Samantha Lambert
Staff Reporter
“Gone with the Wind” is an epic film based on the novel by Margaret Mitchell. The film which came out in 1939, three years prior to the novel, was directed by Victor Flemming and is cut into two sections. The film is so famous that even today there are MySpace videos made to modern day music, based on the two protagonist’s love affair.
The film’s leads were the beautiful Vivien Leigh and dashing Clark Gable. The film is set in the South before, during, and after the Civil War. It emphasizes the after effects of the war from the Southern view point. The scene is that of Georgia in 1861, on the brink of war, where Scarlet O’Hara (Vivian Leigh) is the center of every man’s attention and the attraction of their hearts until war breaks out.
The first half of the film follows Scarlet throughout her hardships and trials she faces during the war. That of losing two husbands, her hope followed by denial of love from another man and her developing relationship with Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), whom seems to be there whenever Scarlet is in trouble.
The film’s second part revolves around the marriage of Scarlet and Rhett; the hardships of their marriage and death of their child that breaks their relationship, when Scarlet realizes her love for Rhett, it is too late.
The film encompasses many famous quotes like “Frankly dear, I don’t give a damn”, and many special effects of that time, while encompassing one of the first uses of Technicolor. No wonder the film received ten Academy Awards, and is now in sixth place in the Top 100 American Films of All Time. “Gone with the Wind” sold more tickets than any other film in American History, due to its excellent music score, optical effects and brilliant cast of actors. This epic and classic film will remain in the hearts of many for years to come.