After directing several television shows during the Golden Age of 1950's television, director George Roy Hill turned to the big screen with Period Of Adjustment, his debut theatrical film. While Hill's direction is not always sure, he manages to present an entertaining of not altogether satisfying adaptation of this rare comedy/melodrama by Tennessee Williams. The story is based on a play by Tennessee Williams and is adapted for the screen by Isobel Lennart. The story concerns two married couples, one newlywed couple and the other married for six years, their problems, and the complications and ironies that ensue. Jim Hutton and a young Jane Fonda play the newlywed couple with Hutton as George trying to maintain a machismo he can no longer afford to because of the shakes. Fonda as Isabel strikes a balance between the nervous bride and the realization her new husband is just another man like any other.
Meanwhile, Tony Franciosa as Ralph becomes the centerpiece of the film as a married man with faults of his own who fails to realize the finer points of communication when interacting with his wife Dorothea played by Lois Nettleton. Nettleton's parents, played by John McGiver and Mabel Albertson, are the epitome of meddling, controlling in-laws loathed by their son-in-law Ralph (Franciosa). Hutton eventually holes up with Franciosa, after Nettleton walks out, while Fonda fumes playing second fiddle to the men. It's Williams' way of tearing down the idolatry that some folks have about the institution of marriage. It's not necessarily what each of us thinks it is. Ultimately, those marriages that survive are those where individuals are willing to see the weaknesses of themselves and their spouses as just impediments to communication and not millstones permanently handicapping marriages.
Williams may also be making a none to subtle point about raising children in an environment of acceptance and love, not as bargaining chips or corollaries supporting personal agendas. The early scene of Ralph and Dorothea's son being given a "sissy" present makes this clear and serves maybe as a reminder of one of the catalysts for Williams' later depression and self-loathing regarding his homosexuality. Period Of Adjustment is certainly not one of Williams' dramatic high points, as the film is more of a comedic melodrama, which does not always succeed. However, good enough Williams is usually better than the best of lesser playwrights. Several character actors crop up throughout the film: Jack Albertson as a desk sergeant, John Astin as Smoky Anderson, William Fawcett as the motel proprietor, and Norman Leavitt and Jesse White as Christmas carolers. *** of 4 stars.
Meanwhile, Tony Franciosa as Ralph becomes the centerpiece of the film as a married man with faults of his own who fails to realize the finer points of communication when interacting with his wife Dorothea played by Lois Nettleton. Nettleton's parents, played by John McGiver and Mabel Albertson, are the epitome of meddling, controlling in-laws loathed by their son-in-law Ralph (Franciosa). Hutton eventually holes up with Franciosa, after Nettleton walks out, while Fonda fumes playing second fiddle to the men. It's Williams' way of tearing down the idolatry that some folks have about the institution of marriage. It's not necessarily what each of us thinks it is. Ultimately, those marriages that survive are those where individuals are willing to see the weaknesses of themselves and their spouses as just impediments to communication and not millstones permanently handicapping marriages.
Williams may also be making a none to subtle point about raising children in an environment of acceptance and love, not as bargaining chips or corollaries supporting personal agendas. The early scene of Ralph and Dorothea's son being given a "sissy" present makes this clear and serves maybe as a reminder of one of the catalysts for Williams' later depression and self-loathing regarding his homosexuality. Period Of Adjustment is certainly not one of Williams' dramatic high points, as the film is more of a comedic melodrama, which does not always succeed. However, good enough Williams is usually better than the best of lesser playwrights. Several character actors crop up throughout the film: Jack Albertson as a desk sergeant, John Astin as Smoky Anderson, William Fawcett as the motel proprietor, and Norman Leavitt and Jesse White as Christmas carolers. *** of 4 stars.