The Film (4/5)

As Dr. Saul Manfred (Barney Phillips) describes it, the town of Braddock North Carolina is a home to many old customs and the class system. In this town is the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Ruby Corey (Jennifer Jones), and the various men in her life. One being the scandal heavy Boake (Charlton Heston), a man who is so used to the old ways that he only cares about living it up and reclaiming his family's land. Then there is Mr. Jim Gentry (Karl Malden) who after losing his wife sets his eyes on Ruby. And lastly there is Ruby's God-fearing brother Jewell (James Anderson). But as Ruby deals with the Southern fried form of jealously, she will get her sweet revenge on those who called her trash.

RUBY GENTRY (1952) is another sizzling melodrama from King Vidor (THE CROWD), who does to Southern Gothic what he did to the Western with DUEL IN THE SUN (1946). Despite some dated use of sin, and some of Hollywood's ludicrous Hayes Code censorship, RUBY is a fine film that pushes the right buttons. The melodrama is also highly stylized and never breaks down to self-parody.

Jennifer Jones (BEAT THE DEVIL, PORTRAIT OF JENNIE) delivers a strong performance as the southern beauty Ruby, that still follows some stereotypes of the genre while being progress. The script balances out the Southern slang, Double entendres, and burning lust, making the finished product operatic in tone. With the last third being a visual tour de force. Jones makes Ruby likable and makes her rise to power seem believable and earned. From the beginning narration by Barney Phillips, the town is filled with "narrow Class-conscious citizens, who struggle to overcome stigma".  The film paints everyone in the town as realist even if their ideals are backwards.

Vidor milks plenty of subtext and commentates on the sexism at play. Ruby as a strong alpha type, who hunts and overcomes her poor upbringing. But he also gives Karl Malden plenty to deal with too, as a simple man, who becomes overcome by lust and tries to possess Ruby. On the visual level the movie is striking with its use of film noir light and shadows. It turns the swamp lands into a dreamscape, with a fantastic climax there. The cinematography by Russell Harlan is top notch on every level. This is aided by the fine editing by Terrell O. Morse, who was a director in his own right making quickies like FOG ISLAND, UNKNOWN WORLD, and even directing the American reedit of GODZILLA! KING OF THE MONSTERS.

Other than Jones, the rest of the cast delivers some fine performances from Barney Phillips (THE SAND PEBBLES), James Anderson (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD), Josephine Hutchinson (HAPPINESS AHEAD), and Phyllis Avery (THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE).

Audio/Video (4/5)

The film comes with an English 2.0 DTS- HD Master Audio track. The sound mix is bold for most of the run time with only a few minor spots of softness. The soundtrack is clear and there are no issues with hiss or pops. The room tone is also cleaned up and smooth. The southern accents also sound delirious and fun in the mix.  English Subtitles are included.

The 1080p HD transfer is another beauty from Kino. The black levels are well defined with a sharp focus. There is some natural film grain and little print damage. There are a few close ups that are still beat up and dreary looking. The lighting and photography especially during the swamp scenes look fantastic.

Extras (2/5)

A trailer gallery featuring RUBY GENTRY, THE BIG COUNTRY, DUEL IN THE SUN, PORTRAIT OF JENNIE, and A FAREWELL TO ARMS.

Overall (4/5)

RUBY GENTRY is a fine Southern fried drama from King Vidor. Kino's new Blu-ray of it is a welcomed upgrade for fans. Highly Recommended.