Splendor in the Grass (1961)

Drama, Romance

1961's premiere date movie represented the screen debut of Warren Beatty. Set in the 1920s, William Inge's screenplay concerns the superheated romance between working-class high schooler Natalie Wood and rich kid Beatty. Trying their best to keep their relationship from going all the way, Beatty and Wood go through a series of unsatisfying interim romances. The troubled Wood attempts suicide and is sent to a mental institution, while Beatty impregnates freewheeling waitress Zohra Lampert. Wood and Beatty still carry a torch for one another, but circumstances preclude their getting together -- and besides, Wood suddenly realizes that she's outgrown the still-floundering Beatty. Scriptwriter William Inge shows up as a minister in Splendor in the Grass, while comedienne Phyllis Diller does a cameo as famed nightclub entertainer Texas Guinan; also, keep an eye out for Sandy Dennis, making her first movie appearance.~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide Rated No Rating .

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Cast: Warren Beatty, Natalie Wood, Pat Hingle, Barbara Loden, Audrey Christie

Produced by:

Directed by: Elia Kazan

Written by: William Inge

Running time: 2hr 4min

Opens: