In Oklahoma in the 1920s, Rubin Flood loses his job as a traveling salesman when the company goes bankrupt. This adds to his worries at home. His wife Cora is frigid because of trying to make ends meet. His teenage daughter Reenie is afraid of going out on dates, but eventually makes friends with a troubled Jewish boy Sammy Golden, and his son is a mama's boy. He finally storms out of the house when Cora falsely accuses him of having an affair with Mavis Pruitt.
Acting
Preston's volcanic restraint—he's one wrong word from combustion.
Writing
William Inge's dialogue: every line has three meanings and a grudge.
Production
That staircase becomes a character—watch who climbs, who falls.
Director
Delbert Mann
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shirley Knight's film debut earned her an Oscar nomination—she was 24 playing terrified so authentically you'd swear she'd never left Oklahoma.
Delbert Mann made this immediately after Marty, essentially asking: what happens when the lonely butcher marries and discovers loneliness has floor plans?
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
