MovieChat Forums > Raintree County (1957) Discussion > Yikes! What a Bore!

Yikes! What a Bore!

posted 14 years ago by Schmoozette
8 replies | jump to latest

I finally got around to seeing Raintree County, and from the get-go I was astonished by how plodding and uninteresting it is, with one of the most dreadful scripts I've ever listened to. I found myself several times flicking between RC and Family Guy reruns.

The direction was as slow as molasses in January, and the acting, 'fraid to say, was sub-par all around (although it must have been hard to find any life in that script).

I actually fell asleep before the end, so I guess one day if it plays again I'll try to catch the end out of curiosity (I've read other comments about the abrupt ending).

"Jezebel" with Bette Davis was another film that was compared to "GWTW," but at least that film, even in b&w, had some spunk, and Bette threw herself into that role (I've always loved her!).

But, geez, I was really shocked at how just plain agonizingly boring Raintree is.

BTW, at one point I noticed a sign in the movie that said "May 12." I don't know what it was referring to in the context of the story, but I was wondering if it in any way is a reference to the date of Monty's fateful car accident. Anyone know?

[–] digitaldiva 14 years ago

Hi Schmoozette,

Yes May 12, 1956 was the date of the horrible crash and to be honest, they should have shelved the production on May 13th. The script was leaden as was the direction and nothing can save it. I watched scene after scene waiting for signs of life but there was none. Even the battle scenes looked tired which was too bad. Clift's character was the protagonist, a very bland protagonist, a dreamer who never came to life. The whole film was a disappointment. From what I've read Monty didn't like the script, knew it would be a dog and would turn up to rehearsals drunk. So very sad.

[–] Schmoozette 14 years ago

Yes, that is sad.

However, I was curious as to whether the sign in the movie deliberately had the date of May 12th, or if by some coincidence it was a historical date during the Civil War, for example.

Thanks for your reply, and interesting that you also found it a drag.

[–] digitaldiva 14 years ago

Hi Schmoozette,

The Battle of Spotsylvania took place on May 12th, but I only remember Chickamaga as the main battle in the movie. Who knows?

[–] Schmoozette 14 years ago

I see...thanks. Maybe I'll spot in again in a future viewing.

[–] ms moss 13 years ago

I also thought it was boring. I watched it in two days and when I was done I felt like I wasted my time.

[–] SnoozeAlarm 12 years ago

It takes you 2 days to watch a movie? Man, you're slow.

Spoilers!Spoilers!Spoilers!Spoilers!Spoilers!Spoilers!Spoilers!

[–] cookiela2001 13 years ago

Yes, this is kind of a hulking movie...I have never been able to watch it straight through. Surprisingly (since I usually find her incredibly boring) Eva Marie Saint is the best thing in it! At least she seems reasonably ALIVE!

[–] TrangPak2 11 years ago

Elizabeth Taylor as usual is really really good but she couldn't save this yawnfest. It's like watching her sink in quicksand fighting to stay afloat.