Picnic (1986)
A passionate TV drama adaptation of William Inge's Pulitzer Prize-winning play about love, desire, and defiance in small-town America.
Picnic - Movie Information
- Original Title: Picnic
- Release Year: 1986
- Directed by: Marshall W. Mason
- Type: Movie
- Genres: TV Movie, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 3m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 10, 1986
- Production Companies: The Catalina Production Group, Showtime Networks
- Production Countries: United States of America
Picnic - Plot
A southern bell falls for a handsome drifter with no prospects, going against her parents' wishes to marry a rich businessman.
Where to Watch Picnic
Looking for where to watch Picnic?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Picnic - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Marshall W. Mason
Main Cast
- Rue McClanahan
- Jennifer Jason Leigh
- Gregory Harrison
- Dick Van Patten
- Dana Hill
- Timothy Shelton
- Conchata Ferrell
- Beth Grant
- Ellen Crawford
- Michael Learned
Writers
- William Inge
Producers
- Franklin R. Levy
Picnic - FAQs
What is Picnic (1986) about?
Picnic follows Madge Owens, a beautiful young woman in a small Kansas town, who falls for Hal Carter, a charming but directionless drifter. Her mother wants her to marry a wealthy suitor, but Madge must choose between security and passion. It's a timeless story of desire, class, and the courage to follow your heart.
Is Picnic (1986) based on a true story?
No, Picnic is not based on a true story. It's adapted from William Inge's acclaimed 1953 Broadway play of the same name, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Inge drew on his own experiences growing up in small-town Kansas to craft the story's vivid characters and emotional tensions.
Who are the main actors in Picnic (1986)?
The cast is genuinely impressive. Jennifer Jason Leigh plays Madge Owens, the conflicted young beauty at the story's center, while Gregory Harrison portrays the magnetic drifter Hal Carter. Rue McClanahan brings warmth and complexity to Flo Owens, and Michael Learned rounds out the ensemble as Rosemary Sidney.
Where can you watch Picnic (1986) online?
You can check current streaming availability for Picnic on JustWatch, which tracks all viewing options across platforms in your region. Availability can change over time, so JustWatch is the best place to find the most up-to-date rental, purchase, or streaming options.
Who directed the 1986 TV movie Picnic?
Picnic was directed by Marshall W. Mason, a celebrated figure in American theater best known for his long collaboration with playwright Lanford Wilson at the Circle Repertory Company in New York. His stage background lends the film a strong sense of character-driven intimacy and theatrical authenticity.
How does the 1986 Picnic differ from the 1955 film?
The 1986 Showtime TV version hews closer to William Inge's original stage play than the 1955 Hollywood film starring William Holden and Kim Novak. The TV adaptation restores elements softened or altered for the earlier big-screen version, offering a more faithful and intimate rendering of Inge's original vision.
What is the original source material for Picnic?
Picnic is based on William Inge's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which premiered on Broadway in 1953. Inge was one of mid-century America's most celebrated dramatists, and the play explores themes of desire, conformity, and escape in a repressed small-town setting. The screenplay for this adaptation was written by Inge himself.
What are some movies similar to Picnic (1986)?
If you enjoy Picnic's blend of romantic drama and small-town atmosphere, you might also like The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005), Disappearing Acts (2000), or American Son (2019). These films share a similar emotional warmth and focus on characters navigating love, family expectations, and personal choices.
More About Picnic
Explore further details about Picnic on these trusted resources.