The Subject Was Roses

Martin Sheen plays Timmy Cleary, returning to his Bronx home after World War II, where he finds his middle-class parents drifting apart and quarreling at the slightest provocation. Timmy, who was once close to Nettie Cleary, Patricia Neal, finds himself drawn toward his salesman father, John Cleary, Jack Albertson, but tries to stay neutral as he steps into their ongoing disputes.

On a day trip back from the family’s summer cottage, Timmy buys a bouquet of roses and suggests that John present them to his wife. Nettie is thrilled by what she sees as his quiet thoughtfulness, and the three of them head into a night of Manhattan nightlife that highlights how far their family has drifted. An inebriated John, whose infidelities have already been revealed, attempts to make love to his wife later that night; Nettie rejects his advances, telling him to go to “one of his whores,” and breaks the vase, provoking John to reveal that it was Timmy who bought the flowers.

The next morning, Timmy refuses to attend Mass with John, as his service time has made him question his faith, leading to a heated argument between them. After John leaves, Timmy clashes with Nettie, accusing her of trying to force him to choose between his parents and venting about old grievances. Nettie, meanwhile, goes out and experiences what she calls the most peaceful twelve hours of her life. In the meantime, John returns to another confrontation with his half‑drunk son about lingering grievances on both sides, which ends with John slapping Timmy across the face, just before Nettie comes back.

Timmy realizes the domestic situation is unlikely to improve and understands he may have made things worse by returning home. He announces that he is leaving, a decision his parents grudgingly accept. When he changes his mind, his father insists he stick to his plan, and the three share one final breakfast together before Timmy departs. As John starts to complain about the coffee, the screen abruptly freezes and fades to black.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:49