Gone with the Wind Overview:

Gone with the Wind (1939) was a Drama - Romance Film directed by George Cukor and Sam Wood and produced by David O. Selznick.

The film was based on the novel of the same name written by Margaret Mitchell published in 1936.

SYNOPSIS

One of the great cinematic achievements, technically as well as in enduring appeal, this is a movie that keeps finding an audience with every successive generation (it was restored - somewhat controversially - and re-released theatrically in 1998). The story and characters are familiar to even the most casual moviegoer: an indomitable southern belle (Leigh) loves and loses and loves again a slyly dashing war profiteer as she struggles to protect her family and beloved plantation, Tara, from the ravages of the Civil War. Based on Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel, which at the time of the film's release, had surpassed 1.5 million copies sold. Selznick paid $50,000 for rights to the book and brought in a number of screenwriters in addition to Sidney Howard to help him shape the material. Among them were Edwin Justin Mayer, John Van Druten, Ben Hecht, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Jo Swerling. For the part of Scarlett O'Hara, Selznick conducted a national talent search that has in itself become Hollywood legend and the basis of a movie.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

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Gone with the Wind was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1989.

Academy Awards 1939 --- Ceremony Number 12 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best ActorClark GableNominated
Best ActressVivien LeighWon
Best Supporting ActressOlivia de HavillandNominated
Best Supporting ActressHattie McDanielWon
Best Art DirectionLyle WheelerWon
Best CinematographyErnest Haller, Ray RennahanWon
Best DirectorVictor FlemingWon
Best Film EditingHal C. Kern, James E. NewcomWon
Best PictureSelznick International PicturesWon
Best WritingSidney HowardWon
Special AwardTo William Cameron Menzies for outstanding achievement in the use of color for the enhancement of dramatic mood in the production of Gone with the Wind.Won
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Gone with the Wind BlogHub Articles:

GONE WITH THE WIND (1939) Temporarily Pulled From HBO Max To Allow For Proper Context–A History

By Lara on Jun 11, 2020 From Backlots

When HBO Max announced that it would temporarily remove Gone With the Wind from its platform, in order to place a statement in front of it putting the film’s content into the proper context, it set off a firestorm of controversy online and in the media. Some decry the decision as censorship. O... Read full article


Ticklish Business: Episode #19 – Gone With the Wind (1939)

on Mar 30, 2017 From Journeys in Classic Film

After several weeks of hype pop culture writer Terence Johnson joins me to talk about Rhett and Scarlett (and how much we hate Leslie Howard as Ashley) in 1939’s Gone With the Wind. Please consider leaving the podcast a rating and review on iTunes, or visit my Patreon page to find out more abo... Read full article


Gone with the Wind: Missed Opportunity

By Franchot Tone Fan on Jan 5, 2017 From Finding Franchot: Exploring the Life and Career of Franchot Tone

Like Old Acquaintance, here's another one of those "what might've been" posts for you. Did you know that Franchot was considered for the two male lead roles in Gone With the Wind?  Clark, Joan, Leslie, and Franchot in one photo. Source: https://inafferrabileleslie.wordpress.com On Novemb... Read full article


The Costumes of Gone With the Wind: Scarlett O'Hara's Red Ballgown

By Amanda Garrett on Aug 3, 2016 From Old Hollywood Films

Today, I'm taking a behind the scenes look a the red ballgown Scarlett O'Hara wears in Gone With the Wind (1939). This article is the fourth in a four-part series. Go here for part one, part two, and part three. One of Gone With the Wind costume designer Walter Plunkett's greatest challenges ... Read full article


The Costumes of Gone With the Wind: Scarlett O'Hara's Curtain Dress

By Amanda Garrett on Jul 27, 2016 From Old Hollywood Films

Today, I'm taking a behind the scenes look at the dress made of curtains that Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) wears in Gone With the Wind (1939). This article is the third in a four-part series. Go here for part one and part two. The curtain dress that Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) wears to vis... Read full article


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Quotes from Gone with the Wind

Scarlett: As God is my witness, as God is my witness they're not going to lick me. I'm going to live through this and when it's all over, I'll never be hungry again. No, nor any of my folk. If I have to lie, steal, cheat or kill. As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again.


Rhett Butler: I can't go all my life waiting to catch you between husbands.


Rhett Butler: Forgive me for startling you with the impetuosity of my sentiments, my dear Scarlett. I mean, my dear Mrs. Kennedy. But it cannot have escaped your notice that for some time past the friendship I have felt for you has ripened into a deeper feeling. A feeling more beautiful, more pure, more sacred. Dare I name it? Can it be love?
Scarlett: Get up off your knees! I don't like your common jokes!
Rhett Butler: This is an honorable proposal of marriage made at what I consider a most opportune moment. I can't go all my life waiting to catch you between husbands.


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Facts about Gone with the Wind

When Victor Fleming came on board in February 1939, he rejected the script. Production was shut down for 17 days while it was rewritten by Ben Hecht. Hecht used Sidney Howard's original script (which he felt was superb) as the basis for his rewrite.
At nearly four hours long, this is longest running of all movies to win the Best Picture Academy Award.
Clark Gable was so distressed over the requirement that he cry on film (during the scene where Melanie is comforting Rhett after Scarlett's miscarriage) that he almost quit. Olivia de Havilland convinced him to stay.
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National Film Registry

Gone with the Wind

Released 1939
Inducted 1989
(Sound)




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Also directed by Victor Fleming




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Also produced by David O. Selznick




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