Seeing as how most halfway decent movies score 7 and upwards (compare The Dark Knight Rises), this is grossly underrated. It's silly but it's SUPPOSED to be. The director and cast embrace the corny elements of the plot make it a sentimentally charming film. It holds up much better than most films from the '50s.
shareI agree. I thought it was a fun entertaining movie. Parts of it are a little silly and dated but it is still enjoyable. I rated it an 8.
shareModern audiences---or at those who come to IMDB, seem to judge this film by modern standards. This was the script. Bo was an uncivilized, uncouth young man totally unprepared for dealing with women OR men in life away from the ranch. Cherie was a painfully untalented hillbilly with ridiculous plans to go to Hollywood. The absurdity of both characters is clear and intentional. ("She's no angel. She's just some gal who sings in a saloon.")
Even in 1956, Bo's behavior was primitive and threatening. And every other character in the film calls him out on it. It's not like everybody simply accepts what he's doing.
It's a broad screenplay and Josh Logan, who was primarily a stage veteran, directs it broadly. Perhaps too broadly, but not to the point of erasing the tender moments. In the end, Bo learns the meaning of respecting others, most importantly Cherie, whose life has been a sordid search for respectability and acceptance. To her, becoming a star meant people would respect her. Finally, after she admits to her "sinful life" and Bo tells her he loves her just as she is, "no matter how you got that way" she realizes she's found exactly the acceptance she been looking for. In 1956, for a leading female character in a film to admit to promiscuity and not suffer for it, was pretty rare.
It's also a beautiful example of mid 1950s Cinemascope. It's a wonderful looking film.
I think the IMDb rating is MORE than gracious! This movie is a misogynist mess.
I. Drink. Your. Milkshake! [slurp!] I DRINK IT UP! - Daniel Plainview - There Will Be Blood
Most movies are overrated on IMDb, as is "Bus Stop." The movie was not funny, and certainly not entertaining. But any movie with a star gets overrated, no matter how bad it is.
shareIf anything this movie's IMDb score is highly-overrated and too generous. This film doesn't even deserve a 5 let alone a 6.7. I personally rate it 4/10.
I don't know what's a sig. line? Can't think of one! Can you tell me what one is?
The intentional ridiculousness of Murray's character basically kills the charm (or lack thereof) of this movie fast. Not to mention it stops being funny after the first 10 minutes or so... After that, it becomes unbearable. Now, I understand that Murray's role was supposed to be silly and meant to symbolize the innocence of an arrogant youth. But at the end of the day, it (the performance) was quite simply overdone.
As for the movie itself, it offers a few laughs, some solid performances and above all... a whole lot of unpleasantness. Ultimately, it's a fairly average (albeit well-directed) movie that is far from timeless. And while I can't say it's a complete waste of time, Monroe is pretty much the only reason to watch this.
Hey there, Johnny Boy, I hope you fry!
Bus Stop is worth seeing for Marilyn, if nothing else.
A solid 7.
This is a very strange but very entertaining film. I gave it 7/10.
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