Altered by Richard Brooks, who likewise directed, a flick stops astir half-midway into Lewis's massive novel. Among a cases in a novel non in the film occurs as late affair between Elmer & the currently-married Smasher (played by Jones).

It won Academy Awards for Best Actor (Burt Lancaster), Best Supporting Actress (Shirley Jones) and Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium. It was likewise nominated for Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture and Best Picture.