Splendor in the Grass

In Kansas, 1928, we are introduced to Wilma Dean 'Deanie' Loomis, a young girl grappling with her adolescence. She is encouraged by her mother to suppress her desires for intimacy with her boyfriend, Bud Stamper, setting the stage for her internal conflicts.

Bud Stamper faces intense pressure from his father, Ace, who discourages him from pursuing Deanie. This pressure contrasts with Deanie's struggle as she tries to navigate her feelings and societal expectations.

Bud's family deals with the scandal of his older sister Ginny, whose wild lifestyle and rumored abortion have caused shame. This situation exacerbates the family’s troubles and influences Bud's decisions regarding his future.

Under the weight of his family's expectations, Bud enrolls at Yale University. The burden of these pressures triggers a breakdown, leading to significant emotional distress that haunts him throughout his college experience.

In search of solace from his troubles, Bud engages in a relationship with fellow student Juanita. However, their romance ends badly, leaving Bud heartbroken and exacerbating his emotional struggles.

Feeling rejected and desperate for connection, Deanie starts to mimic her sister's reckless behavior. She attends a party with Toots Tuttle, which marks the beginning of her rebellious phase against her upbringing.

After a confrontation with Bud at the party, Deanie experiences a traumatic near-rape. This harrowing event intensifies her feelings of despair and isolation, leading her to consider drastic actions.

Following her attempted suicide, Deanie is institutionalized as her parents seek a solution to her emotional turmoil. This decision finances their treatment while ironically providing them some relief right before the 1929 stock market crash.

As Bud's time at Yale is marked by failure, he meets Angelina, a vibrant woman who introduces him to a new perspective. Their connection offers Bud a temporary escape from the shadows of his family’s expectations.

The stock market crash of 1929 profoundly affects both Bud and Deanie's families. Ace's despair over their financial ruin leads him to tragic decisions, painting a grim picture of loss and disillusionment.

By 1931, Deanie returns home to find that her family has been decimated by losses, including her father's fortune and her sister's untimely death. This reunion is overshadowed by heartbreak and changes in their family dynamics.

Deanie discovers from her father that Bud is now living on the old family farm with Angelina and their child. This revelation forces Deanie to confront the painful reality of their separated lives and what remains of their past.

In a poignant meeting, Deanie and Bud confront their altered lives and the responsibilities that weigh on them. Their conversation reveals the profound impact of their youthful love, now clouded by adult reality.

As Deanie departs with her friends, she reflects on her enduring affection for Bud. While acknowledging a fondness, she also recognizes that the passionate love they once shared has irreversibly faded.

In her final thoughts, Deanie recalls the poignant words of Wordsworth, emphasizing the theme of loss and acceptance. This moment encapsulates the bittersweet essence of their youth, leaving audiences with a sense of melancholy.