The read
Critics rate it 17 points higher than audiences do.
Synopsis
A friendly, successful suburban teacher and father grows dangerously addicted to cortisone, resulting in his transformation into a household despot.
Ratings
IMDb7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Critics rate it 17 points higher than audiences do.
188 audience votes
Key crew
- Nicholas RayDirector
- Cyril HumeScreenplay
- Richard MaibaumScreenplay
- David RaksinOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- James MasonEd Avery
- Barbara RushLou Avery
- Walter MatthauWally Gibbs
- Robert F. SimonDr. Norton
- Christopher OlsenRichie Avery
- Roland WintersDr. Ruric
- Rusty LaneBob LaPorte
- Rachel StephensNurse
- Kipp HamiltonPat Wade
- Betty CaulfieldMrs. LaPorte (uncredited)
- Virginia CarrollMrs. Jones (uncredited)
- Renny McEvoyMr. Jones (uncredited)
Stills
Themes
husband wife relationshipparanoiadrug addictionhallucinationfamily relationshipshospitaldrugsmental illnessschoolteachercortisoneverbal abusefamily life