70 years ago today…

Gone with the Wind premiered in Atlanta, the biggest event the town had ever seen.

Clark and Carole were front and center for the festivities. Although Carole shyly told reporters that she was only there to support Clark, Clark told everyone back in Hollywood proudly, “Ma was the star of the show! Nobody could take their eyes off her!”

Here’s their itinerary:

Thursday, December 14:

3:30pm–Arrive Sky-Sleeper from Hollywood with Howard Strickland and Nelson Milikan

3:45pm–Depart for parade through downtown Atlanta

Clark and Carole ride with William Hartsfield, mayor of Atlanta

4:30pm–Arrive at the Georgian Terrace Hotel

Clark gives a speech, receives a box of Atlanta china as a gift from the city.

Listen to Clark’s speech here.

Clark and Carole occupied the royal  suite, rooms 918-19-20 in the Georgian Terrace.

7:00pm–Attend the Gone with the Wind Ball at the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium.

Clark and Carole occupied Box F, in the front near the stage, with Mr. and Mrs. Howard Dietz, Mayor Hartsfield and his daughter Mildred.

Friday, December 15:

12:30pm–Clark and Carole attend a special luncheon at the Civil War Cyclorama in Atlanta. Vivien Leigh and Olivia De Havilland accompany them on the tour.

Afternoon activities:

Clark and Carole along with Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, David Selznick, Ann Rutherford and the governors of Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee attend a tea at Governor Ed Rivers’ mansion.

Afterwards the stars attend a Press Party at the Piedmont Driving Club, where Margaret Mitchell is in attendance.

8:15pm–Premiere of Gone with the Wind at Loew’s Grand Theatre

Clark, along with the other stars of the picture and Margaret Mitchell, speak to the roaring crowd. Thirteen year old fan Nathan Teplies broke through the security to shake hands with Clark and Carole. Amused, they obliged.

Clark apparently missed half the film, due to chatting with Miss Mitchell and…falling asleep. Carole watched it from start to finish!

Saturday, December 16:

Back to Hollywood!

Gone with the Wind airs tonight at 8:00pm on TCM.