The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960): Cast & Plot
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs is a 1960 drama directed by Delbert Mann, starring Robert Preston as Rubin Flood, Angela Lansbury and Lee Kinsolving. It runs 2 hours 4 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 4m (124 min)
- Director
- Delbert Mann
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Dark at the Top of the Stairs About?
The premise of The Dark at the Top of the Stairs without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
In 1920s Oklahoma, Rubin Flood is laid off when his traveling‑salesman firm collapses, heightening tension at home. His wife Cora is distant as they struggle financially. Their teenage daughter Reenie, shy about dating, befriends Sammy Golden, a troubled Jewish boy. Rubin storms out after Cora falsely accuses him of an affair with Mavis Pruitt.
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs Themes & Keywords
· 30 tags- 1920s
- husband wife relationship
- sex
- self confidence
- parenthood
- military uniform
- marriage
- country club
- stockings
- anti semitism
- widow
- suicide
+18 more Show fewer
- sister
- party
- drunkenness
- beauty parlor
- automobile accident
- aunt
- running away from home
- jealousy
- family relationships
- losing a job
- based on play
- oklahoma
- salesman
- jew
- henpecked husband
- children
- blind date
- reference to adam and eve
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs Cast & Characters
Robert Preston leads the cast as Rubin Flood, with Angela Lansbury as Mavis Pruitt and Lee Kinsolving as Sammy Golden. Directed by Delbert Mann; 17 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Delbert Mann
-
Robert Preston as Rubin Flood -
Angela Lansbury as Mavis Pruitt - Lee Kinsolving as Sammy Golden
- Dorothy McGuire as Cora Flood
Also Starring in The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
· 13 more- Shirley Knight Reenie Flood
- Eve Arden Lottie Lacey
- Frank Overton Morris Lacey
- Penny Parker Flirt Conway
- Robert Eyer Sonny Flood
- Addison Richards Harris
- Helen Wallace Lydia Harper
- Emerson Treacy George, the banker
- Ken Lynch Harry Ralston
- Paul Comi Jenkins
- Mary Patton Peg Ralston
- Peg La Centra Edna Harper
- Robin Warga Harold
More from Delbert Mann
More films directed by Delbert Mann, best-rated first: Marty, Separate Tables, Lover Come Back and Kidnapped.
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs Plot Summary
What happens in The Dark at the Top of the Stairs from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
During Prohibition-era Oklahoma, Rubin Flood [Robert Preston] builds a comfortable life as a successful harness and saddle salesman, a trade that begins to feel the squeeze as the automobile era takes over and demand shifts. He loves his family, but the weight of a looming change sits between him and his wife, Cora Flood [Dorothy McGuire], whose practical, protective nature often translates to worry over money and appearances. When Rubin learns that his company is shutting down, he cannot bring himself to tell her the bad news, and the strain in their relationship quietly creeps into every argument.
Full summary
The whole story of The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actor portrayed Rubin Flood?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs Also Known As
7 alternative titles, including “琴瑟怨” and “Das Dunkle am Ende der Treppe”.
- Also known as
-
- 琴瑟怨
- Das Dunkle am Ende der Treppe
- Il buio in cima alle scale
- Sombras no Fim da Escada
- 楼顶的黑暗
- A dalt de l’escala és fosc
- 樓頂的黑暗
Seen The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
Movies Like The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Room at the Top, Dark Streets and Keys to Tulsa.
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs FAQ: Cast & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs runs 2 hours 4 minutes (124 minutes).
When was The Dark at the Top of the Stairs released?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs was released on September 22, 1960.
Who directed The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs was directed by Delbert Mann.
More films by Delbert Mann Who is in the cast of The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs stars Robert Preston as Rubin Flood, Angela Lansbury as Mavis Pruitt and Lee Kinsolving as Sammy Golden, among 17 credited actors.
Does The Dark at the Top of the Stairs have a post-credit scene?
No. The Dark at the Top of the Stairs has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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