La storia di Ruth

I have always liked biblical epics and thought that I'd seen them all, but while watching a feature on them I saw listed "The Story of Ruth." I knew nothing of this story of the Old Testament, so I purchased the DVD. The film, made in 1960, shortly after the release of "Ben Hur" was not an epic in the sense of 'a cast of thousands' with big name stars, but rather a simply told story, both moving and charmingly portrayed by a cast who excelled in their respective roles and brilliantly directed by Henry Coaster, with a literate script by Norman Corwin. Stuart Whitman was never better than in his role as Boaz and newcomer Elana Eden was stunningly beautiful and very impressive as Ruth. In fact, it surprises me that her career waned after "Story of Ruth." The always great Peggy Wood was Oscar worthy as Naomi and the rest of the players were also well cast. Franz Waxman's score was moving and added a reverence to the entire film. It seemed pretty accurate for the most part. I wondered if there was any truth to the fact that Ruth was sold to the Moabites by her father, as my sources (Biblical dictionaries) are pretty concise. To summarize, I must say that I really enjoyed this film!

After having missed out on it several times on Italian TV, I've managed to catch up with this - as it turned out - underrated Biblical epic via Fox's pleasing DVD edition. It's a typically lavish production with a nice Franz Waxman score and a decent cast: unknown Elana Eden makes for a convincing heroine; Tom Tryon is the leading man during the first half (until he is killed off), with Stuart Whitman taking over in the second part of the narrative; Peggy Wood is a dignified Noemi; and Jeff Morrow delivers an amusing performance as a perennially drunk Jewish merchant and Eden's suitor.

Not knowing much about the Biblical story, the lengthy expository events - akin to the similarly irrelevant ones (of the young Moses in Egypt) depicted in THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (1956) - were a welcome addition; as a matter of fact, Viveca Lindfors - a strong presence during these early stages - disappears altogether once the scene shifts to Judea! Typical of most epics of the time, the film feels overlong and could do with some trimming - especially in its more reverent second half - but it's one I wouldn't mind owning on DVD, especially if Fox would consider releasing a collection of their Biblical epics (comprising as well David AND BATSHEBA [1951], THE ROBE [1953], DEMETRIUS AND THE GLADIATORS [1954] and THE BIBLE...IN THE BEGINNING [1966]).

This movie is a pleasant Old Testaments gem! I'm surprised it gets panned by many who demand accuracy. Perhaps people missed the point. Aside from the usual few Hollywood add- ons (e.g, Ruth was a Priestess, the death of Mahlon, the two Moabite spies, and the exact issue of Levirate law with Tob being first kin and the idea of love, not obligation for marriage) it is reasonably accurate. After all, which Hollywood movie is completely accurate? Ten Commandments? More importantly, it captures the spirit of Ruth. In essence, of the spirit of Ruth as a stranger following devotedly her mother-in-law and Jehovah, a new God for her, it is accurate. It depicts Ruth's altruism (she does not accept gifts and nothing but faith to her mother-in-law and God matters), Boaz's character of integrity (he has ethics, even higher than Ruth when he has to judge), the blind conversion of faith (to Judaism), and the lawful acceptance of non-Israelites very well. I think people missed these themes but rather are looking for a word-by-word account. The problem with a word-by-word account is that the Bible is missing too much. And then to expect a 1960 Bible movie to show Ruth going to bed with Boaz potential ruins her altruistic character. OK, maybe Delilah can go to bed with Samson, but to see Ruth, a most faithful, altruistic character do such a thing isn't consistent with the character development.

Thus, in spirit, this captures the Biblical story perhaps better than any other fictitious (e.g, The Robe) or supposedly accurate (The Ten Commandments) Hollywood movies. Unfortunately, those points are missed. Given the Book of Ruth is quite short, to make a two-hour movie, writer Norman Corwin and director Henry Koster took the liberty to make a smooth storyline. Since it lacks the exciting, epic battles and dramatic miracles of other Biblical movies, it won't appeal to many people. Rather, this film is more about human devotion, kindness and traditions. Acting was very strong by female leads Peggy Wood and the beautiful Elena Eden (who hardly made a movie afterward) but Stuart Whitman and Tom Tryon were average. Peggy was excellent and charming and Elena was very poised as what one might expect of her since she would be the mother of a great line. Jeff Morrow was enjoyable in his role, too. Sets, script and color cinematography were very good.

However, most people want fun and adventure. This film doesn't have those elements but rather it's about human search for spiritualism, goodness and faith.

"The Story of Ruth" was a modest production of a biblical story in the days when most tales from the Bible were large scale epics. The screenplay does expand the early portion of Ruth's story. Ruth (lovely Elana Eden) is a priestess in the temple of the religious idol worshipped in her native country of Moab. She meets the Hebrew Mahlon (Tom Tryon) whose invisible diety she cannot understand. Mahlon marries Ruth as he dies and she follows her mother-in-law, Naomi (Peggy Wood), back to her native land of Judah. Here the relationship between Ruth and Naomi is beautifully developed as the two women try to eke out a meager existence. All the while they have to deal with the strict rules of the Hebrews and particularly the council of elders who find out about Ruth's former belief in the pagan religion. It is Ruth's new faith in the one G-d of Naomi which finally brings her love and hope for a future in her adopted homeland. Stuart Whitman portrays her new romantic interest, Boaz. Jeff Morrow (Tob) is his rival for Ruth's hand and adds a welcome bit of humor to the proceedings. Viveca Lindfors portrays the High Priestess back in Moab in her inimitable style. The second half of the films adheres fairly close to the biblical text, and its pastoral scenes and quiet drama contrast to the more action oriented first half. However, director Henry Koster has kept his story moving along aided by a fine musical score by Franz Waxman. The story transcends some wooden acting and occasionally static dramatic scenes. The viewer will be swept along by the unusual tale of women triumphing over adversity in a male-dominated society.

I would stay up late watching this when it aired on television back in the late 60's early 70's. And of course the "Book of Ruth" has always been one of my favorite books of the Bible. This is truly a great love story. And in my eyes, there could never be another 'Ruth' other then Elana Eden. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen on the big or small screen, hands down. When I read the Biblical account of Ruth, she is the one that I picture in my head as Ruth.

Granted, the movie doesn't follow the Bible word for word, but that's Hollywood for you. But it does follow the general story pretty close. For those of you who enjoy a great love story, (and I grew up reading Harlequin romances) this is one to add to your collection. And now it is finally available on DVD! My VHS copy is pretty well worn out by now.