L'histoire de 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!

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!

This movie is a pleasant Old Testaments gem! I'm surprised it gets panned by many who demand accuracy. Perhaps people missed the point. Aside from the usual few Hollywood add- ons (e.g, Ruth was a Priestess, the death of Mahlon, the two Moabite spies, and the exact issue of Levirate law with Tob being first kin and the idea of love, not obligation for marriage) it is reasonably accurate. After all, which Hollywood movie is completely accurate? Ten Commandments? More importantly, it captures the spirit of Ruth. In essence, of the spirit of Ruth as a stranger following devotedly her mother-in-law and Jehovah, a new God for her, it is accurate. It depicts Ruth's altruism (she does not accept gifts and nothing but faith to her mother-in-law and God matters), Boaz's character of integrity (he has ethics, even higher than Ruth when he has to judge), the blind conversion of faith (to Judaism), and the lawful acceptance of non-Israelites very well. I think people missed these themes but rather are looking for a word-by-word account. The problem with a word-by-word account is that the Bible is missing too much. And then to expect a 1960 Bible movie to show Ruth going to bed with Boaz potential ruins her altruistic character. OK, maybe Delilah can go to bed with Samson, but to see Ruth, a most faithful, altruistic character do such a thing isn't consistent with the character development.

Thus, in spirit, this captures the Biblical story perhaps better than any other fictitious (e.g, The Robe) or supposedly accurate (The Ten Commandments) Hollywood movies. Unfortunately, those points are missed. Given the Book of Ruth is quite short, to make a two-hour movie, writer Norman Corwin and director Henry Koster took the liberty to make a smooth storyline. Since it lacks the exciting, epic battles and dramatic miracles of other Biblical movies, it won't appeal to many people. Rather, this film is more about human devotion, kindness and traditions. Acting was very strong by female leads Peggy Wood and the beautiful Elena Eden (who hardly made a movie afterward) but Stuart Whitman and Tom Tryon were average. Peggy was excellent and charming and Elena was very poised as what one might expect of her since she would be the mother of a great line. Jeff Morrow was enjoyable in his role, too. Sets, script and color cinematography were very good.

However, most people want fun and adventure. This film doesn't have those elements but rather it's about human search for spiritualism, goodness and faith.

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.

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.