The Fugitive Kind

Sidney Lumet

United States

1960

121 minutes

Black and White

1.66:1

English

515

Synopsis

Four Oscar–winning actors—Marlon Brando, Anna Magnani, Joanne Woodward, and Maureen Stapleton—sink their teeth into this enthralling film, which brings together the legendary talents of director Sidney Lumet and writer Tennessee Williams. A smoldering, snakeskin-jacketed Brando is Val Xavier, a drifter trying to go straight. He finds work and solace in a southern small-town variety store run by the married, sexually frustrated Lady Torrance (Magnani), who proves as much a temptation for Val as local wild child Carol Cutrere(Woodward). Lumet captures the intense, fearless performances and Williams’s hot-blooded storytelling and social critique with his customary restraint, resulting in a drama of uncommon sophistication and craft.

Cast

Valentine “Snakeskin” Xavier Marlon Brando
Lady TorranceAnna Magnani
Carol CutrereJoanne Woodward
Jabe TorranceVictor Jory
Vee TalbotMaureen Stapleton
Sheriff Jordan TalbotR. G. Armstrong
David CutrereJohn Baragrey
Uncle PleasantEmory Richardson

Credits

DirectorSidney Lumet
ProducerRichard Shepherd and Martin Jurow
CinematographyBoris Kaufman
ScreenplayTennessee Williams and Meade Roberts
Based on the play Orpheus Descending byTennessee Williams
MusicKenyon Hopkins
Art directionRichard Sylbert
EditingCarl Lerner
Associate producerGeorge Justin
Assistant directorCharles H. Maguire
SoundJames Gleason
Costume designerFrank L. Thompson

Disc Features

DIRECTOR-APPROVED SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE-DVD SET

  • New, restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by director Sidney Lumet
  • New video interview with Lumet
  • Three Plays by Tennessee Williams, an hour-long television presentation of one-act plays, directed by Lumet in 1958, with Ben Gazarra and Lee Grant, among others
  • New video program discussing the playwright’s work in Hollywood and The Fugitive Kind
  • PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film critic David Thomson

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Available Editions

The Fugitive Kind Criterion DVD Add to Cart

27 Apr 2010

DVD

2 Discs

SRP: $39.95

Criterion Store price

$31.96