Gone with the Wind: A Detailed Description of the Movie
Overview
Gone with the Wind is a 1939 American historical epic film directed by Victor Fleming, based on Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 novel of the same name. The film is set during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, and it tells the story of Scarlett O’Hara, a strong-willed and determined southern belle, as she navigates the challenges of war, love, and survival.
Plot Summary
The film begins in 1861, on the eve of the American Civil War, at Tara, the O’Hara family’s cotton plantation in Georgia. Scarlett O’Hara (played by Vivien Leigh) is deeply in love with Ashley Wilkes (played by Leslie Howard), but he announces his engagement to his cousin Melanie Hamilton (played by Olivia de Havilland). Scarlett’s attempts to win Ashley’s heart are thwarted, and she marries Melanie’s younger brother Charles Hamilton (played by Carroll Nye) to make Ashley jealous. However, Charles dies in the war, leaving Scarlett heartbroken and determined to survive.
Key Events
War and Marriage
The film opens with Scarlett at a barbecue at Twelve Oaks, where she is surrounded by admirers but is overtaken by jealousy when she sees Ashley and Melanie together.
Scarlett marries Charles Hamilton to provoke Ashley, but Charles dies in the war.
Atlanta and Rhett Butler
Scarlett travels to Atlanta to stay with Melanie and her aunt, where she meets Rhett Butler (played by Clark Gable), a cynical blockade runner who offers her $150 to dance with him at a charity ball.
Rhett becomes a recurring figure in Scarlett’s life, helping her during the war and later proposing to her.
War’s Impact
The tide of war turns against the Confederacy after the Battle of Gettysburg, leading to the Union Army’s siege of Atlanta.
Scarlett helps Melanie give birth to a child during the siege and they flee the city with Rhett’s assistance.
Reconstruction and Taxes
After the war, Scarlett returns to Tara to find it pillaged and her family in dire straits. She marries Frank Kennedy (played by Carroll Nye) to pay the Reconstructionist taxes imposed on Tara.
Frank is killed in a raid, and Scarlett marries Rhett Butler to secure financial stability.
Personal Struggles
Scarlett and Rhett have a daughter named Bonnie Blue, but Scarlett’s continued infatuation with Ashley causes marital problems. Rhett eventually leaves Scarlett, taking Bonnie with him to London.
Tragedy strikes when Bonnie dies attempting to jump a fence with her pony, and Scarlett realizes her true love for Rhett. However, he leaves her again, and she vows to win him back.
Cast and Crew
Actors:
Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara
Clark Gable as Rhett Butler
Leslie Howard as Ashley Wilkes
Olivia de Havilland as Melanie Hamilton
Carroll Nye as Charles Hamilton
Directors:
Victor Fleming directed the film, initially assisted by George Cukor who was removed after three weeks.
Filming and Production
Locations: Most of the movie was shot at the back forty, a movie studio backlot owned by Selznick International. Other locations included Los Angeles County and neighboring Ventura County.
Facades were used for the house Tara and the burning of Atlanta, which added to the film’s grandeur and historical accuracy.
Budget and Box Office: The estimated budget for the film was $3,900,000, which is approximately $67 million in today’s dollars.
Gone with the Wind became the highest-grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation, a title it held for many years.
Movie Posters and Artwork
Famous Artists Involved: The movie poster for Gone with the Wind was designed by artist Howard Chandler Christy, who was known for his detailed and romanticized depictions of women.
The poster features a dramatic image of Scarlett O’Hara, symbolizing her strength and determination amidst the backdrop of war and destruction.
Collectibility: Original movie posters from Gone with the Wind are highly collectible and can be found in various formats, including framed prints and canvas prints. These items are often sought after by film enthusiasts and collectors due to their historical significance and artistic value.
Awards and Legacy
Awards: Gone with the Wind won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Victor Fleming), Best Actress (Vivien Leigh), and Best Supporting Actress (Hattie McDaniel).
The film’s impact on cinema history is immense, influencing many subsequent films and cementing its place as one of the greatest films of all time.
Conclusion
Gone with the Wind is a timeless epic that weaves a complex narrative of love, loss, and survival set against the backdrop of one of America’s most tumultuous periods. With its iconic performances, stunning cinematography, and enduring themes, it continues to captivate audiences to this day. Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a collector of movie posters, or simply someone who appreciates great storytelling, Gone with the Wind is a must-watch that offers something for everyone.
