KIM NOVAK FILM COLLECTION

Details

• Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
• Plot: Kim Novak is a true original. With her sultry good looks and smoky voice, her earliest film roles seared the screen and brought her almost instant stardom. From 1954 to 1962, Novak was the reigning goddess at Columbia Pictures where she appeared in more than a dozen films, each role and performance richly varied – which may be why she is also one of Hollywood's most mysterious and indefinable actresses. Novak's mystique was in part due to a well-guarded private life, which eventually kept her away from Hollywood, leaving audiences wanting more. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment presents five of Novak's best-known films, fully restored and remastered, including two new to DVD. Rediscover Kim Novak, in her films and in new, exclusive interviews: one of the most beautiful and talented actresses to have ever graced the screen.; ; PICNIC (1955) – Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Director Joshua Logan insisted on filming on location in Kansas for this slice-of-life story, which was a sensational popular and critical success. Photographed in CinemaScope by the great James Wong Howe, the ravishingly sensual color serves to highlight one of the central themes: desire. Novak is featured in an all-star cast with William Holden, Susan Strasberg, Cliff Robertson and Rosalind Russell.; ; JEANNE EAGELS (1957) – The short and tortured life of Broadway actress and silent screen star Jeanne Eagels was a perfect vehicle for Kim Novak. The film showcases Novak's dramatic talents in one of her favorite roles: a small-town beauty whose ambition for the legitimate stage drove her to self-destruction. Richly photographed in black and white, and directed by George Sidney (Kiss Me Kate and Viva Las Vegas), with strong support from the legendary Jeff Chandler and Agnes Moorehead.; ; BELL, BOOK AND CANDLE (1958) – This charming romance features James Stewart as a publisher and bachelor who finds himself literally under the spell of Gillian Holroyd (Novak), his entrancing downstairs Greenwich Village neighbor. Gillian is a bit bored with her life as a witch and desires a more normal existence, despite the disapproval of her unorthodox brother (Jack Lemmon) and Aunt (Elsa Lanchester). Ernie Kovacs also co-stars in this wonderfully atmospheric and humorous adaptation of the original play.; ; MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT (1959) – Paddy Chayefsky's story, pairing her with Fredric March allowed Novak to again display the richness of her talent. Novak is a young divorcée who falls into an uneasy romantic relationship with her clothing manufacturer boss (March), who is more than twice her age. The anxieties and opinions of family and friends press on the couple and strain the fragile relationship. Directed by Delbert Mann on location in New York, the terrific supporting cast includes Martin Balsam and Lee Grant.; ; PAL JOEY (1957) – In this adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the writing of John O'Hara, Kim Novak is Linda English, the chorus girl who vies for the attention of Frank Sinatra, as Joey, against the sultry and sophisticated Vera Simpson (Rita Hayworth). Directed by George Sidney with music by Richard Rogers and lyrics from Lorenz Hart, Novak shines as the catnip that is just ever slightly out of Joey's reach.
• Runtime: 7:22
• Media Format: Movie