The Long, Hot Summer
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Movie Reviews of The Long, Hot Summer
Movie Review: This video is as "hot" as its name
Summary: 5 Stars
Adapted from some William Faulkner stories, this 1958 film certainly lives up to its name. It is "hot". The setting is a small town in the Deep South and the characters familiar, but under the skillful direction of Martin Rich, they spring to life as complex, flawed and very human individuals. Paul Newman, in his prime then, is cast as Ben Quick, a young drifter who is taken under the wing of the town's patriarch, Will Varner, played by Orson Wells. Newman romances Varner's schoolteacher daughter, Clara, played by Joanne Woodward, and competes with Varner's son Jody, played by Anthony Franciosa, for the old man's respect and affection. Lee Remick is cast as Jody's pretty wife and Angela Lansbury plays Varner's lady friend. What a cast!Both Paul Newman and Orson Wells exude the essence of macho in the finest southern tradition. I can almost smell all that testosterone right off the video screen. There's nothing politically correct about this story, as the strength of the women lies only in the way they can manipulate the men in their lives. And, in spite of Joanne Woodward's, declaration of how much she loves books, the audience knows that what she really wants is nothing less than the kind of man who will make her wake up smiling each morning. This was the first movie that Woodward and Newman made together and they married shortly thereafter and so the audience is treated to a very special chemistry between them. Newman's blue eyes sparkle and his sexiness comes through loud and clear when he takes off his shirt. His body is naturally rugged without the sculptured pumped and ripped muscles that have since become trendy. Orson Wells' outstanding performance is the glue that holds the story together. He plays the role of the powerful 60-year old patriarch with exceptional vigor and is completely believable even though he was only 43 at the time. He wears his bulk well and there's sparkle between him and Angela Lansbury. During the course of the film, it is his character that goes through the most changes and he plays this with a naturalness that makes this believable.
There's good writing, directing and close-up shots of the actors. And the story moved fast, holding my interest throughout. The camera also captured the distinctions between the dusty dirt farms and the luxurious mansion, but basically it focused on the people and the human drama. And the ending is a happy and satisfying one. I thought it was excellent.
Movie Review: GREAT CLASSIC!!!
Summary: 4 Stars
I loved this movie!!!I keep watching it again and agian.Director Martin Ritt made this movie work.This is a moody drama,adapted from Faulkner Story,about small- town lovers resisting paternal tyrant's mandates.A favorite movie for drama and classic movie lovers.Out of 10 I would give this a 7.Movie Review: Hot indeed!
Summary: 5 Stars
Wow! This is definitly a barn burner. Newman and Woodward are just perfect in this film. The chemistry on and off screen between the two is obvious. No false moves on their parts. The dialogue is snappy and smart. I love this movie. I have watched it again and again and recommend you do the same.Movie Review: You run, and you keep on running. . .
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this movie! It is a lot better than the 1985 version. Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman are perfect together! It is a great movie that actually has a point and you can watch it over and over again without getting sick of it. I am fifteen years old and have been watching this movie for about three years. It is a movie to watch with the whole family! Buy it, it's WELL worth your money!Movie Review: Newman/Woodward MAGIC
Summary: 5 Stars
Probably one of the sexiest/raw emotion films of the 50's. Due to the censorship rules of the day, all romance/sex is left to the mind of the viewer. That is where it should be. Orson Wells portryal of "Varner",lord of the southern town brings strength and visual reality to the times. Addressing young adults as "BOY" and dressing with a tie and jacket for dinner in the summer really tells a story of power that few can realize unless they have experienced it first hand.The fact that Newman & Woodward married soon after the film was completed attests to the power of the story and those that brought it to the screen. Jerry Wald was producer of the year in my book. Jimmy Rodgers rendition of the title was great.