Are you a Gone with the Wind fan? We are HUGE fans! So I was thrilled to see the Making of Gone with the Wind exhibit was going to be at the Harry Ransom Center on the UT Campus for the next few months.
I took my mom as a surprise for her birthday last week. This free exhibit is easy to get to, packed with history and so worth the visit……even if you have only seen the movie one time. The back story of how the movie came to exist was absolutely amazing.
The exhibit is laid out on a time line, showing all the behind-the scenes work to get the movie produced – from getting approval from the book’s author, Margaret Mitchell, to finding the perfect actress to play Scarlett (which took YEARS!). There are over 300 articles that tell the story, including 2 dresses that have not been on display in over 25 years.
 |
| I’m sure you recognize this famous dress! |
These gorgeous dresses are so much better in person – to see the amount of work that went into their intricate detail – it’s amazing.
I don’t want to give away all the fascinating things you will see at the Making of Gone with the Wind, but you will see scripts, actual audition tapes of the potential “Scarletts”, fan mail, costumes, and producer David O. Selznick’s memos.
It’s a great exhibit that takes less than an hour to see. While you are there, make sure to see the Gutenberg Bible and the world’s first photograph.
There are several fun events that correspond with this exhibit in Austin, including this:
The Paramount Theatre commemorates the 75th anniversary of the December 15, 1939, premiere of Gone With The Wind. Tickets required and may be purchased online, by phone at 512-474-1221, or at the Paramount’s box office.
Exhibition Galleries
Extended Hours for Gone With The Wind (starting Sept. 9):
10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
10 a.m.–7 p.m. Thursday
Noon–5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Tours
Noon Daily
6 p.m. Thursday
2 p.m. Saturday
2 p.m. Sunday
Gone With The Wind screentests will be shown in the Ransom Center’s first-floor theater at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekends, immediately following the public tour.
Closure Dates
The Ransom Center Galleries are closed the following holidays: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day.
Location
21st and Guadalupe Streets – park in any of the nearby parking lots ($3-5)
