The Dark at the Top of the Stairs_
"Everytime a woman turns her face away because she's tired or unwilling - there's someone waiting like me!"
In Oklahoma in the 1920s, Rubin Flood loses his job as a traveling salesman when the company goes bankrupt. This adds to his worries at home. His wife Cora is frigid because of trying to make ends meet. His teenage daughter Reenie is afraid of going out on dates, but eventually makes friends with a troubled Jewish boy Sammy Golden, and his son is a mama's boy. He finally storms out of the house when Cora falsely accuses him of having an affair with Mavis Pruitt.
Starring
Robert Preston, Dorothy McGuire, Eve Arden
Updated Feb 16, 2026
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Year context
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs was released 66 years ago in 1960.
Overview
In Oklahoma in the 1920s, Rubin Flood loses his job as a traveling salesman when the company goes bankrupt. This adds to his worries at home. His wife Cora i...
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs is a Drama film with a runtime of 2h 4m.
CAST (17)
Robert Preston
Rubin Flood
Dorothy McGuire
Cora Flood
Eve Arden
Lottie Lacey
Angela Lansbury
Mavis Pruitt
Shirley Knight
Reenie Flood
Lee Kinsolving
Sammy Golden
Frank Overton
Morris Lacey
PP
Penny Parker
Flirt Conway
RE
Robert Eyer
Sonny Flood
RW
Robin Warga
Harold
Ken Lynch
Harry Ralston
Mary Patton
Peg Ralston
Addison Richards
Harris
Helen Wallace
Lydia Harper
Emerson Treacy
George, the banker
Peg La Centra
Edna Harper
Paul Comi
Jenkins
DETAILS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is The Dark at the Top of the Stairs about?
In Oklahoma in the 1920s, Rubin Flood loses his job as a traveling salesman when the company goes bankrupt. This adds to his worries at home. His wife Cora is frigid because of trying to make ends meet. His teenage daughter Reenie is afraid of going out on dates, but eventually makes friends with a troubled Jewish boy Sammy Golden, and his son is a mama's boy. He finally storms out of the house when Cora falsely accuses him of having an affair with Mavis Pruitt.
How long is The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs has a runtime of 124 minutes (2h 4m).
Who stars in The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The cast of The Dark at the Top of the Stairs includes Robert Preston, Dorothy McGuire, Eve Arden, Angela Lansbury, Shirley Knight.
What is the rating of The Dark at the Top of the Stairs?
The Dark at the Top of the Stairs has a rating of 6.4 out of 10 based on 14 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (1)
Drama