Storyline

Twenty-something Laura Reynolds (Dame Elizabeth Taylor) is a free spirit who questions social conventions, laws, and regulations. A struggling artist, she lives in a secluded beach-side cabin in Big Sur with her nine-year-old illegitimate son, Danny (Morgan Mason), on who she has instilled her values. Because of this questioning of convention, Laura has decided to home school Danny. Also because of this questioning of the law, Danny runs into some legal problems, and as such is court ordered to be sent to San Simeon, a Christian school in Monterey, California. This order is against Laura's wishes. The school's headmaster is Dr. Reverend Edward Hewitt (Richard Burton), who tries to convince Laura that San Simeon is not the prison she probably believes it to be. Married for twenty-one years to his faithful wife Claire (Eva Marie Saint), Edward has become more a fund-raiser at all cost (for a new chapel) rather than an educator or Priest. Despite their differences, Laura and Edward begin to fall for each other. Both, but especially Edward, have to reconcile their feelings for each other to their beliefs, which they learn are closer to each other than what may appear on the surface. Their feelings also bring to the forefront what each really wants in life beyond their current lot.—Huggo

Plot Keywords

wife and husband lead actors, self destructiveness, politician, passion, motherhood, mother son relationship, church, bare chested male, golf course, seagull, painting, painter, female protagonist, melodrama, love triangle, judge, affection, single mother, morality, bonfire

Short Review

Vincente Minnelli has directed this minor epic in pedestrian style, the acting is mostly indifferent, though Burton does manage to rise above his material, and the general atmosphere is one of extreme blandness.

Trailer

Streaming Service

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