Raintree Country (1957)

VHS COVER/SIDE

Length of film: 172 Minutes

Rated: Approved  

Genre: Drama, Romance, War

Director: Edward Dmytryk

Starring: Montgomery Clift, Elizabeth Taylor, Eva Marie Saint, Nigel Patrick, Lee Marvin

IMDB Rank: 6.4/10

Part 1 Time:  122 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  50 Minutes

Where does the first part end?  Johnny has enlisted into the Union army and prepares to leave by train. Nell speaks to Johnny at the train station.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “It just can’t Johnny, because somehow I know we will find each other again, I don’t know how, but I know this is not it and that is why I come back here. I’ll never stop loving you and I walk these streets and I said, this is his town and these people are his people and this earth is his earth. You just don’t know Johnny.” Nell speaks to Johnny before he leaves on the train heading south

First line of dialogue on the second part: Orville  “Flash” Perkins commands new recruits to Sutlers Shore. “Halt” Orville states to Johnny.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, Johnny’s wife Susanna and his son Jim have left Raintree Country to return home to Georgia. The American Civil War has broken out and Johnny enlists in the Union army. He feels this is his best chance to find his wife and child. Will Johnny be able to find Susanna and Jim in this war torn country?

Which part is better?  Part one is significantly better due to its ability to show the deferring viewpoints on the American slavery issue. Both sides are represented and this shows tensions between multiple characters in the film. Part two is very quick paced and at times feels rushed, especially in the last 30 minutes of the film.

Academy Awards: 1958- Best Leading Actress (Nominated- Elizabeth Taylor), Best Art Direction- Set Decoration (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Sound-Scoring (Nominated).