BlockBuster Before Filming Began

Rating: 8/10 (26 January 2007)

This movie was so anticipated that as soon as people started reading Margaret Mitchell's book, they clamored for a movie. The story of Selznick putting this together is one of legend. Sadly, the film hampered his later career as whenever Selznick was asked for advice after this movie, he's always answer by saying "when we were doing GWTW.." and then not listen to any ideas other than his own.
Clark Gable is no doubt a great actor, & so perfect as Rhett Butler that you'd shudder putting anyone else in the role. The same can be said for everyone pretty much in the movie. It's simply amazing how 3 directors & teams worked at putting this thing together.
At the time, folks thought it should have been 2 movies. I'd argue that it could have been. I'd end the first with Rhett kissing Scarlett by the bridge after their escape from Atlanta, on his way to join the Confederate Army. That way the second film would open in stark contrast to part 1, with a wrecked Tara & 12 Oaks. The second part would still be longer than the first, but each would stand on their own.
I used to kid people that there is a common cast member between this film & the Wizard of Oz, that Victor Fleming borrowed the "horse of a different color" from the Emerald City to help Rhett & Scarlett escape from Atlanta. Regardless, it is amazing that Fleming got full credit for both movies, yet had lots of help on each one.
What really is true is that 1939 is one of the greatest movie years ever for Hollywood under the old studio system. I am not sure if the in pending war had anything to do with this, but Gone With The Wind was at the head of some of the greatest work in film history, in the greatest year of film history.
Paulette Goddard, Charlie Chaplins second wife, who was considered the runner up to playing Scarlett, kept busy working on The Cat & The Canary & The Women with George Cukor that year. I believe she could have brought off Scarlett, but considering the other work she was doing then & in 1940 with The Ghost Breakers & The Great Dictator, it might be for the best that she missed this film. Besides, Vivian Leigh's Scarlett is one for the ages.
This film is one for the ages, & I am thankful for the restoration of the film on the latest DVD versions. This film will always be important because in reality, it is the first sound/Technicolor blockbuster film of all time.