The Extensive Journey Behind the Filming of Gone with the Wind
When one thinks of the iconic movie Gone with the Wind, it's hard to imagine the immense effort and time it took to bring this beloved story to the big screen. The film's production was a long and meticulous process that spanned nearly two years, with principal photography alone taking around 16 months from January 1939 to July 1940.
From the Rights to the Screen
It all started with the publication of Margaret Mitchell's novel Gone with the Wind in June 1936. Hollywood producer David O. Selznick, an avid reader of the novel, bought the film rights approximately a month after it was published in July 1936 for a substantial sum of $50,000. This marked the beginning of pre-production, where Selznick meticulously began the process of casting and planning.
Challenges and Triumphs
Principal casting for the film's main roles, including the titular character Scarlett O'Hara and the iconic Rhett Butler, was particularly challenging. Selznick's passion for securing Clark Gable to play Rhett Butler nearly derailed the entire project. Gable was under contract to Samuel Goldwyn, a powerful studio, which made securing his services a significant hurdle. However, in August 1938, a deal was struck between Selznick and Goldwyn, allowing Gable to star in the film. Additionally, Selznick initiated a casting call for Scarlett O'Hara, interviewing 1400 actresses and conducting 31 screen tests before Vivien Leigh was selected.
Principal Photography and Beyond
Principal photography began on January 26, 1939, in Atlanta, Georgia, and was scheduled to conclude on July 1, 1940. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable's chemistry on set, along with the impressive visuals and performances, made the effort worthwhile. The film's producer, Selznick, personally watched a rough cut of the film on September 9, 1939, at a preview, signaling the end of post-production activities.
The World Premiere and Beyond
On December 15, 1939, the film had its world premiere at Loew's Grand Theater in Atlanta, Georgia. The event drew an impressive 300,000 attendees, setting a new standard for film premieres. However, the film's journey to the screen was not without its challenges. Georgia's Jim Crow laws at the time effectively barred the African-American cast members from attending the premiere. This led to a powerful moment where Clark Gable insisted on attending when Hattie McDaniel, the actress who played Mammy, was not invited.
Accolades and Beyond
Gone with the Wind received critical acclaim and multiple awards, becoming one of the most successful films of its era. It received 10 Academy Award nominations, including 8 wins, but it notably failed to win any Oscars in the original categories. Hattie McDaniel, who played Mammy, was the first African-American to win an Academy Award, for Best Supporting Actress. Her win was a significant milestone for the film industry, marking a positive step towards inclusion and acknowledgment of African-American actors.
The story of Gone with the Wind's production spans a remarkable 3 years from the purchase of the film rights to its release. The journey from pre-production, through to the filming and post-production, to the world premiere, reflects the dedication and effort required to bring such a historical and culturally significant film to life.