Gone with the Wind (1939)

About Gone with the Wind

Gone with the Wind is an iconic 1939 American epic historical romance film adapted from the 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell. The film is set in the American South against the backdrop of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era and tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara, the strong-willed daughter of a Georgia plantation owner. It follows her romantic pursuit of Ashley Wilkes, who is married to his cousin, Melanie Hamilton, and her subsequent marriage to Rhett Butler.

Making / Production

The film was produced by David O. Selznick of Selznick International Pictures and directed by Victor Fleming. Set in the Southern United States during the Civil War, it utilized vast sets, opulent costumes, and a large cast of extras to bring the era to life. Despite several challenges during production, including changes in directors and screenwriters, it became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

Actors

• Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara: She brings to life a complex character who evolves from a spoiled Southern belle to a resilient woman facing the brutal realities of war and survival.
• Clark Gable as Rhett Butler: Gable's charisma and charm are perfectly suited for the roguish Rhett, a man indifferent to the Confederate cause.
• Leslie Howard as Ashley Wilkes: Howard gives a sensitive portrayal of Ashley, a man torn between his love for Scarlett and his duty to his wife, Melanie.
• Olivia de Havilland as Melanie Hamilton: De Havilland's character is the epitome of grace and goodness, providing a stark contrast to the fiery Scarlett.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The search for the actress to play Scarlett O'Hara is considered one of the most extensive in film history, with 1,400 unknown women auditioning for the part.
• Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Oscar for her performance in the film.
• The film's line, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn," was voted the number one movie line of all time by the American Film Institute.

Awards

Gone with the Wind was an enormous critical and commercial success. It won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Victor Fleming, and Best Actress for Vivien Leigh. Hattie McDaniel also won the award for Best Supporting Actress.

Quotes

• "After all, tomorrow is another day!" - Scarlett O'Hara
• "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." - Rhett Butler
• "As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again." - Scarlett O'Hara

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Max Steiner. His composition has been recognized as one of the greatest in the history of cinema.
• Iconic music pieces from the film include "Tara's Theme," the sweeping ballad that opens and closes the film.
• The use of leitmotifs, recurring musical themes for different characters and emotions, was distinctive in the film's score.