3 Things To Love About GONE WITH THE WIND
By Movieguide® Staff
In honor of Clarke Gable’s birthday, please enjoy this list of noteworthy things to love from arguably Gable’s most iconic roles as Rhett Butler in GONE WITH THE WIND.
GONE WITH THE WIND is not without its cautions though including alcohol usage, violence, sexual innuendo, depictions of slavery and miscellaneous immorality. Read Movieguide®’s review of GONE WITH THE WIND here.
*Editor’s note: This article contains some spoilers. However, if one hasn’t seen the movie by now, there’s no excuse because it’s been out nearly 100 years.
- Rhett Butler’s dedication to her daughter Bonnie
Rhett adores Bonnie Blue, his daughter with Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh). Bonnie Blue is the apple of her father’s eye and gives the audience heartfelt feelings for their sweet daddy/daughter relationship.
Mami, the head housemaid declares that Bonnie Blue is the most beautiful baby she’s ever seen next, next to Scarlett of course.
In the movie, Bonnie Blue dies while riding her new horse that Rhett gave to her as a gift, which unfortunately sends him spiraling. Movieguide ® doesn’t condone his poor behavior during this portion of the movie.
Bonnie and Rhett’s relationship shows that life and loss communicate a greater message to audiences- cherish the ones you love because you’ll never know when it’ll be their last day on this Earth.
Fun fact: Did you know GONE WITH THE WIND made $189,523,031 domestically at the time of its theatrical release in 1939?
- Scarlett’s tenacity to never give up, despite her unfortunate circumstances
After the Civil War wreaks havoc on the southern U.S., the spitfire Scarlett eventually comes to grips with a way to motivate herself after many moments of despair.
According to Movieguide®’s review:
Two memorable lines in GONE WITH THE WIND help define this arc in Scarlett’s morality tale.
The first is the statement Scarlett makes at Tara, “As God is my witness, I’ll never go hungry again.” The whole second half of the movie therefore is basically about how Scarlett will marry, connive and steal her way to wealth. Her philosophy is basically “do whatever you have to do to get ahead,” but the movie shows the audience that this philosophy doesn’t produce happiness for her.
The second line is what Scarlett remembers her father saying, “Land is the only thing that lasts.” Scarlett’s father, however, loses his mind. Thus, land may indeed last, but our claim to it may not. As Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
- Melanie’s kindness toward others
Melanie (Olivia de Haviland) could be considered a tragic figure in GONE WITH THE WIND. She never hurts a fly but seems to get the short end of the stick no matter what.
Although happiness is threatened by Scarlett’s pursuit of her husband Ashley, Melanie continues to exude the fruit of the spirit.
The review affirms Melanie’s kind spirit:
Throughout the movie, she has cause to hate Scarlett for loving her husband, Ashley, but she does not. In fact, when Rhett forces Scarlett to dress lasciviously, Melanie accepts her without judgment and without scorn. In fact, on her dying breath, Melanie tells Scarlett to take care of Ashley and to love Rhett.
Related: GONE WITH THE WIND Actress’s Case Could Go to The Supreme Court
Of course, there are many more memorable parts of this classic movie. Tell us some of your favorites in the comments below.