Middle-aged widow Beatrice Hunsdorfer and her daughters Ruth and Matilda are struggling to survive in a society they barely understand. Beatrice dreams of opening an elegant tea room but does not have the wherewithal to achieve her lofty goal. Epileptic Ruth is a rebellious adolescent, while shy but highly intelligent and idealistic Matilda seeks solace in her pets and school projects, including one designed to show how small amounts of radium affect marigolds.

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds (1972)

Life's been a real bitch to Beatrice Hunsdorfer. And vice versa.

★ 7.3/10 December 20, 1972 100 min

Drama

Director: Paul Newman  ·  Writer: Alvin Sargent

Middle-aged widow Beatrice Hunsdorfer and her daughters Ruth and Matilda are struggling to survive in a society they barely understand. Beatrice dreams of opening an elegant tea room but does not have the wherewithal to achieve her lofty goal. Epileptic Ruth is a rebellious adolescent, while shy but highly intelligent and idealistic Matilda seeks solace in her pets and school projects, including one designed to show how small amounts of radium affect marigolds.

Trailer

Director

Paul Newman

Cast

Joanne Woodward Beatrice Hunsdorfer Roberta Wallach Ruth Hunsdorfer Judith Lowry Nanny Nell Newman Matilda Hunsdorfer David Spielberg Mr. Goodman Richard Venture Floyd Carolyn Coates Mrs. McKay Will Hare Junk Man Estelle Omens Caroline Jess Osuna Sonny Ellen Dano Janice Vickery Lynne Rogers Miss Hanley