Gone with the Wind (1939 movie): The Ultimate Southern Drama

If you ever thought the Civil War was all about fancy dresses, flirtatious parties, and turbulent romances, then Gone with the Wind is the movie for you. This 1939 epic drama follows the tumultuous life of Scarlett O’Hara, a headstrong Southern belle who will stop at nothing to get what she wants (including stealing other women’s men and ignoring logical thought).

One may wonder what the title of the movie implies. Did the wind blow away everyone in the Civil War, or did Scarlett’s shenanigans finally blow up in her face? The truth is, nobody really knows because as far as the original book was concerned, the author, Margaret Mitchell, didn’t even clarify it herself.

Gone with the Wind boasts an all-star cast featuring Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara and Clark Gable as Rhett Butler, the ultimate embodiment of handsomeness and smugness combined. Vivien Leigh’s portrayal of Scarlett O’Hara was so convincing, it made Southern women everywhere want to imitate her dramatic flair and Southern drawl.

Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, Gone with the Wind showcases some of the most iconic moments in film history. There’s the infamous “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” line that Clark Gable delivers with such swagger; Scarlett’s desperate attempts to win back Rhett’s love (including running after him in the streets in her hoop skirt); and the devastating burning of Atlanta.

But perhaps what is most impressive about this movie is its sheer length. At almost four hours long, Gone with the Wind is more of an endurance test than a casual night of fun. To put it in perspective, you could watch Titanic twice and still have 20 minutes left over for a bathroom break.

All jokes aside, Gone with the Wind is a classic tale of love, loss, and survival set against the backdrop of one of the most significant events in American history. Whether you’re a fan of epic dramas or just love a good Southern drawl, this movie is definitely worth the watch (just be sure to set aside an entire evening to do so).