Splendor in the Grass

Splendor in the Grass

Year: 1961

Runtime: 124 min

Language: English

Director: Elia Kazan

DramaRomance

Set in the 1950s, this story follows Bud and Deanie, young lovers whose passionate relationship faces immense pressure from their families and societal expectations. As they struggle to maintain their bond, they confront the restrictive norms of the era, forcing them to navigate a complex landscape of parental disapproval and the challenges of growing up. Their all-consuming love is tested as they fight to preserve their connection amidst the changing times.

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Timeline & Setting – Splendor in the Grass (1961)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Splendor in the Grass (1961). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1928-1931

The story unfolds from 1928 to 1931, a period marked by societal change and looming economic despair. The late 1920s were characterized by post-World War I optimism and a decline in traditional values, which led to significant tension among families. The film culminates in the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash, contributing to themes of failure and loss.

Location

Kansas

Set in Kansas during the late 1920s, the film explores the struggles of adolescence against the backdrop of a tight-knit small town. Known for its pastoral landscapes, Kansas reflects the societal pressures of the time, especially regarding youth and familial expectations. The town's gossip and speculation about its residents amplify the characters' pains and dilemmas.

🌾 Kansas 🏡 Small Town 🌆 1920s America

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

Main Characters – Splendor in the Grass (1961)

Meet the key characters of Splendor in the Grass (1961), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Wilma Dean 'Deanie' Loomis

Deanie is a young girl caught between her desires and the expectations imposed by her family and society. Throughout the film, she grapples with the pressure to conform while seeking love and intimacy. Her journey is marked by heartbreak, rebellion, and ultimately a painful awakening to life's realities.

👩‍🎓 Protagonist 💔 Rebellious 🤔 Reflective

Bud Stamper

Bud is a conflicted young man navigating the complexities of adolescence amidst overwhelming familial pressure. His initial feelings for Deanie become tangled in his father's expectations, leading to self-destructive choices. The character portrays the struggles of young adulthood, reflecting on the burden of unfulfilled dreams and responsibilities.

👨‍🎓 Troubled 💔 Lost 🧑‍⚖️ Family Oriented

Ace Stamper

Ace is Bud's father, embodying the traditional expectations of masculinity and success. His insistence on projecting his values onto Bud adds to the familial strain and ultimately contributes to the family's disintegration. His character highlights the generational conflicts and pressures that contribute to the children’s struggles.

👔 Authoritative 🏗️ Traditional 😞 Disillusioned

Angelina

Angelina is a spirited young woman from an immigrant background, symbolizing resilience and determination despite life's adversities. Her connection with Bud offers him a glimpse into a life beyond expectations, yet her own struggles hint at the complexities of love and sacrifice.

👩‍🍳 Caring 💪 Resilient 🌍 Immigrant Experience

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

Major Themes – Splendor in the Grass (1961)

Explore the central themes of Splendor in the Grass (1961), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Heartbreak

The film centers on the tumultuous and often painful experiences of young love. Deanie and Bud's intense relationship is hindered by societal expectations and personal struggles, leading to heartbreak. Their journey underscores the complexities of growing up and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia.

🌪️ Family Expectations

The pressure from family plays a crucial role in shaping the characters' destinies. Bud struggles under the weight of his father’s ambitions for him, while Deanie faces her mother’s restrictive influence. The film explores how these expectations lead to rebellion, tragic outcomes, and eventual acceptance of their separate lives.

🏥 Mental Health

Deanie's emotional turmoil culminates in her institutionalization, highlighting the struggles with mental health during this era. The stigma surrounding mental illness is palpable, as her family resorts to drastic measures to seek help. The portrayal serves as a poignant commentary on the lack of understanding and support for individuals facing psychological distress.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

Unlock the Full Story of Splendor in the Grass

Don't stop at just watching — explore Splendor in the Grass in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Splendor in the Grass is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Splendor in the Grass Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Splendor in the Grass, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Splendor in the Grass Summary

Splendor in the Grass Timeline

Track the full timeline of Splendor in the Grass with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Splendor in the Grass Timeline

More About Splendor in the Grass

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More About Splendor in the Grass

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