A Classic Then, a Classic Now and a Classic Forever

Rating: 10/10 (19 February 2003)

Ever since I first saw this film when I was 12 on the centennial of the Civil War, I have been enthralled with it. My mother took me into Boston to see the film and as I remember, it was a really poor quality print. Rather yellowish and scratchy. It didn't matter - that started me on my life-long love of the Civil War and history in general. It has also made me visit just about every major Civil War battlefield in the United States, as well as plantation homes and other significant sites throughout the South.
What a fabulous film! Really first-rate and amazingly so when you know the difficulties that Selznick went through to get it to the screen. This ranged from casting challenges to director and script changes.
It does stand the test of time well. I have noticed that there is another whole new generation of GWTW lovers coming up. My friend and I took our two young daughters to see the newest digitally mastered print that recently was released. (It was great to see the film in a theater again with great sound...)
As always, (and wherever and whenever I have seen it), the first shot of Clark Gable produced gasps from the audience. It is shot from the top of the staircase at the Wilkes mansion during the barbeque and we see Rhett Butler from Scarlett's viewpoint, when she first sees him. The camera pans down to his face, as he is leaning on the bannister, looking up at her. I have never seen this film, when that shot of Gable failed to elict sighs from the audience.
Anyway, our daughters loved the film and we hope that they will continue to enjoy it and pass it on. Its that type of film - one to be enjoyed over and over again. Even with all the times that I have seen it, I rarely watch it without seeing one or two new things. That's the mark of a great and timeless film - which "Gone With the Wind" is!