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

A verbally and emotionally abusive mother, in the process of nurturing her prize-winning marigolds, attempts to shape the lives of her two daughters. The elder daughter, Beatrice, is a withdrawn and shy girl who is constantly belittled by her mother. The younger daughter, Ruth, is more spirited but suffers from epilepsy and a tendency to stutter when stressed. As Beatrice secretly works on a science project involving radioactive isotopes, her mother's corrosive influence and her own budding scientific curiosity create a volatile environment.

The film adaptation of Paul Zindel's Pulitzer Prize-winning play received mixed to positive reviews, particularly praising Joanne Woodward's powerful performance. While some critics found the film's dramatic intensity overwhelming or the subject matter bleak, many lauded its honest portrayal of a dysfunctional family and the complex mother-daughter relationships. It was noted for its raw emotional depth and the skill with which it translated stage drama to the screen.

• Praised for Joanne Woodward's tour-de-force performance as the manipulative mother.
• Some found the film's dark themes and intense drama difficult to watch.
• Appreciated for its raw and unflinching depiction of family dysfunction.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews and summaries is not readily available for this film.

Joanne Woodward won the Best Actress award at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival for her role. The original play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1971.

Paul Newman directed the film as a showcase for his wife, Joanne Woodward, who had originated the role of Beatrice Hunsdorfer in a 1968 production of the play and later played the mother role on Broadway.