I admit: reviewing this here is a cheat. A big, fat cheat. Another admission: I've never been able to stomach Faulkner. I've tried. Paul Newman I can stomach.
Loosely based on the short stories of WIlliam Faulkner (adapted for the screen by Irving Ravetch and Harriet Frank, Jr.), the film's story takes some liberties and focuses on the Varners. Will Varner, played by Orson Welles, is the patriarch of the Varner family, owning much of small-town Frenchman's Bend, Mississippi. Newman portrays Ben Quick, who saunters into town looking to escape his own legacy as a barn-burner.
Varner has long been disappointed in both of his children. His only son, Jody, has failed to prove himself as the ruthless businessman, nor has he produced any children to carry on the family line. His daughter, Clara, is a schoolteacher, and still single. Her only romantic prospect is a genteel fellow that doesn't meet Varner's idea of suitable. Quick soon establishes himself as Varner's predecessor with his savvy (if not entirely ethical) business sense, as well as impressing Varner as a potential mate for daughter Clara. Obviously, neither of Varner's children are as impressed with Quick. His brash manner offends Clara's refined sensibilities and his favor arouses Jody's insecurities.
While I was impressed by the writing and the film as a whole story, I was rightfully irritated by Welles. Varner is a despicable character at best, but Welles manner is so abrasive, I often found myself unable to concentrate on the other actors. That said, this spiked my curiosity enough to further investigate the more complete work of Newman and Joanne Woodward. And there's a delightful turn by a young(er) Angela Lansbury. Perhaps I'll even try Faulkner again...
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