MovieChat Forums > Raintree County (1957) Discussion > I just couldn't get through this one

I just couldn't get through this one

posted 16 years ago by Rand-o
5 replies | jump to latest

I watched this for the very first time today on TCM...and I just couldn't get through it. I made it until the intermission and then I just couldn't stand it anymore. I really, really tried, though.

It was just so god-awfully boring! It seemed to move along at a snail's pace and the storyline was so leaden and static. I felt like I was going to scream if I had to sit in front of the screen any longer; it took all of my will power to watch this as long as I did.

I'm really surprised at my reaction because I love classic film. (I love just about all film!) I'm a huge fan of both Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift. I love them both together in A Place In The Sun and Suddenly, Last Summer. I love Civil War films like Gone With The Wind. Taylor's previous film, George Stevens' epic, Giant, is one of my favorite films of all time.

But Raintree County seemed like the biggest, most overblown bore of all time. What do other people think? Anyone else agree? Disagree? What did I miss?

[–] artistathome 16 years ago

spoiler ################

I wish you had watched it til the end when Susanna runs away and dies. What in heck did she die from? all of the sudden they find her dead in the swamp and everyone stands around, looking at her. Her husband didn't even say how did she die? did she commit suicide or whuuuut?

Then John and Nell go find Jim and suddenly everyone is so happy. Dumb ending.
Nina

[–] Rand-o 16 years ago

^Thanks. I'm glad I didn't bother.

I can't help but wonder: What was up with Susanna's dolls? Especially that one that was all burnt and mutilated. It made Chucky from Child's Play look like Mattel's Malibu Barbie!
Up until the 3 hour mark of the film, it was not explained. That horrible-looking doll freaked me out!

I can resist anything but temptation. - Wilde

[–] michelle_p23 16 years ago

i think the doll got burned from the fire at her house.

but i lovedd the ending when suzanna died and when nell and john were together.

i just didnt like suzanna she was so crazy.

[–] bill3-1 16 years ago

It was boring, not awful, but slow, and Clift was so wooden.

[–] preppy-3 15 years ago

Well Clift had the accident while making the film so he was in considerable pain. Also half of his face was immobile because of the accident.

BOOK SPOILERS!!!!
The film was too slow and overblown. Also they only did half of the book! There's a whole other section with Clift's character getting over Susanna's death and remarrying. Also Susanna burnt down the house in the book and died in it WITH the kid. That was too strong though for a Hollywood movie at thwe time.