The old studios that mass-produced dreams are gone with the wind, just like the old downtown theaters that were the temples of the dreams.

In this quote, Suzanne Fields reflects on the decline of the old studios and downtown theaters that once played a central role in the creation and distribution of cinematic dreams. She describes these places as the temples of dreams, suggesting they were sacred spaces where films were made and experienced as powerful forms of art and entertainment. The phrase "gone with the wind" implies that these once-dominant institutions have disappeared, much like a bygone era, leaving a sense of nostalgia for the past.

Fields’ mention of the old studios highlights the way films were historically produced on a massive scale, often in studio lots where entire worlds were created. These studios were symbols of the Hollywood system, which controlled much of the filmmaking process, shaping the kinds of stories and dreams that reached audiences. The downtown theaters, on the other hand, were the places where these films were viewed by eager crowds, creating a communal experience centered around the shared love of cinema.

The phrase “gone with the wind” not only evokes the sense of lost institutions but also alludes to the classic 1939 film Gone with the Wind, symbolizing the end of an era in Hollywood. Fields’ use of this reference implies that the age of mass-producing films in a traditional sense, where studios dominated and theaters were cultural hubs, has faded away with the changing dynamics of the industry. This shift reflects the impact of modern technology and streaming services, which have altered how films are made and consumed.

Ultimately, Fields’ quote mourns the loss of an era when the studio system and movie theaters were central to the creation of cinematic culture. It calls attention to the changing landscape of film and entertainment, where the once-great institutions of old are no longer as influential or relevant in the same way they once were.