Tomorrow (1972 film)

Tomorrow is a 1972 American drama film directed by Joseph Anthony, based on a short story by William Faulkner, which was included in his 1940 novel The Hamlet. The film stars Robert Duvall and Olga Bellin.

Plot:

The film tells the story of Jackson Fentry (Duvall), a quiet and solitary farmer in Mississippi during the Great Depression. He takes in Sarah Eubanks (Bellin), a pregnant, abandoned woman, offering her shelter in an abandoned cabin on his property. Jackson cares for Sarah throughout her pregnancy, and they develop a deep bond. Sarah eventually gives birth to a son, but dies shortly after. Jackson, now deeply attached to the child, struggles with the legal and social complexities of claiming parenthood, leading to a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the societal constraints of the time.

Cast:

• Robert Duvall as Jackson Fentry
• Olga Bellin as Sarah Eubanks
• Peter Masterson as Lawyer Douglas
• Richard McConnell as Isham Tweatt
• Sudie Bond as Mrs. Pruitt
• William Hawkins as Bookwright
• John Blizzard as Carpenter

Production:

The film was shot on location in Mississippi, aiming for authenticity in its depiction of the rural South during the Depression era. The minimalist style and deliberate pacing contribute to the film's somber and realistic tone.

Reception:

Tomorrow received critical acclaim upon its release, particularly for Duvall's performance as Jackson Fentry. The film was praised for its sensitive portrayal of its characters and its faithfulness to Faulkner's source material. However, its slow pace and bleak subject matter limited its commercial success. It has since been recognized as a significant work of American independent cinema.