Original subtitles

Louise, take a memo. To Kay Brown:

Gone over and carefully thought about Gone with the Wind.

It's a fine story and I can understand your feelings about it.

If I had under contract the woman ideally suited for the role“.

...l'd be more inclined to buy than I am today.

But to spend that kind of money in the hopes of finding such a star.“

...and in the further hope that the book would have a tremendous sale...

...is, I feel, unwarranted.

And I'm not prepared to make that kind of a gamble...

...so I'm sorry to say, no, in the face of your enthusiasm.

But keep punching. You're the best story editor I ever had.

Love and kisses.

- What's the matter? - Did I say anything?

The book is gonna be published next month.

Why don't we wait until we see what the sales are like?

That might be too late, of course.

- What are you doing'? - Thinking.

What about?

Memo to Kay Brown.

I want you to know that I've thought further about Gone with the Wind.

And the more I think about it, the more I think it will make a great color picture.

Especially if you could sell the very colorful male role to Gary Cooper.

I Still think that it's high.

Sixty-five thousand dollars is an outrageous price.

But...

...if you can close for $50,000, do it.

Even that is extending ourselves considerably. . .

._.in view of the fact that there is no certainty we can cast it properly.

For the girl, Scarlett might be someone like Miriam Hopkins or Tallulah Bankhead,

What would you think about Gary Cooper for Gone with the Wind?

Objectively, not personally.

What woman could be objective about Gary Cooper?

What about Ronnie Colman?

Oh, he takes forever to make up his mind.

Well, you're not all that pressed for time yet.

The book only came out last month.

Well, as a matter of fact, I've already talked to him.

And he's interested.

But, if I had my choice, I think I'd take Gary Cooper.

Oh. incidentally, Jack Warner called me.

He's offered me Errol Flynn and Bette Davis.

But she refuses to do it with Flynn.

Good for her.

- The one who got away. - Yeah.

Tom, what am I beating around the bush for?

There's only one Rhett Butler, and I know it.

- And your father-in-law knows it too. - Yeah.

- What do you think? -l'm a lawyer. What do you think?

What do I think, huh?

Well, son-in-law or no sun-in-law...

...L.B. Mayer is not gonna loan me Clark Gable.

As Eve said to Adam, “It never hurts to ask.“

And as Adam said to Eve, “You don't know my father-in-law.

And I! hurts IO ask."

I want him. L.B.

I got him. David.

Yeah. Don't make it hard for me, please.

You know, I turned that book down.

Yeah. I know. I think you made a mistake.

Well, one mistake in a lifetime. I can afford it.

- How's Irene? - Oh, fine, wonderful' Couldn't be better.

She was having a little stomach trouble?

No, that was months ago. She's fine.

How about Gable?

David...

...there are problems.

Well, give me a hint.

Never in the history of MGM have we ever loaned out Clark Gable.

- What? - L.B., that's not true'

You loaned him out for It Happened One Night.

All right. I was hoping you forgot.

Seemed like a good excuse.

L.B., this is a serious matter.

Serious for you, not for me.

It could be serious for you.

I mean, it's the future. You've always looked to the future.

That's why you're a legend in the industry, LB.

David, don't soft sell me. Puts me off my lunch.

Right this way, Mr. Selznick.

This can't be a friendly meeting. So who's telling what to who?

Do either of you need a brilliant agent? I'd be glad to be of service.

- Say goodbye, Myron. - How are you, L.B.?

Fine, Myron, fine. How's yourself?

Wondering what you and my brother are cooking up here.

- May we join you? -say gwdbye, Myron.

Thanks, anyway. Some other time.

I'd introduce her, but I didn't catch her name.

Myron, you do so know my name.

Sorry for the interruption, L.B.

Oh, forget it,

Brothers.

I know all about it.

The competition could kill you.

A producer should never have an agent for a brother.

Bad for business.

Think of it. I own Gable. Myron is his agent.

This could develop into a family situation.

Except business and personal, David, don't mix.

L.B., I'm not asking for Gable as a gift.

I'm willing to make it worth your while.

Give me a for instance.

For instance...

...how would you like to distribute Gone with the Wind?

That could be interesting,

Except, you already have a distribution deal with United Artists.

I owe them one more picture.

After that, I will produce Gone with the Wind.

You know, when my brother married Mayer's daughter“.

...!he joke around town was, “The son-in-law also rises."

I don't get it.

Well, we can": have everything.

Who do you want for your little Scarface O'Hara?

Scarface?

L.B., Goldwyn couldn't have done better.

Only with him, it wouldn't be a joke. He'll get the credit for it, anyway'

No, he won't. I'll see to it that you do, L.B. You will.

You'll give Sam the credit.

It's better publicity.

So who are you thinking fur Scarlett?

I haven't made any decision.

But before I do...

4..l'm gonna launch the greatest talent search in the history of our industry.

I'm gonna scour our country from border to border, from coast to coast.

I'm gonna go into factories, schools, farms, colleges'

I know my Scarlett's out there somewhere. And I'm gonna find her.

David, who do you think I am, Hedda Hopper'?

It's a great publicity stunt. isn't it?

Come on, tell me, who were you really thinking?

Well, my mind's wide open. You know every star in town wants it.

Chaplin's been on to me about Paulette Goddard. you know.

Tell me something.

Are they really married, or is Charlie just fooling around again?

Who knows and who cares?

But I'm not gonna leave a stone unturned.

Some stones you should leave alone, David.

You start turning them over, you never know what's gonna crawl out.

L.B.?

I know. Gable.

I'll be thinking,

Close the door, David.

Oh, Chaflie, I want it.

I know you do, my sweet.

Be patient.

I want it so much.

I'm doing my best.

Oh. I never knew it could be like this.

Like what?

That I could have such a terrific shot...

...at the greatest role there's ever been for a woman.

I mean, Selznick has to listen to you.

Tell me exactly what he said.

I told you, Paulette.

Oh. I know. but tell me again.

That he will never forge! you in Modern Times.

That you would be a superb Scarlett O'Hara.

Do you think I should believe him?

In this life...

...one believes until one is given cause to stop believing.

And then. one ceases to believe.

I know you could get it for me, darling.

Does he owe you anything?

Selznick.

The entire movie industry owes a debt to Chaplin'

Does he owe you any favors?

No.

Well, that doesn't matter, because he just can't ignore you.

Certainly not.

As long as you keep after him about it.

Charlie?

Are you gonna be doing that for much longer?

Oh. Charlie, I really want it.

Memo to Hedda Hopper.

I want you to be the first to have this...

...for your delight and for that of your vast readership'

Sam Goldwyn called me this morning and asked-...

“Who have you got for Scarface O'Hara?“

Do you think Goldwyn ever said all those funny things he was supposed to have said?

Hedda continues on the subject. You'll be interested to hear.

“Seriously, folks. a little birdie tells me...

...!hat the dynamic David has his heart set on no one but Joan Crawford...

...to take what will certainly be the female role of the movie decade.

And when David O. Selznick sets his heart on something...

...well, enough said.“

-ls it true? -lt's the first I heard of it.

Oh. Richard, do you think it's true'?

I saw David the other night at Ciro's. He didn't say a word.

I presume you'd like the part,

I'd kill for it.

Well, let's hope it won't came to that.

It's good publicity though.

Telephone, Miss Crawford.

Yes?

Darling.

Well, of course, it's true. Would Hedda lie?

No, I couldn't tell you. David swore me to secrecy.

Oh, we only settled the deal the other night at Cirds'

No, I haven't finished it yet.

Golly, it's a long book.

What's the budget look like at this point?

Well, it's only guesswork until I get that first script.

But I figure, about a million five.

Oh, boy.

Well, it's gonna be 14 reels, Tom.

Two-and-a-half hours, that is a long picture.

Well, it's along book, Tom.

A very long book.

Xes'? - Miss Crawford's on the line.

Thank you.

Tom, why don't we make two movies out of it?

And run them on consecutive nights?

I don't know if your contract would allow for that'

But, Tom, you're my lawyer, find out. Check it out.

It's not a bad idea.

Joan.

How are you? As if I didn't know.

David, is it true?

Let me tell you...

...!he only Scarlett O'Hara I know is Joan Crawford.

When can we talk?

Well, I'm kind of busy.

How about lunch tomorrow or the next day'?

Let me put you onto my girl. I'm really up to my neck, dear.

And what a lovely neck it is.

Jeannie, dear.

Hold on.

- Yes, sir? - Lunch with Miss Crawford.

Next week sometime. Thank you.

Where did Hopper get the Crawford item, David?

I can't imagine.

Margaret Sullavan, You think she would test for it?

Yes?

Mr. Chaplin's on the line.

Charlie Chaplin.

Charlie.

How are you, Charlie?

Just calm down, Charlie. Come on.

You're not gonna believe everything you read.

You gotta be slipping.

Please.

Of course.

Of course.

Well, tell Paulette what I told you.

Well, then. tell her again.

The subject matter worries me. The Civil War.

You could get killed.

In my opinion, The Birth of a Nation told...

"everything everybody ever wanted to know about the Civil War'

And that was too much.

So Red the Rose. Paramount took a terrific beating on that.

And that was only last year.

Civil War.

You could get killed.

What did you pay for this book?

Fifty-thousand dollars.

That's what I heard, only I thought it was a joke.

It's worth every penny of it, you know.

L.B., about Gable--

There never was a book that was written worth 50,000.

Do you know what I paid for The Wizard of Oz?

Peanuts.

And it's gonna have music. Can'! miss.

Only there's a song in here that's gotta got I hate it.

Something about "on the rainbow,“ Out.

I like happy songs.

But this picture can't miss.

It's gonna make the little girl a star.

Remember where you heard it.

The Wizard of Oz, huh?

And I think I've got casting problems?

What's my problem?

Where the hell are you gonna get all those midgets, huh'?

I haven't finished it yet.

That damn book's longer than Mutiny on the Bounty.

I never did finish that before we started shooting.

When are they gonna have a script? Script I can read in a few days or a week'

Not for a long while yet. Clark. try to finish the book.

With Cukor directing, it's bound to be a woman's picture.

- Not with you in it, bozo' - I don't wanna be in it, Myron.

Will you stop saying that'?

No, I mean it, Myron. I don't want the responsibility.

The way things are going with that book“.

Mnobody who plays that part is gonna satisfy the publids expectations.

It scares me.

I'm just gonna tell L.B. I refuse to do it.

Clark, will you let me do the talking for the time being, okay?

By the way, who's the woman?

Nobody yet.

I'd like to know.

All in good time.

If this thing keeps honing up the way it is, I'll have David right where I want him.

I'll get you approval on your Scarlett.

I'll get you absolutely anything you want.

What about Carole?

You already have Carole.

Seriously, though, wouldn't she be great'?

Carole Lombard as Scarlett O'Hara.

Fish again.

I was looking forward to duck.

Can't you guys ever hi! anything with all that blasting away you do'?

I tell you, Myron, she's got it all.

The looks, the sex, the wickedness.

And the vitality, that's the main thing.

I mean, just compare her to some of the ones we've heard about.

Shearer, Bankhead, Hepburn. Well, they're too old.

I was really looking forward to duck.

Forget what you hear.

Don't you know what that glandular brother of mine is doing?

He's building the bloody thing into a cause'

Getting everybody emotionally involved.

Just sit tight and let me go in there and make the deal of a lifetime.

That's what someone said to Napoleon just before the Battle of Waterloo.

But did he listen?

But you can see it, can't you, Myron?

Gable and Lombard in Gone with the Wind.

Note the billing.

Oh, no offense. honey.

- I thought you didn't even wanna do this. - Just in case.

What would be even better is if you two would come out“.

...and declare your great passion to the world'

You can't buy that kind of publicity.

As of now, we're just good friends.

That is, unless we can work something out on the billing.

No, we can't do that, Myron.

I'm not even divorced yet.

Anyway. here's the strategy.

You tell L.B. you don't want to do the pan. You hate it.

- Tell him you couldn't get through the book. - He can't'

Okay, I'll tell him the truth. I don't wanna do the part.

But he won't know you're telling him the truth. You see, he'll think you're lying.

Why?

First time through on a deal...

...Mayer always automatically assumes everybody is lying. It gives him an edge.

You're gonna really try and out-con Mayer?

You be careful. sweetheart.

You don't have to put your feet in the fire just to get them warm.

“It has an emotive sheer readability surpassed by nothing in American fiction.“

I don't believe it. "Profoundly stirring. Well, it looks like a great American novel.

Story's told with such sincerity and passion. Woven of stuff of history,

Endlessly interesting.

Scarlett is a memorable figure in American fiction.

The three best novels I've read this year, Gone with the Wind.”

A little touch of humor there.

Can you imagine that book is selling 45,000 copies a week?

Forty-five thousand.

Yeah, I know, I know, I know. I almost didn't buy it.

Memo to Margaret Mitchell.

L,B., what do you think Gable's worth, 3-, 400.000 dollars?

Do you have any idea what the distribution rights are gonna be...

-...on Gone with the Wind? - Haven't the slightest idea.

It could be worth a great deal of money and a lot of prestige, L.B.

It's gonna be the greatest movie ever made.

It sure could be the longest.

That's a heck of a long book you got there.

How long did it take you to read a book like that?

I'm reading it now' I read the synopsis first.

You paid $50,000 for a book that you didn't even read yet?

When was the last time you read a book? Or even read a synopsis, huh. LBJ?

Who reads? I have somebody tell me the story.

But for $50,000, I would read the whole book.

And then I would turn it down.

The word around is L.B.'s really got you breathing hard for Clark'

I get 10,000 letters a week demanding Clark Gable as Rhett Butler'

It's become a public crusade, David.

It hasn't become. I made it.

That's what I meant, of course.

Now stop teasing me.

We're halfway through our drinks and you haven't said a word, you rat.

Is it gonna be me'? Have you really decided?

What are you thinking?

Chemistry.

- What? -l'm thinking chemistry.

That indefinable combination of qualities“.

...that make a pair of screen lovers electrifying...

...the instant that their eyes meet on-screen.

It's like a bolt of lightning hitting the audience right between the eyes.

I know. I know what you mean. And don't Gable and I have it?

In Possessed, in Forsaking All Others. Was that ever chemistry?

Ben Hecht says the way to test chemistry...

...is to ask yourself would you like to really see them doing it or not.

Doing what'?

Well, it works, you know.

All you have to do is just close your eyes and imagine them in the action.

Who?

Oh. anybody.

Who are you seeing?

You and Gable.

How is it'?

Not bad.

Your celebrated imagination must be having an off day.

- Not bad doesn't begin to do it justice. - No?

Well, of course Clark would know better than I, wouldn't he?

I haven't had his good fortune in that respect.

Y EL.

Okay, I have to admit Goddard's got the looks and the fire.

But the acting. Oh, David.

I don't even think George could pull her through.

- He's very enthusiastic about her, Cukor. - That's because of the challenge.

He loves the challenge of getting a performance“.

...out of somebody no one expects.

And Bette.

Well, how can you even consider her?

What about Jezebel?

How can you cast her as Scarlett after she's done that?

Well, I wasn't too happy over that.

Warner rushing into production with that story about the South.

Trying to capitalize on Gone with the Wind.

Besides, if you're talking chemistry, Gable and Davis?

Doesn't work.

If Clark had his way, it'd be Gable and Lombard. You know that.

But he won't have his way.

He'll have yours, won't he?

She's still jealous about you and Clark. You know that.

That was over ages ago.

Would she be burned up if you got that part?

If? Did I hear you say if?

Did I say that?

Don't say if, darling. Say when.

No. No.

No. Yes.

Yes' No.

Do I know her?

Yes, I do.

No.

No.

- Yes. - Oh, come on.

- This is a hell of a lot of screen tests. - No, yes.

Action.

I tell you I love you.

And I know you must care about me.

Ashley, do you care?

Scarlett, can't we go away and forget we've ever said these things?

No, I can't.

Don't you want to marry me?

I'm going to marry Melanie.

I tell you I love you and I know you must care about me'

Ashley.

Ashley...

...do you care?

Scarlett, can't we go away and forget we've ever said these things?

No, I can't. Don't you wanna marry me?

I'm going to marry Melanie.

Scarlett, can't we go away and forget we've ever said these things?

No.

L can't.

Don't you want to marry me?

I'm going to marry Melanie.

What's the problem, David?

We got trouble, George.

You didn't get the film rights to Gone with the Wind?

I've got serious trouble, George.

I just got a report back from the Hayes office and they've forbidden us to say:

“Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.“

No damn.

One damn in a 4-hour movie and they're not gonna let us use it.

They've come up with an alternative, though.

I can imagine.

“Frankly, my dear, I just don't care,“

That's what I imagined.

I'm not gonna let them getaway with it.

I'm gonna fight them.

The day I start giving approvals...

...any kind of approvals to producers, directors, actors, anybody...

...is the day I'm gonna quit this business and go to Majorca...

...and write that novel that I should be writing now.

- Majorca. What's Majorca like, anyway? - Don't get so hot, David.

Clark wants to know who his leading lady is, that's all.

What do you mean is? Might be.

I don't even have Clark yet.

And even if L.B. does let you have him, he might say no.

Well, if he might say no, I don't want him. And why would he say no?

What's all this stuff, "if he says no“?

He can't say no. If he says no, he goes on suspension'

That's if I say yes.

And he can't go on suspension.

His divorce from Ria really cost him a great deal of money.

That's all gossip. Financially, he's solid as a rock.

There's no actor alive who's financially secure.

That's your fault.

Someday, they're gonna make you pay for all these years of bondage'

I hope I'm around to help them do it.

The inmates taking over the asylum, LB.

David, Clark would have to know who his co-star would be'

Okay. He does, huh?

When and if the time comes, I'll tell him. You can be sure.

I'm not gonna keep it a secret until the picture's over.

But right now, it's nobody's business but my own.

Even Cukor doesn't know.

Do you know, David?

Yeah. I know, Myron.

Then how come you're making all these tests? Ten, 12 tests a day is what I hear.

- Because I want to. - No stone unturned.

I would test this beautiful young lady, if she were an actress'

You're not an actress, young lady?

Well, I'd son of like to be an actress, Mr. Mayer.

But I'm only a secretary.

Isobel's at Metro.

Is that a fact'?

My own company?

She don't look familiar.

As far as Mr. Clark Gable is concerned, my dear brother.“

...there are a lot of actors in this town that can play that part brilliantly.

- Like who? - Bill Powell made a beautiful test.

Flynn would be perfect.

Paramount wants to give me Cooper. - The public wants Gable.

- How do you know? - They told me.

How did they tell you? Call you on the phone?

There is only one Red Butler and his name is Clark Gable.

If I decide he should do it.

I mean, if L.B. and I decide if he should do it.

It's Rhett Butler, not Red, you ignoramus.

Well, I haven't read the book. I mean I haven't Rhett the book.

You know, L.B., you might as well hear it from me...

...because you're gonna hear it soon enough.

Chaplin has offered me.“

...a very attractive distributing deal at United Artists.

For Goddard?

Is that who it is? Paulette?

Look, David, I'm her agent too. Sooner or later, I'll have to know'

Later, okay'? Later.

What's-fl What's Charlie doing these days'?

He's gonna make a picture about Hitler.

Adolf Hitler?

No, L.B. His illegitimate half-brother, Hans Hitler.

He's a dress designer in Vienna.

- Some jokes are not so funny, Myron. - L.B., it's the truth.

Chaplin's gonna make a movie about Hitler. It's--

It's a comedy.

Already, I'm not laughing.

I wouldn't be too sure.

Look, Chaplin's a genius. That's all there is to it.

Not even a citizen.

Let me ask you, David.

Whoever your Scarlett is, does she know'?

She does not know.

A big star? Will there be billing problems?

There will be no billing problems, so stop probing, Myron, okay?

L,B., I'm gonna run this show my own way.

My own way, so here it is.

As to the role of Scarlett O'Hara...

...in the David O. Selznick production of Gone with the Wind...

...the chosen actress will be announced at the appropriate time and not before.

And as to the role of Rhett Butler...

...l have offered it to Mr' Clark Gable'

And if he accepts, the picture will be distributed...

...by the company that has him presently under contract.

I thank you, L.B. Mayer.

David.

There's only one man in the world who really knows you, and that's me.

And you're as full of it as a Christmas turkey on a Bowery soup kitchen.

Come on.

You son of a gun.

Easy going-

Tell me, miss.

Whose secretary are you'?

It's Miss Bankhead.

- How are you, Miss Bankhead? - Couldn't be better, darling.

Of course. I could use a prayer or two.

Light a candle wouldn't hurt.

And a bit of divine intervention would be divine'

She's testing for Scarlett.

I don't see it. Tallulah's a great broad'

I worked with her once at RKO, but I don't see her for this.

I think it's in the bag for Jean Arthur.

Now, I ain't aiming for you to go to Mr. John Wilkes'--

That's too tight. honey. Thank you.

I ain't aiming for you to go to Mr. John Wilkes'...

...and eat like a field...

Miss Bankhead.

It looks exactly like gin.

Swear it isn't gin.

It's water, honest.

Last night should have never happened,

Thank you.

My angel.

George, darling.

Now remember, have a wonderful, wonderful time.

Thank you, darling.

May we have the set cleared, please?

Quiet on the set everybody, please. This will be a take.

Okay, let's light them up.

All right.

Action.

Just hold on and suck in.

And you can take that tray of food back to the kitchen.

- Because I'm not gonna eat a single bite. - Oh. yes, you is.

- You're gonna eat every mouthful. - Oh, no, I'm not.

You can get that dress ready. We're late as it is.

What my lamb gonna wear?

I'm gonna wear that.

Oh, no, you ain't. You ain't gonna show your bosom before 3:00.

-I'm gonna speak to your mother about you. - You speak to Mama.“

...and I won't eat a bite on this tray.

Well, keep the shawl around your shoulders.

Because S ain't aiming for you to get all freckled.

Not after all that buttermilk I done put on you all winter long bleaching them freckles.

Fm gonna have a good time today and I'm gonna do my eating at the barbecue.

And I ain't aiming for you to go to Mr. John Wilkes'...

Wand eat like a field hand and gobble like a hog.

Fiddle-dee-dee, Mammy, Mr. Ashley Wilkes likes a girl that's got a healthy appetite.

George, you think Hepburn would test for it?

- No. - But would you ask her, George'?

Oh, would you? Did you speak to Norma Shearer?

This is Louella Parsons in Hollywood.

My first exclusive.

Never mind what you've heard, are hearing...

...or may be hearing in the next few days, weeks or months.

Because, my dear and good friends...

...it looks like the writing is on the wall.

“Or should I say the marquee.

And the writing is, yes, I have to say it.

Tallulah Bankhead is Scarlett O'Hara.

George Cukor, her friend, is directing the picture'

Jock Whitney, another friend, is backing it'

Her father, Congressman William Brockman Bankhead...

...speaker of the House of Representatives...

...is exerting all of his considerable influence in Washington, D.C...

...in order to ensure the part for his beloved daughter.

So I'm afraid she'll get it.“

My next exclusive.

No.

No, no, no.

It's Bankhead.

Tallulah Bankhead.

Oh, Charlie.

Parsons says so.

- Signed, sealed and delivered. - Get the hell out of here. I'm working.

- But she says this-- - I'm working.

Memo to Tallulah Bankhead.

The tests are very promising indeed.

But frankly, if I had to give you an answer now, it would be no.

I should like to continue looking around...

...and then a little later on, consider the advisability...

...of making some more tests with you.

S know if you get (he chance to act, you should bum up the screen.

You louse.

You four-eyed, no-good lying louse.

- Hi, sweets. - Bankhead?

That lard-butted piece of cornpone.

Her over me'? Me?

Who are you gonna believe? Louella Parsons or me'?

- She got it from you, didn't she? - She did.

Well, isn't it true?

Well, if it was true, would I be here or would I be in Acapulco, huh?

Well, what happens when she finds out?

Well, the usual. You know.

It just didn't pan out.

Artistic differences. Circumstances beyond our control.

You wretch.

If you lied to Louella Parsons, why wouldn't you lie to me?

Artistic differences, circumstances beyond your control.

Because you will never be circumstances beyond my control.

Is that a dare?

I sow the wind and I reap the whirlwind.

You should've been a writer.

Did he put you up to this, George'?

On bended knee.

Do you want me to test?

Don't be absurd. darling.

He's got some nerve.

Is Bette Davis testing? ls Crawford testing?

You bet they aren't.

Well, I don't know how really serious he is about Crawford.

That ain't the way I heard it, bub.

Oh. I meant for the picture.

Good Because thafd sure be some farce.

Bankhead tested.

For what? Aunt Pittypat?

No, but that's not a bad idea.

He's got some nerve.

Me, testing.

Well, George, you can just tell him for me...

I'll paraphrase.

Would you really put me on suspension ifl refuse, LB'?

I would, Clark.

It would break my heart, believe me. But I would.

You remember It Happened One Night?

I loaned you out to Columbia for that, didn't I?

You hated the script' You didn't wanna work with Colbert.

And what did you get'?

An Oscar. What else?

Single-handed, you practically destroy an entire industry.

You forgot about the undershirt business?

You took off your shin in the scene, no undershirt.

And what happened?

Almost every man in the country stops buying undershirts'

Practically an entire industry down the drain'

Do you know what that is'?

That's power.

You got it. Appreciate it.

Cheer up.

This will be the greatest role of your career.

L,B., I'm gonna fall flat on my face.

Please.

Not on your face.

Goodbye, Mr. Gable.

Honey, you said a mouthful,

- Yes, sir? - Send in Myron 's friend.

Yes, sir.

You can go in now.

You wanted to see me, sir?

Come in. Come in.

Take a seat.

So...

...you wanna be an actress.

I hope there's not too much mint in these juleps'

I want the press to be very happy. Thank you.

Perhaps you can help me.

I don't usually cover these Hollywood press things.

They took me off a trial to be here.

Let me tell you. This is not--

This is incredible. I have never seen such hubbub over a motion picture.

- This is just-- -ls this a press party, Myron?

This is a David 0. Selznick press party.

No one else would have the nerve.

Now I've gotta tell you...

“Scarlett is out. You're not right for it.

I can get you a test for Suellen.

- Who's she'? - I thought you read the book'

I skipped a lot.

EnlbYing the party, y'all?

I hear a rumor that the Ku Klux Klan is gonna raid the joint.

You know why you're here, Myron.

We had to have one carpetbagger.

Is he important?

Russell Birdwell, my brother's press agent.

He put this together. He's a genius.

I hate geniuses.

I'll tell you something, David. Birdwell did a marvelous job here.

Louise and I were just talking. What about Ruth Gordon for the part of...?

- Now. - Now?

- The magic moment. - Are you sure?

The pump is primed, trust me.

Who's that tall guy next to Mr. Mayer?

Sidney Howard. Famous playwright.

Pulitzer prizes.

He's writing the screenplay.

Nothing but the best for David O. Selznick.

May I have your attention. please?

May I have your attention? Thank you.

In the words of the old Confederate proverb:

“After food, love."

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. David O. Selznick.

Look at this. He hasn't even made the picture yet.

He's just telling them he's gonna make it.

The son-in-law is risen.

Thank you. Please sit down.

My friends, an ancient sage once observed.“

...that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

My vast army of co-workers will embark with me...

...on what will be the single most important work“.

...of our individual and collective careers“.

...!o make Gone with the Wind the greatest motion picture of all time.

And it is my honor and privilege to present to you...

...a man who has done so much, he needs no introduction.

A legend in his own time.

L.B, Mayer.

Why aren't we standing up for him'?

Because Birdwell didn't arrange it that way.

Ladies and gentlemen, many people have the impression.“

...!hat we, we movie people, are fierce competitors.

Let me tell you, I myself have been in this business“.

...for over 30 years.

And I can tell you...

...that I have been shown every kindness, every cooperation.

People, many people, have helped me.

And sometimes, I'm glad to say...

...on occasion, I have been able to help others.

Metro Goldwyn Mayer is proud to announce...

...that we will be the distributing organization...

...for David O. Selznick's production of Gone with the Wind.

And we are also proud and happy to announce.“

...that for the part of Rhett Butler...

...Mr. David Selznick has chosen...

...our great star, Mr. Clark Gable.

All I wanna know is...

-...who's gonna be my Scarlett? - Tallulah Bankhead.

- Joan Crawford. - Bette Davis.

Bette Davis.

Bette Davis?

Yes, yes, yes.

Joan Bennett.

Miriam Hopkins.

They're all under consideration.

Each and every one of them.

Miriam Hopkins, George?

Over my dead body.

You know, I'm personally thrilled by the passion and emotion...

“generated by Clark's question.

And today, I would like to make this promise...

...no, this pledge to the American people...

...that no effort, no expense will be spared.“

...so that we may achieve the perfect answer...

...the real Scarlett O'Hara.

I would like to direct your attention, please, to the map on my left.

We propose to divide our great country into three sections.

- The South. - Red.

The Northeast.

And the West.

This Birdwell, you can't buy this kind of talent.

This is dedication.

- We are sending talent-scouting teams... - Can't buy it'

...into each of those sectors.

They will interview and make preliminary tests...

...of every qualified candidate.

And I tell you this, that the door is wide open.“

...!o any American girl who truly believes.“

...!hat she's the one to play Scarlett O'Hara'

You can": buy it.

I would like to announce on behalf of Selznick International...

...that we are about to launch--

All right.

You been talking long enough!

It's time for these folks to hear how things is really gonna be.

Y'all are gonna be sticking right there in that red part.

That is the only place you're gonna find Scarlett O'Hara.

If you think you're going to insult the glorious South...

...boy, you got yourself another thing coming.

Is this par! on the level?

Of course not. They're from Central Casting.

You mean, they're actors?

- After a fashion. - You can't find Scarlett O'Hara up in there.

You all try to pass off anybody...

...for the true daughter of the South, we're going to blow your movie...

...out of every moving-picture house in the land.

This has been warning number one.

There will be more.

You want an extra copy. George? I already have one.

Oh. but these are very special, Clark.

Gift copies, they're signed.

BY Whq?

Margaret Mitchell.

The author.

Smile.

God, I love this business.

Oh. yes. Mr. Cukor?

No, he's Mr. Cukor.

- Mr. Cukor? - Yes'

Are you hopeful of finding your Scarlett O'Hara in Atlanta?

Yeah. we are very hopeful,

How many young ladies do you expect to be interviewing?

As many as are interested.

Is there really a chance for an unknown to land this part'?

Or is this just a publicity gimmick?

- Bite your tongue. - I have no comment.

Ma'am, would you please stand back?

Max, can we think of something a trace more orderly during our stay here?

Relax, George, that was all Birdwell.

Look, I know David wants us to be legitimate. Not a three-ring circus.

Just keep the juices flowing.

The juices are flowing fine without the circus.

All right, no circus.

Mr. Cukor.

Oh, Mr. Cukor, Mr. Cukor, we are a delegation of three“.

...representing the Alabama Women United for Tallulah Bankhead...

...lntemational Star of Stage, Screen and Radio.“

...!o bring you the heartfelt hopes of no less than 1750...

...of Alabama's most important and influential top people...

...petitioning you to award the part of Scarlett O'Hara...

...to Miss Tallulah Bankhead.

Not merely on the basis of our pride in this true daughter of Alabama...

...but also on her fitness for the role exemplified by her natural Southern accent.

Well, I'm overwhelmed.

It looks like a memo from David Selznick.

I just cannot thank you enough. I really can't.

Nice smile.

Hold that, gentlemen, please.

Now. you gotta do it for me.

No, I don't.

Not even for me'?

Greater love hath no woman.

But there are limits.

Oh, come on, honey, you'd make a great Scarlett.

No, I wouldn't. You're just prejudiced. You're blind with love...

...and you're helpless under my magic spell.

I love the way you talk.

I know. I know.

Oh. I've gotta like the people that I play.

I don't even like Scarlett.

She's a pain in the butt.

She makes my teeth hurt.

Besides, you talk like all I have to do is snap my fingers, and the parfs mine.

Well, that ain't the way it is, pal.

Well, if I put the pressure on David, and he puts the pressure on L.B.r.

...L.B. just may loan you out. He may force you to do it.

Well, then I'll go on suspension.

I'll retire.

We'll get married, and we'll have babies.

We'll buy a new house.

We'll call it the House of Two Gables.

After you play Scarlett, then we'll do it.

Oh, come on, honey, just think about it some more.

I'll think about it tomorrow.

Well, you see, you've already got some of the dialogue memorized.

Things seem to be slightly calmer here.

Oh. yeah?

I haven't noticed.

I've started to judge it now by the number of fainters we get.

We only had three girls pass out today.

In Syracuse. there were seven.

I thought this was Syracuse.

No, we left Syracuse on Thursday.

This is Buffalo.

Today is Monday.

Which month?

There was that fistfight this morning.

The attack of hysteria.

Oh. I called the hospital by the way.

She's okay.

Apparently, there's a history of emotional unrest there.

Oh, I hate women brawlers.

Max?

What is this?

I've been wondering about that myself.

But you ordered it.

Don't you remember?

I must be getting very tired, George.

It does not want to be digested.

I can't remember the last decent meal we had.

It was either Oklahoma or Philadelphia.

No, we haven't been to Philadelphia yet.

- Are you sure'? - I would remember Philadelphia.

Say, is this the hysteria?

No, that's the one who was in the brawl.

Well, now, you see, there's a bit of the brawler in Scarlett.

Let's see her tomorrow.

Oh, my...

I'm gonna be-- I'm gonna be sick.

George. I think it might be lamb.

Are you sure that this is for Mr. Selznick?

What is it'?

We don't know nothing about the contents...

...but it's gotta be signed for by Mr. Selznick personally.

Those are the instructions.

What the devil is this?

Mr. Selznick. I'm your Scarlett.

Five callbacks out of 18 interviews.

I call that slim pickings.

Selznick people must have been through here...

...with a fine-tooth comb.

Compared to Cleveland.

Cleveland was sensational, wasn't it'?

Sensational.

But you got a different type here, don't forget. Reno.

You have to expect to get a lo! of them who know the score.

Oh, right. Right. I had two today who tipped to the deal almost right off.

First one walked the minute she wised up.

But the second one stayed.

Yeah.

I trust she's auditioning tomorrow.

Oh. it won't be necessary.

This is the best con we ever ran.

And it beats the Colorado Silver Mine stocks by a mile'

Check and double-check.

What do you say, when we finish up here, we go up around Idaho way'?

Some place like Boise maybe, you think?

I think.

Paulette Goddard test.

Ready. Action.

What is it? A secret to tell me'?

Yes, a secret.

I love you.

Isn't it enough that you've collected every other man's heart here today?

Do you want to make it unanimous?

Well, you've always had my heart, you know'

You cut your teeth on it.

Oh, Ashley.

Ashley. tell me, you must.

Oh, don't tease me now.

Have I your heart? Oh, my dear--

You must not say these things, Scarlett. You mustn't'

You don't mean them.

You'll hate yourself for saying them, and you'll hate me for hearing them.

I couldn't ever hate you.

I tell you I love you, and I know you must care about me, because...

Oh. Ashley, do you care?

You do, don't you'?

Scarlett, can't we go away and forget we ever said these things?

NO. ND. I can't.

What do you mean?

Oh. don't you want to marry me?

I'm going to marry Melanie.

No. No. you can't.

Not if you care about me.

Why must you make me say these things to hurt you?

Memo to Mr. Adams.

I have looked at the Goddard test...

...and I must say that I am more and more impressed.

So much so that I think she is strongly in the running as Scadett.

However, the point concerning Chaplin's rights to her...

...should be straightened out immediately.

It might be wise if you can make clear to Myron...

“that unless this point is straightened out, she is not going to play Scafiett.

So he wants you to sign a five-year contract.

Will it get me Scarlett?

It'll get you closer.

Closer is better.

Paulette, are you sure you don't have any kind of a contract with Charlie?

Something I don't know about?

Listen, I told you, Myron, it's just sort of a verbal contract.

Well, Sam Goldwyn says a verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

What about this Bergman girl?

Well, I'm giving her real consideration.

- For Scarlett? Who is she? - No, for Intermezzo.

- Who is she'? - Some Swedish broad.

Ingrid Bergman.

Kay Brown says she's out of this world.

Has she got an agent?

I hope so, Myron. I hope so.

You see, you're a witness,

My brother begrudges me my bread and butter.

Gosh, I thought I was nervous about the interview.

I'm 10 times as nervous about the audition.

Well, this young lady here...

...was as nervous as a ca! on a hot tin roof for her audition this morning.

And do you know where she's gonna be this coming Saturday morning?

- Where? - On a train bound for Hollywood, U.S.A...

...where, next week, she will receive a full-fledged screen test“.

...for the role of Scarlett O'Hara...

...in the David O. Selznick production of Gone with the Wind.

Oh, gee, lucky her.

Now, have you considered the financial arrangements.“

.-.we discussed yesterday and do you find them satisfactory?

Your transportation to Los Angeles, processing fees, et cetera?

Oh. yes, it's perfectly satisfactory.

Do you want the money now?

All in good time, dear.

Now, why don't you step behind this screen here...

...and get into your little costume.

Oh. I'm gonna wear a costume?

Assuming all goes well in here today...

...and my hunch tells me it's going to go very well indeed...

...would you have any objection to having your hair dyed for the actual screen test?

'G

I think I'm gonna need a little help with this thing.

Allow me.

“All right, just hold on and suck in.“

“You can take all that back to the kitchen. I won't eat a bite?

“Oh, yes, ma'am, you is.

You is going to eat every mouthful of this."

"No, I'm not."

What's my lamb gonna wear'?

That.

No, you ain't.

You can't show your bosom before 3:00.

I'm gonna speak to your ma about you.

If you say one word to Mother, I won't eat a bite'

Fiddle-dee-dee. Ashley Wilkes told me he liked to see a girl with a healthy appetite.

Cut.

If this were a screen test, I'd say print it.

- That was wonderful. Wonderful. Really?

Oh. really? I was so nervous.

I'm gonna be honest with you.

For talent and potential...

...l would rank you in the top two, maybe three percent“.

...of all the many, many girls nationwide...

...who aspire to this golden opponunity in the motion-picture industry.

Really?

That was sensational, Betty.

From where I'm standing, I'd say you've got a really good shot at this.

Listen, why don't we just stop this horsing around right now, okay'?

I beg your pardon.

Look, fella, you don't really think that I think...

...!hat anybody is gonna give me the role of Scarlett O'Hara, do you?

Look, all I wanna know is what's the deal?

Can you really make me some connections in Hollywood?

Just to try for something. Bit part, anything.

I can get you all the bits you want.

Laurie, your mother is gonna be very proud of you.

I know.

I'm very proud of you.

Thank you.

You deserve a kiss.

Just tell me something.

Do you guys really gel many girls who fall for this con?

Honey, you'd be amazed.

What a pleasure it will be for me to see your star rise...

...and rise in the Hollywood firmament.

In the years to come, if I am remembered at all, and I will be...

...it will be as the man who discovered Laurie Lee.

What a perfect marquee name.

Laurie Lee.

It really sings.

I'm $0 happy-

I want you to be happy.

I wanna make you happy,

I wanna make you a star.

Daddy said I'd never amount to anything.

I submitted my photo, not me.

Are you getting worried yet?

I wouldn't say worried.

I get twinges of anxiety every now and then when I look at a calendar.

Frankly, I can't think of anyone left to test, David.

Well, we'll just gonna have to test somebody, George, somebody.

I saw a very attractive carhop at a drive-in in Sunset Boulevard the other night.

Three weeks from now, that's not gonna be so funny.

If you don't make up your mind soon.“

...Gone with the Wind could win an Oscar for the Best Picture of 1988.

Or the booby prize for the best movie that was never made.

I wouldn't go that far.

George...

...do you ever think about failure?

You're joking.

I don't mean that 3:00 in the morning butterflies in the stomach...

...kind of failure, you know.

Where you think about yesterday and you figure, go back tomorrow and fix it'

I'm considering failure, total complete failure.

Do you ever think about that'?

No.

I do.

Doesn't seem justified.

Why?

Because I've got such a red-hot successful career. huh?

Well, that's what I had in mind.

My old man was one of the great men in the early days in this business, you know.

He was one of (he pioneers.

And you know what happened to him.

He was ruined.

Ruined.

Adolph Zukor...

...maneuvered him into such a corner that he got wiped out...

...and all of his pals in this industry, my father's pals...

...they all turned their backs on him.

We were living in a 17-room apartment in New York City on Park Avenue.

We had everything. Everything. Cars, servants.

Myron and I woke up one morning...

...and found we were living in a four-room railroad flat.

My mother was scrubbing the kitchen floor.

I'll never forget that.

Oh, they can write books about Thalberg, and Mayer and Adolph Zukor“.

...but no one's ever gonna remember my father, Lewis J. Selznick.

And I don't care how big you get, you know'

There's always somebody bigger than that...

...who can always take it away from you.

And I know that and I think about that.

Sometimes.

You did what with who?

A five-year contract with Selznick.

Without consulting me'?

If I had consulted you, you would've said no.

This is unspeakable. How could you?

- We have a contract. - Oh, Charlie, we have no contract.

An emotional contract.

A contract of the heart.

Oh, Charlie.

Even I'm not gonna fall for that bull,

How could he do this to me?

Selznick, of all people.

Don't you want me to play Scarlett?

Do you think this will gel you Scarlett?

This will get you five years of bondage to David O' Selznick, you twit.

I would've gotten you Scarlett,

I've been waiting, Charlie, and I've been waiting.“

...and you didn't get it.

You didn't even get me the test.

Myron got me my lest.

Brothers.

An agent to the producer working hand in glove to destroy me'

The agents and producers always destroy the great artists of this world.

“Good evening, Mr. and Miss North and South American, let's go to press.

Flash, this is Walter Winchell...

...bringing you the latest on the great Scarlett O'Hara Wars...

...from sunny Southern California where the coconuts bloom.

And I do mean coconuts.

Could it be true that after all the hoopla and heavy breathing...

...David 0. Selznick is about to ink none other than Paulette Goddard?

Hard to believe David hasn't heard, because it's no secret around Tinseltown.“

...that Paulette is presently domiciled in what is rumored to be“.

...very unwedded bliss with none other than Charlie Chaplin...

...one of Joe Stalin's favorite funnymen on and off the screen.

Open letter to David O. Selznick:

“Dear David, will the pages of Paulette's contract be colored pink?

Scarlett O'Hara. Oh, Paulette. Oh, David. Oh, boy."

Well, are they married or are they not?

She claims they are.

- Married last year in Singapore. Singapore, huh'?

Well, some cruise they were on.

Married by the ship's captain in a harbor at Singapore.

Perfect. Then all we have to do is come up with a marriage license, right'?

I think we could beat that political thing...

...if we could come up with a marriage license.

That's what all those letters are screaming about.

The fact that they're living together and they're not married.

Politics, you know, bother people...

...but sex really makes them nervous.

Xes'? - Miss Crawford's on the line.

Well, tell her I'll have to call her back later'

You told me that yesterday, honey...

...and the day before and the day before that.

Maybe we could fake one. A marriage license.

Didn't Metro do that with Gable a few years ago when he was living with Ria...

...and the public was screaming for the vice squad. huh?

I think they predated it by two years.

In that case, of course, they got married, much to Gable's present regret.

Mes'? - Mr. Cukofs here.

Send him in.

Hey, what do you say we fake a marriage license?

I'm a lawyer, David. I say no.

Five thousand crooked attorneys in this town and I gotta end up with you.

George. Here.

Sidney's first-draft screenplay.

Looks like he's been faithful to the book.

Four hundred and seventeen pages. Gonna run seven hours on the screen.

Well, you could always provide a boxed lunch and a pillow with each ticket'

Of course, that wouldn't solve the restroom problem.

Louise. We've got to find out whether they're married or not.

If I cast her as Scarlet! and they're not married“.

...why, the public is gonna crucify us.

I know, David, I know.

- Louise. - Yes?

A memo to Sidney Howard.

Whafd you think of the Lana Turner test'?

And Gable called me yesterday urging us to cast Carole.

Well, I don't think she's right for the pan. What did you say?

Well, I told him I'm so personally enchanted by Carole...

...l would love so to work with her...

...that I might unconsciously shift the emphasis of the picture to Scarlett.

That's just what he's afraid of, that it will be a woman's picture.

I know.

I think that's the last we'll hear from him about Carole.

- Miss Ball is here. -ls she one of the contract players?

Send her in.

- You can go in now. - Thank you.

Hello.

-I'm David Selznick. - Yes, sir. I know, sir.

- And you're Miss Ball? - Yes'

- Please, sit down. - Thank you.

And so you think you could possibly be my Scarlett, eh?

- Lucille, is it? - Yes, sir.

Lucille Ball.

It burns me up, you know?

When will the people in this country stop getting outraged.“

...by who sleeps with who, who lives with who, who has whose baby?

Never. David, this is America.

Yeah, right.

Well, maybe I can still use Goddard even if I don't use her as Scarlett

You know, so far, Warners won't loan me de Havilland for Melanie.

But from what I understand, Jack Warner's crazy about Goddard'

So maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to trade her for de Havilland.

Sure, as long as you got them under contract, they never go to waste'

LB.

I hope you're not smiling.

And if you are, it's because you don't know the date.

I'm taking a five-minute break from despair.

I had my five-minute break from despair yesterday.

I'll wait till you finish yours.

Yeah. Come here, sit down.

I wanna show you something. You know what that is?

No, I'm out of guesses too, David.

That's a page from the original manuscript of Gone with the Wind.

- Oh, the novel. - The novel, right.

Look, with corrections by Margaret Mitchell herself and signed by Margaret Mitchell.

- Do you see that? - Yeah'

See, David, that's what's so fabulous about you as a producer too.

I mean, even after all these years at it...

...you still have that marvelous capacity to be thrilled.

- George. - Well, I'm impressed' That impresses me'

You know what I'm after now'?

A page from the manuscript by Daphne Du Maurier.

- Rebecca. Wonderful book. - Oh. yeah?

I bought it, to make a movie of it. Hitchcock's gonna direct it'

That's a good idea, It needs an Englishman.

I'll have to make a lot of tests of girls again.

I don't wanna hear about tests of girls, David.

Just hold on and suck in.

You can take all that back to the kitchen.

I won't eat a bite.

All right, hold it. Hold it right there.

Don't shoot. I'm holding it.

I'm only trying out for the movies.

I'm only trying out for the movies.

I've been waiting for the opportune moment to give you some bad news, Dave'

I don't wanna hear about it.

That's the conclusion I've reached, so here it is.

I don't wanna hear about it.

I did the arithmetic for you.

You gotta put Gable to work the second week of February...

...so he'll be ready to start his next picture, that gives him to you for 20 weeks.

- I need him for at least 22 weeks. - I know, but I did the arithmetic.

And that's how it comes out.

You can't fight arithmetic.

L.B. Mayer breaks my legs giving me Gable“.

...and now you want me to start two weeks before I'm ready.

And you don't even have a Scarlett yet.

- Will you shut up? - My heart goes out to you, David.

Scarlett, Scarlett, wherefore art thou, Scarlett?

What face through yon window breaks?

She's out there somewhere, Dave. You always said so.

I hate to admit it, but I have to admit it.

I have to admit that I'm suffering...

...from a certain amount of mental confusion at this point.

Seems to me that I've got a bad case of Scarlett on the brain.

Scarlett fever.

All I do is dream about Scarletts.

Thousands of them...

...coming around the corner, from behind trees.

First, it's Bette Davis, then it's Crawford, then it turns into Lombard.

I had a nightmare. A nightmare.

Scarlett was walking toward me.

She looked beautiful. But she had no face.

Where her face was, it was blank.

Just like in those posters. Remember those?

I remember, brilliant idea.

- Birdwell'? - Mine.

Brilliant idea, anyway.

Now it comes back to haunt me.

If only you could get them all together, all the Scarletts...

...and line them up, side-by-side.“

...and look at them altogether, all at once.

A lineup, sort of like the cops have for suspects.

There'd be thousands of girls. Thousands.

I spent over $100,000 on this talent search.

Did you know that?

Ninety-three separate screen tests“.

...and not a Scarlett in the bunch.

Thousands and thousands of girls.

You'd have to narrow it down a little.

- Like in a lineup. - Little lineup.

Yeah. like in a lineup.

Suspects.

Myron...

...we're gonna have a party.

- A party? I hate parties. - A party.

Oh. you're gonna love this one.

Myron, this party, you're gonna love.

- Joan, you look wonderful. - Hello, darling.

Hello, Terry. Have a drink.

Oh, that cheap, rotten, conniving son of a--

What? What is it, honey?

Scarletts.

They're all Scarletts.

We're up to our butts in Scarletts here.

Paulette Goddard.

Joan Bennett.

Jean Arthur. Miriam Hopkins.

Margaret Sullavan,

Crawford .

- Bankhead- - Lord, when will it ever stop?

What do we do'? Pretend we don't notice?

Let's pretend we don't notice, okay?

Apparently, that's what everyone else is doing.

I just don't know how long it's going to last.

Hi, my darling. I'm so glad you could come.

So was I.

- Clark. You're looking fit, just fine. - David'

- Swell. Couldn't be better. - Wonderful'

Lose five or 10 pounds before the picture starts.

Come on in, join the party, won't you?

Enough is enough.

She's taking unfair advantage. She could've at least left Gable at home.

They do go well together though, don't they?

Shut up.

To me, Clark Gable is Rhett Butler.

Well, I think this will help get his career off the ground, you know.

So says I, a bachelor.

A bachelor, mate, is a man who doesn't make the same mistake once'

Oh. Charlie, look. I can't stand it.

Remember, you're under contract to him. You'll stand it'

Let this be a lesson to you.

I wanna go home.

Say goodbye to Scarlett as you leave.

You're mean.

Jean, my dear.

I don't believe you've met Paulette.

Jean Arthur, Paulette Goddard.

- Hi, hon. - Hi.

I've been a fan of yours for ages.

Hope I can say the same about you someday.

- And Miriam Hopkins. - Hi there.

Thought you gave a charming performance in Modern Times.

I owe it all to Charlie.

So I've heard.

- George, for Pete's sake, please be careful. - Of what?

There's gonna be a lot of feminine wiles thrown at you tonight.

I thought the feminine wiles were your responsibility?

After the producer, the most important man in the production is you.

I never thought of that.

You better start thinking about it and be careful.

There's gonna be an awful lot of wiles left over'

- Not the least hint of favoritism. - No favoritism.

Again, please.

We're looking at at least six Oscar-winning performances here tonight.

With several nominees.

And they're handling it admirably, aren't they?

I haven't heard the words Gone with the Wind so much as whispered.

Talk about restraint' Even Tallulah hasn't batted an eye.

- Is she drinking a lot'? - Both hands.

She's gonna be batting a lot more than an eye before the night's over, boys.

Incidentally, where's Irene?

She retired early with a headache.

To Palm Springs.

Yeah, she doesn't share our sense of adventure.

- Or dedication. - Or fun.

What she doesn't share is your willingness...

...to walk into a cage full of tigers with one hunk of meat.

Darling, have you worked since My Man Godfrey?

Gee, Miriam. hardly at all.

That's what I thought.

This is giving me the willies.

I haven't seen so many phony smiles since the losers.“

mat the last Academy Awards.

Why don't you all just walk out?

Listen to the man with the signed contract.

I'd give it to you if I could.

- The part? - My contract.

Is that story on the level, dear?

You really don't wanna do it?

I thought it was just one of David's publicity gimmicks.

The king is reluctant in the face of nationwide demand, all thatjunk.

The king is reluctant. The king is scared spitless.

You know what you need'? You need a Scarlett you can count on'

Ronnie Colman, Errol Flynn, Cooper, they're all Rhett Butlers.

Why me?

Margaret Mitchell wanted Basil Rathbone to do the part, did you know that?

Writers should never be involved in the casting process.

Hey. pal.

Thank you.

I'm terribly sorry, darling' I don't think I caught your name.

- Michael. - Michael. What a sweet name.

Michael, I'm afraid I'm becoming extremely tense.

Are you? I'm sorry.

Perhaps you could render me some assistance.

How'!?

Oh. you sweet old-fashioned boy, you.

George, it's wonderful to see you. You look marvelous.

My darling, you took the words right out of my mouth.

Take them back. They sound better in yours'

Joan. you look marvelous.

You see'? Much better.

Darling, you know I never beat around the bush.

Certainly not with someone that I adore and trust the way I adore and trust you...

...so I'm going to lay this right on the line'

Lay what on the line?

If you want me to lest for it, I'll test for it.

- For what? - George, don't be cruel.

Oh, well, you know, if that were solely my responsibility, then--

I mean, need I say more?

A little.

I don't feel that Joan Crawford should test for anything'

Which reminds me...

...when I finish Gone with the Wind, I've been offered another picture.

It's called The Women.

And there is a part in it that you will adore.

I mean, it was written for you.

Really? The Woman?

Ne, The Women.

Oh, more than one?

You realize, of course, who's very conspicuously not here.

Sure, Hepburn.

Well, maybe she's late, Joan,

Maybe she's out of the running.

Maybe she's already got it.

Don't say that, Maggie. Please.

Did you see Modem Times, George?

Brilliant. And you were exquisite.

Oh, George, I'd rather hear that from you than anyone else in this town.

Well, except Charlie, of course.

Not even Charlie.

Oh. well, I am very flattered.

Oh. I mean it. I really do.

Why, I'd give just about anything to work with you, George.

Funny that you would say that...

...because I've been offered a new script right after Gone with the Wind.

Really?

What's it called?

It's called The Women.

Well, if there are no men, where is the love interest?

George, are you sure there's not something funny about this picture'?

Funny?

You know what I mean.

Good heavens, no.

Well, you know, I just could never work in a picture like that.

Good heavens. No.

No men at all, George'?

Exactly.

And this part was just written for you, Tallu.

No men at all?

Well, hello, Carole. old girl.

Hi, Tallu.

This is an absolutely stinking idea, isn't it?

- Stinking. -l'm not amused.

Neither am I.

Tell me honestly.

Darling, do you think you stand a chance of playing Scarlett O'Hara'?

- Not a ghost. - Neither do l.

Fiddledeedee. I say it with a breaking heart and a cheerful voice.

Well, maybe you don'! have approval technically. Clark...

...but Selznick sure isn't going to cast anyone you don't like, right?

Did you happen to see my test by any chance?

Well, I didn't, honey. No. I heard about it, though. I heard it was just great.

DR! you see Modem Times?

No. But it's on the top of my list to see.

Well, Charlie would be very happy to screen it for you.

Why are we putting up with this nonsense?

I don't know. Why are we?

Why in the pluperfect hell don't we just up and leave?

Well, I don't know. Why don't we'?

- No. - No?

It isn't enough to just up and leave.

It isn't?

Not nearly enough, darling. Not nearly.

See what her reputation is?

You're invited but--

I can't stand it.

Why not?

Ladies and gentlemen.

May I have your attention. please?

My friend Carole...

...Miss Lombard...

Wand I would like to take this opportunity...

...!o thank our most distinguished host, our dear David.“

...for including us in this honorable...

...and most gracious society.

- Right, Carole? - Too true, Tallu.

It's been an experience unlike any other that we've ever had.

And I think that we speak for others here tonight...

...when we say that this evening was one that we'll never forget.

- Right, Tallu? - Right, Carole'

And we thought that David shouldn't forget it either.

- Right, Tallu? - Right, Carole'

- Frankly, my dear, we don't give a damn. - We don't give a damn.

Carole.

Gee, David, I-- Carole.

David, she must be-

Carole.

You do not need a quick answer on this so...

'..l should like to continue looking around.

Memo to Walter Plunketl.

No, we do not yet have a leading lady and yes. we are running out of time.

I can only suggest that you make all the Scarlett costumes...

...in small, medium and large,

Tell her the deal looks like it's all set so she doesn't have to sell the polo ponies'

Only kidding. When you're done with that...

...see if you can track down a picture called Fire Over England.

There's a print of it floating around town somewhere.

Try not to let anyone know that I'm the one who wants it.

- May I ask why? - Yes.

Why?

Well, there's an actor in it who I hear my brother is hot for for Rebecca.

This actor is said not to have any American representation.

I would be happy to represent them in negotiations with David O. Selznick.

Also find out if this actor has made any other picture.

If so, I wanna see them.

His name is Olivier.

O-L-l-V-l-E-R'

Laurence Olivier.

December 10th, we burn Atlanta.

- Scarlett or no Scarlett? - Scarlett or no Scarlett'

But we're gonna be using doubles for the Atlanta burning so not to worry'

What do you think of these sketches?

I start shooting with the real Scarlett in little over a month, David.

That's to worry.

- David, about Atlanta-- - Yes.

- Have you seen Bill's designs? - I have' They're gorgeous,

David, we can't build the Atlanta set in time enough“.

...to burn it down on December 10th.

I thought we were using models.

Well, I wanted to use models.

I mentioned it to Bill but he said he'd shoot me if we did, so, Bill, no models.

Now, we got all those sets standing on the back lot, right'?

We're gonna have to tear them down to build Tara and all those exteriors.

What are those sets?

The Last of the Mohicans, King Kong, Garden of Allah, Little Lord Fauntleroy.

- Put them all together. What do you got? - Atlanta for burning.

David, have you thought any more about Margaret Sullavan?

I've made a decision, incidentally.

You decided?

I knew from the beginning that if we got down to the wire.“

Wand we didn't have the Scarlett of our dreams“.

...l'd have to go with the best one available at the time, so here it is.

It can't go out to this office.

Scarlett will be Hepburn."

...Goddard, Jean Arthur 0r Joan Bennett.

Well, to decide not to decide is also a decision.

David O. Selznick?

- David O. Selznick? - That's me'

- David O. Selznick? - Yeah, what is it?

David O. Selznick, I have here a warrant for your arrest...

...on charges of grand larceny, fraud, violation of the Mann Act--

The Mann Act?

The transportation of female persons across a state line“.

...for lewd and illicit purpose--

I know what it is.

It's a mistake.

You got the wrong Selznick, You probably want my brother Myron.

Give him his number.

All right, all right.

Now, just let me try to understand this.

Now. Mr. Adams.

You contend that your client has no association.“

...with these gentlemen whatsoever?

None whatsoever, Your Honor. I never saw these--

David, please. None whatsoever, Your Honor.

Neither professional nor personal. None whatsoever.

They said they work for Mr. David O. Selznick.

- They said they'd get us screen tests. - If we were nice to them.

And we were.

I was nice to Mr. Fuller once in Sacramento and twice right here in Hollywood.

Me too, with Mr. Page for three solid weeks in Burbank.

Am I to understand that the credentials identifying Mr. Page and Mr. Fuller.“

was representatives of Selznick International Pictures...

...that these credentials are entirely bogus and fraudulent?

Bogus and fraudulent, Your Honor, entirely.

I want to speak privately with counsel.

Would you excuse us, please?

Yes, of course.

Well...

I want to test them both.

- For Scarlett? - For anything.

It'll be great publicity,

ls that your final word on it, Clark?

Okay, I'll pass it along to David.

I think you'll be hearing from them about it, though.

Right.

Bye-bye.

Gable categorically refuses to have any kind of Southern accent.

Can you imagine Rhett Butler without a Southern accent?

Or maybe he'll get away with it.

Shall I have them run the film now?

What am I seeing?

Fire Over England.

Why?

- You wanted to see Olivier. Right. right.

It's academic now. David's already signed him for Rebecca.

I'll look anyway. I haven't seen a movie in two days. I need a fix.

Okay. you can go now.

F love her.

Bu! I will not ask any girl's leave to do what I must.

- Not if I order it'? - Michael.

Michael, speak to me out of your own heart, not because she bids you. Must you go'?

If you are killed, Michael, there will be so many years without you.

I shall grow old.

Fifty years without you, Michael, think of it.

Fifty springs, summers» winters. Must you go?

Get me the overseas operator. I wanna call London.

Olivier'?

No, not Olivier.

Then you'll go with my free leave.

Lord Burieigh will order your journey.

Start rehearsal with Goddard tomorrow and shoot the test on Thursday.

- Okay? - Fine.

- When are we testing Jean Arthur? - Tuesday.

All right, fine.

Soon Fitzgerald starts the new screenplay tomorrow.

You think he's gonna have any more success...

...than the other five writers you had?

- Six. - Six.

The ideal script won't have one word of screenwriters dialogue.

It would be 100-percent pure Margaret Mitchell.

You can't improve on success.

They said they was delivering this automobile for Miss Crawford.

And I said there was probably some mistake.

You already got three automobiles.

Joan. Please accept this small token of my esteem, my devotion and my regrets.

Love, David.

P. S. I have a wonderful new script. I'd like you to read it.

David. Scarlett.

I'd say it's between Goddard and Jean Arthur.

Wouldn't you say?

That's where we are.

I'll tell you the truth, George.

Not finding the right girl to play Scarlett.“

...is really the greatest failure in my entire career.

Memo to Kay Brown.

Dear Kay, would you care to inquire from Tallulah Bankhead...

._.whether she'd like to play Belle Walling?

S think she would do wonders with this bit...

Wand would be a perfect illicit mate for Rhett Butler.

However. since it is an extremely small part...

. .. don 't mention my name in connection with the idea.

Simply say that it's an idea of yours and you haven'! yet taken it up with me.

Do I hear you muttering obscenities?

By the way. wait till you get a load of Gable in costume.

MI knock your socks off.

He is Rhett Butler.

Tonight's the night.

Still no Scaflett.

Okay, shine that light over here, please.

And on action, the doubles for Scarlett--

- David. David. - The flames will start coming--

- It's getting late. - All right, let's get started, forget it.

- You haven't seen Myron, have you? - No.

The hell with it.

I can't believe it. Typical.

One of the most important shots ever to be done in motion pictures...

...and my brother's late.

Forget it.

David, this is gonna be wonderful. Just terrific'

- Good evening, everybody. - Surely this is the capstone of your career.

Well, I hope so.

Okay. everybody.

Okay, Bill, whenever you're ready. Please, let's go.

- Okay, boys, light them up. - Light the torches'

- Okay. - Be careful with that.

Don't rush. Don't rush it.

Everybody, together now in the fire. All right, let's give a nice--

- Okay, let's go. - All right. Walk, walk, walk.

- All ready there with the effects? Good. - Let's get it by the steeple.

- Okay, back away- Get out of there. - It's up, it's up, it's up.

- Camera's rolling. - You got the camera set?

- Yeah. - Let's make one'

- Clear.

- Speed . - Action.

Okay. Wasn't bad. We'll have to do it again, though.

Set up again, re-set. Somebody get his hat, please'

Put it over here. would you'?

Okay, how was that on the camera?

- Bring the wagon back to its mark. - You get that all right'?

People, can we just cooperate here? We're gonna be here all night.

Please move those cables. They're in the shot.

All right.

It's on the fire. Thank you.

Better late than never.

Look who showed up.

- An unavoidable delay. - Oh. really?

You got plenty of fire, though. Oh, it really looks spectacular. Dave.

- There's someone I want you to meet. - I haven't got time.

It'll only take a minute. A minute you'll remember for the rest of your life.

Come on.

David, I want you to meet Scarlett O'Hara'

- Take off your hat. - Myron'

How do you do? My name is Vivien Leigh.

And she's not even my client.