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The Scarlett Letters: The Making of the Film Gone With the Wind

The Scarlett Letters Book Cover The Scarlett Letters
Margaret Mitchell
Biography & Autobiography
Taylor Trade Pub
2014-10-08
560

The Scarlett Letters is a collection of letters written by Margaret Mitchell, author of the classic American novel, Gone With the Wind, about the making of the 1939 motion picture version of her novel. It features more than 300 letters she wrote to fans and members of the film s cast and crew about the making of the movie, its premiere, and its worldwide success. Her ability to weave a story 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."

 

Review:

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.