The film was adapted from Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel of the same name.

According to Frank Buckingham, a technician who observed the film being made, Gable liked to make mischief by eating garlic before kissing Vivien Leigh.

Demonstrating both contempt and desire for Scarlett, Rhett shocks the audience into silence by boldly bidding $150 "in gold" for her as a dancing partner. Because she is in mourning, Rhett is told that she cannot accept. But Scarlett, scandalously and rebelliously, accepts.

Barbara O'Neil was only 28 when she appeared as Ellen O'Hara. Vivien Leigh was 25 when she appeared as Scarlett, who is only 16 at the beginning of the film.

SCARLETT: I wanted you. I wanted you desperately but I didn't think you wanted me.
RHETT BUTLER: It seems we've been at cross purposes, doesn't it?

When Clark Gable found out that Hattie McDaniel (Mammy) and the other black stars of the film would not be allowed to attend the premiere in racially segregated Atlanta, he threatened to boycott the premiere. It was McDaniel herself who talked him into going.

In the story, Tara is located 5 miles (8 km) from Jonesboro (originally spelled Jonesborough), in Clayton County, on the east side of the Flint River about 20 miles (32 km) south of Atlanta.

Eugenie Victoria "Bonnie Blue" Butler dies while trying to jump a wall on her pony.

Scarlett is widowed when Charles dies from a bout of pneumonia and measles while serving in the Confederate Army.

When Rhett walks out on her, Scarlett is left standing in the hall of her mansion. Her final words: "I'll go home and think of some way to get him back. After all, tomorrow is another day."