The popularity of the exhibit "Real to Reel: The Making of 'Gone With the Wind'" has been so overwhelming that the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh will be extending its run through Sunday, April 14.

The exhibit was originally slated to close Jan. 13, but now it will remain open three more months. Admission and weekend parking are free.

Winner of 10 Academy Awards, "Gone With the Wind" remains popular decades after its 1939 premiere. Hollywood's highly romanticized movie of the "Old South" is based on Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

The true story of how Mitchell's book became a record-breaking film is revealed in "Real to Reel," showcasing authentic memorabilia - costumes, screen tests, scene props, Vivien Leigh's Academy Award and more.

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see more than 120 items from the James Tumblin collection. Tumblin, former head of the Universal Studios makeup and hair department, owns the largest private collection of "Gone With the Wind" memorabilia.

"'Real to Reel' takes museum visitors behind the scenes of one of the most famous films in Hollywood history," said Katie Edwards, who helped curate the exhibit. "Through costume sketches, scene storyboards, letters and other items, the exhibit highlights the many tasks and challenges, as well as the controversy, involved in this major production."

Producer David O. Selznick oversaw the making of "Gone With the Wind," with a cast and crew of 4,000, and insisted on approving every detail of production. "Real to Reel" spotlights the roles of individuals, both on-screen and off-screen, who helped create the film.

Movie buffs will recognize costumes worn by Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard and others. These costumes include "Scarlett's" dress from the attack at Shantytown scene; "Bonnie Blue's" velvet dress from her final scene; and the uniform "Ashley Wilkes" wore when he returned home after the Civil War. Of the 1,500 outfits Walter Plunkett designed for the film, his favorite appears in the exhibit: "Belle Watling's" burgundy velvet jacket and accompanying fur muff.

In addition to showcasing Tumblin's collection, "Real to Reel" features several dolls created by artist Pete Ballard that are based on characters in "Gone With the Wind."

The exhibit is sponsored by the N.C. Museum of History Foundation and the N.C. Museum of History Associates

For information about the Museum of History, call (919) 807-7900 or visit the website www.ncmuseum ofhistory.org or Facebook.