Up in flames
The spectacular burning of Atlanta was the very first scene to be shot. With a cost of $25,000, it would also be the most expensive. The studio’s back lot was set aflame, as well as some abandoned sets from other notable films like King Kong. The blaze was so terrific that surrounding residents called the local fire department. It reportedly took almost 15,000 gallons of water to extinguish the flames. The director filmed 113 minutes of footage which would ultimately be cut down to mere minutes.
Howard’s hesitation
Leslie Howard played Ashley Wilkes, the Southern gentleman with whom young Scarlett becomes infatuated with. The actor behind Scarlett’s unrequited love allegedly loathed playing the role and did not feel he was right for the part. Howard was 40 years old when the film was shot and he was adamant he would not be believable as the handsome 21 year old Ashley. He was quoted stating he felt he was “not nearly beautiful or young enough to play Ashley”.