The Long, Hot Summer is a 1958 American drama film directed by Martin Ritt. The screenplay was written by Irving Ravetch and Harriet Frank Jr., based in part on three works by William Faulkner: the 1931 novella "Spotted Horses", the 1939 short story "Barn Burning" and the 1940 novel The Hamlet. The title is taken from The Hamlet, as Book Three is called "The Long Summer". Some characters, as well as tone, were inspired by Tennessee Williams' 1955 play, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, a film adaptation of which – also starring Paul Newman – was released five months later. The plot follows the conflicts of the Varner family after ambitious drifter Ben Quick arrives in their small Mississippi town. Will Varner, the patriarch, has doubts about his son, Jody and sees Ben as a better choice to inherit his position. Will tries to push Ben and his daughter Clara into marriage.
| Director | Martin Ritt |
| Produced by | Jerry Wald |
| Writer(s) | William Faulkner, Irving Ravetch, Harriet Frank Jr. |
| Starring | Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Orson Welles |
| Music | Alex North |
| Cinematography | Joseph LaShelle |
| Edited by | Louis R. Loeffler |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
| Released | April 3, 1958 |
| Running time | 115 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $1.5 million |
| Box office | $3.5 million (US/Canada rentals) |
| Netflix ID | 60028274 |
About The Long, Hot Summer
An accused conman arrives in a small Mississippi town and becomes involved with a prominent family. The film was based, in part, on three works by William Faulkner.
Achievement of The Long, Hot Summer
The film reestablished the career of director Martin Ritt, who had been on the blacklist for most of the decade for alleged associations with communists.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About The Long, Hot Summer
Films based on works by William Faulkner.. Films directed by Martin Ritt.. Films set in Mississippi.. Southern Gothic films.. Films shot in Louisiana.. Films based on multiple works.
Latest information about The Long, Hot Summer updated on July 28 2021.
