George Roy Hill's inaugural directorial venture brings to life the only comedic play penned by the esteemed Tennessee Williams. Set against the backdrop of a snowy Christmas Eve in High Point, Tennessee, the story begins with the unexpected departure of Dottie Bates from her husband, Ralph, after coming to the heartbreaking realization that he proposed to her under disingenuous circumstances. Her father, who has faced health issues, suggested that a union with Ralph would enable him to rapidly inherit his father's considerable wealth and coveted business empire.
To complicate matters further, we meet George Haverstick, played by Anthony Franciosa, Ralph's old buddy from the Korean War. Their reunion is anything but straightforward; George arrives at Ralph's lonely door with his new bride, whom he affectionately refers to as Little Bit. This love-starved nurse, played by Jane Fonda, has eloped with George almost on a whim, spurred by the thrill of a dare.
As the evening unfolds, Ralph and George spend time reminiscing over drinks, during which Ralph observes that George might benefit from learning to genuinely cherish Little Bit. Meanwhile, George begins to see that Ralph is in desperate need of standing up to his overbearing in-laws—who are all too eager to swoop in and claim his possessions, hoping to leave him destitute now that Dottie appears to have regained her senses and left him.
In a whirlwind of events that finds all six primary characters tangled in a night court debacle, the sergeant of police delivers the sobering news that this is a matter beyond legal resolution. With no choice but to return to Ralph and Dottie's house, the night takes a more personal turn. Inside, Ralph confesses to Dottie his long-standing feelings for her, while in the living room, Little Bit shares her insights with George, reminding him that "married couples have endless time to polish their love-making routines," emphasizing the importance of patience and pressure-free intimacy in relationships.
This charming and poignant narrative pulls the audience into a world of miscommunication, longing, and familial obligations, all wrapped up in the complexities of love and the challenges it presents. The performances from the ensemble, including talents like Jim Hutton, John McGiver, and Jack Albertson, add depth to this exploration of human relationships, truly capturing the essence of Williams' wit and wisdom.
