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The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960)

 -  Drama  -  8 October 1960 (USA)
7.0
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Ratings: 7.0/10 from 461 users  
Reviews: 13 user | 3 critic

In Oklahoma in the 1920s, Ruben 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 ... See full summary »

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(screenplay), (screenplay), 1 more credit »
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Title: The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960)

The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960) on IMDb 7/10

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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
...
Rubin Flood
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Cora Flood
...
Lottie Lacey
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Mavis Pruitt
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Reenie Flood
Lee Kinsolving ...
Sammy Golden
...
Morris Lacey
Robert Eyer ...
Sonny Flood
Penny Parker ...
Flirt Conroy
...
Harry Ralston
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Storyline

In Oklahoma in the 1920s, Ruben 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, 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. Written by Will Gilbert

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

salesman | oklahoma | 1920s | children | sex | See more »

Taglines:

The great Broadway play now on the screen! See more »

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

8 October 1960 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Das Dunkle am Ende der Treppe  »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

(Technicolor)
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The original Broadway production of "Dark at the Top of the Stairs" by William Inge opened at the Music Box Theater in New York City on December 5, 1957, ran for 468 performances and was nominated for the 1958 Tony Award for the Best Play. Frank Overton recreated his stage role as Morris Lacey in the movie version. See more »

Quotes

[Setting out to find a new job.]
Rubin Flood: Well, I sold everything else in my time. I guess I can sell myself.
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Connections

Referenced in That Girl: Dark on Top of Everything Else (1969) See more »

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User Reviews

 
Just the best!!!
18 April 2005 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

I saw this movie years ago and fell in love with it. I have hunted for the video but unfortunately there isn't one. I was lucky enough to find it playing on TV several years ago and taped it. Although I am happy to have what I do, I think it's a shame it is not available for the Robert Preston fans out there. It is a movie that was before its time. It hit on topics that were seldom talked about publicly in the time setting. Topics hinted at but not openly discussed like they do in this film. Robert Preston did a remarkable job as the character, Rubin Flood. Your heart went out to him because you could see through his strong, always looking for the positive, family provider roll. The fear and uncertainty he faced each day as the head of his family and his aging prospects at being successful in the eyes of his family. The film has a glorious mix of humor and drama. Unforgettable!!


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