love is the famous dance scene. This is one of the coolest and sexiest movie dances from Old Hollywood studio days that was ever performed by two non-dancers. Holden didn't want to do the role. He felt he was too old. Technically, he was. But, he was big box office at the time and he'd won a Best Actor Oscar for Billy Wilder's 1953 World War 2 prison story, Stalag 17. Holden's name on a marquee brought in movie goers -- and it certainly did with this hit film. Also, Holden hated having to shave his chest hair to make him look younger. Those discomforts gave him an edginess and insecurity that worked for the Hal character.

The only woman who can handle Hal's rugged masculinity is the kindlyold next door neighbor played by Verna Felton. She lives with her ailing -- and loud -- elderly mother. As soon as Helen Potts (Felton) meets Hal the drifter, she offers him food and tells him to take off his shirt. Work it, Helen!

The love theme to Picnic, blended into an instrumental of "Moonglow," became a pop music hit from the soundtrack. That jazz cut knocks me out in the movie. It makes no sense in the scene but it totally works. Watch it and notice what a master Holden was of screen technique. He's not a dancer. But look at how he sensually caresses Kim Novak's hand. That's where his real choreography is. It reveals Hal's hidden feelings. Plus the way they stop, gaze at each other,