The Scarlett O’Hara War

The Scarlett O’Hara War

Year: 1980

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: English

Director: John Erman

TV MovieDrama

The trials and tribulations of David O. Selznick as he attempts to find an actress to play the role of Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939).

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Scarlett O’Hara War (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Scarlett O’Hara War (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

The events unfold in the late 1930s Hollywood studio era, focusing on the behind‑the‑scenes drama of securing Gone with the Wind. The timeline tracks the 1936 publication of the novel, the rights negotiations, and the eventual casting in 1938. It showcases how industry practices of the time concentrated power in a few producers and studios.

Location

Hollywood, MGM dining room, Selznick International Pictures lot, Los Angeles

The action takes place in 1930s Hollywood within the glamorous yet cutthroat spaces of MGM dining rooms and Selznick’s studio lots. These settings are depicted as the nerve center where film rights are traded and casting decisions are orchestrated. The locations reflect the heart of the studio system, where production decisions shape careers and cinematic history.

🎬 Hollywood 🏛 Studio System 🗺 Los Angeles

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:40

Main Characters – The Scarlett O’Hara War (1980)

Meet the key characters of The Scarlett O’Hara War (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

David O. Selznick (Tony Curtis)

An ambitious producer who founds Selznick International Pictures to secure the rights to Gone with the Wind. He relentlessly directs the project toward his envisioned prestige and orchestrates the casting process to align with his ambitions. His influence drives negotiations and the overall direction of the film.

🎭 Casting 🏛 Producer

Louis B. Mayer (Harold Gould)

A powerful studio head who discusses rights with Selznick and wields significant pressure over key casting decisions. His authority at MGM and willingness to threaten consequences underscore the coercive nature of the studio system. He helps steer the project through institutional leverage.

🏛 Studio 🎭 Power

Paulette Goddard (Gwen Humble)

One of the early actresses tested for Scarlett, her screen test receives strong attention. Her involvement highlights how talent, image, and personal status (e.g., verification of marriage) can influence a screening, though she is ultimately not selected for the role.

🎭 Casting 🏛 Actress

Tallulah Bankhead (Carrie Nye)

A leading Southern actress who auditions for Scarlett, adding to the pool of contenders. Her presence at the auditions and the party scene illustrates the intense competition and the personal dynamics at play, including how rumor and perception affect outcomes.

🎭 Casting 🏛 Actress

Carole Lombard (Sharon Gless)

Another prominent actress considered for Scarlett, she participates in the competitive screening process. Her involvement demonstrates the high-stakes nature of the selection and the celebrity milieu surrounding the project.

🎭 Casting 🏛 Actress

Vivien Leigh (Morgan Brittany)

The actress who ultimately lands the role of Scarlett, marking a pivotal moment in the casting saga. Her selection is presented as the turning point that leads to the film’s historic status.

🎭 Casting 🏛 Actress

Joan Crawford (Barrie Youngfellow)

One of the actresses considered during the casting process, included among the early contenders and part of the high-profile audition circuit.

🎭 Casting 🏛 Actress

Louella Parsons (Jane Kean)

The radio gossip columnist whose misinformed broadcast inflames public perception by announcing Tallulah Bankhead had won the part, illustrating the media’s role in shaping casting narratives.

🗞️ Gossip 🎭 Casting

George Cukor (George Furth)

The director under consideration, noted for directing The Women and involved in the broader discussions of how the film’s production would unfold after casting. His role epitomizes the cross-pollination of different projects within the studio system.

🎭 Director 🏛 Producer

Charlie Chaplin (Clive Revill)

Paulette Goddard’s lover and a notable presence at the social side of the casting milieu, reflecting the intertwining of personal and professional networks in Hollywood.

🎭 Casting 🏛 Actor

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:40

Major Themes – The Scarlett O’Hara War (1980)

Explore the central themes of The Scarlett O’Hara War (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏛️ Power

Studio chiefs wield enormous leverage over projects, shaping careers and a studio’s prestige. Selznick’s move to form his own production company demonstrates how control can be centralized beyond a single studio. Threats of suspension and intense bargaining illustrate the coercive force of the era’s industrial system. Behind the glamor, decisions are driven by power dynamics more than artistry.

💥 Rivalry

The casting process becomes a battlefield as multiple actresses compete to embody Scarlett. Gossip and public pressure, amplified by media figures like Louella Parsons, intensify the stakes of each test. Rumors, party dynamics, and strategic announcements fuel personal and professional rivalries. The narrative centers on who can outshine the others under scrutiny.

🪄 Myth

The film reveals Hollywood’s tendency to mythologize a star-making moment around Scarlett’s casting. Vivien Leigh’s eventual selection becomes a turning point that cements a legend in film history. Behind the surface drama, the story shows how industry events are woven into enduring cinematic mythology. The finale suggests that casting decisions can redefine an era’s cinematic identity.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:40

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The Scarlett O’Hara War Summary

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The Scarlett O’Hara War Summary

The Scarlett O’Hara War Timeline

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The Scarlett O’Hara War Timeline

More About The Scarlett O’Hara War

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