The work was first presented in Florida (1956) but achieved tremendous success in New York (1959) directed by Elia Kazan and starring Geraldine Page (Alexandra del Lago) and Paul Newman (Chance Wayne).

It narrates the story of a dead-end romantic relationship between a mature theater star and a young man who started with dreams but ended up as an escort for wealthy women. The two find themselves in a luxurious hotel in Chance's hometown.

After intense dialogues that illustrate the characters' emotional decline, the two separate, and Alexandra continues alone on the difficult path in the spotlight, while Chance is mercilessly punished by his former friends and townspeople for his past sins.

[Excerpt from publisher or edition presentation text]