Evening Primrose (1966) in Color — Starring Anthony Perkins & Charmian Carr

Evening Primrose (1966) — Buy This Classic in Color

Step into a world where time stands still with Evening Primrose (1966), a hauntingly beautiful musical fantasy directed by Paul Bogart. This made-for-television gem stars Anthony Perkins and Charmian Carr in a story that blends romance, mystery, and a touch of the macabre. Based on a short story by John Collier, the film follows a poet who seeks solitude inside a department store, only to discover a hidden society living among the mannequins. With a memorable score by Stephen Sondheim, this is a unique piece of television history. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Charles Snell, a struggling poet, is weary of the world and decides to escape it entirely. He walks into a large New York department store just before closing time and hides until the doors are locked for the night. His plan is simple: to live in the store, writing his poetry in peace, surrounded by the luxuries he could never afford. As night falls, the store becomes eerily quiet, and Charles believes he has found his perfect sanctuary.

But Charles soon realizes he is not alone. He encounters a strange community of people who have also chosen to live in the store, hiding from the outside world for years. They are led by the formidable Mrs. Monday, a stern and controlling woman who has established strict rules for this hidden society. The most important rule is that no one may ever leave the store, and no outsider may ever learn of their existence. Charles is taken in, but he is warned that he is now a permanent resident.

Among the group is a young woman named Ella, who was brought to the store as a child and has never known any other life. She is innocent and gentle, and Charles is immediately drawn to her. Ella, in turn, is fascinated by Charles and his stories of the world outside. Their connection grows into a tender romance, a fragile flower blooming in the artificial light of the store. For the first time, Charles feels a purpose beyond his poetry, and Ella glimpses a life she has never dared to imagine.

However, their happiness is threatened by the rigid authority of Mrs. Monday. She sees Charles as a disruptive influence and is determined to keep Ella under her control. As Charles and Ella plan their escape, they must navigate the watchful eyes of the other residents and the ever-present danger of being discovered. The store, once a haven, becomes a gilded cage. The tension builds as they realize that leaving is not just difficult—it may be impossible.

The story takes a darker turn as Charles discovers the fate of those who have tried to escape before him. The residents speak in hushed tones about the “darkness” that awaits anyone who breaks the rules. Charles must decide whether to risk everything for freedom and love, or to remain in this twilight existence forever. The film builds to a climax that is both poetic and chilling, leaving the viewer to ponder the true cost of escape and the nature of the world outside the store’s glass doors.

Cast & Crew

Director: Paul Bogart
Stars: Anthony Perkins, Charmian Carr, Dorothy Stickney, Larry Gates, Margaret Bannerman

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This colorized version of Evening Primrose breathes new life into a production originally seen in black and white. The colorization process reveals the rich, period-accurate costumes of the mid-1960s, from the elegant dresses of the female residents to the sharp suits that define the era. The department store setting, with its vibrant displays and colorful merchandise, is transformed into a visual feast that enhances the film’s surreal atmosphere. The careful restoration of the color palette adds depth to the performances, allowing Anthony Perkins’ nuanced expressions and Charmian Carr’s ethereal beauty to shine with new clarity. This colourised edition allows modern audiences to experience the film as a vivid, immersive work of art. The warm tones of the store’s interior contrast with the cool, muted colors of the outside world glimpsed through the windows, heightening the sense of isolation and longing. Buy this classic in color today and see a beloved story as never before. For just €15.00, you can instantly download this DRM-free MP4 and enjoy a unique piece of television history.

Historical Significance

Evening Primrose holds a unique place in the history of television and musical theater. Broadcast as part of the anthology series ABC Stage 67, it was a bold experiment in bringing a sophisticated, adult-oriented musical to the small screen. At a time when television musicals were often light and conventional, this film offered a dark, psychological twist on the genre. The score by Stephen Sondheim, with lyrics by James Goldman, is considered one of his finest early works, featuring the haunting song “I Remember” which has since become a standard. The film was a showcase for Anthony Perkins, who was then at the height of his fame following Psycho, and it demonstrated his range as a dramatic actor.

The film’s director, Paul Bogart, was a prolific and respected television director who brought a cinematic quality to his work. His direction here is taut and atmospheric, creating a sense of claustrophobia that is essential to the story’s impact. The casting of Charmian Carr, fresh from her iconic role in The Sound of Music, added a layer of innocence to the character of Ella. The film was well-received by critics and has since gained a cult following among fans of Sondheim and classic television. It remains a fascinating time capsule of a moment when television was willing to take creative risks. The colorization of Evening Primrose brings this important work to new audiences, ensuring that its legacy continues to grow.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 / MKV digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: English original mono
• Runtime: 51 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Was Evening Primrose originally filmed in color?
A: No, the original 1966 television broadcast of Evening Primrose was shot in black and white. This page offers a later professional colorized restoration of that original footage, which has been carefully processed to add color while preserving the integrity of the original performances and cinematography. It is not a studio-produced color version from the time of the original broadcast.

Q: Is Evening Primrose a musical, and who wrote the songs?
A: Yes, Evening Primrose is a musical fantasy. The score was composed by Stephen Sondheim, with a book and lyrics by James Goldman. The film features several songs, most notably the poignant ballad “I Remember,” which is sung by the character Ella. This was one of Sondheim’s earliest works for television and is highly regarded by fans of his career.

Q: Who plays the two lead roles of Charles and Ella?
A: The role of Charles Snell, the poet, is played by Anthony Perkins, and the role of Ella is played by Charmian Carr. Perkins was already a major star due to his role in Psycho, while Carr was best known for playing Liesl in the film The Sound of Music. Their on-screen chemistry is a key element of the film’s enduring appeal.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as MP4 and MKV files that play on virtually any device.
Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.
Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

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