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What If 'Gone With The Wind' Had This Ending, Instead?

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

Here's a scrap of alternative history that never came to be. "Gone With the Wind" ends with Scarlett O'Hara asking Rhett Butler, Rhett, Rhett, Rhett, if you go, where shall I go? What shall I do? - and Rhett replying.

CLARK GABLE: (As Rhett Butler) Frankly, my, dear I don't give a damn.

SIMON: Followed by Scarlett's quick recovery.

VIVIEN LEIGH: (As Scarlett O'Hara) (After all...Tomorrow is another day).

SIMON: But a script from the member of the crew of 1939 film has recently been found in which Scarlett says, Rhett, Rhett, Rhett - you'll come back. You'll come back. I know you will - want to bet? Margaret Barrett of Heritage Auctions, which has script up for bid, told the Independent Newspaper, in the original, Scarlett comes across as a determined woman who will survive with or without Rhett. But this alternative ending is much more traditional. Ms. Barrett thinks the producers chose the right ending. Scarlet is such an enduring character, she says, because she is so independent. She was way ahead of her time. Opening bid for the script is $500. We just told you the line for free. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.

Scott Simon is one of America's most admired writers and broadcasters. He is the host of Weekend Edition Saturday and is one of the hosts of NPR's morning news podcast Up First. He has reported from all fifty states, five continents, and ten wars, from El Salvador to Sarajevo to Afghanistan and Iraq. His books have chronicled character and characters, in war and peace, sports and art, tragedy and comedy.

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.