Review of Picnic (1955) by Luiserghio M — 28 Jun 2010
What works for Inge on stage now seems to hardly work on film. This is the second movie of an Inge play I've seen and I've been disappointed by both. The first one was "Bus Stop." I didn't know where to begin with that one - Monroe was trying so hard to prove that she was an "actress" that she came across as constipated. "Picnic" transferred better to screen than "Bus Stop," I'll admit, but I still ended up wishing I was watching it on stage.
Casting is where I had the biggest problem with "Picnic:" Holden is too old; Russell too glamorous; neither Novak or Field are good actors. Holden and Russell have some good moments, but I didn't for a second believe any of their work. Novak's vapidness might have worked only if I'd believed that she truly wished to be anything but just pretty. Arthur O'Connell is charming and even as Howard, and there's nothing like seeing Verna Felton, the voice of so many animated characters of my youth (and before), in the flesh.
But keep Inge on stage, please.
This review of Picnic (1955) was written by Luiserghio M on 28 Jun 2010.
Picnic has generally received positive reviews.
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