Land is the only thing that matters. There's no place like home. What's mine is not yours. Right? This Eugene O'Neill play transformed into film is about the struggle to keep house and home together, but who gets it is the question in this film of deception and desire under the elms. Pernell Roberts and Tony Perkins are brothers who expect the house to go to them when Pa Burl Ives kicks the bucket. But when Pa marries, he upsets the apple cart and brings Sophia Loren into the mix. Pernell and another brother hightail it out of there, when they realize they'll be slaving for the old man for no good reason. But Tony says he ain't never gonna leave this land, vowing what's his will be his. And, of course, he and Sophia are unconsciously hot for each other. I was a little apprehensive that this would long, boring, tedious, and slow, it being based on a play. But, it was thoroughly watchable and engrossing. And, surprisingly, I would watch this again. Tony and Sophia also made "Five Miles to Midnight" together, but "Desire under the Elms" is much better and leaves the viewer feeling much rewarded from watching good actors playing real people, who are conflicted with the right thing to do versus indulging themselves in their fantasies. Indulge yourself and enjoy!
Review of Desire Under the Elms
