Fried Green Tomatoes, I just watched it for the first time in 15 years

"Was her character a lesbian?"

Read the book, OP.

R1 I’m not speaking about the book, I’m speaking about the film.

Secret's in the sauce.

Was she lesbian in the book?

Bess Fortenberry, Fannie's aunt and the real Idgie

How many of them whore-mones you been takin', hunny?

My lesbian neighbors had an angry little miniature pinscher named Idgie.

I thought Big George's mother (or wife?) was the one who killed Ruth's evil husband. Then Big George tracks Idgie down at the talent show to help them figure out what to do.

R8 possibly. Idgie def did cook him though and feed everyone.

OP, when the film came out, there was a lot of consternation in the lesbian and gay community that - once again - the lesbian element was completely watered down and de-sexualised. It was a similar story with Interview with a Vampire. Since there was no internet, there was almost no attention paid to any complaints.

And yes, Idgy and Ruth are lesbians, by the way.

Was this the movie where Kathy Bates wrapped herself in plastic wrap to greet her husband naked at the door? That's all I remember about the movie.

Wonderful soundtrack featuring the great Marion Williams.

R10 I remember that and it irks me...but at the same time, I really like the way the relationships work in the movie. Most of them carry ambiguity and nuance. All of the women share loving bons of various types, and all of them have ambiguous femininity, including Kathy Bates, who plays a straight woman but who really has a masculine energy. I think it’s a very humanized movie. Everyone is a bit of an outcast.

Watch the scene where Idgie sticks her hand in the buzzing beehive to get the honey for Ruth. The subtext is unmistakable.

The real Whistle Stop Cafe

I wish they would make a movie out of Fannie's first novel, [italic]Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man,[/italic] which is one of the funniest books I've ever read.

I also rewatched it recently - it's one of the few frauish films I like. And Gary Basaraba was a cute chubby in this one.

I agree, R16. Daisy Fay would make a great movie! I believe there was an Aunt Bess in the book who owned a restaurant - that character was probably also inspired by Flagg’s real Aunt Bess, mentioned above.

Who the hell was Ninny? She’s not in any of the flashback sequences. The movie seems to suggest that Ninny was Idgie, who was apparently still alive at the time Ninny was telling the stories to Evelyn.

[quote]The movie seems to suggest that Ninny was Idgie, who was apparently still alive at the time Ninny was telling the stories to Evelyn.

It does, R19. Book fans really dislike this, but if we're discussing the film here, you're not wrong.

Aww thank you OP. It's one of my favorite films. My late husband and I would often quote, "Secret's in the Sauce"...love that! The scene where Idgie and Ruth have the food fight, both those ladies were HIGH, HIGH, HIGH....anyone else notice that?

I am going to watch it today. Thanks OP!

R20 Tangent, but may I ask you why you wrote “you’re not wrong” instead of “you’re right?” This and “I don’t disagree” drive me nuts. It’s like people can’t bring themselves to be the least bit complimentwary to others these days.

R22 "You're Right!".

A lady always knows when to leave.

R22, I'm polite and complimentary to a fault, both in real life and on Datalounge! There's another thread here from a while back in which an irate poster excoriates someone for suggesting that Ninny and Idgie are the same character. People apparently have VERY strong feelings about this. I, personally, agree with R19's interpretation, but didn't want to deal with anyone jumping down my throat about it. I think that's why I softened my statement a bit. In any case, I'm sorry it rubbed you the wrong way.

R25 It’s just an irksome manner of speech that has gotten to me recently. My egomaniacal boss always says “you’re not wrong” and “I don’t disagree.” That’s as close as he has ever come to, like, agreeing with anyone.

I love Fannie Flagg. I'm so glad her comedy album Rally 'Round the Flagg is finally on the net. I used to listen to it over and over in the 80s when I found it at a goodwill (MARY!)

Check it out, it's delish.

I vaguely remember Kathy asking Jessica if she was Ninny and Jessica saying no. OP, do you remember seeing that?

I believe there’s a line where Jessica Tandy says she married one of Idgie’s brothers, I think the one who went with Idgie and Big George to rescue Ruth from her abusive husband.

I interpret the movie as emphasizing human commonalities and connections despite sexuality, race, etc., with an intentional de-emphasis on individual romances. Even Kathy Bates’s marriage, which is a nexus of the movie, is really about her personal growth and her friendships than it is about romance. I think the movie is equitable in its directing attention away from romantic love.

Fannie as Lady Bird

I don't think this one is on Youtube.

[quote]Mary Stuart Masterson was great in this. Was her character a lesbian? Idgie seemed in love with Ruth. I loved when she killed Ruth’s ex husband. Good for him.

She didn't kill him. Cicely Tyson did it! It was shown. She hit him in the head with a frying pan after he punched Smokey Lonesome.

R33 yes! Sorry. I think I envision Idgie as doing the killing because she cooked him after lol.

I can't remember the title of another Fannie book I read and liked. There was a character named.....

All I remember is that this movie made everyone start eating fried green tomatoes. They began popping up on menus in all the finest establishments.

R36 yup. I still haven’t tried one all these years later lol

About six years ago I moved and my tomatoes were still green but I took them with me anyway to finally make the damn things. I think I made them correctly but I wasn't crazy about them.

[quote]I still haven’t tried one all these years later lol

To be honest, you're not missing much. My mother was Southern, so she made them from time to time and I had eaten them long before the movie came out. Just think of an under-ripe tomato with a cornmeal coating. They were chic for awhile, but they're really "poor people" food.

The really big question is: why hasn't a Broadway play or musical been made from this story? 4 excellent roles for women.

It was that under-ripe flavor I didn't particularly like, r39.

OP? If you're not Generation Z, turn in your gay card immediately.

I don’t like tomatoes in general, unless thrown with lettuce on rice or something lol. That’s why I avoid FGT also. R39

R42 I am 31. I know that’s considered a Millenial

My partner and I went to see this film on our first date back in 1991. It was my 70th birthday and we went to dinner, and then went for dessert, and saw this was playing at a very cute little local movie theatre that just showed one picture a week, and this was it! So, we went for ice cream and we thought “why not? Let’s go!”. It was cute. We enjoyed it. I kept thinking about Misery, but it was cute. Actually, we went back every week to see a picture at that tiny little movie theater. I think he saw Kindergarten Cop next.

Fried green tomatoes are great, when cooked right. A restaurant in Vicksburg, Ms. has a friend green tomatoes appetizer with remoulade sauce and a black-eyed pea relish that is wonderful.

you almost 100 yo, r44? god bless

Green tomatoes are VERY sour, so other flavors have to be balanced out to make them tasty. A better use than fried green tomatoes is green tomato pie, which, believe it or not, is very similar in flavor and texture to apple pie:

ingredients 1-1/2 cups sugar 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch salt 3 cups thinly sliced green tomatoes (4 to 5 medium) 1 tablespoon cider vinegar Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches) 1 tablespoon butter Directions In a bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Add tomatoes and vinegar; toss to coat. Line a pie plate with bottom crust. Add filling; dot with butter. Roll out remaining pastry; make a lattice crust. Trim, seal and flute edges. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until tomatoes are tender. Cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.

The movie was a maudlin, bastardized mess. They changed so many things from the novel. And the ending made me puke. The ending in the novel is meaningful and affecting, not the sentimentalized slop that was the ending in the movie.

R48, please tell us how you really feel.

Ate at the Whistle Stop in Juliette GA where they filmed bits of the movie. Pretty decent food. Some of the buildings have either been moved or torn down.

[quote]Face it, girls. I'm older and I have more insurance.

Best. Line. Ever.

Yes, R29, but the way it’s phrased makes it seem very vague, like she’s just some shirttail relative. At the end, when Evelyn sees the note from “the bee charmer,” and asks “You mean Idgie’s still alive?” and then says “Maybe we’ll see her today,” they exchange very knowing looks.

In the book, was Idgie dead by this time?

R52. It’s been a long time since I read the book, but I believe Idgy and her brother had a roadside stand where they sold honey.

[Quote] Actually, we went back every week to see a picture at that tiny little movie theater. I think he saw Kindergarten Cop next.

Apparently, the guy who played the evil abusive husband is a raging right winger.

Yes, R16! It is my favorite comedic novel. Original title: Coming Attractions

"Holy Shit, I was Miss Mississippi!"

You're right, R53. Idgie was still alive at the end of the book.

R16 and R56, I just placed a hold on "Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man" at my local library! Thank you for the recommendation.

On the topic of Ruth and Idgie's lesbian relationship, I thought you all might enjoy this tidbit from the film's Wiki page:

[quote]The DVD contains an audio commentary in which the director acknowledges the relationship and points out that a scene between Idgie and Ruth engaging in a food fight was intended to be seen as symbolic love-making.

I've read that "symbolic sex scene" crap before. How, exactly, was a food fight where they are laughing their heads off a symbolic sex scene. I think they just came up with that after the controversy about straightening the characters came up. Nothing in that scene reads as anything close to sexual.

I've read this book, as well as several others by Flagg. They're all enjoyable, easy reads with interesting characters.

No, that food fight scene is by no stretch of the imagination symbolically "sexual." It's childish, juvenile; two gal pals acting like dumb kids. I don't think anyone who saw this movie without reading the book had the slightest notion that the two women were supposed to be lesbians. They were just "good friends."

R59 and R61, are you two lesbians? The reason I ask is because, for better or for worse, gay women have always had to accept the scraps of subtext that pop culture tosses our way. I agree that it's a stretch, and is especially irritating coming from a male director, but, in decades past, this sort of thing was often all the acknowledgment we were going to get.

Personally, I always thought that Idgie feeding Ruth the tomato at the beginning of the food fight scene was the sexiest thing in it.

R48, please compare and contrast the endings for those of us who haven't read the book so we can know what's got you all riled up.

There’s a scene where Idgie and Ruth are swimming at night and right before Ruth tells Idgie she’s going to get married it looks like they’re about to kiss. That was the moment I knew they were meant to be gay. That and the bee-charmer scene.

Maybe it's because I'm older and I'm used to seeing gay stuff as subtext in movies, but it was always obvious to me that they were lesbians, in love, and in a 'forbidden' relationship that they had to keep on the down-low.

It was never even a question in my mind. Painfully obvious.

Mary Stuart Masterson was definitely playing up the butch lesbo for the role so i guess that was the compromise for not out and out saying these are dykes.

i watched this movie when it came out, i was a 14 yo boy and it was super clear to me that the two women were in a relationship. In those times (god i sound ancient) that was the style, for Hollywood, maninstream movies: subtle but obvious to anyone who really paid attention.

I was a 12-year-old (future) lesbo when this came out: I went to see it with my mother. I didn't realize that they were actually meant to be lesbians (because I didn't know the word), but a certain something about their relationship and interactions fascinated me--and I mulled it over for several weeks after I saw it, and rented it from Blockbuster many times after that.

“Mrs. Couch! Mrs. Couch! Are you threatened by this? Do you have a problem with your sexuality?”

I watched this and cringed because the women's group Kathy joined was so similar to how some were.Sitting around women,looking at each other and analyzing what's seen.I don't blame Kathy for running,i didn't appreciate that "lesbian"vibe either and found another outlet.I liked Kathy's husband,he seemed lovable except for the part where he wouldn't stand up to his momma about throwing things at Kathy.An Idgie should have married that cop that was sweet on her.It was cute how he pursued her,an she damn near owed her life to him.

R70, I always marry people who save my life...even if I don't really like them.

[quote]i didn't appreciate that "lesbian"vibe either

Then, R70, I suggest you take your shit elsewhere. Datalounge is a gay site.

For you, R64 (the lake scene starts at 0:48):

"Oh, Miz Threadgoode, I cain't even look at my own vagina!"

That was the husband’s aunt, not his mother R70

"Please compare and contrast the endings for those of us who haven't read the book so we can know what's got you all riled up."

In the novel Mrs. Threadgoode dies. Evelyn grieves for her lost friend, but she and the stories she told about her family will live on through Evelyn's memories. It was a beautiful and natural way to end the novel. In the movie Evelyn goes to see Mrs. Threadgoode and is told that she's "gone" and her room is being cleaned out. Evelyn goes into hysterics. But wait! She's not really "gone", she's just gone from the nursing home! Evelyn catches up with Mrs. Threadgoode, who seems to have kind of "run away", and tells her hey, you can come and live with me and my husband Ed! Apparently poor Ed has no say so in the matter. So Mrs. Threadgoode and Evelyn ride off into the sunset together, and live happily ever after. It's a hokey, sappy, "feel good" ending that truly sucks. But then a lot of things about this movie suck.

"poor ed" is a sexist asshole that Evelyn should divorce.

I kind of feel sorry for poor Ed; his wife makes a major decision (having a dotty old lady come live with them) that will greatly affect both their lives and doesn't even bother to consult with him about it. What a bitch.

R77, that sexist abusive asshole who does NOTHING to keep their house is about to be divorced and kicked to the curb, rightfully. He's earned his lonely old age.

Fuck him. He's a complete and total asshole.

As far as sexy scenes go, I always love the scene in the diner after Frank comes with the Klan to harass Ruth about the baby. Idgie finds Rush sitting in the diner and startles her. She asks what's wrong and Ruth tells her about Frank. At some point, Idgie reaches out and puts Ruth's hair behind her ear. When Ruth tells her that maybe she and her son should move on so Idgie can settle down. Idgie gets really serious and looks Ruth in the eye and tells her that she's as settled as she ever hopes to be. I love the quiet intimacy of that scene.

Please. Ed will be fucking Ninny while Evelyn eats his ass out in a matter of days. No man can resist that much pussy around him. He’ll be in hog heaven.

R79. That is a good scene!

I love the movie.

R79, well said.

Me too.

R79, this YouTube clip is of shitty quality, but here's the scene you're talking about (the "I'm as settled as I ever hope to be" line is at 0:54):

I literally went to the library this afternoon and checked out this book, as well as the recommended "Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man," so thank you all. I am really enjoying this thread.

R84 thanks for posting.

Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man was one of the funniest and sweet without being cloying books I’ve ever read. It would make a fantastic mini-series.

Do you think they'd dare make a remake? Maybe Netflix will try it but I wouldn't think an actual studio would touch it. Can't even think of anyone they'd be able to cast that would fit the iconic roles so well.

Man, that clip at R84! You just know that today, when Idgie gets up and pushes Ruth's hair behind her ear, they totally would have kissed.

I’m from Virginia and my dad is from NC. My parents made fried (red) tomatoes throughout my childhood. They didn’t hold together as well as the green ones do, but they are good.

Mary Louise Parker is out of her mind insane but I live her as an actress. Just saw Angels in America yeaterday. I forgot how much of a star she was in it.

R89 why is she insane?

ESL R70? Is there some reason why the spaces after a period have been dropped?

“Look at my Stovetop!”

Such a good movie.

The book was great. If you’re a lesbian, definitely read it because there are pages of dialogue between Ruth and Idgie that are very real and very compelling — you really feel the intensity of their relationship. Excellent.

Went to a book signing years ago and Fannie Flagg signed my copy. Lovely woman. She asked me a lot of questions and I recall thinking that she was hitting on me. But she was charming, warm and gracious with everyone.

R90 I said she’s insane based on a few bits of unrelated heresay: first, she plays insane characters very well; second, I saw her say in some TV interview that she was on a date with a guy and he took food off her plate with his fork without asking and so she stabbed him through the hand, and she thought that was funny; and third, I know someone who is best friends with a Weeds producer who told my friend that MLP is batshit crazy.

But at least she’s fun loving and a great actor!

A bit kooky

Supposedly she was a real diva at times inn WEEDS.

R95 In the above interview she basically says she was embarrassed to have done a Showtime TV show. I do love her as an actress. Tons of charisma.

Go to 4:00

What's wrong with a Showtime TV show? It's not like her career was going anywhere before that.

It was a good show -- for the first season.

[quote]Went to a book signing years ago and Fannie Flagg signed my copy. Lovely woman. She asked me a lot of questions and [bold]I recall thinking that she was hitting on me[/bold]. But she was charming, warm and gracious with everyone.

R92, talk about burying the lede! Why didn't you try to pick her up??

R96 I don’t get why she looks down at the show because of the network it was on. I get that it wasn’t on HBOs level but her show was good, a hit and critically acclaimed for a few seasons. Also won her awards.

R101 She just made some aside in the interview suggesting Colbert made fun of her for doing a Showtime show. Then he said he has a Showtime special coming up and she asked if he will be naked because, she said, you can’t do a Showtime show without being naked in it.

Too bad Mary Louise Parker didn't do the movie version of "Prelude to a Kiss." She played the role onstage and the part seemed to be made for her; a neurotic who can't sleep and has a terrible attitude towards life. In other words, a kook. Timothy Hutton played the guy who for some reason falls in love with the nutty dame, REALLY in love with her. Their parts were played in the movie by Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan. Baldwin was ok but Hutton would have been better. And Parker certainly would have been better than Meg Ryan, who really amped up her cutesy-poo schtick for the role to its detriment.

Everyone knows that Fannie Flagg is a lesbian, too, right? Maybe she really was hitting on R92! You coulda been rich!

I coulda been a contenda!

Fannie Flagg is definitely a lesbian, and I think she was hitting on me. I was around 30 years old at the time (she was probably pushing 50) and although I was flattered, I wasn’t attracted enough to go there. And at 30 years old, money was not yet a big motivator.

Almost a decade later, I met the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, and 12 years later I am still madly in love with her. She also happens to be rich😉

ps The first obvious clue in the movie that Idgie is gay — the way she reacts to Ruth when she tells her she is getting married.

Fried Green Tomatoes and A League of Their Own were both released around the same time. It was a great movie year for lesbians.

R106, true.

To the R105 poster, damn, I wish you had kept in touch with Fannie, and could tell us all the gritty details now.

MLP was sexy with that deep Southern drawl. She should talk like that all the time. What’s weird is Tomatoes is the only thing I’ve seen her in where she hasn’t simply been herself (brittle, petulant, always getting in her own way, etc.) in different circumstances and I’ve seen her on stage a dozen times on top of her screen work. The only bit her remained was the hesitance for self-revelation and that ends I think fairly early in the film when she uh licks MSM’s honey from her fingers lol.

R108, agree with you.

Will Lifetime remake this one with black actresses?

I love this movie!!!

TOWANDA!

Such a good and sad movie.