Gone with the Wind (1939)

Overview

Gone with the Wind is a 1939 American epic historical romance film adapted from Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Directed primarily by Victor Fleming and produced by David O. Selznick, the film stars Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara and Clark Gable as Rhett Butler in a story set against the American Civil War and Reconstruction era in Georgia.

• The film was the highest-grossing movie of its era and remains one of the most iconic productions in cinema history.
• Victor Fleming directed the bulk of the production after George Cukor and others contributed during an extensive and troubled shoot.
• Vivien Leigh won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara, cementing her place among Hollywood legends.
• Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy.
• The story spans approximately twelve years, following Scarlett from her youth at Tara plantation through the Civil War and into Reconstruction.
• Clark Gable delivered the famous line “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” in the film’s concluding scenes.
• The production famously ran over budget and over schedule, becoming one of Hollywood’s most legendary productions.

Source Novel

The film is adapted from Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 novel “Gone with the Wind”, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937. Mitchell spent nearly a decade writing the novel, drawing on her family’s stories about the Civil War and Reconstruction periods in Georgia.

The novel sold over one million copies within six months of publication and became a cultural phenomenon. David O. Selznick purchased the film rights for $50,000 in 1936, one of the highest prices ever paid for a novel at that time. Mitchell maintained creative consultation throughout the production, though her involvement was limited by her well-documented dislike of public appearances.

Cast and Characters

The ensemble cast brings Margaret Mitchell’s characters to life with performances that have become synonymous with Hollywood Golden Age cinema.

Vivien Leigh portrays Scarlett O’Hara, the headstrong, manipulative, and resilient Southern belle who evolves from a spoiled debutante into a hardened survivor willing to do whatever it takes to preserve her family’s plantation, Tara. Leigh won the Academy Award for Best Actress for this performance.

Clark Gable plays Rhett Butler, the charming, cynical blockade runner who sees through Scarlett’s deceptions and falls in love with her spirit despite her obsession with Ashley Wilkes. Gable’s performance established him as the definitive Hollywood leading man.

Olivia de Havilland embodies Melanie Hamilton Wilkes, Ashley’s gentle, virtuous wife whose kindness and strength define Southern womanhood in the narrative. Leslie Howard portrays Ashley Wilkes, the principled but ultimately weak Southern gentleman whom Scarlett pursues throughout most of the story.

Hattie McDaniel delivers a memorable performance as Mammy, Scarlett’s loyal and sharp-tongued caregiver at Tara, becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award. Ona Munson plays Belle Watling, the madam of Atlanta’s most successful brothel who nevertheless demonstrates loyalty to the Confederate cause.

Box Office Performance

Gone with the Wind achieved unprecedented commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film of its time and holding that record for decades. The film earned approximately $390 million in theatrical rentals worldwide during its original release, a figure that translates to billions when adjusted for inflation.

Exact box office figures vary by source due to the extended release patterns and re-releases that occurred over many years. Industry analysts estimate the film’s total earnings across all releases exceed $3.7 billion in current dollars, making it among the highest-grossing films in cinema history when adjusted for inflation.

The film’s commercial triumph was matched by critical acclaim. It swept the 12th Academy Awards ceremony in 1940, winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography (Color), Best Art Direction (Color), and Best Film Editing.

Runtime and Format

The film’s runtime is approximately 238 minutes (3 hours and 58 minutes), making it one of the longest commercially successful films ever produced. Different versions exist for various theatrical releases and television broadcasts, with runtime variations depending on editing decisions and commercial breaks.

Gone with the Wind was filmed using the three-strip Technicolor process, one of the most advanced color cinematography techniques of its era. The vibrant Technicolor sequences, particularly the famous red curtain opening and the burning of Atlanta sequence, became defining visual elements of the film.

The production was shot primarily at Selznick International Studios in Los Angeles and on location in Georgia, where Tara’s exterior was constructed on studio backlots.

Notable Quotes

The film is associated with several lines that have entered popular culture and become shorthand for cinematic iconography. The most famous occurs when Rhett Butler delivers his parting words to Scarlett: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” as he walks out the door after their marriage has irreparably deteriorated.

Other memorable quotations include Scarlett’s defiant declaration upon returning to a devastated Tara—”As God is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again”—a promise that defines her transformation from sheltered Southern belle to ruthless survivor. The film’s opening line, spoken by Ashley about the Old South, frames the entire narrative: “It’s a term, isn’t it? ‘Gone with the Wind.'”

These lines have achieved recognition beyond the film itself, appearing consistently on lists of the greatest movie quotations of all time.

Streaming Availability

Streaming availability for Gone with the Wind has fluctuated over time and varies significantly by region and platform licensing agreements. The film has historically appeared on premium streaming services including HBO Max and the Criterion Channel, though these arrangements change frequently.

Viewers seeking to watch the film currently should consult major streaming platforms directly, as licensing agreements are subject to change. Digital rental and purchase options are typically available through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play, offering permanent digital access regardless of subscription changes.

The film’s streaming status remains subject to ongoing platform negotiations and may differ from region to region.

Timeline

The narrative and production of Gone with the Wind span the following significant periods:

• 1936: Margaret Mitchell publishes “Gone with the Wind,” which becomes an immediate bestseller.
• 1936: David O. Selznick purchases film rights for $50,000.
• 1938: Principal photography begins; multiple directors contribute including George Cukor and Victor Fleming.
• 1939: Production concludes after approximately 78 days of shooting and extensive reshoots.
• December 15, 1939: World premiere at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.
• 1940: Film wins eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director.
• 1942: Hattie McDaniel becomes first African American Oscar winner at a segregated ceremony.
• 1967: First television broadcast draws record audiences.
• 1989: Film selected for National Film Registry preservation.
• Present: Periodic theatrical re-releases and streaming availability on rotating platforms.

Clarity on Uncertain or Disputed Elements

Established facts: Victor Fleming directed the majority of the finished film. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable starred in the lead roles. The film is based on Mitchell’s 1936 novel. It was released in December 1939 and won Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

Uncertain or disputed elements: Exact total box office figures vary significantly between sources due to extended theatrical runs, multiple re-releases, and differing accounting methods across decades. Current streaming availability may have changed since research was conducted. Some runtime versions may differ slightly depending on distribution format. The precise contribution of various uncredited directors during the troubled production remains a subject of historical debate.

Sources and Quotes

This article draws information from the following sources: Wikipedia’s comprehensive film entry; Virginia Tech’s Civil War film history resource; Turner Classic Movies AFI entry; Rotten Tomatoes critical aggregate; and Scott Holleran’s critical analysis.

For additional context, Aurora’s Gin Joint analysis provides detailed examination of the film’s themes and historical significance.

Summary

Gone with the Wind remains a landmark achievement in cinema history, representing the pinnacle of Hollywood’s Golden Age production values and storytelling ambition. The film succeeds both as an adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s beloved novel and as an independent artistic achievement that has influenced generations of filmmakers.

Its portrayal of the Civil War and Reconstruction through Scarlett O’Hara’s personal journey reflects the novel’s controversial but historically significant perspective, while the performances of Leigh and Gable have achieved timeless status. The technical achievements in Technicolor cinematography, production design, and film editing remain impressive by contemporary standards.

Despite ongoing debates about the film’s racial depictions and historical interpretations, Gone with the Wind’s cultural impact, commercial success, and cinematic importance are undeniable. It continues to be studied, screened, and discussed as one of the defining works of American cinema.

Frequently Asked Questions