SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS
Sex and parental domineering again confound two romantic high-school youngsters in Elia Kazans and William Inges Splendor in the Grass. But where these conventional homely hazards to the tranquility and freedom of youth have been frequently calculated to an obsessive degree in previous films, they are put rather fairly in focus and dramatic rationality in this. They are made to appear congenital forces that misshape the lives of two nice kids, played with amazing definition by Warren Beatty and Natalie Wood. However, the authority and eloquence of the theme emerge in the honest, sensitive acting of Mr. Beatty and Miss Wood. The former, a surprising newcomer, shapes an amiable, decent, sturdy lad whose emotional exhaustion and defeat are the deep pathos in the film. Except that he talks like Marlon Brando and has some small mannerisms of James Dean, Mr Beatty is a striking individual. He can purge himself, if he will. (Bosley Crowther)
- Natalie Wood - Wilma Dean Loomis
- Pat Hingle - Ace Stamper
- Audrey Christie - Mrs. Loomis
- Barbara Loden - Ginny Stamper
- Zohra Lampert - Angelina
- Warren Beatty - Bud Stamper
- Fred Stewart - Del Loomis
- Joanna Roos - Mrs. Stamper
- William Inge
- Boris Kaufman
- Edward J. Johnstone
- Gene Milford
- David Amram
- Richard Sylbert
- Anna Hill Johnstone
Warner Bros.
