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1. Messageboard  |  Movie Stars  |  Favourite Stars  |  GWTW

2. 

   Classicalmovies

   0 Posts, Classic Newbie

   Posted 26-Mar-2012, 8:15 AM

   I just love watching GWTW. What do you all think of Ashely Wilkes?
3. 

   MichaelD

   540 Posts, Assistant Director

   Posted 21-Apr-2012, 11:26AM

   I enjoy 'Gone With the Wind' but don't completely love it.
   I have always believed that Leslie Howard, although probably accurate in his portrayal of Ashley Wilkes as the character in the book was rather stolid and dull (at least compared to Rhett Butler). Rumor has it that Howard didn't want to play the role.
   IMO, either Randolph Scott or Douglas Fairbanks jnr would have been a more cinematic choice for the part of Ashely Wilkes. Doug Fairbanks jnr would have given Clark Gable a run for his money in the heart of Scarlett O'hara.
   Personally, I believe that the best casting was Gable as Rhett Butler and particularly Olivia de Havilland as Melanie.
   I still haven't made up my mind avout Vivien Leigh as Scarlett. I remember when I read the book in the middle 1970's, I kept seeing Paulette Goddard in my mind's eye as Scarlett.
   I have read that she was considered for the role but was but her living arrangements with Charlie Chaplin put paid to that. Paulette Goddard was a very intelligent actress and one of my favourites.
   
   Cheers -- Michael
4. 

   jefroe20

   394 Posts, Casting Director

   Posted 21-Jun-2012, 9:02PM

   Hi. Like Michael,I don't love GWTW.I think it a masterpiece of Hollywood production that has never been surpassed,however. I wish they had put more emphasis on other characters,(and ACTION),and less on Scarlett.I nod toward Michaels choice of Paulette Goddard.She would have been great.And as for Ashley Wilkes,Leslie Howard was foppish,at best.(Sorry,I ve always thought Howard was incredibly overrated) Randolph Scott would have been perfect.My personal choice for Scarlett has always been Susan Hayward. cheers Jeff
5. 

   MichaelD

   540 Posts, Assistant Director

   Posted 25-Jun-2012, 9:00AM

   Hi Jeff
   Personally, I think that Leslie Howard's best work was in the Korda film version of the 'Scarlet Pimpernel' with Merle Oberon and Raymond Massey. He was pitch perfect as Sir Percy.
   I applaud your choice of Susan Hayard as Scarlett O'Hara!
   Both of our favourite ladies were featured ofcourse in 'Reap The Wild Wind' and both actresses would have nailed the part of Scarlett!
   Best -- Michael