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Ruby Gentry Blu-ray Review

“Ruby Gentry” is all over the place.

Directed by King Vidor, the southern set “Ruby Gentry” revolves around the titular character (also known as Ruby Corey) who is a fiery, tomboyish, lower class and sultry young woman that is sought after by multiple men including Boake, Dr. Manfred and Jim. While most of the story involves Ruby and her romantic suitors, there is a key storyline involving Ruby getting revenge against those who have wronged her. I won’t say how or why. You’ll just have to see for yourself.

Thematically, “Ruby Gentry” offers up some meaty concepts about the class system, lust, and sexism, but the script by Silvia Richards never digs deep enough. Rather than exploring the character of Ruby more and the perception of her by those around her, the story spends more time on soap opera antics which bogs the film down. Due to this focus, the film has a melodramatic and sometimes trashy feel which sadly undercuts the core concepts. The clunky voice over and structure don’t exactly help the film’s case either. Basically, the movie is a mess of ideas that don’t mesh well.

One thing “Ruby Gentry” does have going for it is a strong cast. A young Charlton Heston and Karl Malden give the film’s best performances while Jennifer Jones as Ruby Gentry herself is a little hammy at times but always compelling.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. How does it look? A largely impressive B&W transfer that has a few print defects here and there.

Audio Track: Unspecified. How does it sound? This is a lively track.

Extras: Trailers for “Ruby Gentry,” “The Big Country,” “Duel In The Sun,” “Portrait Of Jennie,” and “A Farewell To Arms.”

April 18, 2018 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Charlton Heston, Karl Malden, Kino Video, Ruby Gentry Blu-ray Review