Michael Moore, Exhibit panel (2) in "Real to Reel," 2013

Michael Moore, Exhibit panel (2) in "Real to Reel," 2013

This panel briefly addressed the “aftermath” of the Atlanta premiere by discussing frustration over racial stereotypes among the African American community. Even as “From Real to Reel” occasionally breached important controversies surrounding the film’s portrayal of race, it utilized strategic language to create a cognitive distance between the interpretive voice and the criticism of offended communities. Here and elsewhere, controversy is highlighted because African Americans argued against such portrayals, not because such portrayals were inherently racist and inaccurate.

Moore, Michael

Michael Moore, Exhibit panel (2) in "Reel to Real," personal photograph by author, Raleigh, NC.

2013-03-12

Moore, Michael

Still Image

Raleigh, North Carolina

Photograph

Gone with the Wind premiered at Loew's Grand Theatre in Atlanta on December 15, 1939.  Two thousand guests were invited, including most of the main cast, southern dignitaries, and surviving Confederate soldiers.  Leslie Howard returned to England at the outbreak of World War II and did not attend.  Also, due to Georgia's segregationist Jim Crow laws, the African American actors Hattie McDaniel, Butterfly McQueen, Oscar Polk, and Everett Brown were excluded from attending the premiere.

Aftermath

After its release, Gone with the Wind became an overwhelming box-office success and received critical and public praise.  Among the African American community, however, the film further instilled the stereotypical views of racial inferiority.