|
|
|
|
1955 115 minutes
Columbia
This is one of the best films about small-town life ever made. The film is blessed with a
cast that makes it even more credible. William Holden drifts into town to call on an old
college pal just as the community is preparing to celebrate Labor Day. Before he finds his
friend (Cliff Robertson) he stumbles upon the beautiful Kim Novak, who just happens to be
Robertson's girlfriend. Joshua Logan's faithful screen adaptation of William Inge's
Pulitzer Prize-winning play, is beautifully shot by cinematographer James Wong Howe. The
film is most remembered for its dance scene. Hollywood lore has it that Holden didn't
think he was up to the famous dance scene with Novak. Logan took Holden to roadhouses and
compelled him to dance with choreographer Miriam Nelson to jukebox songs until the actor
was confident he could perform on the dance floor. Cinematographer Howe circled the two
dancers with his camera, showing them mostly from the waist up, their eyes riveted to each
other, capturing the love scene in one take. That scene became one of the most famous of
the 1950's and made Moonglow a sensational hit. Great performances are given by Rosalind
Russell (His Girl Friday, Auntie Mame) and Susan Strasberg as Novak's younger sister
Millie. |
|
