This Property Is Condemned (1966)

In the heart of the Great Depression, a once-vibrant boarding house in Dodson, Mississippi stands condemned, its dilapidated structure a haunting echo of a family's struggle. Young Willie Starr, the house's sole occupant, weaves a compelling tale of her family's struggle to survive in the wake of her father's abrupt departure. Her mother, Hazel Starr, is forced to transform their home into a boarding house, wielding her alluring eldest daughter Alva as bait to draw in tenants. Alva, idolized by her younger sister, embraces this role with a blend of desperation and hope. Her dreams extend beyond the confines of Dodson, to the vibrant cityscape of New Orleans, where she hopes to find a wealthy man to whisk her away. Alva's beauty captivates not only the affluent Gerard Johnson, but also her mother's boyfriend, J.J. Nichols, who becomes a long-term lodger, entranced by Alva's allure. Their lives take an unexpected turn with the arrival of a mysterious stranger, Owen Legate. A railroad executive from New Orleans, Owen's true purpose in Dodson is to evaluate layoffs due to the economic downturn, an act that could devastate the Starrs' precarious livelihood. Despite the potential fallout, an unlikely romance blossoms between Alva and Owen. He sees beyond her seductive facade to the vulnerable young woman beneath, trapped in a reality that she escapes through fantasy. As Willie narrates, the question remains: Can Alva and Owen find their 'happily ever after' amidst the economic turbulence and Hazel's relentless grip? Hazel, who views Alva as her ticket to survival, is prepared to fight. In this captivating tale of hope, resilience, and love, the condemned property is more than a building; it's a testament to a family's determination to endure.

This Property Is Condemned is a drama movie featuring Natalie Wood and directed by Sydney Pollack.

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