Toys in the Attic 1963

Julian Berniers [Dean Martin] returns from Illinois with his young bride Lily Prine Berniers [Yvette Mimieux] to his family in New Orleans. His spinster sisters, Carrie Berniers [Geraldine Page] and Anna Berniers [Wendy Hiller], welcome the couple, who arrive with expensive gifts. Julian tells them that, though his factory went out of business, he did manage to save money. Although the sisters are skeptical, there is much talk of a long-hoped-for trip to Europe for the two sisters. In fact, Julian has money from a real estate deal that he pulled off with the help of Charlotte Warkins [Nan Martin], a former lover, who is now in an abusive marriage.

Carrie is obsessed with her brother. Her jealousy, deriving from her sublimated incestuous desires for him, is aimed at Lily. Carrie tricks Lily into informing Charlotte’s husband of a rendezvous between Charlotte and Julian, at which Julian was to give Charlotte her half of the money, then Charlotte would leave her husband and flee town. Charlotte’s husband, Henry Simpson, is played by Frank Silvera, who sends thugs to beat up Julian, maim Charlotte, and take both halves of the money.

Julian discovers that Carrie has manipulated Lily into phoning Charlotte’s husband and convincing Lily that Julian and Charlotte were going to leave together. After Carrie hurls insults at Julian and Anna, both leave the house. Julian finds and reconciles with Lily, and Anna leaves for Europe. Carrie is left alone, deluding herself into thinking they both will return one day.