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Photos and plot summary via IMDb "Emotions are ignited amongst the complacent townsfolk when a handsome drifter arrives in a small Kansas community on the morning of the Labor Day picnic." Picnic Color/1956 directed by Joshua Logan 113 minutes |
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Verna Felton, Susan Stasberg, and Betty Field |
Aside from Holden, the entire cast is wonderful, especially Kim Novak as "pretty one" Madge; Betty Field as her and Millie's mother, Flo; Verna Felton as neighbor Mrs. Potts (who, like that character name, makes appearances in several Disney movies, most notably for me as the voice of the fairy godmother in Cinderella); Cliff Robertson as Alan (Hal's college friend, and Madge's boyfriend); Arthur O'Connell as Howard (I love him in Bus Stop--also directed by Logan--as well); and Susan Strasberg as "smart one" Millie. (And Rosalind Russell as boarder and school teacher Rosemary, though she has the most painful-to-watch scenes). Millie is the standout character for me, this time around, who is feisty, sad, and ultimately, wise. I love the scene in the dressing house after they go swimming, mostly for Millie's giving the men a talking to.
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Kim Novak, Susan Strasberg, William Holden, and Cliff Robertson |
The production is also great, with costumes by Jean Louis and cinematography by James Wong Howe, two accomplished artists and craftspeople. It's a fun movie to watch as summer comes to an end and ponder on life, love, and what might happen to the characters after the movie ends. Do you ever make up stories for characters of movies you've seen?
Overall ★★★★ (4/5)
Comfort 🍵🍵 (2/5)
Romance ❤❤❤ (3/5)
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