This is the film version of the largely autobiographical play written by Eugene O'Neill. An extremely difunctional family gathers at their Connecticut home after Mary Tyrone (Katherine Hepburn) returns from a stay at a drug rehabilitation sanitarium. Her husband James (Ralph Richardson) is her wealthy, penny pinching husband who has made his fortune as an actor in the theater. Despite his wealth, James continues his miserly ways and never forgets his childhood of poverty. Eldest son Jamie (Jason Robards Jr.) is the realistic and cynical alcoholic who continues his downward spiral. Younger brother Edmond (Dean Stockwell) is an aspiring writer and the one family member with a chance to escape from the family curse. James bores his family with recollections of his stage triumphs, while Mary tries valiantly to keep her family together and uphold their "good" name. James becomes more concerned with Mary as she isolates herself in her room and slips back into morphine addiction. Brother Jamie takes Edmond out on the town for a night of debauchery with hookers and hootch. Hepburn tried to get Spencer Tracy for the role of James, but the actor was exhausted after his performance in "Judgment At Nuremberg." Besides, Tracy asked for a $500,000 fee for his services. Sidney Lumet directed this disturbing classic that was produced by Ely Landau for $400,000.