Paycheck battles
While Gone with the Wind received widespread criticism concerning its portrayal and treatment of its black characters, little was said about the behind-the-scenes mistreatment of the film’s leading lady. It seems the lead actor’s paychecks reflected the gender inequality of the times. While Clark Gable was said to have received almost $120,000 for his 70 non-consecutive days of filming. Vivien Leigh would ultimately receive just $25,000 for her 125 days of work on set.
Gable’s outrage
Fans might be surprised to learn that the movie’s leading man almost boycotted the film’s premiere. Due to Atlanta’s lingering Jim Crow segregation laws, Hattie McDaniel was not allowed to attend the 1939 event. McDaniel and Clark Gable had become fast friends during the many months of filming and the actor was reportedly rightly outraged at the African American actress’s treatment. Gable threatened to forego the premiere in protest, but McDaniel managed to convince him to attend.