Picnic Movie Review: A Nostalgic Look at Love and Longing in 1950s Kansas

Picnic: A Labor Day Slice of Life, Love, and Longing in 1950s Kansas

Labor Day means backyard barbecues and summer's end. It also sets the scene for a cinematic gem: Picnic. Forget hot dogs and potato salad. Let's go back to a hot Labor Day in the early 1950s. Imagine Kansas, small-town America, where life unfolds on porches and in sun-warmed backyards. This is Picnic, a story spanning just 24 hours yet packed with enough simmering emotions for a lifetime. As Forbes notes, Picnic is "synonymous with Labor Day," capturing a slice of Americana as potent as apple pie.

A Wandering Charmer Blows into Town

Meet Hal Carter, portrayed by William Holden. Hal isn't your typical guest. A former actor, he wanders through life after his Hollywood dreams failed. Think of him like a charming tumbleweed. Hal seeks to reconnect with old college buddy Alan Benson, played by Cliff Robertson. He takes a train ride, arriving just in time for the Labor Day picnic. Alan, a good friend, welcomes him with open arms. They do not know, yet, this picnic will serve up more drama than deviled eggs.

Sparks Fly, Friendships Falter

The picnic starts off bright, full of small-town cheer. But then, cue dramatic music or perhaps sizzling chemistry. Hal's eyes meet Madge Owens', Alan's girlfriend, played by Kim Novak. The temperature rises fast, hotter than a July thermometer in Kansas. Sparks ignite, changing everything. Suddenly, Hal's welcome feels frosty. Alan invited Hal for a friendly reunion, but he didn't expect his girlfriend to fall for the newcomer. This picnic becomes a battleground of hearts and desires amid small-town gossip.

From Stage to Screen: Picnic's Journey to Hollywood

Picnic did not appear out of nowhere. It began as a play by William Inge, known for nuances in human relationships. Inge's play snagged the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1953, solidifying its place in theater history. Joshua Logan directed the award-winning play and won a Tony Award for Best Director. The story resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Hollywood took notice. Columbia Pictures brought Picnic to the screen, releasing it in December 1955. Logan returned to direct the movie, ensuring it kept the emotional core of the play. The film was a hit, both commercially and critically. It garnered six Academy Award nominations and won two Oscars, cementing its cinematic significance. For deeper details about the film, visit its Wikipedia page.

Kansas Charm: The Authentic Backdrop of Picnic

To capture small-town Kansas in the 1950s, location mattered. Picnic wasn't filmed on a Hollywood backlot. They went to the heartland. Five Kansas towns – Salina, Hutchinson, Halstead, Nickerson, and Sterling – provided the authentic backdrop. These towns were chosen to give the film genuine Kansas charm. Picnic aimed to be a detailed snapshot of Midwest life in the 1950s. Filming on location was essential for authenticity. Picture filming in sunny California – it wouldn't feel right.

Salina and Hutchinson significantly shaped the visual landscape for Picnic. These towns brought realism with real streets, homes, and community spaces. Filming in actual locations enhanced the film's grounding. This commitment to authenticity explains why Picnic remains relatable even decades later.

The Faces of Picnic: Cast and Characters

A movie stands on its cast, and Picnic had a stellar ensemble. William Holden and Kim Novak lead the film, bringing star power to Hal Carter and Madge Owens. Rosalind Russell and Arthur O'Connell supported them, adding depth. These actors embodied their characters, bringing hopes and flaws to life.

Hal Carter: The Restless Wanderer

William Holden's Hal Carter embodies restless charm. He walks into a room and captures attention, even when unlucky. Holden reveals Hal's blend of vulnerability and charisma. Interestingly, Holden initially hesitated to take the role. At 37, he felt too old for Hal opposite the younger Kim Novak, who was 22. Critics noted the age gap. However, Holden's performance ultimately won audiences, proving his doubts wrong. Hal feels rough around the edges, wrestling with age and life choices. Holden added complexity to the role.

Madge Owens: Small-Town Beauty, Big Dreams

Kim Novak, as Madge Owens, is captivating. She portrays Madge as a beauty queen, just 19 and yearning for more than small-town life. Novak skillfully captures Madge's youth and underlying dissatisfaction. Madge is engaged to Alan, a sensible choice. However, Hal's arrival disrupts her carefully planned life. Novak shows Madge's inner conflict and awakening desires beautifully.

The Stage Lineup: Original Play Cast

Comparing the film cast to the original stage cast is fascinating. Hal Carter was initially played by Ralph Meeker, Madge Owens by Janice Rule, and Alan Benson by Paul Newman before he became a Hollywood star. Kim Stanley played Millie, Madge’s brainy sister, and Peggy Concklin played Flo, Madge’s mother. This original cast brought the story to life for early audiences, paving the way for the film's success.

Moonglow and Theme from Picnic: The Soundtrack of Desire

Music sets the mood in Picnic, with "Moonglow and Theme from Picnic" being nearly synonymous with the film. This enchanting melody, composed by George Duning, captures romantic tension throughout the story. It's the kind of tune that sticks in your head, stirring images of warm summer nights and stolen glances.

A fun fact: William Holden, not known for singing, actually "sang" in Picnic. He lip-synced to Buddy Clark's voice, a popular radio singer often compared to Bing Crosby. This musical moment adds charm to his portrayal of Hal. Imagine Holden crooning "Moonglow" through Clark's voice – a memorable moment in the film's musical journey.

The Ambiguous Ending: Bus to Tulsa and Lingering Questions

The ending of Picnic is famously ambiguous. Did Madge and Hal actually sleep together? The film leaves it open to interpretation. This adds to its realism. Life doesn't always have clear answers, and Picnic reflects that. The film ends with Madge catching a bus to Tulsa, encouraged by wise Mrs. Potts, played by Verna Felton. A train also departs simultaneously.

The final scene shows the bus and the train. Both try to escape and suggest new beginnings. It leaves viewers wondering about Madge's fate and her connection with Hal.

This ending sparked debate among viewers. Did Madge make the right choice? Is she chasing a fleeting romance? The ending of Picnic does not offer easy answers. It mirrors life's uncertainties, leaving us to think about the characters after the film ends. It's not a typical Hollywood "happily ever after," which makes it compelling.

William Holden: Beyond Picnic – Love, Loss, and Legacy

William Holden played Hal Carter and lived a fascinating life. He nearly hesitated to join Picnic due to age concerns. Holden's personal life had both romance and tragedy.

Audrey Hepburn: The Love of His Life

Holden said Audrey Hepburn was "the love of my life." Their chemistry on screen was intense and real. However, their relationship had complexities, like many Hollywood romances. This connection impacted Holden's life significantly.

A Troubled End and Generous Bequests

Tragically, William Holden’s life ended sadly. A heavy drinker and smoker, he died in his Santa Monica apartment in 1981. He bled after hitting his head while intoxicated. It was a lonely end for a Hollywood star. Still, Holden was generous. His will included donations, like $250,000 to his girlfriend Stefanie Powers and $50,000 each to Capucine and Patricia Stauffer. His estate went to his ex-wife, children, and mother, showing responsibility despite personal demons.

Net Worth: A Hollywood Fortune

At his death, William Holden's net worth was estimated at $20 million. This reflects a long, successful Hollywood career marked by iconic roles. His financial legacy is minor compared to his overall contribution to cinema. It's his performances and memorable characters that define his true impact.

Kim Novak: Sinatra, Stewart, and Stardom

Kim Novak, as Madge Owens in Picnic, had a captivating life beyond film. Her relationships with icons like Frank Sinatra and James Stewart reveal much about her world.

Sinatra and Stewart: Friendships and Support

Novak had a bond with Frank Sinatra, starring in two films: Pal Joey and The Man With the Golden Arm. Their relationship hinted at something deeper. "Frank Sinatra and I had a nice, friendly relationship," she said. She also enjoyed working with James Stewart. Stewart's kindness and support helped her career. "He treated me so well. I learned a lot from him," Novak noted.

Paul Newman: From Stage to Screen Legend

Paul Newman was not in the movie version of Picnic, but he is a notable detail about the play. Before his fame, Newman built his craft on stage as Alan Benson in Picnic. This role showed his roots in theater.

Newman and Redford: A Lasting Bond

Interestingly, Robert Redford and Paul Newman started as "virtual strangers." Their first work together did not forge a close bond. But as time passed, they connected deeply. Their friendship is a testament to human connection in Hollywood's transient world. Drama in the Hood's review of the play offers more insights on the production and characters.

Reception and Legacy: Is Picnic a Good Movie?

So, is Picnic a good movie? Decades later, the answer is yes. It is not just good; it is culturally significant. It captures a unique time in American history. The exploration of desire resonates today. The film’s acclaim and nominations support its lasting impact.

Beyond "Best Movie Ever": Picnic's Place in Cinema

The discussions about the "best movie ever" continue. Contenders include Citizen Kane, The Godfather, and The Dark Knight. Yet, Picnic has a different niche. It does not focus on groundbreaking techniques like Citizen Kane. Its strength lies in portraying emotions within a social context. It excels in showing everyday life in a small town.

While horror films like The Exorcist seek the title of "scariest of all time," Picnic resides in a different genre. It is not about jump scares; it is about human desire's quiet drama. Its legacy is about universal longings connecting us all.

This Labor Day, as you grill and enjoy a picnic, consider watching Picnic. It offers more than just fun; it reveals another era, explores emotions, and reminds us that extraordinary stories emerge from ordinary settings. You might hum "Moonglow" long after the movie ends.