On December 15, 1939, a momentous event unfolded as nearly 300,000 people gathered around the Loew’s Grand Theatre for the premiere of the acclaimed antebellum epic, Gone with the Wind. This monumental occasion became a three-day celebration in Atlanta, marked by extravagant festivities such as a costumed ball and a parade of film stars down Peachtree Street. Georgia Governor Eurith Rivers even declared the premiere day a state holiday, symbolizing the film’s significance to many white Southerners as a portrayal of the “true” South. Eighty-four years later, the premiere of this culturally impactful film remains etched in the collective memory of Atlantans, and the story of its organization continues to be an intricate and compelling part of Atlanta’s history.

**From Page to Screen: The Birth of an Epic**

Gone with the Wind, the film, was adapted from Margaret Mitchell’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, a national phenomenon following the life of Scarlett O’Hara during the Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction years in Georgia. Mitchell’s best-selling novel garnered immense anticipation when she sold the screen rights to producer David O’Selznick just a month after its 1936 publication. The film, starring Vivian Leigh, Clark Gable, Hattie McDaniel, and Olivia de Havilland, brought Mitchell’s characters vividly to life.

**Atlanta’s Selection and Premiere Planning**

The producers strategically chose Atlanta as the premiere location, a decision met with widespread celebration. This was viewed as an opportunity to showcase Atlanta’s offerings to the nation, stirring civic pride among its citizens. Planning for the premiere involved meticulous details, including the Wesleyan Women’s Club petitioning four years in advance to be hostesses. Daily updates from The Atlanta Constitution kept the public informed about preparations, casting details, and production insights.

As the premiere date approached, the city underwent a transformation, with businesses and theaters adopting Antebellum facades, historical markers placed across the city, and civic organizations actively participating. The premiere became a significant moment for a city eager to display its resilience post-Civil War.

**Stars Arrive, Except One**

The film’s stars arrived amidst a frenzy of excited fans, embarking on tours and visits across the state to real-life venues and landmarks from the novel. However, the premiere faced the stark reality of racial segregation in the South. Hattie McDaniel, who portrayed Mammy, was urged not to attend due to concerns for her safety amid segregationist sentiments. Despite these challenges, the premiere went forward, and the film’s stars, including Clark Gable, attended the event.

**Festivities Unfold: A Grand Celebration**

The three-day celebration kicked off with a grand costume ball, where Atlantans and visitors competed in various contests. The premiere day saw nearly 300,000 individuals gathering around the Loew’s Grand Theatre, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Spotlights illuminated the venue, symbolizing the star power of the event. As stars entered the theater to watch the film for the first time, cheers echoed through the crowds. The film’s depiction of the “Lost Cause” was lauded by Southern leaders, even as it became a point of criticism in later years.

**Legacy and Reflections: Eighty-Four Years On**

After the premiere, artifacts from the film became cherished items displayed in museums across the state, ensuring the film’s legacy endured. Over the years, Gone with the Wind has faced critiques for its romanticized portrayal of the Antebellum era and its complex gender and class politics. Yet, the film continues to hold significance, sparking debates and discussions. Margaret Mitchell, the author, was laid to rest at Oakland Cemetery, becoming one of its most visited sites as fans pay tribute to the woman who introduced them to the world of Tara and Scarlett O’Hara. Eighty-four years later, the premiere of Gone with the Wind remains a significant chapter in Atlanta’s history, intertwining with the cultural fabric of the city.