Finally, one would be hard pressed to think of another film that so exquisitely defines the term '2-character' study. The film, in stark, black and white, speaks total reality to the film audience of 1962 - and, of course, well beyond that year. Intelligent, austere direction by Arthur Penn (one of the true gentlemen and masters of the American cinema) Penn had the sense to retain the inate artistry and grit of the original stage play and simply allow the camera to capture the actors' intuitive - albeit, well rehearsed, performances, recreating their stage roles which generated an unheard-of 19 curtain calls when it first graced the stage in its Philadephia opening. Brilliantly inspired writing by William Gibson, from his equally inspired play.
This is the kind of filmmaking that prompted me to fall in love with the movies. Although I am a long-time Patty Duke admirer, and thus far from objective, this film still stands the test of time.
