Cowart's Common Room
Gone With The Wind
Last evening took myself off to see GWTW in the cinema at Chapter. Never seen the film before - only odd clips and it is remarkable to think that more time has elapsed since the film was made in 1939 than elapsed between the American Civil War and 1939. But what a wonderful film it is! And what a superb performance by Vivien Leigh! Also excellent performances by the other principals. And the film has hardly aged. It is still compellingly watchable.
At 4 hours (with an intermission) it is however a very long film and I think the film might be improved simply by not showing the second reel.
But then of course you'd miss the wonderful lines:
He: Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.
She: Tomorrow is another day.
And so it always is. 
9th Nov 2015 - 12:18PM
Fennie
Comments: 8
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Fennie one of my favorite films. I have seen a few times. At the end i am shouting at scarlet to run after Brett and make him stay. Posted by: Cadfael on 9th Nov 2015 at 03:03PM
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I read the book and saw the film when I was 17 or 18. Was irritated by Scarlet and thought Melanie a real wimp - although I don't think we had the word 'wimp' then. Probably a 'weed'. My late mother in law worshipped Clark Gable so I probably heard more about him than I wanted to.I should really re-read or re see. I imagine the social changes of the intervening years will make me see some of it in a completely different light.
Posted by: Mountainear on 9th Nov 2015 at 05:03PM
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I agree: Scarlett is a spoiled brat and hardly likeable. But to play that sort of character when you are English is an achievement in itself. Posted by: Fennie on 9th Nov 2015 at 05:36PM
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I loved it when I saw it as a teenager. Very uncritical I n those days! Just after the war, I think. Posted by: Withy Brook on 9th Nov 2015 at 09:22PM
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A most wonderful classic film I remember it now saw it years ago on TV. Posted by: Camilla on 10th Nov 2015 at 02:14AM
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Perhaps a new director should do a directors cut of it and weed out the unnecessary bits, it might be a bit more watchable then. Posted by: Fairy Nuff on 10th Nov 2015 at 10:30AM
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I disagree about cutting it! Yes it's a very long film but worth watching in it's entirety. How could you go to sleep Lampie? (but you have given me an idea!)Very much my favourite film of all time - with the cast matching up to my imagined characters very well. I first saw it at the cinema when my mother took me to see it - the only film she ever took me too, and that was no doubt because she wanted to see it again herself - and I was about 12 and very much horrified at Ellen's death.
I don't see Scarlett as a spoiled brat - I see her as one of life's copers. And I don't see Melanie as a wimp or a weed either. She saw the good in everyone - slightly blinkered as regards to Scarlett of course.
I can't remember what Rhett said in the film but in the book there is no 'frankly'.
Posted by: Faith on 10th Nov 2015 at 05:27PM
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Posted by: Lampworkbeader on 9th Nov 2015 at 02:40PM