This film still holds up.
The Moonglow sequence is really one of the best scenes of all time. So magnetic.
And shocking that the film was never nominated for Best Cinematography. The shots as the picnic moves from sunset to evening are stunning.
Is Picnic a DL fave?
Offsite Link| by Anonymous | reply 15 | April 17, 2022 12:50 PM |
Young William Holden is always a pleasure to watch 😍
| by Anonymous | reply 1 | April 17, 2022 8:43 AM |
I saw that Film on TV probably 35 years ago. I was a massive Disney fan and was excited that famous Disney voice actress Verna Felton was in it.
I also remember this scene where Cliff Robertson and William Holden got naked together. You didn’t see anything but I felt it had unintentional homo erotic vibes!
| by Anonymous | reply 2 | April 17, 2022 9:05 AM |
I always liked that movie, William Holden had a naturally hairy chest, but it was shaved/waxed for the film, pity. I guess they thought his beautiful hairy chest was too sexy for the big screen. Memorable film, beautiful to look at, WH and Kim Novac looked good together...
| by Anonymous | reply 3 | April 17, 2022 10:17 AM |
Love Rosalind Russell as the crazy spinster drunk. And the homoerotic changing room scene.
Offsite Link| by Anonymous | reply 4 | April 17, 2022 10:34 AM |
One of my favorites. Love the 1950s Americana look (non American here) and of course William Holden. When I first saw it years ago, I was cheering Kim on, run away with William! Now.... no Kim, don't. He's a (very attractive ) loser. Life is hard, marry the rich bore.
| by Anonymous | reply 5 | April 17, 2022 10:48 AM |
Good performances by everyone.
| by Anonymous | reply 7 | April 17, 2022 11:42 AM |
@r3, "William Holden had a naturally hairy chest, but it was shaved/waxed for the film, pity"
Well, not THAT much of a pity 😛
Offsite Link| by Anonymous | reply 8 | April 17, 2022 11:46 AM |
Roz screeching to the cheap seats made me wince.
And the review noting Susan Strasberg’s book creased to always fall open on the same page made me rethink her performance.
William Holden is looks 20 years too old but is fantastic. He pulls Novak right along with him.
The best scene are the two old biddies at the picnic watching the sunset together; it is rare grace note amid the sub-Tennessee Williams trash.
| by Anonymous | reply 9 | April 17, 2022 11:56 AM |
I’m with you, OP. One of my favorites. Very sexy, and a real slice of 1950s Americana.
| by Anonymous | reply 10 | April 17, 2022 12:05 PM |
I sound just like R5. I swear I didn’t read your comment first.
| by Anonymous | reply 11 | April 17, 2022 12:09 PM |
Hairy or not, Holden could get it...
Offsite Link| by Anonymous | reply 12 | April 17, 2022 12:09 PM |
Shocked it didn’t get a Cinematography nomination!
| by Anonymous | reply 13 | April 17, 2022 12:13 PM |
I prefer the local production starring Blanche, Dorothy and Rose alongside great stage actor Patrick Vaughn!
"The moon is hangin' awful low in the sky tonight, isn't it, Busty!"
| by Anonymous | reply 14 | April 17, 2022 12:23 PM |
Great score and cinematography, otherwise it would have been overwhelmed by the stagey dialogue. Kim Novak basically plays herself--the pretty girl who wants to be known for something else. Her awkwardness actually fits. Cliff Robertson also was too old for the part (not as much as Holden) which helps make Holden stand out less for his age. The cinema verite of a real Kansas town on Labor Day creates great atmosphere. Great actors in the smaller parts--Betty Field, Susan Strasberg, Verna Felton, Arthur O'Connell. Russell is too hammy for her own good and the only off note in rewatching.
| by Anonymous | reply 15 | April 17, 2022 12:50 PM |
