Gone With the Wind: Electric Lamps in the 1860s?

During the epic “Gone With the Wind,” numerous scenes show lamps with electric bulbs and sometimes visible cords plugged into walls. This is a significant issue because the film is set during the Civil War era, specifically in the 1860s, long before the widespread use of electricity.

Electric lighting and wall outlets wouldn’t be commonplace until decades later. Such visible errors disrupt the historical accuracy of the setting. Despite its many accolades and status as a classic, these noticeable mistakes remind viewers of the challenges in maintaining period authenticity in films. It’s an amusing oversight that keen-eyed fans just wouldn’t let go of.