The more and more that I run this website, and do this podcast, I find myself asking this simple question about adaptions. Just because the source material exists, does it always have to find its way to the silver screen? Just because you can, should you? Video game movies have a long history of never working on the cinematic level. For whatever reason, filmmakers feel like they have to humanize, or ground said characters rather than lean into their fantastical elements. For the record, yes, I’m specifically addressing Super Mario Brothers. Video game movies, that even to this day (outside of Detective Pikachu and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), still get made poorly. Even comic book movies, in their infancy, were terrible. Have you ever gone back and tried to re-watch some of the 70s, 80s or 90s offerings of these heroes? Aside from a select few, they are on par with the video game movie trend.
Much like my Cats review, late last year, not all stage production should be shone to the bright light of Hollywood. Cats as a movie doesn’t necessarily work the way it was originally intended to be. However, some plays have found success as films. The Sound of Music or The Wizard of Oz just to name a couple. Then there is 1955’s adaption of Oklahoma! The film sits pretty sandwiched between both worlds of adaptions. Somethings export extraordinarily well, while others not so much. Oklahoma! Tells the story of many men competing for the affection of several young female suitors. At the center of this stage play turned film you have the love triangle of Curly McLain (Gordon MacRae), Laurey Williams (Shirley Jones – in her big screen debut) & Jud Fry (Rod Steiger).
Have you ever just looked at someone and thought to yourself that, that individual may in fact be a violent person? Not necessarily to judge them but just to make an observation. That’s exactly the intensity that Steiger brings to this role as he is in competition for the heart of Jones with MacRae. When viewers are able to see the on-screen chemistry between MacRae and Jones – it’s natural. It’s as if the story tells you they’ll wind up together before it even becomes official. Then on the other hand you have Steiger. Steiger, while not a terrible actor, has little to no chemistry with Jones. They are that couple that makes everyone uncomfortable at family outings for dinner. In our modern age, now, some of these scenes are extremely hard to get through.
Then the adaption portion of this film comes to into factor. Originally envisioned as a stage play in the early 1940s, Oklahoma! Even as a film feels like a stage production. It feels like you’re watching one of those Tyler Perry one man shows from the late 1990s. Some of the play’s elements translate well to the big screen. The charming characters, the chemistry between the couples, the humor – heck even most of the songs translate well. It’s the run time that ultimately gets you. The film runs at a cool 2 hour and 25 mins. Not all of that run time is dedicated to this cast of characters but rather to give viewers the in-home experience of the theater. While there is nothing wrong with that, not all of those elements translate well. Dance numbers and extended sequences that are perhaps extended too long can make the film drag.
Overall, Oklahoma!, has wrestled up some charm. A love story placed directly into its center between Shirley Jones, making her big screen debut, and Gordon MacRae lay the charming foundation. Jones and MacRae have impeccable chemistry between one another. Even though, a large portion of the narrative, is about the love triangle between the two and Rod Steiger – you’ll be rooting for their love from the first time they’re on screen together. The songs will get stuck in your head. The comedic elements are strong when present. Though, perhaps its biggest downfall is its commitment to the source material. The cinematic counterpart brings in large dance sequences and a sometimes over crowded narrative to pay homage to its roots. That homage costs the film a longer runtime which ultimately crafts a cycle of boredom in the long run. Even the love story levels aren’t charming enough to keep Oklahoma from being outdated and overdrawn.
RORSCHACH RATING:
If you or someone you know is reading this right now and you are struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message or tweet to us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!
Victims and Villains is written and produced by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey. Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Beggars. Oklahoma! is property of RKO Radio Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights.