Joy in the Morning (1965)

In the year 1927, love entwines the lives of young Carl Brown and Annie McGairy, a second-generation Irish-American couple. Despite being born into poverty and an abusive household, Annie chooses the path of love, which leads her to Carl. However, Carl's working-class parents harbor dreams of their son marrying into a reputed family, viewing Annie as nothing more than a gold digger. Driven by his ambitions, Carl is immersed in his law education, which consumes his time and drains his finances. Yet he manages to secure a job as a college grounds caretaker, which comes with a small cottage - a humble abode for the newlywed couple. Amidst the struggles of their new life, Carl's past relationship with a co-ed triggers a wave of jealousy in Annie, further straining their relationship. Annie finds solace in her unusual friendships with Anthony Byrd, a homosexual florist, and Bev Karter, a single mother engaged in a scandalous extramarital affair. But this only fuels gossip, tainting Carl's perception of her on-campus life. Simultaneously, Annie's secret pursuit of knowledge, through unofficially auditing an English class, becomes her beacon of hope. But their path is strewn with difficulties. The college Dean disapproves of married couples, Carl's parents are livid about their hasty marriage, and Annie grapples with her own sexual insecurities. With each new challenge, the question hangs heavy: Will their marriage survive the mounting pressures? The narrative of "Joy in the Morning" explores the trials of young love against the backdrop of societal expectations, personal insecurities, and the harsh realities of life.

Joy in the Morning is a drama movie featuring Richard Chamberlain and directed by Alex Segal.

Joy in the Morning is currently streaming on TCM.