Heart's Desire (1960 film)

Heart's Desire is a 1960 American television film directed by Allen Reisner and starring Peter Mark Richman, Cloris Leachman, and Joe Flynn. It was broadcast as part of the Playhouse 90 anthology series on CBS. The film is a comedic drama that explores the pressures and anxieties of suburban life in the United States.

The story revolves around a young couple, Frank and Marge Willis (played by Peter Mark Richman and Cloris Leachman, respectively), who move to the suburbs hoping for a better life. Frank is a hardworking salesman trying to climb the corporate ladder, while Marge dreams of a perfect home and family. They quickly find themselves caught up in the competitive and often superficial culture of their new community. They struggle to keep up with the Joneses and maintain a facade of happiness, even as their own relationship begins to fray.

Joe Flynn plays a key supporting role, likely as a neighbor or colleague who embodies the materialistic and status-obsessed values of the suburban setting. Heart's Desire uses humor to examine the themes of conformity, consumerism, and the pursuit of the American Dream. While the film is a comedy, it also carries a poignant message about the importance of genuine connection and personal fulfillment over material possessions and social acceptance. The film is considered a snapshot of mid-century American society and its values.