Gone with the Wind (1939) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
The spoiled daughter of a Georgia plantation owner conducts a tumultuous romance with a cynical profiteer during the American Civil War and Reconstruction Era.
Rated G • 1939 • 3h 58m
A Southern belle's survival through the Civil War and Reconstruction — and her obsessive pursuit of a man who doesn't love her. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable. Won eight Academy Awards. The G rating reflects its era — the film contains adult content including a marital rape.
Cast
Is Gone with the Wind appropriate for kids?
A Southern belle's survival through the Civil War and Reconstruction — and her obsessive pursuit of a man who doesn't love her. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable. Won eight Academy Awards. The G rating reflects its era — the film contains adult content including a marital rape. Read more — free account
Content severity in Gone with the Wind
What happens in Gone with the Wind, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:25 🍷 Substances 3/10
- 1:25 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in Gone with the Wind
A marital rape — Rhett carries Scarlett upstairs against her will; the next morning she is shown glowing and satisfied. The film presents this approvingly, which has not aged well and warrants discussion with older viewers.
Violence and gore in Gone with the Wind
The burning of Atlanta. War casualties. A man shot. Nothing graphic by modern standards.
Language in Gone with the Wind
'Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn' — a profanity that shocked audiences in 1939.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Gone with the Wind
Characters are frequently shown engaging in social drinking, with significant scenes involving brandy, wine, and mint juleps at various social functions. A notable instance of intoxication occurs when a character drinks heavily to cope with emotional distress, reflecting a moderate level of substance use. Additionally, pipe and cigar smoking are depicted throughout the film as a common historical practice among the men.
Mature themes in Gone with the Wind
The film's romanticisation of the antebellum South presents the 'Lost Cause' mythology uncritically — worth discussing with older children. A film of extraordinary scale whose politics require conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gone with the Wind appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Gone with the Wind is best for ages 13+. It's rated G. A Southern belle's survival through the Civil War and Reconstruction — and her obsessive pursuit of a man who doesn't love her. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable. Won eight Academy Awards. The G rating reflects its era — the…
What age rating does Gone with the Wind have?
Gone with the Wind is officially rated G. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Gone with the Wind about?
A Southern belle's survival through the Civil War and Reconstruction — and her obsessive pursuit of a man who doesn't love her. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable. Won eight Academy Awards. The G rating reflects its era — the film contains adult content including a marital rape.
Is there sex or nudity in Gone with the Wind?
A marital rape — Rhett carries Scarlett upstairs against her will; the next morning she is shown glowing and satisfied. The film presents this approvingly, which has not aged well and warrants discussion with older viewers.
How violent is Gone with the Wind?
The burning of Atlanta. War casualties. A man shot. Nothing graphic by modern standards.
Is the language in Gone with the Wind appropriate for kids?
'Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn' — a profanity that shocked audiences in 1939.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Gone with the Wind?
Characters are frequently shown engaging in social drinking, with significant scenes involving brandy, wine, and mint juleps at various social functions. A notable instance of intoxication occurs when a character drinks heavily to cope with emotional…
What mature themes appear in Gone with the Wind?
The film's romanticisation of the antebellum South presents the 'Lost Cause' mythology uncritically — worth discussing with older children. A film of extraordinary scale whose politics require conversation.
How long is Gone with the Wind?
Gone with the Wind runs 238 minutes, directed by Victor Fleming, released in 1939.
Where can I read the full Gone with the Wind parent guide?
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