Middle-aged widow Beatrice Hunsdorfer and her daughters Ruth and Matilda are struggling to survive in a society they barely understand. Beatrice dreams of opening an elegant tea room but does not have the wherewithal to achieve her lofty goal. Epileptic Ruth is a rebellious adolescent, while shy but highly intelligent and idealistic Matilda seeks solace in her pets and school projects, including one designed to show how small amounts of radium affect marigolds.
Joanne Woodward
as Beatrice Hunsdorfer
Roberta Wallach
as Ruth Hunsdorfer
Judith Lowry
as Nanny
Nell Newman
as Matilda Hunsdorfer
David Spielberg
as Mr. Goodman
Richard Venture
as Floyd
Carolyn Coates
as Mrs. McKay
Will Hare
as Junk Man
Estelle Omens
as Caroline
Jess Osuna
as Sonny
