Epic in every conceivable facet, Gone with the Wind is a hugely
successful, multi award winning melodrama which sweeps its way through
intertwined families of the Old South during The American Civil war and
subsequent reconstruction era. Notable in its day for its long pre-production
and actual production problems, the film has come to be known as one of the
most loved in history. As well as receiving a record ten Oscars, a feat that
wasn’t beaten for twenty years, it was also the highest grossing picture of its
day and still remains the highest grossing film in history when adjusted for
inflation. When released in 1939 it also had the distinction of being the
longest American sound film, clocking in at a patience testing 221 minutes, or 234
including overture and intermission.
Although recognised upon its
release as a critical and commercial success, and despite its place in history
well and truly assured, more recent critical reassessments have been less kind,
picking up on details which were less consequential in the late 1930s and early
40s. I’d heard both the good and bad second hand but decided to finally set
aside many hours on a rainy Sunday and watch it for myself. My opinion of the
picture is less favourable than the norm but I’m able to recognise it for its
strengths and can’t dispute its historical standing in the medium of film.
