Picture 12: Gone with the Wind (1939)

The most ambitious film of its time delivers nearly 4 hours of history, war and romance. We follow Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) from the eve of American Civil War in 1861 to the end of the Reconstruction era in 1877. The phenomenal Leigh is supported by an all star cast including Clark Gable and Olivia de Haviland. Moreover the film is available in colour and I find myself watching the first colour talkie of this experience - a big moment.

We witness a seemingly utopian South descend into chaos and ruin as the Civil War takes hold. Facing grim odds as the reality of a doomed campaign torments her beloved plantation in Tara, Scarlett shows a strength of character hard to match in any story. Tragedy strikes again and again but somehow she stays standing when all seems lost.

As great films do, it holds an impressive power over the audience's emotions and those 4 hours stay with you for a long time afterwards. MGM's 3.9 million dollar epic remains the highest grossing film of all time adjusted for inflation. This was a new level for cinema at and it is still an extremely good film - even by today's standards. Few films better portray the tragedy of being human - even fewer the power of the human spirit. 84 years is no time at all for a timeless classic.

It makes its way to the top of these rankings and ends All Quiet on the Western Front's 9 year reign. Impressive.

Reflections on the human condition:

1. Civil war carries with it an extra tragic sting in its tail.

Rating 9/10

Oscar Best Picture Rankings:

1. Gone With the Wind (1939)

2. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

3. Wings (1928)

4. Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

5. You can’t take it with you (1938)

6. Cimarron (1931)

7. Grand Hotel (1932)

8. It Happened One Night (1934)

9. Cavalcade (1933)

10. The Life of Emile Zola (1937)

11. The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

12. The Broadway Melody (1929)