An alcoholic ex-football player drinks his days away, having failed to come to terms with his sexuality and his real feelings for his football buddy who died after an ambiguous accident. His wife is crucified by her desperation to make him desire her: but he resists the affections of his wife. His reunion with his father—who is dying of cancer—jogs a host of memories and revelations for both father and son.

Laurence Olivier
as Big Daddy

Maureen Stapleton
as Big Mama

Jack Hedley
as Gooper

Robert Wagner
as Brick

Mary Peach
as Mae

Natalie Wood
as Margaret

Heidi Rundt
as Dixie

Sean Saxon
as Sonny

Mark B. Taylor
as Buster

Elizabeth Caparros
as Trixie