The Subject Was Roses (1968)

Interesting facts

• Awards: 2 · Nominations: 2. Including: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor; National Board of Review: Top Ten Films

The Subject Was Roses is a 1968 American Metrocolor drama film directed by Ulu Grosbard. The screenplay by Frank D. Gilroy is based on his 1964 Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same title. The film stars Patricia Neal, Martin Sheen and Jack Albertson, the latter two reprising their roles from the original play. The film follows a World War II veteran (Sheen) who returns home to the Bronx and soon becomes disillusioned to find his parents' marriage filled with discord, quarreling, and recriminations.

Production

This was the first film directed by Ulu Grosbard, who had been nominated for the Tony Award for his direction of the 1964 Broadway production of Frank D. Gilroy's play. Joining him were original cast members Jack Albertson and Martin Sheen as John and Timmy Cleary; Patricia Neal replaced Irene Dailey in the role of Nettie.

The film was a significant comeback for Neal, who was recovering from a debilitating stroke she had suffered three years earlier and hadn't appeared on screen since In Harm's Way in 1965. During filming, the actress was beset with memory problems and physical limitations she struggled to overcome, and in her autobiography As I Am, she described the experience as a career milestone that convinced her she still was a good actress.

The film was shot on location in New York City, Spring Lake, New Jersey, and Belmar, New Jersey (the Belmar Fishing Club).

The soundtrack includes "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" (written by Sandy Denny) and "Albatross," both performed by Judy Collins (who wrote the latter song).

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