Review of Gone with the Wind (1939) by Tony P — 07 Apr 2016
Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!
Well of course I give a damn or I wouldn't have watched the three and a half hour epic.
Romantic epic from 1939 shot in technicolor.
The film is set in Georgia, US in the 1860's during the outbreak of the American Civil War and primarily focuses on the O'Hara family, an Irish-American family who grow cotton for a living.
One daughter, Scarlett (Vivien Leigh) seems to have a succession of sham relationships and marriages and constantly whines throughout the film about her undying love for various characters (some married).
The film seems to be focused more on the Civil War element in the first half and more character driven in the second act, and some would argue more boring.
A character called Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) makes fleeting appearances in the first half before having a more central role in the second. He reminded me of a suave 1970s era James Bond played by Roger Moore.
His up and down relationship with Scarlett eventually leads to marriage and a daughter. Her death and near divorce.
The film has been gloriously restored over the years as befits the most successful film in cinematic history in terms of box office when adjusted for inflation. It is presented in its original 'Academy ratio' that is more square than widescreen and leaves black bars on the left and right of the TV screen rather than top and bottom.
The film has caused a racial storm somewhat over the years amongst some reviewers with its depiction of black Americans in roles as slaves to the white central characters.
The O'Hara household 'slave' Mammy (Hattie McDaniel) actually won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Perhaps the release of the 2013 film, 12 Years A Slave has been a better representation of slavery in the period.
As of other 'epics' the long running time requires more than one toilet break. Perhaps editing of the second half of the film could have shortened the run time somewhat.
The film holds its own as one of the greatest films ever released.
This review of Gone with the Wind (1939) was written by Tony P on 07 Apr 2016.
Gone with the Wind has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
