Gone With The Wind [1940]

On the DVD: No extra features on this DVD, which is a pity given the amount of material that must be available, but it has to be admitted this disc is worth the asking price simply to drink in the astonishing quality of the picture, sumptuously presented in its original 1.33:1 "Academy" ratio. The mono sound is vivid, too, showcasing Max Steiner's headily romantic score. --Mark Walker

One's perception of the film as racist rather depends on whether you look at the film within the context of its era or from a purely modern standpoint. At the time, GONE WITH THE WIND was a major advance in Hollywood's portrayal of blacks on screen, for the two major black characters--Mammy and Prissy--are a far cry from the obnoxious "Stepin Fetchit" stereotypes so common in the 1930s. In later years, both Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen would be derrided for their participation in the film and accused of perpetuating stereotypes, but in fact their performances were anything but stereotypical at the time--indeed, their very power led Hollywood into a repetition of similar characters, and it was that repetition that later caused the originals to read as cliched.

The real problem with GONE WITH THE WIND is that it, like the novel on which it is based, buys into the American Southern myth of great plantations, lovely vixens, gallant gentlemen, and a paternalistic form of slavery. These concepts have some basis in fact, but the vast majority of American southern whites did not own plantations, much less own slaves, and those who did rarely practiced "paternalistic" slavery by any stretch of the imagination. But GONE WITH THE WIND is the myth, not the fact--and once we accept it as a highly romanticized vision of the South as it never really was, the film becomes incredibly entertaining and can still cast its spell upon the modern viewer.

The most powerful thing about the film is that it moves. Over the course of its very long run, the episodic story of the beautiful and willful Scarlett O'Hara and her rapacious drive to insulate herself from the hardships of the war never significantly drags. And the cast, from the leads to the bit players, is superior.

Margaret Michell might have created Rhett Butler with Clark Gable in mind; Vivien Leigh, a remarkable beauty and a very fine actress, was scarcely known outside England--but amazingly, when one considers the tremendous anticipation surrounding the casting of the role, she plays Scarlett with incredible success. Granted that the characters of Melanie and Ashley are rather unbelievable, but both Olivia de Havilland and Leslie Howard carry them off with conviction. And although they have already been mentioned, Hattie McDaniel's formidable Mammy and Butterfly McQueen's passive-aggressive and frequently hysterical Prissy are brilliant creations and more than worthy of a second mention.

True, advances in cinema technique have made some of the special effects seem dated, but the production values and art design are brilliant from throughout, and the film offers a multitude of iconographic moments: Rhett standing at the bottom of the staircase at Twelve Oaks; Scarlett caught up in a the panic during the seige of Atlanta; the tattered flag waving above the fallen troops at the train yard; the kiss between Rhett and Scarlett after the fall of Atlanta--these, yes, and many, many more.

GONE WITH THE WIND will no doubt become increasingly controversial as attitudes continue to change re race, slavery, and the American Civil War--but in terms of pure cinema it is a remarkable achievement for all involved and it remains a landmark to this day. This DVD offers a pristine picture and high quality sound, but I must note that the DVD has no great advantage over the current VHS release; a trailer aside, there are no bonus materials of any kind, and both are of equal quality. Strongly recommended, but with a warning: do not mistake it for fact. As I noted earlier, this is a South that never was, built on a form of slavery far removed from the slavery that actually existed. Enjoy it as a beautifully made and epic romance with a host of powerful performances--but not as history.


Masterpiece!!   October 27, 2004
Samantha (United Kingdom)
17 out of 18 found this review helpful

My mum first told me of this film when i was about to buy some dvds from amazon. she told me all the characters and how i would like it if i brought it. so i ordered it and when i got it, i watched it and i've never seen a well-made film of 1939 in my life. i loved vivian leigh and her famous 'fiddle-dee-dee' quote. i also loved olivia de hallivand as the caring, loving melanie hamilton. If you ever are thinking of buying this film heres two words of advice, BUY IT!!. You won't be disappointed.


Frankly my dear, this is fantastic!!   September 10, 2003
Jo (haverhill, suffolk United Kingdom)
14 out of 17 found this review helpful

This if my favourite movie of all time and it deserves much, much more than 5 stars.
It's the perfect cold, rainy sunday afternoon movie, just switch it on and you're transpoted back to a world where women have afternoon naps and the most impotant part of the day is being shoe-horned into a corset to acheive an 18 inch waist!

The performances from Clark Gable (Rhett Butler) Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O'Hara) and Hattie Mcdaniel (Mamie) are superb. My only criticism, if it is one, is how is the audience supposed to believe that the vivacious Scarlett would fall for a drip like Ashley Wilkes?! As if!

This film started an my obsession with Clarke Gable, Rhett Butler; what a guy! He is overbearing, arrogant and drinks to much but it's all part of his charm and thats one thing he has plenty of.

Even though theres no happy ending the viewer is left confident that once Scarlett reaches her beloved Tara everything will be allright again, she'll get her man back and it will all be Happy-ever-after.

If you have never seen this film you don't know what you're missing! and for all those other GWTW fans out there, I salute you!

I know what I'll be watching this sunday, with a big bar of chocolate and some tissues.


Well I Like It Anyway   May 28, 2007
David R. Bishop (Plymouth, UK)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I was surprised to see so many negative reviews of this film. I've always enjoyed it, but will admit that it sags a bit towards the end.

I view it in the context of when it was made, and how groundbreaking it was in terms of its budget and scope, and the legends surrounding it. It is really a high class soap opera, but that is not meant as a put down.

It was popular here during the blitz, and I can imagine how people then could identify with Scarlett O'Hara when she returned to a ravaged and ruined Tara. Nobody on film has ever waved a radish as meaningfully as Vivien Leigh, as she vowed to overcome and prosper. Three of the four main players are British, which makes me proud.

The film does depict slavery and racism, but please also know that Hattie McDaniel picked up a supporting role Oscar for her portrayal of Mamie. She was the first African American to win an Accadamy Award. In that respect, the film stands as a powerful symbol of black advancement.

An epic of its time, that is still worth watching today.


Total enjoyment   December 10, 2001
12 out of 16 found this review helpful

It doesn't matter how many times you watch this film, you still won't be able to take your eyes off it. It's a story of survival, pride, love and jealousy. All the ingredients for a brilliant film. You only have to sit back and enjoy.