IMDb > The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960)

The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
7.2/10   371 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?

Down 5% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.

Director:

Delbert Mann

Writers:

Harriet Frank Jr. (writer)
William Inge (play)
more

Contact:

View company contact information for The Dark at the Top of the Stairs on IMDbPro.

Release Date:

10 February 1961 (Finland) more

Genre:

Drama more

Tagline:

Everytime a woman turns her face away because she's tired or unwilling - there's someone waiting like me! more

Plot:

In Oklahoma in the 1920s, Ruben Flood loses his job as a traveling salesman, when the company goes bankrupt... more | add synopsis

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 win & 4 nominations more

User Comments:

One of the greats more (14 total)


Cast

  (Complete credited cast)
Robert Preston ... Rubin Flood
Dorothy McGuire ... Cora Flood
Eve Arden ... Lottie Lacey

Angela Lansbury ... Mavis Pruitt, Beauty Parlor Proprietress
Shirley Knight ... Reenie Flood
Lee Kinsolving ... Sammy Golden

Frank Overton ... Morris Lacey
Robert Eyer ... Sonny Flood
Penny Parker ... Flirt Conroy
Ken Lynch ... Harry Ralston
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:

124 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Certification:

Finland:K-16


Fun Stuff

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. 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.
more

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Biography: Angela Lansbury: A Balancing Act" (1998) more


FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
4 out of 5 people found the following comment useful.
One of the greats, 15 June 2000
Author: Gerard A. Joseph (gerard@netspeed.com.au) from Canberra, Australia

We had this movie on tape for some years, until it was inadvertently used to record another program (what a tragic mistake!). Preston's performance is superb, an exquisite blend of humor and tragedy. Though perhaps not widely known, this movie belongs at the summit of American moviedom as far as I'm concerned.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (14 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
sound track rnorvill
Where do I get this movie? linda-161
Aunt Lottie's 'problem' alecwest
Available Online for Free at TV LINKS eldnepm
Why did S. King choose this movie? elgatolocorojo
Link to DVD for 'Dark at the Top of the Stairs' user-10506
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Remember the Day Fiddler on the Roof Gentleman's Agreement Ghost World Chicago
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.