A Loss of Roses

 

This was a disappointing William Inge play. It's not a classic like Picnic not even as good as The Dark at the Top of the Stairs although there were some things about it that I liked. It's about a gas station attendant still living with his mother during the depression. He is too close to his mother and it's not surprising that he starts a relationship with his mother's friend Lila who is rooming with them. Lila has dreams that he'll be the hero who will save her in the end. Things don't quite work out that way. I liked Lila's vulnerability. Warren Beatty was cast as the son and that really is perfect casting. It's too bad I couldn't have seen that production. He would have done a good job.