The original screenplay by Sidney Howard underwent many revisions by several writers to reduce it to a suitable length. The role of Scarlett was difficult to cast, and 1,400 unknown women were interviewed for the part. The start of filming was delayed for two years until January 1939 because of Selznick's determination to secure Gable for the role of Rhett.

Set in the American South against the backdrop of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era, the film tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara ( Vivien Leigh), the strong-willed daughter of a Georgia plantation owner, following her romantic pursuit of Ashley Wilkes ( Leslie Howard), who is married to his cousin, Melanie Hamilton ( Olivia de Havilland), and her subsequent marriage to Rhett Butler ( Clark Gable). Selznick of Selznick International Pictures and directed by Victor Fleming. Gone with the Wind is a 1939 American epic historical romance film adapted from the 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell. 234–238 minutes (with overture, intermission, entr'acte, and exit music).