L'histoire de Ruth

I would stay up late watching this when it aired on television back in the late 60's early 70's. And of course the "Book of Ruth" has always been one of my favorite books of the Bible. This is truly a great love story. And in my eyes, there could never be another 'Ruth' other then Elana Eden. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen on the big or small screen, hands down. When I read the Biblical account of Ruth, she is the one that I picture in my head as Ruth.

Granted, the movie doesn't follow the Bible word for word, but that's Hollywood for you. But it does follow the general story pretty close. For those of you who enjoy a great love story, (and I grew up reading Harlequin romances) this is one to add to your collection. And now it is finally available on DVD! My VHS copy is pretty well worn out by now.

This 20th Century Fox Biblical epic inspired by the scriptural tale deals with the beautiful Ruth (Elana Eden , this character was intended for Susan Strasberg , who was tested for the part, but the studio decided to go for an unknown), she is a Moabitess priestess under orders of hight religious hierarchy (Viveca Lindfors) , as their cruel religion makes sacrifices children to God Moloch in a pagan civilization . Later on , Ruth is drawn both to a Judean man and to his talk of a forgiving God . As she is enamored by a young Jewish (Tom Tryon) and decides to renounce his former gods . Then tragedy strikes, she begins a new life in Bethlehem . As arriving in Israel along with her mother-in-law (Peggy Wood), where she discovers true faith and works as an ear-woman . Although she is excluded by the Jewish community ; however , getting various suitors such as Boaz (Stuart Whitman) and Tob (Jeff Morrow).

This Biblical retelling film results to be an enjoyable story with all the spectacle of heathen idolatry , human sacrifice , pagan revels , romance , drama , a love story and fascinating scenarios . It's a known epic story of Ruth whose descendant will be King David , dealing with all the beauty of one of the Bible's timeless love stories . Elana Eden as Ruth is marvelous, however she barely acted after this realization , the veteran Peggy Wood is magnificent and Stuart Whitman as the tough Boaz makes an agreeable interpretation . Colorful and spectacular cinematography in CinemaScope by Arthur Arling , being stunningly reflected on the sensational outdoors . The luxurious costumes by the usual designer Nino Novarese . Sensitive and evocative musical score by the classic Franz Waxman . The film well well directed with big budget by Henry Koster . The picture will appeal to religious genre fans and Biblical history buffs . Rating : Good and nice , it's worthwhile seeing. I would recommend to see it wholeheartedly.

In the period from the 1940s to the 1960s there was on Hollywood the craze of making biblical epics, and while some they are lavish (like David and Bathsheba or Samson and Delilah), others, like this, are humble but pleasant to watch. And this one in particular is faithful to the Bible.

The movie is based on the Biblical book of Ruth, and it's divided in three parts. In her youth Ruth is portrayed as a pagan idolatress that believes in the blood-thirsty God Kemosh, but she meets Mahlon, a young artisan, and his family, and soon she becomes doubtful of her religion and begins to believe in a God of peace. When the high Priest discovers it, arrests Ruth, Mahlon, and his family. While Mahlon is forced to work at the quarries, Ruth tries to make him free, but he is killed by a guard. So she goes to Bethlehem with Naomi (Mahlon's mother) and falls in love with Boaz, an handsome landowner that let her work in his wheat fields. But soon Boaz's brother tries to capture Ruth's heart, and after some discussions, she finally declares her feelings for Boaz and marries him.

I loved this movie so much, and I explain the reasons: the scenery is wonderful, the soundtrack by Alfred Newman is majestic. And the actors, although not great ones, gave great performances here; Stuart Whitman is excellent as Boaz, and it's one of his best leading man roles; Tom Tryon is also convincing as Mahlon, the Judean that converts Ruth to a better religion and monotheism, and Peggy Wood is great as Naomi, Mahlon's mother that is also a spiritual guide for Ruth.

This is maybe one of the best bible-based movies ever made in Hollywood. A must-see.

"The Story of Ruth" was a modest production of a biblical story in the days when most tales from the Bible were large scale epics. The screenplay does expand the early portion of Ruth's story. Ruth (lovely Elana Eden) is a priestess in the temple of the religious idol worshipped in her native country of Moab. She meets the Hebrew Mahlon (Tom Tryon) whose invisible diety she cannot understand. Mahlon marries Ruth as he dies and she follows her mother-in-law, Naomi (Peggy Wood), back to her native land of Judah. Here the relationship between Ruth and Naomi is beautifully developed as the two women try to eke out a meager existence. All the while they have to deal with the strict rules of the Hebrews and particularly the council of elders who find out about Ruth's former belief in the pagan religion. It is Ruth's new faith in the one G-d of Naomi which finally brings her love and hope for a future in her adopted homeland. Stuart Whitman portrays her new romantic interest, Boaz. Jeff Morrow (Tob) is his rival for Ruth's hand and adds a welcome bit of humor to the proceedings. Viveca Lindfors portrays the High Priestess back in Moab in her inimitable style. The second half of the films adheres fairly close to the biblical text, and its pastoral scenes and quiet drama contrast to the more action oriented first half. However, director Henry Koster has kept his story moving along aided by a fine musical score by Franz Waxman. The story transcends some wooden acting and occasionally static dramatic scenes. The viewer will be swept along by the unusual tale of women triumphing over adversity in a male-dominated society.

At the age of 14, I idly turned on the TV in the afternoon and saw this movie just beginning. I felt drawn to see it as I was brought up on Bible stories and knew the story of Ruth pretty well. I was intrigued to see how it would be dramatised.

I was fascinated at the movie's expansion of the Book of Ruth's simple account of Ruth's Moabite beginnings, the evil of this pagan civilization which sacrificed its own children to Moloch. This part of the movie is in fact well authenticated by other parts of Scripture.

I was impressed by the beauty of the actress playing Ruth, and by her portrayal of the beauty of Ruth's character.

I was immediately aware that some license was taken with the beginnings of the relationship between Ruth and Boaz. In the Biblical version he was certainly never hostile to her! However as the love story progressed it had exactly the character of the loving kindness of the kinsman redeemer exemplified in the Biblical Boaz.

So much did this quality of deep love based on respect and loving kindness which cares for and wants to look after the beloved impress me that it actually became a standard against all future love stories, both fictional and real, were to be measured by me. For quite a number of years it was almost an unconscious influence, but in my mid 20's when I started seriously considering marriage,it surfaced and became a requirement for me in the man I would marry, and in the love we would have for each other. Somehow this love of Ruth and Boaz seemed much more REAL than almost all the romances I would see in movies or read about.

In fact the whole story of Ruth became a pattern for my life, after I returned to faith and sought a life in which God would be my Guide.

So much so that I now live in Israel, not far from where Ruth came to live with Naomi . I did find my "Boaz", who had been in some ways so clearly exemplified for me in "The Story of Ruth".

I still vividly remember the movie and am grateful that , even though it took some small "liberties" with the Biblical story, it was true to the spirit of the Book of Ruth!