathering of souls with whom I would gladly share a meal. Lady Chablis to my left. Alan Turing to my right. The table is long, and the place cards numerous. So many to invite: George Washington Carver, Florence Sabin, Nikola Tesla, Betty White…

[@Ernwaldo]

As a life-long (60+ years) resident of Georgia who loved Savannah, even before hearing of Jim Williams, I loved the novel. The facts surrounding the case, as well as the outlandish eccentricities that everyone remarks upon. The film was okay. But as noted, the influx of tourism was astonishing. Spoiled that quaint, lazy charm I had previously enjoyed so much. Haven’t visited in 25 years or more.

[@samanthab1923]

I had heard Savannah has lost its charm 😢

[@Ernwaldo]

@@samanthab1923 Yeah, that’s my opinion, at least. Or, was, my opinion. Like I said, haven’t visited in over 25 years. That was the only time I was there after the tourist boom. Some folks in the video don’t seem to think it a problem. Maybe it’s not as bad anymore. Or it may just be me? 🤷‍♂️

[@samanthab1923]

@@Ernwaldo I’ll take your word for it. I knew of a couple that moved down during the boom to give ghost tours 👻

[@Ernwaldo]

@@samanthab1923 Wow! Very cool. Happy for your friends. But please *don’t* take my word for anything! LOL That’s why I stressed it was only my opinion. Curious, if you don’t mind: What is your friends’ impression of Savannah currently?

[@samanthab1923]

@@Ernwaldo They haven’t said. They are in LA now.

[@winterlighthome]

Long before this book, Savannah had The Invasion of the Green Meanies: spring break and summer break groups of Girl Scouts coming because of Juliette Gordon Lowe by thousands every year. Girl Scouts were bolstering Savannah long before Berendt.

[@chrisknott5543]

The book was amazing. The movie not so much. Read the book!

[@gregorbos]

Loved the novel. I have a signed copy. The film, however, was disappointing. Clint Eastwood was not the right choice for Director for this particular story.

[@brandywineblogger1411]

Totally agree! The book really gave time to all the characters. The movie ignored most of them except for Chablis. In real life, Joe Odem was blondish, a real cutie. A great dresser. Made money off living in other people's houses. Ignored in the movie.

[@samanthab1923]

It looked great but just didn’t flow right. Jude Law ❤

[@variousJnames]

I love Clint Eastwood but I have to agree. The film lost the luster of characters mentioned in the book.

[@pdmacguire]

Savannah was a magical place to live during the 1980s and early 1990s - if you were white and had a little money - I knew all of the characters downtown; you could hardly avoid it. But that demi-monde is gone now. Only millionaires can afford to live there, with so very many apartments gone, now, and all of the students who don't have a budget. It was a dream that ended, but my liver survived it.

[@fmcevoy1]

I still have a hard time thinking the book is nonfiction.

[@jesusisapisces]

I know. So many interesting characters in the book and of course the main story is insane.

[@samanthab1923]

Btw is he wearing Michael Cohen’s Isaia blue blazer? 😮

[@800oceandrive5]

Go Ghost Pirates!

[@sheilah4525]

Seems to take him an awfully long time

[@TerlinguaTalkeetna]

Industrial tourism is not healthy or good for the long term of any place. Only profitable for the short term. Sad how we must literally destroy what we love. Of course naturally nothing stays the same. I grew up in Austin Tx in the early 70's when there where 200,000 souls in Travis Co and it took 15-20 mins to get to anywhere! There's that many just downtown now and the city limits extend to the county line! I live elsewhere......

[@jbshaka653]

Clint Eastwood totally misunderstood the charm or message of the book and subsequently made a bad movie which bombed at the box office. Rotten Tomatoes stated "Clint Eastwood's spare directorial style proves an ill fit for this Southern potboiler, which dutifully trudges through its mystery while remaining disinterested in the cultural flourishes that gave its source material its sense of intrigue." Bonaventure Cemetery is the "Garden of Good and Evil", it is good before midnight and evil after midnight.

[@russhendrix9674]

A good book, but calling it non-fiction is pushing it.

[@jesusisapisces]

Please elaborate.

[@kensunday5904]

I loved the book and hated the movie. It was straightwashed.

[@MikeSellersGA]

Great book. Terrible movie.

[@jamesdowdy2861]

Savannah is quite possibly the most overratted, boring, unnteresting, and bug- invested city in the country. Try Kybee/Keowah or Folly instead.

[@rmn3186]

If ever a book screams out to make it a miniseries....one of our favorite books. The film was OK, but it felt like Clint was trying to include so much, it diluted the plot. The book really needs more time to get the details and to know the wonderful characters. Hello...CBS...a miniseries. )

[@AnyPerson-my8pe]

I had the misfortune of visiting Savannah decades ago, and it was not a good place