Seriously overrated

Rating: Null/10 (3 January 2004)

I've seen this movie all the way through twice, and attempted to sit through all of it many other times. I think it's classic status owes more to all of the hype surrounding its production than anything contained in the movie itself - the search for the right actress to play Scarlett, the trouble with directors, Selznick's infamous memos, etc., etc.
This is not to say there are no good things about the film. Clark Gable is perfect, and so is Vivien Leigh. Hattie McDaniel, Thomas Mitchell and Olivia De Havilland are also excellent. There are some memorable images, such as the Atlanta fire, in fact the production values are good. The use of Technicolor is outstanding - by 1939 standards. And it stands as a great reminder of Hollywood's golden age.
But, the bad outweighs the good. First of all, about 45 to 60 minutes could be shaved off of the running time. Second, Leslie Howard is far too old for his role (Margaret Mitchell's quote - "(Howard) was dreadful beyond compare") and, really, how can anyone be as wimpy as Ashley Wilkes? Then, the alleged heroine, Scarlett, has no redeeming qualities whatsoever; she is dishonest, she steals a man away from her sister to get money, and she is lazy and petulant through most of the film. How can anyone root for her?

This film more than any other serves as proof of David O. Selznick's theory that hype and publicity can elevate the status of an average film to classic status. Those who think this is a "timeless classic" have been swept away by the hype. I'd give it 6 out of 10 points.