The Long Hot Summer, 1958

Do you get angry when it’s hot?

 I watched this February, 2006 

Plot Summary: A drifter rolls into small town Mississippi after the depression with rumors of a less than good past.  His resourcefulness and ‘tude get him in the door with the town ogre and a shot at the man’s attractive daughter, then it all gets hot and sweaty, and fairly loud. 

What I Disliked

• I have the story from good sources that Orson Welles was so annoyed at working with method actors Woodard and Newman that he purposely spit out his lines in nearly indiscernible “southern dialect.”  I like the story, but can’t understand much of what he says in the movie.
•  Moves a little slow for my tastes at points. 

What I Liked 

• A story line taken from two Faulkner stories and one of his novels: (stories Barn Burning, The Spotted Horses) (novel “The Hamlet”)
• Great chemistry between Woodard and Newman – I believe this is the movie that led to their marriage. I simply have to admit to a penchant for Paul Newman.  Some of his movies are some of my most favorite: Color of Money, Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid, Cool Hand Luke, and others.
• One of those movies that believes a great script done by great actors does not need much else. 

Would I recommend it and to whom?: Yes, with little or no reservation.

~ by u2isgr8 on March 25, 2008.