Splendor in the Grass 1961 Full Movie

Exploring the Themes of “Splendor in the Grass Full Movie”

“Splendor in the Grass” is a poignant film set in the late 1920s, during a time of prosperity in Kansas due to the oil boom. The story revolves around the lives of Deanie Loomis and Bud Stamper, a high school couple whose relationship is tested by societal expectations and personal struggles.

The Setting: A Pre-Depression Era in Kansas

The film begins in the pre-Depression era, specifically between 1927 and 1928, when many landowners in Kansas are becoming wealthy from oil. Deanie Loomis, a sweet and idealistic girl, dreams of marrying her boyfriend, Bud Stamper. Bud, on the other hand, is an athletic and handsome senior from a wealthy family that has made its fortune through oil investments. This backdrop sets the stage for the emotional and societal challenges the couple faces.

Deanie and Bud: A Love Tested by Societal Pressures

Deanie’s family owns a general store and enjoys a middle-class lifestyle, with some investments in oil. Her mother is particularly concerned with how Deanie is perceived by society, often hovering over her and providing guidance on being “good.” Bud loves Deanie but struggles with his sexual urges, while Deanie is determined to maintain her boundaries, only allowing kissing. This tension culminates in a messy encounter on New Year’s Eve 1928, which significantly alters the course of their relationship.

The Downward Spiral: Mental Health and Relationships

Following the New Year’s Eve incident, Deanie falls into a deep mental funk, while Bud grapples with his own issues, including the pressure from his father to attend Yale. Bud’s father insists that he must get a degree before marrying Deanie, which adds to Bud’s stress. In a moment of weakness, Bud tells a friend that Deanie is available to date other boys, leading him to have a sexual encounter with another girl, Juanita. This betrayal deeply hurts Deanie, prompting her to attend a school dance with another boy, which ultimately results in her hospitalization and commitment to a mental institution.

Bud’s Struggles at Yale

After Deanie’s hospitalization, Bud reluctantly heads to Yale, where he struggles academically, flunking every class. During this time, he meets Angelina, a waitress at an Italian restaurant, and they develop a friendship. Bud’s father attempts to intervene, hoping to persuade the dean to allow Bud to stay at Yale. However, Bud’s father’s controlling nature remains unchanged, as he tries to set Bud up with a chorus girl. The situation worsens when Bud learns that his family’s financial situation has deteriorated, leading him to jump out of a hotel window in despair.

Deanie’s Journey to Recovery

Meanwhile, Deanie spends over two years in the mental institution, working through her issues with her parents and her life. Her parents visit, hoping to take her home, but Deanie realizes she needs more time for treatment. During her stay, she meets a physician who eventually proposes to her, but Deanie’s heart still longs for Bud.

A Reunion and Diverging Paths

After two and a half years, Deanie is finally well enough to return home. Against her mother’s wishes, she and her friends drive to Bud’s ranch, only to discover that Bud has started a family with Angelina. Their lives have taken drastically different paths since high school, and Deanie must come to terms with this reality. She informs Bud of her plans to marry the man she met at the institution, while Bud seems content with his new life.

The Coming of Age Story

“Splendor in the Grass Full Movie” serves as a coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The film beautifully parallels the themes found in Wordsworth’s poem “Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood,” highlighting the loss of innocence and the challenges of growing up.

Conclusion: Watch “Splendor in the Grass Full Movie”

In conclusion, “Splendor in the Grass Full Movie” is a powerful exploration of young love and the pressures that come with it. The film’s rich narrative and emotional depth make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities of relationships and personal growth. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this classic film that resonates with themes of love, loss, and the journey to adulthood.