The Story of Ruth
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Movie Reviews of The Story of Ruth
Movie Review: No classic, but better than expected
Summary: 3 Stars
The Story of Ruth is one of Fox's lesser known Biblical epics, from the days when the combination of CinemaScope and the Old Testament suddenly weren't enough to guarantee profits anymore. It's not hard to see why: despite an intelligent script by Norman Corwin, it's a bit on the dull side and tends to drag its feet at times. Strangely, it's the scenes in pagan Moab that are the least effective, for all the promise of human sacrifice and slave pits, though Tom Tryon does offer the film's strongest performance in that section. Just as strangely, despite being a last-minute replacement for Stephen Boyd and looking like he won the part in a miscasting competition, Stuart Whitman is surprisingly good as Boaz in the more enjoyable, though distinctly soap-operish second half in Judea. Sadly, Elena Eden is little more than adequate at best in the title role, and at her worst makes a pig's ear of the Song of Ruth. No complaints about Franz Waxman's score, however, which has a simple sincerity that carries the film along without overpowering it.
Fox's DVD boasts a very good widescreen transfer that, due to the limitations of the early CinemaScope lenses, is better in medium shots than crowd scenes, although the stereo tracks have not aged as well as they could. The extras include the original trailer, exhibitors showreel, newsreel extracts and trailers for Desiree and A Man Called Peter.
Movie Review: Fairly good movie
Summary: 3 Stars
I agree with most of the other reviewers: This is entertaining, but is not the true Bible story. However, I do appreciate the fact that it does go into Ruth's childhood, which is not covered in the Scriptures. It's no doubt fictionalized, the result, no doubt, of a lot of research into the habits, customs and religion of those days in Moab. But it was interesting. Disappointed in parts of the movie, in the invention of the character "Tob", supposed brother of Mahlon, and of the lack of Naomi's true instructions to Ruth in chapter 3 verses 1-10. This was changed, probably because it is hard to understand the customs of those days. I don't understand the why's & wherefore's of her instructions either.
As for the acting, to me it seemed stilted, "acting", not really felt, except for Peggy Wood, who is always a fine actress.
If you want a somewhat entertaining, but mediocre movie that you will view maybe once a year, go for it. Otherwise, save your bucks. There are other Bible movies out there that are gems that you wouldn't want to give up for love or money!
This DVD does offer optional English sub-titles.
Movie Review: Okay, but not the Bible
Summary: 3 Stars
The Story of Ruth, the movie, adds a great deal to the biblical story of Ruth and changes some of the biblical narrative. I understand why there are additions to fill in some of the gaps, but I have never understood why writers and directors want to change the biblical story. For instance, Boaz's rival wants Ruth in this film. In the biblical story it appears his rival want's land, but is very willing to give up the land when he learns it comes with Ruth. The film shows Jewish disdain for Ruth because she is a Moabitess. Even Boaz initially shows disdain in the film. There is no such showing in the biblical story. Boaz appears gracious from the beginning in the Bible.
That having been said, the film is still worth watching and does capture the essence of the biblical story of Ruth.
Movie Review: Back when they knew how to do a Biblical Epic
Summary: 3 Stars
The film takes the storyline of the Ruth from the Bible and fills it with lavish costumes and sets. The Moab temple scenes, the outfits worn by the cult they worshipped, etc. are all well done. The acting was all good, although it was surprising to see the actor who played Sergeant Schultz in Hogan's Heroes playing the King of Moab in this film. It was even more jarring to realize that he doesn't sound anything like his character on TV.
The only reason this movie doesn't get a higher rating is that it just never seems to "take off" or to pace itself. Nevertheless, definitely worth watching.
Movie Review: The Story of Ruth
Summary: 3 Stars
Ketuvim "Writings" (Book: Ruth [Rut in Hebrew])
This movie has taken license in adding to the actual storyline of Ruth. An examples are; When the two Moabs claim to be kinsmen from the tribe of Reuben, or when she is married to Mahlon (her first husband) for a brief moment prior to his death, etc. The movie is well put together, but it does stray a bit from the actual writings. [see Ruth 1:16-17]
Good movie. I would recomment it.