Frankly, My Dear: "Gone With the Wind" Revisited by Molly Haskell

Age Level: Adult
Format: Book

Why does Gone With the Wind, the book and the film, continue to the hold the interest of each generation long after its 1930s release? Haskell takes readers behind the scenes for both the book and the film, revealing information about the personal lives of those who were a part of Gone With the Wind and offering insight into the both's production. Haskell argues that three extraordinary forces - David Selznick, Vivien Leigh and Margaret Mitchell - helped make the book and the movie timeless. She backs up her argument with extensive research, painting readers a different picture of Gone With the Wind than what is seen in the film or in the book. For example, Haskell feels Scarlett represents the feminists of the 1930s. Whether or not you agree with her arguments, Haskell has written a fascinating account of what has been dubbed "the American Bible," an epic story that receives renewed interest with every generation.

I enjoyed reading Frankly, My Dear because of the background information Haskell provides about the book and the film. For me, it was interesting to read about the conflicts during filming, the stresses of completing a film as close to the book as possible, Margaret Mitchell's mindset, the mindset of everyone involved in making the film and the decisions behind the film's casting. This is a must read for Gone With the Wind enthusiasts!

Reviewed by Jessica