Margaret Mitchell's first and last published novel, a masterful Old South romantic saga, came into print in 1936. She had spent 10 years writing it. Just three years later the film version of her masterpiece, entitled 'Gone with the Wind', was released. If we account for inflation, it remains the highest grossing film of all time, more popular than 'Titanic'.
English actress Vivien Leigh was unexpectedly chosen to play the most memorable Southern belle of all time, Scarlett O'Hara. US starlet Tallulah Bankhead had been touted for the role. Leigh was spellbinding in the film, and deservingly collected an Oscar.
Women audiences, needing a positive role model as the film was released during the Depression, were inspired by the transformation of Scarlett from spoiled little girl to indomitable, spirited woman living through the American Civil War.
The film - four hours long - had to be shown with an intermission in cinemas.
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