Movie Review: ****^ Picnic (1955)

 This is a very good movie where passion wins out over what would make sense financially.  Madge Owens (Kim Novak) has a boy, Alan Benson (Cliff Robertson) who has claimed her as she is the most beautiful girl in town.  However she is not satisfied being a thing instead of a person.  When Hal Carter (William Holden) comes to town things change.  He is a transient and down on his luck, but knows Benson from college and hopes to get a job.  It is also the day of the Labor Day  picnic.  Carter goes to the picnic with Madge's younger sister, Millie (Susan Strasburg).  She is obviously young for him but Madge is with Benson.  Madge's mother (Betty Field) does what she can to keep her daughter with Benson; but before the night is over, Madge leaves with Carter.  A school teacher (Rosalind Russell) rents a room from the mother.  She has a long term boy friend (Arthur O'Connell) who does not commit.  After she has drunk some she makes a pass at Carter who rejects her.  She rips his shirt.  The evening turns out well for her as her boyfriend finally proposes marriage.  Shortly after his shirt is ripped, Carter and Madge take off in Benson's car which Carter had been using all night.  He returns the car in the morning, and the police want to arrest him for stealing the car, he runs and has to leave town, but not before seeing Madge.  He confesses his love, as does she.  He runs and catches the train.  Benson calls to say he forgives Madge; but Madge decides to follow Carter, taking the bus.  

The actors do very well at their rolls.  This is a movie based on a stage play of the same name written by William Inge.  A couple musicals were written based on the same play, but were not successful.

John Wayne Movie Review: ****Shepherd of the Hills (1941)

 A great move with the characters controlled by hate and revenge.  It seems to have spoiled the hearts of the characters and they see the world as dark an oppressive.  Young Matt (John Wayne), has harbored a grudge against his father who he has not seen for many years.  He is determined to kill him if he should seem him.  He left suddenly, with no explanation, leaving he as a small baby and his mother to fend for herself.  She became ill and passed away.  He blames his father.

But his aunt Beaulah Bondi) who took him in is the most bitter.  And the home where they lived has b een abandoned since; given to the ghosts.

But a mysterious man (Harry Carey) comes to town, and insists on buying the property.  The aunt sells as he offers $1000.  But turns out the man is the father, unbeknowst to the people.  However Sammy Lane (Betty Field)  figures out who he is, and that if young Matt does kill him, he could never be his husband.  

Everything does blow up when Young Matt realizes who he is.  He has been hoping for a chance to kill his father for many years.  His aunt burns herself up and her son.  The father shots John Wayne, to keep him from the same fate he went through as he was gone for having killed a man and sent to prison.  He couldn't get back.  Young Matt survives, and his need for revenge is appeased.

I enjoyed this movie very much.  I especially liked the character portrayed by Betty Field, as she is in love with John Wayne's character, and he also loves her, but neither are prepared to admit it.

Movie Review: ****The Shepherd of the Hills (John Wayne, 1941)

This movie takes place in the rural Ozark Hills, in the area of Branson, Missouri.  John Wayne portrays young Matt Mathews.  His mother died giving birth to him.  His father was not there.  He has grown up hating his father who abandoned him.  In fact the entire family is filled with hate.  His mother's sister is married to big Matt Mathews.  Daniel Howitt (Harry Carey), a stranger, comes to the area and wants to buy property.  He is a wealthy outsider, and purchases the land known as moaning meadow, where young Matt's mother lived and passed away.  There is a young woman, Sammy Lane (Betty Field) who has a relationship with young Matt, but also befriends Daniel Howitt.  Young Matt wants Howitt to leave.  Howitt becomes an important part of the community, using his money to help others.  He is known as the shepherd of the hill.  However, Howitt is actually young Matt's father.  He has come back to see if he can make amends.  Young Matt has had one life time goal, which has consumed his life, and that is to kill his father.  When young Matt discovers Howitt's true identity events lead him to this conclusion; he has no future, other than to be a murderer.  At the critical point, the unexpected happens.
This movie is loosely based on the novel of the same name.  However the relationship of the characters is all different.  I really like Field in her role.  She brings a lot of energy and spark.