The film evokes a strong sense of what life must have been like in the late 1950s, with new houses going up everywhere, complete with modern amenities—a perfect setting for families striving to improve their situations. The story centers around four couples residing in this seemingly idyllic suburban neighborhood, but beneath the surface lie various flaws and issues, from alcohol abuse and infidelity to violence and prejudice. Each couple has a dark side that eventually surfaces as their lives begin to fall apart. While the film is particular about the incident that triggers their self-reflection, Joanne Woodward ("Leola") delivers a notably strong performance among a cast featuring Jeffery Hunter, Tony Randall in a convincing portrayal of an unethical car dealer, and Cameron Mitchell as the aggressive "Troy." I felt it leaned too heavily into melodrama; the downward spiral of their aspirations seemed somewhat foreseeable and occasionally forced. Nevertheless, it functions effectively as a representation of society’s values and ambitions, highlighting how the “if your face fits” attitude was dominant at that time. It's worth seeing for this reason alone, and to appreciate Woodward’s excellent work.

Source on TMDB