‘Gone With The Wind’ Celebrates Its 80th Anniversary By Returning To The Theaters

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If you happen to be somebody who loves the cinema and wishes that we could go back to a time when the ‘silver screen’ was a magical place to be, then you are going to love what is happening this year. One of the greatest films of all time, Gone with the Wind, is about to celebrate its 80th anniversary and to do so, it will be returning to the big screen.

If you are interested in seeing one of the classics on the big screen again, then you will have your opportunity to do so. The movie is based on a novel by Margaret Mitchell by the same name. It was first seen on the big screen in 1939 and it didn’t go quietly. In fact, by the time the movie was history, it had already won eight Oscars and two honorary Academy Awards.

For those who are interested in grabbing a ticket, you will have to do so quickly. The movie is only going to be running for two days, thanks to Fathom Events and Warner Bros. It will be played on Thursday, February 28 and Sunday, March 3. Participating locations will be playing the movie on both days at 1 PM and 6 PM.

You might be interested in learning that Gone with the Wind almost didn’t get introduced to the world. Mitchell did not intend on publishing the book but rather, she wrote it in secret and didn’t even let her family and friends know about it. She wrote it over the course of 10 years to combat boredom.

Even though it was a fantastic work of hers, she didn’t feel compelled to share it with the world. Mitchell was recovering from a recurring ankle injury and took an extended leave. She was 25 when she wrote the book and thought it would be a good way to pass the time.

After the book was finished and some time had passed, there was something that caused her to take the manuscript to a McMillan editor and give it into his hands. When a friend had heard that she was thinking about writing a book, she wasn’t supportive but rather, she ridiculed Mitchell. In the end, Mitchell got so irritated by those comments that she let her emotions take over and decided to share the book with the world.

Her enthusiasm did not last long. It wasn’t long after she gave over the book that she sent a telegram telling him to send the manuscript back. We all know that it didn’t end in her direction. Her work was praised by many who love historical fiction and it had a lot of human emotion tied to it. At first, it was welcomed with a rather lukewarm response. A number of critics were underwhelmed by the novel, which ended up winning a Pulitzer Prize. This included a reviewer for the New York Times, Ralph Thompson.

He wrote, “The historical background is the chief virtue of the book, and it is the story of the times rather than the unconvincing and somewhat absurd plot that gives Miss Mitchell’s work whatever importance may be attached to it.” He adds, “Miss Mitchell writes from no particular point of view.” Among other things he also observed, “Very nearly every reader will agree, no doubt, that a more disciplined and less prodigal piece of work would have more nearly done justice to the subject matter.”

Even though he gave a negative report, he also said, “Any kind of first novel of over 1000 pages is an achievement and for the research that was involved, and for the writing itself, the author of Gone With the Wind deserves due recognition.” The book was published in 1936 and the movie rights were purchased the same year. He even paid $50,000, which was higher than any other price paid to secure the rights to a book. It turned out to be quite a bargain, because it is one of the most popular movies of all time.

In the movie, Gone with the Wind, Scarlett O’Hara is in love with Ashley Wilkes. It is a romantic, yet ambitious story that takes place during the Civil War and Reconstruction. O’Hara is determined to do anything she can to make Wilkes love her and to preserve her family plantation, Tara. When Rhett Butler shows up on the scene and falls in love with O’Hara, he hides a heart of gold because at first, he seems rather abrasive.

Vivien Leigh was eventually cast as Scarlett O’Hara and Leslie Howard played Wilkes. they went all out on production, spending $3.9 million to make it. It was the second most expensive film of the time but since it was made, it has brought in over $1.8 billion. Now you can experience it for two days.