Watch The Wayward Bus

The Wayward Bus is a 1957 film adaptation of a novel by John Steinbeck, starring Joan Collins, Jayne Mansfield, and Dan Dailey. The story follows a group of strangers traveling on a bus through rural California, each with their own personal struggles and desires. Collins stars as Alice, the fiery and independent owner of a small roadside cafe. Dailey plays Johnny, a struggling and disillusioned businessman seeking a change of pace. Mansfield brings her trademark sex appeal to the role of Camille, a sultry and manipulative aspiring actress.

As they journey on the bus, tensions rise and secrets are revealed. Alice grapples with the consequences of her past, Johnny faces his failures and regrets, and Camille schemes to advance her career at any cost.

Along the way, the travelers encounter various obstacles, from a flooded river to a violent hitchhiker. As they work together to overcome these challenges, they begin to form unexpected connections and find new paths in life.

The Wayward Bus is a character-driven drama that explores themes of redemption, empathy, and the search for meaning. The strong performances from the cast, especially Collins and Mansfield, bring depth and nuance to their complex roles. The lush cinematography captures the beauty and isolation of the California landscape, adding to the film's immersive and evocative atmosphere.

Overall, The Wayward Bus is a compelling and thought-provoking film that remains relevant and engaging over six decades later. It showcases the talents of its stars and director, and serves as a timeless reflection on the human experience.

The Wayward Bus is a 1957 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.