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 ...
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From his most memorable scene to his worst audition, Lance Reddick rolls out the truth about his career.
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Title: The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960)
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Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Robert Preston | ... | Rubin Flood | |
| Dorothy McGuire | ... | Cora Flood | |
| Eve Arden | ... | Lottie Lacey | |
| Angela Lansbury | ... | Mavis Pruitt | |
| Shirley Knight | ... | Reenie Flood | |
| Lee Kinsolving | ... | Sammy Golden | |
| Frank Overton | ... | Morris Lacey | |
 |
Robert Eyer | ... | Sonny Flood |
|
|
Penney Parker | ... | Flirt Conroy (as Penny Parker) |
| Ken Lynch | ... | Harry Ralston | |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
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
Taglines:
No motion picture ever lit up so warmly! And no picture has ever unlocked a more secret door into the private shame and thrill of men and women See more »Genres:
DramaParents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
8 October 1960 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
La oscuridad al final de la escalera See more »Filming Locations:
Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USACompany Credits
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IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (RCA Sound Recording)Color:
Color (Technicolor)
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Rubin Flood: Well, I sold everything else in my time. I guess I can sell myself.
See more »
Composed by Max Steiner
Performed by Chet Atkins with Bob Thompson And His Strings
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
When asked which of her movies stands out to her, Angela Lansbury cited this film, saying, "That's one I felt we did a good job with, one that didn't get the attention it deserved." 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.
See more »
Soundtracks
The Dark At The Top Of The StairsComposed by Max Steiner
Performed by Chet Atkins with Bob Thompson And His Strings
See more »
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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!!