The Glass Menagerie (1987, USA)

Aichi Insurance Physicians’ Newspaper

A story about a poor family, untouched by wealth or love, struggling to survive amid the turmoil of the Great Depression. This film is a remake of the 1950 version of Tennessee Williams’ play of the same name, directed by Paul Newman, with music by Henry Mancini.

In a dilapidated apartment on a back street of St. Louis, Tom (John Malkovich), dressed as a sailor, arrives. Around 1930, during the storm of the Great Depression, Tom, unable to bear the stifling atmosphere at home, left for the sea. One morning, standing on a lookout, he begins to recall the days gone by.

The Wingfield family lived a modest life in a rundown part of St. Louis—mother Amanda, and her daughter Laura, who is two years older than Tom. Amanda, who worked at a department store during the day and did part-time jobs at home, kept the household running efficiently. Though their lifestyle was modest, it was warm and stable. However, Tom, who worked in a warehouse, loved movies, and found purpose in writing poetry, clashed constantly with his moralistic and overbearing mother. Still, he showed tenderness toward his shy and physically disabled sister Laura, who found her greatest joy in caring for her glass animal collection.

At his mother's urging, Tom invited a colleague home—Jim, the very boy Laura had secretly admired in high school. Shortly after dinner, the lights went out, plunging the house into darkness. Under the candlelight, Jim encouraged Laura to overcome her sense of inferiority, even giving her a kiss. But Jim was already engaged to someone else.

Now, Tom has returned from his long years of wandering. But the house is empty, and all that remains are painful memories. Haunted by loneliness and regret, even the fragile comfort of "The Glass Menagerie" has been shattered.