While Gone with the Wind remains a cinematic masterpiece, with unforgettable performances, sweeping music, and breathtaking costumes, the untold stories from behind the scenes are anything but glamorous. The making of this 1939 classic was marred by a series of controversies, dramatic power struggles, and uncomfortable truths about race, gender, and mental health. These hidden tales reveal the dark side of Hollywood during its Golden Age and the difficulties faced by those involved in the making of one of the most celebrated films of all time.

The N-Word: A Battle for Language and Representation

Gone with the Wind was criticized for its portrayal of race, a reflection of the culture at the time of its release. The script, largely inspired by Margaret Mitchell’s original novel, initially retained offensive racial language, including the n-word, which was often used in both the novel and the screenplay. Producer David O. Selznick faced significant pressure from the African American community, journalists, and activists who demanded that the script be revised.

After much protest, including a letter from journalist Earl Morris highlighting the racial insensitivity, Selznick ultimately decided to remove the term from the script. This decision came only after several Black actors refused to participate unless the word was eliminated. The controversy over the language highlighted the racial struggles of the era and the ongoing fight for representation in Hollywood.

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Watch the video as we uncover the dark secrets behind Gone with the Wind. Prepare for surprising revelations you didn’t know about this iconic film!

David O. Selznick’s Overwhelming Investment in the Film

David O. Selznick, the film’s producer, became dangerously obsessed with ensuring Gone with the Wind was a success. His intense dedication to the project led him to increasingly unhealthy behavior. Under immense pressure, Selznick began using Benzedrine, a powerful amphetamine, which he combined with other drugs. His addiction worsened over time, causing his already controlling personality to spiral out of control.

On set, Selznick’s erratic behavior was well-known. He demanded late-night shoots, unexpected costume changes, and made random calls to his staff with last-minute suggestions. His obsession with perfectionism pushed the cast and crew to their limits, and he admitted in letters to MGM that the project had cost him his personal life and well-being.

The Dismissal of Director George Cukor

The making of Gone with the Wind saw three directors, but George Cukor, the original director, was fired early in the production. Selznick and Cukor clashed over the film’s direction, and tensions rose as the producer sought to control every aspect of the movie. Cukor’s working style, which involved a more collaborative approach with actors, didn’t align with Selznick’s vision.

While the official reason for Cukor’s firing was his slow pace, rumors suggested that the true cause was his sexuality. Many believed that Cukor’s open homosexuality upset actor Clark Gable, who allegedly refused to work under a “fairy” and openly expressed his displeasure. The tension between Gable and Cukor led to the director’s removal from the project.

Racial Segregation at the Premiere

The premiere of Gone with the Wind in 1939 took place in Atlanta, where segregation laws were still firmly in place. Black actors in the film, despite their significant contributions, were not allowed to attend the premiere party. Though they were allowed to appear on stage during the event, they were required to sit in separate sections from the white audience. Producer Selznick, hoping to avoid further controversy, decided that the Black actors would not attend the event at all, reflecting the racial inequalities of the time.

A Grueling Process for the Screenplay

Transforming Margaret Mitchell’s sprawling novel into a screenplay was no easy task. Sidney Howard was the initial screenwriter, but his version was far too long, leading to his firing. In desperation, Selznick called in script doctor Ben Hecht, who had not read the book but was tasked with rewriting the script in just five days.

Selznick locked Hecht, director Victor Fleming, and himself in a room with only peanuts and bananas to eat, forcing them to work around the clock. This extreme measure resulted in a rushed script, but the behind-the-scenes pressure was intense. This bizarre Hollywood story became the subject of a play, Moonlight and Magnolias, which dramatizes the madness of those frantic days.

Clark Gable’s Reluctance and Difficult Behavior

Clark Gable, who was cast as Rhett Butler, was not particularly excited about the role. He had been going through a divorce and needed the paycheck, so he reluctantly took on the part. Gable’s dissatisfaction with the film was evident, and he famously refused to adopt a Southern accent for the character. He also initially refused to cry in a pivotal scene following Scarlett’s miscarriage, believing that it was unmanly to show such emotion. Eventually, actress Olivia de Havilland convinced him to perform the scene, and Gable gave a memorable, emotional performance.

Segregated Bathrooms on Set

Despite the film’s portrayal of slavery and racial tension, there were also disturbing racial divisions behind the scenes. Segregated bathrooms were set up for Black actors on the set, a situation that was met with outrage by many of the cast. Lennie Bluett, a young Black extra, took the issue to Clark Gable, who was appalled by the practice. Gable threatened to quit unless the signs were removed, and director Victor Fleming complied, ending the segregation on set.

The NAACP’s Efforts to Influence the Film

The NAACP, aware of the racial implications of Gone with the Wind, sought to have a representative on set to ensure fair treatment of Black actors and to address the film’s racist elements. However, Selznick dismissed the idea, offering instead to hire his own advisor. The NAACP refused, fearing that Selznick’s choice would be biased. Despite their objections, the NAACP did manage to secure the removal of any references to the Ku Klux Klan in the film.

Vivien Leigh’s Casting Controversy

Vivien Leigh’s casting as Scarlett O’Hara sparked considerable backlash. Fans of the book and other actresses who had been considered for the role were outraged that an English actress was chosen. The Daughters of the Confederacy even threatened to boycott the film. Selznick’s publicists worked hard to justify the choice, stating that Leigh’s fresh face and ability to embody the spirit of Scarlett made her the perfect fit, despite her lack of recognition in the U.S.

The Burning of Atlanta Scene: A Shocking Technical Achievement

To recreate the dramatic burning of Atlanta, the filmmakers resorted to a real set fire. With no CGI to rely on, they destroyed a large portion of the set, including pieces from earlier films, to create the illusion of a raging inferno. This scene, which was filmed first, marked the beginning of the production, even before the lead actress was cast.

Affairs and Personal Struggles on Set

Both Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable were involved in affairs during the filming of Gone with the Wind. Leigh, who was married to Laurence Olivier, had an affair with him while in America seeking the role of Scarlett. Gable’s affair with Carole Lombard was ending as filming began, and the two secretly married as soon as Gable had a day off. These personal struggles added to the emotional tension on set.

Leslie Howard’s Discontent with His Role

Leslie Howard, who played Ashley Wilkes, despised his role. He felt that he was too old and unattractive for the part, and he loathed the weak character he was forced to portray. Howard’s frustration was evident, and he even confessed to his daughter that he hated the part. Despite this, Selznick promised him a future opportunity as an assistant producer, which ultimately led Howard to accept the role

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Vivien Leigh and Olivia de Havilland Seek Cukor’s Guidance

After George Cukor’s dismissal, both Vivien Leigh and Olivia de Havilland were devastated. The two actresses, who had developed their characters under Cukor’s direction, sought his guidance in secret after his departure. Despite their loyalty to Cukor, they continued to work with director Victor Fleming, who faced increasing tension with Leigh, who often challenged his methods.

Hattie McDaniel’s Oscar Win Amid Segregation

Hattie McDaniel made history as the first African American actress to win an Oscar for her portrayal of Mammy. However, due to segregation, she was not allowed to sit with her co-stars at the Academy Awards ceremony. She was forced to sit at the back of the room, a stark reminder of the racial injustices that plagued Hollywood at the time.

Watch the video of Hattie McDaniel winning Best Supporting Actress at the 12th Oscars in 1940. Witness this historic moment that made history!

Vivien Leigh’s Struggles with Bipolar Disorder

Vivien Leigh’s bipolar disorder severely affected her work on Gone with the Wind. Her mood swings, alternating between depression and mania, contributed to her erratic behavior on set. She had frequent outbursts, including physically attacking others, and struggled with the pressure of the role. Her mental health issues were exacerbated by her personal life, including her affair with Olivier and the strain of her tumultuous relationship.

Victor Fleming’s Breakdown and Temporary Leave

Victor Fleming, who replaced George Cukor as director, struggled with the intense demands of the job and his mental health. After constant interference from Selznick and conflicts with the cast, Fleming reportedly suffered a nervous breakdown. He temporarily left the production, and another director had to step in while he recovered.

Vivien Leigh’s Dislike for Clark Gable’s Breath

Despite their undeniable on-screen chemistry, Vivien Leigh was not fond of kissing Clark Gable due to his bad breath. Gable’s dentures, which he wore throughout much of his career, caused persistent halitosis, making intimate scenes uncomfortable for his co-stars.

The Long Search for Scarlett O’Hara

David O. Selznick’s search for the perfect Scarlett O’Hara took nearly two years, and over 1,400 actresses were considered for the role. Despite auditions from many famous actresses, it was Vivien Leigh, an unknown in America, who eventually won the part. Leigh’s determination and ability to capture Scarlett’s essence made her the perfect choice for the iconic role.

Gone with the Wind may be remembered as one of the greatest films of all time, but the hidden stories behind its creation reveal a much darker side of Hollywood. From racial tensions to mental health struggles, the making of this beloved classic was fraught with controversy, drama, and heartache. These behind-the-scenes secrets serve as a powerful reminder of the complexities and challenges of filmmaking during the Golden Age of Hollywood.