Picnic
"One of the sexiest pictures I've ever seen." - Jack Moffitt, Hollywood Reporter
It's Labor Day weekend, and fresh off a freight train is Hal Carter (William Holden), a happy-go-lucky drifter who's looking for a brand new start in life. A robust, handsome show-off, Hal has come to Kansas to seek gainful employment in his old fraternity brother Alan's family granary. But despite his high hopes and expectations, Hal's ambitious plans soon go away when his sexual magnetism attracts every woman in town, including 19-year-old Madge Owens (Kim Novak) -- the alluring young beauty queen who also happens to be Alan's girlfriend.
Also starring Rosalind Russell, Arthur O'Connell, Susan Strasberg, Nick Adams and Cliff Robertson, Picnic was nominated for six 1955 Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director (Joshua Logan), Best Supporting Actor (O'Connell), Best Music, Best Color Art Direction and Best Editing. "A down-to-earth, throbbing drama of average, small-town Americans" (Boxoffice), Picnic is an "excellent film. ***-1/2" (Leonard Maltin).
Member Reviews
Sexy! - 487Ferg
Absolutely loved the scene when Holden and Kim Novak are dancing on the waterfront dock. Lots of intense smoldering looks cast between the two leads....but I have to laugh when I read about the fact that William Holden had to have a few cocktails to get through the scene because he was so nervous about dancing. It doesn't show! Except for Cliff Robertson and Arthur O'Connell, supporting cast is a bit weak...some major overacting happening. But it was only 1955, and the industry was fairly young, so I always cut these old movies more slack than I do the contemporary ones. This is a good way to step back into the 50's for a couple of hours...enjoy!Technicolor Classic - moviebuff23
I saw this movie on TCM and thought it was very well done. It is a fun movie and a nostalgic look back into a small 1950's community. William Holden and Kim Novak do a great job. I would recommend this movie, especialy if you enjoy a good technicolor movie.Refreshing - Muse
I find this movie refreshing as we don't see them any more. Wiliam Holden is funny and genuine, so different from his cowboy roles. And Kim is a romantic beauty. I adored her little sister, very interesting. She is cute and puts on a great act. I recommend it.
Member Reviews
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Sexy! - 487Ferg
Absolutely loved the scene when Holden and Kim Novak are dancing on the waterfront dock. Lots of intense smoldering looks cast between the two leads....but I have to laugh when I read about the fact that William Holden had to have a few cocktails to get through ...Technicolor Classic - moviebuff23
I saw this movie on TCM and thought it was very well done. It is a fun movie and a nostalgic look back into a small 1950's community. William Holden and Kim Novak do a great job. I would recommend this movie, especialy if you enjoy a good technicolor movie.Refreshing - Muse
I find this movie refreshing as we don't see them any more. Wiliam Holden is funny and genuine, so different from his cowboy roles. And Kim is a romantic beauty. I adored her little sister, very interesting. She is cute and puts on a great act. I recommend ...