Gone with the Wind was the Highest Grossing Movie of its Time

How Gone With the Wind (1939)

Summary of Gone with the Wind Movie

“Gone with the Wind” was first published in 1936. The book is set on a plantation in Georgia, where the Civil War has just ended. Scarlett O’Hara is the strong-willed daughter of the plantation owner. Scarlett is in love with Ashley Wilkes, but he has chosen to marry her cousin. Scarlett is courted by Rhett Butler, a man who has a mysterious past. After the Civil War starts, Rhett leaves the South, and Scarlett marries his friend, Charles Hamilton. Scarlett becomes pregnant and finds out that Charles has been killed at war. Rhett marries Scarlett, but he does not love her. Scarlett has a daughter named Bonnie. There is a great deal of fighting during the Civil War, and Scarlett’s home is destroyed. When the war ends, Scarlett’s family struggles to survive. Rhett leaves Scarlett for a time, and she is heartbroken. Scarlett has a second lover, Wade Hamilton, Bonnie’s father. Bonnie is killed in a riding accident, and Scarlett is heartbroken. Rhett leaves Scarlett and moves to Cuba.

The Actors and their roles

The leading actress, Vivien Leigh, was British and was cast as Scarlett O’Hara – a Southern belle. This role was offered to two other actresses first, but they both turned it down because they thought the movie would not be successful. Vivien Leigh was a relatively unknown actress at the time, but she was a true pro during the entire filming. When she had her lines memorized, she was able to focus on other aspects of the movie and the creative process. The leading actor, Clark Gable, was cast as Rhett Butler. At the time, he was not considered a leading man, but he was perfect for the role of Rhett Butler. Gable had recently completed filming of “It Happened One Night”, which would be released in December of 1935.

The long-term impact of GWTW Movie

“Gone with the Wind” was a financial success. It was the highest-grossing movie of all time when it was released in 1939. The movie, as well as the book, helped to change the South’s reputation for racism. The book and movie portrayed the Civil War as an unnecessary tragedy that hurt all of the people involved, both Northerners and Southerners. The movie was the first to win 10 Academy Awards. The movie was criticized by those in the South who felt that the movie was not accurate and glorified slavery. “Gone with the Wind” is one of the great movies of all time. It is a classic that will be enjoyed for many generations to come. The movie has been named one of the 100 best American films of all time.

Other Movies Based on GWTW Book

There are two other movies based on the novel. One is a silent film, “Gone with the Wind: A Screen Epic”, which was released in 1939. This is the same movie as the 1939 version, but it has been colorized. The second version of “GWTW” was released in 1956. It starred Elizabeth Taylor as Scarlett and Rossano Brazzi as Rhett. The 1939 version is considered the best version of the story, but the 1956 version is a classic in its own right.

Lessons Learned from the Making of GWTW Movie

There are many lessons learned from the making of the “Gone with the Wind” movie. Each actor and actress was very anxious about their roles. Vivien Leigh was worried about playing a Southerner and about wearing a corset. For the corset, she was able to use a brace between takes to make it a little more comfortable for her. Clark Gable was worried about his southern accent, as he was from Idaho, as well as his ability to ride a horse. Gable was given riding lessons from the wrangler, and he learned quickly. The producer was worried about getting everything in the movie right. He even paid the expenses to fly Margaret Mitchell, the author of the book, down to the set.

Final Words

The “Gone with the Wind” movie is a classic that will probably be enjoyed by generations to come. The movie was rarely made, but it has become one of the greatest movies in Hollywood history. The book and movie helped to change people’s views of the South and the Civil War. If you love classic movies or enjoy reading historical fiction, you will love the story of “Gone with the Wind”. It is a great lesson in writing and the importance of perseverance.