The making of "Gone with the Wind"

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Set still of Hattie McDaniel and Vivien Leigh for the drapery dress scene.

The Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin has curated hundreds of items from the David O. Selznick collection that will be on view through Jan. 15, 2015. The film was released 75 years ago, on Dec. 15, 1939.

Casting Memo

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Inter-office communication from Selznick International Pictures encouraging the casting of new stars for the roles of Scarlett and Rhett.

Curtain Dress

Pete Smith, Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

The green curtain dress in The Making of Gone with the Wind.

Burgundy Ball Gown

Pete Smith, Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

The conserved burgundy ball gown worn by Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind."

William Cameron Menzies

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

"Gone with the Wind" production designer William Cameron Menzies.

Butler House Concept

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Concept art of the Butler House exterior by Mac Johnson.

Butler House Concept

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Concept art of Scarlett at the Butler House by Dorothea Holt.

Scarlett's Bedroom

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Concept art of Scarlett O'Hara's bedroom at the Butler House.

Plan of Tara

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

A conceptual plan for Tara Plantation.

Scarlett's Bedroom

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Set still of Scarlett O'Hara's bedroom at the Butler House.

Twelve Oaks Concept

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Concept art of approach to Twelve Oaks by Frank Bowers.

Approach to Twelve Oaks

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Set still of approach to Twelve Oaks.

Cotton Press Concept

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Concept art of cotton press.

Cotton Press

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Set still of cotton press.

Storyboard for the Burning of Atlanta

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

A storyboard for the burning of Atlanta scene by production designer William Cameron Menzies.

Tara Interior

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Set still of interior of Tara.

On Set

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Production still of Vivien Leigh as Scarlett and George Reeves and Fred Crane as the Tarleton Twins in "Gone with the Wind."

Filming the Cotton Field Scene

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Film crew for the cotton field scene.

Going Over Script

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Publicity still of Vivien Leigh, Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard, and David O. Selznick going over script for "Gone with the Wind."

Leslie Howard

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Monte Westmore applies makeup to Leslie Howard.

Vivien Leigh

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Makeup still of Vivien Leigh as Scarlett.

Clark Gable

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Makeup still of of Clark Gable as Rhett Butler.

Hattie McDaniel

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Makeup still of of Hattie McDaniel as Mammy.

Oscar Polk

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Makeup still of of Oscar Polk as Pork.

Tarelton Twins

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

George Reeves and Fred Crane in a makeup still of the Tarelton twins in "Gone with the Wind."

Vivien Leigh

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Makeup still of Vivien Leigh in "Gone with the Wind."

Alternative Lines

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

A list of alternate lines to replace "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn," in case the censors, the Hays Office, would not allow it.

Contenders included:

"Frankly my dear, nothing could interest me less"

"I don't give a whoop"

"You can go to the devil for all I care"

"I just DON'T care"

"The devil may care--I don't"

and "The whole thing is a stench in my nostrils."

Movie Poster

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

"Gone with the Wind" movie poster (ca. 1939). Movie poster for the original release of the American film classic
"Gone with the Wind," 1939.

Premiere at Loews Theater

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Premiere at Loews Grand Theater, decked out as Tara. "Gone with the Wind" was the longest film at the time of its release.

Premiere Invitation List

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Invite list for the Los Angeles premiere of "Gone with the Wind."

Accepting: Joan Bennett, Frank Capra, Gary Cooper, Errol Flynn, Harold Lloyd, Harpo Marx, Erich Maria Remarque and Lana Turner.

Declining: Don Ameche, Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Walt Disney and Spencer Tracy.

Director Victor Fleming is listed as a "maybe."

Costume Caravan

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Costume caravan that traveled to select premieres.

Selznick and Vivien Leigh with Oscar

Harry Ransom Center, University of Texas at Austin

Producer David O. Selznick and Vivien Leigh with her Academy Award for best actress.