What Is It?  The none-more-sweeping, none-more-epic story of Southern belle Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh), who endures a stormy love affair with Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) against the even-stormier background of the American Civil War.

Why Did It Win?  It was based on a sensationally popular book, was massively successful at the box office straight out of the gate, and was the product of years of hype, carefully orchestrated by producer David O. Selznick, to sweep all before it. This victory was inevitable, in the same way that Titanic's win was inevitable years later.

Did It Deserve To Win?  It's big, sumptuous and unquestionably very good - but then again, this is one of the best fields in Oscar history, also including unarguable classics like The Wizard of Oz and Stagecoach, and only-slightly-arguable classics like Goodbye, Mr Chips, Mr Smith Goes To Washington, Dark Victory and Ninotchka. In fact, Love Affair aside, any of these films could have won in another year. If forced to call it, we'd say that Wizard is probably the true winner.

Worth A Look?  Yes, but do yourself a favour and watch the other nominees as well.