The Long, Hot Summer 1958
"The people of Faulkner...the language of Faulkner...the world of Faulkner!"
Martin Ritt's *The Long, Hot Summer (1958)* delivers a sultry, Southern drama soaked in tension and old-world charm.
Director: Martin Ritt
Cast
Paul Newman
Ben Quick
Joanne Woodward
Clara Varner
Anthony Franciosa
Jody Varner
Orson Welles
Will Varner
Lee Remick
Eula Varner
Angela Lansbury
Minnie Littlejohn
Richard Anderson
Alan Stewart
Sarah Marshall
Agnes Stewart
Mabel Albertson
Elizabeth Stewart
J. Pat O'Malley
Ratliff
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Long, Hot Summer (1958) about?
The film follows Ben Quick, a charismatic but notorious drifter who insinuates himself into the life of a powerful Mississippi family, the Varners. His arrival stirs up simmering tensions, igniting a clash of ambition, love, and power that threatens to consume them all.
Who directed The Long, Hot Summer?
Martin Ritt directed *The Long, Hot Summer*, infusing the film with his signature blend of social realism and emotional depth.
Who stars in The Long, Hot Summer?
The film features Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Anthony Franciosa, Lee Remick, and Angela Lansbury in standout roles.
Is The Long, Hot Summer (1958) worth watching?
Absolutely—this Southern drama delivers rich character dynamics, stellar performances, and a Faulknerian atmosphere that lingers long after the credits roll. Its blend of ambition and desire makes it a timeless classic worth revisiting.
How long is The Long, Hot Summer?
The Long, Hot Summer runs for 115 minutes, or just under two hours.
🎥 Trailer
About The Long, Hot Summer (1958) — A sultry Southern drama of ambition, desire, and family secrets
Martin Ritt's *The Long, Hot Summer (1958)* delivers a sultry, Southern drama soaked in tension and old-world charm. Set in a sweltering Mississippi town, the film follows Ben Quick—a roguish drifter accused of arson—who weasels his way into the favor of the town's most powerful family, the Varners. With his slick charm and sharp wit, Ben disrupts the fragile balance of the Varner household, sparking a powder keg of ambition, desire, and resentment. The movie brims with Faulknerian atmosphere, where simmering resentments bubble beneath the surface of genteel facades.
Starring Paul Newman in a career-defining role, this drama unfolds against a backdrop of steamy nights and oppressive heat, where emotions run as hot as the weather. Joanne Woodward shines as Clara Varner, the complicated matriarch torn between duty and temptation, while Anthony Franciosa brings intensity as ambitious younger son Jody Varner. Lee Remick and Angela Lansbury round out the stellar cast, adding layers of drama and intrigue. *The Long, Hot Summer* is a masterclass in Southern gothic storytelling, blending sharp dialogue with unforgettable performances.
