Picknick

I know it's become a cliché to pour scorn on movie re-makes and it's probably unfair to compare a TV movie with one made for the big screen, but this version of "Picnic" is so inconsolably bad that I feel it deserves no excuses. The original (1955 version) was magical in the way it moved all of a part, as though nobody was directing it. This re-make has a steely, contemporary feel to it; the acting is stiff and self-conscious and the cinematography heavy and uninspiring. Please watch William Holden as the charming bum-in-town and Kim Novak as the wistful country girl in the 1955 version (directed by Joshua Logan) and you'll see what I mean.

I definitely give two thumbs does to this remake of a great, unforgettable classic Picnic. If William Inge would've most likely been mad to see this horrible version. The performances didn't deliver the story well whatsoever. Also I really didn't like the setting either. I prefer the original version and the 1986 version. Both beautifully done & heart-touching. The 2nd version I've saw it on youtube and loved it. You could also watch the 1955 film in youtube too. Any of those two versions are way better than the 3rd version.

My late-Mother & I hated it. She never approved bad remakes of classics.

But where can I buy a copy? I would love to get it on dvd, but can't seem to find it anywhere. I can't even find a streaming copy to view. Can anyone help?

According to reviewers, the year is 1955 and the players are 20 year-old college kids about to enter grad school. Jolly joke!

1955? The synthesizer keyboard was not invented yet, but there it is on the bandstand. The Ford Pony Car was not invented yet, but there it is playing oldies music. The synthesizer appeared to be a model from the mid 1970's. The Pony Car at best is from the mid 1960's.

20 year-old college kids? Josh Brolin had seen 32 birthdays when this made-for-TV movie was produced.

The plot is so predictable that viewers have plenty of spare time to think of all the errors appearing upon their TV's.

The 1955 film is one of my favorites, so it colors my assessment of this newer version. If the classic film did not exist, this TV movie would be a bit more engaging and commendable. But though competently made on a far less opulent budget, it pales in most respects.

The acting performances in this remake are, for the most part, more true to life, but lack the emotional punch and/or charisma of Holden, Novak, Russell, and all the fine actors of the 1955 version. The TV movie is bland in comparison.

The script is serviceable but unmemorable; the 1955 script is full of memorable moments and dialog.

The TV movie's music is especially inferior, generic small ensemble music, with some obviously synthesized instuments. Compare that to the 1955 film's beautiful and effective big orchestra score, by George Dunning.

The last scene in both versions is instuctive. The 1955 version gives me a rush of elation, a feeling of joyous culmination. The TV movie, ehh.

And though I was very fond of Mary Steinburgen in "Melvin and Howard" and "Time After Time", here she is completely miscast as the old maid middle aged school teacher. She's too pretty and sexy for the role, and lacks the emotional impact Rosiland Russell gave to what should be a pitiful despirate character.