This Property Is Condemned

In the small Mississippi town of Oneida, precariously living with her mother and younger sister, young Alva Starr dreams of a life beyond her current circumstances. Her mother, a widow, struggles to make ends meet, and Alva often takes on the role of caretaker. When a wealthy landowner from the North, Owen Legate, arrives to survey property, Alva sees him as her ticket out of poverty and into a more glamorous life.

This Property Is Condemned received mixed to positive reviews. While some critics praised its atmospheric depiction of the Deep South and the performances of its lead actors, particularly Natalie Wood, others found the plot to be melodramatic and the character motivations somewhat unclear. The film was considered a solid effort in the drama genre, showcasing both the allure and the harsh realities of life in a specific time and place.

• Praised for its evocative setting and strong lead performances.
• Criticized for its occasionally overwrought melodrama.
• Seen as a visually rich but narratively uneven drama.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the compelling performances, particularly Natalie Wood's, and the film's atmospheric portrayal of the Southern setting. Some viewers found the story to be overly dramatic or predictable, but many appreciated the emotional depth and the chemistry between the main characters.

Natalie Wood was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama.

The film is based on a one-act play of the same name by Tennessee Williams, though the screenplay significantly expands upon the original source material.