Sam Wood to the Rescue

In April 1939, producer David O. Selznick recognized that the grueling pace of filming Gone With the Wind was taking a toll on his cast and crew, especially director Victor Fleming. On April 14, Selznick confided in a memo to executive staff that Fleming “is so...

How Olivia de Havilland Won the Role of Melanie in GWTW

A book to celebrate GWTW’s 75th Anniversary!RKO actress Joan Fontaine received a message that director George Cukor wanted her to read for GWTW. Oh, what she wouldn’t give to play Scarlett! But when she arrived for her appointment, she discovered that the...

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...