Anyone wanting to visit The Biltmore should time it, imo, to hit it between Thanksgiving and Christmas as its Christmas decor is beyond description. But, about six weeks before Thanksgiving is peak fall color. Vanderbilt and his wife loved Europe and his wife would always say the European leaves were prettier in the fall than those in America so Mr V hired a “gardener” and ordered him to obtain and plant stands of every variety of tree in Europe that had good fall color. So when you see peak fall color there, its a leaf turn unlike any other in the world.
Hey Glenn, do you know the story of how Peter Sellers got the lead role in “BEING THERE” ?
We were in Asheville over the holidays last year and celebrated the New Year at Grove Park. The decorations there and at the Biltmore are something to behold. Now I need to go back in the fall.
Re: Sellers and how he got the role. I know he had been after it for some time (8 or 9 years) because he loved Kosinski’s novel and he wanted Ashby to direct it. After making the Pink Panther sequels, both of which were very successful, I believe he used his leverage with Lorimar to get the movie made. Is that correct?
Yes, but as I understand it, Kozinsky refused to consider him during the long period and so he started stalking Kosinsky in character as Chance the Gardner! He would turn up at parties and restaurants the author was at, and stay in character the whole time!
If it were smaller, would it be the Biltless?
That would require some major CGI.
That's a magnificent building. Thanks for the tour. You've also made me want to rewatch Being There.
Yay! Thank you for taking a look, potentially at both.
Anyone wanting to visit The Biltmore should time it, imo, to hit it between Thanksgiving and Christmas as its Christmas decor is beyond description. But, about six weeks before Thanksgiving is peak fall color. Vanderbilt and his wife loved Europe and his wife would always say the European leaves were prettier in the fall than those in America so Mr V hired a “gardener” and ordered him to obtain and plant stands of every variety of tree in Europe that had good fall color. So when you see peak fall color there, its a leaf turn unlike any other in the world.
Hey Glenn, do you know the story of how Peter Sellers got the lead role in “BEING THERE” ?
We were in Asheville over the holidays last year and celebrated the New Year at Grove Park. The decorations there and at the Biltmore are something to behold. Now I need to go back in the fall.
Re: Sellers and how he got the role. I know he had been after it for some time (8 or 9 years) because he loved Kosinski’s novel and he wanted Ashby to direct it. After making the Pink Panther sequels, both of which were very successful, I believe he used his leverage with Lorimar to get the movie made. Is that correct?
Yes, but as I understand it, Kozinsky refused to consider him during the long period and so he started stalking Kosinsky in character as Chance the Gardner! He would turn up at parties and restaurants the author was at, and stay in character the whole time!
Given Sellers' compulsions and personality, wouldn't surprise me a bit...
I think I got that from a Dick Cavett interview with PS. I’ll have to look it up.
Anyone who hasnt seen this movie is really missing out.
It’s a classic in my eyes. A bit of a slow burn, but really a beautiful film.
That last shadow photo is wowzers!
Thanks Mike!
Wow 😮
Thanks Rachel. It’s an incredible place, and I know you would love Asheville.
It's definitely on a to visit list, for both Adam and me!