The Shocking Truth About Vivien Leigh’s ‘Gone with the Wind’ Salary

GONE WITH THE WIND, Vivien Leigh, 1939 — Everett Collection

Vivien Leigh may have played one of the most unforgettable roles in movie history, but the contract that helped her land Gone with the Wind shows that the star of one of the most popular films of all time was underpaid compared to today’s film stars — and to some of her co-stars. A 17-page agreement between Leigh and Selznick International Pictures is about to hit the auction block, and it’s full of fascinating details that offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the British actress became Scarlett O’Hara.

Dated January 16, 1939, and signed in Culver City, California, the contract outlines everything from Leigh’s salary and job expectations to who would do her hair. At the time, she was paid $1,250 a week, guaranteed for 16 weeks, for a total of $20,000 — in today’s dollars, that’s more than $27,000 a week, or around $430,000 for the full four-month run.

Though most of us would be thrilled to make that kind of money, Leigh’s paycheck was low compared to what her modern-day counterparts earn for massive hit films. For example, Cynthia Ervio — who, like Leigh, was an acclaimed stage actress who made the move to the big screen — received $1 million dollars for her Oscar nominated role in Wicked.

Vivien Leigh Gone With the Wind Contract

Courtesy International Autograph Auctions Europe, SL

Leigh also made far less than co-star Clark Gable. Though Gable was a household name by that point, and thus could command a higher salary than the relatively unknown Leigh, it is still surprising that, according to the Golden Globes website, he took home roughly $120,000 — so around six times Leigh’s pay. Leigh’s contract also forced her into a seven-year exclusive agreement with producer David O. Selznick, which she would come to regret.

In her contract, Leigh was also guaranteed the services of both a hairdresser and a personal secretary, plus travel and living expenses. The agreement also laid out her publicity obligations, which would eventually lead her to Atlanta for the film’s grand premiere. In a personal letter included in the auction, she admits to being “terrified” about the whole thing, writing to her agent just before the big event.

Gone with the Wind Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, 1939

Everett Collection

One of the most unique elements of the contract has to do with her international status. Since Leigh was still under contract with British filmmaker Alexander Korda, the Selznick deal had to carefully navigate how to get her out of that existing obligation. It’s a rare glimpse into just how complicated international film deals were back then, especially for an actress trying to make it big in Hollywood while still honoring commitments across the pond.

The contract, retained by Leigh’s agent John Gliddon, is being offered by International Autograph Auctions Europe and goes up for bid June 17-19, 2025. Along with it comes the autographed letter in which Leigh confides her nervousness about the film’s debut.