A Metrocolor treat, in CinemaScope (John Alton). Robert Anderson adapted his own play, which it obviously was, without much attempt to open it out. Minnelli likes keeping his takes long and does some nice widescreen framing and blocking in the college professor's house.
A sensitive man - we're not sure if he's gay or not - it turns out he isn't, but this could so easily be read into it as sub-text - is getting picked on by college jerks and professors alike, finds sympathy and a little romantic interest in professor's wife. These are John Kerr (no relation, luckily), Leif Erickson and Deborah Kerr, who all had the roles originally on stage. Nice acting, as well as from Edward Andrews, Darryl Hickman (room mate), Norma Crane (waitress).
It's rather talky but certainly has some lyrical moments underscored by Adolph Deutsch, and a sweet epilogue.
MGM.
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