Scarlett's lifestyle before the war left her unprepared for the responsibilities to come and even though she was selfish, the tragedies in Scarlett's life shaped her character into the woman she would become after the Civil War. Poverty and loss of those close to her left her feeling alone with no one to rely on but herself and Tara.
Gone With the Wind is a movie based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel published by Margaret Mitchell in 1936 and released as a motion picture in 1939. Gone With the Wind is an American classic movie that has stood the test of time and remains a favorite of many. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, Gone With the Wind tells the tale of a willful and spoiled Southern Belle and the struggles she endures as she comes to terms with the end of life as she knows it; she learns to survive in her new reality. Gone With the Wind earned 13 nominations at the 12th annual Academy Awards and won 10 awards including the first award to an African American actress in a supporting role for Hattie McDaniels' portrayal of "Mammy". Gone With the Wind was plagued by troubles during filming and production. The film was delayed two years so that Clark Gable could play the role of Rhett Butler. Over 1400 actresses auditioned for the part of Scarlett with the role finally being awarded to British actress Vivien Leigh. .
Gone With the Wind held the title of the highest grossing film for 25 years and is Number 4 on AFI's list of Top Ten Epic Movies. Quotes from the movie are as well known as the movie itself, with Rhett Butler's famous last line of "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." being confused as being the last line of the movie. In reality the last line is Scarlett's monologue about returning to Tara: "Tara! Home. I'll go home. And I'll think of some way to get him back. After all. tomorrow is another day." The main theme to Gone With the Wind is that land is permanent.