Drama (1959)
Borrowing elements of the Hamlet theme Elmer Rice has spun a thoughtful and constantly mounting story of suspense and volcanic emotions, brilliantly sustained through the plays two acts ... . His people emerge in full dimension, bright and enlightened even in violence. The Hamlet legend has here been transposed to present day California and the home of a wealthy widow, recently remarried. Before her husband's death her son, a college senior suddenly had left home for no apparent reason and spent the time wandering in the Far East. Just as abruptly he returns. News of his father's death in an accident had just reached him, and he is determined to probe the incidents surrounding the death and his mother's subsequent marriage to the only witness to the fatal 'accident.'
The boy's wild and irrational behaviour upsets his mother's household, brings despair to his former sweetheart and his best friend. Piecemeal his convictions are transmitted to the people nearest him, but it is not until the end of the evening that its full import strikes home, leaving in its wake desolation.