Desire Under the Elms

US (1958): Drama

Director Delbert Mann and screenwriter Irwin Shaw adapt Eugene O'Neill's 20th-century version of a Greek tragedy to the screen with a bit more discretion than need be. The story takes place in the New England of the 1840s. Emotionally cool but passionately hot farmer Burl Ives the smoldering Sophia Loren as his third wife. Anthony Perkins arrives to ignite this powder keg of pent-up lust, with Perkins and Loren engaging in a semi-incestuous love affair. When Loren becomes pregnant, Ives thinks the child is his own and the heat is turned up considerably. And with Eugene O'Neill aping Greek tragedy, could infanticide be far behind? Cast also features Frank Overton, Pernell Roberts, Rebecca Welles and Jean Willes. (Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide)

 Use this link to view the original theatrical trailer for Desire Under the Elms on TCM.com.

1 nomination