Autumn Leaves 1956
"In the dark, when I feel his heart pounding against mine - is it love? or frenzy? or terror?"
Robert Aldrich's *Autumn Leaves (1956)* weaves a haunting tale of love and psychological suspense, blending drama, mystery, and romance into a gripping narrative.
Director: Robert Aldrich
Cast
Joan Crawford
Millicent Wetherby
Cliff Robertson
Burt Hanson
Vera Miles
Virginia Hanson
Lorne Greene
Mr. Hanson
Ruth Donnelly
Liz Eckhart
Shepperd Strudwick
Dr. Malcolm Couzzens
Selmer Jackson
Mr. Wetherby
Maxine Cooper
Nurse Evans
Marjorie Bennett
Waitress
Frank Gerstle
Mr. Ramsey
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Leaves (1956) about?
Middle-aged Millicent Wetherby falls for a younger man whose passionate advances hide a troubling secret. As their relationship intensifies, she must confront whether his love is genuine or a facade masking something far darker. The film blends romance with psychological suspense, keeping audiences guessing until the final act.
Who directed Autumn Leaves?
Robert Aldrich, known for his bold and often controversial films, directed *Autumn Leaves*. His direction infuses the movie with a mood of creeping unease and emotional intensity.
Who stars in Autumn Leaves?
The film stars Joan Crawford as Millicent Wetherby, Cliff Robertson as the enigmatic younger man, Vera Miles in a supporting role, and Lorne Greene as another key character in this drama.
Is Autumn Leaves (1956) worth watching?
For fans of classic psychological thrillers and noir-style dramas, *Autumn Leaves* is absolutely worth watching. Crawford's performance is a standout, and the film's themes of love and obsession resonate strongly. While it lacks a formal IMDb rating, its reputation among classic film enthusiasts speaks volumes.
How long is Autumn Leaves?
The runtime for *Autumn Leaves* is 107 minutes, offering a brisk yet immersive experience for viewers.
About Autumn Leaves (1956) — A haunting romance and mystery from Joan Crawford's golden age
Robert Aldrich's *Autumn Leaves (1956)* weaves a haunting tale of love and psychological suspense, blending drama, mystery, and romance into a gripping narrative. The story follows Millicent Wetherby, a middle-aged woman who finds herself drawn to a younger man whose intense passion masks deeper, unsettling struggles. As their relationship deepens, the line between devotion and danger blurs, leaving viewers to question the true nature of their connection. Aldrich crafts an atmosphere thick with tension, anchored by the magnetic performances of Joan Crawford and Cliff Robertson, whose chemistry crackles with both tenderness and unease. The film's moody cinematography and themes of isolation and obsession create an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s suburban life, *Autumn Leaves* explores the fragility of trust and the ease with which love can curdle into something far more sinister. Crawford's portrayal of a woman rediscovering passion—and vulnerability—is both poignant and electrifying, while Robertson's portrayal of a man struggling with unseen demons adds layers of uncertainty. The film's tagline hints at its central dilemma: in the heat of the moment, how can one distinguish between love's sweet embrace and the terror of deception?
