The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
“Everytime a woman turns her face away because she's tired or unwilling - there's someone waiting like me!”
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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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
Penny Parker
Flirt Conway
Robert Eyer
Sonny Flood
Robin Warga
Harold
Ken Lynch
Harry Ralston
Mary Patton
Peg Ralston
Addison Richards
Harris
Helen Wallace
Lydia Harper
Emerson Treacy
George, the banker
Peg La Centra
Edna Harper
Paul Comi
Jenkins
Release History & Theatrical Window
New York City, New York
Festival / Special Debut
September 28, 1960
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Delbert Mann
- Screenplay & Story
- Irving Ravetch, Harriet Frank Jr.
- Original Score
- Max Steiner
- Original Title
- The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 4m
- Production Studios
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Delbert Mann
Irving Ravetch, Harriet Frank Jr., William Inge
Max Steiner
Harry Stradling Sr.
Folmar Blangsted
Michael Garrison
Department Leadership Roster
Delbert Mann
Director
Irving Ravetch
Screenplay
Harriet Frank Jr.
Screenplay
Michael Garrison
Producer
Max Steiner
Original Music Composer
Harry Stradling Sr.
Director of Photography
Folmar Blangsted
Editor
Marjorie Best
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Dark at the Top of the Stairs.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Dark at the Top of the Stairs.
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Missing Mine
Golden Globe Nominated Titles - IMDb
Oscar Best Supporting Actress Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Supporting Actress Nominees
Oscars 1961
Nominees and selected films for the 33rd Academy Awards (ceremony year 1961).
Seasonal: Oscar Season Picks
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Dark at the Top of the Stairs about?
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.
Who directed The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs was directed by Delbert Mann.
Who stars in The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The principal cast of The Dark at the Top of the Stairs includes Robert Preston, Dorothy McGuire, Eve Arden, Angela Lansbury, Shirley Knight.
When was The Dark at the Top of the Stairs released and how long is it?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs was released in 1960 with a total runtime of 2h 4m.
Who composed the musical score for The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Dark at the Top of the Stairs was composed by Max Steiner.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).