This Property is Condemned [DVD]

Since I was born I would always see the beginning and the ending of this thing on TV throughout the 70s and 80s, but never really had a chance to see it from start to finish. I would always see the railroad opening scene, and then the closing scene. One time I got up to about a third of the film, and then I would get pulled away.Well, now I've seen it, and it strikes me that this is a film about a man whose job it is to go around shutting down train stations with cost over runs, who finds himself physically attracted to a woman who is asked by her mother to do keep the men happy shy of sexual favors for the boarders at their home so they'll keep paying the rent. One travels from town to town ending the livelihoods of towns while the other is, to put it simply, effectively a prostitute on behalf of the woman who gave birth to her.They find one another, and things go from there. Trying to peer into Williams mind one gets the sense that he, like us, want to believe in fair tale endings, even for those whose lives depend on the misery of others or on keeping others satisfied. When two such people at the opposite societal and livelihood spectrum meet, what will happen? But then Williams reminds us that this is a fairy tale that almost was, and provides the ugly truth which masks a more beautiful truth, but brings things to a tragic ending.On that level it's an endearing film, and I can see how people would rate it four or five stars, and I'm tempted to myself, but I guess the thing that keeps me from rating it higher is that this film was born in a time when there was a lot of belief that satiating emotional desires could solve all problems. That's simply not the case.I don't think Williams had behavioral science in mind when he penned this play, and I'm not sure Sydney Pollack had that in mind when he shot the film, but the film seems to have that tinge to it from my perspective.Redford and Wood are both in their prime here and give pretty good performances for some solid stage-screen material. After all these decades I've finally seen this film from start to finish. Pretty satisfying.If you're into stories about romances that rely on luck to work out, then give this thing a shot.

Tennessee Williams' little gem of a one act play is sadly turned into Hollywood film fodder. The last quarter of the film especially bears little resemblance to the play for the sake of a happy ending. The spirit of Williams is in evidence, off and on, and not on enough. Dial back the over the top performances and, eegads, the film score. So why give it a 3 Star rating? Two reasons, Robert Redford and Natalie Wood. The former is thoroughly convincing and understated in a strong performance, and my God, look at the young Robert Redford! The latter overplays her roleinitially but eases gradually into a believable and strong characterization. And again, look at the young Natalie Wood! What a pleasure to watch both of them earlier in their careers in the mid sixties. I will always remember watching this film by myself at the Fox Theatre in Fullerton, Californiaat 15 years old. I had to watch it again. Yes, nostalgia too pushed me from a lower to a higher rating as well.

My much-older cousin took me to see "This Property Is Condemned" when first came out -- she was probably babysitting me -- and I was way too young to know what it was about, but I know I liked it. Some years ago -- fifty years later? -- I rented it, and now I've purchased it. What a film! Based on a story by Tennessee Williams, it's poignant and beautifully acted. Natalie Wood is excellent, as are Mary Badham and the rest of the cast. And with that theme song, "Wish Me a Rainbow," haunting the movie . . . .

Intriguing story of a small railroad town in the great depression dealing with it's jobs loss when an actuary (Redford) arrives in town and start handing out pink slips. The local popular beauty, Alma (Wood), is attracted to him, dates him (together with many other admirers). The story is related by her younger sister, Willie (played by the young actress that was such a great hit in "To Kill a Mockingbird"), with flashbacks. Alma and Willie's domineering mother, controls Alma to force her to show favors to an older man (a railroad conductor) to insure their financial security. Alma fed up with her mother's control, offers to, and does marry, her mother's boyfriend (Bronson). Her real intent, is to leave Bronson after rolling him, and go to New Orleans to find Redford. She does and he finds her, and the story proceeds from there to a surprise ending. Enjoyable period movie, with one of the great screen beauties, Natalie Wood. Music is great also.

What a wonderful movie. Another one of these little seen films I've been searching for years for and finally have it. Beautifully realized drama with perfectly cast Redford and Wood, their second film together after "Inside Daisy Clover"......based on a Truman Capote short story, it makes for a serious and heartfelt watch.Redford must have the best track record for actresses working with him.....and twice.....Jane Fonda, Natalie Wood, and then Faye Dunaway and Barbra Streisand. His chemistry with all of them is palatable. I'm so happy to have this movie in my collection finally.

I have always loved movies based on the writings of Tennessee Williams, though I have read that he hated this movie. He hated it because it didn’t bear much resemblance to the short story it was based on and that is true. I first saw this movie when I was a teenager and have searched for it for several years. It is a story about big cutbacks in a small town and what happens with the townspeople. The man who is handing out the pink slips tries to rescue a young girl. So exactly what property is condemned? If you love movies with no HEA but is thought provoking you will like this movie.

This film starring Robert Redford and Natalie Wood is just fabulous. I saw it for the first time 20 years ago and since, never ceased to love it, watch it over and over again, enjoying every moment of it. Natalie Wood is just superb and both are so beautifully young. I strongly recommend it to anyone who not only like both actors, is a fan of director Sydney Pollack but also for the story itself which combines social/drama background, a magical chemistry between the 2 actors... But i will let you discover this by yourself!

what can I say, its the beautiful Natalie Wood... great movie...a must see for anyone who likes this actress...Added bonus, Mary Badham is in it from To Kill A Mockingbird and for those who like Robert Redford, well he`s there too..

Classic film.