Margaret Mitchell's bestselling 1936 novel was the most successful period romance novel of all time, bridging historical detail and a family drama. Made into an almost 4 hour feature film, this 1939 classic narrates the story of Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh), the spoiled, manipulative daughter of an Irish immigrant plantation owner. Scarlett is beautiful. She is a strong woman and is ready to take on anything that comes her way. She can overcome all obstacles and be what she wants to be. Scarlett has two sisters, but she is by far the most spirited of the three O'Hara girls.

The plot moves on where we find Scarlett is secretly in love with Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard), who is about to marry Melanie Hamilton (Olivia De Havilland). When Scarlett confesses her love to Ashley, he admits his feelings for her, but can’t leave her for Scarlett. Scarlett then moves her attention on Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), the cynical, smart hero who eventually falls in love with her. There’s more drama and pain unfolding as time goes by.

Memorable scenes on this 2 discs DVD brought out sometime back by Reliance BIG Home Video, include the burning of Atlanta and the smoking ruins of the Georgia plantations, the grand parties, not forgetting the impressive costumes and sets. The lengthy screen time delves deep into the lives of the characters, thus bringing a sense of reality from reel life, something many films fall short of.

The DVD promises to bring back the romance, and like most classics, it has now been well restored with vibrant colors and digitally-enhanced sound, that makes this movie worth a watch any day.

The film won 10 Academy Awards, (including Best Picture) and even today it can be said to be one of the finest and best loved movie classics.

Cast: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, Olivia De Havilland

Director: Victor Fleming

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira