The Dark at the Top of the Stairs

1960 "Everytime a woman turns her face away because she's tired or unwilling - there's someone waiting like me!"

The Dark at the Top of the Stairs

7.2 | 2h4m | NR | en | Drama

In Oklahoma in the 1920s, Rubin 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 Golden, 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.

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7.2 | 2h4m | NR | en | Drama | More Info

Released: October. 08,1960 | Released Producted By: Warner Bros. Pictures , Country: Budget: 0 Revenue: 0 Official Website:

Synopsis

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Cast

Robert Preston , Dorothy McGuire , Eve Arden

Director

Leo K. Kuter

Producted By

Warner Bros. Pictures ,

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Trailers & Images

Cast

Robert Preston

as Rubin Flood

Cloudburst The Last Starfighter Rehearsal for Murder Victor/Victoria S.O.B. Semi-Tough Mame Junior Bonner Child's Play

Dorothy McGuire

as Cora Flood

Caroline? Between the Darkness and the Dawn Amos The Incredible Journey of Doctor Meg Laurel Little Women Rich Man, Poor Man The Runaways Jonathan Livingston Seagull Another Part of the Forest

Eve Arden

as Lottie Lacey

Under the Rainbow The Dream Merchants A Guide for the Married Woman In Name Only The Dark at the Top of the Stairs Anatomy of a Murder The Eve Arden Show Our Miss Brooks We're Not Married!

Reviews

solrac4100 A Family trials and tribulations in '20s Oklahoma. Preston gives a poignant portrayal of a husband who chooses the warmth of another woman over his cold wife and familial duties. He tries to compensate for his own lack of self-esteem by cheating on his patient wife (Dorothy McGuire).Preston's "other woman" is played by Angela Lansbury. His daughter falls in love with a Jewish boy who commits suicide due to anti-Semitic pressure. Meanwhile, young Sonny must come to terms with the evil he imagines to exist in the dark at the top of the stairs. An emotional but wonderful movie and very well performed by Dorothy McGuire,Angela Lansbury and Robert Preston.

bbboomer49-1 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!!

R-Mac I just want to comment on how refreshing it is to see a movie about sex and the rather twisted morals of the 50's and 60's. It is like Meet the Beaver meets Ice Storm.

MWATSON16 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.