Splendor In The Grass (1961)

Set in 1928 Kansas, a teenage girl (Natalie Wood in an Oscar nominated performance) and boy (Warren Beatty in his film debut) are in love but must deal with their emotions and sexual feelings in a repressed era. Written by William Inge (PICNIC) and directed by Elia Kazan (EAST OF EDEN). Just a wonderful film that catches the angst of budding romance among youth that aren't fully prepared for the power of their passion in an era when "good" girls saved themselves for marriage. With one exception, the performances are first rate. Kazan was an actors director and I'll assume responsible for Wood's career best performance. From her emotional breakdown in the bath to her poignant farewell to Beatty at the end, she's sensational. The one exception is Pat Hingle whose over the top performance as Beatty's crude father threatens to sabotage the movie at any minute. A rich and lovely film. The subtle underscore is by David Amram. With Barbara Loden, Audrey Christie, Sandy Dennis (also in her film debut), Gary Lockwood, Zohra Lampert, Martine Bartlett, Lynn Loring, Sean Garrison and Phyllis Diller (also in her film debut).