About this release
Director Delbert Mann and screenwriter Irwin Shaw adapt Eugene O'Neill's 20th-century version of a Greek tragedy to the screen with a bit more discretion than need be. The story takes place in the New England of the 1840s. Emotionally cool but passionately hot farmer Burl Ives the smoldering Sophia Loren as his third wife. Anthony Perkins arrives to ignite this powder keg of pent-up lust, with Perkins and Loren engaging in a semi-incestuous love affair. When Loren becomes pregnant, Ives thinks the child is his own and the heat it turned up considerably. And with Eugene O'Neill aping Greek tragedy, could infanticide be far behind?
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Disc 1
DVD
Desire Under the Elms (1958)
111 min
DramaRomance
Ephraim Cabot is an old man of amazing vitality who loves his New England farm with a greedy passion. Hating him, and sharing his greed, are the sons of two wives Cabot has overworked into early graves. Most bitter is Eben, whose mother had owned most of the farm, and who feels who should be sole heir. When the old man brings home a new wife, Anna, she becomes a fierce contender to inherit the farm. Two of the sons leave when Eben gives them the fare in return for their shares of the farm. Meanwhile, Anna tries to cause some sparks by rubbing up against Eben.
Credits
Director
Delbert Mann
Writer
Irwin Shaw
Cast
Sophia Lorenas Anna Cabot
Anthony Perkinsas Abel Cabot
Burl Ivesas Éphraïm Cabot
Pernell Robertsas Pierre Cabot
Frank Overtonas Simeon Cabot
Rebecca Wellesas Lucinda Cabot
Jean Willesas Florence Cabot
Anne Seymouras la mère d’Eben
Roy Fantas Fiddler
Jamie Forsteras Farmer
Cinematographer
Daniel L. Fapp
Composer
Elmer Bernstein
Editor
George Boemler
Producer
Don Hartman
Release Details
- Packaging
- Keep Case
Images
Catalogue Info
- Added by
- Matthew Simpson
- Date added
- June 22, 2026