As the residents of a small Kansas town are preparing for the annual Labor Day picnic, handsome drifter, Hal Carter (William Holden), blows into town on a freight train. A college buddy of local rich boy, Alan Benson (Cliff Robertson), Hal is a braggart and a showoff, and also somewhat of a bad boy, it's not long before he makes an impression on several of the town's women. First, there's Flo Adams (Betty Field), a divorcee obsessed with getting her daughter, Madge (Kim Novak), married off to Alan Benson. Much to her mother's disappointment, though, Madge doesn't love Alan and is drawn to the exciting newcomer.
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Madge's younger sister, Millie (Susan Strasberg), a bookworm, is accompanied by Hal to the picnic; though he is friendly and kind towards her, his interest is in the more beautiful Madge, which causes Millie heartbreak.
Rosemary Sidney (Rosalind Russell, in a spectacular performance) is the old maid schoolteacher who rents a room at the Owens' home. Desperate to lose her "spinster status," Rosemary begs local store owner, Howard Bevins (Arthur O'Connell, in an Oscar-nominated supporting performance), to marry her, something he really has no desire to do. Feeling trapped by her status, and bitter towards those beautiful and youthful, Rosemary lashes out at Hal after he and Madge share a dance at the picnic. Her actions---which include lies against Hal---stir up the simmering passions of everyone. How it all plays out is the balance of the film.
Picnic is one of those films which really must be viewed through the lens of its time, otherwise, it seems laughable to us. Today, there are many options open to women, and few women see marriage as the basket in which they must put all their eggs; however, in 1955, this was largely how things were, and we have to remember that before we roll our eyes and shake our heads over Madge and Rosemary's behaviors.
This film is a perfect example of how it is possible to make a very passionate---even sensual---film, without the nudity and graphic sex Hollywood feels compelled to throw our way nowadays. With the exception of William Holden's bare chest, there is no nudity whatsoever. And there is no graphic sex of any kind---yet the film is incredibly passionate and very sensual. In fact, I think it's one of the most sensual movies I have ever seen! William Holden, easily one of the best-looking men to ever appear on screen, is positively gorgeous here. His character is not comfortable to watch---a complete show-off, he's highly embarrassing; however, Mr. Holden's portrayal of him was spot-on. I think he did an exceptional job in this role.
Kim Novak is beautiful!! The pink dress she wore for most of the movie is stunning. I cannot understand why women threw away dressing like that on a regular basis!!
The dance scene between Mr. Holden and Miss Novak is amazing---it's sexy, sensual, passionate, and beautiful and is one of my all-time favorite movie scenes!! In fact, if I could transport myself to one classic movie scene, that dance scene would be it!!
And then there's Rosalind Russell---wow, she was completely incredible!! I wouldn't say she stole the show, but she definitely was beyond brilliant in her role!! Truly, her performance ought to have landed her an Oscar or at least a nomination...not sure why she didn't receive one.
Out on DVD, Picnic ought to be fairly easy to track down. Additionally, it is on the TCM schedule for Monday, June 4th, at 3:30 p.m. (ET). Those who love romantic movies ought to really enjoy this one.
Happy viewing!!