THE FACES OF EVE AND OTHERS

By Dan Miller
September 27, 2007

I clearly recall almost every scene from the 1957 movie “The Three Faces of Eve”.

I remember it so well because, just days ago, I saw it again -- on the big screen.
Joanne Woodward won the Oscar as Best Actress in 1958 for her performance.

The movie was based on true events that unfolded in Augusta, Georgia in the mid 1950s.
It was about a young woman from nearby Edgefield, South Carolina who -- while being treated for severe headaches and blackouts -- was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder.
She was possessed by three distinct and conflicting personalities.... Eve White, Eve Black, and Jane.
The case was considered a milestone in understanding that disorder.

Because it happened in Augusta.... and because the book was written by two Augusta psychiatrists.... and, perhaps, because Joanne Woodward was a Georgia girl, the World Premiere of the movie was staged at the Miller Theatre, on September 18, 1957, there in my hometown.

Many Augustans still remember that night as an elaborate social and community event, attended by big wigs from Hollywood and scores of local dignitaries.

Last week -- to mark the 50th anniversary of that World Premiere -- Augusta staged another impressive celebration, and hundreds of folks paid to see “The Three Faces of Eve” once again projected onto the big screen.

The old Miller Theatre wasn’t available for the anniversary event, because it’s being renovated....
So they held it just across the street at the Imperial Theatre.... another classic downtown theatre that’s already been beautifully restored.... and a place where I spent many hours of my youth.

Among the special guests invited for the 50th anniversary was Jim Davis, an Augusta broadcasting icon, who had served as emcee that night in 1957.

Another special guest was “Eve” herself.
Her real name is Chris Sizemore, and the event organizers found her living in Florida -- doing just fine, mentally and physically -- and they brought her to Georgia for the festivities.

Because of my family connection to the old Miller Theatre.... and because of my 45 year friendship with Jim Davis.... I was invited to take part.
So I drove to Augusta last week, accompanied by my daughter Darcy, and joined in a celebration even Hollywood would be proud of.

In one of the attached photos, you’ll see “Eve” (Chris Sizemore) seated between Darcy and me as she autographed her book for us.

Prior to the screening, my duties were to introduce my pal Jim Davis on stage, and talk with him about his recollections of that night 50 years earlier.

But before I introduced Jim, I took time to inform the audience that I was standing there on stage in the very spot where -- more than 50 years earlier -- Eddy Arnold had stood performing, while a kid named Danny Miller (that’s me) sat a few feet away, on the very front row.
I even pointed out the exact seat I sat in.

I reminisced how, years later -- in Nashville -- I mentioned to Eddy that I had been there in Augusta in the 1950s.... on the front row.... watching him perform at the Imperial Theatre.
And I told the audience how Eddy answered me, saying, “Ah yes, I remember you... the little boy in the short pants!”

That Eddy Arnold is a hoot!

Anyhow, the 50th anniversary of the premiere of "The Three Faces Of Eve" was a magical night for me, back in my hometown, meeting old friends, and cousins (some of whom I’d never met) and being inside a beautiful theatre I’d not visited for more than 40 years.

And, by the way, I’ve never told Eddy Arnold this.... but, I had on “long pants” that day when he performed in Augusta.
I think he may have me confused with someone else.