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Scarlett Letters: The Making of the Film Gone With the Wind
One month after her novel Gone With the Wind was published, Margaret Mitchell sold the movie rights for fifty thousand dollars. Fearful of what the studio might do to her story—“I wouldn’t put it beyond Hollywood to have . . . Scarlett seduce General Sherman,” she joked—the author washed her hands of involvement with the film. However, driven by a maternal interest in her literary firstborn and compelled by her Southern manners to answer every fan letter she received, Mitchell was unable to stay aloof for long.
In this collection of her letters about the 1939 motion picture classic, readers have a front-row seat as the author watches the Dream Factory at work, learning the ins and outs of filmmaking and discovering the peculiarities of a movie-crazed public. Her ability to weave a story, so evident in Gone With the Wind, makes for delightful reading in her correspondence with a who’s who of Hollywood, from producer David O. Selznick, director George Cukor, and screenwriter Sidney Howard, to cast members Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland and Hattie McDaniel.
Mitchell also wrote to thousands of others—aspiring actresses eager to play Scarlett O’Hara; fellow Southerners hopeful of seeing their homes or their grandmother’s dress used in the film; rabid movie fans determined that their favorite star be cast; and creators of songs, dolls and Scarlett panties who were convinced the author was their ticket to fame and fortune. During the film’s production, she corrected erring journalists and the producer’s over-the-top publicist who fed the gossip mills, accuracy be damned. Once the movie finished, she struggled to deal with friends and strangers alike who “fought and trampled little children and connived and broke the ties of lifelong friendship” to get tickets to the premiere.
But through it all, she retained her sense of humor. Recounting an acquaintance’s denial of the rumor that the author herself was going to play Scarlett, Mitchell noted he “ungallantly stated that I was something like fifty years too old for the part.” After receiving numerous letters and phone calls from the studio about Belle Watling’s accent, the author related her father was “convulsed at the idea of someone telephoning from New York to discover how the madam of a Confederate bordello talked.” And in a chatty letter to Gable after the premiere, Mitchell coyly admitted being “feminine enough to be quite charmed” by his statement to the press that she was “fascinating,” but added: “Even my best friends look at me in a speculative way—probably wondering what they overlooked that your sharp eyes saw!”
As Gone With the Wind marks its seventy-fifth anniversary on the silver screen, these letters, edited by Mitchell historian John Wiley, Jr., offer a fresh look at the most popular motion picture of all time through the eyes of the woman who gave birth to Scarlett.
In this collection of her letters about the 1939 motion picture classic, readers have a front-row seat as the author watches the Dream Factory at work, learning the ins and outs of filmmaking and discovering the peculiarities of a movie-crazed public. Her ability to weave a story, so evident in Gone With the Wind, makes for delightful reading in her correspondence with a who’s who of Hollywood, from producer David O. Selznick, director George Cukor, and screenwriter Sidney Howard, to cast members Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland and Hattie McDaniel.
Mitchell also wrote to thousands of others—aspiring actresses eager to play Scarlett O’Hara; fellow Southerners hopeful of seeing their homes or their grandmother’s dress used in the film; rabid movie fans determined that their favorite star be cast; and creators of songs, dolls and Scarlett panties who were convinced the author was their ticket to fame and fortune. During the film’s production, she corrected erring journalists and the producer’s over-the-top publicist who fed the gossip mills, accuracy be damned. Once the movie finished, she struggled to deal with friends and strangers alike who “fought and trampled little children and connived and broke the ties of lifelong friendship” to get tickets to the premiere.
But through it all, she retained her sense of humor. Recounting an acquaintance’s denial of the rumor that the author herself was going to play Scarlett, Mitchell noted he “ungallantly stated that I was something like fifty years too old for the part.” After receiving numerous letters and phone calls from the studio about Belle Watling’s accent, the author related her father was “convulsed at the idea of someone telephoning from New York to discover how the madam of a Confederate bordello talked.” And in a chatty letter to Gable after the premiere, Mitchell coyly admitted being “feminine enough to be quite charmed” by his statement to the press that she was “fascinating,” but added: “Even my best friends look at me in a speculative way—probably wondering what they overlooked that your sharp eyes saw!”
As Gone With the Wind marks its seventy-fifth anniversary on the silver screen, these letters, edited by Mitchell historian John Wiley, Jr., offer a fresh look at the most popular motion picture of all time through the eyes of the woman who gave birth to Scarlett.
536 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 17, 2014
I have always loved reading letters and/or diaries and this is an absolute treasure trove of correspondence by Margaret Mitchell about the making of the film, “Gone With the Wind,” based on her book. They include letters to her friends and family, to colleagues and those in the media, letters of support, of complaint, of exasperation and humour and take us from 1936 to 1949. There is exhaustive detail, but the book is such an enjoyable read that it is never less than utterly absorbing.
“Gone With the Wind,” was published in 1936 to excellent reviews and soon became a sensation. Margaret Mitchell loved both books and movies and it was not long after the novel was released before Hollywood came calling. Even this early, it is obvious that the constant rumours she has sold the movie rights are, frankly, driving the author crazy – and that is just the beginning. We witness her turn from a naïve and new author to a much more confident businesswoman, able to hold her own in negotiations and any situation.
Almost as soon as the ink on the contact to sell the movie rights was dry, Margaret Mitchell was besieged with a deluge of letters. These ranged from people suggesting who should – or shouldn’t – have starring roles, asking whether they could audition, giving advice, criticising or generally just airing their views. At one point, Mitchell writes to thank her mother for sending her a new slip, after being hunted down by autograph hunters in fitting rooms, who had commented rudely on the condition of her petticoat! Still, through it all, she comes across as sweet and humorous, always encouraging and unfailingly polite.
As she consistently points out – over and over again – she had no role in choosing who was cast and little input in the film at all; preferring to trust the judgement of those in charge. Still, she points out little details that might help with the film, such as describing the barbecue in the novel and how it would look, explaining there would be no sheep on the lawns of big Southern houses, offering assistance where needed and keeping everyone involved informed of book sales.
Some correspondents are less welcome than other s of course. Mitchell dislikes one pushy interviewer so much that she advises her friends that, should she turn up, they should push her down the nearest elevator shaft… Overall, though, she is generally good tempered in very difficult circumstances. She writes to reassure Vivien Leigh how pleased she is that she is to play Scarlett, corrects rumours and fends off endless requests. This book will take you through the premiere, awards and reaction to the film; including her feelings about a much requested sequel. It is fair to say that if you love either, or indeed both, the book and movie of “Gone With the Wind,” you will find this a fascinating read, which allows you to see a little of the hysteria surrounding Margaret Mitchell at that time and how well she coped with the situation. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
“Gone With the Wind,” was published in 1936 to excellent reviews and soon became a sensation. Margaret Mitchell loved both books and movies and it was not long after the novel was released before Hollywood came calling. Even this early, it is obvious that the constant rumours she has sold the movie rights are, frankly, driving the author crazy – and that is just the beginning. We witness her turn from a naïve and new author to a much more confident businesswoman, able to hold her own in negotiations and any situation.
Almost as soon as the ink on the contact to sell the movie rights was dry, Margaret Mitchell was besieged with a deluge of letters. These ranged from people suggesting who should – or shouldn’t – have starring roles, asking whether they could audition, giving advice, criticising or generally just airing their views. At one point, Mitchell writes to thank her mother for sending her a new slip, after being hunted down by autograph hunters in fitting rooms, who had commented rudely on the condition of her petticoat! Still, through it all, she comes across as sweet and humorous, always encouraging and unfailingly polite.
As she consistently points out – over and over again – she had no role in choosing who was cast and little input in the film at all; preferring to trust the judgement of those in charge. Still, she points out little details that might help with the film, such as describing the barbecue in the novel and how it would look, explaining there would be no sheep on the lawns of big Southern houses, offering assistance where needed and keeping everyone involved informed of book sales.
Some correspondents are less welcome than other s of course. Mitchell dislikes one pushy interviewer so much that she advises her friends that, should she turn up, they should push her down the nearest elevator shaft… Overall, though, she is generally good tempered in very difficult circumstances. She writes to reassure Vivien Leigh how pleased she is that she is to play Scarlett, corrects rumours and fends off endless requests. This book will take you through the premiere, awards and reaction to the film; including her feelings about a much requested sequel. It is fair to say that if you love either, or indeed both, the book and movie of “Gone With the Wind,” you will find this a fascinating read, which allows you to see a little of the hysteria surrounding Margaret Mitchell at that time and how well she coped with the situation. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
September 12, 2014
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Gone With the Wind is one of my favorite films, but I knew almost nothing about the making of it when I stumbled over The Scarlett Letters by John Wiley Jr. Naturally intrigued I couldn't help picking up the title and indulging my curiosity, but it was Mitchell herself who captured my imagination with her carefully-crafted, thought-filled and genuinely emotional correspondence.
Through her private letters, Wiley introduces readers to a woman wholly averse to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Unwillingly thrust into the public eye, her missives paint a remarkable portrait of an author's struggle to cope with the wave of interest, criticism and praise generated by a project she wished not to be a part of. Generous with her time, Mitchell generated a prolific number of letters to friends, fans and film-makers, expressing everything from gratitude to dismay as her masterpiece was adapted to the silver screen.
Seventy-five years after it debuted in Atlanta, Gone With the Wind remains one of the most beloved and iconic films ever made, but as is often the case, it is what happened behind-the-scenes that makes the finished product truly extraordinary. Humorously candid and forthright, The Scarlett Letters is a rare volume that will appeal to fans of both the novel and film as well as those interested in the writer who gave life to the vain, self-centered, insecure and somewhat spoiled, Scarlett O'Hara.
Gone With the Wind is one of my favorite films, but I knew almost nothing about the making of it when I stumbled over The Scarlett Letters by John Wiley Jr. Naturally intrigued I couldn't help picking up the title and indulging my curiosity, but it was Mitchell herself who captured my imagination with her carefully-crafted, thought-filled and genuinely emotional correspondence.
Through her private letters, Wiley introduces readers to a woman wholly averse to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Unwillingly thrust into the public eye, her missives paint a remarkable portrait of an author's struggle to cope with the wave of interest, criticism and praise generated by a project she wished not to be a part of. Generous with her time, Mitchell generated a prolific number of letters to friends, fans and film-makers, expressing everything from gratitude to dismay as her masterpiece was adapted to the silver screen.
Seventy-five years after it debuted in Atlanta, Gone With the Wind remains one of the most beloved and iconic films ever made, but as is often the case, it is what happened behind-the-scenes that makes the finished product truly extraordinary. Humorously candid and forthright, The Scarlett Letters is a rare volume that will appeal to fans of both the novel and film as well as those interested in the writer who gave life to the vain, self-centered, insecure and somewhat spoiled, Scarlett O'Hara.
October 6, 2014
In “The Scarlett Letters”, author John Wiley Jr. has given fans the most comprehensive history of the behind-the-scenes making of the movie. There is a wealth of information contained within the pages, and I cannot fathom the amount of research such a book required, but thank Mr. Wiley from the bottom of my Scarlett and Rhett loving heart.
The letters from Margaret Mitchell range from to the largest players in bringing her beloved novel to screen to some of the smallest. It is easy to see that the movie would not have been the same were it not for her extensive involvement and somewhat iron hand. Even more endearing is the humor she expressed at every turn, and the way she handled gossip and scandal was delightfully surprising. There is almost as much to learn about the customs of the time as there is about the movie itself.
I cannot think of a better way to see history than through the direct correspondence of those involved. Mr. Wiley has set the bar high for others who come after him, and all of us fans owe him a great debt of gratitude.
You may think you know “Gone With the Wind”, but you don’t know the half of it until you read “The Scarlett Letters”.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The letters from Margaret Mitchell range from to the largest players in bringing her beloved novel to screen to some of the smallest. It is easy to see that the movie would not have been the same were it not for her extensive involvement and somewhat iron hand. Even more endearing is the humor she expressed at every turn, and the way she handled gossip and scandal was delightfully surprising. There is almost as much to learn about the customs of the time as there is about the movie itself.
I cannot think of a better way to see history than through the direct correspondence of those involved. Mr. Wiley has set the bar high for others who come after him, and all of us fans owe him a great debt of gratitude.
You may think you know “Gone With the Wind”, but you don’t know the half of it until you read “The Scarlett Letters”.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 20, 2020
This book is largely a compilation of Mitchell's letters about the filming of GWTW. She stressed over and over again that she had nothing to do with the film, but we learn she frequently acted as an unpaid and not especially willing technical advisor. The poor woman was constantly hounded by the studio and the public over just about all aspects of the film. She stated that what should have been a wonderful time for her was a nightmare. Fortunately she had a strong backbone, but she was called on to draw a line in the sand too often. I write and receive letters frequently from friends, so I love reading letters and thought I'd enjoy this more than I did. Although her letters were extremely well written and insightful and give us a glimpse at how she thought and felt, there's a lot of repetition in the book that drags it down at times. In spite of that, I learned several new things and enjoyed her sense of humor. GWTW has been one of my favorite books since I was a teen. Because of my great admiration for her as an author, I paid my respects at her grave at Oakland Cemetery when we visited Atlanta.
March 8, 2015
I liked this book for the up close view of taking a beloved novel like Gone with the Wind to the big screen. I liked the personality of Margaret Mitchell coming through as one of a steel magnolia to use an overused phrase - she had a backbone and would push back to state her point but wrap it in sticky sweet apologies and solicitation so you didn't notice so much her stubborn adherence to her point of view. I didn't like the repetitive letters to say the same thing - I saw multiple letters that only said she had nothing to do with the movie's production. Important, but I got it the first eight times you said it. I found not having the other side of the communication difficult at times - she would refer to a letter or a rumor and i wouldn't have the context. I didn't like that there was no narrator, just pages and pages of letters. I ran out of steam before the end of the book - so loved the behind the scenes on the book, had some challenges with the narrative structure.
February 23, 2015
A treat to see the real Peggy Marsh behind the author Margaret Mitchell.
May 25, 2020
Who knew one-sided letters about selling movie rights could be so riveting? In these letters, writer Margaret Mitchell springs to life as someone who manages to be both charming and firm. Her ability to stand up for herself at a time when women still had limited rights inspired me. I learned so much about the movie’s making, as well as Mitchell’s own perspective (which was at times benevolently racist). I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who likes Gone With the Wind, is interested in classic Hollywood, or just likes a good gossipy letter.
November 4, 2014
I have a confession to make... I watched the movie of Gone with the Wind about 20 years ogo, and though it was kind of 'blah', so had no interest in ever reading the book!
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of the book, so started it as a curiosity! Well within a couple of pages, I'd moved from curiosity and moved into avid reader.
A wonderful collection of letter sent by Margaret Mitchell following the publication of Gone with the Wind, ranging from fans, to friends, Hollywood players, through to a wonderful short letter of condolence to Clark Gable following the death of his wife.
The books offer us an insight to a very interesting lady, one who would rather not answer the letters, but as a young lady raised in the South was bound by her manner to acknowledge those who had taken the time to contact her!
Having finished this book, I've ordered a copy of Gone with the Wind from my local bookshop, and need to check out the movie again.
I would recommend to anyone
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of the book, so started it as a curiosity! Well within a couple of pages, I'd moved from curiosity and moved into avid reader.
A wonderful collection of letter sent by Margaret Mitchell following the publication of Gone with the Wind, ranging from fans, to friends, Hollywood players, through to a wonderful short letter of condolence to Clark Gable following the death of his wife.
The books offer us an insight to a very interesting lady, one who would rather not answer the letters, but as a young lady raised in the South was bound by her manner to acknowledge those who had taken the time to contact her!
Having finished this book, I've ordered a copy of Gone with the Wind from my local bookshop, and need to check out the movie again.
I would recommend to anyone
December 18, 2015
Margaret Mitchell's letters before, during and after the making of Gone with the Wind. Some interesting insights into a very proper Southern lady. She was quite adamant about not getting involved in the making of the film. Judging by the letters she had middling success. The Hollywood publicity machine did its best to entangle her. She had quite a sense of humor. I loved the accompanying photos and illustrations. I'm generally not one for letter collections but I enjoyed the insights.
January 26, 2015
Margaret Mitchell's letters that were chosen for this book are wonderful. They tell the story, from the beginning to the end, of the making of Gone with the Wind. A must read for any GWTW fan!!
May 2, 2025
I'm not going to lie, getting through this was a bit of a slog, and it took me two months to finish despite working on it frequently. Many of the letters are repetitive, and obviously there is not always a clear, linear plotline. But by the end, it is extraordinarily worth it. There are so many hidden gems contained within the pages that I often find myself referring back to them whenever discussing anything related to GWTW. It is an absolute treasure trove of information on the subject. Most importantly, it gives a complete picture of who MM was as a person. For example, even though it can be tiring to constantly read "I have nothing whatsoever to do with the motion picture of my book," the constant repetition does give you a sense of MM's need for privacy. By the end of the book, I felt like I knew her.
I also felt like I knew Kay Brown, despite never reading a word she's written, save an indirect quote here and there. MM's clear admiration for Brown shines through in every letter to her, and halfway through I admit I also was quite smitten with her. She comes across as such a dynamo; a smart, savvy businesswoman of the 1930s who was still concerned with the integrity of the project and MM's well-being. I was surprised when she left Selznick, and touched later on when Mitchell's family hired her. (It really did surprise me when she eventually brokered a deal for the movie sequel rights, even if it fell through. And she was still alive when Scarlett was published! I wonder what she thought MM's reaction to that might be?)
As interested as I was in the production of the movie, the book implies that MM often replied to fans as well about their thoughts on her novel. This book rarely contained tidbits of those, and I have to admit I might be more intrigued by that book than this one. But, I'm not complaining; I actually found that I did not always agree with MM's takes on her characters, so maybe I'm better off this way.
There are too many moments in this book that I bookmarked to mention all of them, but this closing remark got me:
This was so true, and it's interesting how MM felt about accuracy due to the racist aspect of GWTW. MM was bewildered that people found GWTW racist. She really believed that everything she wrote about "happy slaves" was true, and that the overdone "black dialect" was necessary for accuracy. Why she felt the need to sometimes compare black people to apes and mastiffs, I'll never know, but I know from reading this book that she genuinely did not see anything wrong with what she was writing.
Anyway, thank you to John Wiley Jr., who certainly did not have to read thousands of letters and compile this book for the public. You are appreciated!
P.S. Curse you, Margaret Mitchell, for throwing all the deleted chapters of GWTW into your furnace. I understand it completely and yet I still hate you for it.
I also felt like I knew Kay Brown, despite never reading a word she's written, save an indirect quote here and there. MM's clear admiration for Brown shines through in every letter to her, and halfway through I admit I also was quite smitten with her. She comes across as such a dynamo; a smart, savvy businesswoman of the 1930s who was still concerned with the integrity of the project and MM's well-being. I was surprised when she left Selznick, and touched later on when Mitchell's family hired her. (It really did surprise me when she eventually brokered a deal for the movie sequel rights, even if it fell through. And she was still alive when Scarlett was published! I wonder what she thought MM's reaction to that might be?)
As interested as I was in the production of the movie, the book implies that MM often replied to fans as well about their thoughts on her novel. This book rarely contained tidbits of those, and I have to admit I might be more intrigued by that book than this one. But, I'm not complaining; I actually found that I did not always agree with MM's takes on her characters, so maybe I'm better off this way.
There are too many moments in this book that I bookmarked to mention all of them, but this closing remark got me:
"Knowing how Mitchell felt about her privacy, I admit that I sometimes was uneasy reading her letters, wondering what she would think. But after many years of studying her life, I feel confident in saying that if there were one thing she prized more dearly than privacy, it was accuracy. Kay Brown once called the author "the most genuinely accurate person I know." With this book, I gave Margaret Mitchell the chance to tell the story of the making of the motion picture of Gone With the Wind-and its effect on her life-in her own words. That is something she would have appreciated-and for which she just might forgive me."
This was so true, and it's interesting how MM felt about accuracy due to the racist aspect of GWTW. MM was bewildered that people found GWTW racist. She really believed that everything she wrote about "happy slaves" was true, and that the overdone "black dialect" was necessary for accuracy. Why she felt the need to sometimes compare black people to apes and mastiffs, I'll never know, but I know from reading this book that she genuinely did not see anything wrong with what she was writing.
Anyway, thank you to John Wiley Jr., who certainly did not have to read thousands of letters and compile this book for the public. You are appreciated!
P.S. Curse you, Margaret Mitchell, for throwing all the deleted chapters of GWTW into your furnace. I understand it completely and yet I still hate you for it.
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February 12, 2022If Margaret Mitchell was not on set for the making of "Gone With The Wind", then why am I reading a book with the subtitle "The Making Of The Film Gone With The Wind"?
January 21, 2024
#10 of 140 books during 2024
March 4, 2017
I LOVE both the book and the movie of GWTW so I found it very interesting to see how the movie came to be. It was also a fascinating glimpse into the values of the times and an entirely different set of manners and ethics. Sometimes it was difficult to get the full picture since the only letters presented were from Margaret Mitchell...but the footnotes usually did a fairly good job of bringing me up to speed. I'd definitely recommend this to any other GWTW fans.
January 2, 2020
This collection of Margaret Mitchell's correspondence succeeds largely on the strength of Mitchell's own wit and charm as a writer. It's also properly presented with lots of contextual information and historical lacunae filled in by a loving editor (I believe the introduction says he was her godson).
The actual subject matter of the letters - the making of, release, and aftermath of the movie Gone With The Wind - is actually slightly less interesting than one might suppose. That's because Mitchell took a strong stand, which I think was also a wise one, not to take any active role relating to the movie once the rights were sold. So a very great deal of the correspondence consists of her explaining, over and over again, that it's Mr. Selznick's movie not hers, and no, she cannot arrange auditions for aspirants to the role of Scarlett, etc. etc. She also had occasion to rebuke both the studio and various publications assuming she would automatically take an active role in the marketing of the movie.
That said, it was clearly not her intention to be actively obstructive, and she also had a vested interest in the movie's historical accuracy, since she had apparently put very substantial effort into that aspect of her book. So, despite herself, we see her being drawn into controversies over which way round a Mammy would wear her head kerchief, or whether Tara would have white pillars. In the end, she used her connections to supply the studio with local Atlanta experts, which seems to have worked well. This does not prevent, however, her complaints of the constant barrage of demands on her attention. In fact, she wrote no other novel, and one gets the sense that she blamed it largely on the decade-long fuss that attended the making, release, and subsequent re-release (in post-war Europe) of the movie. And then, of course, she died tragically early in a motor vehicle accident.
Mitchell is very much a woman of her time and place when it comes to racial matters, though of course even then there was a spectrum of behaviour, and she was on the more human end of it. She apparently liked Hattie McDaniel, and made an effort to have her invited to the post-premiere party in Atlanta, even though McDaniel was, shockingly, excluded from the Atlantic movie theatre (as all Black people were) for the premiere itself. Her conservatism and racism (mixed together) mostly make themselves felt in occasional remarks about the early Black rights leaders, whom she felt, presumably along with most white people of her class, to be a threat.
I would recommend this as a fairly interesting and on occasions quite amusing read to anyone interested in Hollywood history.
The actual subject matter of the letters - the making of, release, and aftermath of the movie Gone With The Wind - is actually slightly less interesting than one might suppose. That's because Mitchell took a strong stand, which I think was also a wise one, not to take any active role relating to the movie once the rights were sold. So a very great deal of the correspondence consists of her explaining, over and over again, that it's Mr. Selznick's movie not hers, and no, she cannot arrange auditions for aspirants to the role of Scarlett, etc. etc. She also had occasion to rebuke both the studio and various publications assuming she would automatically take an active role in the marketing of the movie.
That said, it was clearly not her intention to be actively obstructive, and she also had a vested interest in the movie's historical accuracy, since she had apparently put very substantial effort into that aspect of her book. So, despite herself, we see her being drawn into controversies over which way round a Mammy would wear her head kerchief, or whether Tara would have white pillars. In the end, she used her connections to supply the studio with local Atlanta experts, which seems to have worked well. This does not prevent, however, her complaints of the constant barrage of demands on her attention. In fact, she wrote no other novel, and one gets the sense that she blamed it largely on the decade-long fuss that attended the making, release, and subsequent re-release (in post-war Europe) of the movie. And then, of course, she died tragically early in a motor vehicle accident.
Mitchell is very much a woman of her time and place when it comes to racial matters, though of course even then there was a spectrum of behaviour, and she was on the more human end of it. She apparently liked Hattie McDaniel, and made an effort to have her invited to the post-premiere party in Atlanta, even though McDaniel was, shockingly, excluded from the Atlantic movie theatre (as all Black people were) for the premiere itself. Her conservatism and racism (mixed together) mostly make themselves felt in occasional remarks about the early Black rights leaders, whom she felt, presumably along with most white people of her class, to be a threat.
I would recommend this as a fairly interesting and on occasions quite amusing read to anyone interested in Hollywood history.
December 10, 2015
Never a huge fan of reading books of letters, but Margaret Mitchell's concerning her life after her novel's publication through the making of the movie "Gone With the Wind" are interesting, chatty, and often humorous. This was great fun to just dip into once in a while, not to read straight through--although I did read page after page of them. She had great observations about Selznick and George Cukor (the director), Sidney Howard (original screenwriter), the casting, and on various other topics dealing with the movie--script, sets, costumes, the dialogue, names of characters, etc., all the while making sure everyone knew that she had "absolutely nothing to do with the movie." Lots of details about the Atlanta premiere of the film (which Hattie McDaniel could not attend due to segregation) and all the surrounding hubbub and publicity. Well done and fascinating film history.
July 29, 2021
I liked the book very much as I'm an avid fan of all things GONE WITH THE WIND! It was the "thickest" book I've ever read and I don't mean a lot of pages! It took me a long time to read, and I realized that reading only letters with so much detail that she includes was a lot to plough through.
Also, the fact that the book contained only Margaret Mitchell's letters and no response from the writer made the letters a bit difficult to understand.
All in all - I'm very glad I read the book and any fan of GWTW would enjoy it!
Also, the fact that the book contained only Margaret Mitchell's letters and no response from the writer made the letters a bit difficult to understand.
All in all - I'm very glad I read the book and any fan of GWTW would enjoy it!
January 2, 2016
Interesting read, though the title is somewhat misleading - it's actually a collection of Margaret Mitchell's letters relating to the making of the film. She wrote a lot of letters and they give a lot of insight into both her life at that time and the ins and outs of making the movie, especially the casting and the premiere in Atlanta.
September 22, 2015
Excellent!
read-part-of
June 27, 2018I was excited to read this one, especially now when I’m in the middle of a re-read of Gone With the Wind, but I’m 15% in and I’m just not feeling it - really so far it’s just been Margaret Mitchell having to explain that she’s not involved in the making of the movie, over and over and over! Maybe I’ll revisit at some point but for now I want something more entertaining for a vacation read!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews