United States

Set in the turbulent period of the American Civil War, here's a film that became a legend almost as soon as it was released, won ten Academy Awards, and has continued to capture the imagination of millions for four decades. Based on Margaret Mitchell's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Gone With The Wind is cinema's greatest epic of passion and adventure-still unsurpassed for sheer sweeping spectacle, timeless appeal and unforgettable performances. Vivien Leigh is magic as the dazzling, capricious Scarlett O'Hara, a Southern belle brought up on her family's white-pillared plantation. Surrounded by suitors, she dreams of marrying blue-blooded Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard) but it's Clark Gable as Rhett Butler, the handsome scoundrel, who finally sweeps her off her feet. As gentle, aristocratic Melanie Wilkes Olivia de Havilland won the hearts of millions, and Hattie McDaniel won an Oscar for her wonderful portrayal of Mammy. And a cast of thousands backs the timeless performances of the stars. David Selznick's lavish production evokes all the elegance of pre-war plantation life, and the scenes of the siege, capture and burning of Atlanta deserve their place in history. Sidney Howard's eloquent screenplay, Max Steiner's celebrated score and Victor Fleming's brilliant direction are three more reasons why Gone With The Wind was named 'Best Picture' of 1939 - and lives on as the best picture of all time!