A big hit on Broadway in the mid-50's - Pulitzer Prize - and I imagine it was big hit as a movie, given the casting of Holden and Novak. Holden was somewhat too old for the role, although his physical form was in fine shape. He was a good actor and was even better in this as a guy who cannot find what he wants to do in life. Kim Novak was luscious (although her hair coloring was not her hair coloring and a little strange looking when your used to her as blonde. She had, in all of her films, a sincerity, an honesty that she never betrayed. She's the girl he meets one day in a tiny town in Kansas, goes to a party picnic that very nite with the whole town celebration (labor Day), and the next day he has to hop on a freight train before he's arrested for stealing a car (which he had not done) but not before he has fallen in love with the beauteous Novak. She's struggling with her slow motion maturation and remains too attached to her mother (Betty Field, who never had enough to do in her movies) who only wishes for her to marry the richest boy in town, Cliff Robertson. Rather than go into the romantic story line, which is pretty basic and traditional re the struggle to grow up, I'll just refer to the characterizations. The standouts were the above 4 mentioned as well as Arthur O'Connell, in particular, nominated for AA in support, well deserved. He had the unfortunate role of the object of Rosalind Russell's obsessive old maid. Rosalind Russell. Rosalind Russell never met a ham bone she didn't like and she makes short shrift of it in 10 seconds flat and comes back for more. She has no understanding of the word or concept of subtlety. Her performance was cringe worthy. It spoiled the movie for me. Loved her in His Girl Friday, but the buck stops there. Verna Felton was beautifully touching as the neighbor. All in all, it was Holden's and Novak's picture and they made a dreamy, realistic couple trying to fine peace in their worlds.
