Olivia de Havilland had been under contract to Warner Brothers. She had spent much of her career there as a "damsel in distress" rescued by Errol Flynn in such films as "Captain Blood" and "Robin Hood". But in 1938, Olivia began itching for more. Upon hearing of auditions for Gone With the Wind, she realized that the role of Melanie might be just what she needed to scratch that itch.
Olivia approached Jack Warner, requesting to be released from Warner Brothers so that she could audition for Selznick International. Warner, in a testament to his tyrannical reputation, said no.
However, Olivia was no wilting flower. Still determined , she boldly presented her case to MRS. Warner. Jack Warner was powerless against the wiles of two conspiratol women and eventually agreed to release Olivia from her contract.
By contrast, Leslie Howard balked at the prospect of playing Ashley Wilkes. As with Clark Gable, letters poured into the studio suggesting that Howard be cast in the role of Ashley.
"I haven't the slightest intention of playing another weak, watery character," he said, "I've played enough ineffectual characters already."
The only thing enticing enough to persuade Howard to sign on was the privelege of producing INTERMEZZO, Selznick's next film. Selznick dangled the carrot in front of the rabbit for all he was worth. The rabbit took the bait: Leslie Howard signed on to play the role of Ashley Wilkes in exchange for being the producer of INTERMEZZO.
Howard's lack of enthusiasm for the film is evident in this statement, taken from a telegram he sent to Margaret Mitchell:
"I feel it a great honor to have been selected to enact one of the roles of your book, the title of which escapes me at the moment."
Undoubtedly, he was to be reminded of its title for many years to come.
Unlike Leslie Howard,Lizzie McDuffie was not in need of a reminder. The official White House cook while Franklin D. Roosevelt was in office, Ms. McDuffie also auditioned for Selznick International. She saw herself in the part of Scarlett's well-meaning, if somewhat overbearing, Mammy. But it was Hattie McDaniel who beat out the competition and won the role.
Prissy was the only character that Margaret Mitchell confessed she would've liked to play in the film. But the part of the high-strung slave girl (who claims to know all about "birthin' babies" then becomes hysterical when Melanie goes into labor) went to Butterfly McQueen.
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