The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds Movie Review 1973

A wonderful drama based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Paul Zindel. The story centers around eccentric young Matilda and her depressed family. Matilda is preparing her experiment for the school science fair, determined to beat her competition. Her exhibit shows how radiation sometimes kills the helpless marigolds, but sometimes causes them to grow into even more beautiful mutations. This mirrors Matilda, who flowers even amidst the drunkenness of her mother and the dullness of her sister.

Distribution

Available on VHS
Running time 100 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Adapted from a Play, Teen Angst, Director/Star Teams: Newman & Woodward

Screenplay

Paul Zindel

Cast

Joanne Woodward, Nell Potts, Roberta Wallach, Judith Lowry, Richard Venture

Director

Paul Newman

Producer

Paul Newman, Fox

Awards

Cannes 1973: Actress (Woodward).