Joanne Woodward is excellent in the role of down-on-her-luck performer Lila Green; her acting is natural and believable, even when her whimsical naive dreams briefly draw her away from the hard reality of her existence. It is easy to imagine her role being played by Marilyn Monroe, the actress for which this film was originally intended. Lila's circumstances seemed in tune with Monroe's real-life situation just prior to her death.
The supporting cast holds up well, especially Robert Webber as Woodward's sleazy 'manager', and Claire Treavor, who appears as though she hasn't aged a day since 'Key Largo' (1948). Although Richard Beymer is fine as Kenny, it would have been interesting to see what Pat Boone would have done with the role had he not turned it down; with his wholesome innocent quality, he might have made a more compellingly believable Kenny. All in all, a fine film for its time.
The supporting cast holds up well, especially Robert Webber as Woodward's sleazy 'manager', and Claire Treavor, who appears as though she hasn't aged a day since 'Key Largo' (1948). Although Richard Beymer is fine as Kenny, it would have been interesting to see what Pat Boone would have done with the role had he not turned it down; with his wholesome innocent quality, he might have made a more compellingly believable Kenny. All in all, a fine film for its time.