"Frankly My Dear, I Don't Give a Damn!"

When Gone With the Wind was published in May 1936 by Macmillan Publishers, the romantic novel became an instant runaway hit. Immediately the whole nation was caught up in the love exploits of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler. From 1936 to 1939 the novel was the number one best seller in the United States and Margaret Mitchell, its author, would win the Pulitzer Prize in 1937. David O. Selznick bought the film rights to the book and quickly the reading public agreed that there was only one person who could play Rhett Butler, CLARK GABLE! Hollywood was in accord, all except Gable who was intimidated by the prospect.

Gable with Margaret Mitchell 1939

Astor Theatre NYC, Dec. 19, 1939