La storia di Ruth

I have always liked biblical epics and thought that I'd seen them all, but while watching a feature on them I saw listed "The Story of Ruth." I knew nothing of this story of the Old Testament, so I purchased the DVD. The film, made in 1960, shortly after the release of "Ben Hur" was not an epic in the sense of 'a cast of thousands' with big name stars, but rather a simply told story, both moving and charmingly portrayed by a cast who excelled in their respective roles and brilliantly directed by Henry Coaster, with a literate script by Norman Corwin. Stuart Whitman was never better than in his role as Boaz and newcomer Elana Eden was stunningly beautiful and very impressive as Ruth. In fact, it surprises me that her career waned after "Story of Ruth." The always great Peggy Wood was Oscar worthy as Naomi and the rest of the players were also well cast. Franz Waxman's score was moving and added a reverence to the entire film. It seemed pretty accurate for the most part. I wondered if there was any truth to the fact that Ruth was sold to the Moabites by her father, as my sources (Biblical dictionaries) are pretty concise. To summarize, I must say that I really enjoyed this film!

I remember seeing this on its first run and its color was marvelous. The human sacrifice scene to the god Moloch was chilling.

Of particular interest is the dialogue between Mahlon (Tom Tryon) and Ruth (Elana Eden) about religion. Mahlon, the Hebrew, tries to explain to Ruth, a pagan virgin votary, how his people could worship an invisible God. This deep theological discussion came about because Ruth asked the question. Mahlon gave a wonderful illustrative example.

He said: "Imagine that you are soldier in the battlefield and you wish to pray to save your army and for victory. How would you do that?"

Ruth answered that she would think of the image of her god and pray.

Mahlon then explained that in that case, the god she would be praying to would be invisible.

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.

After having missed out on it several times on Italian TV, I've managed to catch up with this - as it turned out - underrated Biblical epic via Fox's pleasing DVD edition. It's a typically lavish production with a nice Franz Waxman score and a decent cast: unknown Elana Eden makes for a convincing heroine; Tom Tryon is the leading man during the first half (until he is killed off), with Stuart Whitman taking over in the second part of the narrative; Peggy Wood is a dignified Noemi; and Jeff Morrow delivers an amusing performance as a perennially drunk Jewish merchant and Eden's suitor.

Not knowing much about the Biblical story, the lengthy expository events - akin to the similarly irrelevant ones (of the young Moses in Egypt) depicted in THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (1956) - were a welcome addition; as a matter of fact, Viveca Lindfors - a strong presence during these early stages - disappears altogether once the scene shifts to Judea! Typical of most epics of the time, the film feels overlong and could do with some trimming - especially in its more reverent second half - but it's one I wouldn't mind owning on DVD, especially if Fox would consider releasing a collection of their Biblical epics (comprising as well David AND BATSHEBA [1951], THE ROBE [1953], DEMETRIUS AND THE GLADIATORS [1954] and THE BIBLE...IN THE BEGINNING [1966]).

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.