Picnic (1955)
From the moment he hit town...she knew it was just a matter of time!
Picnic is a must-see film that will captivate you from start to finish. Director Joshua Logan's masterful depiction of a 48-hour span in a charming 1950s small town is simply enchanting. The talented ensemble cast, including William Holden, Kim Novak, Rosalind Russell, Cliff Robertson, and Susan Strasberg, brings the quaint community to life in a way that feels both relatable and nostalgic.
As someone who grew up in a similar small-town setting in Southern Ohio, I was struck by how accurately the film captures the sense of community and connection that pervades these tight-knit environments. The town picnic scenes, in particular, resonated with me, reminding me of the days when everyone knew each other and there was a palpable feeling of togetherness. Though it's a shame that such a spirit of community has faded in many places, Picnic offers a heartwarming glimpse into a bygone era that I believe many viewers will find equally charming and poignant.
Picnic's expertly crafted storytelling, memorable characters, and timeless themes make it an enduring classic that I believe any lover of cinema will thoroughly enjoy. Do yourself a favor and add this gem to your must-watch list.
Hal Carter (William Holden), a drifter, arrives in a small Kansas town on a brisk September morning, determined to reconnect with his old college friend, the wealthy Alan Benson (Cliff Robertson). As Hal wanders into the town, he stops at the home of senior citizen, Mrs. Helen Potts (Verna Felton), and politely asks if he can do any odd jobs for her. Despite the bustling preparations for the town's annual Labor Day picnic, the enchanted Helen gladly allows Hal to tidy up her lawn and even provides him with a homemade lunch. Over their meal, Hal inquires about the Bensons, and Helen discloses that Alan is currently courting her neighbour, the stunning Madge Owens (Kim Novak), who lives with her mother Flo (Betty Field), younger sister Millie (Susan Strasberg), and their current boarder, high school teacher Rosemary Sidney (Rosalind Russell).
Hal eagerly made his way to the lavish Benson estate, thrilled at the prospect of reconnecting with his esteemed college companion, Alan. The two young men swiftly immersed themselves in a nostalgic recollection of their university days, fondly reminiscing about the carefree times they had shared.
Alan's tour of the family grain business inspired Hal's determination to find success. Impressed, Alan agreed to offer Hal an entry-level job at the company. Afterward, Alan extended an invitation for Hal to join him and the Owens family to go swimming at the lake followed by the Labor Day picnic. During the picnic, Alan confidently predicted that Madge would be crowned the seasonal Queen of Neewollah (Halloween spelled backwards), a testament to her poise and charm.
Rosemary's mild-mannered boyfriend, Howard Bevans (Arthur O’Connell), arrives to escort her to the picnic. He offers her some of the whiskey he’s brought along. Meanwhile, Flo, concerned about Hal's troubled past, chooses to ride with Madge and Alan instead of Hal. Flo learns from Alan that Hal, despite earning a sports scholarship to college, ultimately flunked out of school. On the drive to the picnic, Rosemary gives in to Howard's offer of whiskey, jeopardizing the picnic's carefree spirit despite her initial resistance. The festive afternoon was filled with lively picnic contests that Hal eagerly participated in alongside the younger Millie. As the group gathered to enjoy their meal, Alan grew increasingly annoyed by Hal's embellished tales, while the ever-observant Flo could not help but notice the unmistakable chemistry between Hal and Madge.
As the sun sets over the pier, the Owens’ and their friends eagerly gather to hear the announcement of the "Neewollah" queen. Their excitement turns to delight when Madge is presented as the winner. The celebration kicks into high gear as the dancing begins. Madge and Hal take to the floor, their dance is sensuous and captivating (this is my favourite scene). Helen Potts watches on admiringly, but Flo is alarmed by their intimacy. Rosemary, also disturbed by the couple's closeness, lashes out at Hal, drunkenly interrupting their dance and embarrassing him by tearing his shirt as he tries to pull away. Alan arrives on the scene and blasts Hal calling him a bum and a phony rat (not the language we’re used to today!). Hal rushes away from everyone followed by Madge. His troubled past has left him feeling rejected and alone. When he confides in Madge about his past, she sees beyond his troubles. Praising his confidence and carefree spirit, Madge opens up about her own fear of being valued only for her looks. Moved by Madge's acceptance, Hal decides to stay by her side rather than leave town on the next freight train as he had planned.
After he takes her home, a dejected Rosemary desperately pleads with Howard to marry her, explaining that her life is utterly devoid of meaning. However, when Howard refuses and insists on maintaining their current arrangement, Rosemary declares they can no longer see each other unless he commits to making her his wife. Now faced with Rosemary's impassioned plea, Howard tells her he will talk to her tomorrow morning.
Concerned for Madge's wellbeing, Hal escorted her home well after midnight. However, his decision to remain in town and work for the Bensons remained uncertain. That night, when Hal returned the car, he discovered that Alan had reported it stolen and summoned the police. Confronted by the authorities, Hal insisted that Alan admit to lending him the car, accusing him of acting out of jealousy over Madge. This provoked Alan to lash out and strike Hal, who then knocked down both Alan and the policemen before fleeing in Alan's car. Abandoning the vehicle, Hal evaded the police and rushed to Howard's apartment, seeking help to escape the escalating situation.
The next morning, Howard arrives at the Owens' residence to reiterate his refusal to marry Rosemary. However, Rosemary misunderstands and enthusiastically announces to everyone that they are getting married. Meanwhile, Howard secretly tells Madge that Hal is waiting to see her outside.
In the backyard, Hal desperately confesses his love to Madge and urges her to leave town with him to Tulsa. However, the panicked Flo intervenes, pleading with Madge to stay and marry the wealthy Alan, insisting this is the path to a secure, prosperous future. Torn between these conflicting pleas, Madge remains silent and confused. As Hal rushes to catch a departing freight train, he continues to passionately implore Madge to join him, yelling "I know you love me!" But Madge's indecision leaves her paralyzed, even as Hal's final words hang in the air
Later, in their bedroom, Millie encourages Madge to be smart and go with Hal. When Madge comes downstairs with her suitcase packed, a hysterical Flo tries to stop her, but Madge remains determined. Helen Potts comforts the distraught Flo as Madge catches the Tulsa-bound bus.
This film’s message is clear - listen to your inner voice and follow your heart. Prepare to be utterly captivated by Picnic, a must-see film that seamlessly blends the riveting elements of drama, comedy, and romance. Who doesn’t love a movie that will captivate your heart and mind?
…Jill
Directed by Joshua Logan and released in February 1956
Cast
William Holden as Hal Carter
Kim Novak as Marjorie 'Madge' Owens
Rosalind Russell as Rosemary Sydney
Betty Field as Flo Owens
Susan Strasberg as Millie Owens
Cliff Robertson as Alan Benson
Arthur O'Connell as Howard Bevans
Verna Felton as Helen Potts
Notes:
William Inge's play Picnic was awarded the Pulitzer Prize and Drama Critics Award in June 1953.
Columbia acquired the rights to the play for $350,000 in September 1953. The studio was cautioned to cut all suggestion that "Hal" and "Madge" had improper relations after the picnic. In the film it remains somewhat ambiguous as to whether Madge and Hal had slept together or not.
The provocative dance scene between Hal and Madge during the picnic went on to become an iconographic film moment. A modern biography on William Holden indicates the actor was very uneasy about the scene because of his limited dancing skills.
The original music from the film was a great popular success and resulted in RCA Victor releasing the theme song as a radio single.
Kim Novak appeared in the film as a redhead, a departure from her signature platinum blonde style.
The film was shot on location in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Picnic won Academy Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Editing. The picture also received Academy Award nominations for Best Motion Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Arthur O'Connell), Best Direction and Best Music.
In 1986 Gregory Harrison and Jennifer Jason Leigh appeared in a television adaptation of Inge's play broadcast on the Showtime cable network.
In 2000, Josh Brolin and Gretchen Mol co-starred in a CBS television broadcast of Picnic.
The Forks Part…
Grandma's classic potato salad is an absolute flavour explosion! This creamy, dreamy dish was a staple at her backyard cookouts, perfectly complementing Grandpa's famous grilled pork chops and fresh corn on the cob. One spoonful and you'll be transported right to their cozy patio, where the whole family would gather for those mouthwatering summer feasts. Dig in and get ready for a taste of pure nostalgia!
Picnic Potato Salad
What You Need:
5 medium potatoes
3 large eggs
1 cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped onion
½ cup sweet pickle relish
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon prepared mustard
¼ teaspoon garlic salt
¼ teaspoon celery salt
ground black pepper to taste
What To Do:
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool, peel, and chop potatoes.
While potatoes are cooking, place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove from hot water, cool, peel, and chop eggs.
Combine the potatoes, eggs, celery, onion, relish, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic salt, celery salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Mix together well and refrigerate until chilled.
Cover and keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Ooh, you're in for a real treat! This fudgy brownie recipe comes straight from our old next-door neighbour - the one who had us all drooling at the neighbourhood picnics every summer. Her brownies were always the talk of the town, disappearing faster than a hot knife through butter!
Super Fudgy Brownies
What You Need:
3 sticks of butter
6 squares unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup warm water
3 teas. vanilla
3 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
6 eggs lightly beaten
1 8z can walnuts meats broken
extra sugar (about 1/4 cup)
What To Do:
Melt butter, Add water, chocolate
When chocolate is melted and well mixed with butter, add sugar
Beat well and cool
Flour, nuts with 1/2 cup of the flour
Beat eggs with wire whisk until well blended
Add eggs and vanilla to chocolate mixture, beating well
Add flour and nuts
Put mixture in lightly greased and floured pan
Scatter the 1/4 cup sugar over the top
Bake in 350 degree oven for 40 minutes
Chill (the brownies, not yourself!)
Important: Do not try to remove from pan until they are really cold
Enjoy!
Looks like some really great photography in this movie. Especially those shots outside.
Hey @Jill, I’m collecting family potato salad recipes and one of my readers sent me to this post! Would it be ok if I add this recipe and post to my collection?