fbpx

GONE WITH THE WIND Returns to HBO Max

Photo via GONE WITH THE WIND movie poster

GONE WITH THE WIND Returns to HBO Max

By Tess Farrand, Associate Content Editor

GONE WITH THE WIND will return to HBO Max after a brief hiatus from the new streaming platform after concern that the movie “romanticized the horrors of slavery.”

To pivot accordingly, HBO Max added a disclaimer before the movie, per screenwriter John Ridley’s op-ed (12 YEARS A SLAVE).

“The new version includes a 4-1/2 minute introduction from Turner Classic Movie’s Jacqueline Stewart, professor of cinema and film studies at the University of Chicago,” CNN reported.

In her talk, Stewarts says, “Watching GONE WITH THE WIND can be uncomfortable, even painful. Still, it is important that classic Hollywood films are available to us in their original form for viewing and discussion.”

Comments about the disclaimer appear to be mixed on social media.

The Verge reported that other programs like Disney+’s DUMBO (1941) and Warner Home Video’s TOM AND JERRY, available on Amazon Prime, also contain disclaimers for different cultural attitudes from their release dates.

GONE WITH THE WIND won a total of eight Oscars including Best Supporting Actress for Hattie McDaniel who plays Mammy. McDaniel was the first black woman to win an Academy Award.

Movieguide® gave GONE WITH THE WIND a +1, which means there’s discernment required for young viewers. There are many moral lessons on display in the classic movie.

According to our review:

The majority of the other characters in this classic movie are sincere, loving and good-hearted. Rhett, despite his reputation, loves Scarlett and desires a family with her. Mammy stands as the voice of reason to Scarlett, a conscience who also prays and reads the Bible. Her loyalty to the O’Hara family is also admirable, staying with Mr. O’Hara even after the war is over and he goes insane.

Perhaps one of the greatest screen characters embodying selflessness and grace is Olivia DeHavilland’s Melanie. 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.

GONE WITH THE WIND remains a great morality tale. It reminds the discerning that, when one’s anchors are not fixed on God, one’s lives are as unstable as the shifting sand. It also shows some very troubling realities in a very reserved and dignified matter. It exposes the audience to death, childbirth, war, and more with great tact and skill. It is a movie that deserves another viewing on the big screen.

To see Movieguide®’s review of GONE WITH THE WIND, click here.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Watch SUE THOMAS F.B.EYE: THE PILOT
Quality: - Content: +4
Watch THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
Quality: - Content: +3