Watch The People Next Door

The People Next Door is a 1970 American drama film that explores the complex relationships and dynamics between two families who live next door to each other in a suburban neighborhood. The film stars Eli Wallach as Arthur Mason, a successful psychiatrist who lives with his wife Gerrie (Julie Harris) and their two teenage children in a spacious, modern home. Next door lives the Stark family, consisting of Harry (Hal Holbrook), his wife Betty (Deborah Winters), and their young daughter. The two families seem to be an odd match, with the Masons being wealthy and sophisticated, while the Starks are more down-to-earth and working-class.

The movie begins with the two families meeting for the first time at a neighborhood potluck dinner. Arthur and Gerrie are immediately put off by the Starks' lack of social graces and their nosy attitudes. Meanwhile, Harry and Betty are intimidated by the Masons' wealth and prestige. Despite their initial reservations, the two families gradually begin to get to know each other and form a tentative friendship.

However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that both families are struggling with deep emotional issues. Arthur is a strict father who constantly belittles his children and undermines his wife's authority. Gerrie, meanwhile, is unhappy with her life and feels lonely and unfulfilled. Harry is haunted by memories of his traumatic experiences in Vietnam and is struggling to adjust to civilian life. Betty, on the other hand, is an unstable and emotionally needy woman who becomes increasingly jealous of Gerrie.

As tensions rise between the two families, events come to a head when Harry has a violent outburst and Gerrie becomes seriously ill. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation between the two families, as they struggle to come to terms with their own shortcomings and the problems in their relationships.

Overall, The People Next Door is a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the complexities of human relationships. The performances are strong across the board, with Eli Wallach and Julie Harris delivering particularly powerful performances as the troubled Masons. The film is both a compelling drama and a powerful commentary on the challenges of navigating personal relationships in a complex and changing world.

The People Next Door is a 1970 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.