Gone With The Wind is definitely a classic film, it follows two of the most memorable characters in movie history, Southern belle Scarlett O'Hara and handsome rebel Rhett Butler, through the Civil War and afterwards. I will never forget the moments in the movie, with Rhett and Scarlett embracing, the last act when Rhett told Scarlett, "Frankly My Dear, I don't give a damn," it is one of those acts that you will remember forever. The acting is absolutely incredible. It is said that Vivien Leigh was born to be Scarlett. Personally I believe it is true, she did an amazing job going from the spoiled young girl she was, to a woman working through tough times, to a spoiled woman. Her defiant petulance and perseverance as she ran riches to rags to riches again, and Clark Gable's roguish gentleman frustrated by Scarlett's unrequited devotion to Ashley. When Scarlett said, "I'll never be hungry again," the nation rose and said, "Damn Right!" The moment was set to fiery, defiant music, and the illusion of America, as she wanted to see herself, was set. History, right or wrong, was suddenly embodied by a young girl who wants, not just to survive, but to prosper.
A wonderful, romantic, morality tale wrapped in epic, historic proportion. Hattie McDaniel as Mammy makes us laugh and cry, though she is just the "supporting" actress. She portrays humanity and dignity in African-American slaves. Though "Gone With the Wind" doesn't capture much of the inhumanity and cruelty of slavery, there was a taste of it when Scarlet slaps Butterfly McQueen's character, Prissy. This may have been, in 1939, all America was ready to publicly acknowledge, but it was an important acknowledgement. And, certainly, a beginning to future thought, discussion and action. "Gone With the Wind" is so great, on so many levels, it is mind-boggling. Hattie McDaniel has been noted as the first black person to win an Oscar, and she does a fine job of transcending what could have been a gross stereotype.
