King Vidor directs this gritty drama based on Elmer Rice's play. It is not the best of times for neighbors that gather in front of their New York brownstone. Suffering through a heatwave and sharing the gossip about one and other; everybody seems to know everyone else's goings on. Emphasis is put on the Maurrant family. Anna(Estelle Taylor)is cheating on her husband(David Landau), a traveling salesman; daughter Rose(Sylvia Sidney)endures the behind-the-back rumors and just wants out of Manhattan. Each of the neighbors have their own personal thoughts of their proximity and each passerby. Individual fates seem to rely on the degree of involvement of the gossip-mongers. A drunken Mr. Maurrant comes home early to find his wife entertaining the milkman and the sound of gunfire stops traffic and brings snoopers for blocks around.
The ensemble talent works well together. The cast also features: William Collier Jr., John Qualen, Beulah Bondi, Max Montor and Greta Granstedt.
The ensemble talent works well together. The cast also features: William Collier Jr., John Qualen, Beulah Bondi, Max Montor and Greta Granstedt.