Gone with the Wind

"Gone with the Wind" (1939) is an epic historical romance film based on Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 novel of the same name. Directed by Victor Fleming (with contributions by George Cukor and Sam Wood), the movie is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. It follows the life, loves, and trials of the fiercely independent Scarlett O'Hara, chronicling the fall of the Old South and its societal changes. Here's a detailed breakdown of the story:

Plot Summary

Introduction and the Old South

The movie opens in 1861, on the eve of the American Civil War, at Tara, a large cotton plantation in Georgia owned by the wealthy O'Hara family. Scarlett O'Hara (played by Vivien Leigh) is the spoiled and headstrong daughter of Gerald and Ellen O’Hara, obsessed with winning the love of her neighbor, the aristocratic and refined Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard).

Scarlett is heartbroken to learn that Ashley is engaged to his cousin, the gentle and kind-hearted Melanie Hamilton (Olivia de Havilland). Despite knowing this, Scarlett boldly declares her love for Ashley at a barbecue hosted by the Wilkes family. Ashley admits that he has feelings for her but marries Melanie anyway, leaving Scarlett enraged.

At the same event, Scarlett meets the roguish and daring Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), who instantly becomes infatuated with her. Rhett, a cynical and pragmatic man who has little respect for Southern conventions, recognizes Scarlett’s fiery personality and desire for survival. However, she is uninterested in Rhett, as her heart is still set on Ashley.

The Civil War Begins

As the war breaks out, Scarlett impulsively marries Melanie's timid brother, Charles Hamilton, out of spite, even though she doesn't love him. Charles soon dies from an illness while serving in the Confederate Army, making Scarlett a widow. Distraught but not deeply affected by the loss, Scarlett moves to Atlanta to live with Melanie and her Aunt Pittypat.

In Atlanta, Scarlett's life becomes intertwined with Melanie’s, even though she continues to resent her for marrying Ashley. Scarlett is uncomfortable in her role as a widow, particularly with the expectation of mourning and wearing black. Rhett Butler reappears in Scarlett's life, now as a blockade runner who profits from the war. He flirts with her and offers a marriage proposal, but she declines.

The Siege of Atlanta

As the war worsens, Atlanta falls under siege by Union forces. Melanie gives birth to her son while Atlanta burns. With Rhett’s help, Scarlett and Melanie narrowly escape the destruction of the city. They embark on a dangerous journey back to Tara, Scarlett’s family plantation. Rhett, however, leaves them along the way to join the Confederate Army.

Upon returning to Tara, Scarlett finds it in ruins. The war has devastated the plantation, her mother has died of typhoid, and her father, Gerald O'Hara, is mentally broken. In a moment of despair, Scarlett vows to do whatever it takes to restore Tara and ensure her family’s survival. This moment, underscored by the iconic line, “As God is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again,” marks Scarlett’s transformation from a frivolous girl into a determined survivor.

Rebuilding Tara

Scarlett faces immense challenges in trying to rebuild Tara. Her family is impoverished, and Union soldiers repeatedly raid the estate. Desperate, Scarlett kills a Union deserter who tries to rob the house, showing her growing ruthlessness.

To save Tara from being seized for unpaid taxes, Scarlett tricks her sister’s wealthy fiancé, Frank Kennedy, into marrying her instead. Frank’s business provides financial stability, but Scarlett coldly manipulates him to suit her own ends.

Reconstruction and Business Success

After the war, Scarlett continues her pursuit of money and power, using every available means to restore Tara and elevate her social standing. She opens a sawmill and runs it efficiently, drawing criticism for her unladylike behavior and business tactics. Despite her outward success, Scarlett is emotionally hollow, still yearning for Ashley’s love.

Frank dies in a raid, leaving Scarlett widowed again. Rhett seizes this opportunity to propose to her, and she finally agrees to marry him, though she admits it’s not out of love. Rhett is fully aware that Scarlett still pines for Ashley, but believes that one day she will come to love him instead.

Marriage to Rhett Butler

Scarlett and Rhett’s marriage is passionate but tumultuous. They have a daughter, Bonnie Blue Butler, whom Rhett adores. However, Scarlett continues to cling to her illusions about Ashley, causing friction between her and Rhett. The couple's relationship is marked by growing resentment, as Scarlett refuses to let go of her obsession with Ashley, despite the deep affection Rhett has for her.

Meanwhile, Ashley and Melanie remain loyal to each other, though Scarlett continues to misinterpret Ashley's kindness toward her as romantic interest. Rhett becomes increasingly frustrated with Scarlett’s emotional distance and her refusal to move on from her fixation on Ashley.

Tragedy Strikes

A series of tragedies follows, further driving a wedge between Scarlett and Rhett. Their daughter, Bonnie, dies in a tragic horseback riding accident, shattering Rhett. This loss leaves him emotionally devastated and unable to forgive Scarlett, believing her coldness is partly to blame.

Shortly after Bonnie’s death, Melanie falls seriously ill and dies, leaving Ashley heartbroken. On her deathbed, Melanie asks Scarlett to take care of Ashley and their son. It is only at this point that Scarlett realizes Ashley never truly loved her—his love was always for Melanie, while Scarlett had been chasing an illusion.

Scarlett’s Epiphany and Rhett’s Departure

As Scarlett comes to terms with the futility of her pursuit of Ashley, she realizes that she has always loved Rhett. However, when she returns to Rhett to confess her love and beg him to stay, she finds him packing to leave. He tells her that it’s too late for reconciliation and that he no longer cares about her. As he walks out, Rhett delivers the famous line, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

Devastated by Rhett's departure, Scarlett collapses in despair. However, in the final moments of the film, she gathers her strength and resolves to win Rhett back, uttering the iconic words, "After all, tomorrow is another day."

Themes and Symbolism

• Survival and Determination: Scarlett’s journey is defined by her fierce will to survive, even at the cost of morality and personal happiness. Her character epitomizes resilience and adaptability.

• The Old South and Change: The film reflects the downfall of the aristocratic Southern way of life, symbolized by the destruction of Tara and the Civil War. Scarlett’s struggle to restore Tara represents the South’s fight to preserve its heritage, even as it fades away.

• Love and Obsession: Scarlett's unrelenting obsession with Ashley blinds her to the genuine love Rhett offers. Her pursuit of a romanticized vision of the past causes her to lose the chance for real happiness.

• War and Loss: The Civil War serves as a backdrop that brings widespread destruction, loss, and transformation for the characters, particularly Scarlett, who is forced to reinvent herself amid societal collapse.

Conclusion

Gone with the Wind is a sweeping saga of love, loss, and survival during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. Scarlett O’Hara’s complex character—her flaws, strength, and unrelenting determination—make her one of the most memorable protagonists in cinema. The film’s lavish production, iconic performances, and grand scale earned it widespread acclaim, though its romanticized portrayal of the South and depictions of slavery remain controversial. Despite this, the film endures as one of the most influential and famous films in Hollywood history.