The screen version of John Osborne's 1950s drama depicts a rough period in the married life of angry young graduate Jimmy and Allison, a young English couple of disparate backgrounds whose turbulent relationship appears doomed. Richard Burton gives an intense performance as Jimmy, whose love for Allison, played by the ethereally lovely Mary Ure, only occasionally breaks through the anger he takes out on her in merciless verbal assaults, but when the clouds do part, their mutual devotion is beautiful to behold. Gary Raymond, as the couple's stalwart and sweet-natured friend Cliff, and Dame Edith Evans, as the one person Jimmy loves and respects unconditionally, contribute wonderful supporting performances. The delicate, dark-eyed beauty of Claire Bloom, as Allison's brittle best friend, provides a striking counterpoint to Ure's fragile blonde looks.