Public backlash
After the film’s initial screening, it received some severe public backlash for its onscreen depiction of its many African American characters, particularly Scarlet’s house servants. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) protested outside movie theaters, campaigning to have the scenes they deemed offensive removed. The masses threatened to boycott the film if the producer did not comply. Selznick caved to the pressure and had multiple scenes deleted from the finished product.
The secret preview
Selznick went to some extreme lengths to ensure the first screenings of the classic were kept confidential. The first preview was so secretive, the audience actually had no idea of what they were about to view. The movie theater doors were locked throughout the screening to prevent any information being leaked. Despite viewing an unfinished version with an even longer running time than the ultimate cut, the majority of the test audience was thrilled by the film.