Wild River Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A government dude tries to convince a sassy grandma to move off her island so they can flood it and electrify the South, but ends up falling for her granddaughter, who is also pursued by Dale Gribble.

🍿 Wild River: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

In 1930s Tennessee, Chuck Glover, a TVA agent, arrives to oversee the construction of a dam and the relocation of residents in the soon-to-be flooded area. He faces immediate resistance from locals, especially regarding his equitable hiring practices for Black laborers. This sets the stage for a conflict between progress and tradition.

The Stand of Ella Garth

Glover’s primary challenge is Ella Garth, an unyielding elderly woman who refuses to leave her island home, which has been in her family for generations. Her stubbornness becomes a symbol of resistance against the encroachment of the federal government and modernization. Glover attempts negotiation, but finds himself increasingly drawn to her principled stance, despite being tasked with her eviction.

Romance and Racial Tensions

Complicating matters further, Glover develops a relationship with Ella’s widowed granddaughter, Carol. The affair intensifies existing racial tensions, as Glover’s progressive views clash with the deeply ingrained prejudices of the community. These conflicts culminate in acts of violence and intimidation, testing Glover’s commitment to his ideals and his relationship with Carol.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Chuck Glover (Montgomery Clift): A TVA field administrator tasked with evicting Ella Garth and facing local opposition to his progressive policies.
• Ella Garth (Jo Van Fleet): A stubborn octogenarian who refuses to leave her island home despite the impending flooding by the TVA.
• Carol Garth Baldwin (Lee Remick): A widowed granddaughter of Ella Garth who finds herself drawn to Chuck Glover amidst the conflict.
• Hank Bailey (Albert Salmi): A racist farmer who opposes Chuck Glover’s equal employment policies and represents the local resistance.
• Walter Clark (Frank Overton): Carol’s kind and caring fiancé representing the stable, but passionless, option in her life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Carol Garth Baldwin: “I’m leaving here, with you or without you, but I want you to know something… I’d be a good wife for you. A DAMN good wife.” – Carol expresses her love and desire for Chuck, asserting her capabilities as a partner despite the complexities of their situation.
• Ella Garth: “I love things running wild.” – Ella defiantly states her affinity for untamed nature when Chuck mentions the dangers of the wild river.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.595M
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Wild River Reviews

Personal Review

I stumbled upon ‘Wild River’ late one night and was immediately captivated. The struggle between Montgomery Clift and Jo Van Fleet was intense, and I really felt the emotional weight of their conflict. Lee Remick was amazing. When the river started to rise, it felt like my heart was sinking with it. Highly recommend this underrated gem.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in American history and social issues”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances and character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racial slurs and prejudice”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Elia Kazan masterfully captures the clash between progress and tradition in rural Tennessee. ‘Wild River’ is a poignant and visually stunning exploration of human resilience and the price of modernization. It’s a must-see!
• Variety: “A compelling drama with strong performances from Montgomery Clift, Lee Remick, and Jo Van Fleet. Kazan’s direction is sensitive and thought-provoking, highlighting the emotional toll of progress on individuals and communities.
• The Guardian: “Wild River’s exploration of personal and communal loss in the name of ‘progress’ retains its power to move and disturb. Excellent performances and strong direction make it a timeless classic.

Audience Reactions

Jo Van Fleet’s portrayal of the stubborn matriarch is absolutely unforgettable.: Viewers praise the film’s nuanced exploration of progress versus tradition and the strong performances of the cast.

The cinematography beautifully captures the rural Tennessee setting, adding to the film’s emotional impact.: Audience members often comment on the film’s stunning visuals and authentic portrayal of rural life.

Overall Consensus: ‘Wild River’ is a critically acclaimed drama praised for its strong performances, nuanced themes, and beautiful cinematography, though it remains relatively underseen.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Elia Kazan considered ‘Wild River’ his personal favorite among his films.”
• “Exterior locations were filmed on Coon Denton Island on the Hiwassee River, Tennessee.”
• “The film incorporates actual newsreel footage from the 1930s showing the devastating floods in the Tennessee Valley.”
• “Bruce Dern made his film debut in ‘Wild River,’ playing a small role as one of the antagonists.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wild River?

Currently, “Wild River” (1960) is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon. Check your preferred streaming service for rental or purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wild River, you might like these similar films:

• The Grapes of Wrath (1940): Both films explore the social impact of economic and environmental changes on rural communities during the Depression era.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): Deals with themes of ambition, progress, and the destructive impact of industrialization on individuals and communities.

🛒 Wild River Related Products

• The Complete Elia Kazan Collection (DVD): A comprehensive collection of Elia Kazan’s most acclaimed films, including ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’, ‘On the Waterfront’ and more. Perfect for cinephiles.
• Tennessee Valley Authority: A History: An in-depth look at the history, impact, and legacy of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Learn more about the real-world context of ‘Wild River’.
• Vintage Style Tennessee Travel Poster: A retro-style travel poster showcasing the beauty of Tennessee, inspired by the film’s scenic locations. Available in various sizes.
• Tennessee River Guidebook: Explore the modern Tennessee River with maps, historical context, and travel tips. Perfect for nature lovers and history buffs.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wild River features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “In the Garden” – performed by Lee Remick
• “Wild River (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” – performed by Kenyon Hopkins

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

🤨 FAQ

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