The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
1960, English. Directed by Delbert Mann.
Everytime a woman turns her face away because she's tired or unwilling - there's someone waiting like me!
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.
- Runtime
- 2h 4m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
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Where to watch The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 28 September 1960.
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Cast & crew
- Delbert MannDirector
- Robert PrestonRubin Flood
- Dorothy McGuireCora Flood
- Eve ArdenLottie Lacey
- Angela LansburyMavis Pruitt
- Shirley KnightReenie Flood
- Lee KinsolvingSammy Golden
- Frank OvertonMorris Lacey
- Penny ParkerFlirt Conway
- Robert EyerSonny Flood
- Robin WargaHarold
- Ken LynchHarry Ralston
- Mary PattonPeg Ralston
Details
- Released
- 28 September 1960
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Harriet Frank Jr., Irving Ravetch
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News & fan talk
What The Dark at the Top of the Stairs is based on
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs is based on The Dark at the Top of the Stairs by William Inge.
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs
By William Inge
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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The Dark at the Top of the Stairs: quick answers
Is The Dark at the Top of the Stairs worth watching?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs runs 124 minutes (2h 4m).
Does The Dark at the Top of the Stairs have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Dark at the Top of the Stairs. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs is rated NR in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Dark at the Top of the Stairs on?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 28 September 1960. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
If you liked The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, try The River, Won't Back Down, Fast Girls.
Who directed The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs (1960) was directed by Delbert Mann and stars Robert Preston, Dorothy McGuire, Eve Arden.
What is The Dark at the Top of the Stairs based on?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs is based on The Dark at the Top of the Stairs by William Inge.