MovieChat Forums > Jezebel (1938) Discussion > Henry Fonda as Ashley

Henry Fonda as Ashley

posted 9 years ago by laxlon
4 replies | jump to latest

Had he not done this film Henry Fonda would have been perfect for Ashley in "Gone With the Wind". Certainly better than Leslie Howard.

[–] shirleyp92 9 years ago

NO WAY! Fonda is too "modern" even if these films are dated for today's age. Ashley is personified as almost like a relic of what a gentleman used to be in the "gallant" South. Fonda always played these forward-thinking, hero types and Ashley was too sensitive and possibly "defeated" in his demeanor. Fonda, no way! Plus, would've been way too distracting against Gable because Fonda is 1,000X better looking LOL :)

Can you imagine though? Vivien Leigh, the supposed 'nympho' would have swallowed him up!

At least Leslie Howard knew better and you could almost sense how composed he was in his scenes with Leigh.

[–] MaryHatch46 9 years ago

My thoughts exactly. He would have been perfect. Too bad Selznick was so bull-headed and intent on Leslie. Leslie Howard is a great actor but Ashley was supposed to be hotter than Rhett.

Unapologetic Thomas Barrow Fan

[–] lauraly 8 years ago

Henry Fonda, to me, always played the role: man with 10 foot pole up his bum" (metaphorically) perfectly...almost in every role he played.

[–] MydnightRose 7 years ago

Almost anyone would have been better than Leslie Howard.

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