The Long, Hot Summer

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William R. P Stagey. Should be seen live in a theater, but they put it on film Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 03/20/24 Full Review Audience Member Really good movie right here highly recommend it James Welch, Henderson, Arkansas September 27, 2023 Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/30/23 Full Review Steve M Rather like time travelling back to the 50's, how society thought of women, how people chose who to marry, life in the South. I thought Joanne Woodward was way too old to play a 23 year old, but she was 28 at the time. Just an old face I guess. Paul Newman, Angela Landsberry, Lee Remick, this movie had the stars. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/22/23 Full Review matthew d A raucous and thoughtful drama on the value of life. Martin Ritt's Southern Gothic romance drama The Long, Hot Summer (1958) sizzles with the chemistry between real couple Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, who clearly liked each other while filming this searing adaptation of William Faulkner and Tennesse Williams. Ritt's direction is interesting as he focuses on the characters and wordy dialogue with clear direction. The strange story is pretty straightforward as a newcomer into town impresses the wealthy landowner who is looking for a husband for his unmarried daughter. It's in the expressive and emotional performances that Faulkner and Williams' writing starts to come alive. Ritt directed a hot and intriguing picture that leans heavily into its melodramatic core. Martin Ritt did a better job with Paul Newman later in 1963 with Hud, whose drama hits harder. Louis R. Loeffler's editing is my only real complaint as he rarely cuts quickly, giving you time with these characters, but too slow a pace can drag any film down. The Long, Hot Summer says it all with the warm atmosphere of Mississippi in the backdrop, while it was shot in Louisiana, with a pretty languid pace. It feels its 115 minute run-time. Joseph LaShelle has some wonderful close-ups and medium shots that let you in on how the characters feel and allows the actors to really play up their variety of emotional encounters. I liked LaShelle's wide shots of the countryside, but there's a bit too much of that to grip you in the talking. Alex North's score is nice, but should have been used more to quicken the pacing a bit. Adele Palmer came up with pretty pale blue dresses for Joanne Woodward, which are lovely. All of Palmer's suits and shirts for Paul Newman are striking. Ben Nye's make-up work makes all the girls beam with a translucent glow and effortless beauty. I did not care for his brown make-up all over Orson Welles' face to make him look more tanned. It's really distracting. Orson Welles gives a booming and boisterous performance as landowner Will Varner, but his gruff muttering makes certain words hard to decipher here. Paul Newman is fantastic as Ben Quick with his sharp tongue and clear blue eyes that portray a sinister side to Quick. He can give insults and orders just the same sly way he gives compliments. Joanne Woodward feels so modern and feminist as the single Clara Varner. She's hypnotic to watch give moving dramatic acting and playful comedic moments with equal grace. Lee Remick is gorgeous and fun as Clara's sister Eula Varner. Anthony Franciosa is interesting as Jody Varner when he's jealous or deranged, but he's outclassed in acting prowess by Paul Newman's sincere gravitas and sheer willpower. Newman's presence is felt with every word spoken and action taken, making Franciosa second rate by any measure. Angela Lansbury is funny and sweet as Minnie Littlejohn, but she has too few scenes alongside her love Orson Welles. Richard Anderson is so flat and forgettable as Alan Stewart. You cannot imagine the lovely and effervescent intellectual Joanne Woodward dating this ugly bore, especially compared to the delightful and charismatic Paul Newman. In short, The Long, Hot Summer is a fine melodrama, but the romance aspects between Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward shine brightest. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review steve d A great story helped along by fantastic performances. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member The best romance movie ever made! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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