The Dark at the Top of the Stairs

The Dark at the Top of the Stairs is a striking 1960 drama that brings a poignant depiction of a family rife with tension, secrets, and emotional turmoil. This remarkable cinematic adaptation of the 1957 play of the same name by William Inge, stars such admired actors as Robert Preston, Dorothy McGuire, and Eve Arden. Packed with powerful performances, immersive scripting, and emotionally charged sequences, the film beautifully captures the various complexities of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships in a unique, heartfelt manner.

The movie unfolds against the background of the 1920s, in the heart of Oklahoma, where the lifestyle is quietly simple, as its residents are grappling with the shift from a horse-and-buggy generation to the age of automobiles. This time of change sets the stage for the film's core narrative that revolves around the Flood family, serving as a symbolic reflection of the changing dynamics in a traditional American family's life.

Robert Preston, in one of his most compelling performances, plays Rubin Flood, a former horse salesman who finds himself out of a job as motor cars replace horses. Struggling to adapt to the new demands of this rapidly changing world, Rubin attempts to reinvent himself as a door-to-door salesman, facing numerous challenges, uncertainties, and rejections.

Dorothy McGuire brilliantly portrays his wife, Cora Flood. She, too, is wrestling with deep-seated insecurities and fears that stem from Rubin's potential financial instability as well as his roving eye. McGuire's exquisite portrayal of the emotionally repressed Cora is a shining testament to her acting prowess, offering audiences a convincing and deeply moving performance.

Their relationship, brimming with personal clashes and emotional disconnect, is seen through the eyes of their two children, 12-year old Sonny (portrayed by Ken Curtis) and 17-year-old Reenie (portrayed by Shirley Knight). Experiencing firsthand the crumbling relationship of their parents, both children traverse their respective paths of self-discovery and establish their own identities in this turbulent atmosphere.

Ken Curtis portrays the young and vulnerable Sonny with striking authenticity, convincingly depicting the pain, confusion, and fear of a young boy struggling with the chilly upheavals of his home life while also grappling with his fearful anticipation of adolescence. His sister Reenie, on the other hand, as shown by Shirley Knight, is coming of age within a regimented environment that both nurtures and suppresses her. Her tumultuous journey is a focal point, with a poignant exploration of her sexual awakening alongside her romantic entanglements.

Eve Arden, as the family's no-nonsense, assertive neighbor Lottie Lacey, brings in lighter moments with her sharp wit and robust persona. Her character serves as an entertaining contrast to the more conservative and traditional Cora, but also as a voice of wisdom and perspective in the narrative.

Directed by the prolific Delbert Mann, The Dark at the Top of the Stairs masterfully intertwines storylines of love, fear, anticipation, and the relentless quest for identity within the multi-layered narrative. Cinematographically, the movie is as stunning as the performances it boasts, employing tender, soft lighting and long takes to generate a nostalgic atmosphere, which is further complemented with a poignant soundtrack composed by Max Steiner.

The screenplay, written by Harriet Frank, Jr., closely follows Inge's original play, packing in more emotional intensity and depth to the already-powerful plot. The title of the movie itself – The Dark at the Top of the Stairs – is an apt metaphor for the unseen fears and anxieties that each character faces within their lives, reflecting the need to face one's fears and embrace change.

To sum up, this 1960 drama is an engaging exploration of a period of significant change, both on a societal and personal level. Unforgettable performances, coupled with an impactful script and superb direction, make The Dark at the Top of the Stairs a memorable addition to the canon of classic American cinema. The movie stands as a timeless testament to the transitional moments, both big and small, that define a family, providing a deeply affecting insight into universal human experiences.