The Long, Hot Summer Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A handsome drifter arrives in a small town, sets hearts ablaze and property on fire, and becomes the town’s new daddy whether he wants to or not.

🍿 The Long, Hot Summer: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Frenchman’s Bend

Ben Quick (Paul Newman), a man with a reputation as a barn burner, arrives in Frenchman’s Bend, Mississippi, seeking a fresh start. The town is dominated by Will Varner (Orson Welles), a wealthy and powerful landowner who owns most of the businesses and properties. Jody Varner (Anthony Franciosa), Will’s son, hires Ben as a sharecropper, much to the suspicion of the townsfolk.

Varner’s Ambitions and Ben’s Rise

Will Varner is disappointed with his children: Jody, who he sees as weak, and Clara (Joanne Woodward), his unmarried daughter. He wants an heir to carry on his legacy. He takes a liking to Ben, seeing him as ambitious and strong, qualities he admires. Ben quickly rises in Varner’s favor, eventually being offered a partnership in the general store and a room in the Varner mansion.

A Proposal and Tensions Rise

Will decides that Ben should marry Clara, believing that he would bring strength and vitality to the family. Clara, however, is repulsed by Ben’s aggressive nature and sees him as another version of her controlling father. Jody, feeling threatened by Ben’s growing influence, becomes increasingly resentful and schemes to undermine him. The tensions within the Varner family and between Ben and Clara intensify.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ben Quick (Paul Newman): A cunning and ambitious drifter who arrives in a small Mississippi town and aims to integrate himself into the Varner family.
• Will Varner (Orson Welles): The wealthy and powerful patriarch of Frenchman’s Bend, determined to secure his family’s legacy.
• Clara Varner (Joanne Woodward): Will Varner’s intelligent and independent daughter, a schoolteacher who seeks genuine connection and fulfillment.
• Jody Varner (Anthony Franciosa): Will Varner’s insecure and resentful son, desperate to earn his father’s approval and secure his place in the family.
• Eula Varner (Lee Remick): The seductive and restless wife of Jody, who brings a sensual tension to the Varner household.
• Minnie Littlejohn (Angela Lansbury): Will Varner’s longtime mistress, who desires marriage and a more secure position in his life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Will Varner: “I want Varners and more Varners!” – Expresses Will’s intense desire to have grandchildren to carry on the family name and legacy.
• Ben Quick: “I can see you don’t like me, but you’re gonna have me. It’s gonna be you and me…” – Ben’s confident and somewhat arrogant declaration to Clara, hinting at his determination to win her over despite her initial resistance.
• Clara Varner: “Mr. Quick, I am a human being. Do you know what that means? It means I set a price on myself: a high, high price.” – Clara asserts her independence and value, refusing to be treated as a commodity or possession.
• Will Varner: “I like life! I think I may just live forever.” – Said at the end after forgiving Jody, this statement encapsulates Will Varner’s zest for life and the renewal of family bonds.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,500,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Long, Hot Summer Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘The Long, Hot Summer’! Paul Newman is so charismatic, and his chemistry with Joanne Woodward is electric. The picnic scene where they argue but you can feel the attraction was amazing. Orson Welles’s over-the-top performance just adds to the fun. It’s a classic for a reason!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood dramas.”
  • “Those interested in Southern Gothic stories.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong performances from Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, and Orson Welles.”
  • “People who enjoy stories about family dynamics and societal expectations.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes including adultery and attempted arson.”
  • “Suggestive content and sexual tension.”
  • “Implied violence and threats.”
  • “The film reflects societal norms of the time, which may include outdated perspectives on gender roles.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A steamy Southern drama elevated by stellar performances, particularly from Newman and Welles. The film explores themes of power, family, and desire with a compelling narrative.
• The New York Times: “Though occasionally overwrought, ‘The Long, Hot Summer’ offers a captivating look at small-town dynamics and the clash of ambition and tradition. Newman’s charisma is undeniable.
• AllMovie: “A lush and captivating adaptation of Faulkner, ‘The Long, Hot Summer’ benefits from strong direction and a magnetic cast. The film explores complex relationships and the allure of power.

Audience Reactions

Paul Newman’s undeniable charm and magnetism captivated viewers.: The chemistry between Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward was a highlight for many.

Orson Welles’ performance was memorably larger than life.: The over-the-top Southern patriarch was both entertaining and controversial among viewers.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Long, Hot Summer’ is a classic Southern drama praised for its performances, particularly the chemistry between Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. Some find the plot overwrought, but the film remains a compelling exploration of family, power, and desire.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Best Actor)- 1958

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Martin Ritt famously challenged Orson Welles’s on-set behavior by driving him to a swamp and making him find his own way back, reportedly ‘taming’ the notoriously difficult actor.”
• “This film marked the first on-screen pairing of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, and they married shortly after production wrapped. Their real-life chemistry significantly influenced the on-screen dynamics.”
• “The movie is loosely based on William Faulkner’s novel ‘The Hamlet’ and two short stories, but the plot was significantly altered for a more conventional Hollywood narrative, much to the dismay of some Faulkner purists.”
• “Orson Welles, known for his method acting and unusual character choices, wore a large, prosthetic nose for his role as Will Varner. However, the nose would sometimes melt under the hot set lights, causing production delays.”
• “The film was shot entirely on location in Louisiana, adding to the authenticity of the Southern setting, although the accents were sometimes criticized as being exaggerated.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Long, Hot Summer?

The Long, Hot Summer is currently available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check these services for rental and purchase options, as availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Long, Hot Summer, you might like these similar films:

• Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958): Similar themes of family conflict, repressed sexuality, and a domineering patriarch in the Southern setting, both released in the same year.
• Giant (1956): Explores themes of wealth, family legacies, and social dynamics in a sprawling epic setting, similar to the scale and scope of The Long, Hot Summer.
• Baby Doll (1956): Another Southern drama from the same era, exploring themes of sexuality and power dynamics with a controversial edge, that would appeal to fans of the raw emotion in The Long, Hot Summer.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): A more modern, darker take on ambition and family legacy, featuring a ruthless protagonist who seeks to control and dominate, similar to Will Varner’s character.
• The Night of the Hunter (1955): A cult classic with a Southern Gothic atmosphere and explores dark themes with strong performances, appealing to those interested in the darker aspects of human nature depicted in The Long, Hot Summer.

🛒 The Long, Hot Summer Related Products

• Paul Newman: A Life: A comprehensive biography of Paul Newman, exploring his life, career, and philanthropy. It reveals the actor’s complexity and depth.
• Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman: A Love Story: Explore the beautiful and enduring love story of Hollywood legends Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman. Learn how the couple beat the odds and stayed together for 50 years!
• The Essential Orson Welles Collection [Blu-ray]: Features classic Orson Welles films, showcasing his brilliance as a director and actor. Includes ‘Citizen Kane,’ ‘Touch of Evil,’ and other Welles masterpieces.
• Southern Style Cookbook: A collection of authentic Southern recipes, perfect for recreating the flavors of Frenchman’s Bend. Includes classic dishes.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Long, Hot Summer features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Long, Hot Summer” – performed by Jimmie Rodgers
• “Main Title” – performed by Alex North

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s Bed

Ever wonder how Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were *really* like on set? This short clip dives into their relationship during ‘The Long, Hot Summer’ – it’s a fascinating look at a Hollywood power couple!

Joanne Woodward’s Struggle With Alzheimer’s and Paul Newman’s Death

Did you know Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s epic love story started during ‘The Long, Hot Summer’? This video explores their romance and, heartbreakingly, Joanne’s battle with Alzheimer’s. It’s a touching reminder of life’s ups and downs.

The Long Hot Summer – Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward – Jimmie Rogers – Baumwoll Archives Tribute –

Want to feel the vibe of ‘The Long, Hot Summer’ all over again? This tribute video uses the movie’s beautiful soundtrack to celebrate Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. It’s a lovely, nostalgic trip!

✨ Rate