GWTW

[RussellBonds]

Friends:

I'm doing some thinking/research on Atlanta Campaign historiography and wondered what "students of the war"--professional or amateur--think of Gone with the Wind (book or film). Or do you think of it at all? Have you seen it? Read it? Any feedback and thoughts much appreciated; will help me with my thinking on how the movie/book fits in battle of Atlanta history, if at all.

Thanks and regards,
Russ

Russell Bonds
Marietta, Georgia
www.stealingthegeneral.com

[The General]

Russ,

I hated it. Pure and simple.

It's largely because I think that Scarlett is THE biggest bitch ever and that she got EXACTLY what she deserved in the end.

Eric
_________________
"If you want to have some fun, jine the cav'ry!"

[Basecat]

Russ,

I actually saw the movie on the big screen when it was re-released in the 1970s and I fell asleep once the war was over.

I was never a huge fan of the movie, and could never understand the hysteria that goes with it, even today.

For those who don't know, The GWTW saga will continue this Fall, as novelist Donald McCaig will have a new book out that describes Rhett Butler's CW service after he left Scarlett, Melanie, Prissy and the kid to find their way back to Tara. Would not mention it at all, but McCaig is an excellent writer, and will be more of a historical novel, than the other sequels written that came out a few years ago, which were IMHO hysterical novels.

Hope all is well and always remember that tomorrow is another day...Cue the soundtrack.

Regards from the Garden State,

Steve

[RussellBonds]

Eric:

I agree with you that Scarlett is perhaps the most detestable character in American fiction. Steve, as to the "hysteria," it's interesting to me to contrast our puzzlement over the movie/book to how my parents' and grandparents' generation(s) loved them both. Same with Elvis, somewhat; younger people just don't see what the big deal is/was. But that affection (like those generations) is dying off: there was a high-profile auction of GWTW memorabilia down here a couple of months ago, hosted by the actor who played one of the Tarleton twins in the movie. The auction was poorly attended and fetched far less $ than expected.

Which reminds me, I wonder how that auction of the Grant-Lee letter went this weekend?

//RSB

[booklover]

Russel,

Did you know that the other Tarleton twin was played by George Reeves, the man who played Superman on television?

I've always liked GWTW for what it was--purely an entertaining movie. Obviously, no one will accept it as good history and some may think it's too melodramatic or (gasp!) a chick flick. I also saw it on the big screen (at a drive in in the 1970s) and I really enjoyed it. I also saw it on the big screen in the 1990s during its 60th anniversary re-release. Concerning Scarlett, who can't agree that she was a bitch, but I think her "bitchiness" was necessary for her own survival. The scene where she is in silhouette talking about having to "lie, cheat, steal or kill" to survive shows Scarlett beginning to grow from the spoiled brat she was early on to a woman who witnessed things no one should ever have to witness, and drawing on a deeper level of maturity she doesn't even realize she has. In some ways, I think GWTW and Scarlett are truly representative of what happens to some people when they face an incomprehensible tragedy.

Here's another piece of GWTW trivia--Scarlett's original name was supposed to be "Pansy".

Best
Rob
_________________
"Well my brave boys, you can prepare a stretcher for me."

[GKWEAGLE1]

Hi all,

Married to some one who just LOVES GWTW (She has gotten to the point that she will not watch it with me in the room as I have a tendancy to point out every unhistorical fact in the movie), and this is even after my kids went out and bought the special DVD set it cameout on. Our son just sits there and laughs as I grumble about how bad it is HISTORICALLY! I guess there is nothing worse in the house then some one who knows the REAL story.! LOL!


Its not a bad movie. I even in fact think the when Atlanta is burning is one of the best parts, or if you want to portray the HORROR of the Civil War, the scene where the rail yard is just FILLED with the wounded and dying, and it pulls back to give you a sense of the carnage...

As to Ms. Scarlett........ I rank her right up there with Contstance Towers in "he Horse Soldiers"...


BTW, does every one remember the book, "The WIND DONE GONE!"..
I think it was a lampooning of the GWTW..

Jim
_________________
"The Flag, THE FLAG, Oh THE FLAG! G.K. Warrens last words on his death bed, August 8,1882
There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but, boys, it is all hell. W.T. Sherman

[corydon]

[Basecat]

[GKWEAGLE1]

Nope he wasnt at the mall he was standing next to me at the Lambertville Living history event. I even talked to him... Told him how much I like his music..
Told me ,"thankya thank ya very much!"

Now if you believe that one, let me tell you about my conversation with JNO Fairfax this past weekend......

_________________
"The Flag, THE FLAG, Oh THE FLAG! G.K. Warrens last words on his death bed, August 8,1882
There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but, boys, it is all hell. W.T. Sherman

[James_Longstreet]

I believe if you look at Miss Mellie's pregnancy by measuring it against the main historical battles - she was pregnant for something like 24 months

Eric, Bro - AMEN TO THAT! I don't think I've ever known anyone as Bitchy as Katie Scarlett O'Hara (and hope to GOD I never will!) although some girls came dangerously close

I can't say I 'hate it'. I used to - primarily for the reason above - I couldn't STAND Scarlett. But, in a strange way, I must admit, after I got interested in Da War and actually read the book (which as we all know is heads above the movie, as usually is the case with parctically every book) - it became 'something else'. I still can't stand the opinionated bitch (and I guess the fact that my wife LOVES her doesn't help either ) but I can watch it now...even in one sitting
_________________
I Remain
Your Ob't Servant
Allan
Time sets all things right. Error lives but a day. Truth is eternal.
A Great Civilization is not Conquered from Without until It has Destroyed Itself from Within

[Ellis]

I believe someone was looking for me on another thread?

Re: the scene in the rail yard - at the premier of the film in Atlanta, Margaret Mitchell’s husband is reputed to have said “If we’d had that many soldiers, we’d have won the war”.

I always found Vivien Leigh an odd choice to play Scarlett. The very first line of the book is: “Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were.”

Scarlett is such a divisive character – seems most men hate her and most women don’t!

Frankly, I like watching the film for the costumes. And I never see that green dress made out of Miz Ellen’s portieres, that I don’t think of Carol Burnett. (“That gown is gorgeous!” “Thank you – I saw it in the window and just couldn’t resist it.”)

_________________
"There are nights here with the moonlight, cold and ghastly & the whippoorwills & the screech owls alone disturbing the silence when I could tear my hair & cry aloud for all that is past & gone."- Mary Chesnut

[James_Longstreet]

LOL!
And let us not forget all the Scarlett-wannabes in those green drapery dresses that every-so-often pop up in Gettysburg (usually during a Parade so they can ride in a carriage)


_________________
I Remain
Your Ob't Servant
Allan
Time sets all things right. Error lives but a day. Truth is eternal.
A Great Civilization is not Conquered from Without until It has Destroyed Itself from Within

[booklover]

Hey Allan, you know in the right light (blinding and seen with eyes that are bloodshot and heavily glazed by corn liquor) you might have passed for Rhett Butler. If ever they film a sequel, you might want to get yourself an agent.

Best
Rob
_________________
"Well my brave boys, you can prepare a stretcher for me."

[James_Longstreet]

I don't know, Rob - that would have to de some REALLY SERIOUS Blood-shot eyes, corn liquor, vodka, cognac and couple of Beetles all toghether for me to pass for Rhett.

(I guess I should be happy you didn't say 'Brette'... )
_________________
I Remain
Your Ob't Servant
Allan
Time sets all things right. Error lives but a day. Truth is eternal.
A Great Civilization is not Conquered from Without until It has Destroyed Itself from Within

[corydon]

How can any "fictional" Bridezilla list not include Miss Scarlett?

http://www.bridezilla.com/2007/03/bridezilla_hall_of_fame_the_mo.cfm

http://www.bridezilla.com/bridezilla_hall_of_fame/
_________________
"Let us have faith that right makes might..."
- Abraham Lincoln