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On this day in 1956, Picnic, Columbia Pictures’ classic romantic drama spent outdoors in the company of the gorgeous Kim Novak and charming William Holden, was tops at the box office. And it’s easy to see why: Spring was springing. Grassy fields and sunny gatherings were calling. And the desire for blossoming romances was peaking.
That’s about how we feel right now, too. The weather’s warmer. The days are longer. And there’s no better place to kick off festival season than in Small Town, Kansas, where Midwest revelers are attending an annual riverbank picnic and moonlit dance.
The Oscar-winning film begins on Labor Day 1955, with Hal, a twentysomething drifter, arriving in town to visit an old college buddy. It’s here where he meets Madge, a 19-year-old country girl and the girlfriend of his pal. Sparks fly between Madge and Hal as they share a dance and a stolen kiss, igniting a whirlwind of romance, misunderstandings, and drama that upends the lives of all involved.
Novak, who was just 22 to Holden’s 37 at the time, gave fans insight into the chemistry popping on the screen between her and her co-star during that infamous dance scene. Speaking with CBS Sunday Morning in 2020, she shared that the weather played a huge role in the couple catching fire, as a tornado was headed straight to where they were filming.
“The electricity in the air had so much to do with all that we were feeling,” Novak said. “And we were both charged with all that energy that was out there.”
In the scene, Madge wears a blushing off-the-shoulder number that complements her soft amber waves. Hal, looking handsome and relaxed in what’s left of a three-piece, has his shirt sleeves rolled up and tie hanging loose. It’s a look that’s just waiting to be torn off — which is exactly what happens. But far be it from us to spoil the moment further.
The “Moonglow” dance, now considered one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history, was soundtracked by a classic mash-up written by George Dunning and scored by Morris Stoloff that blended two songs, “Theme From Picnic” and “Moonglow” into a one sweeping orchestral tune befitting to the erotic and romantic foxtrot taking place on the dance floor. The tune ended up charting for weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, finally hitting No. 1 in 1956.
As for the film, Picnic spent five weeks at the top of the box office, following its wide release in February 1956. It was also the film that launched Novak’s career into the big leagues, with Vertigo, Bell Book and Candle, and Middle of the Night all following the Joshua Logan-directed film.
Meanwhile, Holden, already an established actor in the Golden Age of Hollywood with Sabrina, Sunset Boulevard, and Stalag 17, went on to star in more instant classics, including The Bridge on the River Kwai, The Wild Bunch, and Network.
Today, Novak is 93 and spends her time painting and celebrating the arts. Holden, unfortunately, passed away in November 1981 at the age of 63. But he and his Madge live on with every glow of the moon and stream of the film.
Picnic is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.
Related: 1975 Classic Ranked ‘Greatest Movie Ever Made’
This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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