Movie Detailed Information Page
Gone with the Wind
"Gone with the Wind" is a classic epic historical romance film released in 1939. Here's a bio of the film:
Title: Gone with the Wind
Year of Release: 1939
Director: Victor Fleming
Writers: Sidney Howard (screenplay), Margaret Mitchell (novel)
Production Companies: Selznick International Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Genre: Historical Drama, Romance
Plot:
"Gone with the Wind" is set in the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. The film follows the story of Scarlett O'Hara, a headstrong and determined young woman from a wealthy plantation-owning family. As the war unfolds, Scarlett experiences love, loss, and hardships. She is torn between her infatuation with Ashley Wilkes, a Southern gentleman, and her complex relationship with Rhett Butler, a roguish and charismatic blockade runner. The film explores themes of survival, resilience, and the transformation of Southern society during a tumultuous time in American history.
Key Characters:
- Scarlett O'Hara (played by Vivien Leigh): The film's central character, Scarlett O'Hara is a strong-willed and passionate woman whose journey unfolds against the backdrop of the Civil War and its aftermath.
- Rhett Butler (played by Clark Gable): A charismatic and enigmatic character, Rhett Butler becomes a love interest and source of conflict for Scarlett O'Hara. He is known for his famous line, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."
- Ashley Wilkes (played by Leslie Howard): Scarlett's unrequited love interest, Ashley Wilkes, is a gentlemanly and honorable character who becomes caught in the upheaval of war.
- Melanie Hamilton (played by Olivia de Havilland): Melanie is Ashley's wife and Scarlett's loyal and compassionate friend.
Significance and Impact:
"Gone with the Wind" holds a significant place in cinematic history and has left a lasting impact on popular culture. Here are some reasons for its enduring significance:
1. Cultural Phenomenon: "Gone with the Wind" became a cultural phenomenon upon its release. It captivated audiences with its sweeping story, lavish production, and memorable performances.
2. Academy Award Success: The film won a record-breaking eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress (Vivien Leigh). Hattie McDaniel also made history as the first African American to win an Academy Award for her supporting role as Mammy.
3. Technological Achievements: "Gone with the Wind" made use of groundbreaking techniques and innovations in cinematography, set design, and visual effects. The film's use of Technicolor and its expansive sets and costumes contributed to its visual splendor.
4. Vivien Leigh's Iconic Performance: Vivien Leigh's portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara is widely regarded as one of the most memorable performances in film history. Her complex and nuanced portrayal of the character earned her critical acclaim and solidified her status as a Hollywood legend.
5. Epic Scope and Length: The film's epic runtime of nearly four hours allows for a detailed and immersive storytelling experience. The grand scale of the production, combined with the rich character development, further enhanced the film's impact.
6. Adaptation of a Beloved Novel: "Gone with the Wind" is based on Margaret Mitchell's bestselling novel of the same name, published in 1936. The film successfully brought the beloved characters and sweeping saga to life on the big screen, appealing to fans of the book and attracting new audiences.
7. Enduring Popularity: "Gone with the Wind" continues to be cherished by audiences around the world. It remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time when
adjusted for inflation and has been re-released multiple times, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Despite the passage of time, "Gone with the Wind" remains an iconic film that captures the tumultuous era of the Civil War through the eyes of its unforgettable characters. Its exploration of love, loss, and resilience against a historical backdrop has secured its place as a timeless classic.
Movie Details
1. Casting Struggles: The casting process for the film was extensive, with many actors considered for the lead roles. Vivien Leigh, who eventually won the role of Scarlett O'Hara, was relatively unknown in Hollywood at the time. Clark Gable, who portrayed Rhett Butler, initially turned down the role but eventually accepted after receiving a higher salary.
2. Delayed Release: The production of "Gone with the Wind" faced several challenges, including numerous script revisions and casting changes. The film's release was also delayed due to extensive filming and post-production work. It took almost three years from the start of production to the film's premiere in 1939.
3. Vivien Leigh's Determination: Vivien Leigh, who was born in India, was determined to win the role of Scarlett O'Hara. Despite her relatively unknown status, she convinced her then-husband, Laurence Olivier, to arrange a meeting with producer David O. Selznick. Leigh reportedly acted out scenes from the film and left a lasting impression on Selznick, eventually securing the coveted role.
4. Hattie McDaniel's Historic Win: Hattie McDaniel, who portrayed the character of Mammy, became the first African American to win an Academy Award. She won the Best Supporting Actress category for her powerful performance in the film. McDaniel's win was a significant milestone in the history of the Academy Awards.
5. "I Don't Give a Damn": Rhett Butler's famous line, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn," uttered by Clark Gable, is one of the most memorable lines in cinema history. It remains a popular catchphrase and has become synonymous with the film.
6. Technicolor Brilliance: "Gone with the Wind" was one of the first major films to be shot in Technicolor, a vibrant color process that brought the film's lush Southern settings to life. The rich and vivid visuals contributed to the film's enduring appeal.
7. Box Office Success: "Gone with the Wind" was an immense box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film of its time. Adjusted for inflation, it remains one of the highest-grossing films in history.
8. Multiple Directors: Although Victor Fleming is credited as the director of "Gone with the Wind," several other directors, including George Cukor and Sam Wood, also worked on the film at different stages. Fleming ultimately took over and completed the majority of the film.
9. Long Runtime and Intermission: The film has a lengthy runtime of nearly four hours, and during its original release, it included an intermission. This allowed audiences to take a break before continuing with the second half of the film.
10. Cultural Impact: "Gone with the Wind" has had a lasting cultural impact, with its characters and iconic moments firmly ingrained in popular culture. The film's exploration of the Civil War era and its complex portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara continue to be studied and celebrated by film enthusiasts and historians alike.
These trivia facts shed light on the production, impact, and behind-the-scenes stories of "Gone with the Wind." The film's enduring popularity and cultural significance have solidified its status as one of the greatest films ever made.