Gone With the Wind

On this day, December 15, marking the 85th anniversary of Gone with the Wind's premiere in Atlanta, we celebrate one of cinema's most enduring masterpieces. Search for 28 words that capture the essence of this epic tale, from the passionate Scarlett O'Hara to the dashing Rhett Butler, as they navigate love, war, and survival in the transformative years of the American South. From the grand plantation Tara to the burning of Atlanta, from devoted Mammy to gentle Melanie, each word represents an unforgettable element of this sweeping saga that premiered in 1939 and continues to captivate audiences worldwide. This historic film, directed by Victor Fleming and starring the legendary Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, remains a testament to Hollywood's golden age and its power to bring history to vivid life.

Discover the meaning behind each term hidden in this Gone With the Wind printable word search puzzle:

ASHLEY - The honorable and refined Ashley Wilkes, object of Scarlett's unrequited love, who marries his cousin Melanie and represents the dying aristocratic traditions of the Old South.

ATLANTA - The major Georgian city that serves as a central location in the film, experiencing transformation from a thriving Confederate stronghold to a burned ruins during Sherman's March.

BAZAAR - A charity event in Atlanta where Scarlett scandalously dances with Rhett Butler while still in mourning for her first husband, defying social conventions of the time.

BELLE - The term used to describe young Southern women of high social standing, particularly referring to Scarlett O'Hara and other privileged daughters of plantation owners.

BONNIE - Rhett and Scarlett's beloved daughter, Bonnie Blue Butler, whose tragic death while horse riding creates an irreparable rift between her parents.

BUTLER - The surname of Rhett Butler, the charming blockade runner who becomes Scarlett's third husband and matches her in both wit and determination.

CHARLESTON - Rhett Butler's hometown in South Carolina, representing old Southern aristocracy and the traditional lifestyle he both mocks and respects.

CONFEDERATE - The Southern states that seceded from the Union, fighting for independence during the Civil War, forming the backdrop of the film's historical context.

COTTON - The primary crop of Southern plantations, including Tara, representing the economic foundation of the antebellum South and its slave-dependent agriculture.

FARMING - The agricultural activity that becomes crucial to Tara's survival after the war, when Scarlett must work the land to save her family's plantation.

FLEMING (Victor Fleming) - The masterful director who took over the troubled production of Gone with the Wind and skillfully shaped it into a cinematic masterpiece, winning an Academy Award for Best Director in 1940.

GABLE (Clark Hable) - The iconic American actor who portrayed Rhett Butler, bringing charm and roguish sophistication to the role that would define his career and earn him an Academy Award nomination.

GEORGIA - The Southern state where the story primarily takes place, encompassing both Atlanta and Tara, experiencing dramatic changes during the Civil War.

HAMILTON - The surname of Charles Hamilton, Scarlett's first husband who dies of measles shortly after joining the Confederate army.

KENNEDY - The surname of Frank Kennedy, Scarlett's second husband whom she steals from her sister Suellen for his money to save Tara.

LEIGH (Vivien Leigh) - The British actress who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara, capturing both the character's ruthless determination and irresistible Southern charm.

MAMMY - The strong-willed house servant who raised Scarlett and continues to serve as her conscience and critic throughout the film.

MELANIE - Ashley's wife and Scarlett's sister-in-law, whose genuine kindness and unwavering loyalty contrast with Scarlett's self-centered nature.

OHARA - The family name of Scarlett and her Irish immigrant father Gerald, representing their plantation heritage at Tara.

PEACHTREE - The famous street in Atlanta where Rhett and Scarlett build their ostentatious mansion, symbolizing their new money and social ambitions.

PLANTATION - The large agricultural estates like Tara and Twelve Oaks that represent the economic and social foundation of the antebellum South.

RHETT - The dashing blockade runner who recognizes Scarlett's true nature from the beginning and loves her despite, or perhaps because of, her flaws.

SCARLETT - The beautiful but manipulative protagonist whose determination to survive drives the narrative through war, poverty, and multiple marriages.

SERVANTS - The enslaved workers who maintain the households and plantations, depicting the complex racial relationships of the antebellum South.

SHANTYTOWN - The dangerous settlement of poor whites and former soldiers near Atlanta where Scarlett is attacked, leading to Frank Kennedy's death.

SLAVERY - The institution upon which the Southern economy and society was built, providing the workforce for plantations like Tara.

TARA - The O'Hara family plantation that becomes Scarlett's obsession and motivation, representing the idealized Old South and her determination to survive.

WILKES - The aristocratic family of Ashley and Melanie, representing the genteel traditions and values of the Old South.

Challenge yourself with this 20x20 word search printable puzzle about Gone With the Wind movie featuring 28 hidden words. Words may run horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and even backwards. Download this engaging brain teaser and give it a try!