I watched Gone with the Wind today — AGAIN! I realize many people — especially the younger generation — like to “blow off” these “old” classics because there isn’t any computer generated action with a lot of instant gratification woven through it. Instead, these movies rely on the script, the cinematography, the story, the music and — of course — the acting.
Unfortunately, this particular movie is one of many that has been a target of “Cancel Culture” because it spotlights the Old South during the Civil War and prior to the Emancipation Proclamation. However, movie fans SHOULD NOT avoid this movie! Instead of “canceling” it (and the era) or wiping it from our American history – why not LEARN from it! Not only is it extremely well done, but it can teach us a great deal.
There is so much we can glean from this story — not just the history – but also the social nuances. Reading the novel and/or watching this movie help people understand what life was like before . . .
1. the Internet
2. telephones, cell phones or texting
3. video games
4. television, cable, live streaming, instant media & news, 24-hour entertainment, radio
5. shopping on Amazon with the click of a mouse or the tap of a finger
6. grocery store chains where you can get most any food you desire
7. electricity
8. antibiotics — not even aspirin
9. computers, laptops, iPods, iPads, Kindles,YouTube, podcasts
10. microwaves, ovens, stove tops and refrigerators
11. washing machines and dryers
12. indoor plumbing
13. Central air condition/heating
14. cars
15. airplanes
. . . and countless other things that did not exist in the mid-1800s. The young people of today cannot fathom living without these everyday conveniences because they take these inventions for granted. Scarlet O’Hara had none of these modern resources as she desperately struggled to feed her family and save her beloved home.
PLUS — “The Women’s Rights Movement” was in its infancy stage — starting in 1848 (prior to the Civil War) when Elizabeth Cady Stanton organized the national movement in Seneca Falls, NY. At that time in American history, women were considered “second class citizens” who needed to be taken care of by the men in their lives. Women could not VOTE and — in many states — women could not be property owners — including owning their own homes.
Strong females with determined, independent personalities were not the norm in those days – but instead – the exception! Keep in mind, at the beginning of Gone with the Wind — which is also the beginning of The Civil War (1861) and the first rise of the Woman’s Movement, Scarlett O’Hara was a mere 16-years-old girl — spoiled by her family’s wealth and their standing in society. She probably knew nothing about Elizabeth Cady Stanton or the fight for Women’s Rights.
How many teenage girls do you know who could take on the weight of the world and hold a family together during the bloody siege of Atlanta or the devastation during the aftermath of the war? This female protagonist did! She might have acted like a selfish, raving bitch – but she kept them all alive. She did it without the Internet, a cell phone, a radio, electricity, a car, shopping on Amazon or air conditioning – just to name a few of those modern conveniences we all enjoy now.
Today, most people see Scarlett O’Hara as a “normal” or “typical” woman — strong, dynamic, independent, etc. However, during those decades — sandwiched around The Civil War — she was unique — an incredible force — without her tenacity, courage and strength — her entire family would not have survived the aftermath of The Civil War.
When I was in high school, I had to write a paper comparing and contrasting the two female characters: Scarlet and Melanie. Margaret Mitchell wrote these women as polar opposites; however, they were both vital, strong women too. Melanie was more akin to her peers during that era… Scarlet was the standout! Whether you love the character or hate her… You certainly had to respect Scarlet O’Hara.
This novel/movie is a masterpiece! Made in 1939 about an era between 1861 and 1873 (filled with American history) The reader can learn so much by diving into this book and/or watching this movie. Whether you have seen it a dozen times or never viewed it before – I highly recommend it.
Gone with the Wind is — without question — a blockbuster movie and novel — in addition, it earned critical acclaim at the Oscars — including Best Picture, Best Director (Fleming), Best Adapted Screenplay (Sidney Howard), Best Actress (Vivian Leigh) and Best Supporting Actress (Hattie McDaniel — who is the first African American to win an Academy Award.) She was sensational in the role.
Don’t let “Cancel Culture” cancel this movie . . . if you have never seen it . . . check it out! If you’ve seen it before — watch it again. Trust me! You won’t be disappointed. Try to LEARN from the history instead of “blowing it off.”
In a final note . . . the following quote is taken from the opening credits of the movie . . . “There was a land of Cavaliers and Cotton Fields called the Old South. Here in this pretty world, Gallantry took its last bow. Here was the last ever to be seen of Knights and their Ladies Fair, of Master and of Slave. Look for it only in books, for it is no more than a dream remembered, a Civilization gone with the wind…” — Ben Hecht
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_with_the_Wind_(film)
https://history.house.gov/Exhibitions-and-Publications/WIC/Historical-Essays/No-Lady/Womens-Rights/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Married_Women%27s_Property_Acts_in_the_United_States
