This engrossing trip into William Faulkner's South stars Newman as drifter Ben Quick, the son of a barn burner (which makes one instantly unpopular). Ben arrives in the small hamlet of Frenchman's Bend, Mississippi, where bigger-than-life Will Varner (Orson Welles) owns just about everything. Varner, who recently recovered from a heart attack, is obssessed with getting "some more Varners" in the way of grandchildren. His weak-willed son Jody (Tony Franciosa) isn't making much progress with his pretty, but somewhat flighty wife Eula (Lee Remick). So, Varner is determined that his smart, headstrong daughter Clara (Woodward) get married. And if it's not to her long time, would-be suitor Alan...than it may as well be to that ambitious "big stud horse" Ben Quick.The near-perfect cast bring these colorful characters to life, to include Angela Lansbury as Varner's mistress. The lively exchanges between Newman and Welles are a joy to behold (Varner to Ben: "I've been watching you. I like your push, yes. I like your style. I like your brass. It ain't too dissimilar from the way I operate.") But the heart of the film is the sparkling chemistry between Newman and Woodward; they were married the same year the movie was released. My favorite scene between them: an exhange in the general store, which goes from playful to enlightening.
The Long, Hot Summer is an immensely entertaining, surprisingly rich film. It's got great music, too, to include the Alex North-Sammy Cahn title song.
I enjoyed Robt. O. and Alex's intro/outro to the film. Thought R.O. was on the money about the film not seeming a classic originally but, taking into account the stars and director and their later careers, it's historically important. Alex's comment on Orson Welles hamming it up was also on the money.
ReplyDeleteI watched this film as a kid with my Mom (a big Paul Newman fan) and it held my interest then. It has only improved with age, like a wine that gets better over time. I think Orson's performance works well, keeping in line with with Faulkner's colorful characters. I have many favorite parts in addition to the one in the general store. Another is the scene with Clara and Alan at the picnic, where Alan confirms what Clara has really known for years...but tried not to believe.
ReplyDeleteI was watching this yesterday and the picnic scene made me think of the film, PICNIC. Newman had played the drifter role (Holden in the film) on Broadway, I think, and would've been perfect for the movie version of it...but the two films - especially the picnic scenes recall the era so well. My family used to go to civic and company picnics and BBQs with sack races and all the rest of it. Makes me nostalgic. Even tho Welles was hamming it up, it works just fine - all the men are slightly amped up in it. I also liked Alex making a point of giving accolades to Joanne Woodward.
ReplyDeleteI think Welles usually hammed it up in his movies. But he started in radio, and you have to be a bit theatrical to express all of your emotional range in your voice. I agree with Eve. His acting style works in THE LONG, HOT SUMMER.
ReplyDeleteSo, Rick, is this version better than the remake with Crockett?
Actually, I remember the TV version of THE LONG, HOT SUMMER with Don, Judith Ivey (as Clara, but character name is different), and Jason Robards as Varner. It wasn't bad; Don was pretty good. I mean, it doesn't compare to the original, but it was solid enough. I vaguely recall the TV series with Roy Thinnes (just before he did "The Invaders"). I didn't watch it much, though, and (if memory serves) it was pretty short-lived.
ReplyDeletei thought it was was an excellent story about human nature.This film kind of reminded me of CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF.
ReplyDeleteFirst, a correction - for calling Alec Baldwin Alex in earlier posts, let's say it was a typo. About the 80's TV version of LHS - I remember Don Johnson in it mostly shirtless and brooding sexily and sweatily...also with Cybil Shepherd as Eula, an actor who had a good part on a "Miami Vice" as Jody, Jason Robards, who was always very good, as Varner and Ava Gardner in one of her very last roles as his mistress. Overall, no comparison at all with the movie - but, much as I love Angela Lansbury, it might've been fun to watch Ava and Orson together (loved her "Maxine" in THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA).
ReplyDeleteI really like this film, from the beginning song, and Ben's accepting a ride with Eula and Clara, to Clara's realization that she does love Ben, despite Will's matchmaking. It is one of those rare movies that you join in progress and aren't able to leave. The characters are unforgettable, including namby-pamby Alan and "Euuuuula!" Perfect summer choice.
ReplyDeletetoto2, I love that front porch scene where the boys are yelling out Eula's name. It sets up an insightful conversation between Clara and her father in which he talks about how much he loved her mother.
ReplyDeleteDawn47, I agree there are similarities between LHS and CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (besides just Paul Newman and larger-than-life patriarchs). For that reason, CAT is one of my favorite movies, too.
Rick You never said that the song was sung by one of my favorites Jimmie Rodgerts, who had a string of hits in the 50' 60'and70's sratring with Honeycomb, Kisses Sweeter Than Wine and of course The Long Hot Summer His Last hit was Today. I saw him in concert as a young teenager.And he did a few films The Little Shepared , and I think Back Door To Hell with a young Jack Nichelson
ReplyDeleteHis vocals sound great on it, too. I tried to find his recording of the song a couple of years ago, but was unsuccessful. I did manage to get a cover instrumental.
ReplyDeleteI got it for you in under 30 seconds go to amazon .com type in Jimmine Rogers and your there for under $15.00 and you can listen to it before you buy. Make Sure it's the one on Rhino records.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paul, I'll check it out (but, hey, it didn't exist when I was looking...which may have been longer than two years ago).
ReplyDeleteNo Problem .I think that's what I'm here for.LOL
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