Favorite scenes in 'Picnic'?

Loved your "take" on this movie, a favorite of mine. I so agree with everything you said, and the word you used for the dance scene, "magical" is quite appropriate. I sometimes find these old movies better than some of today's films because they do indeed leave so much to the viewer's imagination. I have often thought the dance scene was one of the more sensual dance scenes I've come across, because it is played with such subtlety. The moves are not sexually overt, but just smooth and romantic. I think you are right, although you would hope that Hal will change for the better because of Madge,(as he states at the end when he talks of "claiming what is his")the sad truth may be that even though Madge may be the "best thing that ever happened to him", no one can "rescue" Hal but himself.

I liked your statement, except I like to think Hal will stick with Madge unlike Flo's experience with Madge's father .... I think Hal has sown his oats and has suffered enough humiliation and shame now. He is ready to settle down. What I find poignant about the film is his vulnerability. It shows in his attachment to his father's boots -- it's all he has of his past and of his wretched family, and when he shows up at Howard's for refuge from the cops, the first thing he does is clean his boots even though he's soaked to the bone himself. It says a lot about how he wants to be. Respectable. Madge is his savior, his first break in life. He has won a prize; a victory; he has learned the value of it and will not squander it. And too they can talk honestly and expose their true thoughts to one another. There's no replacement for that kind of trust and intimacy. Hal needs to belong, and he will find belonging with Madge.

I think Mrs Potts is the most wonderful character. She guides everyone to rightness and love. I love it at the end when she admits to Flo she liked him. "Suddenly There was a man in the house. And it seemed good."

Couldn't be a more perfect description of this wonderful film. Thank you.

Replying 4 1/2 years after your original post:) One of the most romantic movies. I think *every* scene is my most fave, especially 'the dance.' But I don't agree with your idea of what happens to them. Her bus and his train will eventually meet. They will get together and make a go of it! One of the few movies (unlike Bridges of Madison County) where the heroine actually throws caution to the wind and goes for it! Wish I had.

I also think it is one of the sexiest dances on film. That dance becomes just the two of them in their own little world, fantasizing about being together, nothing else existing but that moment and what that moment may lead up to for both of them. I think it works on so many levels, including drawing the moviegoer into their fantasy and leaving things up to our own imaginations (something that a lot of today's movies fail to do when filming love scenes). Had not thought of the ending scene in the way you mentioned, but you are right about that visual. This movie indeed does have many powerful scenes and yes, the acting is superb!

Was Kim Novak ever more alluring than in this film? My God...not only was she pretty, beautiful and sexy...but her vulnerablity came through dramatically. She had just the teensiest bit of extra body fat in this movie...which made her just that much more desireable. She brought out all my male protective instincts. I wanted to scoop her up, love her and protect her for the rest of our lives. She looked like she had been sewn into her dress for the dance sequence on the boat dock. I loved it.

LionHearted

jimbaze, I think that is absoutely so cool and what a memory to have from your childhood!!! Roz Russell is my favorite actress so I am so pleased to hear she was "very approachable and friendly" - that is just how I imagine her to have been. It must have been such a thrill as a kid to take part in a movie. Were the summers in the town as wonderfully lazy and serene as I imagine them to have been?

Jimbaze,
How very, very cool!
Thanks for sharing - what a neat memory for you.

That's very cool! My grandmother (who lived in Burrton at the time) was also an extra, in a group of kids going after a balloon.

She & my grandpa took me by the park in Halstead where the 'picnic' scenes were filmed, oh, probably 10 years ago.

cnalbrecht, that is one of my favorite also. Your vivid description of the scene makes me want to go watch the movie and experience that "magical movie moment" (as you so appropriately named that scene)all over again!

<<Madge descends the steps, rhythmically slapping her hands to the sultry "Moonglow" theme, while a startled Hal holds his breath, his heart in his throat. They gently merge together, holding hands at first and gradually absorb in each other's arms. As they move closer, the "Picnic" theme merges with "Moonglow" and there's no longer any doubt about their love for each other. A truly magical movie moment.>>

Oh, absolutely. I just watched Picnic again tonight, and that scene is perfect.




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