Classic Movie Monday: Gone With The Wind

Title: Gone With The Wind
Stars: Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable
Director: Victor Fleming
Year: 1939
Technicolor



Summary: So, I was planning on saving this one for later on but I just couldn't wait. It is one of my absolute favorites and it is truly epic for a number of reasons. This falls into the category of romance, drama, war, and there is even a bit of suspense. I am sure most of you are familiar with it but here is a summary anyway. In this film, Vivien Leigh plays the infamous Scarlett O'Hara. Scarlett is a member of the wealthy, high-society and is able to capture the heart of any man she digs her claws into. She toys with a number of men but she is only in love with one: Ashley Wilkes. The only problem with that is he is engaged. She is quite content playing her game but once she sees that Ashley is not going to give in to her, she goes after other men to make him jealous. Then, when the civil war breaks out, Scarlett has even more obstacles in her way and she agrees to marry a man she does not love before he goes off to war. As the war rages, Scarlett does everything and anything to keep her family's plantation, the beloved Tara, safe. What we see is a ruthless woman's struggle to survive during the civil war and the war of love. Oh, and let's not forget Rhett Butler, played by the oh, so sexy and suave Clark Gable. Rhett is one of the many men Scarlett tries to get wrapped around her little finger. He is different from the others, though. He plays her right back and she is drawn to him, yet still insistent that she is in love with the married Ashley. In this film, there is so much at stake for Scarlett but she fights hard for what she loves: Tara, Ashley...and Rhett?

The Stars: Playing the take-control main character is Vivien Leigh. Ms. Leigh had been an actress in England before this role and was dating actor Laurence Olivier. When he traveled to California to do Wuthering Heights, Leigh followed him. She had already become interested in the role of Scarlett after reading the script. The rest is history. Leigh, unknown in the U.S. beat out many actresses for the part of Scarlett. A part that had to be played just right or the fans of the book would not be pleased. This is the role that jump started her career.

Playing the dashing, smoldering Rhett Butler was Clark Gable. He was already a star, having been in many successful movies. He had the luxury to pick and choose his work. Gable was not really enthusiastic to do this film, for several reasons. He did not like doing period films and he did not do accents. Nonetheless, Gable got the part of Rhett Butler and wonderfully performed it accent-free. Seeing him in this role makes it seem impossible that anyone else was even considered.

The Characters: When David O. Selznick made up his mind to make the bestselling novel into a film, he knew that for success, it was important that it was done right. Those in love with the book are in love with the characters. Most important was Scarlett. People either love or hate her, but she is the type of character that doesn't care about that. She fights for what she wants, or thinks she wants. She will do anything--right or wrong--to get what her heart desires. She is vein and selfish but also strong. It is her strength that makes her a lovable character and everything she does with that strength that makes her so hate worthy. This film is heavy in romance, yet it is difficult to tell if Scarlett is truly capable of love of anything but Tara.

Rhett is the next most important character. If you love the book, you are in love with Rhett. He is the male equivalent of Scarlett. Attractive, strong, morally questionable and selfish. He, however, is very capable of love. His love for Scarlett is passionate but he guards his heart against her because he knows her better than anyone else and he knows just how she could hurt him. he also knows of her misplaced passion and obsession with winning the heart of Ashley.

Why Should You Watch This? Gone With The Wind is at the top of many movie lists of greatest movies of all time. It was groundbreaking in it's day for it's use of color and the burning of Atlanta. That scene alone is worth watching the whole movie for. The film also captures the struggle of the times and the costumes and sets are impeccable.

I love this movie. It is full of emotion and romance. I will warn you that it is a bit long. It runs just under four hours but it is worth the time. There is not a slow moment in the entire film. I really hope that if you have not seen this you will watch it. I think everyone should see it at least once. Let me know what you think and happy watching!