Ruby Gentry

Starring: Jennifer Jones & Charlton Heston Director: King Vidor

DVD Features:

Product Description:

Reprising much of the plot of his earlier DUEL IN THE SUN, King Vidor also chose that film's leading lady, Jennifer Jones, to fill the title role of RUBY GENTRY. Ruby Corey, a poor, beautiful young woman from the backwoods of North Carolina, lusts after Boake Tackman (Charlton Heston), scion of one of the wealthier families in town. Although far from indifferent to Ruby's charms, Boake opts to abide by his family's preference for a mate from his own social stratum. Meanwhile, Jim Gentry (Karl Malden), the wealthiest man in town--who also has an eye for the sultry young woman--asks her to marry him. To spite Boake as well as the rest of the contemptuous townspeople, she agrees. When an accident takes Gentry's life, the town holds Ruby responsible, without any justification. In the spirit of vengeance, the widow demands full payment of all outstanding debts owed to her husband, further antagonizing the town as well as threatening the survival of Tackman's fledgling business. Malden gives an excellent performance in this potboiler deftly handled by Vidor.

Plot Synopsis:

RUBY GENTRY is a southern potboiler bubbling over with lust and murder. Destitute gentleman Boake Tackman feels a profound sexual longing for white-trash looker Ruby Gentry. Boake bucks to convention, however, and marries well-heeled belle Tracy McAuliffe. When Ruby weds another man, Boake continues to act on his sordid impulses with Ruby and, inadvertently, puts into a play a series of encounters--some of them erotic, others deadly--that might claim one or many lives. Around these parts, few know just how high the price of passion really is.

Plot Keywords:

Adventure | Drama | Romance | Theatrical Release | Vengeance

Production Notes:

• Joan Fontaine turned down the role of Ruby.
• The score is performed solely by a harmonica, a novelty at the time.
• Although the film is set in the South, none of the characters speak with a southern accent.

Cast and Crew: