Splendor in the Grass Overview:

Splendor in the Grass (1961) was a Drama - Romance Film directed by Elia Kazan and produced by Elia Kazan, Charles H. Maguire and William Inge.

SYNOPSIS

This tale of repressed sexuality leading to emotional turmoil marked the screen debut of Beatty, in a role Inge wrote for the young actor after he starred in his play A Loss of Roses on Broadway. Beatty portrays a rich mid-western boy in the '20s whose passion for a gorgeous, simmering Wood remains unconsummated as a result of their parents' dominance. Disasters befall both, and neither finds again the romantic love that they found with each other in the golden days of youth. This was also Dennis's debut.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

.

Academy Awards 1961 --- Ceremony Number 34 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best ActressNatalie WoodNominated
Best WritingWilliam IngeWon
.

BlogHub Articles:

Splendor in the Grass (1961): Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty

By 4 Star Film Fan on Oct 2, 2019 From 4 Star Films

Like William Inge’s earlier piece, Picnic, or some of Tennessee Williams’ most substantial work, Splendor in the Grass seems to hinge on the fact its content is in some way pushing the envelope as far as social issues and subsequent taboos go. It’s no surprise Elia Kazan was often ... Read full article


Splendor in the Grass (1961)

By Beatrice on Jul 4, 2017 From Flickers in Time

Splendor in the Grass? Directed by Elia Kazan Written by William Inge 1961/USA Warner Bros./Newtown Productions First viewing/Netflix rental One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die Elia Kazan makes both doomed young love and small-town Kansas look absolutely beautiful. Deanie (Natalie Wood... Read full article


Ticklish Business: Splendor in the Grass (1961)

on Nov 28, 2016 From Journeys in Classic Film

Ticklish Business returns, honoring TCM’s Star of the Month Natalie Wood. Guest Diana Bosch and I talk about Wood’s transition from child to adult in 1961’s Splendor in the Grass. I also read some of your favorite Natalie Wood movies. Feel free to leave a review on iTunes! If you h... Read full article


The Green, Green Grass of Sexual Frustration – A Quickie Review of Splendor In The Grass (1961)

By Michael on Mar 20, 2015 From Durnmoose Movie Musings

Okay, I admit it, like most teenagers I wet through my share of angst and sexual frustration, but damn, have these kids got it bad. Wait, did I say teenagers? Yeah, I did. And honestly, that’s one of this movies biggest problems. At the time this movie was made, both Warren Beatty (making his ... Read full article


Splendor in the Grass

By RBuccicone on May 16, 2012 From MacGuffin Movies

Splendor in the Grass (1961) ???? I watched Elia Kazan‘s Splendor in the Grass?last weekend and have not been able to stop thinking about it since. I find with any era of movies, the ones you keep talking about or mulling over?hours and days later are the ones that will find their place in mov... Read full article


See all Splendor in the Grass articles

Quotes from

[first lines]
Wilma Dean: Bud...
Bud: Deanie, please...
Wilma Dean: Bud, I'm afraid. Oh, Bud... don't, Bud.
Bud: Deanie...
Wilma Dean: No... we mustn't, Bud... no... no...
[he gets out of the car]
Wilma Dean: Bud, don't be mad.
Bud: I better take you home.


Wilma Dean: [voiceover] Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, glory in the flower, we will grieve not; rather find strength in what remains behind.


Wilma Dean: No, mom! I'm not spoiled! I'm not spoiled mom! I'm just as fresh and virginal like the day I was born, mom!


read more quotes from Splendor in the Grass...

Facts about

Jane Fonda tested unsuccessfully for the role of Wilma Dean Loomis. Natalie Wood and Diane Varsi made the final list with Wood eventually being chosen. Lee Remick was also considered for the role of Deanie.
Dennis Hopper was considered for the role of Bud Stamper.
While a clip was not actually seen (though dialog is heard), there is a scene in Pedro Almodóvar's ¿Qué he hecho yo para merecer esto!! in which the grandmother and her eldest grandson attend a showing of Splendor in the Grass. As they leave the theater, the poster (Spanish) is clearly seen in the background.
read more facts about Splendor in the Grass...
Share this page:
Visit the Classic Movie Hub Blog CMH
Best Writing Oscar 1961











See more Academy Awards>>
Also directed by Elia Kazan




More about Elia Kazan >>
Also produced by Elia Kazan




More about Elia Kazan >>
Related Lists
Create a list



See All Related Lists >>
Also released in 1961




See All 1961 films >>
More "Romance (Drama)" films



See All "Romance (Drama)" films >>
More "Ranchers" films



See All "Ranchers" films >>
More "Great Depression" films



See All "Great Depression" films >>