The sequences that were excised included: (1) Sister Clodagh's four flashbacked and deeply-tormenting, buried inner memories of Ireland and her failed, unfulfilling emotional romance (symbolized by the deep chasm next to the convent), (2) some of the suggestive dialogue, and (3) the sequence depicting Sister Ruth's mad tirade and her application of carnal lipstick.During the argument, Toomes fired Brice for being careless and disrespectful in attitude.Brice threatened blackmail about the secrets of their work ("Maybe your wife would like to know where you really get your money from"), and Toomes agreed: "You're right." He couldn't tell her the color of her underwear when she stood behind a lead planter (he shouted out "Pink!" when she moved) - and he explained his weakness: "I sort of have a problem seeing through lead...(He glances down at his shoulder wound.) - until a while ago, that is.Yes, I killed him.I killed him for money and for a woman.I didn't get the money and I didn't get the woman.Pretty, isn't it?Intermittently throughout the film that is told from a fatalistic point of view, Neff changes his voice, alternating subtly from a confession to a rhythmic, flowing narration, as he continues o link together the various scenes in the flashback.Many comparisons were made between the languorously-pacedGiantandGone With the Wind (1939)from 17 years earlier: both were epics of the South with a strong male and female character (Hudson - Rhett Butler, and Taylor - Scarlett O'Hara), a central ranch or plantation (Reata and Tara), and adapted from a novel by a female author (Ferber and Margaret Mitchell).