Theaters revisit a classic, Gone with the Wind

by Erica Rabito

Sunday, September 28 marked the return of Gone with the Wind to movie theaters for the first time in years. This triumphant return was prompted by the 75^th anniversary of the classic,  which was originally filmed in 1939. Last Sunday dozens of people, young and old, filed into theaters across the country to view one of the world’s most watched movies, along with others who love it as much as they do.

            Ever since its release 75 years ago, Gone with the Wind has been beloved by nearly everyone who has seen it. Set in the “old South” before and during the Civil War, this four hour epic tells the tale of the fiery and indomitable southern belle Scarlett O’Hara and her journey through love, hardship, and survival during one of the most turbulent times in American history.

            This woman’s life takes countless twists and turns throughout the movie. Her love for a man that can never love her and all of the challenges she is faced with on her own proves to be quite a conflict. After escaping a war-torn Atlanta she promises to herself that no matter what, she and her family will never have to be hungry again.

            Once she meets Rhett Butler, a suave, intelligent, and largely free-thinking man, they butt heads and bicker endlessly before becoming arguably the world’s most famous, though turbulent, romantic couple.

            Despite being filmed over seven decades ago, this plot holds up and is still as heart pounding and heart breaking as ever. In addition to the solid and enticing plot, the cinematography of this movie is equally breathtaking. One of the first movies filmed completely in Technicolor, this new technological advancement was fully taken advantage of. Everything from the fiery expanse of Atlanta to the sunsets at Scarlett’s beloved plantation, Tara, is as beautiful and diverse as the story.

            All of these aspects certainly add to the magic of this movie as a whole, with amazing performances by the actors, ranging from main characters to supporting roles is what truly make this film a work of art. Vivien Leigh starring as Scarlett and Clark Gable as Rhett, gave the the best performances of their careers.  Olivia de Havilland as the sweet, forgiving Melanie and Leslie Howard as the brave, honorable object o Scarlett’s affections impressed as well.

            Hattie McDaniel, who played the faithful yet very opinionated servant of the O’Hara family, made history in the cinematic world as the first African American woman to win an Academy Award.  However, she was not the only Oscar winner in the star-studded cast of Gone with the Wind. Vivien Leigh won for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Victor Fleming won for Best Director, and the film itself won Best Picture at the 1940 Academy Awards.

            Gone with the Wind truly holds the essence of what a movie should be. It is beautiful, heartbreaking, touching, empowering, and above all else, a masterpiece. Its last showing in theaters is on Wednesday, October 1, and everyone who is able should take the opportunity to see this work of art on the big screen, before it is gone again. This is a film truly deserves to be seen by all, and one that everyone deserves to see at least once in their lifetime. 

A movie poster for Gone with the Wind
photo by Employee(s) of MGM [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons