The Fugitive Kind (1960)
Val Xavier, a drifter of obscure origins, arrives at a small town and gets a job in a store run by Lady Torrence. Her husband, Jabe M. Torrance, is dying of cancer. Val is pursued by Carol Cutere, the enigmatic local tramp-of-good-family.
Details
Budget
$0
Rating
7/10 (106 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Pennebaker Productions, United Artists
About The Fugitive Kind
Adapted from Tennessee Williams's play "Orpheus Descending," the 1960 film "The Fugitive Kind" centers on Val Xavier, a drifter portrayed by Marlon Brando. Val arrives in a small town and finds work in a store managed by Lady Torrence, played by Anna Magnani, whose husband is gravely ill. The narrative explores the unfolding relationship between Val and Lady, complicated by the presence of Carol Cutere, an unconventional figure from a prominent local family.
The film is a drama with romantic elements, characterized by its black and white cinematography. Its plot details Val's attempts to navigate a new life while being pursued by Carol and becoming entangled with Lady. The film received a 7.0 IMDb rating from over 8,400 votes, and a 56% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Why you might be searching for The Fugitive Kind
People often search for "The Fugitive Kind" due to its notable cast, particularly Marlon Brando, and its roots in a Tennessee Williams play. The film's black and white visual style and its dramatic, character-driven story are also distinguishing elements.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer describes Val as a "party gigolo" tired of his life, arriving in a new town after being released from jail, where he eventually takes a job and falls in love with the general store owner, Lady Torrence.
Read the full reviewA reviewer found the film's pacing somewhat slow, but ultimately connected with the relationship between Marlon Brando and Anna Magnani's characters, appreciating the solid ending despite the meandering lead-up.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Fugitive Kind" on YouTube TV, ScreenPix Apple TV Channel, and ScreenPix Amazon Channel. It's also available for free with ads on YouTube Free and Tubi TV, and for rent or purchase on Apple TV. Physical copies can be bought on DVD and Blu-ray from retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-fugitive-kind)
"The Fugitive Kind" is not based on a true story, but rather on Tennessee Williams' 1957 play "Orpheus Descending." This play was a revised version of his earlier 1940 work, "Battle of Angels." [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fugitive_Kind)
In the climax of "The Fugitive Kind," an arson fire breaks out in Lady Torrance's store, specifically in the new confectionery wing where she and Valentine "Snakeskin" Xavier are. Lady rushes to help her ill husband, Jabe, who is upstairs, but Jabe shoots her on the staircase. Firefighters then use their hoses on Snakeskin, forcing him back into the flames, and the movie concludes with Carol Cutrere driving away in her car. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fugitive_Kind)
"The Fugitive Kind" has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Marlon Brando's performance as magnetic and Joanne Woodward's as phenomenal. Others find the film's pacing slow or the direction ponderous, though many consider it a compelling and intense drama with strong performances from its lead actors. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fugitive_kind), [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fugitive_Kind)