I recently finished reading Margaret Mitchell and John Marsh: The Love Story Behind Gone With the Wind (reviewed HERE) and in some ways felt like I was just learning more about Scarlett O’Hara by reading about the author’s love life. The difference between the two is that one had a relatively happy (by some standards) marriage and the other was consistently unlucky in love.
When Gone with the Wind was first published in 1936 it was heralded as a smashing success. The pre-publicity on the book was such that screen rights were already being discussed. There was a big To Do over the making of this movie. Just as people (I know) cared about who was chosen to play the characters in the Narnia movies, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, people cared about who was going to portray Scarlett O’Hara and her infamous lover, Rhett Butler, on film. The city of Atlanta and, in deed, most women’s league groups in the south felt very strongly that a southern belle should be chosen to play the character of Scarlett. Margaret Mitchell herself had women dressed in hoop skirts showing up on her door, hoping to get an “in” with the author of the book herself.
Mitchell, for her part, wanted nothing to do with the making of the movie, in the sense that she wanted to be involved in the screen play or selecting the actors and actresses to play the roles. She made bold statements letting people know that she knew books translated onto the big screen would change the story to a degree in order that things would “work” and the story would flow. She didn’t mind the idea of subtle changes here and there so long as no one dumped the stress of making the film on her shoulders. She took a hands-off approach and was just as surprised as everyone else when an English actress by the name of Vivian Leigh was given the role of Scarlett O’Hara. And for the record, Mitchell approved of the choice!
This was a long movie by many standards of the day. (The movie was released in 1939 after around 3 years of effort!) I doubt you’d get a modern audience to sit through it and, really, it’s hard to find people who are willing. If it’s any consolation, the original cut of the movie clocked out at 6 hours in length! (Truth be told, it probably needs 6 hours to tell.) I think the thing that disturbs me the most about the changes made from book to screen is Scarlett’s lack of children. She has more than one child, you know, making the character of Scarlett all the more mystifying in the book!
Overall, critics seem to agree that no one else was remotely qualified to play Scarlett other than Vivian Leigh. Mitchell’s response to Clark Gable was that he was simply wonderful. (Gable sat next to John Marsh, Mitchell’s husband, during the Atlanta premier and was said to be incredibly nervous about his performance. I don’t think he needed to be!) One of the most shocking things about the movie, and one of its cultural impacts, was that Rhett closed the movie by using the word “damn.” That was the first time that word had been used on the big screen and it raised quite a fuss! Oh to go back to those days, eh!? (Carrie wistfully sighs.) A lot has changed in the movie making industry since 1939 but one thing is still true – Gone with the Wind has classic appeal that readers and movie going audience can still relate to. Regardless of what we might think of Scarlett’s character traits – this is still a superbly written book and a movie well-done. If you haven’t seen it, you probably should.
Carrie comes by her book and holiday obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.
Amy says
What a strange coincidence that you should post this review right when I’m starting to read Gone With the Wind for the second time! This became my all-time favorite book from the moment I first read it, and it’s stayed that way for about 12 years. I have to agree with you – my main complaint with the movie was Scarlett’s lack of children! It is still something that bothers me, but I’ve learned to appreciate the movie in its own right, and to read the book if I want all the details.
I was also put off by Vivian Leigh at first, but she truly did an outstanding job as Scarlett. Scarlett’s character is a hard role to fill, and Leigh put her all into it.
Thanks for your review! I’ve been thinking about watching the movie again sometime, and now I definitely will sooner rather than later!
gahome2mom says
I would like to read and own this one day. I have watched the movies time and time again. I am a fan. 🙂
Jennifer, Snapshot (and 5M4B) says
I too loved the book, and have been meaning to read it again (it’s been about 13 years).
I don’t think I’ve ever seen the movie. Sure, I’ve seen parts of it, but I’ve never watched the whole thing, nor do I really remember it.
Jen E says
Gone With The Wind is probably both my favorite book and movie. Great review!
Carol says
Hi,
I’m coming to this party….er, blogpost with your review of Gone With The Wind a little late but I am going to comment anyway.
What a great review of this marvelous novel. Great insight. I am quite the GWTW fan and it makes me smile to read of new people reading it for the first time and others rediscovering it. I can’t help it, I love encouraging people to read the novel and see the movie. I can’t really say how many times I have done both.
You might want to visit my website about GWTW memorabilia and collectibles. And check my GWTW Meaningful Memorabilia story. The friend that I am writing about died from breast cancer a few months after sending me the beautiful GWTW gift. You can find the story on my site.
Carol