Picnic Poster

Picnic 1955

★ 6.3108 votes114 min📅 1955-11-18

"Unsurpassed! Unforgettable!"

Set on a crisp Labor Day in a quiet Kansas farming town, Joshua Logan's *Picnic (1955)* unfolds as a bittersweet symphony of fleeting connections and restless dreams.

Director: Joshua Logan

Cast

William Holden
William Holden
Hal Carter
Kim Novak
Kim Novak
Madge Owens
Rosalind Russell
Rosalind Russell
Rosemary - The School Teacher
Betty Field
Betty Field
Flo Owens
Susan Strasberg
Susan Strasberg
Millie Owens
Cliff Robertson
Cliff Robertson
Alan Benson
Arthur O'Connell
Arthur O'Connell
Howard Bevans
Verna Felton
Verna Felton
Helen Potts
Reta Shaw
Reta Shaw
Irma Henderson
Nick Adams
Nick Adams
'Bomber'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Picnic (1955) about?

The film follows Hal, a wandering drifter who arrives in a sleepy Kansas town on Labor Day to reconnect with an old college friend. His presence stirs up emotions, especially for Madge, a young woman trapped between duty and desire, leading to a day of life-altering decisions.

Who directed Picnic?

Picnic was directed by Joshua Logan, a filmmaker known for his emotionally rich storytelling and ability to capture the human condition on screen.

Who stars in Picnic?

The film stars William Holden as Hal, Kim Novak as Madge, and Rosalind Russell as Alan's mother.

Is Picnic (1955) worth watching?

A classic blend of drama and romance, *Picnic* delivers strong performances and a nostalgic yet timeless exploration of desire and opportunity. Its emotional depth and sweeping visuals make it a rewarding watch for fans of mid-century American cinema.

How long is Picnic?

Picnic has a runtime of 114 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Picnic (1955) — A Classic Romance and Drama in Small-Town Kansas

Set on a crisp Labor Day in a quiet Kansas farming town, Joshua Logan's *Picnic (1955)* unfolds as a bittersweet symphony of fleeting connections and restless dreams. The arrival of Hal, a rugged drifter and former college athlete, disrupts the predictable rhythm of local life when he seeks out Alan, the well-heeled heir to the town's fortunes. What begins as a simple visit spirals into a charged exploration of desire, opportunity, and the quiet desperation that lingers beneath small-town routines. With its sweeping Kansas landscapes and emotionally raw performances, the film captures the tension between tradition and transformation.

William Holden and Kim Novak deliver powerhouse performances as Hal and Madge, two souls on the edge of change, while Rosalind Russell adds sharp wit as Alan's protective mother. Blending drama and romance with a touch of social commentary, *Picnic* immerses viewers in a world where one day can alter the course of a lifetime. The film's sweeping score and intimate character moments make it a standout classic that lingers long after the credits roll.