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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
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Lottie Lacey
...
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:

No motion picture ever lit up so warmly! 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

Rubin Flood: Reenie, you're at the beginning of things. These feelings are new to you. You want to get off on the right foot. I'm not talking about the physical side of things, I know you'll always be decent in the way you act. But a man wants to be met by a generous heart in a woman. A open heart. Honey, never be ashamed to say what you feel, and if you come to love a man, let him know it. Let him know all about it.
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Connections

Referenced in Fame (1980) See more »

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User Reviews

TRULY A TOUCHING FILM
28 December 2001 | by (NEW MEXICO) – See all my reviews

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.


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