Same casting problem as GWTW, but worse.

At least Fonda was attractive. Leslie Howard was British trying to play a convincing Southern gentleman, too old, and not handsome in the least especially when he's pitted against Clark Gable. To me, there's no comparison.

As I said in response to another thread here, physical attraction is not the point. Julie is attracted to the idea of Pres, his decency, his position in society and the respect it gives him, and his future, which is limitless. Hooking up with him would make her more respected in society and even the grand lady. Scarlet has similar ideals about that wet-rag Ashley, as portrayed in the film as well as in the book.

I think if Julie were attracted only by physicality and attitude, Buck Cantrell would be her man. But that is not what seems to attract her. Subconsciously and later consciously, she desires decency and societal acceptance. How do I know? Her regret of her rash behavior. You see it when she arrives at the Olympus Ball. She was intrigued with the idea of flouting it in the faces of everyone, but when she actually has to face the music, she wants to back out. She later wants Pres's approval, and she tells us as much with her speech to Amy at the end. She wants redemption (to be "clean" as she says) and seen as decent.

"The answers to all of life's riddles can be found in the movies."

I don't know who was more miscast but Fonda did fall flat for me. I didn't understand if there was supposed to be chemistry between the characters that the actors weren't conveying or if there wasn't any chemistry but Davis was somewhat deluded. And it just made the whole film so boring. For me, the best thing about this film was the visuals. The story and acting were mediocre.