The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
First screened in March 2016
Director: Delbert Mann. Cast: Robert Preston, Dorothy McGuire, Shirley Knight, Robert Eyer, Angela Lansbury, Lee Kinsolving, Eve Arden, Frank Overton, Ken Lynch, Penney Parker, Paul Birch, Peg Le Centra, Charles Seel, Emerson Treacy, Dennis Whitcomb. Screenplay: Harriet Frank Jr. and Irving Ravetch (based on the play by William Inge).

Twitter Capsule: Formica style of 50s films, straining like Peyton Place toward adult ideas. Cast has its moments.

VOR:   In its time, this play made gutsy inquiries into adultery, chauvinism, antisemitism, etc. The styling of the film is totally retrograde but the movie has brain and ambition.



Photo © 1960 Warner Bros. Pictures

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: C


Academy Award Nominations:
Best Supporting Actress: Shirley Knight

Golden Globe Nominations:
Best Supporting Actress: Shirley Knight
Best Supporting Actor: Lee Kinsolving
Most Promising Newcomer (Female): Shirley Knight

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