Hackman plays a New York professor who wants a change in his life, and plans to get married to his girlfriend and move to California. His mother understands his need to get away, but warns him that moving so far away could be hard on his father. Just before the wedding, the mother dies. Hackman's sister (who has been disowned by their father for marrying a Jewish man) advises him to live his own life, and not let himself be controlled by their father.
Gene Hackman
as Gene Garrison
Melvyn Douglas
as Tom Garrison
Dorothy Stickney
as Margaret Garrison
Estelle Parsons
as Alice
Elizabeth Hubbard
as Dr. Margaret 'Peggy' Thayer
Lovelady Powell
as Norma
Daniel Keyes
as Dr. Mayberry
Conrad Bain
as Rev. Sam Pell
Jon Richards
as Marvin Scott
Nikki Counselman
as Waitress
Carol Peterson
as 1st Nurse
Sloane Shelton
as 2nd Nurse
