Gone With The Wind

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Tue May 16, 2006 5:56 pm

I suppose if you aren't busy tonight, and get Turner Classic Movie Channel (TMC) you might wish to know that Gone With The Wind is on tonight from 8 pm til 12 midnight.

We have it on tape and whenever the family wanted to watch it, and want me to watch it with them, I always said "I'll watch it if we watch it all the way through." They always agreed, but always failed.

Of course, we had all seen it in full several times.

Just thought a bit of 1860's atmosphere might be welcome to members, in 2006.

RayS · Post by **RayS** » Tue May 16, 2006 7:20 pm

The last time I watched this on broadcast TV (full length) I noticed many of the scenes seemed to reference the Great Depression. In particular, Scarlett's vow to be "poor no more". Her family suffered a great loss in the war.

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Tue May 16, 2006 7:58 pm

I have the story in print, VHS, and on DVD. Definitely on of my all time favorites.

Tracy...

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Tue May 16, 2006 11:24 pm

I was watching the season finale of Boston Legal and every commercial I switched to GWTW.
I caught the most famous scenes!
The red sky on the hill when Rhett makes Scarlett kiss him on the turnoff to Tara where he leaves her. The poster of that is famous!
Then another time I switched back there was Scarlett saying to the sky "As God as my witness, I'll never be hungry again!"
Boy! That is some movie and great music!

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Tue May 16, 2006 11:47 pm

Oh yes...I have the soundtrack too !

Tracy...

Haulover · Post by **Haulover** » Wed May 17, 2006 12:01 am

i saw part of it.

(i have seen the whole, of course.)

realizing that this must be the most popular motion picture of all time -- i find it completely boring except for select scenes. basically, i can't stand it.

i agree with what faulkner said about it as a book -- there is no reason for it to be that long.

now i say this in good humor, i don't mean to put it down.......but what is it about scarlett that made her worth all this trouble? mammy should have whipped her ass but good -- that's what i'd like.

Yooper · Post by **Yooper** » Wed May 17, 2006 12:27 am

I have to agree with Faulkner to a degree, it is yet another version of the "dreamers vs pragmatists" theme. In this story we have a pragmatist who was raised as a dreamer and comes to grips with it at the end.

Well fiddle-dee-dee, I could be describing Lizzie!

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Wed May 17, 2006 12:58 am

The next time I switched I saw Bonnie fall off the horse.
These classic scenes were wonderful to revisit.

The 1860's atmosphere is intriguing. I couldn't watch the whole movie tho- I can't commit to 4 hours like that.

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:09 am

It's interesting that so far the female responders on this topic seem to love the movie, yet the male responders don't seem to appreciate it in the same way, if at all. Why is that ? I know it is long, but I guess I kind of get involved when I watch it. I truly enjoy the romance and the history. There are some GREAT lines in that movie !

Time is not usually a concern. Besides, with video/DVD's, I can pause when needed. Is it just too mushy ? What is it that make women want to watch it and men to just say "naw...I have to go take the garbage out".

Tracy...

mbhenty · Post by **mbhenty** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:21 am

Margaret Mitchell's saga never really appealed to me, (though first editions of Gone With the Wind sell upwards of 10,000($) or more.) but then again, I'm not a big movie fan.

When I was taking writing courses in school one thing that always stuck with me was to keep the reader's interest the reader must relate and/or care for the characters in the book/movie. With Gone With the Wind there's no one in the book/movie I really care for, no very likable characters.

One other movie I always find myself comparing with "Gone With the Wind" (but from a totally different perspective on people and life) was "To Kill a Mocking Bird." (Published 1960, 25 years after Margaret's book.) Very moving story/movie, with a message to booth.

But then again I think "The Good The Bad and The Ugly" was the greatest movie ever made. So much for my opinion?

doug65oh · Post by **doug65oh** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:30 am

I second the sentiments expressed by the gentleman from Georgia on nearly all counts, but particularly the wish that Mammy had opened up a quart of “whup-ass” and laid into Miss Scarlett but good! (I wonder if there might be in some ancient vault film of just such a scene?) If only it were so.

The question is a good one: What exactly was it about Gerald O’Hara’s eldest that made her such hot property? A shallow, avaricious, essentially spoiled brat whose heart at its core held all the warmth of a nudist set squarely atop an ice berg. Who needs that?

The best scenes from the film (for my nickel anyway) are almost completely comedic: The drunken Prissy – as soused as she was frightened – trying to move and to sing (and doing neither very well); and Mrs. Caroline Meade, utterly upswept as she was by imaginings of Belle Whatling’s rooms to the point where an exasperated Dr. Meade cries out: “Good heavens, Mrs. Meade – remember yourself!”

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:38 am

Men....

Show them a strong woman and they do not know what to think!

Scarlet...

She was much better than mealy mouthed goody two shoed Melanie.

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Wed May 17, 2006 8:02 am

[quote="Audrey @ Wed May 17, 2006 1:38 am"]
She was much better than mealy mouthed goody two shoed Melanie.[/quote

I know--- don't you just want to slap her?

And as for Rhett-- so glad he came to his senses in the end. I so love a strong man. Flutter flutter

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Wed May 17, 2006 8:05 am

It's an okay movie but to my mind it's over-rated. To me it's an early soap opera or a Harlequin romance story. As a historical film depicting the Civil War it lacks much.

The opening scene with the men (one is George Reeves who later played Superman on TV) fawning over her like dumb twits was silly.

As I said IMO it's an okay movie but 1939 produced a lot of great movies, more than one its equal or better. But movies are a subjective thing.

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Wed May 17, 2006 8:38 am

Harry @ Wed May 17, 2006 8:05 am wrote:It's an okay movie but to my mind it's over-rated. To me it's an early soap opera or a Harlequin romance story. As a historical film depicting the Civil War it lacks much.

The opening scene with the men (one is George Reeves who later played Superman on TV) fawning over her like dumb twits was silly.

As I said IMO it's an okay movie but 1939 produced a lot of great movies, more than one its equal or better. But movies are a subjective thing.

I think Clark Gable and Hattie Macdaniels saved the picture- they were the only believable characters in the whole movie. You're right--the rest were melodramatic and over the top. The movie itself was very beautiful though and quite remarkable, considering it was one of the first color movies.

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Wed May 17, 2006 9:50 am

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Wed May 17, 2006 9:58 am

Almira Gulch!!! She owned half the county.

Now that's movie making at its best. Also 1939.

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Wed May 17, 2006 10:13 am

My little girls have been slow to learn proper bike riding and are really just now making it without their training wheels.... Their mean older brother, Zackary, likes to go outside when they are practicing on the driveway and 'sing' the bike riding/witch song at them!

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Wed May 17, 2006 10:15 am

[quote="Harry @ Wed May 17, 2006 9:58 am"]Almira Gulch!!! She owned half the county.

And such a looker too!

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Wed May 17, 2006 10:20 am

Now.... Back to Katie Scarlet...

I see her as a heroine. A woman who used what she had at her disposal (at the time) to get what she wanted done....

Those other people would have starved without her. They would have lost their home. Most of them didn't have a clue as to what to do.

Yes-- she was wise. But it was wisdom born of pain. Yes, she paid the price-- but look how much she gained!

If she had had to-- she could have done anything.

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Wed May 17, 2006 10:49 am

Audrey @ Wed May 17, 2006 10:20 am wrote:Now.... Back to Katie Scarlet...

I see her as a heroine. A woman who used what she had at her disposal (at the time) to get what she wanted done....

Those other people would have starved without her. They would have lost their home. Most of them didn't have a clue as to what to do.

Yes-- she was wise. But it was wisdom born of pain. Yes, she paid the price-- but look how much she gained!

If she had had to-- she could have done anything.

She used what and who she had at her disposal to get what she wanted done, but she did not do it for those other people. She did it all for herself. She wasn't wise in the end, because she may have gotten the land and the money, but she didn't gain anything- she lost the man she loved, the man she never really had, the children she was never a good mother to, and the respect of all those around her. The price was too high.

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Wed May 17, 2006 10:51 am

There's a huge supply of audios from the movie at this site. Make sure your sound is not up too high.

http://www.wavsource.com/movies/wizard1.htm

Margaret Hamilton on the bike music is on the second page: "Witch music 2"

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Wed May 17, 2006 11:10 am

Audrey @ Wed May 17, 2006 10:20 am wrote:Now.... Back to Katie Scarlet...

I see her as a heroine. A woman who used what she had at her disposal (at the time) to get what she wanted done....

Those other people would have starved without her. They would have lost their home. Most of them didn't have a clue as to what to do.

Yes-- she was wise. But it was wisdom born of pain. Yes, she paid the price-- but look how much she gained!

If she had had to-- she could have done anything.

How do you explain her fascination with Ashley?

augusta · Post by **augusta** » Wed May 17, 2006 11:14 am

Well, I guess the guys don't wanna kiss Clark Gable!

Scarlett's dresses are gorgeous! I guess guys don't care much for that, either. That sky blue one she wore in the lumber office is my favorite. Vivien Leigh was so beautiful, it was a pleasure to watch her. She was shallow to get what she wanted if need be, but underneath she was very strong. Her character is an inspiration.

Maybe the book would appeal more to men than the movie. The book tells more about the war, and the south before and after.

I first saw it at age 12, after I had read about half the book. I really enjoyed seeing the story come to life. Then I saw it so many times, I got sick of it. I didn't watch it for years.

Then the DVD set came out, and I put it on my Xmas list and Santa Steve came thru. I want to watch it again now, it's been so many years since I've seen it. But I don't think I can take that scene where Scarlett is saying goodbye to the dying Melanie. My sister died, and like in GWTW every time it was time to hang up the phone, she would always sign off by saying "Good night", like Scarlett did - not goodbye.

No, Prissy was not drunk. She was supposed to be pretty useless - "as slow as molasses in January". She was a kid in the book - daughter of Dilcey. The O'Haras took Prissy and Dilcey as a package deal - they didn't want to separate the mother and daughter.

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Wed May 17, 2006 11:34 am

Harry @ Wed May 17, 2006 11:10 am wrote: Back to Katie Scarlet...

How do you explain her fascination with Ashley?

Ashley was the one unobtainable thing in her life, so that made him an obsession. And she would never be able to see he was unobtainable. He was complex, illusive, with lofty ideals and integrity- she would never have had any insight into his nature. Rhett saw Scarlett for what she really was- a determined, ruthless fighter - because he recognized the same things in himself. That's why he admired her so. But he also eventually saw that that would be her downfall because she refused to see when something was hopeless. He had to leave her for his own self preservation.

william · Post by **william** » Wed May 17, 2006 11:35 am

Gone with the Wind? What's not to love? Handsome Brett, stunning Scarlett, eight Academy awards, glorious Techincolor - you had to be there in 1939 to appreciate how much of a milestone it really was.

In today's light some might say that some of the dialogue was lame, but if you compare it to films of its time it was Shapespearean prose.

I attended the opening of the fillm with bride at the Astor Theater on Broadway in New York City - three hours and forty minutes with three intermissions - a happening!

Like I said, you hadda be there.

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Wed May 17, 2006 11:47 am

william @ Wed May 17, 2006 11:35 am wrote:Gone with the Wind? What's not to love? Handsome Brett, stunning Scarlett, eight Academy awards, glorious Techincolor - you had to be there in 1939 to appreciate how much of a milestone it really was.

In today's light some might say that some of the dialogue was lame, but if you compare it to films of its time it was Shapespearean prose.

I attended the opening of the fillm with bride at the Astor Theater on Broadway in New York City - three hours and forty minutes with three intermissions - a happening!

Like I said, you hadda be there.

How wonderful! I remember when I saw it as a child, and I was blown away. How great it must have been for you to see such a huge production like that for the first time in 1939.

I read somewhere that Hattie Macdaniels didn't want to attend the premier in Atlanta because she didn't want to stir up the racial tension going on in the south at that time. Gable was a good friend of hers and raised hell, refusing to go if she wouldn't be there. She had to talk him out of that and made him attend.

DWilly · Post by **DWilly** » Wed May 17, 2006 11:50 am

I read Gone With The Wind when I was in high school and loved the book. I've seen the movie at least ten times

I loved both the book and movie even though they do gloss over the whole slavery issue. My favorite thing about the movie is Clark Gable. He is so handsome as Rhett Butler.

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:02 pm

william @ Wed May 17, 2006 10:35 am wrote:Gone with the Wind? What's not to love? Handsome Brett, stunning Scarlett, eight Academy awards, glorious Techincolor - you had to be there in 1939 to appreciate how much of a milestone it really was.

In today's light some might say that some of the dialogue was lame, but if you compare it to films of its time it was Shapespearean prose.

I attended the opening of the fillm with bride at the Astor Theater on Broadway in New York City - three hours and forty minutes with three intermissions - a happening!

Like I said, you hadda be there.

Now that is cool!

What a wonderful thing to have been able to see!

And what a place to see it in!

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:06 pm

from time to time Oprah shows Hattie McDaniels accepting her academy award.....

"Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, fellow members of the motion picture industry and honored guests: This is one of the happiest moments of my life, and I want to thank each one of you who had a part in selecting for one of the awards, for your kindness. It has made me feel very, very humble; and I shall always hold it as a beacon for anything that I may be able to do in the future. I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry. My heart is too full to tell you just how I feel, and may I say thank you and God bless you."

http://www.reelclassics.com/Actresses/M ... daniel.htm

RayS · Post by **RayS** » Wed May 17, 2006 4:34 pm

It must have been over 15 years since I saw it on broadcast TV.
I remember Scarlett as a spoiled rich witch(?) who was able to later take on responsibilty in regaining the family fortune. Some sort of wish for the author?

Ian Fleming's 'James Bond' was the secret agent he would have liked to be (in WW II Fleming was a high-level administrator). Erle Stanely Gardner's early life was similar to his fictional 'Perry Mason'. I used to think Perry was based on the famous Earl Rogers (but you never heard of hime, right?). Is Patricia Cornwell's "Kay Scarpetta" the strong professional woman she would have liked to be?

I once read an article that contrasted Margaret Mitchell's early life (and love) to the fictional people in GWTW.

I wonder how many other writers fit this profile?

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Wed May 17, 2006 9:34 pm

I have been thinking about my opinion of Scarlet and I have decided that I like the woman!

She did what she thought she had to do to survive and take care of those she felt responsible for.

Even without the (relatively dreadful) sequel I think she got Rhett back!

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Thu May 18, 2006 10:40 am

Just keep close tabs on your men because she'll steal them right out from under your nose if it suits her purpose.

Haulover · Post by **Haulover** » Thu May 18, 2006 11:12 pm

***The question is a good one: What exactly was it about Gerald O’Hara’s eldest that made her such hot property? A shallow, avaricious, essentially spoiled brat whose heart at its core held all the warmth of a nudist set squarely atop an ice berg. Who needs that? ***

thank you. good writing.

i don't know what m mitchel had in mind as a novelist or a storyteller. but i notice that women seem to have an affection for this character. there must be a simple enough reason for it that eludes me. in fact, i asked my mother this not long ago, and she more or less made apologies for this heroine.

but one thing that should be set straight -- apart from romance or fantasy -- is that selfish viciousness IS NOT strength.

augusta · Post by **augusta** » Mon May 22, 2006 5:28 pm

Angel, I totally agree. Scarlett's attraction for Ashley was because she couldn't have him, so wanted him all the more. I never cared for the guys that followed me around like a puppy dog - I liked the ones that were somewhat of a challenge.

I think it is "Hattie McDaniel" and "Elvira Gulch".

Haulover, if you read the book you see that Scarlett was the belle of like three counties. She had a 17" waist. The book starts out with "Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom noticed it...." Well that was not true for the movie. Vivien Leigh was gorgeous.

She really turned on the charm to the fellas, and they just fell apart over her. She didn't show her beaus her conniving side.

Much of the things she did, tho, were for survival. She and her family would have perished if it weren't for her methods of attaining what she needed.

Yeah, the sequel was bad. The book and the movie. I got a signed copy of the book. It was supposed to be worth $100 at the time (I paid $25), but I've seen them cheap on eBay.

I have a copy of 'GWTW' that was published by McMillan in 1936 I believe. It's not a first edition, tho. The last I checked it was worth $150.

Strangely all the decorative plates and knick knacks they sold in 1989 for the 50th anniversary have decreased in value. Of course I bought all that stuff. I think they made too many of the products.

Did you know that originally Margaret Mitchell named Scarlett "Pansy O'Hara"? What a difference renaming her 'Scarlett' made!

Bill U: I cannot imagine the thrill seeing it on Broadway in 1939. You are one lucky guy.

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Mon May 22, 2006 5:57 pm

Here's the scoop on Miss Gulch:
http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hill ... maggie.htm

Some lines/script are on that site...the named is revealed at the end...by Auntie Em !

Tracy...

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Mon May 22, 2006 7:59 pm

Scarlet knew how to enchant men... It is an art of sorts....

And it is Fun FUn FUN!!!!!!!!!!!

augusta · Post by **augusta** » Tue May 23, 2006 1:09 pm

Thanks for the link, Trace! It IS "Almira" Gulch! I'm sorry, Harry. I never heard of that name before.

SallyG · Post by **SallyG** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 1:35 pm

My ex mother-in-law (a dear lady, now deceased) was a good friend of Margaret Mitchell as well as Flannery O'Connor. She was a well known teacher who lived in Milledgeville, Ga for many years until she passed away. As a child, I saw Gone With the Wind, and have read the book at least 100 times. I had the opportunity to talk with my MIL about Margaret Mitchell, and about the story. Margaret Mitchell said she was about 12 years old before she learned the South actually LOST the war. It seems the war was a major topic of conversation when she was a child, and the book was something she HAD to write. A lot of the places and characters were based on her own experiences. Margaret Mitchell was way ahead of her time as a person. Her mother had been a suffragette, and Margaret was an extremely independent and unconventional woman. Anyway, the actual idea of the book was not as a love story, but the relationships of the female characters, Scarlette and Melanie, and the idea that women were able to make out just fine without the men around during the war. Scarlett was not very successful as far as relationships went, but she was a woman who realized she needed to rely on herself and no one else. She was ostracized by society for being "unwomanly". She did what she needed to do to support her family, and if others didn't like it, that was too bad. While the movie was made into a love story, that was not really the intent of Margaret Mitchell. She wanted to show the strength of the women and their relationships.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 6:53 pm

Thanks Sally!
Makes me want to read the book again with that in mind.

Sometimes I do that: Hear a person's opinion and re-read something with that viewpoint at the forefront.
But- I don't know if I could get thru GWTW in the near future.

doug65oh · Post by **doug65oh** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 7:17 pm

Sure you could.

For instance, if you resolved to make time to read say a hundred pages a day, you'd be done on day eleven! Or make it a meandering read of fifty pages - a winding, three week tour of the Old South. (I can see the ads now: This too can be yours for the small price of time well-spent!)

"I'll think about that tomorrow..." doesn't compute, either

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 8:15 pm

I've seen Gone With The Wind a few times years ago on VHS to amuse my dear mother. Although I like The Vivling real well I was rather so-so on the film. I enjoyed it, to be honest, but I didn't get all jacked-up about it. I think Scarlett was just a bit too "strong" for her own good. She was rather short on diplomacy. Never read the book.

Does anyone like the sequel? Haven't read that one either.

-1bigsteve (o:

doug65oh · Post by **doug65oh** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 8:29 pm

The book sequel? What was her... Alexandra Ripleley wrote that I think. It was ...okay. I didn't read very much of it though because I prefer the original - or Mitchell's narrative style over Ripley's, I should say.

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 9:11 pm

I read it and it was OK. I read just about anything.

I can seldom quote from books. I think I have a disorder.

Yooper · Post by **Yooper** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 10:21 pm

Audrey @ Thu Jun 22, 2006 9:11 pm wrote:I read it and it was OK. I read just about anything.

I can seldom quote from books. I think I have a disorder.

I don't think that's a disorder Audrey, it only means that you would rather arrive at your own conclusions rather than repeat those of others!

Stefani · Post by **Stefani** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 11:26 pm

SallyG @ Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:35 pm wrote:Margaret Mitchell was way ahead of her time as a person. Her mother had been a suffragette, and Margaret was an extremely independent and unconventional woman.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but Margaret Mitchell was also an avowed racist who thought and wrote of blacks as akin to small children and, to use her words, "monkeys."

I teach Birth of a Nation in Film History and we explore that film's bias and bigotry (Griffith was also a racist and white supremicist who would not allow blacks to play major black characters in his film, but, instead, used white men/women in black face. He also didn't allow the whites and blacks to mix on the set of his film and housed the blacks in separate quarters. Griffith's father was a Civil War Colonel, for the Confederacy, and the film BOAN, was made to mark the 50th anniversary of the ending of the war.)

I explore similar themes and biases in GWTW. You have to think about this carefully or you will get sucked into the love story and forget that what we have here is a false romantic view of slavery, with happy house slaves (who are treated as a part of the family) and equally happy field slaves who, in the very first few minutes of the film, joyously proclaim (as they ring the dinner bell), "It's quittin' time!"

Did you ever notice the way in which the KKK is represented, while never calling the group the KKK? As Ashley's vigilante raid to avenge the attack on Scarlett in Shanty Town? Exactly Griffith's assertion as well. It is played as if the KKK is a "good thing" and a much needed retaliation during Reconstruction as the "darkies" are asserting their freedom by running amuck and assaulting white women.

And just look at the simpleton characters of Big Sam, Pork, and Prissy. They may make us laugh, but they also bring with them horrible racist stereotypes. Mitchell's slaves are mostly content with their lives on the planatation, and the Great Rebellion is portrayed as a disruption in the southern genteel way of existence.

A great romanic story, yes, but set against a backdrop of false history and, even more profane, a romanticized version of enslavement. The stereotypes are wrapped in a good story, and that makes this book more inidideous than you can imagine.

Ask an African-American what they think of this book or that movie and you might be surprised by the answer. What you thought was glorious is, in fact, for those misrepresented, a travesty.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 12:58 am

Well, Doug-Oh, I'm currently doing just as you advise, only with Paint! A little bit at a time...when I think of it...when I have a spare hour.
I have this *decorative wall* as part of my front porch and it has 50 little holes to paint- tonight I started. 2 down used up that precious hour- 48 left to go! I don't even wanna know how many days that is!

But I get what you meant!

Oh My Gosh! Now if I re-read GWTW, I have a new viewpoint to see it through!

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:22 am

Stefani @ Thu Jun 22, 2006 7:26 pm wrote:
SallyG @ Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:35 pm wrote:Margaret Mitchell was way ahead of her time as a person. Her mother had been a suffragette, and Margaret was an extremely independent and unconventional woman.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but Margaret Mitchell was also an avowed racist who thought and wrote of blacks as akin to small children and, to use her words, "monkeys."

I teach Birth of a Nation in Film History and we explore that film's bias and bigotry (Griffith was also a racist and white supremicist who would not allow blacks to play major black characters in his film, but, instead, used white men/women in black face. He also didn't allow the whites and blacks to mix on the set of his film and housed the blacks in separate quarters. Griffith's father was a Civil War Colonel, for the Confederacy, and the film BOAN, was made to mark the 50th anniversary of the ending of the war.)

I explore similar themes and biases in GWTW. You have to think about this carefully or you will get sucked into the love story and forget that what we have here is a false romantic view of slavery, with happy house slaves (who are treated as a part of the family) and equally happy field slaves who, in the very first few minutes of the film, joyously proclaim (as they ring the dinner bell), "It's quittin' time!"

Did you ever notice the way in which the KKK is represented, while never calling the group the KKK? As Ashley's vigilante raid to avenge the attack on Scarlett in Shanty Town? Exactly Griffith's assertion as well. It is played as if the KKK is a "good thing" and a much needed retaliation during Reconstruction as the "darkies" are asserting their freedom by running amuck and assaulting white women.

And just look at the simpleton characters of Big Sam, Pork, and Prissy. They may make us laugh, but they also bring with them horrible racist stereotypes. Mitchell's slaves are mostly content with their lives on the planatation, and the Great Rebellion is portrayed as a disruption in the southern genteel way of existence.

A great romanic story, yes, but set against a backdrop of false history and, even more profane, a romanticized version of enslavement. The stereotypes are wrapped in a good story, and that makes this book more inidideous than you can imagine.

Ask an African-American what they think of this book or that movie and you might be surprised by the answer. What you thought was glorious is, in fact, for those misrepresented, a travesty.

I had just bought a thick book on the life of Charles Lindberg that I was looking forward to reading when I saw a bio of him on TV. I was surprised to learn that he was strongly anti-Jew, pro Nazi Germany and felt that England should be destroyed because it allowed Jews to live in Great Britian.

I don't know how much of that is true but the book went into the trash.

-1bigsteve )o:

Audrey · Post by **Audrey** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 1:39 am

Feelings and emotions about the holocaust, the nazi's and WWII are still very much a part of the European culture. I do not mean to imply that they should not be or that people should forget-- it is entirely impossible to explain.

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 4:17 am

Anybody read John Jakes The Bastard series?

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