The Picnic [Blu-ray]

The Picnic [Blu-ray]

Director: Joshua Logan Cast: William Holden
William Holden
, Kim Novak
Kim Novak
, Rosalind Russell
Rosalind Russell
, Betty Field
Betty Field
Joshua Logan
The Picnic [Blu-ray]

The Picnic [Blu-ray]

Director: Joshua Logan Cast: William Holden
William Holden
, Kim Novak
Kim Novak
, Rosalind Russell
Rosalind Russell
, Betty Field
Betty Field
Joshua Logan

Blu-ray

$27.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
    Choose Expedited Shipping at checkout for delivery by Thursday, April 4
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

One of the biggest box-office attractions of the 1950s, Picnic was adapted by Daniel Taradash from the Pulitzer Prize-winning William Inge play. William Holden plays Hal Carter, a handsome drifter who ambles into a small Kansas town during the Labor Day celebration to look up old college chum Alan (Cliff Robertson, in his film debut). Hoping to hit up Alan for a job--or a handout--Hal ends up stealing his buddy's fiancee Madge Owens (Kim Novak). Hal also has a catnip effect on spinster schoolteacher Rosemary Sydney (Rosalind Russell), so much so that Rosemary makes a fool of herself in front of the whole town, nearly driving away her longtime beau Howard Bevans (Arthur O'Connell). Persuaded by his friends and family that Hal is no damn good, Madge is prepared to break off her relationship. As anyone who remembers the film's famous overhead closing shot knows, however, Madge is ultimately ruled by her heart and not her head. For a film set in Kansas, there's an awful lot of New York talent in the supporting cast (Susan Strasberg and Phyllis Newman come immediately to mind); still, the Midwestern ambience comes through loud and clear, especially during the perceptively detailed Labor Day picnic sequence. Broadening the film's appeal is its George Duning-Steve Allen title song, a variation of the old standard "Moonglow". Two sidebars: The original Broadway production of Picnic starred Ralph Meeker and Paul Newman; for the film version of Picnic, William Holden was obliged to shave his chest, lest his hairy torso cause the female moviegoers to conjure up impure thoughts.

Product Details

Release Date: 10/13/2020
UPC: 0043396572263
Original Release: 1955
Rating: PG
Source: ALLIED VAUGHN
Region Code: A
Presentation: [Wide Screen]
Sound: [Dolby Digital Mono, Dolby Digital Stereo]
Language: English
Time: 1:53:00
Sales rank: 3,222

Special Features

Kim Novak's Hollywood Picnic featurette; Theatrical trailers; 1080p High Definition; English SDH subtitles

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
William Holden Hal Carter
Kim Novak Madge Owens
Rosalind Russell Rosemary Sydney
Betty Field Flo Owens
Susan Strasberg Millie Owens
Arthur O'Connell Howard Bevans
Cliff Robertson Alan Benson
Reta Shaw Linda Sue Breckenridge
Verna Felton Helen Potts
Nick Adams Bomber,Stranger
Raymond Bailey Mr. Benson
Elizabeth Wilson Christine Schoenwalder
Phyllis Newman Juanita Badger
Don Harvey Policeman
Steve Benton Policeman
Henry P. Watson Chamber of Commerce President
Floyd Steinbeck Chamber of Commerce Man
Paul R. Cochran Chamber of Commerce Man
Harold A. Beyer Chamber of Commerce Man
Adlai Zeph Fisher Chamber of Commerce Man
Harry Sherman Schall Chamber of Commerce Man
Abraham Weinlood Trainman
Wayne R. Sullivan Foreman
Carle E. Baker Grain Elevator Worker
Henry Pegueo Mayor
Flomanita Jackson Committee Woman
George E. Bemis Neighbor
George Duning Composer

Technical Credits
Joshua Logan Director
Daniel Taradash Screenwriter
Fred Kohlmar Producer
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews