Best Supporting Actress Contenders for 1939

In the Best Supporting Actress category, Gone With the Wind had a double nomination: Olivia de Havilland for her portrayal of Melanie and Hattie McDaniel for her portrayal of Mammy.  They competed with each other and the following Academy Award contenders: Geraldine...

1939 Oscar Nominees Announced

On Monday, February 12, 1940, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its list of Oscar nominees for 1939. David O. Selznick’s masterpiece scored an unprecedented 13 nominations in 12 categories: Best Picture – Gone With the Wind Best Actress –...

A Question of Divorce and a Mysterious Breakfast Tray

On Monday, June 5, 1939, Victor Fleming directed Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Hattie McDaniel and Cammie King in the “Rhett Wants a Divorce” scene. Filming included the actions of Bonnie bringing a breakfast-in-bed tray to her mother; Scarlett finishing her...

Filming Takes an Emotional Toll on Gable

Loss and grief were center stage for Gone With the Wind’s filming during the week of Monday, May 29, 1939. After Scarlett’s miscarriage, a distraught, unshaven Rhett sits alone in his room, blaming himself for what has happened. But Melanie soon brings news that...

Gable Kicks in Doors and Turns the Tables

On Thursday, May 18, 1939, Victor Fleming directed Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable in the “No More Babies” sequence. In her bedroom, Scarlett gazes longingly at a daguerreotype of Ashley and is surprised when Rhett touches her shoulders tenderly. She...