The Dark at the Top of the Stairs

1960 "Everytime a woman turns her face away because she's tired or unwilling - there's someone waiting like me!"
7.2| 2h4m| NR| en| More Info
Released: 08 October 1960 Released
Producted By: Warner Bros. Pictures
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Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

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.

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Reviews

ThiefHott Too much of everything
GamerTab That was an excellent one.
Unlimitedia Sick Product of a Sick System
Derry Herrera Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.
elktoy1 Starting with a stellar cast, Eve Arden is a jewel as always, this movie made at a time when certain words and certain subjects were taboo managed to hit on various subjects. Bigotary, adultery, dysfunctional family, death etc. Robert Preston and Dorothy McGuire are the Floods who the story centers around while Angela Lansbury and Lee Kinsolving lend splendid support as does the rest of the cast. Given the time this movie was made and the censorship in place at the time this movie should be a must see for adults due to the subject matter involved. So give yourself a treat and watch this jewel if you get the chance. You won't be disappointed.
ekruper I saw this film at the age of 19 or 20 and it colored my days for some time afterward. The subject matter was heavy for me, as it probably was for most young women living in small towns in the 1950s. Most of us were anything but sophisticated and mature in our late teens.The plot examined those sensitive subjects we were old enough to be aware of and wondering about, but too repressed or timid to discuss with our parents. And my girl friends were little help, as their experience, or lack thereof, was much the same as mine. Preston was great, and I'll never forget Dorothy McGuire, Shirley Knight or Eve Arden for their roles in this fine film. When seeing this movie, I was closest in age to Shirley's character and completely sympathized with her. Had I been going through the heavy stuff she and her family were dealing with, I would likely have been affected in much the same way.What a shame this is not available on video or DVD. It's a film of real substance---far better than much of what passes for good viewing these days.
solrac4100 A Family trials and tribulations in '20s Oklahoma. Preston gives a poignant portrayal of a husband who chooses the warmth of another woman over his cold wife and familial duties. He tries to compensate for his own lack of self-esteem by cheating on his patient wife (Dorothy McGuire).Preston's "other woman" is played by Angela Lansbury. His daughter falls in love with a Jewish boy who commits suicide due to anti-Semitic pressure. Meanwhile, young Sonny must come to terms with the evil he imagines to exist in the dark at the top of the stairs. An emotional but wonderful movie and very well performed by Dorothy McGuire,Angela Lansbury and Robert Preston.
MWATSON16 I'm known as a soft touch when it comes to the films I enjoy but this movie also touched and affected my two teenage sons who accidentally were caught up in it while I was watching it. It is very poignant especially the religious prejudice and the pain & destruction it caused. This is a tasteful story of first love, love lost and love re-discovered. The characters are wonderful. I hope to have an opportunity to tape it or even better to purchase it.