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Poster for Picnic

1955 | 114 min | Drama, Romance

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It won 2 Oscars, though it had middling reviews (50% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 6.3 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics. If you loved Blue Valentine or The Whale, start here.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 54 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
  • Made in 1955: an older pace and style.

Labor Day in a small Kansas farm town. Hal, a burly and resolute drifter, jumps off a dusty freight train car with the purpose of visiting Alan, a former college classmate and son of the richest man in town.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsBelow par

    50% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesBelow par

    6.3 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 2 Oscars: Academy Awards: Best Art Direction – Color, Academy Awards: Best Film Editing. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Director – Motion Picture. Also nominated for 4 more Oscars, 1 more Golden Globe and 4 BAFTAs. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $9 million worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 76K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Joshua Logan

  • William HoldenHal Carter
  • Kim NovakMadge Owens
  • Rosalind RussellRosemary - The School Teacher
  • Betty FieldFlo Owens
  • Susan StrasbergMillie Owens
  • Cliff RobertsonAlan Benson
  • Arthur O'ConnellHoward Bevans
  • Verna FeltonHelen Potts
  • Reta ShawIrma Henderson
  • Nick Adams'Bomber'