1939 was an auspicious year. History would record it as the year that would see the beginning of World War II. Movie wise, 1939 produced two of the greatest and most iconic movies of all time: Gone With The Wind and The Wizard Of Oz.
Based on the book of the same name by Margaret Mitchell, Gone With The Wind takes place in the in the Civil War era south. Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) is a spoiled, selfish, self-absorbed Southern Belle with plenty of men swarming around her skirts, all hoping that she will say yes to them. The man she really wants is Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard), but he is engaged to her soft-spoken cousin, Melanie Hamilton (Olivia De Havilland). She is warned to place her affections elsewhere, but Scarlett will have no man, but Ashley. Then the war breaks out and Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) enters her life. That is only the beginning of not only one of most beloved and admired movies of all time.
Another movie classic based on a beloved book is The Wizard Of Oz. Dorothy (Judy Garland) is a young lady living with her aunt and uncle in Kansas. She wonder if there is life beyond the farm she calls home. Then a tornado drops Dorothy in a mysterious land called Oz. With the help of the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger), the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr) and the Tin Man (Jack Haley), Dorothy seeks the Wizard (Frank Morgan) to help her get home.
Ask any movie fan and they will tell you that these movies are still as beloved as they were during their initial run in theaters. While Scarlett is infuriating and there are certain terms that are considered not politically correct, there something about this movie that still bring audiences in. The Wizard Of Oz is considered to be a classic not just because of the cast, but because of the themes of life, growing up, having courage and confidence.
I recommend both.
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