Details

Release year: 1962

Storyline

A drifter and a faded film star, both traumatized by Hollywood, arrive to the guy's hometown, where the old bitter memories revive again.

Top credits

Directors

Richard Brooks

Writers

Cast

Paul Newman — Chance Wayne
Geraldine Page — Alexandra Del Lago
Shirley Knight — Heavenly Finley
Ed Begley — 'Boss' Finley

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Awards

1 win & 2 nominations

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Did you know

• Because of its then-shocking subject matter, this film was given a pre-MPAA-rating advisory by the MPAA, which prohibited anyone under the age of 18 from attending. This was the equivalent of an X (later NC-17) rating. By today's standards, the film is tame enough that, when shown on Turner Classic Movies, it's rated TV-PG.

• Geraldine Page, in a magazine interview shortly before her death, said the make-up artists and hairdressers spent hours on her face and hair to obtain the 'look' of a beautiful, albeit, aging movie star. Page thought this glamorized version of Alexandra wasn't right for the part, since Alexandra Del Lago was an alcoholic and drug user, but Page admitted she felt it was the best she ever looked in her entire life.

• Geraldine Page was nominated for the 1960 Tony Award for best actress in a drama and re-created her role in this movie.