REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 October 1941, Page 8

REGENT THEATRE

“GONE WITH THE WIND.” Taking nearly four hours to screen, David O. Selznick's technicolour production, “Gone With the Wind,” will be shown at the Regent Theatre tonight. It is almost an illustrated copy of Margaret Mitchell's novel, which is among America’s finest contributions to modern literature. In general, the film deals with the disastrous effect of the American Civil War on the aristocratic people of the southern States, and, in particular, with the change wrought in the character of Scarlett O’Hara the pampered daughter of a wealthy plantation owner. Out of the poverty and desolation which the war leaves in its wake, she rises a cold mercenary woman,’who stops at nothing to regain some of the comfort and happiness she had once known. The role is played With distinction by Vivien Leigh, a formerly little-known British actress, discovered after one of the most exhaustive talent quests Hollywood has undertaken. Also of exceptional merit is Clark Gable's characterisation of the debonair rascal, Rhett Butler, who conceals a streak of kindness and loyalty beneath a veneer of coarseness and cynicism. Other major roles are played by Olivia de Havilland, as the sweet-natured Melanie Hamilton, so physically weak and yet so morally strong, and Leslie Howard, as the cultured,’ high-minded Ashley Wilkes.