Morris Stoloff - Moonglow & The Theme From Picnic

This is the famous dance scene from the 1955 blockbuster movie "Picnic" directed by Joshua Logan & starring William Holden and Kim Novak. The scene was considered daring & erotic for a movie of that day. The music, written by George Dunning and scored by Morris Stoloff, became very popular. By merging two songs he achieved a unique sound and the combination was recorded by a variety of artists of the day. The movie was nominated for six Academy Awards and won two.

[nanny]

This is one of THE MOST ROMANTIC scenes ever performed in a film. There is no need for dialogue or obligatory sex. The dance, their movements mirroring each other’s feelings, and the music say it all. Old Hollywood knew how to do it. ❤❤

[daddybob]

I was 15yo when this movie came out. It left an everlasting effect on me all these years. I was in love with Kim Novak. I'm now in my 85th year. I'm pleased to see Kim is still hanging in there at 91yo with her birthday coming in February 2025. Bill Holden was a favourite actor of mine too. Bob, New Zealand.

[bordeaux]

One of the sexiest scenes in screen history

[traygerr]

The most emotional dance scene ever filmed.

[vern]

Unless you grew up in the 50’s you might have a hard time understanding why this movie was a recipient of Oscars. This represented the time. Sexual tensions often played out in the dance. This particular dance was called “The Walk”. Friday and Saturday night dances and dating. Boy meets girl, Star cross lovers. Sometimes just based on looks and sometimes based on money. Nothing complicated. Just simpler times. Holden and Novak played the time and feelings of desperation and love to perfection. And please pay attention to his hand gestures as he leads her. He takes control and then changes his hand gesture and she looks at that immediately. As they dance back he’s still leading and he draws her closer by playing her hand over his heart. Magical!

[charlottemahin]

I never get tired of watching this scene. The music in magical and the electricity between Holden and Novak is sizzling.

[dennyfarrell]

I still get a response when I play this tune on my program called, Late Night Chicago Radio. Artie Shaw once told me that " what is good will always be good"

[Josquinquin]

One of the most magical moments in all cinema. Beautiful

[inthewoods]

I am 77 years old. When Kim comes close to William, and they hesitate and the violins start and they begin dancing slow, I damn near pass

[smokiebird]

The sexiest scene I've ever seen in a movie.

[ianedwards]

Wow! What a movie, what a dance and I can assure you, you will never forget the expression on the faces of both William Holden and the gorgeous Kim Novak. It was as if each actor had a halo, a natural glow, around his/her face. This is a slice of film history that will never die. Various instrumental versions of "Moonglow" have been made and they all bring back precious memories. The song has also been sung by Connie Francis and other famous singers. Talk about 'iconic' movies and tunes, Moonglow was a chart-buster during the mid-50's. Picnic also had great recall value, which lasts to this very day. Before the movie was ever made, 'Picnic' was a top Broadway stage draw. When John Saxon made his first screen test circa 1953, it was from a sequence in Picnic. Playing Madge in this test was the lovely, LISA GAYE.

[reneegreene]

No matter how many times I watch this dance scene, I never grow tired of listening to this beautiful song and watching them dance. It’s pure romance! Holden and Novak are fantastic!!

[glennday]

The chemistry between Holden and Novak literally brings tears to my eyes. Bravo!!

[robertadiaz]

This scene is pure fire🔥So hot🔥Without words. Just look into the eyes. The hands. The music. The dance. Very beautiful scene. Great movie.

[jimmyjames]

Wow! I still get chills after all these years! This scene had a great influence on my love life. Nothing ever lived up to it!

[brianredman]

Never saw the movie, but still have the 45, and LOVE the music!

[mrob]

This is such a classic! William Holden, Kim Novak and the BEAUTIFUL music of: Morris Stoloff! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this! Thank you, janhammer39!

[emilyhayek]

Bill Holden and Kim Novak nothing more needs to be said they were absolutely MAGIC

[MrJukeboxme]

I remember taking a date to see this movie the summer of 1955 when I was a senior in high school. It was a fantastic dance scene then and still is.

[toscanini]

No dancing scene, to my knowledge, equals it for drama and sensuality.
The film, PICNIC, is a great one that has stood the test of time; it is
as fresh today as it was in 1955. As happened so often, William Holden
never received the credit or accolades he deserved for his performance
in the film; he was superb