The Long, Hot Summer Movie Review

The Long, Hot Summer (1958)

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Written by: William Faulkner (novella "Spotted Horses", short story "Barn Burning", novel "The Hamlet"), Irving Ravetch and Harriet Frank Jr. (screenplay)
Directed by: Martin Ritt
Starring: Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Anthony Franciosa, Orson Welles, Lee Remick, Angela Lansbury
Rated: Approved [PG-13]
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Plot
Accused barn burner and conman Ben Quick arrives in a small Mississippi town and quickly ingratiates himself with its richest family, the Varners.

Verdict
Despite Newman's charisma, the story comes up lacking. Ben is s a charming conman that aligns himself with a local businessman, but that man's daughter Clara doesn't like him despite his affections towards her. Eventually he finds a place in the family as Clara realizes she's developed feelings. It's all so typical and boring.
Skip it.

Review
Ben Quick (Paul Newman) is suspected of burning down a barn, but with no evidence they just order him to leave town. He heads to a new town, given a ride by Clara (Joanne Woodward) and Eula (Lee Remick). It's a double benefit as their father Will (Orson Welles) is also a big deal in town. Soon enough he's hired on as a share cropper. I'm willing to bet Ben would have sought Will out anyway. Getting on their father's good side will be beneficial and Ben is an opportunist.

Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward play Ben Quick, Clara Varner

Clara's father initially doesn't like Ben, knowing why he came to town. Soon enough his feelings change. Will likes Ben, he's ambitious and smart. Ben is a contrast to Will's son in law Jody (Anthony Franciosa), and Jody can't stand that he's being ousted from the top spot he had occupied by default by a newcomer no less.

Tensions fester between Ben and Jody. Ben proves capable while Jody doesn't desire to reclaim his spot, he wants it handed to him. In Ben, Will sees someone that gets the job done. Jody finally violently confronts Ben who quickly promises to pay Jody off. It's a scam, but by the time Jody realizes it Ben is gone. Adding to the humiliation, it's Will that points out Jody's been had.

Orson Wells, Paul Newman play Will Varner, Ben Quick

Ben likes Clara, though it seems the main reason is because they are both main characters. She's spurned Ben's advances, and it's been clear from the beginning that was so there would be a turn around at the end. They have this opposites attract thing going on. Ben likes her and Will wants him to marry Clara. She's not interested, right up until she is. When Ben gets in trouble due to his reputation, Clara knows he didn't do it. That's when she realizes she's come to like having Ben around.

Maybe it was received better upon release, but the leads don't have that much chemistry. It's reduced to a pair that don't get along until they do at the moment it serves the story best. This has potential. I wish it developed the characters more. Will goes from not liking Ben to all of a sudden being a fan, again because it serves the plot.