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The Making of Gone With The Wind
Gone With The Wind is one of the most popular movies of all time. To commemorate its seventy-fifth anniversary in 2014, The Making of Gone With The Wind presents more than 600 items from the archives of David O. Selznick, the film’s producer, and his business partner John Hay “Jock” Whitney, which are housed at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin. These rarely seen materials, which are also being featured in a major 2014 exhibition at the Ransom Center, offer fans and film historians alike a must-have behind-the-camera view of the production of this classic. Before a single frame of film was shot, Gone With The Wind was embroiled in controversy. There were serious concerns about how the film would depict race and violence in the Old South during the Civil War and Reconstruction. While Clark Gable was almost everyone’s choice to play Rhett Butler, there was no clear favorite for Scarlett O’Hara. And then there was the huge challenge of turning Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize–winning epic into a manageable screenplay and producing it at a reasonable cost. The Making of Gone With The Wind tells these and other surprising stories with fascinating items from the Selznick archive, including on-set photographs, storyboards, correspondence and fan mail, production records, audition footage, gowns worn by Vivien Leigh as Scarlett, and Selznick’s own notoriously detailed memos. This inside view of the decisions and creative choices that shaped the production reaffirm that Gone With The Wind is perhaps the quintessential film of Hollywood’s Golden Age and illustrate why it remains influential and controversial decades after it was released.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2014
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347 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 21, 2014
One of the things I enjoy most about writing historical fiction is the research I simply must do up front. My upcoming 2016 novel is about two studio secretaries who meet in 1939 during the filming of Gone With The Wind, so I've been devouring everything I can about the making of this epic film for about a year.
This beautifully designed book, pretty enough for your coffee table, was well worth the wait. It was just released this autumn in conjunction with a GWTW exhibit at the Harry Ransom Center in Austin, Texas, where a stellar collection of costumes and such has been on display since September. Steve Wilson’s intriguing look back on the drama of making what would be the most popular movie to date is both informational and insightful and the photos and sketches take you right to the sets at Selznick International.
Gone With the Wind, the book and its movie, has endured for a host of reasons; perhaps every person that loves it, loves it for a different reason. And it might be that it’s hated by others for just as many varied reasons. But as Steve Wilson says in his book, “In the seventy-five years since Gone With the Wind premiered, Selznick’s masterpiece has continued to elicit emotional responses from viewers. It is both adored and reviled. The controversies that attended the production of Gone With the Wind remain, and the film continues to be a powerful touchstone for questions of race, gender, violence, and regionalism in America.” Any backdrop that historically is a powerful touchstone is the perfect place to set a story. I am learning so much about human nature – the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful, by writing this novel.
And may I just say you don’t have to be a Windie to be impacted by Wilson’s The Making of Gone With the Wind. I wouldn't call myself a long-suffering devotee. I just know I never tire of watching Gone With the Wind; the soundtrack alone gets me every time I hear it. Gone With the Wind is as complex a story as any novelist could hope to deliver centered on the ages-old themes of love, home, and survival. Which is why it is such a powerful film. And always will be.
This beautifully designed book, pretty enough for your coffee table, was well worth the wait. It was just released this autumn in conjunction with a GWTW exhibit at the Harry Ransom Center in Austin, Texas, where a stellar collection of costumes and such has been on display since September. Steve Wilson’s intriguing look back on the drama of making what would be the most popular movie to date is both informational and insightful and the photos and sketches take you right to the sets at Selznick International.
Gone With the Wind, the book and its movie, has endured for a host of reasons; perhaps every person that loves it, loves it for a different reason. And it might be that it’s hated by others for just as many varied reasons. But as Steve Wilson says in his book, “In the seventy-five years since Gone With the Wind premiered, Selznick’s masterpiece has continued to elicit emotional responses from viewers. It is both adored and reviled. The controversies that attended the production of Gone With the Wind remain, and the film continues to be a powerful touchstone for questions of race, gender, violence, and regionalism in America.” Any backdrop that historically is a powerful touchstone is the perfect place to set a story. I am learning so much about human nature – the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful, by writing this novel.
And may I just say you don’t have to be a Windie to be impacted by Wilson’s The Making of Gone With the Wind. I wouldn't call myself a long-suffering devotee. I just know I never tire of watching Gone With the Wind; the soundtrack alone gets me every time I hear it. Gone With the Wind is as complex a story as any novelist could hope to deliver centered on the ages-old themes of love, home, and survival. Which is why it is such a powerful film. And always will be.
March 6, 2021
If you thought you didn't need another book on "Gone With the Wind" think again.
I had my reservations if there was going to be enough 'new' material to warrant the purchase price. But this fantastic publication to commemorate the 75th. anniversary of the old 'war horse' is a marvel.
Culled from the archives of David O. Selznick and his business partner Jock Whitney, housed at the Ransom Center in Austin, this magnificently presented book is a joy to behold and a must-have for both GWTW fans and general film book collectors.
Easily one of the best film book releases in recent years and by far the most lavish and spectacular GWTW books in one specialized volume. (Check out 'David O. Selznick's Hollywood' for the most glorious book tribute to all the producer's films.)
The gathering of material including memos, letters, production schedules, extensive sections on screen tests, costuming, production design, behind the scenes and filming along with pre-production background with Margaret Mitchell and Selznick and all the hoopla with the final release and exhibition are all featured to the hilt in this priceless array of archival photos and data.
I had my reservations if there was going to be enough 'new' material to warrant the purchase price. But this fantastic publication to commemorate the 75th. anniversary of the old 'war horse' is a marvel.
Culled from the archives of David O. Selznick and his business partner Jock Whitney, housed at the Ransom Center in Austin, this magnificently presented book is a joy to behold and a must-have for both GWTW fans and general film book collectors.
Easily one of the best film book releases in recent years and by far the most lavish and spectacular GWTW books in one specialized volume. (Check out 'David O. Selznick's Hollywood' for the most glorious book tribute to all the producer's films.)
The gathering of material including memos, letters, production schedules, extensive sections on screen tests, costuming, production design, behind the scenes and filming along with pre-production background with Margaret Mitchell and Selznick and all the hoopla with the final release and exhibition are all featured to the hilt in this priceless array of archival photos and data.
May 21, 2017
This book is filled with hundreds of fascinating images and artifacts; if I was rating the book based on pictures, it would be 5 stars without a doubt. The 1 star rating refers to the content. Why someone would take the story of making the most epic film of all time and turn it into an absolute snooze fest is beyond me. This book was poorly organized and contained an absolutely ridiculous amount of unnecessary detail. I really didn't need a play by play of every single day of filming, who was late, what airline they arrived on, or the last straw, what items were lost after the premiere in Atlanta. If you reduced this book to the interesting content, it would likely be no more than a few pages. My advice? Look at the pictures and skip the text, unless you are looking for an easy way to fall asleep.
March 13, 2015
An excellent portrayal of the production of the very complex and sometimes controversial classic film. Written to coincide with the film exhibition at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas in Austin, this impressive commemorative volume displays formerly unknown documents and behind the scenes correspondence of the major production team of David O. Selznick.
I was fortunate enough to view the GWTW exhibition itself on the final weekend of its run. The crowds at the exhibition were enormous and honor the enduring interest in this classic film even 75 years after its premiere.
Worthy read of any GWTW fan. Enjoy!
I was fortunate enough to view the GWTW exhibition itself on the final weekend of its run. The crowds at the exhibition were enormous and honor the enduring interest in this classic film even 75 years after its premiere.
Worthy read of any GWTW fan. Enjoy!
November 18, 2014
The pictures in this book were stunning. It was really neat to see the possible choices for Scarlett before Vivien Leigh came around. Some of the things were a little boring, like the memos and other correspondence between the people at the studios, directors and letters from the public. Another thing that was interesting was the order that they shot the film. It was all over the place. On the same day, they filmed Rhett and Scarlett's reactions to watching Bonnie fall to her death and then later, Scarlett is under the bridge in the rain on the way to Tara.
November 20, 2014
Lots of interesting stuff for fans of GWTW, includes set photos, stills, notes from David O. Selznick.
December 29, 2014
This beautiful book is filled with stunning photos, letters, memos and more! So many details and interesting facts about my favorite movie of all time!
June 25, 2017
Derived from the extensive holdings of the University of Texas at Austin's David O. Selznick collection, Steve Wilson's The Making of Gone with the Wind spans the time from Selznick's 1936 acquisition of the films rights of Margaret Mitchell's masterpiece to the 1940 Academy Awards, covering in full the production of one of the greatest films of all time. This incredible collection, coupled with Wilson's exceptional writing and editing, has in turn produced one of the greatest books about a film of all time.
The Making approaches the story of the creation of the film chronologically, opening with the film acquisition and running through initial publicity, casting, script writing and editing, and filming; this chronological orientation is especially interesting as it allows the reader to see in what order the scenes were filmed. Centered around his papers and documents, The Making invariably focuses primarily on Selznick, but this focalization does not distract from the dozens of other creators involved, or from the players themselves. Everyone, from the costume designer Walter Plunkett to the MGM PR person who planned the Atlanta premier gets the chance to shine in some capacity.
A cross between a coffee table book and a history, The Making is bursting with full page full color illustrations (the concept art is just spectacular) and black and white publicity shots. The pictures, however, are not the main focus of The Making; Wilson's text, coupled with dozens of letters, telegrams, and notes, tell the full story in an engaging and informative way. The reader really does feel that he has been granted a full insider's look into how Gone with the Wind was made.
My only critique of the work is that a CD or internet link was not included to allow the reader to download high resolution copies of the pictures shown in the book, as is sometimes the case with art books. I assume that this might have been due to some copyright issue.
I would highly recommend Steve Wilson's The Making of Gone with the Wind to any fans of the film Gone with the Wind or cinema buffs in general who are interested in a marvelous look at how films were made in the "Golden Age" of Hollywood.
The Making approaches the story of the creation of the film chronologically, opening with the film acquisition and running through initial publicity, casting, script writing and editing, and filming; this chronological orientation is especially interesting as it allows the reader to see in what order the scenes were filmed. Centered around his papers and documents, The Making invariably focuses primarily on Selznick, but this focalization does not distract from the dozens of other creators involved, or from the players themselves. Everyone, from the costume designer Walter Plunkett to the MGM PR person who planned the Atlanta premier gets the chance to shine in some capacity.
A cross between a coffee table book and a history, The Making is bursting with full page full color illustrations (the concept art is just spectacular) and black and white publicity shots. The pictures, however, are not the main focus of The Making; Wilson's text, coupled with dozens of letters, telegrams, and notes, tell the full story in an engaging and informative way. The reader really does feel that he has been granted a full insider's look into how Gone with the Wind was made.
My only critique of the work is that a CD or internet link was not included to allow the reader to download high resolution copies of the pictures shown in the book, as is sometimes the case with art books. I assume that this might have been due to some copyright issue.
I would highly recommend Steve Wilson's The Making of Gone with the Wind to any fans of the film Gone with the Wind or cinema buffs in general who are interested in a marvelous look at how films were made in the "Golden Age" of Hollywood.
September 20, 2015
GREAT book! I'm a huge fan of GWTW, and have read many books about it. This is definitely the best! The photos are superb, the detail is impressive and (yes, it's true) the backstory of the making of GWTW is just as interesting as the novel itself. I read every word, even the appendix, and I learned many new trivia answers. Yakima Canutt, the stunt double for Clark Gable in the burning of Atlanta scenes, also played the man who attacked Scarlett when she was driving through shanty town. And who doesn't love Olivia de Havilland's Melanie? She is the last surviving member of the stars and will be celebrating her 100th birthday on July 1, 2016! I wish I had seen the exhibit in person last year, but the photos of four of Scarlett's gowns in the book are amazing! ("I saw it in the window and I just had to have it." LOL.) And Hattie McDaniel! I could go on as long as the movie, or the novel, but if you too are a fan of GWTW, you will LOVE this book!
September 3, 2018
A business book? Of course! A movie is a product of industrialized art and, itself, represents a business entity of itself. This is a fascinating look of what is required to make a movie, especially a 1939 Hollywood classic.
March 9, 2019
Loved the book and the pictures were great.
July 12, 2025
Beautiful coffee table book filled with large photos and explanatory text. It just falls short of being great due to two huge flaws.
First, 70 pages are devoted to pre-production, 170 to the actual making of the film and only one page to post-production! Yes, you read that right. There are only two paragraphs written about some of the most important aspects of the film--editing, sound, special effects, etc.-- with another large page next to it showing a picture of a guy at an editing machine. That's it. Then it's time for the preview and premiere. What were these authors thinking--that once shot the movie just magically fell into place?
I just read an entire book on editing where doing it for Star Wars and other films took up dozens and dozens of pages to explain the editing process of each movie.
Second, there is too little about the blacks involved in making Gone with the Wind and the racial issues that came up due to the time period. The black performers weren't even allowed to attend the premiere in Atlanta due to segregation, but that just gets a mention--it's a very sad part of history and overall the book could have done better covering the concerns of the black performers involved in the production. Meanwhile, it reprints a positive letter from the KKK saying it was willing to help in making the film authentic!
There are some fun facts and secrets, but there could have been more. The most famous scene, the long shot of Scarlett walking through the dead bodies, gets only four pages and doesn't really do well explaining all that was involved. Meanwhile we get dozens of pages on the casting of Scarlett, which seems based there only because the authors have so many stills from actors involved in the testing process. Vivian Leigh's contract for the role is last minute and not explained well.
If you are a fan of the movie this is certainly worth looking at but there may be better text-based works that have been published which will provide more perspectives and answers to concerns that the movie raises.
First, 70 pages are devoted to pre-production, 170 to the actual making of the film and only one page to post-production! Yes, you read that right. There are only two paragraphs written about some of the most important aspects of the film--editing, sound, special effects, etc.-- with another large page next to it showing a picture of a guy at an editing machine. That's it. Then it's time for the preview and premiere. What were these authors thinking--that once shot the movie just magically fell into place?
I just read an entire book on editing where doing it for Star Wars and other films took up dozens and dozens of pages to explain the editing process of each movie.
Second, there is too little about the blacks involved in making Gone with the Wind and the racial issues that came up due to the time period. The black performers weren't even allowed to attend the premiere in Atlanta due to segregation, but that just gets a mention--it's a very sad part of history and overall the book could have done better covering the concerns of the black performers involved in the production. Meanwhile, it reprints a positive letter from the KKK saying it was willing to help in making the film authentic!
There are some fun facts and secrets, but there could have been more. The most famous scene, the long shot of Scarlett walking through the dead bodies, gets only four pages and doesn't really do well explaining all that was involved. Meanwhile we get dozens of pages on the casting of Scarlett, which seems based there only because the authors have so many stills from actors involved in the testing process. Vivian Leigh's contract for the role is last minute and not explained well.
If you are a fan of the movie this is certainly worth looking at but there may be better text-based works that have been published which will provide more perspectives and answers to concerns that the movie raises.
July 14, 2020
THE perfect coffee table book for fans of GWTW <3
May 8, 2016
Margaret Mitchell's classic "Gone With The Wind" is one of my favorite books. I try to reread it every couple of years or so. It is as compelling to me as it was when I first read it in 8th grade. I took my copy to school and would "sneak read" when I was supposed to be listening to some boring ol' lesson. Not much came between me and my Scarlett.
But the movie "Gone With The Wind" frustrated me when I first saw it in 1967 and continues to bother me to this day. I sat in that huge theater in downtown Chicago and kept muttering to myself, "Where is that character?", "where is the scene between "so and so" and "so and so", and, of course, "uh, Scarlett had THREE children. Where are Wade Hampton and Ella Lorena?" I was proud that as a true "GWTW Book fan", I was not seduced by the film version of "my" book. As the years passed, I thought that had GWTW been made in the 1970's or 1980's, it would have - very properly - been made as a TV mini-series. Ten hours of GWTW would have gotten things right!
But "Gone With The Wind" was NOT made in the '70's, it was made as a movie in 1938 and 1939. All the time constraints, as well as production problems that come with making a movie almost four hours long, of a nation's favorite book are documented in Steve Wilson's enthralling book, "The Making of 'Gone With The Wind'". This is a huge book and for the GWTW film fan it is a must read. I was not a film fan, and I still enjoyed the book. I don't think there was a memo or a drawing of an article of clothing or a screen test that wasn't included in the book.
The movie "Gone With The Wind" got its start right before the book's publication. Producer David O Selznick ("DOS" in the memos) was advised by his staffer to buy the rights to the book, and he authorised her to spend up to $50,000. Upon winning the rights, he put into action the preparation to film this colossal best seller. Immediately he ran into problems. While Clark Gable was everyone's first choice as Rhett Butler, DOS was unable to find "his" Scarlett. Hollywood actress after actress tested for the part and Selznick International Pictures sent representatives to southern cities to "find" Scarlett among the local belles. Filming had already begun when English actress Vivian Leigh was signed to play the pivotal role in December, 1938.
One of the most interesting things in Steve Wilson's book are the complaints made by various groups and individuals during the filming. From the KKK to the NAACP to the "United Daughters of the Confederacy" to groups representing the Union side, everyone had a beef. It would take the soul of tact to deal with all these complaints but DOS and his staff did an admirable job. But in addition to these groups, Selznick had the "Hays Code" to deal with. Steve Wilson includes in the book pages of dialog ruled on by the group, slashing words and phrases that deal with childbirth, battle injuries, and other matters that were deemed to be too delicate for movie goers of the times. Everyone knows the battle about Rhett muttering that unforgettable line, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn", but there were many other clashes between producer and Hays Code enforcers before then.
As I wrote above, Steve Wilson's book is a great book for movie fans and GWTW fans, in particular. Even though it wasn't my favorite movie, I've enjoyed watching it and am always amazed at the gasps in the theater when the camera shows Rhett Butler/Clark Gable at the bottom of the stairs at Twelve Oaks. Gable didn't want to attempt a southern accent and the book alludes to that. That was one of the many details DOS and his crew fretted about. And only one of the many details in the book.
But the movie "Gone With The Wind" frustrated me when I first saw it in 1967 and continues to bother me to this day. I sat in that huge theater in downtown Chicago and kept muttering to myself, "Where is that character?", "where is the scene between "so and so" and "so and so", and, of course, "uh, Scarlett had THREE children. Where are Wade Hampton and Ella Lorena?" I was proud that as a true "GWTW Book fan", I was not seduced by the film version of "my" book. As the years passed, I thought that had GWTW been made in the 1970's or 1980's, it would have - very properly - been made as a TV mini-series. Ten hours of GWTW would have gotten things right!
But "Gone With The Wind" was NOT made in the '70's, it was made as a movie in 1938 and 1939. All the time constraints, as well as production problems that come with making a movie almost four hours long, of a nation's favorite book are documented in Steve Wilson's enthralling book, "The Making of 'Gone With The Wind'". This is a huge book and for the GWTW film fan it is a must read. I was not a film fan, and I still enjoyed the book. I don't think there was a memo or a drawing of an article of clothing or a screen test that wasn't included in the book.
The movie "Gone With The Wind" got its start right before the book's publication. Producer David O Selznick ("DOS" in the memos) was advised by his staffer to buy the rights to the book, and he authorised her to spend up to $50,000. Upon winning the rights, he put into action the preparation to film this colossal best seller. Immediately he ran into problems. While Clark Gable was everyone's first choice as Rhett Butler, DOS was unable to find "his" Scarlett. Hollywood actress after actress tested for the part and Selznick International Pictures sent representatives to southern cities to "find" Scarlett among the local belles. Filming had already begun when English actress Vivian Leigh was signed to play the pivotal role in December, 1938.
One of the most interesting things in Steve Wilson's book are the complaints made by various groups and individuals during the filming. From the KKK to the NAACP to the "United Daughters of the Confederacy" to groups representing the Union side, everyone had a beef. It would take the soul of tact to deal with all these complaints but DOS and his staff did an admirable job. But in addition to these groups, Selznick had the "Hays Code" to deal with. Steve Wilson includes in the book pages of dialog ruled on by the group, slashing words and phrases that deal with childbirth, battle injuries, and other matters that were deemed to be too delicate for movie goers of the times. Everyone knows the battle about Rhett muttering that unforgettable line, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn", but there were many other clashes between producer and Hays Code enforcers before then.
As I wrote above, Steve Wilson's book is a great book for movie fans and GWTW fans, in particular. Even though it wasn't my favorite movie, I've enjoyed watching it and am always amazed at the gasps in the theater when the camera shows Rhett Butler/Clark Gable at the bottom of the stairs at Twelve Oaks. Gable didn't want to attempt a southern accent and the book alludes to that. That was one of the many details DOS and his crew fretted about. And only one of the many details in the book.
January 19, 2015
Both the GWTW amateur devotee and film historian have much to admire, study, and drool over in this lush homage to the 1939 film. Chock-full of production, make-up, and set stills, the volume also includes hundreds of memos and letters addressing pre-production, casting, schedules, and concerns so vehemently expressed by citizens concerned with the movie's accuracy and politics. The topic of racism and David O. Selznick's dilemma between commitment to the novel and history while being sensitive to the current-day concerns is thoroughly explored. (Especially tragic was the exclusion of the African-American cast members from the celebratory galas and parades of the film's premier in then-segregated Atlanta.) Also interesting to note were the differences in set and costumes in several scenes directed by both George Cukor and Victor Fleming. A fascinating glimpse into both movie and cultural history is abundantly provided here.
February 3, 2016
Pretty coffee table book about the making of the movie, which gave me some insight into how complicated movie-making is. Sets to do, people to arrange, complications of all kinds arise.
Book is nice for acknowledging the controversy of race and racism from the book and movie. It's difficult in that the text is not always linear. Some person or event will be mentioned as if it's already been introduced, when it hasn't, and then will be explained a few pages later. Seems to be an editing problem.
Book is nice for acknowledging the controversy of race and racism from the book and movie. It's difficult in that the text is not always linear. Some person or event will be mentioned as if it's already been introduced, when it hasn't, and then will be explained a few pages later. Seems to be an editing problem.
December 10, 2024
As a massive fan of old Hollywood, I knew I would enjoy "The Making of Gone with the Wind." This detailed account of the film's production explores the decisions and creative choices that shaped one of Hollywood's most iconic movies. It highlights why the film remains influential and controversial decades after its release.
This stunning coffee-table book examines everything from casting choices and script challenges to costumes, sets, and premieres. It's a fascinating exploration of the complex – and sometimes contentious – process behind this classic film.
This stunning coffee-table book examines everything from casting choices and script challenges to costumes, sets, and premieres. It's a fascinating exploration of the complex – and sometimes contentious – process behind this classic film.
June 4, 2016
Very thorough and revealing. I knew movies were overly censored, but this open my eyes to just how many "suggestions" were received by movie makers. Loved the photos and letters back and forth between all the people who contributed to the making of this awesome movie. I'm so glad they held out until they found Vivien Leigh!!
January 6, 2015
As a big fan of GWTW and having read several books about the movie, I welcomed the chance to read this new one. I didn't learn a lot of new information, but enjoyed the pictures and walk down memory lane.
January 31, 2015
This huge coffee table book is a tell-all about how the picture got made, who was cast in the juicy roles and why, who objected to the script/clothes/sets/premieres and more. No one-take-wonder this classic. Amazing to see what didn't get into the movie as well as what did. Superman...seriously.
October 3, 2014
Meticulously researched, this book is a marvel of detail.
February 25, 2015
Perfect for any Gone with the Wind fan. It definitely made my heart happy.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews