EXPERT
COMMENT
University
Communications
View RMIT media
releases and
find experts:
rmit.edu.au/newsroom
MELBOURNE
BRUNSWICK
BUNDOORA
FISHERMANS BEND
POINT COOK
HAMILTON
HO CHI MINH CITY
HANOI
Expert comment on the 70th anniversary of
Gone with the Wind
Tomorrow marks the 70th anniversary of the release of Gone with the Wind.
1939 is considered the Golden Year of Hollywood’s classic age, and the
year’s biggest movie was released on the back of a public relations
juggernaut.
RMIT University’s Dr Deb Verhoeven is Associate Professor of Screen
Studies in the School of Media and Communication.
“Every now and then throughout the history of cinema there are particular
years that stand out as highlights,” Associate Professor Verhoeven says.
“One of the biggest years for Hollywood was 1939 and the brightest light in
a constellation of shining moments was Gone with the Wind – the most
popular film ever made.
“This is high praise given the extraordinary calibre of films released that
year – The Wizard of Oz, Mr Smith Goes to Washington, The Hunchback of
Notre Dame, Stagecoach, Goodbye Mr Chips just to name a few.
“These films added immeasurably to the lexicon of the cinema – they are
films that other filmmakers return to for inspiration or insight and they have
formed the basis for the way we include the cinema in our everyday
conversations, such as Gone with the Wind’s ‘Frankly my dear’ line.
“In Australia, the 1930s were a highly successful period for film production,
with Cinesound Studios putting out hit after hit including their Dad and Dave
films.”
Associate Professor Verhoeven is available for interview on the 70th
anniversary of Gone with the Wind and Hollywood’s golden year, 1939.
For interviews or comment: RMIT University’s Associate Professor Deb
Verhoeven, 0412 484 321.
For general media enquiries, RMIT Communications, Louise Handran, (03)
9925 3176 or 0411 261 469.
14 December, 2009
NEWS 
