KING VIDOR

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BB.5. 

USA, 1946.  Selznick International Pictures, Vanguard Films.  Screenplay by David O. Selznick, adaptation by Oliver H.P. Garrett, suggested by a novel by Niven Busch.  Cinematography by Lee Garmes, Ray Rennahan, Harold Rosson.  Produced by David O. Selznick.  Music by Dimitri Tiomkin.  Production Design by J. McMillan Johnson.  Costume Design by Walter Plunkett.  Film Editing by Hal C. Kern.  

Raucously cheesy western stars Jennifer Jones (in a terribly overripe performance) as a lusty Mexican girl who boils Gregory Peck‘s blood while staying with him at his ranch and eventually becoming his wife. Lillian Gish‘s death scene is a study in hilarity, and the final pistol showdown between Jones (whose husband David O. Selznick produced this turkey) and Peck is a kitsch lover’s delight.

Academy Award Nominations:  Best Actress (Jennifer Jones); Best Supporting Actress (Lillian Gish)

Venice Film Festival: In Competition