Picnic

Dir. Joshua Logan. 1955, 115 mins. DCP. With William Holden, Kim Novak, Rosalind Russell, Susan Strasberg, Cliff Robertson. William Inge’s smash 1953 Broadway production, which dared to uncover the smoldering desires of small-town American life, was transformed into a hit movie by studio stalwart Logan, who also directed the original stage version. For the screen, Logan and cinematographer James Wong Howe bring Inge’s then-scandalous play to sensuous, Technicolor life, using extensive location shooting in Kansas to lend authenticity to the story of a handsome drifter (Holden) who arouses the romantic and erotic interests of his buddy’s girlfriend (Novak), her little sister (Strasberg), and a middle-aged schoolteacher (Russell, perfect as always).

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission. Review safety protocols before your visit.